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VOLUME:115 No.110, MAY 1ST, 2018

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WOMAN: DEBUTANTE OF THE YEÅR SHINES LIKE A DIAMOND

‘Sick out’ nurses turn the screw Hundreds ‘go ill’ across islands in dispute escalation

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net MORE than 200 registered and trained clinical nurses staged a “sick out” yesterday amid mounting tensions between Bahamas Nurses Union and the Public Hospitals Authority over long-standing issues.

One point of contention is a 12-hour shift foreign nurses, who are not a part of the union, have been asked to work.

According to a breakdown from the Ministry of Health obtained by The Tribune, 213 nurses – 100 from Princess Margaret Hospital, Sandilands and Rand Memorial Hospital

– and 113 from clinics in New Providence and those in the Family Islands – phoned in to report illnesses preventing them from coming to work.

As a result, there were several instances where procedures scheduled months in advance had to be either cancelled or postponed and patient care was interrupted, Health Minister Dr Duane Sands said. Patients were also prematurely discharged and others who travelled to the capital for procedures had to be turned away.

It is unclear how long the nurses will continue this action.

SEE PAGE THREE

OVER-THE-HILL PLAN ALERT TO FRAUD RISK

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE government is projected to lose $7m in revenue annually through its Over-the-Hill tax exemption policy, Financial Secretary Marlon Johnson revealed yesterday.

Officials, nonetheless, stress the benefits of the programme far outweigh a small revenue loss

for a country that generates more than $2bn each year.

Under the programme, residents and businesses making less than $5m per year will be exempt from real property taxes, customs duties on materials necessary for constructing, equipping and completing buildings, excise taxes and stamp duty.

SEE PAGE FIVE

CCA BIDS TO PROVE SARKIS HAS NO CASE

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net BAHA Mar’s main contractor yesterday slammed Sarkis Izmirlian’s $2.25bn fraud claim as “implausible”, branding his action as groundless and having no basis in law.

China Construction America (CCA), in its long-awaited response to the fraud and “breach of contract” lawsuit by Baha Mar’s original developer, argued that the claims Mr Izmirlian is seeking to assert were all “released” when the $4.2bn project was taken out of receivership in late 2016.

The Chinese state-owned contractor, in legal filings with the New York State Supreme Court, cited numerous reasons why Mr Izmirlian’s claim should be dismissed regardless of whether Judge Saliann Scarpula sent it to arbitration.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

PM: I WON’T BE FORCED ON CHIEF JUSTICE JOB

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis reading a storybook to students at his belated birthday celebration yesterday at Gambier Primary School.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

WE WON’T LET OBAN HARM ENVIRONMENT

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis was adamant yesterday the environment will be protected as Bahamians await the findings of an environmental impact assessment into the Oban Energies oil refinery and

storage facility proposed for Grand Bahama.

Stressing certain obligations have to be met before the $5.5bn project begins, Dr Minnis maintained the government will ensure there is no compromise when it comes to the environment.

Asked whether he could offer an update on the project Dr Minnis said:

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TUESDAY

“No I have no update, I have no update.”

This comes as Oban officials have said their EIA is progressing, but more time will be needed to complete it. In February, Oban’s former non-executive chairman Peter Krieger said the EIA would be complete within 45 days.

SEE PAGE SIX

DESPITE facing fierce criticism over his failure to appoint a substantive chief justice, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said he would not be forced to fill the office.

While Dr Minnis did not say specifically whom he was referring to, Bahamas Bar Association President Kahlil Parker has castigated the prime minister over the issue in recent weeks.

While this appointment continues to be delayed, it has been speculated Attorney General Carl Bethel was being considered for the chief justice post.

SEE PAGE SIX

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VOLUME:114 No.202, SEPTEMBER 12TH, 2017

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

FRUSTRATED Ragged Islanders are demanding the government prioritise critical restoration initiatives as protracted delays have handicapped local efforts to rebuild and restore normalcy to the

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WOMEN OF SUBSTANCE AND BEAUTY TAKE ON THE UNIVERSE - SEE WOMAN

HOW The Tribune reported the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. hurricane-ravaged island.

Just one month from

the start of the 2018 hurricane season, the island’s association claims attempts to rebuild have been stalled by the scarcity of potable water and health services.

“They’re talking about making it a green island, which is fine,” said Dr Donovan Moxey, a

WIPEOUT: Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis warns Ragged Island is so devastated it must be abandoned.

HEALTH and safety conditions on storm-stricken Rag- discussion with those who remained on the island as Hurriged Island will only continue to deteriorate, Prime Min- cane Irma battered their homes last week. “Every home has ister Dr Hubert Minnis said yesterday as he urged the 18 been destroyed. The health facility has been destroyed. The remaining residents on the island to evacuate in the after- school has been destroyed. The teachers’ residence has been math of Hurricane Irma, which has reduced destroyed. There is no light. There is no water.

“As we walk about, you can smell the most structures there to piles of rubble and SPECIAL REPORT stench of dead carcasses, dead animals. The rendered the island unlivable.

Words: Khrisna Russell, health conditions of the individuals will de“They cannot stay here,” Dr Minnis Pictures: Terrel W Carey teriorate and it’s essential that we get them said after he and a delegation saw for the off this island,” Dr Minnis said. first time the damage left by Irma and days Many were understandably reluctant to leave the only after the Category Five monster hurricane ripped through place they’ve ever known as home, expressing concern for the small southern island.

The island’s physical condition, exacerbated by the smell personal belongings.

“They are concerned about the safety of their residences, of rotting animal carcasses and the destruction of all essential services, led Dr Minnis to strongly urge those still whatever materials they may have left behind. We will have on Ragged Island to leave until the small community can the Defence Force dispatch a vessel here and the Defence Force will try to commence the cleanup and at the same be restored.

“I’ve spoken to the residents; Ragged Island has been time ensure that there is security,” Dr Minnis said. devastated,” Dr Minnis said following a walk through and SEE PAGE THREE

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

SEE PAGE TWO

FELICITY INGRAHAM: LESSONS OF LIFE LEARNED AROUND THE WATER PUMP

SEE PAGE EIGHT

PAGE 2, Tuesday, May 1, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

Ragged Island begs: Help us - NOW

DESTRUCTION on Ragged Island after Hurricane Irma. from page one member of the group’s technical planning committee.

“They’ve done studies to determine what it will take.

But that’s about 12 to 18 to 24 months away, people need to live now. That’s great you want to make this a green island but people aren’t going to leave and come back, that’s not going to work. Get people back to a certain level of sustainable life.”

After more than two months of waiting on approvals, Restoration Ragged Island Association told The Tribune it received permission from the Water and Sewerage Corporation yesterday to install a more robust temporary reverse osmosis plant, which would take the current output of eight gallons per hour up to 1,500 gallons per day.

The plant was purchased by the association; but the RRIA claims it missed out on an earlier opportunity to have one fully donated by a company in California due to government inaction.

The island currently has around 60 residents, who only have access to running water one day per week, according to the association.

Notwithstanding donations, residents have to purchase water delivered by

SOME of the damage in Ragged Island following Hurricane Irma.

Photos: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff mail boat every two weeks or use an old well that has recently come back on stream since it was contaminated by surge water from the category five storm.

Dr Moxey said: “The one thing that didn’t come on stream (after the hurricane) was water. Water is required to live and water is required to build. You can’t build anything with cement without fresh water because if you building it with salty water, that’s going to eat away and erode the

concrete as well as the steel and your buildings are going to crumble. “So nobody did any construction.

“What’s spurring us now to come to the press is hurricane season starts again in June, (today) is the first of May. So you have one more month left for hurricane season, and people who had their roofs torn off and had their windows blown out, who needed repairs that needed to mix mortar, none of that has been done.”

Dr Moxey added: “Tarp

is still hanging off people’s roofs, so here it is now the start of another hurricane season and nothing’s been done to do anything. We’re tired of talking, we need help.”

The RRIA released an update on restoration efforts post Hurricane Irma yesterday, along with a list of short to mediumterm exceptions from the government.

Topping that list is the need for return of government staff stationed on the

island, like the police, a nurse and teacher with the use of trailers.

Dr Moxey said: “You need a full-time nurse, the government has to provide that for the start of construction because if someone cuts themselves or fall, somebody has got to provide health services, first aid.”

He continued: “Schools are starting again in September, when the storm hit all those kids went to schools on different islands away from their parents.

Some went to school in Nassau or Exuma. We want to bring them back.

“We want to tell the government you have the whole summer to work out your strategy of getting the schools opened. You can bring in temporary trailers.

Parents want their children. “Children have been schooled out of trailers forever so that’s not a big issue.

People have also provided nursing and government services out of trailers, that’s not a problem at all.”

The group is also asking for government assistance to repair the drain for the island’s salt pond, which was costed at $200,000; and for concessions on all building materials used for reconstruction for a five to ten-year period.

