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VOLUME:114 No.99, APRIL 12TH, 2017

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SPORTS: REGULATORS TAKE THE LEAD IN MPBA CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

IT’S MAY 10 Prime Minister rings the bell for election race

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net PRIME Minister Perry Christie rang the proverbial bell yesterday morning, announcing that the 2017 election will be held on Wednesday, May 10.

His televised address, given live at the Office of the Prime Minister, came moments after Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade, in his capacity as provost marshal, read proclamations outside the House of Assembly from Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling dissolving Parliament.

Mr Christie said he is confident the election will be free and fair and will follow a spirited and peaceful campaign that is consistent with this country’s political

traditions.

“Earlier today, just a short while ago, the present Parliament was officially dissolved,” Mr Christie said.

“Every seat in the House of Assembly is now vacant.

“It is now left to you, the citizenry of our beloved nation, to decide who will fill those seats in the next House of Assembly. In doing so, you will also be deciding who will form the government of the Bahamas for the next five years.

“You will make that momentous decision in what I earnestly hope and pray will be free and fair elections following a spirited but peaceful campaign. Let us contest the forthcoming elections with all the vigour at our command.”

SEE PAGE TWO

170,000 HAVE REGISTERED AHEAD OF POLLING DAY

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net JUST over 170,000 people have registered to vote for the May 10 general election, Parliamentary Commissioner Sherlyn Hall said yesterday.

This follows what he described as a “mad rush” of people registering to vote on Monday, the last day of registration.

There were 172,000 people registered to vote in the 2012 general election.

The Parliamentary Registration Department is

now engaged with correcting and editing the voter register, ridding it of its much-publicised errors.

“We have enough staff to do this,” Mr Hall said. “We have to make sure it’s certified some 14 days after today’s (Tuesday’s) date.”

In accordance with the Parliamentary Elections Act, Mr Hall will give public notice of the election in newspapers this week, stating the date, place in constituencies and times when nomination papers must be delivered.

SEE PAGE THREE

THE ELECTION race is under way - as pictured in this cartoon from Jamaal Rolle.

MINNIS CALLS FOR ALL HANDS ON DECK

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday said the FNM will need “all hands on deck” to vote the Progressive Liberal Party government out of office as he heralded Election Day, May 10, as a day that will bring change.

Dr Minnis spoke during a press conference at SEE PAGE THREE

ARCHDEACON SAYS PLP IS OMAR ARCHER ‘FIGHTING FOR ITS LIFE’ CONVICTED OVER THREATS

By SANCHESKA BROWN Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

ANGLICAN Archdeacon James Palacious said yesterday that the Progressive Liberal Party appears to be “fighting for its life” and predicted that neither the governing party nor the Free National Movement will win 30 seats in next month’s general election.

Appearing as a guest on

“The Real Deal” with host Ortland Bodie, Archdeacon Palacious said this election will be “difficult” for both the PLP and the FNM and at this point there is no way to “properly gauge how the results will go.”

His comments came one day after Deputy Prime Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis predicted that the PLP will win 30 seats in the SEE PAGE TWO

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

OMAR Archer Sr was yesterday convicted of threatening to harm a senior police officer through a post to his social media page nearly two years ago.

The 45-year-old Nassau Village resident appeared SEE PAGE SEVEN

PAGE 2, Wednesday, April 12, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

It’s May 10: Prime Minister rings the election bell from page one

“Let us do so, however, with respect for the human dignity of our opponents and with respect for the traditions we all hold dear.

“We are one of the oldest democracies in our hemisphere. Our Parliament traces its history back hundreds of years.

“Let us by our conduct in the general election campaign that officially starts today prove ourselves worthy of the great democratic traditions of free, fair and peaceful elections that have made our country the marvel of nations around the world.

“I have every confidence that we shall.

“And so, my fellow Bahamians, it’s over to you now.

Together you will decide the way forward. You will do so in general elections that will take place throughout the Commonwealth of the Bahamas on Wednesday, May 10, 2017,” Mr Christie said.

While many were looking forward to Mr Christie’s announcement, not everyone was happy with the date chosen, as it coincides with the anniversary of the deaths of Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) marines aboard HMBS Flamingo.

Some people called into The Tribune yesterday to complain about the government’s oversight in this regard.

On May 10, 1980, after arresting two Cuban fishing vessels near the Ragged

COMMISSIONER of Police Ellison Greenslade outside The House of Assembly as he reads the election proclamation.

Island chain, Able Seaman Fenrick Sturrup, 21, Marine Seaman Austin Rudolph Smith, 21, Marine Seaman David Allison Tucker, 21, and Marine Seaman Edward Arnold Williams, 23, were killed when Cuban jets fired on and sank HMBS Flamingo.

Observers recognise the tragic event as not only a defining moment in the history of the embryonic

RBDF, but also for the relatively newly independent Bahamas. On the anniversary, officials normally hold a brief ceremony at the RBDF base in honour of the marines.

Meanwhile, both major parties have ratified all 39 of their candidates.

Up to press time yesterday, however, it was not clear when candidates’ nomination day would be.

The number of registrants for the election is more than 170,000, with Monday being the final day for registration.

So far, CARICOM and the United States have accepted invitations to observe this year’s election.

The Progressive Liberal Party, which won 29 seats in 2012 compared to the Free National Movement’s nine is attempting to buck a

trend that’s been unfavourable to governing parties in this country’s recent history: Bahamians have voted out the incumbent party in the past three consecutive elections.

So far, Mr Christie has boasted of the competency of his team of candidates, emphasising that they are equipped to build on his administration’s successes.

FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis, however, has waged a campaign portraying the Christie administration as bumbling and unsuccessful.

Among the various smaller political parties vying for votes, the Democratic National Alliance is the one expected to have the greatest impact, although many concede that the party faces an uphill battle against the two major parties.

ARCHDEACON SAYS PLP IS ‘FIGHTING FOR ITS LIFE’ STARTING TOMORROW

WITH stress levels and emotions running higher than normal during election time, renowned psychiatrist Dr Mike Neville starts a new series looking at the mental health of the Bahamas.

He examines the various impacts mental health issues have on our daily lives, the stigma and prejudice attached to them and how grief and anger are contributing factors to a downward spiral.

from page one

upcoming general election and the FNM will win nine.

Mr Davis said Bahamian people know it is too “risky” to put the country in the hands of the FNM and its leader Dr Hubert Minnis - who he described as incompetent.

“No one will win 30 seats,” Archdeacon Palacious said.

“It’s going to be very difficult, on both sides. When you see the crowds and enthusiasm on both sides you will able to gauge how the vote will go but right now it appears as though the PLP is fighting for its life, there is no doubt about that. On the other hand the FNM already have their posters up, very few PLP posters are up so next week when the rallies kick off in earnest, the real stuff not constituency openings, shortly after that you will see and be able to make a prediction.

“People are disgusted in the process they say ‘Peter

ARCHDEACON James Palacious at the Majority Rule gospel concert in January.

Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff no better than Paul’ and way we would like them to said. other afterward. Let’s not “With social media, so as non-politicians beat up that’s why the DNA got so go unless we participate inmany votes the last time... dividually and collectively many accusations and terri- on one another. They will ble things are being said on have a good time after the The nation right now is in in making it right.”

Archdeacon Palacious all sides of the divide and dust is settled in fact even many ways in terrible shape.

No doubt about it, so many also implored Bahamians some of us engage in them. while the dust is still stirred things are going wrong. So to be civil during “silly sea- Some are untrue others are up.” many things we have not son” because “we have to halfway true. We just propOn Tuesday, Prime Mingotten right. This is not a live with each other after- agate it and I urge people to ister Perry Christie anbe sensitive and sensible in nounced that the general political statement, it is a ward.”

“Be civil and act in a all these things because we election will be held on fact. That’s the bad news but things will never go in a Christian-like manner,” he still have to live with each Wednesday, May 10.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, April 12, 2017, PAGE 3

170,000 HAVE REGISTERED AHEAD OF POLLING DAY from page one

at least six years to pursue a legal case if they deem it necessary.

Dr Minnis, in a post to his Facebook page Monday, insisted “desperation” had set in for the PLP, specifically taking Mr Mitchell to task over his indication that if those 3,500 civil servants hired under the Christie administration wanted to be made permanent and pensionable they would be wise to vote PLP. Dr Minnis continued his attack on Mr Mitchell, accusing the Cabinet minister directly of hawking jobs for votes and “naturalising foreigners left and right in recent days, so that they can immediately make their way to register to vote”.

Dr Minnis also suggested that the “jobs and training” programme referred to by Mr Mitchell was also being used in service of the party’s campaign.

In response Tuesday, Mr Mitchell called Dr Minnis’ claims “libelous and defamatory”.

He added: “I have six years to bring an action in defamation. Time is therefore longer than rope.”

Mr Mitchell continued: “I hope when his silly season is over that he is able to learn the difference between facts and fictions, fair comment and defamation.

There are costs associated with it.”

Clarifying his initial remarks made over the

weekend, Mr Mitchell said his comments were made as statements of policy, not personal “invective” directed to the FNM leader.

Mr Mitchell said Dr Minnis’ actions over the last few days were structured in a way to cast doubt on the PLP’s actions, all while continuing to avoid publicly addressing issues of national importance.

To that end, Mr Mitchell implored Dr Minnis to give definitive answers on whether his party would fire the 3,500 workers who were in the process, he said, of being made permanent.

“Would the FNM fire those in the empowerment programme?

“These are all policies of the PLP to protect public sector jobs. What is their programme for jobs? He has no answers just personal attacks. The PLP believes in jobs for our people and protecting our country and its workers. I pledge to continue to work for the workers of the country,” he added.

Mr Mitchell has long held the opinion that an elected FNM administration will only represent the interests of former Baha Mar developer Sarkis Izmirlian and Lyford Cay billionaire Louis Bacon.

Mr Mitchell has suggested that these “special interests” go against what is best for The Bahamas.

Within 14 days Mr Hall must also ensure that a list of presiding officers, returning officers and polling clerks appointed to attend polling stations is made available.

By law, nomination day cannot be earlier than the fifth day nor later than the tenth day from when public notice of an election is given.

Nominees must deposit $400 to be nominated.

The money will be reimbursed if nominees win at least one sixth of the vote in their constituencies.

