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VOLUME:115 No.104, APRIL 23RD, 2018

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SPORTS: NATIONAL SOCCER CHAMPIONS CROWNED PAGES US REPORT HIGHLIGHTS ABUSE OF DETAINEES

We won’t be bullied by unions

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

THE most significant human rights issues affecting the country last year involved the treatment of people in detention, according to the US government.

The US State Department’s 2017 Human Rights Report stated foreign male prisoners frequently reported threats and targeting by prison guards, and flagged the claim of a Bahamian-US dual citizen who reported in June that officials at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services placed a bag over his head and beat him with a golf club.

SEE PAGE THREE

WTO TO COST $200M IN LOST DUTIES

Ministers insist blackout threats won’t be tolerated

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net WORKS Minister Desmond Bannister yesterday said that neither the government, nor the wider public, would tolerate blackout threats from unions at Bahamas Power and Light as the company plans to offer voluntary separation packages to workers in a “rightsizing” exercise.

“Bahamians are not going to put up with any long, hot summer, and we’re not going to,” Mr Bannister, pictured, said. “I don’t know where it came from, but the Bahamian people will stand up for their right to have some basic amenities in their life, one of those which is electricity.”

Unions representing workers at BPL had threatened it would be “a long, hot summer” as they fumed over planned job cuts. On Friday, Bahamas Electrical Workers Union President Paul Maynard said lack of government intervention over the problem could see Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis return from a trip to England to a country in darkness.

At a press briefing marking his return from Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings in London yesterday, Dr Minnis said the Ministry of Labour would broker talks between the unions and BPL’s board to reach an amicable resolution to ensure there is no loss of power.

SEE PAGE FIVE

By NATARIO MCKENZIE Tribune Business Reporter nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas will have to replace almost $200m or 10.5 per cent of government revenues in a “realistic scenario” for WTO accession, a consultant has revealed.

Dr Derk Bienen illustrated the scale of tax reform facing The Bahamas when it starts to eliminate/ reduce import tariffs that are seen as barriers to trade.

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday.

Photo: Terrel W Carey/Tribune Staff

‘JUDGE ME ON FIVE YEARS, NOT ONE’

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said he is not disappointed by a recent poll showing Bahamians are increasingly dissatisfied with his government.

Reacting yesterday on his return from trips to Peru and the United Kingdom,

Dr Minnis said: “If you look at every poll throughout the world…government usually loses (political) capital throughout the first year. That’s accepted; that’s standard. Let’s look at why. Governments make promises and commitments. Government and the people expectations are high and I accept that, but you put me in office for five

years, I can’t do it in year one and that’s the expectation and because it’s not done in one year you would expect there would be some degree of disgruntledness, that’s normal.

“However, what we stated we will do, we will deliver and you will see that number going up and the SEE PAGE SIX

OBAN PROMISES HOMES FOR WORKERS

By TANEKA THOMPSON Tribune News Editor tmthompson@tribunemedia.net IN the face of continued criticism and public push back over its proposed development, Oban Energies yesterday touted the benefits the project would bring to Grand Bahama, revealing 200 homes will be constructed “as an incentive” for Bahamian staff members.

A statement issued

yesterday said Oban is in it “for the long haul” and has already invested over $10m to date in research, technical, legal, local accommodations and marketing, inclusive of Bahamian firms as it looks forward “to impacting the Grand Bahama economy in a more extensive way soonest”.

Although environmental activists and watchdogs have expressed concern about degradation and

pollution to pristine areas of the island due to the proposal, Oban tried to assuage these fears, saying it “remains committed to realising a sustainable and environmentally friendly development in East Grand Bahama”.

Oban’s release said: “The construction phase of the storage and refinery facility will create 600 direct and 1,000 indirect jobs.”

SEE PAGE FIVE

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

BRITISH TO REOPEN DIPLOMATIC MISSION

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net THE United Kingdom will reopen a diplomatic post in The Bahamas, British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has announced. A diplomatic post also will be established in Lesotho, Swaziland, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu.

SEE PAGE 12

Insight

THE DEADLY WEAPONS TESTING OFF ANDROS

PAGE 2, Monday, April 23, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, April 23, 2018, PAGE 3

US report highlights abuse of detainees from page one

The report did not include any further information on the claim or whether it had been investigated.

Acting Secretary of State John Sullivan released the 2017 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices on Friday, and The Bahamas’ report notes the Minnis administration’s actions against police officers and officials accused of abuse of power.

On prison and detention centre conditions, the report noted overcrowding, poor nutrition and inadequate sanitation contributed to conditions that failed to meet international standards in some areas.

“Inmates reported receiving only two meals per day,” the report read, “and often only one, with a meal sometimes consisting only of bread and tea. Fresh fruit and vegetables were rare to nonexistent. Prisoners also reported infrequent access to drinking water and inability to save potable water due to lack of storage containers for the prisoners.

“A few cells also lacked running water, and in those cells, inmates removed human waste by bucket.

Sanitation was a general problem, with cells infested

THE BAHAMAS Department of Correction Services at Fox Hill - the department was subject to a number of criticisms in the latest US human rights report. rights issues practices with impunity” cited a vulnerable contract with rats, maggots and to a primary care physician human was sporadic.” included violence by guards as a result of inadequate procurement process as it insects.

The report noted as an against prisoners, harsh enforcement but did not conflated the government’s “A University of The Bahamas study reported improvement, the prison’s conditions in detention include any hard evi- ineffectiveness at implethat in the maximum-secu- acquisition of 20 indus- facilities, and lengthy trial dence or specific examples. menting corruption laws as rity block, which housed 58 trial washers, and the delays. The government That year, the US also the reason officials engage percent of the prison popu- Ministry of National Secu- took action in some cases returned to the attack on in illegal practices without lation, inmates removed rity reportedly instituting a against police officers and the Bahamas’ government consequence. processes, The 2017 report does not waste matter using buckets.” standardised cleaning pro- other officials accused of procurement a frequent target in its speak to the government’s It added: “Prison inmates gramme to improve hygiene abuse of power.”

In its 2016 report, annual Investment Climate procurement process. complained about the lack conditions in the prison.

The US State Depart- the State Department Report.

A draft bill to standardise of a full-time dentist and In its 2015 assessment, procurement was released a failure to appoint a staff ment’s 2017 report read: alleged government offimost significant cials “engaged in corrupt the State Department this month. psychiatrist. Prisoner access “The

MINNIS ‘NOT WORRIED’ OVER ACTING CHIEF JUSTICE CRITICISM

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday said he was not worried about losing political capital due to his delay in appointing a substantive chief justice, adding that his actions – or lack thereof – were totally supported by the Constitution.

Dr Minnis became defensive on the issue after repeated questioning by the media at a press briefing marking his return from England, asking reporters whether they would prefer he prioritised the matter over other national issues like last week’s blackout threat by Bahamas Power and Light unions.

He suggested the Bahamas’ Constitution provided for a specific timeframe on appointments for the post; however, The Tribune was unable to find such a clause.

Dr Minnis said: “At this point in time I’m trying my best to improve the Bahamian economy, improve the quality of life for everybody,

you just told me about BPL possibly turning off lights – that is more important to me, so those are matters I will tackle first.”

When asked if his statement implied he did not consider making a substantive appointment a priority, Dr Minnis replied: “Let me ask you a question, which is priority to you, your light going off or you getting a CJ, which one is more important to you?

“I know what is more important to me,” he added, “the light is more important to me. What is more important to you?”

He shrugged off one reporter’s attempts to raise concerns made by the legal fraternity, saying: “No, take that out of the question, you would prefer your light being off or me taking all resources and dealing with it, which is more important to you?’

When asked who was advising him on the CJ matter, Dr Minnis said: “I have the whole Attorney General’s Office, I have my Cabinet.”

At the briefing at Lynden Pindling International

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Airport yesterday, Dr Minnis appeared to grow frustrated by repeated questioning on the matter from reporters. He did not respond directly to a question about speculation that Attorney General Carl Bethel is being considered for the post.

Stephen Isaacs was sworn in as acting chief justice last December.

Late last month, Bahamas Bar Association President Khalil Parker suggested the constant undermining of democracy has pushed the country to an existential and constitutional crisis.

Among others critical of Dr Minnis are several Queen’s counsels, including Wayne Munroe, Maurice Glinton and Alfred Sears.

The Tribune understands some justices of the Supreme Court have also grumbled about the matter.

“Constitutionally,” Dr Minnis said yesterday, “our Constitution is different from Jamaica, constitutionally I am totally correct in terms of an acting CJ. The Constitution allows me a certain timeframe and it will be done within the timeframe of the Constitution.”

He continued: “Listen I am not worried, I stick with the Constitution, if I am protected constitutionally then that’s all I know.”

According to the Bahamas’ Constitution: “The chief justice shall be appointed by the governor general by instrument under the public seal on the recommendation of the prime minister after consultation with the leader of the opposition.”

Concerning acting justices, the Constitution states: “If the office of chief justice is vacant, or

if the chief justice is for any reason unable to perform the functions of his office, then, until a person has been appointed to that office and assumed those functions, they shall be performed by such other person, qualified under

paragraph (3) of Article 94 of this Constitution for appointment as a justice, as the governor general, acting in accordance with the advice of the prime minister may appoint for that purpose by instrument under the public seal.”

PAGE 4, Monday, April 23, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

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FNM government has no vision, no plan says Davis ACCORDING to PLP leader Phillip “Brave” Davis the reason for the FNM government’s slippage in the recent popularity polls is because of the “mistruths” they told voters during last year’s election campaign.

There probably is some truth in this because the FNM — like the rest of us — knew that the public finances had been badly crippled by the defeated PLP government. However, few knew the resuscitation needed for the Public Treasury before those election promises could be kept. For example, can Mr Davis explain the need for the million dollar clinics in his district when there was no one to staff them? And, considered on the larger scale of needs, did these islands have a sufficient number of patients to justify such expensive clinics?

Yet, to build them, funds were diverted from the Princess Margaret Hospital, this country’s central hospital, which is badly in need of structural repairs, new equipment, medicine, nurses, and the list goes on.

