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VOLUME:114 No.100, APRIL 13th, 2017

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ENROLMENT FOR NHI TO BEGIN ON APRIL 24

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net ENROLMENT for National Health Insurance will begin on April 24, the NHI Secretariat announced yesterday, at which time Bahamians will be able to choose their primary care physician.

Family medicine practitioners, general practitioners, internists, obstetricians SEE PAGE SIX

Offer to residents ISLAND LUCK’S EASTER GIFT TO SCHOOLCHILDREN who stick to specified limits

By TANEKA THOMPSON Tribune News Editor tmthompson@tribunemedia.net IF elected to office for another term, the Progressive Liberal Party said it plans to “make the cost of electricity free to residential customers who limit their monthly use to below specified limits,” continue the implementation of National Health Insurance and stimulate job creation.

The party also pledged to create a Ministry of Communication and Information to foster greater “transparency and accountability,” annual business planning and reporting for each government ministry as well as a training pro-

gramme for older citizens who want to learn new skills.

The promises are contained in the PLP’s “Action Plan for Moving Forward Together” which the party said would be published on its re-launched website, www.myplp.org.

The announcement was made in a press release from the PLP, saying the new website and action plan would go live on Wednesday night, which it did shortly before midnight last night.

In making its case for reelection, however, the PLP said its plan has several strategic priorities for the SEE PAGE EIGHT

PM SAYS HE DID NOT INTEND TO DIMINISH MARINES’ SACRIFICE

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday said it was not his intention to “diminish” the sacrifice of the four marines who were killed aboard HMBS Flamingo, when he set the general election on the 37th anniversary of their deaths.

Speaking with reporters on the sidelines of Urban Renewal’s Uplifting Programme at Windsor Park on Wednesday, Mr Christie said he will be attending the memorial ceremony at the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (FBDF) Base on May 10 and the government plans on “doing more” to memorialise the men.

SEE PAGE 12

THE ISLAND Luck Cares Foundation held its annual Easter basket giveaway at Uriah McPhee Primary School yesterday, giving Easter baskets to students from each grade level.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

GREENSLADE DISMISSES POLITICAL PLOY CLAIMS OVER POLICE OFFICER PROMOTIONS

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

COMMISSIONER of Police Ellison Greenslade yesterday dismissed “stupid” speculation that recently promoted officers in the Royal Bahamas Police Force were given their new posts on the eve of the election as part of a political ploy.

Speaking with the press at RBPF headquarters on Wednesday, Commissioner Greenslade said

the men and women that received promotions are “hard working, dedicated officers” who are “more than deserving” of what they received.

Over the weekend, the RBPF announced the promotions of two senior police officers to the rank of deputy commissioner.

Former Senior Assistant Commissioners Anthony Ferguson and Emrick Seymour received the promotions, which took effect on January 1.

On Wednesday, Minis-

ter of National Security Dr Bernard Nottage announced the promotion of 10 chief superintendents to assistant commissioners of police and 20 superintendents to chief superintendents.

Additionally, Assistant Commissioner of Police Stephen Dean was promoted to senior assistant of commissioner of police.

Dr Nottage said the officers will be given their new portfolios shortly.

SEE PAGE SIX

LAW ENFORCERS TO ASSIST REGISTRATION TEAM

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

COMMISSIONER of Police Ellison Greenslade said yesterday a team of high-ranking officers from

the Royal Bahamas Police Force has been assigned to the Parliamentary Registration Department to assist with “all matters related to elections”.

He said Parliamentary Commissioner Sherlyn

Hall has the full support of the RBPF and any complaints that are received will be investigated and officers will “respond as necessary”.

SEE PAGE SIX

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

MINNIS ABSENCES ‘BECAUSE HE HAS BEEN CAMPAIGNING’

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday explained that he was absent from parliament, but vowed that the final weeks of campaigning before the 2017 general elections will not be a sprint for his party, as it was described by his opponent Prime Minister Perry Christie, but a “cruise along” to the finish line.

SEE PAGE SEVEN

THE NEXT EDITION OF THE TRIBUNE IS ON TUESDAY AFTER THE EASTER HOLIDAY

PAGE 2, Thursday, April 13, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

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Don’t miss breaking news throughout the Easter weekend and a video review of the week’s most important stories with The Tribune’s Top 5. And, on Tuesday, start the week as The Tribune returns to newsstands with a round-up of all the weekend news, business and sport. Plus Insight – news, analysis and comment on the big issues of the day. Check out the latest properties for sale and rent in the Home Buyers’ Guide. And The Tribune’s Classifieds Trader – the best guide to cars for sale, real estate, help wanted and more.

POLICE examining the Fort Charlotte FNM office yesterday.

FNM CANDIDATE’S CONSTITUENCY OFFICE TARGETED BY THIEVES

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

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THE Free National Movement’s Fort Charlotte constituency office was broken into between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, the party’s local candidate Mark Humes said yesterday.

Thieves stole a 37-inch and a 24-inch flat screen TV. They removed three computers, five computer monitors and two cordless phones from the data room where they were located and dumped them in the kitchen room.

“We don’t know what their intention was,” Mr Humes said. “I don’t know if they were expecting to come back or if they did this just to be mischievous.

At the end of the day, no matter their intention, they could have taken the whole building and it still won’t stop me.”

Important campaign data was not stolen or compromised, Mr Humes said, adding that such information is not stored at that location.

Although the motives of the thieves remain unclear, Mr Humes chalked it up to

the political season.

“I don’t want to assume but this is political season,” he said. “If it’s fanatics, this is that season and I’m going to tie it to that. This is the first time this has happened.”

Mr Humes said the robbery took place sometime after he left the office at 9pm Tuesday and when his mother arrived at the office at 8.30am yesterday. She found a back door entrance to the office open.

Mr Humes said he is concerned about the safety of his staff, although he did not reveal what steps he will take to secure the office in the future.

“Someone came in the office the other day and accosted my office manager, two young ladies,” he said.

“I am concerned in this time about their safety, no doubt.”

Police officers, Mr Humes said, arrived at the office on Providence Avenue around 9am yesterday.

Yesterday, Progressive Liberal Party Chairman Bradley Roberts told The Tribune that one of the party’s constituency offices, believed to be Killarney, was also recently the target of thieves.

DAMAGE inside Mr Humes’ constituency office.

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Thursday, April 13, 2017, PAGE 3

Pastors call for carnival event in Holy Week to be scrapped

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net SAVE Our Bahamas has called for the cancellation of Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival’s “kick off” festivities scheduled for today in downtown Nassau on the grounds that the event coincides with Maundy Thursday - the religious observance of the Last Supper.

The group of pastors said they were dismayed by the Bahamas National Festival Commission’s (BNFC) announcement that it would hold its launch event during Holy Week. The BNFC is planning a block party in Pompey Square today.

Pastor Mario Moxey called on the BNFC to reschedule the event in observance of Holy Thursday.

Pastor Moxey said: “Holy Week is one of the most and perhaps for some, the most sacred observance for the Christian church due to the number of significant holy days celebrated in one week starting with Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday.

“On this basis, we publicly appeal to the moral sensibilities of the government and the Bahamas National Festival Commission to cancel the carnival kickoff festivities planned for (today), Maundy Thursday.

“As national leaders,

THE BAHAMAS Junkanoo Carnival Road Fever Parade last year. Pastors are upset that there will be a kick-off event for this year’s carnival today, the day before Good Friday. whether we are church been opposed to Junkanoo finals competition will be leaders, governmental lead- Carnival since its introduc- held. ers, civic leaders or business tion, insisting that the fesBNFC has been under leaders, we all have a cor- tival brought overt sexual fire over the last two weeks porate responsibility to pre- behaviour to the streets of as a result of the decision serve that which has been the country. for a last-minute delay and entrusted to us by guiding Save Our Bahamas con- ultimate revision of dates and shaping the moral nar- sists of Mr Moxey, senior for this year’s festival. rative of our country. pastor of Bahamas HarA source at the BNFC “We should have the vest Church; Lyall Bethel, said due to previous miscourage to teach those pastor of Grace Com- haps, plans have to proceed among us the importance munity Church; Minister as scheduled. of preserving and maintain- Kevin Harris; Alfred StewHowever, that source did ing all that is sacred. This is art, senior pastor at New not specify if officials were not solely the responsibility Mount Zion Missionary aware of the pastors’ comof church leaders. This is all Baptist Church; and Geof- plaints. of our responsibility. frey Wood, senior pastor of On Tuesday, Tourism “Let us as a people re- Temple Baptist Church.

Minister Obie Wilchcombe spect the holy days and reliJunkanoo Carnival’s of- insisted that there has not gious customs of our island ficial launch will not take been any “negative” feednation to preserve our val- place until April 28 and back associated with the ues for generations.”

29 in Grand Bahama when festival due the drama surSave Our Bahamas has the Music Masters semi- rounding this year’s dates.

BRAZILIAN BEEF TEMPORARY IMPORT BAN LIFTED THE Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources has lifted the temporary ban on the import of beef and beef by-products from Brazil.

In a statement yesterday, the ministry said that in consultation with the chief veterinary officers of CARICOM, it is satisfied that importation of beef and beef by-products from Brazil may resume with immediate effect.

“However, the ministry will remain vigilant regarding all food items imported into the Bahamas, and will apply the normal protocols

to ensure the safety of all consumers within our borders,” the statement noted.

In late March the government announced a ban on all processed meat imports from Brazil for 60 days as a precaution following the shocking bribery scandal unfolding in the South American country.

It was reported at the time that the government of Brazil had suspended exports from 21 meat-processing units due to food inspectors taking bribes to allow sales of rotten and salmonella-tainted meats.

“To safeguard public

health and food safety in the Bahamas, the Minister for Agriculture and Marine Resources V Alfred Gray, has announced a precautionary ban of meat imports from Brazil,” the ministry said last month.

“Until further notice, no permits for the importation of processed meat products from Brazil will be issued.

This includes corned beef as well as other beef products and beef by-products.”

Last month, the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources said it would monitor the issue over the next 60 days.

“Should we be satisfied that imports from Brazil be resumed, it would be with the following proviso: beef must be slaughtered and processed at an approved government abattoir and processing facility; a sanitary certificate should accompany all imports from Brazil; inspection of all batch containers be done at the port of entry; an import permit must be sought by all importers from the relevant government agency; and a registry must be compiled of all importers of beef and beef products from Brazil,” the previous statement said.

ROBIN HOOD FLOUR RECALL THERE has been a recall of Robin Hood flour in Canada due to possible e-coli contamination, the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources has advised.

The warning first came from the Bahamas Embas-

sy in Ottawa, the ministry said.

Merchants and consumers are asked to check the following product number for the flour, PC code of 0 59000 01652 8 with a best before date of April 17, 2018, and discard it.

HUNT FOR POLICEWOMAN’S KILLER

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

GRAND Bahama police have released a composite sketch of a man they believe can help in the ongoing murder investigation into the death of Theresa Thompson.

The man is about 6ft – 6’1” weighing approximately 180 lbs, slim, with a dark complexion.

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Thompson, a reserve police officer, was shot while at a club on Oat Street in Freeport, Grand Bahama sometime around 9pm on Saturday, April 1. Her death is the fourth murder for the year on Grand Bahama.