They must also declare their knowledge or estimation of their assets, income and liabilities.

Last Thursday, Free National Movement Chairman Sidney Collie raised “grave concerns” regarding the election register, pointing to the discovery of 72 pages of duplicate registrations, names printed of persons born over 200 years ago and some who were born in 2017.

Mr Collie described this as “negligence” and “ineptitude,” saying there are other “irregularities” that have come to light pointing to persons who were reportedly issued citizenship and voter’s cards on the same day.

the Bahamian people and secret deals. This is indeed the people’s time.

“Years ago, Loftus Roker, a (former) senior minister in the PLP administration charged that corruption was rocking the PLP at its very foundation. Sadly it is still true today. Public funds are still finding its way into private pockets. Missing money from government departments to government departments, including Road Traffic, Customs, the Post Office and the list goes on and on.

“Bloated contracts and side deals continue to be the order of the day. Millions of dollars borrowed by government officials go unpaid.

While the list is long, one of the most egregious acts of this PLP government is hiding the report on the Rubis fuel spill and its effects on the residents of Marathon and neighbouring communities and that is unforgiveable. Change will come.”

He continued: “Under the PLP, unemployment has increased. Poverty levels have increased. Our debt continues to increase. Murder and criminal activities continue to increase while our credit rating continues to decrease to a level of junk bond status.

“But a new day is coming under the FNM. We will weed out corruption at all levels and prosecute corrupt politicians to the full extent of the law. We will invest in our children’s future to make sure they are prepared to be productive members of society. We will put policies in place to ensure that every qualified student who wants to go to college or the University of the Bahamas will be able to do so.

“We will actively work with the community to make our streets safer so that families no longer have to be afraid to walk outside their homes. We will eliminate VAT tax on breadbasket items to ensure that all people can afford to buy their most basic needs.

“We have assembled a change team,” Dr Minnis said. “They bring experience, skill and know how that is necessary to rescue our country. We call on all Bahamians to come together and work with your FNM candidate to ensure that the people of the Bahamas do not have to suffer another five years under a Progressive Liberal Party government.

“The bell has been rung.

We need all hands on deck

to go out and vote them out.

I know we can do this and I know we will do this,” Dr Minnis said.

In a statement yesterday, Mr Roberts called on all Bahamians to exercise their constitutional rights and participate in this democratic process. He added that the FNM is hell bent on cancelling the progress the PLP has made over the last five years.

“I am advised that Dr Minnis held a press conference today but refused to take questions from the press,” Mr Roberts said.

“It’s shocking and unbelievable that the man who wants to be Prime Minister turns his back on the press.

Minnis has also refused to debate the man he seeks to replace, Prime Minister Perry G Christie. Clearly the Bahamian people will draw the correct conclusion, that Minnis is unpre-

pared and not ready for the high office of Prime Minister.”

He also said: “Bahamians are well aware of what is at stake in this election.

Our future and our children’s future are at stake.

We cannot turn back the clock with the reactionary FNM. We know that they will turn back the clock and are hell bent on cancelling the progress made by the Bahamian people over the last five years. We know this because not only have they said so - their record clearly indicates this.

“They cancelled over $80m worth of public works contracts, including school contracts, stalling the economy. They threatened to cancel Baha Mar; they threatened to cancel the Freeport investment incentives; they cancelled the National Training Agency; they threatened to take

back gaming licenses and they scoffed at BAMSI so the record of the FNM on cancelling is clear.”

According to Mr Roberts, Dr Minnis has not learned from the colossal errors of his predecessor and threatens to derail the economy and many of the gains made to date that positively impacts the lives of ordinary Bahamians.

“The PLP government has laid a firm and solid foundation to move Bahamians forward together and we cannot turn back the clock with the FNM. “We are the only party committed to the elimination of contract workers in the public service. All workers should be placed on the permanent and pensionable roll. That policy must continue because it will bring big changes to the lives of thousands of Bahamians,” Mr Roberts said.

POLICE Commissioner Ellison Greenslade reading the proclamation yesterday for the election.

Mitchell makes legal threat over Minnis claim on citizenships

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net FOREIGN Affairs and Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell has hinted at possible legal repercussions for comments levelled at him by Free National Movement Leader Dr Minnis earlier this week, dismissing the claims that he was “giving out citizenships” as “damnable and contemptible falsehood and untruth”.

Mr Mitchell, continuing the war of words started by claims he made while on the campaign trail Saturday, warned Dr Minnis that in many cases of libel and defamation, claimants have

MINNIS CALLS FOR ALL HANDS ON DECK from page one

which reporters were told he would discuss the FNM’s plans for the election. However, no plans were discussed and Dr Minnis did not take any questions, a trend of several weeks in which it appears the party leader prefers press releases and prepared statements to interviews with the media.

PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts criticised Dr Minnis for this behaviour yesterday, saying it was “shocking and unbelievable” that the man who wants to become Prime Minister has turned his back on the press.

“I join Bahamians everywhere who are overjoyed that change will come on May 10. Bahamians everywhere will have the opportunity to usher in that change,” Dr Minnis said as he read from a prepared speech at his party’s headquarters on Mackey Street.

“The PLP’s misrule of the past five years has finally come to an end and I want you to make no mistake this election is a referendum on the past versus the future; corruption versus transparency; politicians interested in keeping their jobs rather than working on behalf of

EXAMINATIONS RESCHEDULED DUE TO VOTE

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

THE MINISTRY of Education yesterday announced that three national examinations have been rescheduled due to their clash with the May 10 date for the 2017 general elections.

The Bahamas General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) subject papers for Graphical Communication and Music will now be held on June 7, and the Grade Level Assessment Test (GLAT) has been rescheduled to May 15 to May 19.

A notice was sent out yesterday to principals and examination supervisors at government and private schools yesterday, and apologised for any inconvenience caused by the date change.

The Graphical Communication Paper 2 will start at 9am, and the Music paper is slated for 1pm on Wednesday, June 7.

The GLAT exam will begin on May 15, and test-

ing will end on May 18 for Grade 3 students, and on May 19 for Grade 6 students.

Yesterday, Education director Lionel Sands noted that schools across the country are making good progress on recovering time lost during school closures in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew last October.

Public schools in New Providence, Grand Bahama and Central Andros were closed for nearly three weeks, with the exception of Government High School in the capital and Walker Parker Primary in Grand Bahama, which were the

hardest hit by Hurricane Matthew.

Mr Sands said: “We’ve done quite a bit to catch up on days lost as a consequence of extra time teachers have been putting in.

We’ve not fully caught up but we are catching up, so by the end of the school year we would have caught up.

He continued: “I certainly wish to express my deep gratitude to the teachers who have been so good at helping us recovering days we lost as a consequence of the storm, giving up time during lunch break, after school, some even on weekends.”

PAGE 4, Wednesday, April 12, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

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May 10 election offers chance of national unity AT THIS time of the year, celebrating Easter as a time of redemption, forgiveness and hope of new beginnings, and with a general election just around the corner, we return to the theme of good governance and national unity in a modern Bahamas where love of country is too often superseded by selfishness, greed and political divisiveness.

Political campaigning will begin in earnest next week after the announcement yesterday of May 10 as the election date.

Although this is likely to be a bitter contest, we must pray that it will be free from violence, and we wonder whether - somehow - the country can start moving away from the traditional system of tribal politics which has bedevilled our way of life for so long. Is it being naive to hope that the forthcoming election could be the moment to set in motion new attitudes in relation to this issue?

For a small country like ours, the overemphasis on two-party politics - with people dubbed as PLPs (Progressive Liberal Party) or FNMs (Free National Movement) as if there were significant ideological differences between the two - is unneccesarily divisive and thus inimical to the goal of national unity. For, as a young independent nation with a short post-colonial history and a relatively modest population, we need to work together to the greatest extent possible in order to maximise our potential development and prosperity.

Furthermore, tribal politics are a throwback to practice in some less developed countries in Africa, where so often politicians seek elective office either to line their own pockets or to put themselves in a position to benefit their extended families and local communities by giving out money, jobs or other favours.

Even though traditional loyalties are deeply entrenched, the old party political histories and labels should be cast aside in a contemporary, more sophisticated Bahamas - together with the intrinsic beliefs and prejudices passed on from one generation to the next - since these are no longer relevant when the priority is how to manage the nation’s affairs for the benefit of all its people in a new ‘globalised world’.

What voters are now concerned about is the policies of those seeking election next month and their likely competence in running the country and solving its problems. The policies of the old United Bahamian Party (UBP) and the PLP, and their attitudes, practices, faults and achievements, should no longer influence the electorate when it goes to the polls.

It is plain to most observers that there is discernible and widespread public dissatisfaction (and a serious lack of trust) concerning the current PLP government.

This is because of crime, unemployment, poor governance, economic mismanagement, fraud and unprecedented levels of debt together with corruption and victimisation at all levels. So, new parliamentary candidates should surely seek to persuade voters that not only will they introduce fresh blood and ideas but also have the capacity to run the country’s affairs efficiently ; and the latest examples of mismanagement of the dump fire and allegations of registration fraud, as well as the deteriorating postal service, will surely concentrate minds yet again about the pressing need for competence at every level of government.

In addition, candidates need to convince people that they will make themselves accountable to the electorate and apply proper standards of honesty, transparency, decency and fairness in public life which have been conspicuously lacking for the last five years of PLP rule.

We believe that, for younger voters, in particular, with their modern expectations, these are the factors which are of major concern rather than obsolete and misguided loyalty to one or other party irrespective of their current behaviour and actions. The PLP government can, of course, justifiably point to a number of achievements while in office, but some political commentators seem to be unable to grasp the level of dissatisfaction with its performance as a whole and the reasons for it.

In order to maintain and improve our standards and our way of life and to correct so much of what is wrong at present so that we can move forward as a nation towards a brighter future, we need political change. However, the election will be strongly contested, not least because PLP grassroots supporters are likely to continue to take the bait of pre-election empty promises that tomorrow will be better than today when so many are still suffering and in poverty despite being given the same undertakings and assurances the last time around.

There is a pressing need for a new government of fresh faces, ideas and policies. But it is also important that a strong political leadership should emerge - both to improve the governance of the country across the board and to help to bring about genuine national unity in the months and years ahead. This is a tall order but we remain optimistic.