We agree with Mr Davis that the present government must have a vision and a plan, which, he says, has not as yet been identifiable. We know of plans for certain areas, but because of contracts and financial decisions made by the PLP government, the finances are not there to carry out those plans —at least not as yet. Mr Davis wants to know “when are they going to stop blaming the PLP?” That is a question that is difficult to answer, because at almost every turn there is an unanticipated financial roadblock to moving forward – a roadblock left there by the PLP. “Were it not for the PLP, where would the economy be today?” Mr Davis asked. In certain areas – without their legacy – much further ahead than it is today, and in a few more months as more is revealed we should be able to quote chapter and verse of what has gone wrong.

“What if VAT had not been implemented?” Mr Davis asked, then added: “They said it was stolen.” To respond to that statement is all in a point of view — we leave that to the public.

VAT was introduced by the PLP government on January 1, 2015. At the time the Bahamian people were told that it was being introduced to reduce the public debt. They were not told that it was to go into the Consolidated Fund and that none of the proceeds from VAT were “to be earmarked for any specific purpose.” And so Bahamians were lied to when told that it was specifically earmarked to bring down the large and growing public debt. In fact in the Consolidated Fund it was commingled with “customs duties, excise taxes, property tax, business and bank license fees, stamp tax and all other revenues earned by the government.”

Obviously thinking that with VAT they were now flush with money, the Christie government must have gone on a spending spree. The government was told in 2016 that its finances were “in a very dark position.” Instead of going down with VAT, the public debt had gone up. By 2016 the debt of these small islands was $7.604 billion — more than 90 per cent of the national output (GDP). To put it bluntly we were spending far more than we were earning. In the businessman’s world that spelt bankruptcy. And as Robert Myers of the

Organisation for Responsible Governance, told Tribune Business at the time there was “no way” the Christie government could blame all the $314 million half-year deficit on Hurricane Matthew.

Maybe, Mr Davis would now like to answer his own question: Where would the economy be today if it weren’t for the PLP and what if VAT had not been implemented, or, having been implemented, had been used for the purpose for which Bahamians were told it was intended? To us the answer is obvious.

As for the FNM’s election promises, many of them could have started if the Treasury’s cupboard had not been left almost bare by Mr Davis’ government.

Talking down The Bahamas Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis can be criticised for many things — the Oban blunder being one of them— but to say he “talked down” The Bahamas and emphasised its corruption when he spoke at the CEO Summit of the Americas in Lima, Peru, is not true. The conference was held under the theme: “Democratic Governance Against Corruption.”

Corruption was the subject matter of the conference. Did Bahamians expect their Prime Minister to stand up and tell his listeners that there was no corruption in the Bahamas? In fact, the corruption in this country is better known by foreigners than by many Bahamians.

Bahamians would be surprised at what we are told by people from abroad about the shady dealings in these islands. So it would have been foolhardy for him to speak at a conference on corruption and say that The Bahamas had none.

He admitted to corruption, said it was the responsibility of Bahamian government leaders to create the best environment in which businesses in respective jurisdictions can flourish, and that transparency and integrity are crucial in this process. He outlined his government’s plans for improvement.

He talked of the dramatic reforms to improve doing business in The Bahamas. He talked of many things, including on assuming office his government’s appreciation for the need to uncap human capital.

“We were determined to unleash the ingenuity of Bahamian entrepreneurs in order to stimulate, expand and sustain a modern Bahamas economy,” he said.

“We are encouraged that our 2018 GDP growth is estimated at 2.5 per cent,” he said. “Given planned strategic public sector investments, there are accelerated projections for 2019. The Bahamas has always been a paradise for tourists. We are also a paradise for investors and businessmen. We invite you to explore The Bahamas’ advantage.”

“We seek to implement international best practices that will make us a leading jurisdiction in the hemisphere,” he said.

This was the gist of his talk. To say he talked down The Bahamas, is just not true. The subject of the meeting was corruption. He assured his listeners that his government was aware of it, was taking measures to bring it under control and that The Bahamas was indeed a safe and attractive place in which to do business.

BTC failure EDITOR, The Tribune.

branch today to enquire about the Samsung S9. I I am perturbed, to say the have an account balance least, by the service I have of $400 plus sitting on my received today (4/16/2018) account. I enquired if I was from BTC! I consider able to use this balance myself an exemplary cus- towards the purchase of a tomer as I do not complain new phone; however, the and I give this service pro- manager advised that I was vider the benefit of the unable to as she walked and doubt! As a matter of fact, talked to me on her way out I had recently refused to the door (RUDE)! give Aliv a chance but after I had to then tow custoday’s experience I am tomer service line to converted to Aliv. enquire if I were to close Fast forward to my issue: my account same day, I went into BTC Mall would I be able to have my

funds returned to me.

The customer service rep informed me that was impossible and I would lose my money as the funds can only be used towards an outstanding bill. So now, I am stuck between a rock and a hard place!

I need the URCA or someone at BTC to help me!

PROSPECTIVE ALIV CUSTOMER Nassau, April 16, 2018.

Union boss blows a fuse EDITOR, The Tribune.

SIXTY years ago, one of the coolest government jobs in town (literally) was at the ice house in Oakes Field, a stone’s throw from The Guardian’s media house.

This was in a time before electricity was a household commodity and the people of these islands looked forward to the refreshment provided by the crisp, crystal clear blocks of relief that the ice house provided.

An affable gentleman, the late Carl Albury, presided over the running of the ice house and he was meticulous, fair and unflappable. He treated everyone equally and patrons could rest assured that if they showed up they would get a little block of artic pleasure.

Mr Albury knew that he was involved in a business whose time was short. He could see the electrification of his community. Indeed, his own wife, the late Agnes Albury, was at the vanguard of installing refrigeration in their own home. “We are going to work ourselves out of a job,” Albury would wryly inform his workers, adding quickly “and that’s a good thing for the country”.

It’s a pity and a crying shame that we don’t have more men of sterling character like Carl Albury on the front lines of our public-sector labour force.

He could teach a class in the subject of statesmanship and responsible union leadership to men like Paul Maynard, boss of the Electrical Workers Union, who put on a disgraceful performance recently upon learning that technology was yielding enough results at Bahamas Power and Light that it was time for retrenchment of workers.

The union leader put the entire country on notice that his union will pull the plug if just one worker at the power company should lose so much as one hour’s pay, much less be caught up in the retrenchment.

Mr Maynard set his sights on the Prime Minister, who was out of the country at the time, warning that he might return to find his capital city in darkness, courtesy of the union.

This was a direct threat and does not auger well for the kind of amicable union/ government relationship that we are going to need to dig ourselves out of the

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net financial hole that we are in.

The new Bahamian management of BPL acquitted itself admirably and wisely did not take the bait that Mr Maynard dangled which would have dragged the debate into the gutter.

Union management must wake up and realise that we are in 2018 smack dab in the middle of a technology and information revolution where efficiencies are driven by computerisation not manpower.

We can all agree that the reason for setting up the power company was to provide uninterrupted power supply at the cheapest price possible. The government is taking steps towards this goal and it is accepted that one by-product will be the job redundancy as machinery and software replaces manpower and muscle.

No union boss wants to preside over job losses, but everyone realises that while we can stand on the shore we cannot hold back the tide. The responsible thing for Mr Maynard and others of his ilk and mindset to do is to get out in front of the revolution and bargain hard for fair retrenchment benefits for his workers.

Those let go should be fairly compensated to include offers of skills training to make them more marketable in other industries. It would not be unreasonable for BPL to assist retrenched workers to enroll at the University of The Bahamas or a technical institute to learn computer skills so that they can go back to BPL as independent contractors offering their newly-acquired computing knowledge.

Naturally, attrition and generous separation packages should be put in place before the retrenchment exercise is given the goahead, but come it must and it should be welcomed by all rate-paying customers who have been electrocuted by high rates and poor service.

Mr Maynard and his cohorts will find no sympathy with consumers if they negotiate with threats and intimidation. It makes they look like bullies.

Losing power because the grid is old and inadequate

is one thing; losing power because of union retribution is vexing and creates public resentment that the union can ill afford.

The management of BPL and the government must not be deterred by bullying and brutish behaviour.

Stay the course, modernise, become more efficient, sustainable and environmentally friendly.

In addition to the conversion to natural gas from dirty diesel oil they must expand into solar and wind generation, all while improving distribution and a steady supply.

When the process of electrification of Nassau was commenced in the 1950s we had fuses that would often burn out, sometimes leading to power failures and even fires. It created much work for power company workers.

When the technology improved to breakers and trip wires, residents were able to go to the fuse and/or breaker box themselves and flip a switch to get the power back on.

It was called advancement and nobody grumbled about job losses.

Today we have smart technology that can isolate faults within seconds and even systems that can repair themselves in real time. Workers went from four men on a truck with ladders and a trailer load of replacement hardware to today where a laptop or smartphone is all one technician needs to find and resolve problems.

Eventually homeowners will be able to troubleshoot their own problems and won’t need to grow old waiting on the telephone for a customer service rep from the power company to pick up the call.

Mr Maynard needs to get with the programme. He should fight hard to get the best separation packages for his members and then come back to the negotiating table to put their ideas and energy to work for us, the Bahamian consumers.

His threats to cut the electricity supply won’t hurt the highfalutin and the powerful people he is angry at. They all have generators with state-of-the-art cutover switches that kick in at the slightest hint of foolishness from the union.

THE GRADUATE Nassau, April 22, 2018.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, April 23, 2018, PAGE 5

We won’t be bullied by unions from page one “Electricity is very important to us and we will do everything in our power to ensure there is no loss of power because there are people who are sick and they need power for their medication, the schools use the computer system, it can affect the entire economy and it’s our job as government to protect the economy and protect the quality of life and improve the quality of life of the Bahamian populace,” Dr Minnis said.

The company announced plans last week to cut jobs as automated services are installed over the next 18 months. This angered BPL’a managerial and line staff unions.

BPL chairperson Darnell Osborne told The Tribune yesterday she expected BPL to launch an investigation into Thursday’s island-wide blackout on New Providence, adding that she planned to meet with union leadership when she returned from leave taken for personal loss.

“I just think that’s irresponsible,” she said concerning blackout threats, “and that was where my conversation was with the union, we don’t need those type of threats. We are not

BPL chairwoman Darnell Osborne. at that stage, we are not in a hostile environment. When we have the details then we will call them in, which will be shortly. I’ve been informally in discussions and calmer heads need to prevail. Let’s wait and see.”