The island recorded its first and second murders for 2017 on February 1 when Stephon LaFrance and Joseph Bain were shot at a club on Oak Street. The third homicide occurred on February 14 at Eight Mile Rock when Margaret Smith was fatally stabbed on Valentine’s Day. Anyone with information that can assist police with their investigations are asked to call 242-350-3107 through 12 in Grand Bahama, 919, or call the nearest police station.

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PAGE 4, Thursday, April 13, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

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

LEON E. H. DUPUCH,

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Have Bahamians returned to ‘Ten, ten, the Bible ten’?

“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,” said Prime Minister Perry Christie in a televised address on Tuesday as he announced the end of the 2007-2012 parliament.

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

Many Bahamians were unhappy about the chosen date - May 10 — the 47th anniversary of the sinking of HMBS Flamingo and the deaths of four Bahamian seamen, who went down with their ship.

Cuban jets had fired on the Flamingo after it had arrested two Cuban vessels illegally fishing off Ragged Island in the waters of a newly independent Bahamas.

But for others May 10 was the recall of the obeah man — “Ten, ten the Bible Ten”. This is the name of the book that Dr Timothy McCartney wrote in 1976 about obeah in The Bahamas — a subject he had studied for several years and which he discovered in the rallying cries in the PLP’s first election of 1967.

Was this year’s election date – May 10 – a conscious decision of the PLP government, or was it just habit that all things important should be on the 10th of some month— or the numerals add up to number 10? Are we being asked not only to give the PLP a second chance to deliver what was promised, but also to believe that somehow our future will improve if these “sperrids” are allowed to facilitate the return of a PLP government, which the prime minister himself admits “never claimed to be perfect”?

Of course, if given a second chance, he promised that his government would make amends for its failures. It would be a foolish people who would accept such an empty challenge.

How many Bahamians are prepared to risk their futures with this government and the toss of the dice with the obeah man?

Speaking about obeah — the subject of his book —at an Historical Society meeting in 1975, Dr McCartney said that the title chosen for his book was “uniquely Bahamian”.

“Ten, ten the Bible ten,” he said, “was a statement often used by Bahamians as a protection from ‘sperrids.‘” He said it was not only a forbidden number for the “sperrid”, but also a magic number for success or protection from the “sperrid”.

“For example,” he told his audience in 1975, “10 has been a rallying departure for success for the present government of the Bahamas - the Progressive Liberal Party.

“The PLP first came to power on January 10, 1967; increased their majority on April 10, 1968 in preparation for the general election, dissolved the House on August 10, 1972 and the Bahamas became an independent nation on July 10, 1973.”

“Ten, ten the Bible 10” phobia was broken when the FNM won the August 19, 1992 election. Although the August date had been set by the governing PLP, they were still within their traditional 10 because anything that came to 10 – for example one plus nine (in August 19) added up to 10 – qualified to be included in the biblical Number 10.

When it was the FNM’s turn to set an election date – at the end of its first term in office — May 2, 2002 was chosen. The

FNM, after serving two five year terms, were defeated by the Christie government on May 7, 2012. Now at the end of his five year term, Prime Minister Christie, with the announcement that the 2017 elections will be held on May 10, has — whether intentionally or not—returned us to the mysteries of “Ten, ten, the Bible ten.”

However, the most unnerving feature of that earlier period of PLP government were the number of deaths of PLP politicians during its first 15 years in office.

Whenever a bye-election was called, reporters in our office started to speculate as who in the PLP ranks would also die at this time.

Uriah McPhee, 42, PLP Shirlea MP, was the first and youngest PLP member to die in office. Eight months after the PLP became the government, Mr McPhee was dead. For some unknown reason, there was a great deal of mystery surrounding his death. At The Tribune, we had heard a report that he had died.

However, the PLP denied the report.

Then their mouthpiece, The Bahamian Times, announced that he had died on Sunday, February 18, 1967. The Times then changed the date of the death to Saturday, February 17. However, The Tribune persisted until it got a copy of the death certificate only to discover that Mr McPhee had died on Friday, February 16 at Boston General Hospital — two days before the PLP government would acknowledge his death. He died from a liver ailment. With him at the time of his death was his friend, Preston Albury, Rock Sound MP, who himself died in office of a heart attack on March 9, 1980. A bye-election was held after Mr McPhee’s death and Mr James Moultrie was returned. A short time afterwards, Mr Moultrie’s sister was dead.

These were the types of deaths that shook the community. During this period, although it might have been a coincidence — whenever there was an election there seemed to be a death in the PLP family. For example, the death of Clarence Bain, 67, on July 15, 1971 precipitated an election in the Mangrove Cay constituency. The PLP put up Darrell Rolle, newly returned home from studies abroad. Mr Rolle won, but very soon afterwards his sister, Cynthia Murphy, was dead.

And then there was the death of Shadrach Morris, 51, PLP Grants Town who died on July 10, 1982 of massive bleeding. His US doctor attributed it to drinking too much of an unknown bush tea.

These deaths precipitated letters to the editor, published in The Tribune. One letter, headed “PLP elections, the occult and deaths,” pointed out the dates of these deaths, either by a candidate or a close relation or friend, the writer suggesting that the PLP’s insistence of setting an election or important event on the 10th of a month “would seem to indicate a strong adherence to occult numerology which gives the same value (good luck or bad luck to a particular number). ” Acknowledging that it was all superstition, the writer then proceeded to list the deaths during the PLP’s term in office.

“Finally,” he wrote, “after the 1977 election, both Cedric Smith and DM Pratt died. Mr Smith had been the PLP candidate for Cat Island and Mr Pratt, though a civil servant, was an active and open supporter of the PLP.” And then came the FNM under prime minister Hubert Ingraham. The cycle of superstition and poor government was broken.

Bahamians going to the polls on May 10 should want better for themselves and their children. On all counts the PLP has failed and does not deserve another chance.

Bird or crab?

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Re: PM ‘should resign’ after ‘foul’ gesture.

The Tribune, March 1, 2017.

SOME might consider it to be highly appropriate if this eloquent fowl gesture,

known as ‘flipping the bird’, were to officially replace the sign of the crab.

KEN W KNOWLES, MD Nassau, March 1, 2017.

PLP only checking for PLPs EDITOR, The Tribune.

CHILE please, the current iteration of the PLP is only checking for PLPs. Nothing really has changed about the PLP since the Pindling era. Ever since 2012 it has been, PLPs to the spoils of victory.

FNMs, swing voters and other opposition supporters need not apply for any government job.

For as the late Clement T Maynard, former deputy prime minister in the Pindling administration, once famously said, he only checking for PLPs. The political apple hasn’t fallen too far from the tree.

It would appear that PM Perry Christie has inherited many of the victimising traits of his political father, Pindling.

Christie once raved about a certain code of ethics in his first administration. Not surprisingly, nothing is ever said about that ethics code nowadays. And even when it was bandied about back then, it wasn’t worth one Haitian gourde.

PLPs such as V Alfred Gray and others are warning Bahamians that an FNM administration under Dr Hubert Minnis would victimise PLP civil servants.

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net This while FNM civil servants at ZNS and other government run departments are currently being systematically harassed and threatened.

Interestingly, these very same concerned PLPs who are fretting over what an FNM government might do to them are silent over what their PLP government is doing to FNMs today.

In 2012, PLPs were gloating over FNMs who were dismissed from the civil service. They were saying that’s good for them.

The Whistleblower is willing to bet that about 90 per cent of the recent customs and immigration recruits are PLPs. The remaining ten per cent are too afraid to express their political persuasion, for fear of losing their job.

One young Bahamian woman who has her BGCSEs and BJCs attempted to gain employment at Customs. She was asked if she is PLP. When she said no, the government representative informed her that only PLPs are being hired.

FNMs need not apply.

The only qualification one

needs in order to gain a government job is to be PLP. The only qualification one needs to secure a lucrative government contract is to be a PLP. Just ask Toggie and Bobo.

The incident concerning the young lady didn’t happen in the 1980s when Pindling was at the zenith of political power; it happened this year. You pay PLPs any mind, you would think FNMs such as the young lady don’t pay taxes in this country.

While unqualified PLPs are being hired at a frenzied pace in order to make the 32,000 jobs claim believable, educated and qualified Bahamians are being turned away because they are FNMs. This is happening today under PM Perry Christie’s PLP government that claims to believe in all Bahamians. They are over bloating government departments with unqualified PLPs who will cry victimisation when an FNM government will be forced to make some very tough decisions shortly after this election. Chile please, the PLP is only checking for PLPs. THE WHISTLEBLOWER Nassau, April 6, 2017.

The two PLPs EDITOR, The Tribune, ALFRED Sears is running on the PLP ticket for Fort Charlotte. He ran for leader of the PLP against Perry Christie, with the message that the PLP will lose under the Christie leadership. Is he therefore telling the people of Fort Charlotte that they should follow him, in voting for a party that will lose? Alfred Sears likes to use the word “integrity” when describing his main characteristics. Where is his integrity towards the voters of Fort Charlotte?

What is his position on the behaviour of his leader in recent days? Does he still think that Perry Christie is unable to command the

support of the people in the upcoming election?

I have been convinced, over the past few years that there are two PLPs. The first PLP is Perry’s Liberal Party (a dictatorship), composing of Perry Christie, his Cabinet and their close friends, and orbiting them are the cronies and people who have directly benefitted from their influence.

The second PLP is the party composed of ordinary Bahamians who simply do not believe the reports of Government corruption and ineptitude. The voters of Fort Charlotte would like to know which PLP Alfred Sears belongs to?

There are some who would believe that Sears would like the PLP under

Christie, to lose, and, if able to gain a seat in Fort Charlotte, be able to emerge as leader of a new style PLP, with himself as leader (financed and supported by the numbers cartel). I really do not think that my hypothesis is too far off the mark.

The PLP have learned the value of Time and Patience from their Chinese friends. But then, how much time has elapsed since the Chinese gave the gift of the Stadium, and where they are now - in a position to influence affairs which should be within the sovereign domain of the Bahamian people?

STUART HOWELLS Nassau, April 11, 2017.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, April 13, 2017, PAGE 5

Killarney residents give view on future of Minnis

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

WHILE there is a widely held view that Free National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis will easily clinch the needed support in Killarney to defeat Progressive Liberal Party newcomer Reneika Knowles, some in the constituency appear undecided with the general election a month away.

Yesterday, The Tribune canvassed Killarney, spanning various communities off West Bay Street to parts of Gambier, as part of a series of constituency visits in the lead up to the election.

While Dr Minnis has struggled with the leadership of the FNM, it has been thought that he has been a far better representative for the constituency. However, Orthnell Humes, who has lived in Gambier his entire life told The Tribune Dr Minnis has done very little in Gambier.

Mr Humes said he would be focused on Dr Minnis and the PLP candidate over the next few weeks, as Democratic National Alliance (DNA) candidate Arinthia Komolafe had just made her presence known in the area.

He said it appeared that the candidates considered Gambier as a last resort and stressed that residents were not “idiots”.

“I’m undecided,” he said, “and I’m watching them. If you get a job, they give you 90 days to work. We, the Bahamian people, only have three weeks so I’m watching them. If you really want the people’s vote you have to start doing things ahead of time. You just can’t come here three or four weeks before and expect us to support you.