In the long term, the

association has suggested an extension of the airport runway to attract international airlift, incentives for private carriers to increase local airlift, and provide incentives for Ragged Islanders and their descendants to return home and increase economic activity.

“It’s the need,” Dr Moxey said when asked how the association justifies its demands given the small population, “but not only that these are services that were there prior to the storm. It’s not like we’re asking the government to give us new services, this is stuff prior to the storm.

There was always a teacher, always a nurse, the only problem now is they don’t have a school to go to or clinic to go in, we’re saying bring in a temporary one.

“All we’re saying to the government is give us the things that are fundamentally things that as citizens you are supposed to deliver to us as a government. Do those things for us that are fundamental, allow us to have some level of decency from a livelihood perspective and move forward, and water right now has been the key issue that we have.

“And everybody knows you can’t do anything without water,” he added, “you can’t live without water.”

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, May 1, 2018, PAGE 3

‘Sick out’ nurses turn the screw from page one Asked whether there would be consequences for the nurses, Dr Sands said that line of questioning would not do any good to the challenges now before the government.

BNU President Amancha Williams declined comment when she was contacted.

However, Dr Sands said this was obvious industrial action. He also expressed some degree of confusion regarding this issue telling The Tribune many of the concerns dated back ten years. He said since last week, the government and PHA had been attempting to facilitate a meeting with the union without success.

He said any meeting to be held now would be up to the discretion of BNU. When he spoke to the matter early yesterday, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis expressed optimism the issues would be resolved amicably and “immediately”. He was asked about the situation on the sidelines of his birthday celebration with students at the Gambier Primary School.

He said: “I spoke with the nurses’ union president this morning just before I came here and they had some issues that have not been resolved including scheduling and I assured her. I spoke to my minister and the scheduling should be placed on hold and the whole issue of the ministry, the personnel and the nurses’ union should now meet so we can come to an amicable resolution. We had a very good conversation and I think the nurses would be back (to work) tomorrow (Tuesday).

“As you know, nurses play a pivotal role, in fact one of the most important

MINISTER of Health Dr Duane Sands during a previous tour of Princess Margaret Hospital. roles in the healthcare because we can no longer is obvious this it is an indussector. I always remind carry the healthcare system. trial action.

“There are people that people that when I prac- So the nurses are very, tised medicine a long time very important and I think have had their procedures ago, the nurses went on the entire Bahamas must postponed or cancelled and industrial unrest and the understand that and we will it’s very unfortunate given the fact that we have said hospital was then ran by treat them accordingly.”

Dr Sands said despite we will address the issues, physicians because the nurses withdrew their the sick out, the govern- many of which have been ment was still committed to outstanding for ten years. services.”

“We remain committed The prime minister con- resolving the issues.

“Some services had to to resolving all of the longtinued: “It was then that all of us doctors appreciated be dramatically curtailed,” standing issues separate how important the nurses Dr Sands said. “But I and apart, but that can only are to healthcare. It was would have walked around be done within the reality after 48 hours of us work- the hospital and I was of life in The Bahamas.

“We have offered ouring nonstop, we could not quite pleased to see that a function any longer and number of staff were there selves for negotiation since we had to inform the gov- and patients were being last week and the previous week so it really is a matter ernment that they must get seen.

“At the end of the day, it of when they are prepared the nurses back to work

to come to the table,” Dr Sands said when he was asked when all parties would come to the table to negotiate.

“I spoke to the union president today and again this is an unfortunate development and again we have to put the interest of the public first,” he also said.

Early last month, Ms Williams said the union still intended to hold a strike vote despite filing a formal trade dispute.

At the time, she said: “We are still going to go ahead and do what we have to do.”

It came the day after

Labour director Robert Farquharson said he was hopeful all grievances on the table could be amicably resolved.

Ms Williams said the union had no faith in the process.

The union threatened industrial action over a dispute with PHA concerning expatriate nurses on contract being asked to work 12-hour shifts.

Ms Williams previously said while that matter specifically impacts expatriate nurses, it still concerns those covered by the union.

There are 1,500 nurses in the public health sector.

A $400 PRICE TO PAY FOR TRYING TO LEAVE COUNTRY WITH $33,000

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net FOUR Haitians, two women and two men, were yesterday fined $100 each after pleading guilty to attempting to leave the country with over $33,000 in foreign currency.

Additionally, Deputy Chief Magistrate Subusola Swain ordered the $33,310 forfeited to the Crown.

Amonnese Massillon, 49, her 22-year-old daughter Kerlande Ornelus, 49-yearold Luders Augustin and 24-year-old James Joseph tried to export the money in March. Their attorney,

Bjorn Ferguson, told The Tribune after yesterday’s proceedings that notwithstanding his clients’ guilty pleas, he will appeal the deputy chief magistrate’s decision to have their funds forfeited to the state.

The four, who are here on either work permits (Joseph, Augustin and Ornelus) or residency permits (Massillon), were charged before the deputy chief magistrate with one count each of attempted exportation of restricted goods.

The Crown previously alleged that on March 20, while at the domestic/international departure lounge at the Lynden Pindling

TWO IN HOSPITAL AFTER SHOOTING AND STABBING POLICE are investigating separate shooting and stabbing incidents which left two men in hospital with serious injuries.

Shortly after 9pm on Sunday, a man was discovered outside a home on Catherine Avenue, Nassau Village, with apparent gunshot injuries to his body. He was taken to hospital and is listed in serious but stable condition.

A few hours later, shortly before 11pm, a male was at a night club on Fire Trail Road when he got into an altercation with three men.

One of the men produced a knife and stabbed him about the body before all three of them ran away. The victim was transported to hospital where he is listed in critical condition.

The investigations into these matters continue.

International Airport, Massillon and Ornelus attempted to export foreign currency amounting to $14,533 in cash.

Joseph was accused of attempting to export $8,435 in cash, while Augustin was

accused of attempting to export $10,342 in cash. The total they are alleged to have attempted to export is $33,310.

The Crown maintained the charges were in contravention of the conditions

regulating the exportation of restricted goods, imposed

by Regulation 20 of the Exchange Control Regulations, and contrary to Section 114(2)(c) of the Customs Management Act, Chapter 293 and Section

83(2) of the Penal Code.

According to Mr Ferguson, the four were originally planning to go to Haiti to attend a funeral for Massillon’s husband, with the money purportedly to assist with the funeral expenses.

PAGE 4, Tuesday, May 1, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

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

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Environment minister on right track with plastics ban IF Minister of Environment and Housing Romauld ‘Romi’ Ferreira accomplishes nothing more in his fiveyear term of office, he will still have had a remarkable impact on the future of The Bahamas through his single act of banning single-use plastics by 2020. Ferreira made the announcement during a press conference along with the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers’ Confederation on April 23.

Naturally, the Bahamian people have a right to expect him to do more including tackling climate change, sensitising residents to the importance of solar energy, getting the dump under proper control and management, cleaning up Clifton and the southwest bays, instilling a sense of pride especially among young people in their surroundings, putting an end to unregulated mechanics’ and vehicle repair businesses unwittingly depositing oil in the ground poisoning nearby ground water. His is one of the most critical of all ministries to the future of our quality of life. But nothing will make more of a dramatic long-term impact than the move to ban single use plastics and for that we give him full marks and our full support.

Banning single-use plastics includes Styrofoam containers, water and beverage bottles, packing bags as used by food stores, pharmacies and many other retailers, cups, plates, straws, forks, knives, spoons and condiment containers.

Many businesses have already made the switch from plastic to re-usable or plant-based, biodegradable paper products. From major campaigns like those at Island House and Sandals Royal Bahamian which converted to plant-based containers among other initiatives, to smaller establishments like the Kitchen Deli on Shirley Street that no longer offers plastic straws unless requested and posts signs sensitising the public, the movement has begun gaining traction in Nassau and Grand Bahama. With the exception of Abaco, Family Islands appear, at least for the time being, to be less concerned though there are small resorts speckled throughout that understand the long-term costs associated with using and disposing of plastics.

Despite a general malaise, the pressure to support the plastics ban movement will mount as safe disposal becomes ever more troublesome. Progressive cities and nations around the world are confronting the issue and taking steps. In 2017, Kenya became the standard bearer for the single-use plastics ban movement passing legislation that made using, producing or selling a plastic bag a crime punishable by up to four years in prison or payment of a $38,000 fine. Since the UK began taxing single-use plastic bags in 2015, nine billion fewer bags are in circulation. Most recently, the UK announced it will ban, though with certain exemptions, plastic microbeads found in many pharmaceuticals, soaps, cleaners and cosmetics.

One of the most clever marketing campaigns is a ban on plastic straws in the state of Washington called Strawless in Seattle, a play on words from the

movie title Sleepless in Seattle.