For his part, Mr Maynard said the unions moved to address recent media statements from BPL as there had been no formal communication with bargaining agents.

Mr Maynard said the relationship between BPL and unions was still cordial and professional; however,

Friday’s press conference sent a clear message that the union would not hesitate to act in the best interests of its membership.

“It’s just the fact that you can’t continue to be in the papers saying stuff and you haven’t been talking to the union,” he said yesterday. “You gotta talk to the stakeholders. We don’t have any details, we need to sit down and talk about it.

“We’re cordial, we’re professionals. It’s just that we want to know what the plans are, and we will see if we can assist. You can’t

be in the paper talking and got me finding stuff out and we right there, it’s not like we’re in another country.”

‘Calmer heads’ Meanwhile, Ms Osborne said officials are still “a matter of weeks” away from crunching the numbers on the “rightsizing” exercise to determine how many of its estimated 1,100 staff will be eligible, insisting it will only feature voluntary severance packages.

“As far as I’m concerned

there is not a hostile relationship (with unions),” Ms Osborne continued, “we have enjoyed a cordial one. I spoke with the president (Saturday) and told him I think calmer heads need to prevail. I think they got offended with the announcement or the discussion that there will be a rightsizing of the corporation. As the minister indicated there will not be an irresponsible rightsizing, we’re in the initial stages of considering a voluntary severance package which has been mentioned to the union.”

“It’s a bit premature,” she said.

“Bear in mind we have a number of employees who have reached the 30-year mark. So, it’s not as if you’re putting all these people out to pasture without pension.

BEC has quite an attractive pension plan and retirees taken care of quite handsomely. I think the union should be responsible.

“Calmer heads will prevail, we will sit down with the union and work out an amicable solution. We just don’t need to be entertaining threats, that’s not possible, we’re in 2018 in a progressive situation. We need to work together for the betterment of the Bahamian people.”

Minutes after Bahamas

Power and Light’s CEO Whitney Heastie outlined steps BPL plans to scale down service disruptions in anticipation of the hot summer, New Providence was struck by an island wide power outage last Thursday.

Mr Heastie mentioned rightsizing efforts at that press conference.

However, Mr Maynard said the disruption in service was due to an explosion at substation eight in the Blue Hills Plant.

“Well that’s what they say,” Ms Osborne said yesterday when asked whether BPL had launched an investigation, “the public will judge. I’m on leave but I’m thinking that there will be or they have been investigating it.”

Ms Osborne added: “In order to progress we have to rightsize the corporation.

We have 1,100 staff almost.

When you start to automate there are changes that need to be made. We have people who are ready, several people have approached me who are prepared. We’re moving ahead. We want to make sure it’s done in the best possible position so Bahamian people and business are not affected. We can’t say numbers just yet, we may get more than we need to get, we may have to refuse persons.”

POWER OUTAGE FORCES DELAYS AT MAGISTRATE’S COURT

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

A NUMBER of magisterial matters were adjourned or affected by a three-hour long power outage at the Magistrate’s Court complex on Friday, The Tribune understands.

Senior officials attached to the Nassau and South Street’s court complex told The Tribune that no trial matters were heard by any magistrates on Friday, and all such matters were adjourned.

In fact, one case expected to commence Friday, the trial of four Haitian nationals accused of trying to leave the country with over $33,000, was adjourned to April 30 as a result of the power outage.

The Tribune was also informed that an arraignment due to open before court five, which has no windows, was also adjourned due to the outage, along with all of its other matters.

Court nine, the chief magistrate’s court, was in operation on Friday, but was being used by Deputy Chief Magistrate Subusola Swain due to the natural light it afforded her by its windows as opposed to her courtroom upstairs, which has none.

During the hearing of those matters, the deputy chief magistrate had to resort to using her cellphone flashlight to read dockets and take notes of proceedings. The prosecutor had to either use a cellphone flashlight or light from the windows.

According to officials, the power went out shortly after 9am. The court complex has a generator, but officials told The Tribune it wasn’t functioning properly “for whatever reason”.

When The Tribune arrived, people were gathered outside and the complex was in darkness.

The power also appeared to be out at the Nassau Street Police Station. The power was also off at the nearby Police Prosecution’s Office.

While The Tribune was covering an arraignment, the power came on for roughly ten seconds before flickering off again.

The power eventually came back on shortly after 12.20pm, restoring electricity to the court complex, the Nassau Street Police Station as well as the Police Prosecution’s Office.

The Tribune did observe a BPL truck stationed on the intersection of Nassau

OBAN PROMISES HOMES FOR WORKERS from page one “Upon completion, our full fledged operation will boast 250 permanent, wellpaying jobs. Two hundred homes will be constructed as an incentive for Bahamian staff members. We intend to partner with Grand Bahama residents and local organisations to strengthen communities.

“A strong focus will be placed on East Grand Bahama, the University of The Bahamas, Northern Campus, youth development throughout Grand Bahama and a charitable connect with the wider Bahamas. Our representation remains on the ground and we have identified a number of individuals and organisations making contributions that bode well with Oban’s vision and commitment. We will continue to provide information and address various concerns. With present day advanced technology and Oban’s commitment to world-class standards, we are confident of delivering an environmentally safe establishment that will grow the economy of Grand Bahama and the

wider Bahamas.

“Oban is here for the long haul.”

Officials from the company have been under the radar since a heads of agreement was signed with the government in February for the controversial $5.5bn oil refinery and storage facility. Oban’s president, Satpal Dhunna, hosted a town hall in Grand Bahama in late March. However, he has not been visible since.

Yesterday’s statement did not mention an environmental impact assessment or a timeline for its completion.

In February, Oban Energies’ then non-executive chairman Peter Krieger said an EIA for the project would be completed in 45 days. However, government officials and representatives at the Bahamas Environment Science and Technology (BEST) Commission have been tight-lipped when asked about this process.

Members of the Progressive Liberal Party have called on the government to scrap the controversial project. The PLP is holding a general meeting tonight for supporters called “Kill the Oban Deal”.

Street and Infant View Road shortly after noon.

The truck left when the power was restored.

Nonetheless, one senior court official complained about the three hour-long power outage, stating: “BPL needs to be more responsible when they doing work in the area. They can’t just cut off people light.”

Attorney Dion Smith, present during the outage, said while he was not particularly annoyed about the outage itself, he was upset the back-up generator was not functioning.

“This is the court,” he

said. “You don’t have persons that are only here having matters adjourned.

You have persons who are being arraigned for the first time, you know? What’s going to happen to them?

What is going to happen to their family members on the outside who don’t know what’s happening to their loved ones on the inside?

“So I really am disappointed that the generator is not working. Not the power outage itself because I don’t know a lot about why it’s out.”

Friday’s power cut came a day after New Providence

was struck by an island wide power outage. And that outage came minutes after BPL’s CEO Whitney Heastie outlined BPL plans to scale down service disruption in anticipation of a hot summer.

BPL said that outage occurred on Thursday because of an equipment failure at one of the substations at the Blue Hills Power Plant.

BPL’s line staff and managerial unions, in a joint statement in response to reports that the company will soon make job cuts as it seeks to make some of

its systems automated, said this summer could be a “very dark and hot” one for customers.

They stated: “The unions at BPL will not be pushed around. We are putting the country on notice that if the board and executive management decide that they are going to go to the press and the public and try to intimidate us, we are going to have a very dark and hot summer.

“We are categorically stating that the employees at BPL do not take kindly to our jobs being threatened in any shape or form.”

PAGE 6, Monday, April 23, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

Prime Minister shrugs off criticism of delegation size

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis was dismissive yesterday over criticism of the size of the delegation which accompanied him on trips to Peru and the United Kingdom.

As Dr Minnis travelled in recent weeks, critics took to social media to attack the government, with some creating memes lambasting his so-called “Gussie Mae” delegation, a colloquial term for overweight.

He suggested he was

unmoved by criticism.

“You’ll always have criticism,” he said at a press briefing at Lynden Pindling International Airport.

“One thing I’ve learned, when I was head of Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Princess Margaret Hospital, I always told all heads below me, I say if ever you pleasing 100 percent of the people you are a weak leader because it means you are bending to each and every one; you cannot.

If you do it you are weak.

If you are making the correct decision then someone

must be upset.”

Regarding the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in the United Kingdom, Dr Minnis said: “There would have been complaints about the size of my delegation. CHOGM comprised of not just the prime ministers’ meeting; there were a series of several meetings and people presented The Bahamas’ position to try to sell The Bahamas in some form or fashion. There would have been investment meetings for which members of the Chamber of Commerce

would have been present and members of my government also; there would’ve been a women’s forum where matters were discussed with respect to women; youth forum and therefore it was essential that youth members from The Bahamas would have been there.”

Asked if Bahamians have too high expectations about what benefits these trips should produce, Dr Minnis said: “The beauty of these particular trips is Bahamians have access to just about everything throughout so now I think

they have a better understanding of knowledge of what’s happens at these events so I think you’ll find that people’s view and outlook would be somewhat different.”

Dr Minnis said he met with leaders of Panama, Canada, the United Kingdom and Singapore during his trips. The leader of Panama told him that country’s Copa Airlines is looking to increase its flights to The Bahamas by three while the leader of Singapore agreed to assist this country with technology digitisation, he said.

He said he also spoke with US Vice President Mike Pence, requesting assistance in the fight against illegal immigration, though he wouldn’t reveal Mr Pence’s response to his requests.

Dr Minnis has said he would release information about the travels of his Cabinet and the associated costs of the most recent trips, although it remains unclear when the information will be released. He has previously released travel costs associated with a government trip to Texas in the United States.

‘JUDGE ME ON FIVE YEARS, NOT ONE’ from page one

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis.

Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff

PLP going down. I don’t know how low they can go; I don’t know where they’re at now.”

The poll by marketing and research firm Public Domain showed that since last year’s general election, there has been a 28 per cent increase in the number of Bahamians who are dissatisfied with the government.

Meanwhile, the number of Bahamians generally satisfied with the administration has decreased by 18 per cent.