“I married my wife after six months, you know what happened after that? Get to know your people man.”

He continued: “Look at the area, Minnis hasn’t done anything for five years.

“Minnis passed through.

But his office is basically in Delaporte. To us, it’s like way in the back of one bush they call way in the back of God’s back. It seems like everyone now coming. God (must have) turned around because everyone comes to Gambier now. You don’t think that he as a former minister, even a health minister would be able to say let’s clean up the side of the road?

“Even if he has to get

THE SCENE in Killarney yesterday as Tribune deputy chief reporter Khrisna Virgil spoke to residents ahead of the general election. Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff “Dr Minnis is supportive Kris, who did not want to time. Even during the ple in the area he (Dr Minsome of the fellas them from round here to do it. in the area. He might not to be identified by her full hurricane time I needed nis) really caters to.”

Give them some employ- come around the way he name, said the PLP, FNM somewhere to stay, but I He added that he didn’t ment. Somebody just to su- ought to, but he supports in and DNA all have enough ended up finding some- know who the other candiissues to convince her not where to stay on my own. dates for the area were. pervise them, to do it in the some way.

“As for the PLP, we never to support any of them. But afterwards I saw Minrightful manner. What is Another woman that saw them for five years.”

However, her frustration nis and we spoke and he lives on the Cable Beach wrong with that man?

An elderly resident fur- was more over the govern- cracked a joke with me strip, who only wanted to “I’ve seen Ms Knowles.

She deals around with the ther complained that she ment’s lack of interest in asking if I was still here? be identified as Ms Turnyounger folks, the ladies believed Prime Minister the economy of Grand Ba- He said he thought the hur- quest, said she was sure Dr ricane may have taken me Minnis would be re-elected them. But from my point of Perry Christie “rang the hama.

“I can rule out all three away.” view, the ladies them they bell too quick”. She said to represent Killarney, but Asked why he wasn’t sup- told The Tribune that she run Gambier because a lot part of the reason for her in- parties,” she said. “All of of the men sit on the corner decision was because both them have issues, but in porting any candidate yet, had concerns about armed and ask for Backwoods, ci- the PLP and FNM were the last five years me look- he said: “Only certain peo- robberies in the area. only catering to diehard ing at what’s going on I feel gars and drinks. that the present party they “But these candidates party supporters.

“The PLP only checking really has pushed the isneed to know that in Gambier don’t look at us to be for one set of people and so sue for Nassau. Everything idiots. Some good and great is the FNM,” the resident is about Nassau and the Family Islands especially people are descendants of said.

“Urban Renewal sup- Grand Bahama, it’s real this village. So when you come round, we ain’t no posed to come to me for five bad and it’s been real bad years now and they ain’t from 2004. fool.”

“So it’s not only the PLP, Another resident, who reach yet. My house roof requested anonymity, said blow off in the hurricane it’s also the FNM and I can’t even say the DNA beshe doesn’t know what to and not a soul reach yet.

“What they do for round cause they are just coming do because “all of the candidates” were basically the here? They come and say around,” she continued.

A man identified as Kensame in her view. She ad- the things them gone. They mitted that Dr Minnis has send away to Miami for the neth, who lives in the same come into the area, but not stuff because it was too ex- area, said he often sees activities happening at the as much he should, add- pensive to the place there.

“Minnis was here to my FNM’s constituency office ing that she has yet to hear of any plans from him, or house. He’s all right. But across the street, but no one Boyd Road any other candidate for im- I ain’t make up my mind has ever helped him with on who I’ll vote for yet. I anything. provements in Gambier.

“I don’t know who I am She said: “I registered to don’t know. We’ll see,” she Saturday, April 22nd, 2017 going to support as yet, but vote like over two months added.

I registered,” he said. “I now. I haven’t made up my Time: 8:00 am until 3:00p.m.

Frustration didn’t even know who the mind yet on who I will supAs The Tribune moved PLP person is for this area. port.

“Honestly, I don’t know further east to another area I never really got any help what to do. All of the can- of Killarney, where there from anybody.

“I talk to ‘doc’ from time didates are basically the are middle class residents same to me. To be honest, who live in close proximity I have seen the candidates, to Dr Minnis’ headquarters but their main concern is if on West Bay Street, those you’ve registered. That’s it. in the area echoed similar But speaking of their plans tones to the people in Gamand stuff no, nothing really. bier.

Jumble Sale Saint Joseph’s Adult Day Care Centre

PAGE 6, Thursday, April 13, 2017

Enrolment for NHI to begin on April 24 from page one and gynaecologists and paediatricians will be available for selection at that time.

Peter Deveaux-Isaacs, the permanent secretary for the NHI Secretariat, told The Tribune yesterday that the list of doctors people can choose from will be made available early next week, along with the list of locations people can go to register.

The NHI Secretariat announced last week that more than 60 doctors have registered with the entity so far.

“We’ve hired up to 65 persons who will be fanned out in the community and in Grand Bahama and at NIB offices in Family Islands to get people enrolled,” Mr Isaacs said.

“We will have a full effort going on with this thing and a lot of our people are being trained as they prepare to be fanned out into the wider Bahamian community.”

To enrol, people will need their NIB smart card and proof that they have resided in The Bahamas for the last six months.

Only Bahamian citizens and legal residents can be enrolled. In addition to inperson enrolment opportunities, online enrolment also will be available.

The NHI Secretariat said people with private insurance must provide their insurance group policy and member ID number.

Once enrolment forms

are processed, people can expect to receive either their confirmation of their enrolment and primary care provider selection within ten business days or be contacted for additional documentation.

The NHI Secretariat announced last week that the National Health Insurance Act (NHIA) has come into force, empowering the government to begin staffing the National Health Insurance Agency and to begin transitioning people from public health organisations to the NHIA. The Tribune understands that the government may have already signed contracts with companies responsible for establishing and managing the NHI public insurer as well as NHI’s information technology system.

The Christie administration has chosen a prominent foreign health company to run the public insurer, The Tribune understands.

NHI is one of the Christie administration’s signature programmes.

It has got the backing of many Bahamians, polls show, but has raised concerns among key stakeholder groups, including doctors.

NHI will exist in several phases. The primary healthcare phase will cover mostly basic services, diagnostic imaging and some medications prescribed by doctors. Top government officials concede that despite the benefits of primary healthcare, a challenge they will encounter will be man-

aging the expectations of people who may not realise this phase does not cover all medical services.

The Christie administration has also set aside money for selective catastrophic coverage, although the details about what will be prioritised in this phase have not been disclosed.

The final phase - full benefits coverage - will come on stream at a later date.

Officials have said a new tax will likely be required to pay for the final phase.

The government has already missed several target dates for NHI. The primary care phase was initially expected to be launched last April. That date was pushed to January of this year.

When the January date was missed, Prime Minister Perry Christie said NHI services would be launched in the first week of April this year. That also did not happen.

Dr Duane Sands, a prominent critic of the government’s NHI scheme, criticised yesterday’s enrolment announcement.

“It is a sad testament to administrative incompetence that the signature social plank of their platform as stated five years ago, they’ve been unable to put things together,” Dr Sands, a candidate for the Free National Movement, said.

“The promises the PLP made tugged the heartstrings of Bahamians but five years later they can’t even come out of the gate with a primary care plan that says we gon’ pay for you to go to the doctor?”

THE TRIBUNE

GREENSLADE DISMISSES POLITICAL PLOY CLAIMS from page one

There were rumours on social media over the weekend that 500 police officers were promoted on the advice of Prime Minister Minister Perry Christie in order to gain votes in the upcoming election.

Former Deputy Commissioner and Free National Movement candidate for Mt Moriah Marvin Dames told a local daily on Tuesday that the promotions were a sham.

“Why do you have to promote around election time?

Mind you it is good and the officers could do with a few more dollars in their pockets, but even they can see this is a sham,” Mr Dames said.

However, Commissioner Greenslade said he will not allow anyone to rob the promoted officers of their “joy”.

“I would be weak and dishonest commissioner of police if I were to allow you to leave here with any feelings that are negative toward any of these decent hardworking officers,” Commis-

COMMISSIONER Ellison Greenslade. sioner Greenslade said.

“These are my children and I stand with them and I defend them to the death.

So I want to dispel the stupid views that some people might have, I typed the list for the promotions. Ellison Edroy Greenslade. I hope that is as straight as it can be. Anything you see in cyber space that is a leak, is not a promotion list. You cannot leak something that you don’t have. I visited Government House and collected, from Her Excellency as per proper procedures, letters for the senior team assembled here. I delivered those letters. “The commissioner of police and I stand on my credibility. It cannot be right to rob my

children of their joy. They are decent hardworking Bahamians and they are more than deserving of what they have received.”

Meanwhile, Dr Nottage said with the addition of these men and women to the senior team, he hopes that the public will no longer be able to say they do not see high-ranking officers on the streets.

“It is my hope that with these appointments that people will stop talking about not seeing policemen on the road and not seeing senior policeman among the population, ensuring that order is kept, ensuring that people are protected, preventing crime and ensuring that those who have criminal intent are dealt with in accordance to the law. That is all we are asking for,” Dr Nottage said.

“We are asking for officers who are dependable, determined, disciplined and who run a police force with those same characteristics.

I am satisfied that the persons who have been identified by this commissioner of police have ability to carry out those precepts.”

LAW ENFORCERS TO ASSIST REGISTRATION TEAM from page one

His comments came days after Free National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis said he was doubtful that the Christie administration could produce a “clean” register before the electorate heads for the polls.

Voter registration closed on Monday. Mr Hall and his department have 14 to 15 days to clean up the hundreds of reported errors presently on the register.

“The parliamentary commissioner in fairness to him has been trying to keep registration centres open and trying to get people registered,” Commissioner Greenslade said. “I think in fairness in the country and to all of us that was his primary duty. Now I believe, the parliamentary commissioner, while I can-

not speak for him, I believe will be paying attention to doing things that his office requires at the direction of the minister of national security and at the direction of the law.

“I can tell you he has the full support of this commissioner of police and these newly appointed deputy commissioners, assistant commissioners and deputy chief superintendents and if people go afoul of the law we will respond. We also set up a special team of officers led by a very senior officer, a chief superintendent, to look at all matters related to the elections, prior to the elections and through the elections. They do nothing other than take complaints, brief me if necessary and respond if necessary and we will do our best to guide people within the remit of the law.”

Commissioner

Greenslade said he does not believe everyone who registered twice did so out of malice.

“I want to also tell you, there are times when people do things but there is no bad intent. Let’s be clear about that and while this is not for the commissioner to speak and the minister will speak to it, I am satisfied based on what we have seen that there are people that may have taken a course of action with no bad intentions simply trying to err on the side of caution not wanting to be left out of an election process.”

Last Thursday, FNM Chairman Sidney Collie also 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.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, April 13, 2017, PAGE 7

FNM leader pledges more details on policies ‘with time’

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday assured Bahamians that more details on the policies espoused by his party “will come out with time,” as he maintained confidence in his party’s ability to wrest inner-city communities from the Progressive Liberal Party.

The FNM published its Manifesto 2017 on its website, ourfnm.org, in early February; however, Dr Minnis revealed yesterday that more information was on the way.