Zimbabwe, Taiwan, Montreal, Malibu, Hamburg (Germany) and France all have some form of singleuse plastic ban. It is not surprising The Bahamas is not in the lead but given the threat to our waters, our greatest geographical feature, we cannot afford to wait.

No one questions the convenience of a bag that you can take home from the food store and toss in the trash. There is no need to remember to carry assorted bags with you, take them from vehicle to store, pass them to the individual packing what you purchased, cart them home, clean them if anything spilled or there was a raw meat package, dry them, store them and do it all over again. But individual ease of convenience pales by comparison to collective environmental responsibility. We once thought seat belts were inconvenient.

Success in the campaign for compliance will depend on awareness and a good public education program. A single plastic bag of the grocery store variety takes 1,000 years to break down completely. Styrofoam containers have a 500-year half-life, meaning it will take 500 years before half the container is back into nature. Microbeads are the most dangerous because the particles are so small that whether burned or blown through the air they often end up being swallowed by birds, turtles or fish, either killing them or becoming part of our food supply. Increases of certain diseases, including kidney issues, have been linked to increases in plastics as part of our lifestyle.

International statistics tell us that eight million metric tons of plastic enter the world’s oceans every year where they remain for up to a century. That is the equivalent of a full dump truck of plastic every minute. In the US, which accounts for four percent of the world’s population, 500 million plastic straws are used every day. It has been estimated that in less than a decade, the ratio of plastic to fish populations will be one to three, one ton of plastic trash for every three tons of fish. At that rate, trash will eventually outweigh fish.

In the environment minister’s words, “Like other small island developing states, our marine environment is an integral part of our island lifestyle. Due to our location, it is also expected that we will inherit unwanted marine debris as a result of ocean currents and wave patterns, adding a compounding impact to our tourism and fishing industries…

As my Ministry works diligently to develop effective solutions for landfills and scattered dumpsites throughout The Bahamas, we must also address the type of waste we dispose of – on a daily basis.

By reducing or even eliminating harmful waste streams, we will move this country one step closer to have an efficient and sustainable waste management plan.”

This is one issue that cannot afford to be politicised. Let us get on with the education campaign and a successful ban on single-use plastics and protect our marine resources, our beautiful seas and our future.

More LNG information needed EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE public needs a lot more information about the proposed Liquefied Natural Gas facility at Clifton Pier before we can feel comfortable that it will be in our best interests.

First of all, when will we be able to see the proposal made by Shell North America, so we can decide for ourselves if it is worth the environmental risks? Secondly, does the deal include plans to clean up that highly polluted area, and if not, are we not simply adding insult to injury by placing another fuel facility there?

Where and when will we be able to see an Environmental Impact Assessment, which the law says must be conducted?

It’s been said the facility will work based on “tri-fuel” power generation.

That means a combination of liquid natural gas and the diesel and heavy fuel oil that we have been using for years and which has proven too expensive, unreliable and very polluting to our precious environment.

So, what happened to the government’s commitment to renewable energy?

What happened to lowering

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net our power bills? Why not a facility that burns cleaner, less expensive LNG, and works along with solar and/ or wind power? This model is being used with great success around the world today and there is no reason why Shell or any other large company could not bring it here.

Why are we still using dirty fuel when there is no need, and when it costs more than it’s worth? Could it be that Shell, as one of the main suppliers of this dirty fuel to the government of The Bahamas, simply wants to keep that sweet deal going indefinitely?

Another question: The company said they plan to run power from Blue Hills as well. Does this mean an overland pipeline carrying potentially volatile and dangerous LNG across the middle of the island?

Also, how long will it take to build this facility and when will it be up and running?

There are far too many unanswered questions surrounding this deal for the

public to feel comfortable about it. On the surface, it sounds like more of the same mediocrity and disregard for the environment that Bahamians have grown so tired of. Or possibly, it might be something even worse.

There were other proposed plans on the table and Bahamians deserve to see all of the proposals, or at least a summary of what each company planned to do, so we can make our own decision as to whether the government chose the right partner. If the aim was to free us of reliance on the dirtiest fossil fuels, it would seem on the face of it, that they did not.

What happened to government in the sunshine?

What happened to an end to secret deals? If this LNG deal goes the same way as the Oban fiasco, all smoke and mirrors and sleazy handshakes behind closed doors, the Minnis administration can really be said to have followed in the unsavory footsteps of their predecessors, Christie & Co. DENIS DAVIS Nassau, April 25, 2018.

Facts behind Where are the $200m the activists?

EDITOR, The Tribune.

IS there any validity as to the accuracy that there is a factor of between $200500m lost to corruption?

Keep saying it Prime Minister — Minister of Education globally this will stick and believed — what is plan #2 to dig The Bahamas out of that?

The offices of the major accounting firms need to confirm in their audits of the private sector is there

anything like this level of losses?

The Auditor General needs to confirm as to all Government audits.

RBDF and their ships running aground — I recall well that the columnist praising RBDF and hoping we will not criticise is either the publisher or has provided services to the good Commodore for his recently published book where he proposes the Lucayan Sea. One-two-three serious

incidents of hitting sand-bars is not acceptable — the boats cost us $240m we expect them to be safeguarded. We can’t forget the migrant sailing sloops almost sailing into HMBS Coral Harbour and no one noticed!

Prison Officers reward… after the Police-RBDF raid now promotion exercises?

No one fired?

W THOMPSON Nassau, April 26, 2018.

EDITOR, The Tribune.

MUST congratulate the letter writer Abraham Moss on his criticism of the Government on LNG. Where are our environmentalists?

What’s the good lady’s name Ms Duncombe after BP&L made the announcement saw her commenting on TV News, but silence since.

Mr Moss is 100%

correct… LNG needs an EIA study and important a safety study before agreements are signed and we are stuck for 15 years.

Oban Refinery is bad for us and LNG at Clifton is Laos but unless people who care complain and write you think Government cares?

Why are the talk shows not dealing with this instead of the relevant subjects they

talk about?

LNG will increase CO2 emissions and will bring serious dangers if it leaks and explodes.

We promised to reduce emissions not increase them!

Thank you, Editor - we have to energise our people against these matters.

MARCIA SMIITH Nassau, April 27, 2018.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, May 1, 2018, PAGE 5

THE CUBAN migrants who were picked up by the US Coast Guard on Thursday.

CUBAN MIGRANTS DETAINED NEAR CAY SAL BANK

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FIFTEEN Cuban migrants interdicted near Cay Sal Bank and brought

to Grand Bahama were flown to New Providence on Sunday.

Immigration officer Napthali Cooper said the group was picked up by the US Coast Guard last

Thursday.

According to reports, the 15 Cuban men left Cuba on April 18 in a rustic vessel en route to Florida.

The USCG Robert Yered, under the command of Lt

Hunter Stowes, was on patrol near Cal Sal Bank when they spotted the migrants.

Mr Cooper said the migrants were turned over to immigration

authorities around 2.30pm at Freeport Harbour. They were transported to the Department of Immigration’s headquarters where they were processed and examined by staff of the

Disease Surveillance Unit of the Public Hospitals Authority.

The group will be detained at the Detention Centre to await repatriation to the Cuba.

Over-the-Hill plan alert to fraud risk from page one Alcohol and gaming businesses are excluded from the tax benefits.

The bulk of revenue loss will be the result of real property tax exemptions.

Yesterday, Dr Nicola Virgill Rolle, director of the Economic Development and Planning Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister, said $6.2m in real property taxes were collected in 2017 from the area that will be designated an economic empowerment zone beginning July.

During a press conference, Dr Rolle emphasised that rigorous monitoring mechanisms will accompany the programme to prevent leakages and fraud; these include an electronic card system that will limit and track the amount of custom duty exemptions a person or business accesses.

“We’re working with

the Ministry of Finance to make sure the exemptions are reasonable,” she said, noting customs duties exemptions are not infinite under the programme.

“For example, if you wanted to do an improvement to your home we can pay for the material to construct, dealing with construction or things to equip your business; you’re going to detail your project to the (Department of Inland Revenue) who are then going to work with quantity surveyors to say what is a reasonable amount of money that is going to be expected to do such and such a project and then that will be the amount loaded onto your card for the exemptions to be granted and so it’s all about being reasonable in the approach so we’re not seeing leakages.”

Critics of the programme say it will cause gentrification.

A concern is that rental costs

will increase as the area becomes more attractive to outsiders and as landowners use the benefits of the programme to refurbish their units.

Dr Rolle, however, revealed the government will build affordable housing units in the area to mitigate such possibilities. Officials also hope landowners, themselves beneficiaries of tax exemptions under the programme, keep rates at affordable levels.

Dr Rolle said: “What we have seen as best in practice for empowerment zones and for communities concerned with issues of gentrification in that way is to always ensure that you promote affordable, decent housing. As we go through our clean up exercises, for example, we are looking to identify tracts of land for affordable housing options.