Time to tackle paedophilia EDITOR, The Tribune.

BEFORE Christ walked the earth homosexuality has existed. Approximately 2 per cent of the world’s population is homo or bisexual. I really don’t see why it’s an issue in a civilised educated world?

These two pastors have written to Trump ref same sex marriages and outlawing it. They have written to a guy who is a racist, bigot, misogynist and narcissist and they are his good points!

There is a real problem here in The Bahamas which

is and continues to destroy thousands of lives these two pastors are fully aware of.

It’s called paedophilia or “messin with kids”. How many damaged souls are there here whose lives are trashed forever by it?

Every preacher in this community is painfully aware of it, uncles molesting nieces, fathers molesting daughters it’s sickening and the very definition of pure evil.

What is done about it?

Nothing, it’s swept under the carpet as everyone in a position of power/social influence is too ashamed to

even admit it exists.

This is the most heinous damaging crime against humanity against our own children.

“Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me, for such is the kingdom of heaven”, Jesus Christ.

Pastors read above scripture and act on it please as you were ordained to do, this is a real vocational issue of immense importance – our own children.

RALPH Nassau, March 28, 2017.

PLP slogan EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE Progressive Liberal Party’s election slogan of “Forward Together Bahamians” conjures up ominous images in my mind.

What I have is a vision of a herd, following the alpha male, galloping at full

speed towards a precipice to certain doom.

This country has been forced to accompany the governing party on its vision of a better Bahamas and the destination has been disappointing indeed.

No amount of spin can convince me the ghetto is a pent-

By the rivers of Babylon EDITOR, The Tribune THE upcoming general elections will be the most important ever in our wonderful nation, make no mistake about this.

Yes, many are ‘fatigued’ of governance by my party, the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), but when you examine closely the alternative stark choices that are available, the Free National Movement (FNM) and the Democratic National Alliance (DNA), despite the ‘concerns’ of reasonable Bahamians and independent thinkers, the PLP must and will prevail.

Bahamians, by and large, are a fickle people, politically speaking. They can ‘love’ you today and ‘hate’ you later that same day if they perceive that a politician or a party did not come through for them. This is no time, however, for the siren songs of Dr Hubert Minnis (alias Cassandra) and the reincarnation of an elitist class that once held the majority in troll. We have arrived, fellow Bahamians, at the very shores of Babylon.

The PLP came back to office in 2012 after being mauled in 2007. The party found our economy in shambles due to the massive cost overruns for the Road Project that was badly executed by the foreign contractors. There were, allegedly, cheques prepared for issuance by the Ministry of Finance but that they could not go out because there were no ‘available’ funds in the bank.

‘New’ Foreign Direct Investment had dried right up. No less an authority than Dr Minnis (FNMKillarney) acknowledged that the FNM had left the economy in the proverbial

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net ‘wheelchair’. Hundreds of millions of dollars were either ‘borrowed’ or ‘contributed’ to the then FNM administration. Over $30 million was raised, borrowed and, supposedly, spent to alleviate conditions at the Harold Road Landfill. Millions more were dissipated down the ever present ‘black hole’.

Yet, the FNM now crows: ‘Where did the money go?’

The majority of voters in New Providence will decide the fate of the PLP and they, almost alone, will determine the way forward for the nation. It is not that the voters in the Family Islands do not count but it is a given that the bulk of registered voters live here in New Providence, creased right up like flies. With less than six weeks to go before the general elections, the ‘Gold Rush’ Administration must retool its core message and demonstrate political sincerity on the ground.

At the earliest opportunity after we are returned to office, there must be a new cabinet. Too many of the current ministers have proven to be political burdens to the party. They are inept and have made a total mess of their portfolios. If the PM were not as ‘compassionate’ as he is, many of them would have been reassigned to other portfolios or removed totally from cabinet. We have enough ‘new’ blood to bring this about.

I am persuaded that we will literally ‘snatch’ victory from the jaws of defeat but it will not be a cakewalk. Our biggest weapon is the PM, despite his recent gaffes.

His speech writers and handlers need to be replaced by genuine PLPs and not newly-minted PLPs who have been jettisoned into our leadership ranks. I fear that many of these individuals are actually Trojan Horses and political cutthroats of the highest order.

We Bahamians are like the Israelites of old. We have been on a long trek in the wilderness for almost 40 years. It is time for us to cross over the Jordan. We ‘know’ PGC’s mettle and worthiness to hold high office, based on his qualifications. Not that the others are not ‘qualified’ in their own way but governance is not an experiment.

Rocking with Doctor Minnis makes absolutely no sense. Yes, he’s assisted in the delivery of over 5,000 babies but the Bahamas is not akin to a pregnant woman.

Collectively, we as Bahamians now find ourselves by the rivers of Babylon. Babel or political confusion will reign supreme. We can continue to work it all out for the better of the majority of Bahamians or regress to the old days of the United Bahamian Party (UBP) which was dominated by the white elite Bahamians.

They may have ‘disappeared’ around the corner some years ago, to further strengthen their financial foundations, but they are now back - with a vengeance. Will we, as a people, cry by the rivers of Babylon or rouse ourselves and cross over into The Promised Land?

To God then, in all things, be the glory.

ORTLAND H BODIE JR Nassau, April 9, 2017.

Biased reporting house. The gravel I have been forced to eat is not gravy, I still have bits of stone in my teeth! It’s time for this country to go forward indeed, but it can’t with the PLP. JB Nassau, April 11, 2017.

EDITOR, The Tribune.

WATCHING the evening news on ZNS this evening. Monday 03/10. I was stunned with the blatant bias shown in 2017 with regards to their viewing of the PLP’s mass rally, and absolutely nothing said about

the FNM’s inaugural of its Central Grand Bahama headquarters in Hunters opening.

May I remind the principals of ZNS that the station doesn’t belong to the PLP, it’s the people’s station.

Please, as we go into

this election show some professionalism and stop the bias and one-sided reporting.

You are still practising ancient behaviour, try raising the bar.

KELLY D BURROWS April 10, 2017.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, April 12, 2017, PAGE 5

Miller says professors should not be on staff over spoiled vote campaign

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net TALL Pines MP Leslie Miller has criticised the two local academics who have campaigned for voters to spoil their election ballot as a form of protest, stating because of their comments the professors “should not be on staff” at the University of the Bahamas.

Mr Miller, in an interview with reporters this week, said it was a “total disgrace” for professors Dr Nicolette Bethel and Dr Ian Strachan to encourage people to not to vote.

“What I don’t understand, those people from the University of The Bahamas, I don’t see how the president of the University of The Bahamas could still have those people on staff you know,” Mr Miller said when questioned on the matter. “They are being paid by the Bahamian people’s money, and they gone tell the people spoil the ballot.

“We should spoil them and get them the hell out of the University of The Bahamas. They should not be on staff. None of them that discourage young Bahamians from doing their civic responsibility as Bahamians. It is a disgrace what we allow to happen in this country. A total disgrace.”

In February, Dr Bethel and Dr Strachan, both prominent UB professors, and women’s rights activ-

LESLIE Miller MP with voters as they tried to register on the last day for registering on Monday ahead of the election.

Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff ist Alicia Wallace called on lace maintained that the luctance to take part in the and the link between voting what’s wrong.” He also said Bahamian voters suffering movement did not intend process. Ms Wallace also for a member of Parliament, spoiling the ballot “sends from voter apathy to spoil to persuade registered vot- forecast that spoilt ballots but not a prime minister. the nation and the watchtheir election ballots to pro- ers from properly mark- will spark the type of public Dr Strachan at the time ing world a clear, unmistaktest the political status quo, ing their ‘X’ in support of dialogue needed to impact acknowledged that critics able message that a sizable instead of abandoning the a candidate or party, but the current electoral system would accuse them of being portion of the country dedemocratic process alto- to provide an alternative in which voters have no di- reckless and that “stakes mands better representagether. route for many Bahamians rect impact on the process are high in the country and tion and not settle.”

At the time, Ms Wal- that have signalled their re- of party leader selection, every vote is needed to fix

MACKEY IN ‘NO WAY’ CONCERNED OVER ROBERTS THREAT

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Movement North Eleuthera candidate Howard “Rickey” Mackey yesterday said that in no way was he concerned

by Progressive Liberal Party Chairman Bradley Roberts’ threat to “drop some more bombshells” about him as the 2017 general election campaign season progresses.

Contacted yesterday by The Tribune, Mr Mackey said he did not know what Mr Roberts was talking about and that he had no fears that his campaign would be affected by the threats.

In a show of support for their candidate, FNM Chairman Sidney Collie fired back at Mr Roberts saying: “We got a bombshell of our own.”

He went on to defend the party’s vetting process amid criticisms from those who question how Mr Mackey was successfully ratified despite owing $9,500 to the Bahamas government for customs duties, which he committed in writing to pay.

It was Mr Roberts who first revealed this during a PLP event in Hatchet Bay, Eleuthera, last month that Mr Mackey had failed to settle the 15year tax debt.

In response, Mr Mackey said he had “completely forgotten” about the settlement agreement and had since paid the money owed in full.

Still, at a rally in Grand

Bahama over the weekend, Mr Roberts insisted that there was more to reveal concerning Mr Mackey and that once the candidate nominated to run, he would “drop some more bombshells.”

The government has ten days to confirm the date of nomination day now that the election date has been announced by Prime Minister Perry Christie, according to the Parliamentary Elections Act. Asked about this, Mr Collie responded: “We got a bombshell of our own.

We’ve got two bombshells (for that matter).

“So if he wants to expose, let him expose. The very thing that he wants to expose or is threatening our candidate with we have (on) two of their candidates and I’m going to hold that and he has to make the next move.”

Mr Collie would not further elaborate on what he was referring to, but he admitted that the investigation arm of the vetting process doesn’t turn up everything.

“Investigations are done, but investigations don’t turn up everything.”

He also said: “I know that Mr Mackey said that he forgot that he had the bill and when it was brought to his attention he went and paid it.

“When he was before the vetting committee he forgot. That doesn’t make the committee flawed.”

He said vetting in the party was “very transparent” and set up in a way that allows the committee to be as thorough in questioning

as needed before choosing candidates.

“The candidate makes his interest known to the party, he makes his interest known to the constituency association (and) that starts the process,” Mr Collie said.