Dr Minnis was responding to questions from the media on his party’s plan to establish tax-free zones amid criticisms that the FNM’s platform was vague and non-specific about how it planned to achieve stated reforms.

“We are going to create a tax-free zone in the inner city and the boundaries are well defined,” he said.

“There are more details that will come out with time, there was certain information that we wanted to get but we can only get those information from Urban Renewal and obviously we would not get that information from Urban Renewal. But we have our plans, we know exactly, you must remember Freeport is a tax-free zone, it works there.”

He continued: “They have done it in different

DR HUBERT MINNIS, leader of the FNM. Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff parts of the (United) States, tails on how the policies will He advised that his govit works. You improve the be implemented, Dr Minnis ernment would launch a quality of life of individu- said: “Our manifesto will programme of further real als, that’s what govern- have a lot of specifics, but property tax discounts and ments are supposed to do. still there are still details rebates for all pensioners Improve the quality of life that will not be in the mani- over 65 who pay property and individual’s conditions, festo itself and as you speak tax and qualify for the create opportunities for to us and individuals and plan; a programme of “farthem so that they can es- candidates they will be able reaching” and “targeted” tablish businesses, expand to talk about education, tax initiatives geared tobusinesses, and the private they will be able to talk ward stimulating businesssector can create more jobs about environment, health, es throughout inner-city not government. Govern- various different things.” communities; and create a Last week, Dr Minnis Council of Economic Adment should concentrate on creating opportunities for flagged up three initiatives visors, to offer the “best businesses to start, develop, aimed at alleviating tax advice on economic growth grow, expand, and create burdens on inner city com- and development” to permore employment,” he said, munities, pensioners and spective entrepreneurs. potential entrepreneurs if “that’s government’s job.”

Dr Minnis made those When asked for more de- elected to office. comments while speaking

at the FNMs official regional launch of Free Town candidate Dionisio D’Aguilar, Centreville candidate Reece Chipman, Bain and Grants Town candidate Travis Robinson, St Barnabas candidate Shanendon Cartwright and Englerston candidate Raymond Rolle.

The FNM’s tax-break plans have been ridiculed by some, including Sunshine Holdings Chairman Sir Franklyn Wilson, who suggested that the government seize abandoned Over-The-Hill properties for its low income housing programme. Sir Franklyn told Tribune Business that dealing with abandoned, vacant properties in such fashion would be a far more effective way of revitalising inner-city communities rather than employ the “jokey ideas” of Dr Minnis.

Sir Franklyn pointed out that many buildings had fallen into disrepair because of inheritance and estate planning issues, with families failing to properly complete the probate process.

Yesterday, Dr Minnis insisted that his plans have been well received by innercity businesses.

“If you were to go into those communities and talk to the businessmen especially,” he said, “they would tell you many of them are on the verge of closing.

They cannot maintain their business, they are about to lay off staff, they are about to close, and I’ve asked them what would a business license exemption and

other tax exemptions do for you and they are ecstatic.”

Dr Minnis said: “That would save their businesses, create employment, allow them to expand their businesses, and as they create employment, you improve the safety, the ambiance of the community. What you fail to realise, they’ve said over and over 60 per cent of the murders occur in the inner city. Sooner or later it’s going to spill outside the inner city, so we must attack the problems.

“If you improve the quality of life of individuals, if you improve the job opportunities, allow them to become involved within their communities, and you would be surprised what would happen in this country.”

Speaking to the party’s platform, he said: “It will be fiscal responsibility, it will be transparency, we will not issue contracts without you knowing who won the contracts. You will have a system and you can appeal, you can complain and we will look at it.

“There will be total transparency, there will be honesty, and we will go hard against corruption. We will move this country into the right direction and a different direction. Right now the world looks at us and says Bahamas, that’s one of the most corrupt countries in the Caribbean and I’ve said it repeatedly corruption is endemic in this country and it has to change,” he added, “and we intend to change that”.

MINNIS ABSENCES ‘BECAUSE HE HAS BEEN CAMPAIGNING’ from page one

Denying reports that he has been “running from the press”, and a national debate, Dr Minnis told reporters that he was tirelessly campaigning to oust Prime Minister Perry Christie and the Progressive Liberal Party government.

While he noted that a leadership debate was possible on the FNM’s terms, Dr Minnis would not commit to whether he would facilitate one ahead of the general elections on May 10.

“I’ve been asked and it’s said I’m running from the press,” he said, “I’ve not been to parliament for three months, there were reasons, I was not at parliament because I was out campaigning, the FNM and my focus is to take Perry Christie’s job. I want his

job, my colleagues want the other ministers’ job, so I and my colleagues were out campaigning.

Dr Minnis said: “So we were not running from anyone, we were campaigning, preparing ourselves for election, now election is called (Mr Christie) he says it’s a sprint. It’s a sprint for who? We have been moving continuously all along, it’s not a sprint for us.

“We were only waiting for him to put up the finish line so that we know we can just cruise across, but we been working continuously, consistently so he will be sprinting but his sprint will be trying to catch us who have been working continuously and the people know that, the public knows that.”

Dr Minnis spoke to the press as he observed his birthday with the children at Gambier Primary School,

an annual tradition that included a donation of computers to the school. Dr Minnis’ birthday is April 16.

Speaking directly to accusations that he has been “running from the press,” Dr Minnis said: “I’ve had other meetings, and even leaving here I have other engagements. I’m focusing on rescuing this country from this inept, incompetent government and we must put plans, programmes together. There are many individuals I must speak to, to get their ideas, their input, and put everything together so that when we become the government we’re ready to roll.

He said: “And that is why an unprepared individual must sprint, they sprint to catch up. A prepared individual knows where the finish line is, knows where they want to go, and they

plan and they move towards it. But we were only waiting for him to say this is the date, that is the finish line and now we can continue to cruise along it.”

In a statement on Wednesday, PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts highlighted that Dr Minnis did not take questions from the press at a recent press conference, and has also refused to publicly debate Mr Christie.

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

“Anything is possible,” Dr Minnis said on the matter of debates, “but Bradley Roberts does not speak for the FNM, he only speaks for the PLP and we don’t listen to Bradley Roberts so he can say whatever he wants.

When we’re ready it can be done, and on our terms not on Bradley Roberts’ terms, but we are focused now on removing Perry Christie and the PLP and Bradley Roberts so we don’t hear his voice ever again in this Bahamas.

“The party will have its policies and the party will determine how these things are done.”

When asked if such a debate could take place before the general election, he

said: “I couldn’t say when, but our party has its policies. What Christie should be thinking about, he talking about debate, he should go down in Centreville and debate those people and explain to them how he’s mistreated them for so long, and abandoned them, and have them in a position where he has been prime minister for ten years, he has been their representative for an excess of 30 years but it’s the worst constituency in New Providence.

Dr Minnis continued: “(Christie) he should be ashamed of himself, he should be down there trying to improving the quality of life in Centreville and improve the conditions in his constituency, that’s what he should be concentrating on, not concentrating on me.

Think about The Bahamas, I’m one individual.”

PAGE 8, Thursday, April 13, 2017

GERMAN CRUISE SHIP VISITS FREEPORT DURING WORLD TOUR

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE MS Amadea, a chartered vessel of the German-based Phoenix Reisen, called at Freeport Harbour yesterday with over 500 German cruise passengers.

During a brief plaque exchange ceremony on board the ship, Captain Jens Thorn said the ship is on its 105th day of a 135-day round-the-world voyage, with a total of 542 passengers.

Capt Thorn said passengers are looking forward to experiencing the beaches and sun of The Bahamas.

Ministry of Tourism rep-

resentatives and officials from the Freeport Harbour Company welcomed the captain and his crew to Freeport. A plaque exchange is customary when new vessels and longtime returning vessels like MS Amadea call into Grand Bahama.

Captain Orlando Forbes, port director for the Freeport Harbour Company, said that visit of Amadea and German visitors will positively impact the tourism economy. He said the return of the vessel to Grand Bahama demonstrates that the captain and passengers were pleased with the destination and its offerings.

THE TRIBUNE

THE CRUISE ship Amadea at Freeport Harbour yesterday.

FNM candidate FREE ELECTRICITY PLEDGE BY PLP denies rumours of withdrawal from page one

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Movement West Grand Bahama and Bimini candidate Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe yesterday denied rumours that she has requested permission from party officials to withdraw her candidacy.

Mrs Edgecombe told The Tribune the claims were “absolutely not true at all.”

FNM Chairman Sidney Collie added that he believed the rumours, which were primarily circulated on Facebook, were “political mischief” in an attempt to “stir the pot”.

“Absolutely not (those claims are not true),” the FNM hopeful said when contacted yesterday.

“Those are not true at all.

“Our campaign is going

PAKESIA PARKER-EDGECOMBE tremendously well and we are very encouraged by the feedback that we’ve been getting from the general public.”

She continued: “We are in it for the long haul and

we will be here come Election Day, May 10.”

Meanwhile, Mr Collie said once the “fake news” went viral, even Mrs Edgecombe was “surprised.”

He said: “I think it’s social media stirring the pot, but I heard the rumour from yesterday (Tuesday).

There isn’t anything true about it and it really is political mischief. She herself was surprised to hear about it. But the claims really are false.”

Mrs Edgecombe, a former ZNS news anchor in Freeport, was ratified and officially launched by the FNM last month. She also ran for the constituency in the 2012 general election but lost to incumbent Obie Wilchcombe.

She is now the managing partner of Match Point Communications and Investments.

next five years: “expanding opportunities, empowering Bahamians, protecting our citizens, caring for our people, preserving what makes The Bahamas special, and strengthening citizen participation in governance.”

In reference to what will likely be one of the most talked about and controversial aspects of the PLP’s plan, the press release noted: “Under the PLP, 11 million acres of land were added as protected marine areas – up from two million. But they know there is still more to do to preserve what makes The Bahamas special, especially with the growing threat of climate change. As part of this, they plan to launch ‘Fully Renewable Bahamas’ to achieve a 30 per cent reduction in carbon use by 2030.

“The PLP also plans to make the cost of electricity free to residential customers who limit their monthly use to below specified limits.”

These limits were not detailed in the party’s press release. In its plan released last night, the PLP said it will introduce policies under which the government will cover the costs of electricity to those consumers who keep their consumption below certain limits.

The PLP said using current data, it anticipates that its electricity plan “will affect 15%-20% of the lowest income households.

“By encouraging the disciplined use of electricity, this will also have a positive impact upon energy conservation and help protect our environment.”

The party also said it has a goal to be a “modern, open, accountable and service-oriented government”.

In this vein, the PLP proposes to launch “Service Bahamas,” which is touted as “a one-window delivery of government services to eliminate wait times”.

On the promise of a Ministry of Communication and Information, the PLP said this new entity would be created “to more deeply engage Bahamian citizens in consultation on legislation and

decision-making, and introduce annual business planning and reporting for each ministry, in order to allow for greater transparency and accountability.”

The PLP also said it has a number of plans to create more jobs and opportunities.

To achieve these goals, the governing party pledged to implement the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) across the Family Islands; focus on the development of creative industries with the aim of generating $1 billion of new money annually into the economy; and develop the sustainable harvesting of minerals and natural resources, along with their associated value-added industries – these include salt, rock, sand, etc.