We know we have to upgrade the housing stock

DR Leon Dupuch making a presentation on health to the Rotaract of South East Nassau Centennial at Pirate’s Republic.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

BABY MORTALITY RATES AT LOWEST EVER THE Bahamas’ perinatal mortality rates are at an all-time low, Dr Leon Dupuch, consultant and chief of services in the Dept of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Princess Margaret Hospital, has revealed.

Speaking at the Southeast Nassau Rotaract club last Wednesday evening, Dr Dupuch discussed the importance of the World Health Organization’s Millemium Goals and the major steps The Bahamas has made in an attempt to achieve them. He especially focused on the attempts made to improve maternal health, decrease child mortality and perinatal mortality.

Dr Dupuch described some of the programmes that were being used to improve these, including ongoing emergency drill and CTG

training, morbidity and mortality meetings, contraceptive clinics, teen clinics and extensive public advertising and video campaigns to name a few.

“Perinatal Mortality is a key population health indicator,” Dr Dupuch said. He explained the perinatal mortality rate was the number of stillbirths plus early neonatal deaths per 1000 live births and still births.

Dr Dupuch said the perinatal mortality in The Bahamas has remained somewhat constant over the years at a rate of an average of 18-20. However, 2016 saw a decrease with the perinatal mortality rate calculated at 14.

Dr Dupuch discussed the many contributing factors such as co-morbidities including uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes and obesity, domestic violence, very low birth weight

infants and poor antenatal clinic attendance.

Additionally, he highlighted the lack of resources including poorly maintained and shortage of equipment (trolleys, ventilators) and shortage of midwives.

Promising that it was “not all doom and gloom”, Dr Dupuch went on to say the present government and Minister of Health, Dr Sands, have remained very much engaged and are making every effort to help him and his team improve outcomes.

Last year, 2017, there were 4278 births in The Bahamas. The perinatal mortality rate fell even further, to 13, the lowest it’s ever been in the last decade. While noting the rate was still unacceptably high, Dr Dupuch described it as showing great improvement.

anyway to ensure people have decent housing. There must always be a good stock of affordable housing available.”

Dr Rolle said it would take up to three years to mobilise and begin constructing the new affordable housing units.

She said the programme will be monitored and, if necessary, stopgaps will be put in place to prevent unintended consequences like new businesses moving into the area for its benefits and, in so doing, make the environment more challenging for existing businesses.

“It’s very important as

the trade certificates are issued to pay attention to trends and to see if that will occur,” she said. “We have built in a process whereby to benefit from the exemptions, it’s not just a blanket, you’re in the zone so you benefit. There is a process that you apply to the Ministry of Finance for the trade certificate which then allows you to benefit from the benefits which will then give us lots of information about whether we’re seeing new changes happening in that so we can monitor trends so we could build in stopgaps.”

In addition to the

programme’s economic empowerment component, focus will also be placed on equipping public institutions with smart technology and providing greater access to “broadband, community centres, libraries, health clinics, parks and other recreational facilitates,” among other things.

To accomplish the programme’s goals, $5m will be budgeted for it annually. Dr Rolle, however, stressed that the goals of the programme also will be accomplished through individual ministries and departments and the annual budget they receive.

PAGE 6, Tuesday, May 1, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

We won’t let Oban harm environment from page one His comments came February 19 during a “ceremonial” signing at the Office of the Prime Minister. Since then, details in this regard have not been forthcoming from Oban, the government or the Bahamas Environment Science Technology (BEST) Commission.

In early April, The Nassau Guardian reported that police were investigating the disappearance of the file on the project, which went missing from the BEST Commission.

“I think at present there are particular committees involving environmental groups and everybody (is) looking at it. There are certain things that have to be met. I have said it then and I say again, our environment will not be compromised. Our environment will always be protected,” Dr Minnis continued when he was asked if he had concerns about the

criticisms from the public and environmental groups.

Dr Minnis has the BEST Commission in his portfolio and critics have said he should have wide-ranging knowledge when it comes to the environmental intricacies of the controversial project.

He spoke to the matter on the sidelines of his annual birthday celebration with students at the Gambier Primary School in his constituency. Dr Minnis’

birthday was in mid-April; however, he was out of the country at the time.

He also responded to Transparency International and Citizens for a Better Bahamas’ recent poll, which pinpointed the country’s lack of campaign finance laws and highlighted Bahamians’ perception that the Royal Bahamas Police Force is the most corrupt agency in The Bahamas.

“What everybody must understand is we have been given a mandate of five years,” he said about his administration’s pledge to amend the Public Disclosure Act to include a campaign finance component.

“We cannot complete everything in one year. The promises that we made, we will do. We will complete. We made promises about breadbasket items and many more. During our budget, we will unveil as many as we can, but we were given five years and we will complete our agenda in five (years) and not one.”

In the poll, Dr Minnis fared better than most on the question of corruption, with Bahamians believing he and his office are less corrupt than any other institution or group of people identified in the survey, including religious leaders.

The survey, called the first of its kind in The Bahamas,

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis cuts his birthday cake with Rosemary Knowles, principal, Naomi Pinder, senior mistress, and Makhi Gray, 1st grader, who all also celebrated their birthdays on April 16. Pictured, above and left, scenes from Dr Minnis’ visit to Gambier Primary School.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff was conducted by marketing and research firm Public Domain between October 4 and October 17, 2017.

One thousand Bahamians were surveyed via telephone, including people in New Providence, Grand Bahama and the Family Islands. The sample was “distributed across all populated islands in The Bahamas proportionate to population size based on available census data,” according to Lemarque Campbell, chairman of Citizens for a Better Bahamas and author of the report.

“Respondents were selected using a randomised approach from all available respondents in the household,” he said. “Further, the sample was representative of the local population by age, gender, island and social grade/income.”

The survey had a margin of error of 3.1 percent, according to Public Domain president M’wale Rahming.

PM: I WON’T BE FORCED ON CHIEF JUSTICE JOB from page one However one official in the Minnis administration dismissed the notion he could be appointed.

Yesterday, Dr Minnis would not offer much insight into whether a pick could be made soon.

“Listen I have said what I want to say,” he said when The Tribune asked if there was a specific timeline.

“I am finished with this subject. I have said all I want to say about the chief justice. Nobody is going to force me to do anything okay? Full stop.”

Last week, Mr Parker told The Nassau Guardian Dr Minnis has a “tremendous misapprehension” of the constitutional provisions relating to the appointment of a chief justice, adding the prime minister did not appear to grasp firmly the Constitution as a whole.

This came after Dr Minnis suggested the Constitution provided a certain timeframe for him to fill the post and claimed he was within that timeframe; however, The Tribune was unable to find such a clause.

He said he was not worried about losing political capital over this matter, adding his actions or lack thereof were 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 a recent blackout threat by Bahamas Power and Light unions.

He suggested the Bahamas’ Constitution provided for a specific time frame on appointments for the post.

Dr Minnis said on April 22: “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 last week: “I have the whole Attorney General’s Office, I have my Cabinet.”

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, May 1, 2018, PAGE 7

Pregnant teacher was found dead ‘with blood on walls’ A5MAIN

Tuesday, September 20, 2016, PA

A5MAIN

fs fail to deliver mons for lawyers ntempt hearing Tuesday, September 13, 2016, PAGE 5

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

an embryo, which he also photographed.

Det Cpl Frazer said Dr Sands also collected sevA POLICE officer eral exhibits and upon yesterday described the completion gave him one bloody scene inside pregpostmortem kit, a sexual nant teacher Marisha assault evidence kit bearing Bowen’s apartment the the name Marisha Bowen. morning he and other officThose items were ultiers discovered her lifeless, mately turned over to the naked body lying in a pool relevant officials for analyof blood in a bedroom sis, Det Cpl Frazer said.

ON construction appears for Save the Bays as a result of He almost two years ago. said the pictures he terDetective Corporalbrief to the work undertaken without 14 were as a watching took on September Javod Frazer testified howsaid the at.net downloaded the appropriate permits and and placed on proceedings, he observed blood on walls, have been a compact disc, and were in a manner that had caused torneys should the floor and miscellanelater enlarged MARISHA BOWEN terday significant damage to theat a local ous itemspresent. in the Guyanese photography studio in his llwoman’s not environment “MrSea Keod Smith is an of- assurrounding pillowcases, well as a presence.

Red Road white purple wereBay. Det Sgt Rolle, taking the frus- ficerbefore ofsheet Clifton of the ulticourt,” he and said. apartment seen to haveIn blood on stand a mately con- finding January 2014, Keod “He her has“lifeless” counsel.also Counsel shortly after his colthem, the officer said. and “nude” body lying in gave testimony that at had has confirmed both of his Smith filed aleague, series of affiDet Cpl Frazer said the supplemented that of Det a “large accumulation” of sult of in clients davits claiming that Justice hearhad what appeared blood her bedfor on scheduled Sep- woman Cpl Frazer. ng a on tim said he remained shocked and say the whole ias Bain should recuse herself ings.