The poll was conducted from March 15 to April 7 and relied on a random, weighed sample of 1,000 Bahamians. It came as the administration prepares to mark its one year anniversary on May 10.

Deputy Prime Minister

Peter Turnquest, when asked recently about the poll results, admitted the government’s communication efforts have been inadequate but said the poll won’t prompt the administration to change course.

“At the end of the day it isn’t going to affect what we are focused on doing,” Mr Turnquest said recently.

“We recognise that Bahamians have suffered, continue to suffer a slow turnaround and we understand we have a job to do.

We’re focused on that job and we will make improvements that are necessary and hopefully at the end of the day in four years from now they will see, touch and feel the result of the work we do and it will be demonstrably clear that this period is just a rebuilding, a planning period for what is to come.”

MINNIS: $200M CORRUPTION LOSSES A CONSERVATIVE ESTIMATE

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said yesterday he was being “conservative” with his estimation when he said The Bahamas loses $200m a year to corruption.

His statement came during a press conference at the Lynden Pindling International Airport after trips to Peru and the United Kingdom.

He said he chose the $200m figure after considering general global estimations of the cost of

corruption which peg it at five to ten per cent of a country’s gross domestic product, as revealed during the Summit of Americas.

“It was pointed out by the world leaders that about five to ten per cent of a nation’s GDP is lost through corruption and in some cases it’s as high as 30 per cent,” he said. “When you look at The Bahamas with a GDP of about $10bn, if we were to take the lower of the world’s figure which is five per cent, that would mean The Bahamas loses approximately $500m per annum as a result of corruption. I was very, very

conservative when I said corruption in The Bahamas is probably $200m, which was below the world’s figures.

“If you want the true figure, if The Bahamas’ GDP is $10bn, if you look at the lower limit because we are a religious nation so let’s put ourselves at the lower level, you talking about $500m.

“What is also significant is it was pointed out if you were to take corruption as an issue and make any dent that in itself could increase your economy; that’s an economic stimulus so more money is available for schools, for

hospitals, for jobs and that is why the entire world is looking at this factor to use as another factor to boost economic growth and development. Corruption, or monies taken out of the system, is essentially an illegal form of taxation on the poor, the public and investors and that must be dealt with appropriately.”

Dr Minnis was criticised

by Progressive Liberal Party Leader Philip “Brave” Davis for “badmouthing” The Bahamas abroad with his talk of corruption. But he said yesterday the theme of the summit in Peru was corruption, suggesting the

topic was unavoidable. He made the $200m remark to a reporter on the sidelines of the summit in Peru.

“The theme in Peru was anti-corruption and all nations present, including the United States, would’ve made their contributions in terms of corruption and The Bahamas being a part of the world order would’ve made its contribution also, informing the world what we have done, our progression in terms of contribution to anti-corruption and every country would have done similarly,” he said. “What was amazing is all of us would’ve basically

been on the same track coming out with the same type of legislation.”

Regarding criticism from the opposition in particular, he said those critics were speaking in the dark.

“I went through it slowly so the opposition would understand what I said,” he said. “He should not be speaking in the dark. I’ll always remember a very excellent quote, I cannot remember the author but I love the quote and it states, ‘I would prefer to get punched in the face by the truth than kissed on the cheeks by lies.’ You understand that.”

PRINCE CHARLES IS NEW C0MMONWEALTH HEAD

By LINDSAY THOMPSON

THE Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) wrapped up days of sessions and agreed that His Royal Highness Prince Charles, The Prince of Wales, 69, succeeds his mother Queen Elizabeth II as head of the Commonwealth of Nations.

During the formal opening ceremony on Thursday, April 19, at Buckingham Palace, the Queen, in her keynote address hinted that Prince Charles should succeed her as head of the 53-member organisation.

She said: “It remains a great pleasure and honour to serve you as Head of the Commonwealth and to observe with pride and satisfaction that this is a flourishing network. It is my sincere wish that the Commonwealth will continue to offer stability and continuity for future generations and decide that one day the Prince of Wales will carry on the important work started by my father in 1949.”

On Friday, during the final CHOGM Press Conference, the Prime Minister of Britain, Theresa May made the announcement, but also noted that the decision was reflected in the Leaders’ Statement: “The fifty-three member countries of the Commonwealth met at Windsor Castle today, at the generous invitation of Her Majesty The

Queen. As Her Majesty enters her seventh decade as Head of the Commonwealth, we put on record our continuing gratitude for the duty and commitment Her Majesty has shown to all members of the Commonwealth over those decades.

“We recognise the role of the Queen in championing the Commonwealth and its peoples.

“The next Head of the Commonwealth shall be His Royal Highness Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales,” according to the statement.

The Dr the Rt Hon Keith Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada, who also addressed the final CHOGM Press Conference, commended the Leaders’ decision to vote Prince Charles as head of the Commonwealth.

The Commonwealth Heads of Government met in Retreat to discuss matters relating to the theme, ‘Towards a Common future’.

The Bahamas delegation was led by Prime Minister, Dr the Hon Hubert Minnis who engaged in high-level dialogues with other Commonwealth leaders, April 16-18.

The Bahamas joined The Commonwealth in 1973.

Out of the 53 member states, 46 leaders attended CHOGM, with the remaining attending were foreign ministers.

THE STORIES BEHIND THE NEWS

Britain’s secret biological weapons tests - in The Bahamas

MONDAY, APRIL 23, 2018

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

reference to a top secret British military operation during the social chit-chat at Government House. We THE little-known fact are talking about Indochina the country was once used and the McCarthy trials in as a site for biological and the US. Here we have an chemical warfare testing by American submarine exerboth American and British cise going on and germ governments has resurfaced warfare experiments. Very with local activists draw- hush hush.” ing links to the need for Mr Smith continued: “In a functioning Freedom of fact, the British conducted Information Act. several trials with biologiSave The Bays legal cal warfare agents in the director Fred Smith, QC, Bahamas, Antigua, Scottold The Tribune he was land and other places. shocked to learn of warfare Operation Ozone in 1954 testing in the early 1950s. and Operation Negation in British scientists and 1955 experimented on animilitary personnel - in two mals on remote islands in secret operations - tested the Bahamas, without the the efficacy of biologi- knowledge of local people.” cal weapons on animals Politicians The Tribune 60 miles off the coast of has spoken to all said they Nassau without the knowl- had no knowledge of the edge of local people. The tests being carried out. tests ran until 1957 when The details of the the British abandoned experiments were pubthis type of research and lished in research by Brian destroyed stockpiles.

Balmer, a specialist in sciMr Smith said: “I am ence policy at University shocked that The Baha- College London, who mas was used as a guinea uncovered extracts from pig for biological warfare declassified documents that in the 1950s. The reports show the British military’s are to say the least alarming interest in biological weapand unsettling. ons after the Second World “Operation Ozone, which War. The potential impact was apparently launched of biological weapons was about 60 at one point miles south I am shocked that considered to of Nassau in The Bahamas was be equal in 1954 must be destructive explained by used as a guinea power and The Baha- pig for biological usefulness to mas and UK warfare in the nuclear weapgovernments.” ons, according Mr Smith 1950s. The reports to Mr Balmer. added: “This are to say the Mr Balmer issue again least alarming was able to highlights the confirmed five absolute criti- and unsettling. open-air trials cal need for of dangerous a Freedom of Information bacteria and viruses had Act in The Bahamas so that been carried out at sea in the citizens in this country the late 1940s and 1950s can find out what various - three in the Caribbean governments have done and two off Stornoway in to us in the past, and what the Hebrides. The British may be going on now under decided to move the experiour very noses in complete ments to The Bahamas as ignorance.” the wind conditions in the Detailed reports of the Hebrides were too strong, British weapons tests first disrupting the effectiveness surfaced in the UK in 2001 of the aerosol weapons. but appear never to have Mr Balmer uncovbeen reported fully here in ered a wide range The Bahamas. of pathogens were In The Tribune’s files used including anthrax. there is only a passing ref- There was also brucella and erence to the experiments, francisella tularensis, which written in an article by this cause severe fever. Pasnewspaper’s late columnist, teurella pestis, the plague Larry Smith, on the diaries bacterium, was released of the Countess of Ranfurly. in the first Hebrides trials, “Perhaps the oddest despite safety concerns. item in Hermione’s diary,” A highly infectious and he wrote, “was a passing debilitating, if rarely fatal,

THE HMS Ben Lomond, above, which was used in Operation Ozone and, right, a map showing the location of the testing as seen in a video on YouTube. virus called Venezuelan equine encephalitis was deliberately released in trials off the at Green Cay, 60 miles south of Nassau and off the coast of Andros, in 1954. Planning Operation Ozone, defence officials cheerfully suggested there would be “no adverse effect on the tourist trade”.

British servicemen who crewed the vessels carrying out the tests were not told they involved in biological weapons until after the Ozone flotilla had set sail for the Caribbean. One lab technician caught brucellosis from the test samples; his relatives were told that disease was “frequently contracted in tropical climates”.

The test rig was made of 35 linked rubber dinghies each with a crate for a live sheep, a box for a monkey and a carrier for three guinea pigs. During preparations, two of the dinghies were taken by sharks.

A video explaining the scientific process used for Operation Ozone can be found on YouTube. It centres on the use of a 200ft long and 60ft wide pontoon.

It was 10ft deep and used weighted tanks filled with water to angle the pontoon until its slope was level with the water for optimum wind flow.

Animal samples were positioned in an arc with a 75ft radius, and sprayed with germs from various distances simulating the dispersion of a bomb.

A total of 2,400 guinea pigs and 100 monkeys were taken for experimentation.

They were fed pellets and “green stuff” and given distilled sea water to drink.

The guinea pigs were held eight to a cage, while the monkeys were kept in individual cages.

For loading on to the pontoon, guinea pigs were put in individual boxes with no room to move and only their heads exposed.

Animals were loaded from a holding vessel on to a control boat that took crews to the pontoon where animals were offloaded.

The control boat directed

the trials by radio, ordering the detonation of trial weapons from a safe distance. Once a “cloud” of the pathogen being tested had “passed over” the pontoon the exposed animals were recovered go be held for observation and postmortem to see how effective the weapon had been.

Fresh animals would then be brought on to the pontoon and the test repeated, either with the same pathogen or a different agent.