“Additionally, the PLP plans to support more Bahamians seeking entrepreneurship opportunities, from start-up to production, operations, marketing and distribution, by creating a network of business incubators and business development agencies on each island. “Support will include financing and mentoring.”

Education, crime and health The PLP said it has made significant investments in education since 2012, but added that there is still more work ahead to empower Bahamians at all levels.

“After doubling the nation’s investment in scholarships over the last five years, the PLP proposes to expand that investment across our islands, with a particular focus on public school recipients,” the party noted.

“The party also plans to introduce universal preschool education so that all children of pre-school age can participate in a quality pre-school programme. For older citizens who want to learn new skills, the PLP will create ‘Second Start’ – a training and skills programme for adults.

“To protect citizens and our borders, the PLP outlines several initiatives to address the root of the problem. Having already taken major steps to secure the country’s borders with the $232m investment in Sandy

Bottom Project, the PLP will continue to make every effort to cut off the supply of guns, drugs and persons illegally entering the country.

“Having begun to contain the problem, a range of crime-fighting initiatives will continue to be implemented. Additionally, the PLP recognises the need to expand the Rehabilitation of Offenders programme to ensure that ex-criminals can make a smooth return to society and make a meaningful contribution.”

Crime was a hot-button issue ahead of the 2012 general election. With homicides at record rates, the PLP while in opposition claimed it had the solutions for curbing violent crime while the Ingraham administration did not. However, more than 600 homicides have been recorded since May 2012 when the PLP took office, according to The Tribune’s records.

NHI, for which enrolment is expected to begin later this month, was a key plank in the PLP’s 2012 Charter for Governance.

Last night, the party pledged to continue NHI’s implementation if it wins the next election.

“When it comes to caring for the people, the PLP lays out the next steps for rolling out plans for National Health Insurance, including development of health facilities and upgrades to equipment across the Family Islands so all Bahamians have access to quality health care services. The PLP is determined to move forward with NHI, to continue to help build a healthier future for Bahamians.”

Observers have been anticipating the PLP’s election platform for weeks, since much of the party’s campaigning thus far has been explaining what was done in office this term while denigrating the Free National Movement (FNM) as opposed to plans for the future.

The FNM released its Manifesto 2017 online in early February while third party the Democratic National Alliance unveiled its Vision 2017 earlier this week.

The general election is May 10.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, April 13, 2017, PAGE 9

Man cleared as prosecution submits no case over murder in gunpoint robbery

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

A SUPREME Court jury was directed to acquit a man accused of being involved in a gunpoint robbery that turned fatal.

Senior Justice Stephen Isaacs made the order on Tuesday after a no-case submission was made by attorney Jiaram Mangra for 29-year-old Henley Claridge after the conclusion of the prosecution’s case.

Claridge faced two counts of armed robbery and a single charge of murder, alleged to have been committed on March 4, 2014.

Though Claridge was cleared of the offences, a November 2011 amendment to the Court of Appeal Act allows the Crown

to challenge a judge’s decision to acquit on a no case submission.

It was claimed that Claridge robbed Tonika Laroda and Darius Adderley of two Samsung cellular phones together valued at $600. He is further accused of intentionally killing Adderley by means of unlawful harm.

Claridge, when formally arraigned in the Supreme Court on July 4, 2014, pleaded not guilty to all three charges. He maintained that plea from the beginning on March 21.

On that date, Ms Laroda testified that she and Adderley were sitting in his 2003 Dodge Town and Country van when a masked man with a handgun robbed them.

Before fleeing into the direction of a graveyard, the suspect shot at the ve-

hicle, hitting Adderley in the back. The woman was unharmed during the robbery. Adderley was taken to hospital by ambulance, but died of his injuries shortly after his arrival.

Claridge was arrested shortly after the incident and reportedly told police that he acted as a lookout while a friend with the street name “K-Dog” carried out the crime.

However, a check by police revealed that “K-Dog” was actually in prison at the time of the crime, the jury was told

by Sgt 774 Deleveaux.

On Monday, the evidence of Renaldo Middleton was read into the record through an application made by the prosecution.

The judge allowed the request for the unavailable witness’ statement into the

record as an amendment to the Evidence Act in 2012 gave judges the discretion to allow the statements of witnesses who are dead, cannot be found, or are too sick to testify into evidence.

However, it meant that Middleton’s evidence could not have been scrutinised in cross-examination.

Middleton told police that around 9pm that day, he had caught a ride to Quarry Mission Road in Chippingham to hang out with acquaintances of his, referred to as “Bounty” and “Andrea”.

Middleton had purchased a Backwoods cigar and a Guinness, which he consumed during the gathering.

Middleton said 20 minutes later, he heard what sounded like a single gunshot nearby.

He asked “Bounty” if she

had heard it and she said no. However “Andrea” told him she had heard the shot.

Middleton said a minute after the shot went off, he saw Henley coming in their direction. He appeared shaken, frightened and was breathing heavily.

The man told police that Claridge, who wore a long sleeve black or navy sweater and jeans, told them he had tried to rob a man but ended up shooting him when he tried to take his gun.

Claridge then asked for limejuice to wash off his hands before going upstairs.

Middleton said he followed and heard the alarm from Henley’s electronic monitoring device go off.

Middleton said not long afterwards, police arrived and arrested Claridge, who had already changed his

RESPECTS PAID TO FORMER SENIOR POLICE OFFICER

PRIME Minister Perry Christie shows his respects for the late Elrod Farquharson, deputy commissioner of police, at the viewing of the body yesterday.

Photos: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff

AMERICANS ACCUSED IN MANSLAUGHTER CASE TO FACE TRIAL THIS MONTH

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net THE CASE of two Americans facing trial for manslaughter will go ahead later this month as scheduled after prosecutors told a judge yesterday they were ready to proceed.

In a status hearing before Senior Justice Stephen Isaacs, Office of the Attorney General prosecutors Cordell Frazier and Anya Allen informed the judge that the Crown would be ready to proceed with trial against Tyler Valles and Robert Schwarz in connection with the killing of a fellow countryman in Bimini.

Valles, 21, and Schwarz, 64, are charged with the March 14, 2014 manslaughter of 45-year-old Carl David Yerder, in which it is al-

leged that they intentionally caused Yerder’s death.

Yerder, a resident of Fleetwood, Pennsylvania, was found lying in the grounds of a hotel with stab wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The accused men were each granted $30,000 cash bail when arraigned in Magistrate’s Court five days after the victim’s death.

They pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter charge when formally arraigned in Supreme Court and are scheduled to stand trial on April 24.

Wayne Munroe, QC, represents Valles while Jomo Campbell represents Schwarz.

In another status hearing held yesterday before Senior Justice Isaacs, prosecutor Erica Duncombe indicated the Crown would be ready to proceed with trial

against Donnavone Sturrup on September 11.

Sturrup, 33, faces a charge of attempted murder concerning the near fatal shooting of John Tellus on October 13, 2014.

Around 8pm, Tellus was

driving on Miami Street in his Honda Accord when two armed assailants pulled up on motorcycles and fired into his car.

The accused, who also faces the lesser charge of possession of an unlicensed

firearm with intent to endanger life, denied the allegations at his formal arraignment in Supreme Court.

He has retained attorney Lennox Coleby to represent him.

clothing.

However, he told police he did not see Claridge with any gun.

Claridge was expected to indicate to Senior Justice Isaacs on Tuesday whether he would make a no-case submission or proceed to giving a defence to the allegations.

If he elected the latter option, he had the option to remain silent at his trial or elect to give testimony under oath concerning the incident.

However, his lawyer asked for the jury to be excused so that legal arguments could be made on the no-case submission which led to the judge directing Claridge’s acquittal.

Desiree Ferguson and Cassie Bethel prosecuted for the Crown.

CONSTITUTIONAL BID

BY OMAR ARCHER

LAWYERS for outspoken social media commentator Omar Archer have filed a constitutional challenge against The Bahamas’ criminal libel laws, arguing that they violate citizens’ fundamental right to freedom of expression.

This is the second challenge of its kind in recent months.

Maria Daxon, a former police constable and vocal defender for the rights of police officers, filed a similar motion in March after being charged with intentional libel concerning alleged statements written about Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade and Assistant Commissioner of Police Leon Bethell.

Archer has also been charged in connection with comments made about the Commissioner. His motion, filed on Tuesday, seeks a declaration from the court that the charge, prosecution, trial, liability to conviction and sentence to a fine and or imprisonment of up to two years for the offence of Intentional Libel, are “void, illegal and of no effect” as they breach Archer’s constitutional right to freedom of Expression guaranteed by Article 23(1) of the Constitution, the country’s supreme law.

It further asks Magistrate Derence Rolle-Davis to dismiss or quash the proceedings against Archer and declare that the Section 315 (2) of the Penal Code which provides for the offence of Criminal Intentional Libel is unconstitutional. This would effectively remove the offence from the country’s law books.

PAGE 10, Thursday, April 13, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

Manipulating emotions and fanning anger wins elections ‘L

UNATIC, bad head, crazy, they need to be locked up.”

These are still pretty common views of mental illness.

Stigma and prejudice are still where most people get their knowledge of mental health; the psychological issues facing the nation are swept into the background behind heart disease, cancer and infectious diseases.

It is my belief, however, that our bodies are one and mental and physical health are completely intertwined.

It is now two years since our son, Sean, was brutally murdered outside our home (there have been no arrests and no one charged) and nearly one year since our other son, Damian, was injured in a sports accident.

It is fair to say that my own mental and physical health has taken a battering as life moved from a fairly idyllic existence to a major struggle for survival. I try to force myself from my pit of despair and when my head pops up and I can see out of the pit at the world around me I realise how many others are struggling on very similar journeys.

The shock, horror and anger seems universal, the lack of trust in the criminal justice system, the sense of betrayal making the raw anger even worse. The stories seem to overlap, leaving a sense that those in authority do not want the crime problem solved; there have been over a thousand murders in the last decade leaving a significant part of society floundering in profound grief and anger.

The numbers soar even further when other crimes of violence like attempted murder and rape are added to the list; the rage and despair is further fuelled by the bizarre attempts of

Mental health of the nation

By DR MIKE NEVILLE

politicians and the police to “blame the victims”.

The plight of the nation does not end there: traffic accidents, robberies and lost jobs also leave a trail of stress and horror. There has also been the devastation of hurricanes smashing the islands, leaving a trail of destruction in their paths.

It is really no wonder that the health of the nation is at major risk of total collapse both physical and mental.

There is plenty of research showing the links between levels of stress and many

diseases, including cardiac disease and cancer.

The object of this series is to focus more on the mental health issues caused by these disastrous events that are conspiring to bring us all to a state barely imaginable in the not too distant past. It impacts how we feel, it impacts the productivity and balance of the work force, and it causes mental illness, further eroding the very fabric of society. I intend to look at how our personalities and daily behaviour are affected by these

internal and external forces and how this is impacting public policy here and on the international stage.

It seems that more and more elections are won by manipulating emotions rather than discussing issues or policies; there is less concern about things that could help the people and more reliance on fanning the raw anger that flows through the arteries of the nation. This has been made worse by “fake news”, “alternate facts” or old fashioned lies: the vast information highway has so much stuff out there that people seem happy to believe whatever they want to believe.