I simply to be a yellow dress with tember 9, 2016. heartbroken as he questioned how Yesterday also saw brief une And her 16-year-old son anddiscovery 10-year-old suspected blood coverwho is from a judicial review pro- Bowen’s recusal process initiated by that testimony from be- daughter would cope with the sudden her face, well asasa she the loss. She was three months pregnant came days before he said ial receeding had Michelena allegedly Broomes, Keod Smith was ing found to as sister, at the time of her death, the relative black cloth belt wrapped he personally observed an fter confirmed. who said the last time she ansion made a series of decisions be answerable and called by “We are very shocked attending and hurt by around her neck. He said spoke with her sister was embryo while ead this,” the relative said.

“She was lovdwasthe Cay. based onto her affiliation with on ofby the court hetonoticed showvisible injuries ingautopsy and caring and thisthe was very unexformer on September 7, 2016, two the pected. Shecause will be missed.”

Derek the Free National Movewhy they should not the woman’s neck and chin schoolteacher being condays before Ms Bowen’s ced On Friday, the Ministry of Educadetion, Science and Technology, in Dr a ppear be committed.” and also a greyment. towel with death. ducted by pathologist vic- statement released just hours after the blood stains in the areamonths of Sands. discovery by police, said school judicial was a Caryn Bain Ten later, “These review The trial Keod continues. ard dismissed early and urged parents to ALISTER Williams at a previous court appearance. her right arm.

The revelations came dng it immediately collect students from the to proceedings have been held Smith attempted to withery school “due to the untimely death of He said the body was during Alister Williams’ hould pa- a teacher.”up by Mr Smith. The time draw the applications for trialShebefore Caro- examined by Det Sgt Rolle, had taughtJustice at C W Saunders prison recusal, notwithstandhas court to hethe vic- School from 2014. come for theafter which placed two lita Bethel over Bowen’s ofmurder. af- take some strong brown, a section of an affidaaction evidence for ing paper bags on each of hervit hands.

Police him said Bowen, who Smith, filedShe in January entitled to make himself availwas subsequently placed in CW Saunders dtaught by atmedical able to the court.” ille Dorsette evaluation.

Followcircumstances surrounding “Justice Bain, who is she?” a bodyis bag.

Baptist found y turned over School, was ing brief observations, the the incident continuing 2014.who marine He alleged As foronand Mr Ryan, Fred ersonnel was released is and the Another general public willofficer then the judge once shortly after 8am the ye ambulance now with friends and family. be informed accordingly, no under former Prime Smith added the letdirected him toworked the eastern Hospital for a in An investigation into the RBDF said.

Friday question in the herthat orning Minister Hubert Ingraham, have been made part of the backyard where apartmentter byshould other tenants he wasopshown green of aofcomplex on Read ns thata she was appointed to a available at Sea an earlier on a fence Road, offportunity.

Sumner Street. towel hanging high-ranking position in the ALISTER WILLIAMS, 30, who is charged with killing Marisha Bowen. bordering the eastern She was pronounced dead adjourned Cause Attorney General’s Office Justice Bain Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune part of the yard. Det Cpl at the scene. t. preme because of her ties to the the proceedings to 2.30pm Frazer said the towel was She had injuries to her on, at about g trash to his to consider the next August FNM step. photographed

by Detand Sgtthat her two sons neck upper body. home whenand he the northRolle and hongmen. were fathered by a person When re- subsequently Williams is chargedthe with matter collected receivrsmurder, felt an ob- robbery been claimed is a close friend sumed,andboth lawyers were for heevidential purposes. ingthat inheconnection withand the Justice o men khart, and advisor to Mr Ingrastill absent Bain Det Cpl Frazer said he incident.

Concerning the Give me your made a decision. both ham. robbery charge, it is alleged was then directed to westheld the gun, tempt Keod Smith also claimed “As is a matter for in front ern sidewalk of the also this robbed inWilliams Mr Sears’ ontaining $95 of apartment complex and Bain had made that Justice Keod Smith and Derek Bowen two cellphones ed. shown why a pattern of susand ananiPod. attended ustice several rulings in favour of By LAMECH JOHNSON Ryan to show cause “Has he been seen Sumner Street, according to Similien was pected blood before being who in the past Det Cpl fit the According descrip- they toshould orning Fred Smith, not be cited Tribune Staff Reporter physician?” the chief m initial reports.

She was also him.

Similien around 9.15am he given certain instructions.

Frazer, jail“dethat took for contempt and commithad been affiliated with the He said the blood patterns ljohnson@tribunemedia.net trate asked. pregnant. arrived at Red Sea Road 4, the date of empts FNM,swabs and “can only be exted to prison, it iswere imperataken before along Mr Smith said no, Williams was told that he by 10 monthswith Detective Sercourt plained as coming about as tive for Keod Smith and were taken and packaged. geant Gardell Rolle based A MAN was arraigned would not be allowed to en- withstanding his req rd McKenzie on Septerday’s on hearinformation ervice a result of her bias.”

Derek they Ryanhad to be Around person-10.45am yesterday in connection ter a plea to the charge until Chief Magistrate F tember Det CplBain, in Decemreceived. ally served and for Derek them14, to 2016,Justice with the September 9 kill- he is formally arraigned be- made a note for Willia Det Cpl Frazer said he Frazer said he visited the ber 2014, found Keod Smith be present in court to show DRUGS’ ing of schoolteacher Mari- fore a judge in the Supreme be seen by a physician Rand Lab at the Princess eventually arrived at the ughtthat up with cause,” the judge said. guiltywhere of contempt for the sha Bowen. apartment complex and Margaret Hospital prison but could not o Court. passenger ase ofat-his way affidavits he “Nevertheless, the spoke courtwith“scandalising” Dr Sands made to apartment he Alister Williams, 30, He is also set to return to Smith’s subsequent re ee. During a who Smith gave him certain infordiscovered three, which located delicensed been had filed which undermined stood before Chief Mag- Magistrate’s Court on Oc- that his client be detain willwas not allowonKeod fireand showed him theoffirst antity am- floor.

Comthe integrity of the judge istrate Andrew Forbes for tober 24 for a presentation the sick bay in the inte and Derek Ryanmation to frusUpon entering the apart- Bowen’s body. and the judicial system. His ns are contin- trate the process. The court cates. the murder of Ms Bowen, a of a voluntary bill of indictWilliams will have t At the time, Det Cpl ment, Det Cpl Frazer matter. ed lawyer, adjourns thishematter a he then Frazertosaid noticed the Mr Ryan, was saidanhe observed what native of Guyana who had ment, which will facilitate ply for bail at the Sup the were alsowas informed that he “can- taught date blood to enable courtcloth to belt still thought stainstheblack, at onCharles W Saun- the transfer of the case to Court if he desires a THE BODY of Marisha Bowen is taken from the scene Friday. neck, and liability” for the a shower and effort a tied isonreescape make cap further to around serve hernot ders Baptist School since the higher court. ahead of trial. that Derek she had sustained mulbrown stocking on the and affidavits.

Keod cap Smith 2014.

Before he was remanded tiple injuries to her neck floor of the kitchen. asked At a contempt hearing a Ryan.

If the court is unShe was found lifeless to prison to await trial, his rt further He ad-also said he noticed and chin, both eyelids, the r 25. hereamonth later, Mr Lockhart with a slit throat shortly lawyer Nathan Smith made successful with effecting two separate patterns of insides of both her upper nced to death g homicide service on Keod and lips,appeared and lower as well asfor Keod Smith, a stains in and a purple and Smith after 8am on the day in allegations that his client urt of Appeal injuries to the former right sideProgressive of Keod 1994.

Liberal question in her apartment “suffered significant injuDerek Ryan on the return white towel with blood rch 1996 after and rear of and expressed stains the floor the her sthe and MP, the ofcourt willupper thenbackParty Preroga-ondate, by other tenants of a com- ries while in police customency should her upper right arm. apartment’s southeastern cham- make an order ofAssubstihisthereservations about the plex on Read Sea Road, off dy”. a result of inforstayed. In easo bedroom. proceedings and argued asenjudge but tuted service,” Justice mationBain he received from Det hat year for a Cpl Frazer said he that the court had already stressed.