There were usually three trials per day. Waste and corpses were disposed of by incinerator.

Yesterday, Mr Smith said: “I call on the government to immediately be transparent and accountable and to come clean with the Bahamian public urgently.

The fact that we may have

been guinea pigged for biological warfare is but one of the many issues that have surfaced in conspiracy with what other governments may have subjected the people of The Bahamas to.

“Others include the reports that the US government has secretly recorded all telephone and data conversations in The Bahamas, the past stories about the use of extremely destructive sonar weapons which resulted in hundreds of whales and dolphins dying off in The Bahamas, and what may or may not be happening now at AUTEC in Andros.

“The Bahamas belongs to Bahamians and it is not a crucible of experimentation for other governments and we need our government to protect us from foreign exploitation.”

SCENES from the video on YouTube on Operation Ozone, showing sailors handling toxic substances in containers as they transfer them to Ben Lomond, and unloading at the dock in Nassau.

PAGE 8 MONDAY, APRIL 23, 2018

INSIGHT

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

WHO TURNED OFF THE LIGHTS IN MAYNARD’S HEAD?

BY MALCOLM STRACHAN

BAHAMAS Electrical Utility Managerial Union (BEUMU) president Paul Maynard unleashed a fiery rebuke of the Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) management last week when execs at the utility company said they would be downsizing, effectively making 233 people redundant over an 18-month period.

This misguided attack ruffled more than a few feathers, as Bahamian people were irate hearing they would be the casualties of a war led by union heads Paul Maynard and Anthony Christie. Maynard’s threat of it being a “long, dark and hot summer” allude to tampering and sabotage on the part of BPL workers, which opens a whole other can of worms. He also, in effect, called the Minister of Works a liar, saying he should be the person asked about BPL’s capability for the gruelling summer loads at the power company. Desmond Bannister’s claim that BPL would be ready for the summer was trumped by Maynard during his press conference last Friday.

While this duelling

BAHAMAS Power and Light logo reveal at their Blue Hill Road headquarters after changing the company’s name from BEC.

between union heads, executives at utility companies and ministers is not unfamiliar, it always seems to affect Bahamian citizens the worst. The truth is Maynard’s bold threat would inconvenience the less fortunate who may

not be able to afford a generator. And what about the businesses that operate daily – from mom and pop stores to established franchises throughout the island? How are those business owners expected to pay their power bills

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when they cannot operate their businesses?

You see, this level of “crabs in a barrel” thinking where we attack our own to send a message is one of the biggest contributors to where we are as a nation. How dare Mr Maynard think it is okay to cause Bahamian people suffering to prove a point that the union will not stand for employees to lose their jobs? Companies are downsized around the world at a rapid clip, and for good reason. When organisations aren’t running at peak efficiency, it is incumbent upon those in authority to trim fat where and when necessary.

If we were to consider the number of individuals hired at our governmentowned corporations through political favours, certainly we would be baffled by what we find.

Therefore, it is necessary for the BPL management team to follow its mandate to ensure the corporation runs more efficiently and do what it must to achieve those results. Unfortunately, in this case, it will lead to approximately 233 people losing their jobs, which could be a lot worse considering the company is overstaffed by more than a thousand employees.

Notwithstanding the fact the economic times we live in do not create the ideal scenario for one to lose a job, Maynard’s untimely rant has done more to hurt the cause of those he represents, as it will not find many sympathisers.

It is also doubtful his threats to the prime minister arriving back from London in darkness will bring cooler heads to the negotiating table. Rather, it has caused many people to take to social media circles and voice their anger towards the union boss’ statements.

As far as the prime minister goes, he hardly responds to much lately, so this will more than likely be ignored. As for the Works Minister, Desmond Bannister - who has now been called a liar to the

BEUMU president Paul Maynard.

Photo: Terrel W Carey/Tribune Staff

Bahamian people - he will likely have some explaining to do. Is BPL ready for the summer months, or not?

Amid the various questions that will be asked as this latest controversy has now taken centre stage, perhaps the most prevalent question is, “Has Maynard lost his marbles?”

To think he will wage war with BPL by sabotaging the country’s power supply and walk among us is either the ambition of a wildly brave or severely reckless man. Perhaps he should consider if those within his union are top performers at BPL because we are hard-pressed in finding the sense in defending workers who underperform on the taxpayers’ dime and insult the Bahamian people by threatening them with such drastic inconveniences.

While we do not know

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who would be made redundant or why, it is entirely in management’s authority to make such a decision. To that end, Maynard’s first consideration ought to be if these employees were doing a good job – not how he would shut down the country if they are let go.

It is this sort of bluster that should be condemned outright. Bahamian people need not suffer for Maynard to earn brownie points with his union members. If his concern for people’s livelihood was truly centred on Bahamian citizens being negatively impacted, there is no way his utterances should have been as tactlessly communicated.

Although Education Minister Jeff Lloyd received backlash for his sharp commentary on the deadweight being employed in his ministry, he had the right idea.

If a person does not do the job they’re obligated and paid to do, they are the ones who assume the risk.

While we should also condemn people being fired for unjust causes, unions raising hell to thwart any attempt by the government to create efficiencies where they may be lacking should never stand in our great country.

Retorts from Desmond Bannister and the BPL executive team are sure to come following last week’s eruption.

Though this fight seems as it has a few rounds to go, we certainly hope people are dealt with fairly if BPL proceeds with its rightsizing plans.

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

INSIGHT

MONDAY, APRIL 23, 2018 PAGE 9

FOR A CHANGE: WELCOME WORLD BANK ADVICE ATTENDING a World Bank meeting on April 16, I was shocked to hear a senior official of the organisation say that, in addressing fiscal deficits, Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries should not make “shock adjustments”.

This advice is contrary to the traditional prescriptions handed out by the twin international Financial Institutions, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), to developing countries that run-up fiscal deficits, namely the difference between total revenue and total expenditure. The traditional guidance is to cut government spending and increase taxes rapidly – in other words, “shock adjustments”.

Wherever that prescription has been applied, the less well-off have suffered the most because social welfare programmes have been the first to be chopped. The result has always been an increase in poverty, reduced health and education facilities and, eventually, an escalation in crime.

When the other element of a “shock adjustment” is applied, alongside cuts on government spending, it has contributed to worsening a country’s economic performance. The other element is applying higher taxes. This again burdens the poor much more than the rich because businesses and rich individuals employ stratagems to avoid paying increased taxes, so the revenue yield to governments from increased taxation regimes seldom enlarges. Additionally, confronted with higher taxes, businesses invariably do two things: they lay-off workers, and they increase prices to the consumer.

It seems, at last, that in dealing with developing countries, particularly small ones, the penny has finally dropped in World Bank officialdom that economic theory, applicable in large economies, is simply not transferable to small ones. Experience has now taught them that the economies of small states are too minuscule and undiversified to withstand

THE WORLD Bank headquarters in Washington, DC, USA. With 189 member countries, the World Bank Group is one of the world’s largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries.

PHOTO: worldbank.org

shock adjustments that are employed in larger countries.

So, the worthy World Bank official cautioned LAC countries to employ “gradual adjustment” by which he meant cutting government spending on “unproductive” projects and increasing taxation only where the overall tax regime is low.

Importantly, the World Bank now recognises that social transfers should not be cut for the elderly, lowincome households or to those with low incomes.

It also now emphasises that government spending on infrastructure and income-generating projects are good for medium to long term development

and, therefore, should be maintained.

All this good advice is contained in the Semiannual report of the World Bank’s Regional chief economist. It is entitled: “Fiscal Adjustment in Latin America and the Caribbean: Short-Run Pain, Long-Run Gain?” Note the question mark. The title is not declared as a statement; it is cast as a question, almost demonstrating a lack of conviction by those in authority about the conclusions of the report.

Be that as it may, the report breaks important new ground in urging “gradual” as against “shock” adjustment for countries with significant fiscal deficits, particularly

LIQUIFIED GAS - A LIFE SAVER FINALLY! Electricity generated from Liquified Natural Gas is on its way to Nassau. It is already being used in Jamaica. The cost benefits have been substantial by reducing the price of electricity. Substantially larger generating capacity is currently under construction.

So the price of electricity will continue to fall.

When this first project at Clifton Cay is completed, the cost of living of all Bahamians will be reduced.

The cost of operating hotels and other businesses will be reduced. This will result in economic growth, more jobs and a better life for Bahamians. No one can argue that this is not a good thing, a very good thing.

Therefore everyone should not only support the speedy execution of this first project but also push for additional and even larger projects so as to maximise the benefits of this proven

lower cost energy source.

Efforts should also be made to use LNG for generating electricity on Grand Bahama and the larger islands. For the smaller islands with fewer people, solar power may bring cost and other economic benefits to the residents.

The Jamaican government is about to list its very large solar energy company on the stock exchange. It may be useful for The Bahamas to monitor these activities.

There may be other and better such activities taking place elsewhere but I

mention Jamaica’s experiences because those are the cost saving and renewal energy projects with which I am familiar. Also they are taking place nearby in the Caribbean.

I sincerely hope that such a proven and beneficial project like the LNG one can receive universal support so that it can move forward in the shortest possible time.

Did I mention that burning LNG was also more friendly to the environment than burning oil to produce electricity? That makes the use of LNG a win-win.

where the economies of such countries are small and undiversified, and they lack safety nets for the poor and vulnerable.

So, how do Caribbean countries put this advice to good use? All but one of the 15 Caribbean countries, (14 CARICOM countries plus the Dominican Republic), have fiscal deficits. The lone exception is Grenada. All of them, to varying degrees, need to begin a serious programme of gradual adjustment. In the worst cases, the prospect of ending-up in an IMF programme with all its strictures, including laying-off public sector workers and raising taxes, looms large.

The IMF spectre is heightened by the substantial debt of governments that already face big fiscal deficits. The debt to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio is well above 60 per cent in all Caribbean countries except, Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago. It is especially high in Jamaica, Barbados and Belize. In the case of Antigua and Barbuda, it is still relatively high though, over the last three years, it has declined from 102 per cent to 79 per cent.

Getting the fiscal deficit down in many Caribbean countries should be a priority within the framework of “gradual adjustment”.