All this is adding to the ever growing anger levels as gradually the lies become obvious, but as one English politician said “the people

want to be lied to”.

Famous leaders have had mental health issues that caused impacts on world affairs that remain with us indefinitely. I intend to write about some of these figures.

It is also interesting to wonder what would happen here or to our neighbours if a seriously disturbed individual were elected to a major office. It would affect all of our lives – but can anything prevent this?

There have been so many kind and wonderful folks that have reached out and helped us as we struggle to make sense of our recurring crisis that I have hope for the core decency of our fellow travellers and hope for the future.

There is, however, a dark cloud that still hangs over the country and it brings

to mind a poem by T S Elliot called ‘Wasteland’. He wrote “April is the cruellest month”. I think he was referring to his inability to enjoy the flowers that bloom in spring, due to the despair he felt at the breakup of his marriage. The Bahamas has great beauty all year round, but the dark, dank, destructive anger that ebbs with the tides makes the beauty invisible and every month becomes the cruellest month.

NEXT WEEK: Love is all you need • Dr Mike Neville is a forensic psychiatrist who has practiced for more than 40 years in The Bahamas, working at Sandilands, the prison and in private practice. Comments and responses to mneville@ tribunemedia.net

READERS RESPOND TO ELECTION DATE NEWS READERS on tribune242.com have been reacting to the news that the general election will be held on May 10th.

Cobalt said: “It’s about time. So long Perry Christie. We hope we never see you or any of your kind ever again.”

Sheeprunner12 offered this prediction: “The reality is this: The election will be on Wednesday, May 10th (PLPs like the number 10) . . . the race to 20 seats will be between the PLP and FNM (don’t waste your vote on others) . . . Christie will lose (and Minnis will be the new PM).”

Well_mudda_take_sic had a suggestion for voters: “Always vote for the better candidate no matter what his or her party affiliation may or may not be. Voting along party lines may serve a particular party well, but not necessarily the country. We need for the country and all Bahamians to be served well. Voting by party rather than calibre of candidate often defeats this most important objective.

We really want and need MPs capable of doing good not only by their constituents and political party (or lack of party affiliation), but also by our country and all of us.”

Anglican Archdeacon James Palacious said this week that the PLP appears to be “fighting for its life” ahead of the election.

John responded with: “Whether the PLP wins this election or not there will be an obvious changing of the guard. Perry Christie will have to fight hard to retain his seat so will V. Alfred Gray, Bernard Nottage, Allyson MaynardGibson among others.

Obie Wilchcombe and Michael Halkitis and Jerome Fitzgerald will be running on tarnished credibilities and while Shane Gibson and Leslie Miller may have

favour with the people, the electorate is looking beyond that. After over a decade of hard times they are looking for help and hope. On the other hand they seem more willing to give Hubert Minnis a chance, if only to get away from the PLP for a while. Many still view the DNA as a new kid on the block with more growing up to do. Some still view the DNA as spoilers of the last election.”

TalRussell had this to say: “Archdeacon Palacious, I remind you that this and every General Election, held in the Bahamaland, since 1967 - has and will be ‘difficult’ to gauge with any voter certainty. Despite the predictions of the doomsayers - the Bahamaland is a democracy and all will be well once the 2017 votes tallies are known and made official - regardless of which party, or parties, form our new government 2017-2022.”

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

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, April 13, 2017, PAGE 11

COCONUT FESTIVAL ON EASTER MONDAY

ELAINE SMITH, of the Ministry of Tourism (centre) with members of the Pelican Point Coconut Festival Committee and Edri Ferguson Mackey, VP of BTC Northern Bahamas (right) announcing plans for the annual event in Pelican Point, East Grand Bahama on Easter Monday.

Photo: Ministry of Tourism

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

ALL roads lead to East Grand Bahama for the 19th annual Pelican Point Coconut Festival on Easter Monday.

The festival is a popular outing for local residents and tourists to indulge in Bahamian culture, food, music and entertainment. It

gets underway at the Festival site at 11am.

The festival, which started as a fundraiser for the Pelican Point Community Association, is now the largest entertainment event on the island.

Bahamas Telecommunication Company (BTC) is a major sponsor for this year’s event, at which the Grand Bahama District of the Royal Bahamas Police

Force Pop Band, the St George’s High School Jaguar Pop Band, D-Mac and Stileet will perform.

Paulette Thomas, a member of the Coconut Festival Committee, said that one of the highlights of the event has always been the annual coconut barking contest, which this year includes a kids category.

The Ministry of Tourism is also a partner.

McCartney criticises ‘scripted’ FNM leader

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net BRANVILLE McCartney described Free National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis as a “scripted leader” yesterday, as he pushed for a national debate between those vying to be the nation’s leader.

“A vote for the FNM is a vote for that type of leader, Dr Hubert Minnis,” contended the former Bamboo Town MP. The Democratic National Alliance (DNA) leader said voters should be given the opportunity to compare those persons vying to lead the country.

Mr McCartney said he has held conversations with officials from the University of The Bahamas and has received indications that the tertiary institution

would be prepared to host such a debate.

“So, Mr Christie, Dr Minnis, join me in providing the Bahamian people with a real look at the leaders we might be and where our parties will take this country,” he said at a press conference yesterday. “If you are as proud of your country as I am, you know that the Bahamian people deserve a debate.”

Mr McCartney continued: “They deserve to see on stage the choice they have in this election. If you feel as strongly as you say about where your party will take The Bahamas then come and represent those beliefs, because in a debate the party with the strongest idea will win.”

Mr McCartney said the DNA has the strongest ideas and the ability to execute them if elected.

“I will debate in the morning, in the afternoon or late at night. I will clear my schedule any day, any time, to do what is right for the country and let Bahamians make an informed choice of their future,” the third party leader declared.

Earlier this week, the chairmen of the FNM and PLP exchanged remarks over the possibility of such a debate.

Progressive Liberal Party Chairman Bradley Roberts suggested to a local daily that the event could happen, leading FNM Chairman Sidney Collie to say that if it was left up to him, his leader would not engage in such a debate.

Mr Collie, in a Bahama Journal article was quoted as saying: “…. My leader would not be debating (Prime Minister)

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The number one focus is to ensure member satisfaction.

Duties and responsibilities • Coordinates the selection, purchasing, storage, inventory, maintenance and usage of all related food and beverage supplies and equipment according to Company guidelines.

• Coordinates and administers schedules, assigns daily work and prioritizes side-work to ensure guest satisfaction while maintaining costs.

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• Hosts and participates in the service delivery of key parties and events • Responsible for training for all areas of responsibility – This is a key element to the success of the position • Develops and maintains effective communications between all operating departments.

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Maintains a professional relationship with all personnel and guests while protecting the interests of the Company.

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• Ability to work cohesively with other departments and co-workers Interested applicants can forward their information to www.hr@bakersbayclub.com on or before Friday, april 14, 2017 Only applicants contacted will be responded to.

BRANVILLE MCCARTNEY, leader of the DNA ,who has criticised FNM leader Dr Hubert Minnis and wants a debate.

Photos: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff Perry Christie or anybody else. There’s nothing to be gained. The world knows that Perry Christie and the PLP do not have a record to run on, so we don’t have anything to debate them on.

We are fixing to spend our time putting forward our change agenda. We are not

going to be delving into the weeds of Perry Christie’s rhetoric, because that’s all he will do.”

However, Mr Collie noted that he was not officially speaking for Dr Minnis, claiming that the Killarney candidate would speak for himself.

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PAGE 12, Thursday, April 13, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

$30m plan for new campus at Lyford Cay International School

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

THE Lyford Cay International School (LCIS) yesterday announced plans to construct a new, “state-ofthe-art” $30m upper school campus, just one part of the institution’s “master plan” to enhance its enrolment prospects and alleviate space constraints on the school’s existing campus.

LCIS Development Director Dr Joanna Paul announced LCIS’ multi-year plan to transition into a dual-campus school, with the new secondary school campus to be constructed on 17.5 acres of land behind the Island House, representing phase one of the project.

The ‘master plan’ also includes the renovation and consequent transformation of the school’s present “lower school” campus, which will also see the expansion of its Early Learning Centre to accommodate students from age two through to the fifth grade.

According to Dr Paul,

AN ARTIST’s impression of the new $30m upper school campus.

The new campus will also LCIS’ board of directors approved the master plan include a learning comfor a new “upper school” mons, courtyards, greendining pavilion, campus and renovated the space lower campus last year, ample parking and the necafter engaging New York essary administrative space architectural firm Cooper to support the school’s sixth Robertson to draw up the to 12th grade students.

The goal, Dr Paul said, is plans.

Once complete, Dr Paul for the school to be able to said the new secondary accommodate 525 students school campus will feature between the two campuses an indoor multi-purpose - 300 at the primary level space for assemblies and campus and 225 at the new gatherings, outdoor sport- secondary school.

“We found that even ing facilities including tennis courts and a 25-metre though our programmes pool, as well as a regulation are great, our curriculum size track-and-field track is great, there is one thing that’s holding us back and and soccer pitch.

that’s our facilities,” Dr Paul said during a press conference at the western New Providence school.

“To be the school that we want to be and to offer our students the best curriculum and programmes, to add more languages, to add more sciences, add more learning opportunities, we just need more space. We’re bursting at the seams here.”

According to Dr Paul, funding for the pricey initiative is being provided solely through donations, with phase one of the project representing the school’s “first fundraising goal” of

$30m. She said the school is “making good progress” towards that, already over one-third of the way.

However, Dr Paul said the school will not break ground until it has received commitments for the “full amount” required to fund the initiative, which she says is in line with the school’s no debt policy.

“We zero out our budget at the end of every year,” she said. “We’re doing this all through donations, and we will break ground once we have the rest of that first fundraising goal of $30m.

After that it would be 18 to 24 months construction.

“Behind the scenes we’re planning as if we can break ground tomorrow. There’s still a couple of months worth of planning, construction drawings, permitting, things like that.

But we’re working on that is if we are ready to go, so we can put shovels in the ground as soon as this September if funds allow, and then 18 to 24 months after that.”

Dr Stacey Bobo, LCIS principal, said the planned

developments are “critical” as LCIS has “outgrown the current footprints” of the main campus.

“We have a wonderful programme here and strong teachers, but I think the one thing that is missing is the facilities … so we can keep up with the 21st century learning,” she said. “And by moving the students up there and building a state of the art facility, we can have now a full on, multipurpose building which is hugely missing from our programme to allow us to do drama and dance and hold our assemblies and expand our music and arts programme.”

She added: “It’s just really going to enhance the programme that we’re already delivering and really improve the facilities.”

LCIS was founded by Canadian entrepreneur E P Taylor, opening its doors for the first time in 1962 with nine students. The school now boasts a student count of approximately 375, comprised of students who speak 15 languages and represent 43 nationalities.

PM SAYS HE DID NOT INTEND TO DIMINISH MARINES’ SACRIFICE from page one

On Tuesday, Mr Christie announced that the general election will be held on May 10. While many were looking forward to Mr Christie’s announcement, not eve-

ryone was happy with the date chosen and accused the government of being “uncaring”.

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

“I want to make sure that everybody fully understands that we have not diminished the meaning and the sacrifice of the young men and that in anything we want to even do more to memorialise them,” Mr Christie said on Wednesday.