Dr Sands, Det Cpl Frazer then discovered the lifeed to 55 years said hewill took facial pictures Mrnude body arrived at a determination Theof atwo lawyers less, woman ofn, conviction. ord McKenof the deceased which alsofirst considering her back the October ived a on now haveonuntil 12 without inlying yesterday’s captured her injuries. bed in the bedroom, with er 12 to voluntarily make them- any evidence to refute the The officer said Dr Sands head pointed east and Gher Euof contempt. selves north. available for thenservice proceededpair to conduct her feet pointed edical The judge ruled, after a or the documents are inthe autopsy in his presHe said she was lying ninPort He said hearing she pointed in March 2015, that directly by other a pool of bloodserved on a ence. out injuries to the the left and would proceed white and purple fitted means. cating court court-approved right sidesa of Ms sheet Two pilbeen on theAbed. withBowen’s notice against the atruling concerning lows with white and purple skull, and also pointed out

O CUSTODY IN HER’S KILLING

ED AFTER FALLING OVERBOARD

HAS TO HEARD

SUSPECT ACCUSED OF SLITTING TEACHER’S THROAT FACES COUR

ENCE S AGO

e past hronic

site visit to Nygard Cay has torney to show cause why been adjourned to Wednes- he should not be committed to prison. day, September 21. me for However, the judge Justice Bain is presidor his ing over the judicial review stayed contempt proceedI for- filed by the Coalition to ings pending the outcome s time Protect Clifton Bay which of Keod Smith’s application ates of is challenging an applica- before the Court of Appeal.

By RASHAD a liaison whoJanuary will ardise of this year, tion ROLLE

by Peter Nygard to fur-officer In Tribune Staff Reporter provide logistical support herrolle@tribunemedia.net let- ther develop his premises Mr Lockhart was unable in to the various crime watch to convince Lyford Cay and gain a lease groups within that particu- appellate court PRIMEfor Minister Dr reclaimed given Crown land lar division. Thejudges council that will his client’s apHubert Minnis launched format guidelines th re- from the sea. pealthat waswill not premature and the Neighbourhood Watch govern the management atient Mr Smith’s appeal was disFred Smith, lead counCrime Council last night at and operations between vel to selBahamas missed. for the environmental the Royal Police the police and the commue Force’s pro- headquarters. group, alleges thatnity. over thecouncilMr The willSmith also represented the The Free National Move-Nygard Mount Moriah area from last 30 years, exploreCay the introduction of ment the council additional and who promised 2002 tociti2007. has nearly doubled in sizeCCTVs

TACKLING CRIME IN OUR NEIGHBOURHOODS

in its 2017 manifesto, saying it would “oversee and promote neighbourhood watch activities throughout” communities.

Neighbourhood watch groups exist in The Bahamas already but officials believe the council will organise and the groups. d strengthen to “This programme will salso cli-bridge the gap between ceived the police and the comprison munity in partnership to address crime related issues affecting neighbourhoods,” before Dr Minnis said yesterday. ndrew “Each police division has

zen patrols along with other crime prevention measures as a part of its community focus.”

According to Minister of National Security Marvin Dames, the murder rate has declined by about 45 per cent in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the same period last year.

Dr Minnis said this is not by chance, but is the direct result of carefully constructed policies. He said the council is an example of an initiative that will further curb crime.

RGED OVER TRIPLE SHOOTING

Carey, r Ber-

PAGE 8, Tuesday, May 1, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

Lessons of life learned around the water pump Face to T AKE a slow drive through any Over-the-Hill community and you will find a water pump.

It’s a necessity in an area where there are still homes without infrastructure for running water. A well is a place where people come to connect and chat while drawing water, as it has been for thousands of years. In modern neighbourhoods, there is no well and without it, there is also a lost opportunity for people to get to know one another better on a daily basis. People stay indoors and have become more sedentary in lifestyle and less community-oriented in nature. But, those inner city pumps are the spring from which life lessons flow, according to Barbara Ann Perkins.

She is a well-respected professional in America and her name can be heard from the halls of Congress to the streets of Miami. Yet Barbara points to her days “toting water” from the pump on Lily of the Valley Corner as the days where some of her most important life-lessons were learnt.

So impactful were these days that she authored the book: Sisters at the Well – Finding and Living Your Life Lessons.

Barbara was born in

Face

By FELICITY INGRAHAM

Miami, Florida. Her grandfather, Cat Island native Samuel McKenzie, served in the military and on returning to the USA as an amputee, received his GI Bill for veterans. With that, he purchased a large family home and invited his daughters and their children to live with him. Barbara was the baby in the big family and thus, her grandfather became her caretaker. When she was six years old, her grandfather died.

His Bahamian family flew over to attend the funeral and among them was his beloved aunt, Kathleen Marshall, who was originally from Staniard Creek, Andros. Kathleen saw that her mother, Barbara Jane Parish, had her hands full trying to work and tend to four children. She offered to take little Barbara with her to the islands.

“I went from the big family house in Miami to a home in Nassau that was 600 square feet, had no running water and none of the

facilities I was accustomed to – I felt like I was at camp,” said Barbara.

“It was exciting for me. I learned how to get my water and gather at the pump with the women and girls six days a week.

Only on Sundays did we not work.

I learned how to be a loyal friend and I learned how to be conscious from all of learned the conscious women in the how to be community.” conscious and Barbara learned so much aware of the needs about unity and together- of others; how to check for ness from Bahamian women people, knowing that whatas she grew up Over-the- ever I deposit, there would Hill. She can still recall be enough for me when it’s washing clothes in the tin my time to withdraw.” tub. Today, her She first attended children laugh at St Agnes Preparaher when they see ‘We were tory School but her washing small later moved to St poor in things by hand, but John’s College after resources she appreciates her godmother, the “foundational but not in Laurie Lee Gibson habits” she gained of Eleuthera, genspirit.’ during her formaerously offered to tive years spent great grandmother living the island life.

Kathleen to pay the tuition.

“We were poor in She was baptised at Faith resources but not in spirit,” Temple Church of God and she said. even though she was ten “We were generous with and she was being baptised FROM left, Debbie Bartlett, CEO Network, and Patricia Minnis, wife of the Prime Minister, presenting an award to Barbara Per- each other and we gave to among a group of babies, those who didn’t have. I her godmother Laurie was kins, joined by Lei Lewis of Women of Wealth. proud.

In 1973, when Barbara was 16 years old, a traumatic incident would cause her to leave Nassau and return to Miami: “It was a very difficult transition because I was in Nassau for ten years.

“It took most of that time to feel like I was home. www.ub.edu.bs Sometimes it was good that I am an American, but sometimes it wasn’t good, because as a kid you don’t want to stand out be difSuitably qualified candidates are invited to apply for the following posiferent. I was an American child trying to be a Bahations available at University of The Bahamas: mian, and I really wanted Assistant Athletic Trainer, responsible for assisting the Athletic to be a Bahamian. Just as I finally started to feel and Trainer with all phases of the daily operations in the Athletic Training think Bahamian and say, I Room and services needed to cover the eight athletic teams at UB. Duties am Bahamian, I left.” and responsibilities include assisting in scheduling and administration of Barbara then had to face student-athlete pre-participation physical exams; evaluating athletic feeling like a stranger in injuries; treating athletic injuries; providing counseling and education high school in America. She to student athletes, coaches, and parents dealing with athletic injuries; left St John’s in the fourth form and still had a year of enforcing code of conduct and rules for athletic training facilities and high school left: equipment; and assisting with recordkeeping and documentation.

“They weren’t my Required qualifications include a Bachelor’s Degree in Athletic Training, friends… the people I grew Kinesiology, Sports Medicine, Sports Science or other related field; Board up with. The culture was Certification; and two (2) or more years of experience. different. I was embraced most of the time (in both Sports Information Officer, responsible for the production, places) but always as ‘somepresentation, distribution, and collection and archival of information thing different’ - so that was difficult. But because of my pertaining to University Athletics. Duties and responsibilities include upbringing in The Bahamas, creating and distributing all sports related information to local, provincial, I learned how to be focused national, university and other media sources; cultivating key media contacts and I was well-prepared for for the department; facilitating interviews and press conferences, write and adversities.” prepare press releases and other promotional material/content By the time she returned to Miami, Barbara’s mother for various media; liaising regularly with the Office of University had another six children – ten Relations, varsity coaches and colleagues at other universities and altogether - and although she athletic organizations and assisting with managing and updating the was overjoyed to be reunited Athletic Department’s website. Required qualifications include a with her nuclear family, she Bachelor’s degree (Master’s degree is preferred) in Journalism/Broadfelt like a “lonely spade”. She cast, Communications, Public Relations and demonstrated experience would sometimes wonder why she had to be the one with software sufficient to support media publications and relevant to leave the family and grow athletic events’ statistical calculation, including but not limited to, Adobe up in The Bahamas, but in Design, Adobe Photo Shop, Illustrator and Stat Crew/Dakstats she says later on in life, she software. understood the “love and generosity” that was poured Detailed position announcements are available online at: http://www. into her since she was a little girl. She knew her Aunt ub.edu.bs/about-us/career-opportunities/staff/ .