While Grenada has been outstanding in this regard, Jamaica has also done exceedingly well to reduce its fiscal deficit almost

to the point of balance.

However, both countries achieved that performance after years of exercising stringency in the clasp of IMF programmes.

To improve their situation without the iron hand of the IMF, Caribbean countries have to adopt a prescription of reducing borrowings, except for productive projects and needed infrastructure; growing their economies; increasing revenues and reducing fiscal deficits.

The present global situation offers Caribbean countries an environment in which they could implement gradual adjustment programmes that are beneficial. But, the environment is fragile. Already, exposed to the harmful effects of Climate Change, and punishing incursions into their financial services sector that has cost them revenues and jobs, they now face two worrying developments – a creeping rise in oil prices (up to US$76 a barrel as this commentary is written) and a slowdown in global economic growth that, in 2017, was driven principally by two countries – China and the United States of America.

The present trade war between these two giants could adversely reduce significantly last year’s global economic growth of 3.8 per cent. Roberto Azevedo, the director general of the World Trade Organization, has warned: “This important progress could

be quickly undermined if governments resort to restrictive trade policies, especially in a tit-for-tat process that could lead to an unmanageable escalation. A cycle of retaliation is the last thing the world economy needs.”

The realisation of the Caribbean Single Market and Economy – the dream of 1992 – would go a very long way to helping all Caribbean countries to achieve fiscal adjustment and to answering the World Bank’s question as to whether it would be “short-run pain, long-term gain”. But that is wishful thinking. Sadly, it may no longer be even “a work in progress” as the CARICOM secretary general Irwin LaRocque, dutifully and optimistically stated.

If it is that Caribbean countries will pursue economic stability and growth individually, then there is something in the World Bank’s new “gradual adjustment” advice. Policy makers should heed it.

• Responses and previous commentaries: www. sirronaldsanders.com The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States and the Organization of American States. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London and Massey College in the University of Toronto. The views expressed are his own.

PAGE 10 MONDAY, APRIL 23, 2018

INSIGHT

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

Men are victims HARD QUESTIONS WHICH DEMAND ANSWERS of abuse too

BY IAN BETHELL BENNETT

They remain steadfast in their efforts to use outdated environmentally harmful, mechanism that provide temporary, lowyield returns, which really translates into exploitation.

U

NIVERSITY of The Bahamas Northern Campus has hosted its first Sustainable Grand Bahama conference drawing people from many walks of life including the ministry of Tourism, Environment and Bahamas National Trust, as well as private sector agencies and companies. Of course, studies pointed out various aspects of sustainable development and what should be taken on board in the case of Grand Bahama. There were a number of points that stood out: a major one was that in the space of colonialism, can a culture really be sustainable? The second was, can an island be sustainable when it is controlled by a last-century vision?

I

T’S hard for some men to say “I need help”. While the majority of domestic violence victims are women, abuse of men happens far more often than you might expect.

Typically, men are physically stronger than women but that doesn’t necessarily make it easier for him to escape the abuse or the relationship. Whatever your circumstances, you can overcome these challenges and escape the violence and abuse.

If you’re a man in an abusive relationship, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. It happens to men from many cultures and all walks of life regardless of age and occupation.

Research suggests that as many as one in three victims of domestic violence are males. However, for many reasons men are often reluctant to report abuse by women because they feel embarrassed, or they fear they won’t be taken seriously. An abusive wife or partner may hit, kick, bite, punch, spit, throw things, or destroy your possessions. To make up for any difference in strength, she may attack you while you’re asleep or otherwise catch you by surprise. She may also use a weapon or strike you with an object, abuse or threaten your children.

Of course, domestic abuse is not limited to violence. Emotional and verbal abuse can be just as impactful. As a male, your spouse or partner may: • Verbally abuse you, belittle you, or humiliate you in front of friends, colleagues, or family, or on social media.

• Be possessive, act jealous, or harass you with accusations of being unfaithful.

• Take away your car keys or medications to try to control where you go and who you see.

• Try to control how you spend money or deliberately default on joint financial obligations.

• Make false allegations about you to your friends, employer, or the police, or find other ways to manipulate and isolate you.

• Threaten to leave you and prevent you from seeing your kids, if you report the abuse.

Sustainable Tourism

WHY DO MEN STAY IN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIPS? • Feeling ashamed • Religious beliefs dictate that they do • Lack of resources, cash and other tangible items, etc.

• They are in denial

HOW CAN A MAN GET OUT OF AN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP? Abuse need to be addressed swiftly and safely.

If you’re in an abusive relationship, you need to take immediate action to preserve your own well-being and find the road to your recovery. Plan to definitely end your abusive relationship, keep yourself safe, and move on.

• Get help • Recognise abuse • Do not excuse or dismiss abusive behaviour • Document the abuse • Remember that abuse is not your fault • Keep a list of safe people with their contact information • Have an emergency plan If you are being abused or suspect someone you know is experiencing abuse, Call 911 or 919 immediately or Call the Crisis Centre at 328-0922.

Let us create safer communities • Please visit the Royal Bahamas Police Force website at www.royalbahamaspolice.org or Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ rbpforce for Latest News, Daily Crime Reports and additional Crime Prevention Tips.

Discussion demonstrated that rather than focus on numbers of tourists arriving, one must consider the quality of visitors. The quantity of visitors only leads to a diluted and exploited product that undermines the infrastructure of the place. While, attention is paid to the quality of visitor, the destination can charge higher prices for the product and the environment less degraded. Environmental degradation is a serious concern with large scale, quantity-driven tourism developments. Tourism cannot be allowed to destroy the environment tourists come to enjoy.

Governance In Grand Bahama the fact that there are two simultaneous and overlapping systems of government where multinational and transnational corporations enter and leave at will already complicates the sustainability of culture and place. In “Postcolonial Remains” Robert Young points out: It also becomes clear that the same paradigm of sovereignty through dispossession applies to many nonsettler colonies, where indigenous minorities or historically excluded groups have found the freedom of a postcolonial sovereignty to mean comparable or even worse forms of oppression than under colonial rule, even if the political structure is that of a democracy (Young, 2012, p 25).

This is Grand Bahama’s reality, sustainability seems automatically compromised by a mixed and yet unsustainable and irreconcilable governance structure. Freeport and Grand Bahama should be synonymous, but they are almost two distinct countries - when used in the widest sense of two distinct

World Trade Organisation (WTO) and The Bahamas yet equally exploited cultural spaces governed by “external” powers.

Grand Bahama, it seems, is currently sustainable through dominating and extraction of its wealth, and the further impoverishment of its population. The population is deeply divided between those with access in Freeport and those on the margins in areas outside of Freeport like West End, Pinder’s Point or even in East End. While declaring sustainable development to be their aim, government announced yet another extractive and destructive process of colonialism with Oban.

The lack of sustainability also became apparent when we headed to the airport for a 2pm flight on the national flag carrier and were told the flight would be slightly delayed. That slight delay resulted in a poorly communicated, no respect given, no food, no water provided for a seven hour “delay”; not a real delay, but a choice not to put on a flight! Disregard for all was clearly communicated by the airline staff.

Such governance and function results in the disenfranchisement of all bodies involved in the fight to create a sustainable home and future for themselves and their families. Notwithstanding governments’ pronouncements, there seems to be a continued centre periphery paradigm that allows the colonial/ postcolonial dichotomy to undermine the sustainable future of the island. Nassau is one centre that refuses to provide Grand Bahama with adequate resources and service, while claiming to value Grand Bahama’s participation in the national project.

Old models, new reality So, as Bahamasair strands people in the middle of a tin-shop airport and Freeport dominates landscape of a people, central government of the larger space continues to use old models to move forward, damaging and limiting potential for real and sustainable development as they go. Development does not mean every square mile need be consumed by cement; a lesson can be learned from other countries.

The giants of leadership, however, know better than international experience and best practices.

An invaluable lesson is learned in the Business Panel. Current national sustainability concepts are mismatched with WTO. Sad that the room was small and the crowd shocked by the revelations. We have been hearing this talk for years: The Bahamas is acceding to the WTO and we must be ready. Yet, years on, the world stage changes and The Bahamas remains steadfast in its isolation, but joining the organisation.

Ironically, the more we talk about The Bahamas developing for Bahamians the less this is possible. New policies and trade liberalisation require that whatever is given to nationals, be shared with all parties involved in any negotiation: National Treatment. Most Bahamians refuse to understand this. Most governments refuse to truly educate the nation to these new realities.

Bahamians can no longer be protected or favoured in the face of WTO policies when the government has not legislated for this kind of relationship prior to the accession. All nationals from whatever country, all entities be they legal or natural persons, must be treated the same way by the country. Its regulations, policies and laws cannot discriminate to protect Bahamians. These two stipulations, National Treatment and Most Favoured Nation Status, provide international persons unfettered access to The Bahamas and the Bahamian economy.

Internationally, fights are now beginning over such policies as demonstrated by the Brexit debate, as well as tariffs being imposed on China by President Trump. At the same time, The Bahamas relies almost exclusively on import duties and VAT on them, and has refused to overhaul the tax system. Government needs to figure out how to deal with the angry backlash in order to develop a robust resilient country economy that can survive WTO accession, through real talk with the population.

Linkages Sustainability, an empowering catch phrase, requires inclusion and joining up. The National Development Plan must work with all initiatives and the inverse. Approvals for development should first meet any planned needs and requirements, not just

jobs. There is no sustainability without considering how populations factor in. If we consider the WTO and the Economic Partnership Agreement already signed on to, these ephemeral jobs promised by projects like Oban and other tourismfocused programmes, are temporary and not guaranteed for Nationals. Freeport, and development projects already show that most jobs are competed over outside the country. They must be offered to the best candidates and, often, Bahamians are not in this group. Trade policies determine these cannot be held exclusively for Bahamians. Why do the people vying for these jobs think the outcome will be any different post The Pointe or May 2017? WTO policies remain the same.

The conference at UB North demonstrated the hard questions must be asked. It also demonstrated there is real need to complete and enact the National Development plan that should in theory prevent ad hoc and random development schemes. A complete, enacted National Plan takes onboard the UN Sustainable Development Goals, meshes them with the NDP’s priority areas, as discussed in Nassau the day before this conference at a public meeting with the NDP and ECLAC at UB Oakes Field Campus, the cross-cutting nature of these events, the need for inclusion is being missed by the same government that says it wants to enact the plan.