“It is a date that I propose to attend the function, ‘Butch’ Scavella will also attend the function,” he said, referring to former RBDF Commodore Clifford Scavella, who is also a PLP election candidate.

“I propose to lift the function up and speak to it and give it meaning and hopefully whenever I speak to it, not withstanding the

fact that it is Election Day, people will understand fully.”

Mr Christie also told a crowd of supporters at Windsor Park that he does not “need to play politics” to win his Centreville seat for the ninth time as he declared that despite all the “fiery darts and arrows that are thrown against him” God will be his ultimate protection.

He said he “doesn’t care” who talks about him or who is “nasty toward” him, because at the end of the day “it is the people” who will decide who leads the country.

“The one thing all of you would know is I don’t need to play politics to win Centreville. Everybody in here must know that and everybody knows I have won it for eight consecutive elections over 40 years. God is able and God is good,” Mr Christie said.

“And let me tell you this, I know the preacher preached, but the one thing I take with me is verses from the book of Ephesians that I repeat all the time.

“They go like this ‘put on the full armour of God, so when the day of evil or the day of testing comes you are able to stand your ground and when you have done your best to stand, you still stand with the belt of truth wrapped around your waist with the breast plate of righteousness and feet made ready by the gospel.’ Let me tell you the ultimate protection it gives you, it speaks of the shield of faith that will protect me against the fiery darts and arrows that will be thrown.

So I don’t care who says what about me, I don’t care how critical they are I don’t care how nasty they are, at the end of the day I have the faith that God is good, God is able and God will al-

ways be present. At the end of the day you will decide what is best for you. You will decide that and you are not going to have long to decide it. You will decide who leads.”

Prime Minister Christie also called for peace during the run up to next month’s election and said persons should not let their political affiliations tear families and friendships apart.

“When brothers and sisters fall out because of politics it is wrong, you cannot do that, neighbours you cannot do that,” Mr Christie said.

“Our candidates must respect each other, we must be able to demonstrate that we can have elections and still be at peace. We have always had it peacefully without violence, without hatred and without any kind of manifestation that is dangerous to our democracy and our stability.”

PUBLIC NOTICE TOWN HALL MEETING April 18, 2017 6:30 pm Garden of Eden Eastwood Subdivision

Please be advised that the pubic town hall meeting for residents for Eastwood Estates to erect an electronic communications tower at No #4 Cassava Drive has been postponed to April 18, 2017. All interested residents are invited to attend.

Cable Bahamas Limited sincerely apologizes for any inconvenience caused.

THE TRIBUNE

‘The Bahamas’ own street philosopher’

Thursday, April 13, 2017, PAGE 13

FRATERNITY GOES TO FREEPORT THE southern region of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc took over Freeport for an annual conference bringing in a much-needed economic boost for Grand Bahama.

More than 300 fraternity brothers, wives and guests attended the conference held at the Our Lucaya Convention Centre April 6-9. The Ministry of Tourism and Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe were integral in bringing the conference to the island.

“Minister Wilchcombe fully supported this conference on the island which is only the third time that we have held the conference outside of the continental United States,” said state director for the Bahamas in the fraternity Christopher Saunders. “Many of our brothers and guests got a passport for the first time to attend this conference and we wanted to make sure they had a good time.”

It is estimated that the group injected close to $200,000 into the island’s economy, according to a press release from event organisers.

Both the Lighthouse Point and Pelican Bay resorts were sold out for the

THE VISIT of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity to Freeport. weekend, the press release a great time here on Grand said.

Bahama Island. Brothers “But more importantly can’t stop talking about the we were thinking about the great time they had over the adage that if a visitor gets weekend.” some sand in their shoes Over the weekend the they are bound to return US based fraternity set its to the Bahamas,” Mr Saun- agenda for the next year on ders added. “Thanks to the how to support the comministry’s help I think we munity. The organisation’s got a lot of sand in a lot of thrust includes social acshoes over this weekend.” tion, education and bigger The Ministry of Tourism better business. sponsored several of the “In between the fun we events including the Min- got down to business and istry of Tourism Collegiate we were able to make sure Award Luncheon and the all of our chapters are ready opening ceremony com- to impact our communities plete with Junkanoo. in meaningful ways. That’s “That gave us a great the most important reason feel of the islands,” said we are here this weekend,” Southern Regional Direc- Mr Edmunds added. tor Roy Edmunds. “From The region will host next the Junkanoo of the open- year’s conference in Savaning ceremony, brothers had nah, Georgia.

PAGE 14, Thursday, April 13, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

‘I’m a goner’: the last words of El Faro’s terrified helmsman

STANDING with Cap- Listing heavily, taking on water and out of tain Michael Davidson on the bridge of the El Faro, power, there was no saving the battered chief mate Steve Shultz not- US freighter from the ravages of Hurricane ed the barometer readings Joaquin. Using recordings from the ship’s were heading downward, which could indicate they recovered ‘black box’, Jason Dearen pieces were closer to Joaquin’s together the harrowing moments before all eye. That ran counter to the hands were lost off Crooked Island in 2015 storm track models Davidson had used - those showed managed to find his breath, gested alternate routes, he the hurricane farther away. then took the helm back. “I had made a horrible mistake. An engineer from beHe still planned to outrun am relaxed, Captain.”

Davidson turned quickly low deck appeared on the it.

“We won’t be goin’ to the ship’s computer. He bridge. Something wasn’t through the eye,” the cap- needed to check the Bon right. “I’ve never seen it list tain said: if they could skirt Voyage System (BVS), like this,” the engineer rea bit further south, away an online subscription ported. The El Faro’s steep from the eye toward Crook- weather forecasting tool, list was not just from slided Island, they would reach to get the latest hard data ing shipping containers, the on Joaquin. “Hanging in engineer reasoned - someits back side more quickly.

With the ship tilting and there (Frank)?” Shultz said, thing else was to blame.

The phone rang with a oil pressure decreasing, trying to keep the jittery the captain decided to use helmsman engaged as the call from the engine room. the wind to force the ship captain scanned his email The ship was losing oil more upright. If he could for the weather updates. pressure, and needed to be do that, he could get oil “Still got us on course. righted now.

“I’m tryin’ to get her pressure back, and increase You’re doin’ great.”

The captain grew con- steadied up,” the captain the ship’s power. “Just steer that heading right there the fused. Though the forecast- replied.

Water surged over the best you can. That’ll work ing tool told him the storm for us,” the captain instruct- was still farther north, ship’s stern, and the sound clearly they were of the ocean pounding the ed Frank Hamm, the helmsman, ‘By overruling right in it. “We’re old ship was deafening. Angettin’ conflict- other electric ring of the and Shultz. his crew’s ing reports as to telephone. Davidson anThe ship where the centre swered, “Bridge, captain.” dropped down a suggested of the storm is,” A moment passed and he three-storey-tall alternate turned to his chief mate: swell. “Feel the routes, Captain he said.

Davidson did “We got a prrroooblem.” pressure dropnot know that Water had started floodpin’ in your ears Davidson there was a prob- ing one of the ship’s warejust then? Feel had made lem with the BVS house-sized holds used to that?” Davidson a horrible system emails store cars and other large said, trying to he was receiv- containers. He ordered make light of the mistake.’ ing: one update Shultz, a 54-year-old former situation.

Hamm’s large frame was he had received had storm Navy captain and seasoned bent over in fear at his con- tracking information that mariner, below deck imsole. Two days earlier, the was 21 hours old. While he mediately to start pumping 49-year-old father of five had access to other fore- out the hold. It was a perilhad called Rochelle, his casts on the internet, Da- ous assignment. Any piece wife, just before he sailed vidson relied on BVS. The of heavy cargo afloat in the out of range. He said every- storm they now faced was hold could easily pulverthing was OK - Hamm liked far more advanced than his ise Shultz. The chief mate grabbed a walkie-talkie and trusted the captain, weather models showed.

“Our biggest enemy here and climbed down from the with whom he had often worked. But in the chaos of right now is we can’t see,” bridge.

The captain took the the storm, he had been un- he said. He believed they able to send his customary were nearing the back side ship’s helm from Hamm. of the storm, but had no With water flooding into daily email home.

“Take your time and re- way of knowing for sure. By the El Faro’s insides, he lax,” Davidson said. Hamm overruling his crew’s sug- knew why he had been un-

tain replied.

Davidson’s tinny voice sounded over the ship’s intercom ordering the crew to muster. He wanted everyone accounted for. The high-frequency bell of the abandon ship alarm rang out.

“Can I get my vest?”

Randolph asked.

“Yup, bring mine up too and bring one for (Frank)” the captain replied. The helmsman, a large man and diabetic, yelled out as Randolph left the bridge: “I need two!”

“OK buddy, relax,” the captain said. The ship heaved, the tip of its bow sinking beneath the black water.

“Bow is down. Bow is down,” Davidson said over the ship intercom.

“Get into your rafts.

Throw all your rafts in the water,” he yelled. “EveryROCHELLE Hamm holds the hard hat of her husband, Frank, the body. Everybody get off helmsam aboard the El Faro. The green helmet had been found the ship! Stay together!” he by a couple cleaning trash off a Florida beach, washed ashore two screamed. months after the freighter sank during Hurricane Joaquin.

Hamm was unable to Photo: Gary McCullough/AP move. “Cap, Cap,” he said.

“You gotta get up,” Daable to right the ship. He “Can you please give me turned the steering wheel your satellite phone number vidson ordered. “You gotta hard, trying to use the wind and spell the name of the snap out of it and we gotta again - anything to decrease vessel?” she asked slowly. get out!” he said, his voice firm, urgent. the ship’s angle. Shultz ra- “Spell your name, please?”

“Help me!”

Hamm dioed from below in the TOTE safety officials flooded cargo chamber. had identified the answer- pleaded.

“Ya gotta get to safety!”

“About knee deep in ing service as a problem here,” he said. previously, but it had not the captain yelped. Hamm couldn’t move. been fixed.

The shrill beat of alarms Lost propulsion “The clock is ticking” the At 6am, Danielle Ran- captain said, his voice calm continued as the ship’s tilt dolph came back to the despite the chaos. He tried worsened.

The captain reached for bridge from her stateroom. again. “This is a marine She had changed out of her emergency, and I am tryin’ Hamm. “Don’t panic. Don’t work clothes and had not to also notify manage- panic,” he said. “Work your changed back before com- ment!” He gave the opera- way up here. Don’t freeze ing up. tor his name and number up! Follow me,” he pleaded with Hamm.

She moved over to the and hung up.

“I can’t! My feet are slipdead radar screen - which Electronic alarms echhad gone dark, maybe from oed throughout the steel ping! I’m goin’ down!

Davidson looked at his water coming through a freighter. Randolph read gap in one of the bridge’s out their current position. terrified helmsman. “You’re windows - to try and get The captain called down to not goin’ down. Come on!” he yelled. the ship’s current position. the flooding hold.

“You gonAfter a few minutes, the “Can you tell if ‘A terrifying radar fluttered and sud- it’s decreasing or silence gripped na leave me,” Hamm cried. denly blinked back to life. increasing?” he “I’m not leav“All right, good,” the cap- asked. “I can’t tell them. The in’ you. Let’s tain said. He ordered Ran- captain. Seems rumble and go,” the captain dolph to sync the latest BVS as if it’s goin’ vibration of responded. weather models with their down,” the chief “I’m a goncurrent position, still not mate replied. He ship’s engines er!”