Kathleen was heartbroken when she left, and she felt a Interested applicants should submit the following to the Human Resources little guilty because of it. So, Department via hrapply@ub.edu.bs by Wednesday, 9th May, 2018: she made it a point to do her • A cover letter of interest highlighting work experience and very best to make her aunt accomplishments relevant to the position; proud.

“I decided to make good • Completed UB Employment Application Form and make her proud,” she (www.ub.edu.bs/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Application-fortold me.

Employment-Staff.pdf) “No one in our family had • Current curriculum vitae or resume; ever gone to college. I had no • Copies of relevant qualifications and certificates; model ahead of me to follow.

We were poor in the US and • Copy of the relevant pages of a valid passport showing passport poor on the island – poor in number, photo identification and expiration date; resources. I knew it would • Copy of N.I.B. Card; make her proud if I did well, • At least three (3) written, professional references. so I continued to work hard in

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

BARBARA Perkins pictured above and far left and, left, with her daughter Kelsie. Below, she is pictured with her friend, motivational speaker Iyanla Vanzant at a state dinner in Washington DC for former President Barack Obama. school.

I went to community college and that made her proud. Then I got a job in the bank, that made her proud. I then pursued my undergraduate degree in Boston, and it was everything she could hope for.”

Barbara made it through the first three years of university but because of the struggle, she ended up leaving to take a job with American Airlines as a flight attendant.

“She died my first year as a flight attendant in 1978,” said Barbara.

“I was 20 years old. She lived long enough to witness me still doing well.”

That job ended up being her longest. For 17 years, she served American Airlines with distinction and made a mark for which she is still recognised today.

During her career, she got married to Stanley Perkins and they had two children together - Kelsey and Cody.

They were living happily in Los Angeles when one day, a major earthquake rocked the area. On that very day, the Perkins’ decided Barbara should stay home and raise the children. As Kelsey and Cody got a little older, Barbara started a lifecoaching practice.

She found a calling and a niche in helping American professionals to perform even better in business by sharing the values that made her who she was – an American who learned the value of hard work, humility, generosity and community spirit by being raised in The Bahamas.

Today, that practice - Image Builders Etcetera - is 18 years in existence and has attracted a long list of high-profile women in America – women in Congress, CEOs, women in the medical field, banking field and so many others.

Barbara is also the founder of three non-profit organisations that are making a difference.

The International Black Women’s Public Policy Institute (ibwppi.org) is led by a collective of inter-generational women leaders representing the interests of women in countries throughout the African Diaspora. She formed this organisation with the purpose of “connecting and advocating for black women globally through acts of kindness and public policy”.

She also envisioned the Los Angeles African American Women’s Public Policy Institute (laaawppi.org) with five other women, now in its 16th year. The non-profit serves as a “pipeline for women wishing to be in the public space – get elected to office, running a campaign, finance reform, and public policy”.

LAAAWPPI has graduated 285 women through their annual leadership and political development

training programme since its inception.

Her third non-profit, Sisters at the Well (sistersatthewell.com) was born out of her personal desire “to be in the company of inspiring women, committed to building upon the solid foundation of sisterhood left by generations of strong black women” adding that “the idea and name was taken directly from the Bible” and the life lessons her experience in The Bahamas provided.

When she returned to Nassau to bury Aunt Kathleen, Barbara thought she would never return to this country, because it didn’t feel like the friendly island she had always known.

She allowed her godsister Ingrid to live in the house she grew up in, and she did so for many years. A few years ago, the house burned down and in some way, possibly the occurrence of yet another tragic incident, made her return.

Since returning, Barbara’s passion for the country has been rekindled. One of her first projects was to support the Lillian Coakley Library on Blue Hill Road.

Ms Coakley, she said, taught her the love for reading.

This past March, IBWPPI helped her to create a reading room in the library, and donated 500 books to the cause. She has also started a Boots on the Ground programme.

Through her connection with firefighters and policemen, Barbara is now collecting water boots to send to The Bahamas.

In the event of another hurricane, especially on the Family Islands, she said more people will be able to assist in the clean up and reconstruction efforts because they will be able to wade in the water more safely.

Meantime, back through Lily of the Valley Corner, Barbara has cleaned and fenced the property and is working to create a green space for the children of that community.

She remembers that when she would visit her mother in Miami in the summer, she would pack boxes of clothing, shoes and other items to send for children in the community.

I met her at the CEO Network Conference organised

by Dr Deborah Bartlett, where Barbara gave such a passionate address that it led to this Face to Face interview.

“The Bahamas is where my soul lives,” she said, “And in particular, the island of Eleuthera.

“I always had this inner vision that I would come back so my soul would rest in the place I love. So I encourage the Bahamian women, let’s come together. Circles of women throughout The Bahamas, throughout the Caribbean, let’s come together and say we are sisters and we are one.”

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, May 1, 2018, PAGE 9

Blacklisting – why not fight back?

I HAVE just read press reports that another bill has been tabled in the House to avoid blacklisting, by satisfying - better read “appeasing” - the European Union (EU) in its campaign to extract full compliance on tax matters.

Our Government will now face the tedious task of collecting comprehensive financial records from any corporate group doing business here with more than $850m annual revenue (IBM maybe?

EXXON?) packaging the massive paperwork and sending it off for analysis by the bureaucratic gnomes in EUland. Why? At what possible benefit to our nation? Why not simply decline?

Last week at the OffshoreAlert conference in Miami, attended by over 300 outspoken voices from public and private sectors, I enjoyed a breath of fresh air scepticism about EU, OECD, CFATF and all the other acronyms with ambiguous rules against money-laundering, terrorist financing, tax evasion and “unfair tax policies”. Yes, the IRS from Washington was also present, making a tough but crystal-clear presentation of what the US can and cannot do to collect federal income tax.

The conference sponsors handed to every delegate the latest issue of The Cayman Financial Review, a serious quarterly journal that prints analytic pieces about the international economy. It often calls a spade a spade and a dirty one at that - a far cry from our bland Bahamas Investors Review, whose editors stick to “better in The Bahamas” promotional platitudes.

Two detailed stories in the Cayman Review should destroy any illusion that the EU is an impartial body promoting equitable, fairminded treatment between the European nations and the offshore world. Their real objective is to extract the maximum tax revenue from offshore financial centres (OFCs) such as Cayman with its $4 to $5 trillion of annual flow-through, in order to support the profligate fiscal and spending policies of counties such as France, Germany, Belgium and Spain.

The first of these profound articles is titled “Mr Moscovici and his EU “lists of many colours” and names French citizen Pierre Moscovici as EU Commissioner for Taxation, strongly implying he is backed by “high-profile

left-wing NGO charities like Oxfam”. The so-called “harmful” tax competition provided by low - or zero tax OFCs is only “harmful” to European countries that are hurt by their own misguided policies.

The second article, titled “EU Blacklist: The real story is demographic decline and a panicked search for revenue”, explains how Europe is suffering from two economic traps.

While its population is static or declining, par- HOW the finalised IMAX is supposed to look after construction - but construction does seem to be dragging on, with an April 20 openticularly among working ing date missed. ages, its countries fail to moderator, David March- the world’s power blocs, like Bermuda, Cayman and heard until this year’s Febreduce their levels of social ant, read a forceful the EU nations, in forcing all the British Overseas ruary 2 story eyeing an April security and welfare pay- statement from regulations on small off- Territories and sovereign 20 opening, for which conments. Second, they have Appleby that these docu- shore jurisdictions, and then nations lumped together struction work was being allowed immigration to ments were obtained by failing themselves to adopt as Offshore Financial boosted to 24-hour shifts. ascend catastrophically, cybertheft, and that the them. When a Bank of Eng- Centres. Could we have Clearly, the effort was with waves of immigrants firm was suing the media land official argued to him retained tighter control not enough. April 20 has unprepared linguistically for unauthorised publi- in favour of a international over our own financial come and gone, with hardor culturally and falling cation of “stolen goods” beneficial ownership reg- regime? Could we still? hat workers still scuttling dependent on public wel- - privileged client-attorney ister, he enjoyed retorting like busy ants, scaffolding fare. As a result, only 12 communications. that Bermuda had already being moved from one wall of the EU’s 28 members Legal experts believe this created one many years to another, and no paved have been able to balance case will go to the Supreme earlier. He told the assementrance drive or parking their government budgets. Court to resolve the long- bly of having been caught lot yet replacing the dirt For well over a year, trucking ramps.