Government seems to be full-steam ahead with “development” without first considering how it fits with the GOALS AND PRIORITY AREAS of either NDP or UN SDGs, though these are meant to guide every and all national decisions.

Sustainability is key, but it cannot happen without real and deep integration and inclusion. Freeport may have been developed outside of The Bahamas by a neocolonial incarnation of a different kind of governance, yet the problem was only exacerbated when the lease was renewed without any real changes in scope, except to add more land to the colonial area. There can be no sustainability without inclusion, awareness, education and training.

Ian Bethell Bennett is an associate professor at the University of The Bahamas. He is trained in gender analysis and mainstreaming, and has worked at the Inter-American Commission of Women. He works around migration, gender related inequalities, gender in development, culture and development. He studied international trade policy, cultural studies with an emphasis on social-history, and the English, Spanish and French Caribbean.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, April 23, 2018, PAGE 11

ON THE STREETS TO TACKLE CRIME OFFICERS of the Royal Bahamas Police Force conducted a walkabout on Friday throughout the Palmdale area, speaking to local residents, shopkeepers and others in the area.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/ Tribune Staff

RBC worker fined $13,000 and must repay $61,000 he stole

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net A 36-YEAR-OLD Royal Bank of Canada employee was on Friday ordered to pay $13,000 in fines by the end of the day for stealing $61,000 from his employer late last year otherwise face two years in prison.

Deputy Chief Magistrate Subusola Swain further gave Traves Mackey 30 days to fully reimburse RBC the $61,588.97 he stole from that bank between October 11 and 31, 2017.

Failure to do so would result in an additional year in prison, the deputy chief magistrate said.

Before his sentencing, Mackey pleaded guilty to 11 counts of falsification of accounts and one count each of stealing by reason of employment and laundering the proceeds of criminal conduct.

Concerning the falsification of accounts charge, it was alleged that between October 11 and November 10, 2017, while being a business service representative at RBC on

East Hill Street, Mackey made false entries into RBC’s computer system, which he was required to maintain, purporting to show that Kenja King and Ernika Enterprises were collectively entitled to payments totalling $90,680.57.

And concerning the laundering the proceeds of criminal conduct, Mackey dealt with $90,680.57, which in part represented the proceeds of criminal conduct.

Meanwhile King, 36, of Sandilands Village, was charged with purposely aiding and abetting Mackey in stealing $56,205.71 from RBC between October 11 and November 8, 2017, which he had access to by reason of his employment. She was further charged with laundering and acquiring that amount between those same dates, which the Crown maintains represents the proceeds of criminal conduct.

King pleaded not guilty to all of the charges, and her matter was adjourned to July 3 for trial. She was

remanded in the interim, but has the right to apply to the Supreme Court for bail.

Mackey’s attorney Dion Smith, in making a plea in mitigation, requested the deputy chief magistrate give his client “credit” for not wasting the court’s time and pleading guilty at the first opportunity.

Mr Smith also noted his client has a son as well as a sick mother who he provides for. Mr Smith also said his client expressed remorse to him for his actions.

Mr Smith also noted his client informed him the monies can be repaid immediately, as they were still in the bank. Mr Smith indicated the funds were on various accounts at the bank which have since been frozen in view of the present matter.

Mr Smith thus requested that Dep Chief Magistrate Swain consider exercising leniency on his client and use her “alternative discretionary powers” and not impose a custodial sentence on his client.

Police Assistant Superintendent Clifford Daxon,

TWO INJURED IN GRAND BAHAMA SHOOTINGS POLICE in Grand Bahama are investigating two separate shootings that left two men in hospital.

The latest incident occurred shortly after 2am yesterday. A man told police he was parked in a car in the area of Tamarind Street with two other persons when someone in another vehicle, a cream coloured Nissan March, opened fire on them hitting the man in the arm. He was taken to the Rand Memorial Hospital and seen by a

doctor. He does not have life threatening injuries, police said.

Another man was taken to hospital after a shooting on the island on Thursday.

Shortly after 9pm, police received a report of gunshots being heard in the area of East Sunrise Highway. Officers responded and further investigations revealed that there was an argument between two men in a parking lot of a business near East Sunrise Highway.

Officers went to the Rand Memorial Hospital where a mane was being treated for gunshot wounds to the body. He is said to be listed in serious condition.

Police, acting on information, arrested two men, 20 and 18, who are known to the police and who are assisting them with their investigation into this matter.

Police also recovered a vehicle that is believed to have been used in this incident.

the prosecutor, requested the court to take into consideration the nature of the offence, and stated that if it wasn’t minded to impose a custodial sentence, to impose a compensation order and an alternative

punishment should that order not be honoured.

However, noting that Mackey had committed a “serious breach of trust” by his actions, Dep Chief Magistrate Subusola Swain convicted Mackey on all 13

counts, and fined him $1,000 on each charge accordingly.

She also gave him 30 days to repay RBC the funds he stole, or face an additional year in prison.

Mackey was also granted $7,000 bail with one surety.

PAGE 12, Monday, April 23, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

THE RBDF officers who received their commissions and also the recipients of the long service and good conduct badges on April 20, 2018, at Government House.

HONOURS FOR DEFENCE FORCE AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE EVENT JUST over 100 officers and marines from the Royal Bahamas Defence Force were recognised and honoured during a commissioning ceremony at

Government House on Friday.

Among the honorees were thirteen officers who were presented with their commissions by Governor

General Dame Marguerite Pindling.

Eighty-nine additional officers and marines received long service and good conduct medals.

Defence force members with 18 years of continuous service received long service and good conduct medals. Rosettes were presented to officers and

marines, who served 25 years or 30 years. Defence force veterans, who would have retired after they were due their awards, also received medals and

rosettes.

Minister of National Security Marvin Dames congratulated the recipients and thanked them for their “invaluable service”.

D’Aguilar praises Baha Mar for kickstarting tourism

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

AS Baha Mar celebrates the one year anniversary of its opening, Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar said the resort has been the catalyst for the rejuvenation of the country’s tourism industry.

Mr D’Aguilar was once a major critic of Baha Mar and the steps that landed

it under the ownership of Chow Tai Fook Enterprises.

But yesterday he said the government is “delighted” Baha Mar “continues to come on stream in a more meaningful way than it was a year ago”.

“Anytime you bring or you propose to bring that many rooms into your inventory and you bring on name brands such as the Hyatt, SLS and Rosewood, it allows you to create

excitement about your destination,” he told The Tribune.

“It causes all the other properties to say ‘oh, we have this new project coming on, we have to up our game, up the condition of our property.’ We’ve seen Atlantis, Riu, Warwick, all upgrading their properties to accommodate or to deal and take into consideration the improved product because of Baha

Mar coming on stream.”

He added: “I believe the opening in April of last year was premature and probably done because there was an impending general election and the previous government wanted to paint a picture in the minds of the Bahamian voter that the project was further along than it really was. Over the last 365 days, Baha Mar has come on stream full force and enjoyed the significant benefits that a robust US economy has allowed them to enjoy.

“Other items that have caused Baha Mar to succeed and exceed its expectations were the exceptionally harsh winter in the northwest (US) and the effects of Hurricane Irma and Maria on the southern Caribbean that caused visitors that would naturally go to those destinations to come to The Bahamas. All of this has come together to allow Baha Mar to continue to ramp up its employment and to exceed the budgeted occupancy that they hoped for this year. The Christmas and the first quarter of this year were exceptional.

As they continue to open up their food and beverage options and roll out more rooms they will grow from strength to strength.”

Baha Mar has hired 300 people for the Rosewood hotel ahead of its spring opening and intends to hire about 100 more people for that hotel, Senior Vice President of Administration & External Relations Robert Sands said on Friday during a media event.

The opening of

DIONISIO D’AGUILAR MP Rosewood will mark the culmination of the project after years of great controversy and uncertainty.

“Since opening its doors for the first time on April 21, 2017, Baha Mar has captivated leisure travellers and industry professionals alike, impressing resort guests with the largest casino and ESPA spa in the Caribbean, along with contemporary and stylish accommodations at Grand Hyatt and SLS; world-class dining; marine life experiences at The BEACH Sanctuary; Bahamian art and culture at The Current; the stateof-the-art performing arts and convention centre and the highest levels of tennis and golf at the Peter Burwash International Baha Mar Racquet Club and the 18- hole Jack Nicklausdesigned Signature Royal Blue golf course,” Baha Mar said in a statement.

“Across the three luxury hotel brands, Grand Hyatt, SLS and the upcoming Rosewood, Baha Mar will feature 2,300 rooms, suites and villas, come this spring.

The three-phase opening of the resort destination initially led with Grand Hyatt

Baha Mar, comprised of 1,800 rooms and suites, followed by SLS Baha Mar’s 299 rooms and suites, and will conclude with Rosewood’s debut,” the resort added.

“Baha Mar’s opening year has greatly contributed to growth of the economy in The Bahamas.”

The resort has more than 4,000 workers, steadily hiring new employees throughout 2017 and the first quarter of 2018, with plans to grow its employee base even further to 5,000 associates as occupancy numbers increase.

The resort also noted its foundation is focused on community support and assisted with relief following last year’s hurricane season. The foundation has signed on to a three-year title sponsorship of the Bahamas National Basketball Team, allowing them to compete in the qualifying rounds of the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup, and the sponsorship of local artists and performers through Baha Mar’s work with The Current and Valley Boys Junkanoo band, among other philanthropic ventures.

Meanwhile, according to Mr D’Aguilar, “all the tourism operations have enjoyed first quarters with exceptional occupancies.”

“In March, the Lynden Pindling International Airport experienced the highest number of passengers in its ...history,” he said. “They never processed as many passengers as they did in March 2018 and did so without any drama.”

BRITISH TO REOPEN DIPLOMATIC MISSION from page one

In announcing the move, Mr Johnson said: “As a Commonwealth family of nations, it is in our shared interest to boost prosperity, tackle security issues and clear up the environment.