“Eventually the candidate sends in a letter of application with or without the written approval of the constituency association.

That goes to a vetting committee with the resumé of the candidate and some references and he appears before a committee of five (including) C A Smith, Janet Bostwick, Mike Smith, Josh Sears and Dr Mildred Hall-Watson. They vet the candidate. Sometimes there are 15 (to) 20 applicants.

They decide on the name they want to send forward, but all the names come to the candidates committee along with the one that they recommend.

“There is a vigorous debate at the candidates committee and the executive committee (stages).

The candidates committee makes the final selection.

It may or may not be the recommendation from the vetting committee. It goes to the central council (and) there is a vigorous debate in the Central Council and a vote is taken. When the vote is finished the candidate voted for is said to be ratified and the candidate is launched in the constituency.

“In that process the constituency sends in a letter sometimes with hundreds of names sometimes with the names of the executive

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PAGE 6, Wednesday, April 12, 2017

A YOUNGSTER fleeing from the smoke in Jubilee Gardens after the recent fire at the New Providence landfill.

THE TRIBUNE

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

JUBILEE GARDENS RESIDENTS PLANNING LEGAL ACTION AFTER FIRE

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

JUBILEE Gardens residents are planning to take legal action against the Christie administration as a result of the recent fire at the New Providence Landfill, an attorney representing some of them confirmed yesterday.

Fred Smith, QC, told The Tribune that various members of the Our Lives Matter: Jubilee Residents Association are seeking damages for personal injury, nuisance and negligence as a result of the March 5 blaze.

Mr Smith also said those

residents will be filing for an injunction to “retain the escape of obnoxious odours and poisonous gasses which are threatening their lives and livelihood.”

Mr Smith also said the association is in the process of applying to the Office of the Attorney General to be registered as a non-profit organisation, with the intention of filing for judicial review proceedings against the government for both negligence and breach of the government’s statutory duties under the Environmental Health Services Act and other legislation.

On March 5, scores of Jubilee Gardens residents

were forced to evacuate their homes after a massive fire at the nearby landfill blanketed the community in thick, black hazardous smoke.

Days later, senior officials at the Department of Public Health told The Tribune that over 27 Jubilee Gardens residents were treated at the Flamingo Gardens clinic on the day of the fire, with four of those persons needing to be admitted for emergency care at the Princess Margaret Hospital.

Most of the symptoms residents in that community complained of were headaches, dizziness, and coughing, while others

complained of having chest pains, Senior Nursing Officer Judith Scavella said at the time.

When contacted yesterday, Mr Smith confirmed that his clients, who have been allegedly “poisoned” by the “toxicity” of the March 5 fire, will start legal proceedings against the government.

“This is a huge social challenge and it is really regrettable that for decades, not only the people in Jubilee Gardens but much of New Providence have been so adversely affected by the negligence, incompetence, lack of professionalism on the part of successive administrations and/or (pri-

vate entities),” Mr Smith said yesterday.

Last year, several residents said they were planning to take legal action against the government and “whatever parties necessary” as a result of the recurrent fires at the landfill.

At the time, Free National Movement candidate for Tall Pines Donald Saunders, an attorney, said his office was working with several persons seeking to bring action against the Christie administration and “any other party that may be responsible” for the fires that have plagued the Harold Road dumpsite.

Aside from the March 5 blaze, the city dump has

been plagued with recurring fires for years. Renew Bahamas was engaged by the government in 2014 to manage the landfill and help address the matter, however the company ended its services in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew last October, claiming low profitability.

The government subsequently took over management of the landfill as it looks for another company to remediate the site.

Last week, Environment Minister Kenred Dorsett said the request for proposal for the management of the beleaguered dumpsite would be issued in a matter of days.

Speaker predicts this will be last manual registration

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

HOUSE of Assembly Speaker Dr Kendal Major yesterday forecast that the 2017 general election will

be the last time voters will be subjected to a manual registration system, insisting that there was no excuse for the outdated practice.

As he reflected on his parliamentary term, Dr Major also noted that the time had come for a national discussion on setting a fixed date for elections, and house sittings.

Dr Major said the measures he spoke of were “part and parcel” of organised governance, as a guest on local radio talk show “Real Talk Live” with host Carlton Smith.

“Unquestionably,” he said, when asked about the manual registration system, “we need something certainly more modern, something more permanent, and we need to do a much better job of it. I trust within the next Parliament, we will learn from the exercise and take note and I don’t expect to see this again, I think we can do better.”

Dr Major said: “We ought to be computerised in every respect, it ought to be digitised. I think there’s no excuse for us in our country not to move to the next level in registration process. I’m certainly a proponent of it.

I trust again we’ve seen the lessons in this.”

He continued: “I think the key is we don’t want the system to be undermined.

We will have observers because we usually have observers to watch and monitor the election process. We don’t want the other side, we don’t want the losing side to say that they cheat.

“We want it to be open and fair and transparent, and for that to happen a system of built-in trust and procedures needs to be in place so that we all can be held accountable.

“And so whatever it takes to do that, that’s what needs to be done,” he said.

The Parliamentary Registration Department has come under intense scru-

tiny in recent weeks, with critics doubting the department’s capacity to produce a clean register amid claims there are hundreds of reported errors.

Voter registration for the impending election officially ended at 5pm on Monday.

Parliamentary Commissioner Sherlyn Hall and his department now have 14 to 15 days to comb through the list, a feat that officials say will take the honest “participation of all citizens”.

Prime Minister Perry Christie announced yesterday that the date of the general election is set for May 10.

Parliament was dissolved

by Provost Marshall Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade moments before Mr Christie’s announcement, vacating each seat in Parliament.

However, Dr Major explained that he will remain the House speaker until Parliament resumes and a new speaker is appointed.

Speaking to fixed dates for elections, he said: “Absolutely, I think it’s something I’ve been public with my pronouncements before, with respect to even the operation of the speaker in terms of having fixed dates for the House to sit. These are all part and parcel of what I would call a disciplined and a prepared and organized governance, and I believe we are at the stage in our democracy where within the Westminster system we can determine when a fixed date for elections should be held every five years.”

Dr Major said: “You can argue one way or the other for it. Within the Westminster system has some nuances, it has some flexibility to augment either way for the benefit of our people. I think a discussion needs to be had as to exactly what is our best interest, and what the Bahamian people would seek as to our best interest.”

WILCHCOMBE: NO BACKLASH AFTER CARNIVAL CONFUSION

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net DESPITE widespread backlash over a last-minute delay and ultimate revision of dates for the third Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival, Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe yesterday insisted that there has not been any “negative” feedback associated with the festival.

Originally scheduled for May 4 to 6 in Nassau with an April kick off in Grand Bahama, last week the Carnival was delayed by two weeks for Nassau and cancelled in Grand Bahamas due to possible conflicts with the general election

timetable.

After two days of intense criticism over the decision to reschedule the event by both stakeholders and festivalgoers, Mr Wilchcombe stepped in and announced that the original dates had been reinstated, along with the Grand Bahama component.

Asked yesterday if the move had affected the festival’s plans or international brand, Mr Wilchcombe said he had not been made aware of any negative concerns because of the changes.

He added that response to the festival had remained positive in the minds of both organisers and potential festival-goers.

“No negative feedback

has reached my desk reference to the brief date change. The response has been positive from the many who have booked holidays in the Bahamas to coincide with Junkanoo Carnival,” Mr Wilchcombe said.

This claim comes despite indications by Bahamas Carnival Band Owners Association (BCBOA) President Dario Terrelli that the event’s brand reputability and the 2017 festival had been dealt a major blow.

Mr Terrelli last week said that bands would not be able to ask for any financial assistance from the government ahead of the festival to counterbalance the misstep, as Parliament was set

to dissolve yesterday.

In 2015, the inaugural festival took place on May 7-9 in New Providence, and the 2016 Junkanoo Carnival kicked off on April 1516 in Grand Bahama and on May 5-7 in New Providence.

The 2017 general election has been schedule to be held four days following BJC’s closeout concert scheduled for Saturday, May 6. In 2012, the election was held on May 7.

Trinidadian singing stars Machel Montano and Bunji Garlin are expected to headline the festival.

BNFC insiders had projected hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses as a result of last week’s confusion.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, April 12, 2017, PAGE 7

Omar Archer convicted over threats from page one

before Magistrate Derence Rolle-Davis to present his defence to the threats of harm complaint brought against him by Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Leon Bethell.

Archer Sr, who faced up to one month in prison over the charge, was sentenced to time served over that conviction.

In 2015, he posted on his Facebook page that he had remembered being poked by the senior officer and his colleagues 10 years prior while studying at the University of the West Indies and that he would “pull” the senior policeman’s file.

He also said the senior officer should adjust the surveillance cameras at his home in a better angle.

Senior ACP Bethell is currently on pre-retirement leave from the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

In yesterday’s proceedings, Archer Sr opted to remain silent and did not call any witnesses in his defence.

Instead, his lead lawyer, Fred Smith, QC, made closing addresses concerning the case in question.

“We submit the prosecution has failed to lead sufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Archer is guilty of putting ACP Leon Bethell in fear of unlawful harm,” Mr Smith said.

He argued that the prosecution must prove intent and not rely solely on the alleged act itself.

“We say it beggars for the

OMAR Archer during a previous appearance at court. imagination for the ACP evidence from Mr Archer Bethell to have been put in that he made those statefear of unlawful harm for ments.”

“In this day and age of cythe few words Omar Archer posted on his Facebook,” ber manipulation, they can put Omar’s face up and say he added.

Mr Smith said he viewed he threatened people,” the the statement of the com- attorney said.

Mr Smith referred to plainant and the words complained of and found Robinson 1993 Criminal that “those words by them- Law Reports as the standselves short of any actual ard concerning the threshthreatening, cannot in law, old for threats of harm, prove beyond reasonable which notes that “a threat doubt to have put Leon cannot be made by words alone, there must be conBethell in fear.”

“ACP Leon Bethell is no duct.”

Mr Smith argued that the ordinary person,” Mr Smith added. “He is a policeman words complained of were who has hundreds of other not threats or aggressive.

Sgt Lakisia Moss, in repolicemen around him to protect him and is not the sponse, argued that Archer kind of character that is Sr should be held accounteasily threatened even by able for his actions.