German Chancellor Merkel running debate between in a massive human rights quotes an alarming statis- legitimate confidential- demonstration in London Bahamians have watched No announcement of tic: with seven ity and the where he was vilified for with bemusement the loom- the delay was made, or percent of “public representing an OFC, guilty ing structure rising at the any indication of a new world popula- ‘It is baffling interest” in of reducing funds for “the junction of Gladstone Road date. Although continution, Europe to me that learning what starving thousands of Afri- and JFK Highway. Last ing work is visible to all accounts for our Government, sins may, or can babies”. This typical June, the press informed passing motorists, ever50 percent may not, be stereotype is encouraged, us, yes, an IMAX pro- sceptical Bahamians of welfare in its many commithe believes, by the reporting jection facility plus eight are joking about taking regular movie houses were the kids to the movies spending - an statements from ted offshore. style of the liberal media. imbalance disThe two-day Confer- being built, as the starring only to find the doors still Minister of Finance The for which her cussion ence left me troubled with element in a vast entertain- shut. own party Turnquest, seems panel gener- a profound doubt. Begin- ment/hospitality/restaurant Always favourable to bears much to accept the EU ated heated ning years ago should The centre known as Fusion writing about any new venresponsibility. has some “higher debate.

Bahamas have rejected the Superplex covering some ture, I have often asked These dry Two members very concept of “blacklist- 100,000 square feet. Photos for a site visit and interthe four young view with the principals, figures cover vision” that we represented ing” - refused to accept of innumermust simply obey.’ the German that a cadre of European Bahamian entrepreneur- but have been rebuffed by able stories of newspaper nations, who have abys- founders were shown, who their public relations lady, human tragthat broke mally mismanaged their had raised $42m, together a strict gate-keeper saying edy and suffering. But why the Paradise story, and own economies, can dic- with an artist’s rendering of “we aren’t ready.” should the OFCs accept the ICIJ (International tate the rules of the game? the impressive façade overOh well, together with blame for measures they Consortium of Investiga- Suppose we had formed looking Lake Cunningham. the kids, I can wait to see Not much more was my first IMAX film. never created? It is baffling tive Journalists, based in a common front with to me that our Government, Washington) that spread in its many statements from it widely among print and Minister of Finance Turn- TV media. The other two quest, seems to accept were retired senior of the EU has some “higher officials of the Bermuda vision” that we must simply government: former Prime obey. The Cayman Review Minister Michael Dunkley points out that neither the and former Finance MinUSA nor China are mem- ister Bob Richards. They bers of the EU or pay any went much further than attention to its rulings. simply defending Appleby.

Is it not possible that we, They attacked the very trading heavily with both notion that Bermuda was nations, could follow the a “tax haven”, claiming same path? forcefully that “Bermuda is not a place to hide money”, citing the many information requests from foreign authorities had been promptly answered The most dramatic when presented through session at the Miami con- well-established inter-govference arose from the ernment channels.

Paradise Papers, whose In both his public presmany confidential docu- entation and his private ments were taken from words to me, native BerAppleby, the leading Ber- mudian Bob Richards muda law firm, and then revealed himself as a pasdisclosed by the inter- sionate opponent of what national press.

The he called the “hypocrisy” of

IMAX FILMS, SOMEDAY?

PRIVACY VS ‘THE PUBLIC INTEREST’

FROM left: Robin Scavella, director, legal & corporate secretary at Scotiabank; Philip Cumming, past president Rotary Club of East Nassau; Maxine Seymour, manager, public and corporate affairs, sponsorship and philanthropy at Scotiabank.

BANKING ON SCOTIA FOR CHARITY GOLF EVENT SCOTIABANK is partnering with the Rotary Club of East Nassau & Scout Association of The Bahamas on their 32nd annual charity golf tournament set for next month.

The bank is a gold sponsor of the annual event with 100 per cent of the net proceeds raised donated to the Scout Association and other Rotary-sponsored community service organisations.

“Scotiabank is proud of its legacy of supporting the

Bahamian community,” said Maxine Seymour, manager of public and corporate affairs, sponsorships and philanthropy at Scotiabank.

“We are committed to helping young people reach their infinite potential and applaud the Scouts for leading the way in developing our leaders of the future.”

Scotiabank representatives including veteran golfer and long serving employee, Leroy Dames, will participate in this noble tournament on Friday,

May 11, at the Ocean Club Golf Course with a 12.30pm, shotgun start. It is a two-person scramble, net tournament, a minimum of seven drives must be used per player; 35 per cent of the handicaps will be used.

There is a maximum handicap of 24.

The event has been one of the club’s primary fundraising activities for the past 30 plus years, collectively raising over $3m for numerous charities throughout The Bahamas.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, May 1, 2018, PAGE 11

BAHAMAS POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY LTD. VACANCY NOTICE

WELDERS Vacancies exist within Bahamas Power and Light for Welders.

SECURITY forces run from the site of a suicide attack after the second bombing in Kabul, Afghanistan, yesterday.

Photo: Massoud Hossaini/AP

NINE JOURNALISTS AMONG DEAD AS BOMBERS KILL 25 KABUL, Afghanistan Associated Press

Two Islamic State suicide bombers struck in Afghanistan’s capital on Monday, killing 25 people, including nine journalists who had rushed to the scene of the first attack, in the deadliest assault on reporters since the fall of the Taliban in 2001.

An Agence France-Presse photographer, a cameraman for the local Tolo TV station and several reporters for the Afghan branch of Radio Free Europe were among the fatalities, police said. At least 45 people were wounded in the attacks, according to Kabul police spokesman Hashmat Stanekzai, who said four police were among those killed.

A few hours later, in the southern Kandahar province, a suicide car bomb targeting a NATO convoy

killed 11 children from a nearby religious school, police said. The children had gathered around the NATO convoy for fun when the bomber struck, said Abdul Rahim Ayubi, a lawmaker from Kandahar.

Eight Romanian NATO soldiers were wounded.

The Islamic State group claimed the Kabul bombings in a statement posted online, saying it targeted the Afghan intelligence headquarters. The blasts took place in the central Shash Darak area, home to NATO headquarters and a number of embassies and foreign offices — as well as the Afghan intelligence service.

Stanekzai said the first suicide bomber was on a motorbike, while the second targeted those scrambling to the scene to aid victims. He said the second attacker was on foot

in a crowd of reporters, pretending to be a member of the press, when he set off his payload.

AFP said the news agency’s chief photographer in Kabul, Shah Marai, was among those killed. Hundreds of people attended his funeral later on Monday.

Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders said it was the deadliest attack targeting reporters since the US-led invasion that overthrew the Taliban in 2001.

The group named the nine journalists killed, and said another six reporters were wounded.

In a separate attack in the eastern Khost province, a 29-year-old reporter for the BBC’s Afghan service was shot dead by unknown gunmen. The BBC confirmed the death of Ahmad Shah, saying he had worked for its Afghan service for more than a year.

CHIEF OF STAFF DENIES CALLING TRUMP AN IDIOT WASHINGTON Associated Press WHITE House chief of staff John Kelly said Monday that a report that he called President Donald Trump an idiot is “total BS”.

Kelly, in a statement, said he and Trump have “an incredibly candid and

strong relationship”.

He added, “He always knows where I stand and he and I both know this story is total BS.” NBC reported yesterday that Kelly has on multiple occasions criticised Trump’s knowledge on issues like immigration, and has cast himself as protecting the

country from Trump’s impulses.

The report added that Trump was growing tired of Kelly’s attitude.

In recent months, Trump has chafed at Kelly’s controlling management style, and has occasionally talked with friends about replacing him.

This job has responsibility for providing welding support services. The job duties include preparatory and actual welding works for both electric and torch welding.

The incumbent will achieve company objectives by: •

Performing welding related repairs and maintenance related tasks on station equipment (including boilers, smoke stacks, gas turbines, pipes etc.). This includes using various welding methods (including arc welding and oxyacetylene welding, to correct defects and to fabricate components;

•

Performing metal cutting, anti-seize, and heating treatment on various items with a welding rig. This involves using welding torches to break previously welded bonds, cutting/altering metal plates, and loosening seized fasteners;

•

Performing a variety of other duties such as: maintaining welding equipment, performing preparatory work (including locating leaks, sanding, chipping, alignments, etc.,), and ordering collecting materials and supplies.

Job requirements include: •

Knowledge of both electric and torch welding techniques and procedures, including the types of welds appropriate for a given material in specific conditions;

•

Welding skills and proficiency with the use of specialized tools such as: arc welders, torch/gas rigs (i.e., various mixtures and torch tips);

•

Adherence to BPL safety and environmental policies and procedures;

•

Completion of a Formal Apprenticeship Program or the equivalent; and

•

A minimum of 3 years’ experience.

Interested persons should apply to Afuture@bplco.com on or before: May 2, 2018.

Only candidates meeting the criteria will be contacted.

Blue Hill and Tucker Roads, P.O. Box N-7509, Nassau, Bahamas | T: 242.302.1000 | F: 242.323.6852 |www.bplco.com

Bahamas Power and Light Company Ltd.

BUILDING FOR BETTER