Hamm realising the data was hours turned to Ran- ceased. The screamed. old, and useless. dolph. “Say sec- El Faro was “No, you’re The ship groaned over ond mate. How not!” the captain yet another tall wave. ‘bout our range adrift.’ replied.

“Nooooo,” Randolph said, and bearing from The El Faro’s bridge bracing. “There goes the like San Miguel Island? Or lawn furniture.”

San Salvador? Whatever reared up as the ship sank “Let’s hope that’s all,” that island is there,” he said, deeper.

“It’s time to come this said the captain. looking for any sign of land Randolph was not sup- they might be able to reach. way!” Davidson shouted, as posed to be on the bridge, He grabbed the El Faro’s the El Faro slipped beneath but Davidson didn’t ques- emergency beacon that the sea. tion her. “You want me to would aid rescuers in findNo bodies recovered stay with you?” Randolph ing their position.

It would be months beasked. “Please,” the captain The satellite phone rang; said. “It’s just the ...” He it was his boss. “Yeah, I’m fore search crews found couldn’t finish his sentence. real good,” Davidson said the wreckage. The El Faro Shultz called from the matter-of-factly.

“Three had come to rest 15,000 feet flooded hold again. He hold’s got considerable down, on the seafloor near wanted the bridge to move amount of water in it. Uh, The Bahamas. The bridge the ship so the water below we have a very, very healthy where Hamm and Davidwould shift to the other port list. The engineers can- son struggled for survival side. not get lube oil pressure on had separated from the vesAll at once, a terrifying the plant, therefore we’ve sel’s hull, and lay a quarter silence gripped them. The got no main engine. And of a mile away.

No bodies were ever rerumble and vibration of let me give you, um, a latiship’s engines ceased. The tude and longitude. I just covered. It was the worst El Faro was adrift. wanted to give you a heads maritime disaster for a US“I think we just lost the up before I push that, push flagged vessel since 1983.

The US Coast Guard has plant,” Davidson said. that button,” he said, referSomehow, he needed to ring to the Ship Security held six weeks of investibalance the ship, an almost Alert System (SSAS), an gative hearings over the impossible feat without pro- emergency beacon. It was past year, and the National Transportation Safety pulsion.

7.07am.

Down below, the whir“The crew is safe,” he Board is conducting its own ring pumps continued to said into the phone. “Right probe. Both agencies are push thousands of gallons now we’re tryin’ to save the expected to issue findings a minute from the flooded ship. But it’s not gettin’ any later this year.

TOTE defended its safety holds. Up top, everyone had better. No one’s panicking. to use their leg muscles to Our safest bet is to stay with record, and emphasised that stay standing on the angling the ship during this particu- the El Faro was permitted to ship. “Feeling those thighs lar time. The weather is fe- operate by the Coast Guard burn?” Randolph asked rocious out here.” Davidson despite the issues flagged by Hamm, as he dug in to turn told his boss it was time to inspectors. The company the rudder. alert the Coast Guard. “I also said it had been workJust after 7am, Davidson wanna wake everybody ing on fixing the problems picked up the ship’s emer- up,” he said. “I just wanted with its emergency answergency satellite phone. He to give you that courtesy, so ing service, but had not got dialled the cellphone num- you wouldn’t be blindsid- to it before El Faro’s voyage. ber of TOTE’s designated ed by it. Everybody’s safe It now is paying for a more person ashore, the only hu- right now, we’re in survival expensive storm forecasting tool for its entire fleet. man in charge of knowing mode.”

In December, 2015, about what was going on with the two months after the El fleet. The call went to voiceTerrified helmsman mail.

Randolph stood at the Faro sank, a couple picking Davidson rattled out a ready. “All right now, push up trash on Ormond Beach brief message, then called the SSAS button,” he com- in Florida found a green hard hat among the plastic the company’s answering manded. bottles and other garbage. service. A woman picked “Roger,” she said. up with a pleasant hello.

“Wake everybody up. The name “Frank” was “We had a hull breach; Wake ‘em up!” Davidson scrawled in Hamm’s writing a scuttle blew open dur- shouted. “We’re gonna be across the front.

Rochelle Hamm recoging a storm,” Davidson ex- good. We’re gonna make it nised it immediately as her plained tersely. “We have right here.” water down in three hold, Chief Mate Shultz radi- husband’s. It’s encrusted with a heavy list. We’ve lost oed from the flooded hold with sand and bits of dried the main propulsion unit, again. “I think the water seaweed. She keeps it in a the engineers cannot get level’s rising captain,” he bag by the side of her bed.

• Jason Dearen is a Florit going.” He asked for her said. He could think of ida-based reporter with the to patch him through to a nothing more to do.

TOTE official immediately.

“All right, chief,” the cap- Associated Press

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, April 13, 2017, PAGE 15

CHAUFFER driven Bentley Continental and, right, arriving at the One&Only Ocean Club.

KISS AND MAKE UP IT LOOKS like Bruno Barr’s run of bad luck when it comes to romantic dates with his wife, Lerdon, has finally come to an end.

Mr Barr shared his tale of a Valentine’s Day woe in the KISS FM ‘kiss and make up’ competition, hoping to win a prize which would make amends for everything that had gone wrong on the annual day of love this year.

He was one of two winners who would enjoy a treat with their respective partners as winners of a luxurious experience at the One&Only Ocean Club, which included being picked up by limousine, a sensual couple’s massage and a dinner at the renowned Dune restaurant.

Last Sunday, on the couple’s tenth wedding anniversary, he made up for his previous missteps - which were featured publicly in The Tribune in February - in style. And this time, everything went according to plan.

“Picture it. Nassau. April 9, 2017… a clean and pristine Bentley Continental pulls up to our house to pick us up and take us to an exotic location, the One&Only Ocean Club. What a delightful way to start this story,” Mr Barr said.

“On Sunday at 1pm, our delightful chauffeur showed up prompt and on time- not ‘Bahamian time.’ She was so nice and cordial; she really made us feel special right from the start. The car ride itself was truly enjoyable. After always having

A SPECIAL dessert celebrating the Barrs’ tenth wedding anniversary.

RELAXING massage at the Mandara Spa. to rush out to work every morning, fighting traffic with two young kids, it was so refreshing to be chauffeured for once, in a luxurious vehicle, just my wife and I, sitting back, relaxed and enjoying the ride.”

The two were greeted with pleasantries and smiles at the One&Only Ocean Club and taken to Mandara Spa for a couple’s massage in a private villa.

“Our private villa contained its own private courtyard with comfortable seating, a jacuzzi tub, a spacious therapy room, with massage tables, a spacious standalone shower and a separate toilet. You would have to see it to believe it.”

Comfortable and relaxed, the Barrs made their way to the Dune Restaurant for dinner. “Their food and drink menu had something for everyone, and since we don’t get this opportunity quite often, we tried to enjoy everything that we pos-

DINNER at Dune restaurant.

Located on

Peach Street

PRE-dinner at at the Dune bar. sibly could,” Mr Barr said.

“The icing on the cake was when they surprised us with an anniversary song and complimentary dessert.”

The night ended when they were driven home in a luxurious Cadillac Escalade.

“We couldn’t ask for any more on our tenth wedding anniversary. It was truly a dream come true. I would like to thank Kiss FM, Mandara Spa, Dune restaurant and the One&Only Ocean Club for allowing me to ‘Kiss and make up’ in a very special way,” he said.

Mrs Barr called her husband immediately after she heard about the KISS FM competition as he had suffered a catalogue of bad luck whenever he tried to treat her or take her out.

His Valentine’s Day plan for a romantic couple’s massage fell through on the night and the Barrs had ended up having a Bamboo Shack “lovers special” dinner instead.

Off Montrose Avenue will have its

Property

CLOSED to the General Public

from Thursday April 13th at 5pm to Tuesday April 18th, 2017 at 6a.m. to retain their right to the private Roads.

Any inconvenience this may cause to the general public we do apologize.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, April 13, 2017, PAGE 17

SPECTACULAR Wahoo action for Chris Sands and Adam Russell, of Nassau.

THE BITE between Harbour Island and Hole in the Wall was on at the weekend with Wahoo, Tuna and Mahi Mahi for Tweedie Deep Sea Fishing and Guide.

MAHI Mahi biting off Harbour Island.

KEEP checking the Bahamas Sport Fishing Network (BSFN) expert page for fishing reports throughout the Bahamas: this will be helpful in tracking the “hot spots” and providing advice on gear and fishing methods being used.

For a sample of the spectacular fishing to be had in The Bahamas, expert advice, tournament dates and results, informative features

and photo galleries visit the BSFN page at tribune242. com or www.bsfn.biz or on Facebook - Bahamas Sport Fishing Network.

CAPTAIN TRAVIS, of Gusto Charters and guide services, on the Mahi Mahi.

Cycling Club Bahamas Cycling Club Bahamas.Easter rides: Good Friday ride from Harbour Bay, 6am; Saturday ride from Harbour Bay, 6am; Sun-

JOIN THE CLUB OUR Clubs and Societies page is a chance for you to share your group’s activities with our readers.

To feature on our Clubs and Societies page, submit your report to clubs@ tribunemedia.net, with “Clubs Page” written in the subject line.

For more information about the page, contact Stephen Hunt on 5022373 or 447-3565.

BSFN slideshows can be found on USA Today’s website in the Travel section at experience.usatoday.com.

JAYSON Rathmann on the Yellowfin Tuna in Abaco.

day ride from Harbour Bay 6am; Monday ride From Harbour Bay 6am.

Weekday rides, East: Morning, Tuesday & Thursday leaving 5am sharp from Sea Grapes Shopping Centre, East Prince Charles Drive. This ride is a 17-mile loop to the Northbound Paradise Island Bridge and back again. Open to riders capable of 18 mph + for 1 hour. Lights are essential.

Weekday rides, West: Wednesdays & Fridays leaving 4:45am sharp from Fidelity Bank Parking Lot (opposite Cable Beach Police Station), West Bay St. This ride is a 20-mile loop.

The route is varied. Open to riders capable of 18mph+ for 1 hr. Lights are essential.

Contact Shantell 557-3635 to confirm your attendance.

Mid-day ride, weekdays: Leaving 11:00an from Cable Beach Police Station (near Baha Mar). The ride

distance varies (23 miles).

The speed varies (1015mph). Contact Dwight to confirm your attendance 426-6119.

Afternoon, Tuesdays & Thursdays leaving 5:30pm sharp from Old Fort Shopping Center east of Solomon’s Fresh Market. Intermediate riders 17-22mph - see Spyda This ride is 18miles (faster group leaves North Side Lyford Cay roundabout, recommended for Strong Riders capable of 20mph+ for 1-1.5hrs. (@23 miles) Lights are essential.

Upcoming events: April 30, NPCA Road Race start/ finish Coral Harbour Shopping Centre, 42 miles.

May 27 - 2017 Tour De Lootra, 100 miles.

November 4 - 31st Annual Conchman triathlon on Grand Bahama Island.

Register today at www.conchmantriathlon.com.