“Threats of harm is one words that were a direct of those offences that (is) threat.”

He also argued that the subjective where the words post relied on is hearsay ev- of an individual can put idence because “there’s no someone in fear,” the police

prosecutor said.

Sgt Moss said there was evidence to prove that threats of harm, contrary to Section 203 of the Penal Code, had been committed.

She noted that the record of interview taken in police custody, which Archer Sr had an opportunity to peruse and revise if needed, had been signed by him and he acknowledged that he posted the statements on Facebook.

“Notwithstanding former ACP Bethell was a law enforcement officer, he acknowledged posting that the cameras at his home needed adjusting. Yes, he’s a police officer but he has family and there’s an indication he would’ve visited the home.”

“Just as the law protects any ordinary citizen, ACP Bethell was in his rights to feel threatened,” the pros-

ecutor argued, also relying on the aforementioned case authority that was cited by the accused’s side.

The police prosecutor said it was Archer Sr’s alleged threat of death in Senior ACP Bethell’s presence that led to the incident he alluded to on his Facebook.

She said the reference to that incident more than a decade ago proves intention required by the case of Robinson.

Magistrate Rolle-Davis, after considering both submissions, found that the prosecution had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted the accused of the charge of threats of harm.

In a mitigating plea, Mr Smith urged the court not to impose a custodial sentence for a crime that carried the maximum penalty

of one month in jail.

“I ask the court to take into account the nature of the offence and that it was conveyed by the internet. It was not direct in person to ACP Bethell,” Mr Smith said.

He argued that his client had no prior convictions, was a married businessman who was supporting his child’s tertiary education.

“The mere fact of his conviction will be a stain against his reputation which may plague him for years to come,” Mr Smith said.

The lead lawyer also said that his client has already spent 24 collective days in custody in relation to the matter and another case.

“We ask for time served and we say a custodial sentence is not appropriate and that it would not be fair to impose a monetary fine in addition,” Mr Smith argued.

The magistrate ruled that Archer Sr would not have been in custody in the first place if he had appeared in court as mandated. However, he obliged Mr Smith’s request and sentenced Archer Sr to time served for the threats of harm conviction.

He also noted that a release order had been given for a matter in Magistrate’s Court number 13 as the fine had been settled.

The magistrate reiterated that the question of bail in Archer Sr’s other criminal matter, which is being constitutionally challenged, had to be decided by the Supreme Court.

Archer Sr has the right to contest the conviction and sentence to the Court of Appeal.

ARCHER’S LAWYERS GIVEN ONE WEEK FOR SUPREME COURT BID

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

LAWYERS for Omar Archer Sr were given one week to file a formal challenge in the Supreme Court concerning the constitutionality of the criminal libel charge against him.

The 45-year-old Nassau Village resident appeared before Magistrate Derence Rolle-Davis yesterday for the continuation of the case in which he was expected to present a defence to the intentional libel charge against him regarding posts against a woman on the former political candidate’s Facebook page in April 2015.

The complainant denied the claims when the case started in November 2016, and the matter was adjourned to December 29, 2016 for Archer Sr to present his defence, but he did not appear resulting in a warrant of arrest being issued for him.

When he was brought back to court a week ago, Archer Sr apologised for his non-appearance, which he attributed to a sprained ankle. However, he was still remanded to the Department of Correctional Services.

When yesterday’s libel case was called, lead lawyer Fred Smith, QC, raised a constitutional issue.

“Under Article 23 of the

Constitution, Mr Archer is guaranteed freedom of expression,” Mr Smith said, adding that this fact remained regardless of whether his posts are perceived to be offensive.

“We submit that the laying of the charge, the prosecution and the entire proceedings thus far, him being called on to present his defence is a breach of his constitutional rights to impart ideas and information without interference,” Mr Smith added.

Mr Smith said this was an opportunity for the magistrate, pursuant to Article 28(3) of the Constitution, to refer the matter to the Supreme Court for hearing.

Citing the case authority

of Okuta v Attorney General & DPP of Kenya, Mr Smith argued that criminal libel is being repealed throughout former British colonies and the Commonwealth.

He also told the judge that his colleague Magistrate Andrew Forbes adjourned a similar criminal libel case pending the Supreme Court’s determination on the issue.

On the issue of Archer Sr remaining in custody, Mr Smith apologised for the accused’s absence from court on the day in question as he was medically indisposed.

He said that his client should not have to remain remanded on a non-violent offence.

Police prosecutor Sgt Lakisia Moss said the issue of release from custody concerned the Supreme Court because that is the court that granted him bail.

She noted that Archer Sr has already proven that he will not appear before the court, which is why a warrant was issued.

The magistrate, after a

recess, said the question of bail had to be decided by the Supreme Court.

On the constitutional issue raised, Mr Smith was given until April 18 to file the requisite documents concerning Archer Sr’s challenge.

He will remain in custody until the Supreme Court decides otherwise.

DEATH NOTICE JACQUELINE SAINVILLE, 62

DAXON CHALLENGES CRIMINAL LIBEL CONSTITUTIONALITY

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

A MOTION was filed in the Supreme Court yesterday challenging the constitutionality of criminal libel on the law books.

Maria Daxon, a former police constable and vocal defender for the rights of police officers, appeared before Magistrate Andrew Forbes last month for the expected start of her summary trial concerning two counts of intentional libel concerning alleged statements written about Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade and Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Leon Bethell.

Fred Smith, QC, who appeared on Daxon’s behalf, said he intended to

file a motion in the Supreme Court challenging the intentional libel charge against his client.

As a result, the matter was adjourned to November 29.

According to the originating notice of motion filed in Supreme Court yesterday, Mr Smith and Maria Daxon are seeking relief from the court for a number of reasons, namely that the charge against the latter was a breach of her constitutional right to freedom of expression.

They also seek an order that Magistrate Forbes dismiss the criminal libel proceedings.

The motion also seeks relief for “an order of certiorari to quash the criminal libel proceedings as being unconstitutional, void, il-

legal and of no effect” and a further declaration that Section 315(2) of the Penal Code “provides offence of criminal intentional libel is unconstitutional.”

The applicants also seek legal costs from the proceedings and damages for having been unconstitutionally subjected to the aforementioned proceedings.

They ultimately seek “all such further orders, writs, relief, and/or directions as the court may consider appropriate for the purpose of securing the enforcement of the fundamental rights and freedoms to which Maria Daxon is entitled to under the Constitution.”

It is alleged that Daxon, between August 26 and August 30, 2016 wrote defamatory statements about Commissioner Greenslade

and Senior ACP Bethell, which were likely “to injure and expose” the officers to “general hatred, contempt or ridicule.”

In her initial arraignment last September, Daxon elected to have the matter heard in Magistrate’s Court and pleaded not guilty to the allegations.

She was initially denied bail but a day later her lawyers Glendon Rolle and Wilver Deleveaux successfully applied for bail in the Supreme Court.

Daxon remains on $100 bail.

FOR SALE

SIT-ON-TOP KAYAK PH: 437-9054

Died at Princess Margaret Hospital on Saturday, April 8th, 2017.

She is survived by her husband, Albert Sainville; children, Therron (Elexia), Trenton (Diandra) and Brian; grandchildren, Taj, T’Shai and Brian Jr.; sister, Deidre Taylor; father-in-law, Alphonso Sainville; brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral arrangements will be announced later.

PAGE 8, Wednesday, April 12, 2017

A time for change as May 10 looms large

THE TRIBUNE

N

OW that the political battle lines for the upcoming general election are as clear as they will ever get - and the election has been set for May 10 - we can take a look at the prospects.

Initial observations are that the old guard of the Progressive Liberal Party retain their mafia-like grip on the party. And they are desperately doubling down still seems to rely on confion promises and threats as dence that the government will fall into their hands the campaign begins.

Familiar characters from no matter what they do or my youth still loom large don’t do. They may be right and in charge - grossly so, - the ground game is not visible to me - but on the surin fact. They face this is the include the most laissezlikes of Ber- ‘A clear case can faire opposinard Nottage, be made that the tion campaign Perry Chris- situation in the in memory. tie, Baltron The seven Bethel, Brad- country today is FNM parlialey Roberts very similar to mentarians and Allyson that in 1992. In who removed Maynardaddition to the Minnis as Gibson.

Opposition Meanwhile, PLP’s increasingly leader last disaffected authoritarian year are now and disappolitically irpointed sup- style, back then relevant, and porters of the the country was most won’t be Free National running out running this Movement time around.

(FNM) have of economic Only Loretta made a con- options due to Butler-Turner certed effort has confirmed to coalesce corruption and her independaround Dr mismanagement.’ ent candidacy Hubert Minnis as the only effective in Long Island.

According to the choice left to them. And the party now features fresh Democaratic National Alpersonalities from top to liance (DNA), the political reality in The Bahamas bottom.

But the FNM’s strategy has changed and both the

PLP and FNM will have to eat crow this time around.

They believe it is they who will decide who will govern the country for the next five years. Their 60-page platform includes pledges for a series of inquiries into hotbutton controversies like the Bank of The Bahamas meltdown, a $500m economic stimulus, liberalisation of the energy sector, creation of a national lottery and implementation of local government on New Providence.

“Unlike the FNM and PLP who have released similar manifestos, and failed to deliver, this is not just campaign talk - this is what we will accomplish,” the DNA said. “We don’t have aspirations as a political dynasty and if we can’t deliver in our first five years then we don’t belong in government.”

Electoral history The DNA is the biggest unknown quantity in this election. If it did not exist there is no doubt that Christie’s PLP would be swept

THE DNA are the biggest unknown quantity in this election, says Larry Smith. out in a landslide despite former FNM incumbents).

Minister Hubert Ingraham Minnis’ incoherence and claimed all the numbers The present situation FNM in-fighting. But the pointed to a FNM vicAs of April 9 - the day tory: “We are ahead in fact that it does exist - and even has a record - makes before Parliament dissolved votes, ahead in enthusiasm forecasting much more - there were 167,000 regis- and ahead in support,” he tered voters. And the final bragged. problematic.