These new diplomatic posts are in regions which provide huge potential and opportunity post-Brexit for British businesses and

will help us to deepen our relationships across the Commonwealth. After we leave the EU, global Britain will remain outward facing, open for business and a champion of the rules-based international order.”

It’s not clear when the Nassau post will be established.

Currently, the British High Commission in Kingston, Jamaica maintains and

develops relations between the UK and Jamaica and The Bahamas.

Peter Young, the last British high commissioner to The Bahamas, served from 1996 to 1999 when the High Commission was transferred to Jamaica. However, he remained in Bahamas as British honorary consul until his retirement in February 2013. He and his wife Verona have made Nassau their home.

PAGE 14, Monday, April 23, 2018

4 DEAD IN WAFFLE HOUSE SHOOTING IN TENNESSEE; SUSPECT SOUGHT NASHVILLE Associated Press A NEARLY naked gunman wearing only a green jacket and brandishing an assault rifle stormed a Waffle House restaurant in Nashville early Sunday, shooting four people to death before a customer rushed him and wrestled the weapon away.

Authorities were searching for the 29-year-old suspect, Travis Reinking, who they said drove to the busy restaurant and killed two people in the parking lot before entering and continuing to fire. When his AR-15 rifle either jammed or the clip was empty, the customer disarmed him in a scuffle.

Four people were also wounded before the gunman fled, shedding his jacket.

Nashville police chief Steve Anderson said there was no clear motive, though Reinking may have “mental issues”. He may still be armed, Anderson told a mid-afternoon news conference, because he was known to have owned a handgun that authorities have not recovered.

The AR-15 used in the shooting and the handgun were among four firearms that authorities took from Reinking after US secret service agents arrested him last July for being in a restricted area near the White House, officials said. Special Agent Todd Hudson said Reinking was detained after refusing to leave the restricted area, later explaining he wanted to meet President Donald Trump.

State police in Illinois, where Reinking lived until last fall, revoked his state firearms card at the request of the FBI and the four

JAMES SHAW JR, shows his hand that was injured when he disarmed a shooter inside a Waffle House, pictured right, yesterday in Nashville, Tenn. A man wearing nothing but a coat stormed the restaurant before dawn yesterday and shot several people to death, according to police, who credited a customer with saving lives by wresting a weapon away from the gunman.

THIS photo provided by Metro Nashville Police Department shows Travis Reinking, who police are searching for in connection with a fatal shooting at a Waffle House. guns were taken from him, authorities said. Nashville Police spokesman Don Aaron said the guns were returned to his father, who told authorities yesterday he had given the weapons to his son.

Authorities hailed the customer who intervened to stop a further bloodbath, 29-year-old James Shaw, Jr, as a hero — though the father of a four-year-old girl demurred and said he was just trying to survive.

Shaw told reporters he

first thought the gunshots fired around 3.25am were plates falling from a dishwashing station.

He said when he realised what was happening, he took cover behind a door as shots shattered windows.

The gun either jammed or needed a new clip, and that is when Shaw said he pounced after making up his mind that “he was going to have to work to kill me”.

They cursed at each other as they scuffled, Shaw said, and he was able to grab the gun and toss it over a counter. The gunman then ran away into the dark of the working and middle class Antioch neighborhood of southeast Nashville.

Authorities said he shed his jacket nearby and police found two AR-15 magazines loaded with bullets in the pockets. He was seen walking, naked, on a road, officials said, but later was seen in pants after apparently returning to his apartment.

Another witness, Chuck Cordero, told The Tennessean newspaper he had stopped to get a cup of coffee and was outside the Waffle House when the chaos unfolded.

“He did not say anything,” Cordero said of the gunman, who he described as “all business”.

Cordero said Shaw saved lives. “There was plenty more people in that restaurant,” he said.

The dead were identified as 29-year-old restaurant worker Taurean C Sanderlin, and 20-year-old restaurant patrons Joe R Perez, 23-year-old Akilah Dasilva and 21-year-old Deebony Groves. A police statement said Sanderlin and Perez were killed outside the restaurant, Groves was fatally shot inside, and Dasilva was critically wounded inside and later died at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Aaron, the police spokesman, said two of the wounded were being treated for gunshot wounds at the medical center, where spokeswoman Jennifer Wetzel said one was in critical condition and the other was in critical but stable condition.

TriStar Southern Hills Medical Center spokeswoman Katie Radel in Nashville said two people were treated for minor injuries and released.

Aaron said Reinking lived near the restaurant, and police used yellow crime scene tape to block public access to an apartment complex about a half-mile from the Waffle House. Reinking is originally from Morton, Illinois.

“This is a very sad day for the Waffle House family,” the company said in a statement on Twitter. “We ask for everyone to keep the victims and their families in their thoughts and prayers.”

Nashville mayor David Briley described the shooting as “a tragic day” for the city.

“My heart goes out to the families & friends of every person who was killed or wounded,” Briley said in an emailed statement. “I know all of their lives will be forever changed by this devastating crime.”

US Rep Jim Cooper, whose district includes Nashville, said in an emailed statement that the shooting shows the need for tighter restrictions on “widespread civilian access to military-grade assault weapons”.

THE TRIBUNE

HILLARY CLINTON, NOT ON BALLOT, IS STAR OF GOP MIDTERM PLAN NEW YORK Associated Press ALMOST 18 months have passed since Hillary Clinton lost the presidency.

She holds no position of power in government. And she is not expected to run for office again.

Yet Clinton is starring in the Republican Party’s 2018 midterm strategy.

With control of Congress up for grabs this fall, the GOP’s most powerful players are preparing to spend big on plans to feature Clinton as a central villain in attack ads against vulnerable Democrats nationwide. The strategy, which already has popped up in races in Pennsylvania, Indiana and North Dakota, illustrates the resilience and political potency of Republican voters’ antipathy for Clinton. As difficult as it’s been for Democrats to move past the Clinton era, it may be even harder for Republicans.

“STOP HILLARY. STOP PELOSI. STOP LAMB,” read pamphlets circulated during the special election in Pennsylvania earlier this year.

That’s just a taste of what’s to come as the November elections grow closer, say those who control the GOP’s strategy in the first midterm elections of Donald Trump’s presidency.

“I promise you that you’ll continue to see it — Hillary Clinton starring in our paid media. She’s a very powerful motivator,” said Corry Bliss, who leads the Congressional Leadership Fund, a Republican super political action committee ready to spend tens of millions of dollars to shape House races this fall. “It’s about what she represents.

What she represents, just like what Nancy Pelosi represents, is out-of-touch far-left liberal positions.”

TRUMP SAYS NORTH KOREA AGREED TO DENUCLEARISE. IT HASN’T. WEST PALM BEACH Associated Press

PRESIDENT Donald Trump on Sunday claimed North Korea has agreed to “denuclearisation” before his potential meeting with Kim Jong Un. But that’s not the case.

North Korea said on Friday it would suspend nuclear tests and intercontinental ballistic missile launches ahead of summits with the US and South Korea. Kim also said a nuclear test site would be closed and “dismantled” now that the country has learned how to make nuclear weapons and mount warheads on ballistic rockets.

But the North has stopped short of saying it has any intention of abandoning its nuclear arsenal, with Kim making clear that nukes remain a “treasured sword”.

Trump nonetheless tweeted yesterday that the North has “agreed to denuclearisation (so great for World), site closure, & no more testing!”

Being committed to the concept of denuclearisation, however, is not the same as agreeing to it, as Trump claims.

South Korea, which is set to meet with North Korea later this week, has said Kim has expressed genuine interest in dealing away his nuclear weapons. But the North for decades has been pushing a concept of “denuclearisation” that bears no resemblance to the American definition, vowing to pursue nuclear development unless Washington removes its troops from the Korean Peninsula and the nuclear umbrella defending South Korea and Japan.

South Korea’s president has said Kim isn’t asking for the withdrawal of US troops from the Korean Peninsula as a condition for abandoning his nuclear weapons. If true, that would seem to remove a major sticking point to a potential disarmament deal.

But that still doesn’t

US President Donald Trump, left, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Trump is claiming Sunday, April 22, 2018, that North Korea has agreed to “denuclearisation” before his potential meeting with Kim, but that’s not the case. The North says it will suspend nuclear tests and intercontinental ballistic missile launches before summits with the US and South Korea. The North stopped short of suggesting it has any intention of abandoning its nuclear arsenal.

Photo: Evan Vucci, Wong Maye-E/AP address a North Korean arsenal that now includes purported thermonuclear warheads and developmental ICBMs developed during a decadeslong cycle of crises, stalemates and broken promises.

Trump agreed to meet with Kim after an invitation was delivered by a South Korean delegation that had just returned from Pyongyang.

“I told President Trump that in our meeting, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said he’s committed to denuclearisation,” South Korea’s national security adviser later told reporters on the White House driveway. “Kim pledged that North Korea will refrain from any further nuclear or missile tests.”

A place and date have yet to be set, but Trump’s pick to be the next secretary of state, CIA director Mike Pompeo, traveled to North Korea on Easter weekend to lay the groundwork for the meeting. Trump has called the talks a success, but it’s unclear exactly what was agreed to, if anything, as a condition for the leader-to-leader talks.

“Look, this is a great public relations effort by Kim Jong Un. And I think people recognize that,” Sen Bob Corker, R-Tennessee,

said Sunday on CNN’s “State of the Union”. But asked whether be believed the North would denuclearize, Corker offered caution.

“Well, I don’t think he said anything about denuclearising on the front end necessarily,” he said.

He added on ABC’s “This Week” that it’s unrealistic to think that “somebody’s going to go in and charm” Kim out of keeping his nuclear weapons.

“Is it realistic that he’s just willy-nilly going to do that? Absolutely not,” Corker said. “But, you know, progress can be made, freezing the program, who knows what he’s — what his ambitions are as it relates to South Korea.”

Sen Tom Cotton, R-Arkansas, was equally as skeptical on CBS’ “Face the Nation”, arguing that North Korea’s recent statements are easily reversible and that no announcement has been made about shortor medium-range ballistic missiles that threaten South Korea and Japan.

“Well, I think this announcement on Friday is better than continued testing, but it’s not much better than that,” he said. “But I do think they show that the president has put Kim Jong Un on the wrong foot for the first time.”

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Monday, April 23, 2018, PAGE 15