The DNA won over number was expected to This time, Deputy Prime 13,000 votes in the 2012 top out at around 170,000 - Minister Philip Davis is preelection - impressive for a roughly the same as in the dicting a similar victory for new party - and effectively 2012 election. the PLP: “I see no reason It is interesting to look why we shouldn’t take 30 threw several seats to the PLP, without itself coming back at a March 2012 opin- seats.” So he is assuming close to winning a single ion poll that put the PLP that the PLP has not lost any constituency. Party insiders and FNM in a dead heat support over its chaotic fivesay they now have 35,000 with 32 per cent of respond- year term and will retain all registered members. Fig- ents favouring one or the the seats it currently holds. ures for the PLP and FNM other and 28 per cent un- That’s a stretch by any meashave never been publicly decided. Interestingly, eight ure - unless the electoral per cent favoured the DNA process is manipulated. available.

The DNA’s singular - which was almost identical A clear case can be made achievement was its role in to the actual outcome. that the situation in the According to M’wale country today is very simidriving Hubert Ingraham into retirement. And its big- Rahming, his polling in- lar to that in 1992. In addigest achievement this time dicated a significant anti- tion to the PLP’s increasaround may be providing government vote that was ingly authoritarian style, the same deluxe service to being split by the PLP and back then the country was the DNA. “Bahamians do running out of economic Perry Christie.

In the 2007 general elec- not believe the DNA can options due to corruption tion, splinter candidates win and believe that one of and mismanagement. (the Bahamas Democratic the two other parties will Hotels were selling out, Movement and several in- win the next election, but little foreign investment was dependents) received only aren’t sure which one,” he coming in, and there were three per cent of the vote. said in 2012. widespread fears of devaluThe eventual 2012 elec- ation. Many people were The FNM won about 50 per cent of the vote while the tion result was 48.6 per cent considering emigration, but for the PLP, 42.09 per cent Sir Lynden Pindling didn’t PLP won 48 per cent.

Before 2012, the electoral for the FNM, 8.48 per cent seem to notice - he made 17 high point for candidates for the DNA, and less than overseas trips in 1992 alone. not drawn from the two ma- one per cent for independThe main difference tojor parties was the general ents. This put the combined day is that both the FNM election of 2002, when they non-PLP vote at 51.3 per and PLP have been swapcollectively won 7.5 per cent cent out of 156,000 votes ping seats in the cabinet of the vote. But that was cast. room over the past 25 years, Although the 2012 pre- whereas in 1992 the FNM largely due to the fact that the PLP refrained from election poll put the PLP was an insurgent party with fielding candidates against and FNM in a “statisti- a fresh, capable leader (Huseveral independents (all cal dead heat”, then Prime bert Ingraham) set to overturn a quarter century of heavy-handed PLP rule.

In both 2002 and 2012, when the PLP were returned to power after periods in the wilderness, there was a lot of commentary about Perry Christie’s great opportunity to change not only the constitution but the entire political culture of The Bahamas through a policy of inclusion, collaboration and consensus.

But in practice he went the other way - appointing ideologues, partisan relics and conflicted individuals to every key national post and only talking about a constructive new politics.

He squandered both opportunities and his legacy will be the worse for it.

Lynden Pindling and Hubert Ingraham have both gone from the scene. And many see Christie as an exhausted figure who is about to go. It really is time for a new politics. And can we have some imagination for a change please?

• What do you think?

Send comments to lsmith@ tribunemedia.net or visit www.bahamapundit.com.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, April 12th, 2017, PAGE A9

EARTH MONTH SPECIAL

HYBRID POLICE CAR

‘CATCHES BAD GUYS, SAVES GAS TOO’ THE next time the cops chase you down for speeding, they could be driving a fuel-efficient gas-electric hybrid.

Ford Motor Co., which sells more police vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, says it will offer a police pursuit version of the hybrid Fusion midsize sedan, in response to requests from cities nationwide.

The new car, with its 2-Liter fourcylinder engine and 1.4 kilowatt lithium-ion battery, is expected to get 38 miles per gallon of gas in combined city-highway driving.

That’s 20 mpg more than Ford’s current police car, the Taurus police interceptor.

The hybrids won’t be as fast as the Taurus with a 3.7-Liter turbocharged V6, but Ford expects it to be quick enough to earn a pursuit rating when tested later this year by the Michigan State Police and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the first hybrid to earn that honor. To get a pursuit rating, cars have to perform well in acceleration, handling, braking, top speed and ergonomics and make the list of cars that the Michigan and Los Angeles agencies would buy.

When the throttle is held down for five seconds, the car will go into pursuit mode, using both the electric motor and the gas engine for maximum performance, Ford said.

The company also says the car will be durable for tough police duties.

Police cars spend much of their days idling by the side of a road, and that’s where the hybrid has a true advantage, Ford said. The gas engine will shut off at idle with the battery handling the electrical load for flashers, radios and other items.

It will restart to recharge the battery.

Ford said at $2.50 per gallon for gas, the hybrid would save a police department $3,877 per year in fuel costs per vehicle. The price of the hybrid, available in the summer of 2018, isn’t being released just yet.

Ford was to unveil the police car Monday with press conferences in New York and Los Angeles. One already has been outfitted to look like a Los Angeles police cruiser.

While big-city departments might be most interested in the fuel savings, the cars might also be appealing to small departments.

Thomas Korabik, chief of the 10-officer North Muskegon, Michigan, Police Department, said his city spends about $22,000 per year on gasoline for four cruisers and would be interested in cutting that in half.

But he wonders if the Fusion is big enough inside to carry computers, radios and other equipment.

Many departments have switched to

A PROTOTYPE of the Ford Fusion police hybrid car sits along 11th Avenue in New York. (AP) SUVs to handle the equipment, said Korabik, who also is president of the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police.

“Anytime you can save money it is good,” he said. “I’d want to see the car first and see how it would hold up.”

Todd Soderquist, Ford’s chief engineer for the Fusion Police Responder, conceded the car is smaller than other cruisers on the outside.

“Internally, you’ll be surprised at how comparable they are,” he said.

Associated Press

BAHAMAS POWER AND LIGHT GOES GREEN WITH ELECTRIC VEHICLES BAHAMAS Power and Light (BPL) has become the latest organisation in the country to acquire electric vehicles (EVs) for their company fleet.

To date, BPL has purchased two 100 per cent electric Nissan LEAFS from the local EV distributor, Easy Car Sales.

According to Mr. Angel Abreu, Vice President of Customer Service at BPL, the company is already recognising the benefits of switching to a greener transportation alternative.

“We’re moving towards cleaner, more cost-effective and reliable transportation at BPL. “We have tested the 100 per cent electric cars on the roads for several months now, and we are very pleased with their performance, reliability and range.

“They make sense for the environment and for our bottom line,” said Mr. Abreu.

A major part of the cost savings for BPL is in gasoline expenses.

The average cost of electricity to charge the EV is about five cents per mile, or five dollars for 100 miles of travel, making the cost of running an EV less than one third compared to a typical combustion engine vehicle.

In addition, maintenance costs are minimal as there is no combustion engine to service.

Nissan LEAF, the world’s best selling EV, is 100 per cent powered by electricity and uses a standard 120 plug or a 240 volt charger to power the electric motor.

BPL announced recently that they are making a free charging station available to EV customers in their Blue Hill Headquar-

POPE GOES ELECTRIC WITH NISSAN LEAF

Pope Francis, who has called for action to stop climate change, is now the owner of a Nissan Leaf electric car. The vehicle was a gift from German investor Jochen Wermuth in February. Wermuth originally offered the Pope a Tesla Model S electric limousine - but the Pontiff preferred a smaller car.

Pope Benedict XVI was the first Pope to drive an election car - a Kangoo ZE from Renault.

PORTLAND COMMITS TO 100 PER CENT RENEWABLE ENERGY BY 2050

PORTLAND and Multnomah County have pledged to

completely transition to renewable energy sources by 2050.

Monday’s announcement from Mayor Ted Wheeler and County Chair Deborah Kafoury places the Portland-metro region alongside 25 other cities that have committed to 100-percent renewables.

Nearly 90 major U.S. companies have also committed.

Portland has been working on climate change since it became the first U.S. city to adopt a carbon reduction strategy in 1993.

In addition to making its own moves to use clean energy, the city said in a statement that it plans to resist any federal policy changes that increase carbon emissions.

Q: WHAT IS AN EV? An EV is an electric vehicle. It does not require any gasoline and is propelled by an electric motor using energy from the electricity grid or from solar, stored in rechargeable batteries.

The motor provides instant torque, creating strong, smooth acceleration.

Around three times as efficient as cars with traditional combustion engines, the running costs of an EV are usually very low. EVs also run quietly and do not emit tailpipe pollutants.

The world’s top selling highway-capable electric car is the Nissan LEAF. Q: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EVS AND HYBRID CARS? The primary difference between an EV and a Hybrid car is that the Hybrid derives some of its power from a conventional gasoline engine, requiring visits to the gas station and regular service of the combustion engine.

A true 100 per cent electric car like the Nissan LEAF gets all of its power from electrical sources, including solar power and thereby is a completely zero-emission vehicle.

Q: WILL I RUN OUT OF POWER WITH AN EV? With a conventional combustion engine vehicle, you make plans to refill the tank with gas when it is running low. With an EV, you fill up at home, at work, or on the road by plugging in at your convenience any time.

Fully charged, the range of a Nissan LEAF is up to 100 miles and the majority of drivers drive less than 30 miles per day, so the battery will not be empty, even if you forget to plug in sometimes.

BPL has acquired electric vehicles for its company fleet. The company said: ‘Staying abreast of the technological advancements is essential to our success and we are proud to be at the forefront of new technologies and clean energy solutions.’

ters. Two other public charging stations are now available at the Bahamas National Trust on Village Road and The Island House in Lyford Cay. In addition to being the only distributor of EVs in The Bahamas, Easy Car Sales also has Nissan-certified EV technicians on staff to service vehicles should issues arise, and the required diagnostic tools.

“We are thrilled that BPL is investing in zero-emission EVs. It shows that organisations can

make business savvy decisions that not only work for them but are also good for the environment,” said Pia Farmer, Director at Easy Car Sales.

“As an EV driver myself for the past three years, I know the satisfaction of owning an electric car.

“I purchased it for environmental reasons, but I quickly understood that it costs less to own, it’s easier to maintain, it’s reliable and I really enjoy driving it.”

Q: HOW DO I CHARGE AN EV? When purchasing an electric vehicle, a charger is included, or you may choose to install a faster option. After installation, just plug in your car. Your EV is fully charged in just a few hours.

Similar to cell phones, a full charge is not necessary for use. EVs like the Nissan LEAF can also use regular household power outlets, though this method takes longer.

Either way, never stop at a gas station again.

Q: HOW WILL AN EV AFFECT MY ELECTRIC BILL? Electric vehicles are very economical. The Nissan LEAF for example, costs approximately 5 cents per mile at current energy prices in the Bahamas.

That translates into $5 for a full charge which will take you 100 miles. In general, expect to spend less than a third of what you would normally spend on gasoline - and no combustion engine service.

Q: HOW MUCH DOES AN EV COST TO MAINTAIN? Electric vehicles are very low maintenance. With the Nissan LEAF for example, when service is needed, diagnostics are performed on a computer.

Since there is no combustion engine, there is no oil change, no spark plugs or pistons, no radiator problems or mufflers, literally 1,000 parts which are not present in an EV to repair or replace.

This makes maintenance costs dramatically lower than a traditional vehicle and translates into fewer maintenance visits and lower costs.

For more questions about EVs email AskMe@easy242.com.

PAGE 10, Wednesday, April 12, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

THE LAST DESPERATE HOURS OF THE EL FARO With no wind gauge and insufficient lashing to hold containers in place, an aged US freighter was no match for the full fury of Hurricane Joaquin. Using recordings from the ship’s recovered ‘black box’, Jason Dearen pieces together the final moments before all hands were lost in Bahamian waters in 2015 DANIELLE Randolph squinted through rainsplattered windows as the sea freighter lunged upward sharply, then fell into the trough of a 30-foot-tall wave. The skies were black.

The second mate stood on the navigation bridge high above the El Faro’s main deck, which spread out before her like an aircraft carrier stacked high with red, white and blue cargo containers.

News blurted through the bridge’s radio speaker: forecasters had named the storm Hurricane Joaquin as it built into a Category 3, with winds of 130mph. “Oh my God,” she said to the helmsman standing nearby, bracing when the ship she called “the rust bucket”

shuddered over another wave. “Can’t pound your way through them waves.

Break the ship in half,” the helmsman said.

It was 1.15am on October 1, 2015, and the Atlantic was boiling over. The El Faro, sailing near San Salvador Island, was being knocked about by the strongest October storm to hit Bahamian waters since 1866. In the coming hours, the El Faro and its crew would fight desperately for survival.

Another wave slammed into them. “Oh (expletive),” said Randolph.

“That was a bad one.” The alarm sounded. The ship was now pushed in another direction, off the captain’s chosen course. After a few

THE CARGO ship El Faro, which was lost as it passed through Bahamian waters during the storm with its full crew of 33.

This run was to be the “suck it up”, she worked per management, and aftense seconds, the El Faro El Faro’s last before a ma- hard and asked few ques- ter initially leaning toward righted herself.

“She’s doin’ good. I’m im- jor retrofit. Inspectors had tions. offering Davidson the job But now, she was helpless heading one of its new ships pressed. Knock on wood,” found parts of the vessel’s boilers that were “deterio- against the crushing waves, the company decided to said Randolph.

The El Faro was one of rated severely” and service wind and rain. “It would go in a different direction. two ships owned by TOTE was scheduled in the next help if I knew which direc- Now favoured were youngMaritime Inc that navigat- month. This came as no tion the swell was coming er captains who could drive ed in constant rotation be- surprise: one Coast Guard from,” Randolph said to the the new high-tech freighttween Jacksonville, Florida, inspector had identified a helmsman. “I could alter ers. and San Juan, Puerto Rico. “disturbing” uptick in safe- course a little more. I can’t Before leaving port in It brought everything from ty discrepancies during the see.” They heard a massive Jacksonville, Davidson exmilk to Mercedes Benz cars El Faro’s inspections from thump from below, in the pressed disappointment to to the island. If the El Faro 2013 to 2014. The Guard bowels of the ship. The El colleagues that he had not missed its run store shelves was in the process of add- Faro carried heavy cargo been chosen to command sat empty, an economy suf- ing the 40-year-old ship to in its interior holds: if that the modern, liquefied natufered and TOTE lost mon- its “target list” of US cargo was a car or something else ral gas-fuelled ship that was vessels that needed a higher coming loose, it was a sail- to replace the El Faro. The ey. level of scrutiny. or-crushing danger. captain had been disapTo add to the danger, the “Whoooo!”

Randolph pointed by the news, but he El Faro was equipped with exclaimed. was a professional. Perhaps open-top lifeboats similar “Yeah, it’s startin’ to he thought he could show to those used on the Titanic get a little bit more active them that they had made a or Lusitania. around here,” mistake by making the El Modern ships the helmsman Faro’s cargo run on time, ‘They heard a carry the replied. The even with a major storm round, tent- massive thump swelling seas system in his way. Davidson like lifeboats from below, in the shoved the El knew what could happen to with electronFaro around masters who raised safety ic beacons bowels of the ship. like a cork. concerns that were not conthat dramati- The El Faro carried Randolph sidered serious enough by cally increase heavy cargo in its could not the company. He had been survival know exactly fired by a prior employer afchances in a interior holds: if how hard ter an incident with another shipwreck. the wind was ship. The steering was bad that was a car or Once, Ran- something else blowing. The on that one, and he had redolph texted El Faro’s an- fused an order to take it to pictures of coming loose, emometer, or port, requiring the compathe El Faro’s it was a sailorwind gauge, ny to hire tugboats to drag lifeboats to crushing danger.’ had been bro- it there instead. her mother. ken for years.

The course alarm, which “Is that your To adapt, blared every time the ship lifeboat? It’s open,” her the sailors usually stepped deviated from its promother replied, aghast. A out on deck to gauge wind grammed route, was now coastal Mainer, Laurie Bo- speed the old-fashioned ringing every few seconds billot knew open life boats way, by checking the flap as the seas flung the vessel to be a thing of the past. of the boat’s flags. That around. The captain or“Let’s hope you never get was impossible in the dark. dered it turned off, along into some rough seas,” she Randolph scanned the ra- with the auto-piloting syswrote, “because you know dar for a fellow vessel in tem, nicknamed the “Iron kid, you’re screwed.” the area, but every other Mike”. They would have to “Yes, I know,” Randolph ship had diverted to avoid steer the ship manually, to replied. “Mom, if I ever die the storm. The El Faro was use their human senses to of #33 Devonshire Street, Cable Beach, at sea, that’s where I want alone. feel the swell and winds, as will be held on Thursday, April 13th, to be.”

“Hello, Joaquin,” Ran- they piloted blindly into the 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at The New Bethdolph said to the storm. waves. lehem Baptist Church, Independence Dismissive attitude “It’s just getting bigger - our Containers the size of a Highway. Officiating will be Rev. Dr. Randolph had a cordial path is going right through Mack trucks were breaking Everette J. Brown assisted by Rev. Cecil relationship with the cap- it.” free from their chain lashHiggs, Rev. Sheila Brown, Rev. Christain of the El Faro. She reAt 3.34am the captain ings. They had left port not tine Johnson, Rev. Derek Munroe, Minspected him, but told her emerged from his state- expecting the heavy weathister Sharon Cleare, Father Stephen Damother and friends she did room. Randolph greeted er and did not ask the longvies and other Ministers of the Gospel. not like his dismissive atti- him, grateful for the chance shoremen for extra storm Interment will follow in Lakeview Metude. The storm had been to go down to her room for lashes, the ship’s third mate morial Gardens and Mausoleums, John growing, so Randolph sug- a quick rest. She had found had said ruefully earlier in F. Kennedy Drive & Gladstone Road. gested they consider taking time to fire off a quick the day, as the storm worsa longer, slower route south email to her mother. “We ened. Now, thrown off balthrough the Old Bahama are heading straight into it, ance, the El Faro tilted Loving memories will remain in the hearts if his Loving and Devoted Wife Channel. But the captain Category 3, last we checked. precariously to the right, or of 55 years: Minister Mabel L. Farquharson; Their Wonderful and Caring had the final word on voy- Winds are super bad. Love starboard, as it plunged into Children-Sons: Wayne (Patrina), Warren (Gayle) and Erold Jr. (Dr. Tracey) age planning, and he re- to everyone.” the pounding waves.

Farquharson; Daughters: Claudine, Cleora and Carlene Farquharson, Cora fused to deviate.

Later that day, reading Unsure why his boat was (Kendrick Sr.) Clarke, Dr. Carnille Farquharson-Deveaux; Grandchildren: KeShe had noticed the cap- the email in Denmark, Wis- listing, the captain searched neisha, Kendrick Jr. and Kendal Clarke, Bernard, Ryan, Patrick, Gerrick and tain was sound asleep when consin, Randolph’s mother for a solution. The steep anJordan Farquharson and Christian Deveaux; Great-granddaughter: Kyanah she called. It rang a few knew something was wrong. gling of the ship was making Clarke; Siblings: Cleomi Ferguson, Doreen Williams, Althea (Donald) Fergutimes before he answered.

Randolph never signed her it hard to stand up straight. son, Kendal (Pastor Julie) Farquharson, Glenn (Hazel) Farquharson, Curlean The ship was taking a emails, “Love to everyone”. If he knew the hurricaneClarke, Arnold (Arlene) Farquharson, Robert Farquharson, Ednol Farquharbeating, she had said, but Her mother understood force wind’s direction - difson, Dr. Prescola (Rev. Dr. Phillip) Williamson; Nieces & Nephews and their was holding course. The that her daughter was send- ficult to detect at night in families: Karen (Vincent) Hawkins, Kayla (Cleveland) Rahming, Kim (Craig) captain asked about the ing a coded message: I may a hurricane with a broken Rahming, Kathy Williams, Kermit, Joycelyn (Ezekiel) Stubbs, Anthony Ferlatest weather reports. He never see you again. wind gauge - the helmsman guson, Alson (Michelle) Ferguson, Linda (Simeon) Brown, Christine Ferguwould return to the bridge could position the freighter son, Steven Ferguson, Vereneque (Dr. Woodley) Thompson, Sheena Ferguin a few hours. She hung up Tilted precariously so that the wind hit its left, son, Dorcas Moss, Pamela, Yvette, Karen, Dorinda, Angela, Kelsey, Chris, the phone as the ship took With his square chin, port side, correcting the Patrick, Rico, Mario and Brice Farquharson, Tyrone, Michelle and Gary Faron another huge wave. salt-and-pepper hair and vessel’s pitch. Flooding quharson, Bridgette and Lynden Clarke, Rico (Wonia) and Renata Farquhar“He said to run it. Hooold thick Mainer’s brogue, the in the cavern-like interior son, Lashanda, Nolanda, Robert Jr., Rolessa, Rashad, Shannon Williamson, on to your ass!” Randolph El Faro’s captain was a me- holds could be battled with Patrice Lawrence, Tanya, Kayla, Deno and Kerah Farquharson, Carlese (Winshouted. ticulous master who struck pumps to redirect the water “Figured the captain a commanding presence. into other areas for balance. ston) Henry, Zania (Irvin) Arthur, Vaughn, Renee, Lasean, Damian, Dwanya would be up here,” the Yet Michael Davidson’s de- If the ship lost some of its and Gabrielle Farquharson, Patrina (Joseph) Johnson, Prescott (Crissonda) helmsman said. Micro- tached, hands-off style led 20-ton containers, he could Williamson, Phillip Jr. and Phylicia Williamson, Marilyn (Wilmore) Munroe, phones on the bridge picked Randolph and some others use the pumps to help comChristopher (Delores) Farquharson, Robert (Priscilla), Kenneth (Ruthmae) up their conversations, to describe the 53-year-old pensate for that, too.

Farquharson, Kermit (Janet) Farquharson, Christine Thompson, Darryl (Carwhich were sent to a voy- master as a “stateroom capNone of that mattered la) Cunningham, Orville and Henry Jr. Cunningham, Myrtle (Henry) Scavella, age data recorder, the ship’s tain”. Stateroom captains without power, though.

Marie Johnson, Valderine Moss, Clarinet (Phillip) McDonald, Anna (Hubert) “black box”. did not get their hands dirty The captain called down to Rolle, Margurite (Preston) Cunningham, Olean Bonaby, Sylvia (Donathan) “I thought so too. I’m sur- and were not seen a lot on the engine room to check Rolle, Basil (Marie) Simms, Ireline (Ronald) Neymour, Claudell Johnson and prised,” Randolph replied. deck. They did not share that the ship’s boilers, its Yasmine Johnson; Extended Family and Friends: Numerous grand-nieces/ “Damn,” the helmsman smokes and chit chat with only source of power, were nephews & extended family, Commissioner Ellison Greenslade & the entire said with disappointment. the crew. still operational. Without Royal Bahamas Police Force, the Right Honorable Hubert A. Ingraham & “He’ll play hero tomorrow,” On the bridge, he greeted propulsion in a Category 3 Family, Senator Keith & Clara Bell and Family, Hon. Frank Watson & Famhe said laughing. The cap- Randolph’s replacement, storm, the El Faro would be ily Pastor & Rev. Sheila Brown & Family, Evangelist Mother Alice Cleare tain would be praised for chief mate Steve Shultz, and lost. & Family, Rev. Christine Johnson & Family, Ministerial Board & officers & the ship making it through a new helmsman, Frank “How you guys doing members of the entire New Bethlehem Baptist Church Family, Retired Police Hurricane Joaquin to San Hamm. He set out to calm down there?” he asked. The Officers Association, Prison Fellowship, Kiwanis Clubs of New Providence, Juan on time. their nerves. “There’s noth- engineer replied that they Zonta Club of New Providence, Officers & Members of the Bahamas BapEven after a decade at ing bad about this ride,” the were “blowin’ tubes”, or tist Convention, The Pastors & Members of Bahamas Faith Ministries, The sea, Randolph, 34, main- captain announced, despite trying to remove obstrucPastor & Members of Maranatha Seventh Day Adventist Church, the Pastained a youthful air. Her the hurricane raging out- tions from the engine as it round, freckled face was side. “I was sleepin’ like a chugged. There was anothtor & Members of Calvary Bible Church, Rev. Cedric Farquharson & Famslightly weathered from the baby. This is every day in er problem: the intake tube ily, Dr. Doswell Coakley & Family, the Family of the Late Iris Daxon, Mr. & sun, and her dumb jokes Alaska,” the captain con- that sucked oil like a straw Mrs. Alfred Bullard & Family, Mr. & Mrs. Keith Mason & Family, Mr. & Mrs. endeared her to the 32 tinued. No one could see from a large tank into the Reginald Ferguson & Family, Mr. Luther Smith & Family, Mrs. Annie Collie crewmates who relied on out of the windows, except engines was starting to lose & Family, Mr. Raymond Farquharson & Family, Mr. Charles Farquharson & her skilful navigation. She for when brief sparks of contact with the oil due to Family, Mr. John Nixon & Family, the Bernard Family, Edith Young & Family, stood only 5ft 3in but her lightning illuminated the the ship’s tilt. Without oil, Elsa McKay & Family, Karen Khoo & Family, and all Families of the Crooked mariner toughness was dis- rain. “A typical winter day the engines would stop runIsland Community, the Cable Beach Community, Dr. Ilsa Grant-Taylor & the played in the large anchor in Alaska.” ning altogether. staff of Renal House, Dr. Hanna & the staff of Chesapeake Comprehensive tattoo on her chest, which Earlier in his career Care, Yasmine Johnson, Mr. Faron Newbold & Family, Mrs. Judith Stuartpeeked over the neckline of Davidson had navigated TOMORROW: El Faro Henfield & Family, Elizabeth Farquharson, Karen Golaub and the Supervisors the vintage ‘50s dresses she freighters in the Alaska loses propulsion, spelling & Staff of Good Hope Security Services. liked to wear on shore. trade, known in the indus- the end for the vessel, its Randolph was one of try as one of the most bruis- captain and terrified crew Viewing will be held at the Paul Farquharson Conference Centre, Police only two women on this car- ing theatres of sailing. But • Jason Dearen is a FlorHeadquarters, East Street North on Wednesday (TODAY) from 10:00 a.m. go run. Raised in a military his leadership had been ida-based reporter with the to 6:00 p.m. and at the church on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until service time. family whose motto was questioned by TOTE’s up- Associated Press

Full Military Funeral Service

Retired Deputy Commissioner Of Police EROLD FARQUHARSON, 75

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, April 12, 2017, PAGE 11

THE GOVERNOR General’s Youth Award paid tribute to its outgoing chairman, former Governor General Sir Orville Turnquest at its annual general meeting on Saturday at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture. From left, Rosamund Roberts, secretary to the board; Susan Black, member of the board of trustees; William Birchall, member of the board of trustees and new chairman John Bethell Jr.

A salute to Sir Orville Turnquest TRIBUTES were paid to former Governor General Sir Orville Turnquest at the annual general meeting of the Governor General’s Youth Award as he steps down as the organisation’s chairman of the board of trustees.

“I am honoured to follow Sir Orville as he did great things while on the board,” said incoming chairman, John Bethell Jr, in his first public address to the youth self-development programme over the weekend.

Following the sudden death of Robert Nihon in 2007, Sir Orville stepped in for what was supposed to be a short stint, while a suitable candidate could be identified. The temporary post lasted a decade.

“Sir Orville Turnquest has become synonymous with Governor General’s Youth Award (GGYA). He has been with us for many, many years. I call him the father of the GGYA,” said Jack Thompson, chairman of GGYA’s management council. “There comes a time when you have to pass the baton on. We are indebted to him for the years, for his guidance, his leadership and his vision.”

Ironically, it was during Sir Orville’s time serving as governor general in 1987 that the organisation changed its name from the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to its present moniker. Thus, as the one who approved the change, Sir Orville was the award’s first national patron.

During his term as chairman, GGYA grew to become one of the largest and most vibrant organisations in the Americas region. According to stats released in October 2016, by the Americas Awards, the Bahamas is second in the region in number of participants.

Canada is first.

“This programme was designed to promote in young people a spirit of self-worth, of enterprise and of commitment to the betterment of our community,” said Sir Orville in his final, written AGM address as chairman.

“It is therefore heartening to see young people who are susceptible to failing – instead, excelling and choosing positive and productive paths.”

Sir Orville noted that the organisation’s 30th anniversary poses a fitting time “to focus and remind ourselves

of the key role” GGYA has played in the lives of youths across the nation.

It was a “privilege and honour” to serve as the patron and chairman of an organisation “unmatched among youth groups worldwide,” he wrote in his welcoming remarks in the Saturday, April 8, AGM booklet.

Sir Orville said he tendered his resignation “knowing that the programme continues to excel, and that it is in excellent hands for the future.”

Incoming chairman Mr Bethell espoused two main goals. He is principally concerned with growing the organisation, which had 1,937 participants and disbursed 553 awards in 2016. A second focus is to raise the funds necessary to sustain growth.

“I will do my very best along with my fellow trustees to continue to grow the GGYA and make it one of the best organizations in our country,” said Mr Bethell.

The award is comprised of three levels (bronze, silver and gold) each progressively more challenging in time and demands.

It is comprised of four

sections: service, skills, physical recreation and adventurous journey (hiking component). At the gold level, a residential (community service) project is required to be executed while camping away from home.

The AGM affords the organisation an opportunity to review its successes and challenges of the preceding year, while developing strategies and methods to further strengthen the programme during the current year and beyond.

“In this tight austere time when many have seen great cutbacks, the work of this organisation has continued to move on,” said Everette Mackey, treasurer of GGYA’s management council.

“All of our goals and targets may not have been met due to various challenges but we continue to press on. We stayed in the black last year and that was great.”

In 2016, the programme was also successful in increasing diversity. An allinclusive organisation, GGYA welcomes disadvantaged youths, those from ethnic minority backgrounds and individuals with a physical or learning disability.

JACK THOMPSON, chairman of GGYA’s management council hailed Sir Orville as “the father of the GGYA.”

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PAGE 12, Wednesday, April 12, 2017

An Easter delight

THE TRIBUNE

THE EASTER Bunny along with Elmo and Dora took a visit to Harbour Bay Shopping Plaza to greet children with easter eggs and candies at the weekend.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff