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VOLUME:114 No.112, MAY 3RD, 2017

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Ingraham says the treasury is broke Former PM: The money’s not there to pay police on May 29

By TANEKA THOMPSON Tribune News Editor tmthompson@tribunemedia.net FORMER Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham last night said no matter which party is elected to office on May 10, the government will be unable to give police officers overtime pay on May 29 as promised

by Prime Minister Perry Christie because “the money ain’ there” in the Public Treasury.

He also told supporters that if the Free National Movement (FNM) wins the election, one of the first things it will have to do is “borrow tens of millions of dollars to pay bills that the PLP government is now unable to pay” and thus will not be able to fulfil some of its campaign promises

right away.

Mr Ingraham also accused the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) of trying to censor the FNM, by not allowing the opposition party to hold rallies on Clifford Park or broadcast these events on ZNS. He also again raised the allegation that more than $800,000 was recently stolen from the Ministry of Finance, suggesting that theft was widespread in the public sector.

“You know after years of fighting the Police (Staff) Association . . . and ignoring the court order, they finally agreed that they are going to pay overtime to the police,” Mr Ingraham told supporters at a rally in South Abaco.

SEE PAGE SIX

THE Ministry of Finance yesterday denied claims by former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham that more than $800,000 had been stolen from its coffers.

At a rally at Ingraham Park in Cooper’s Town on Monday, Mr Ingraham told supporters that when the details on theft in the public sector comes to light after the next election, people will scratch

their heads.

However, the Ministry of Finance insisted yesterday that there was no evidence of missing or stolen funds, and invited Mr Ingraham to produce evidence for a police investigation.

In a statement, the ministry pointed to an incident of vendor “overpayment” - in which disciplinary action had already been taken, but added that the sum did not come close to the amount alleged by Mr Ingraham.

SEE PAGE SIX

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

TELLIS Bethel has been named commodore of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force following a massive promotion exercise of 427 officers announced yesterday, described as the largest ever for the law enforcement agency.

The revelation came a day after Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade announced promotions in the Royal Bahamas Police Force for 851 officers and less than a week after Prime Minister Perry Christie said that, despite years of insisting the government won’t make overtime payments to police officers, his administration has now decided to do so.

SEE PAGE SIX

OBSERVERS ON THEIR WAY AHEAD OF VOTING

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net ELECTION observers are on their way to monitor the country’s general election as the advanced poll begins today.

All four international organisations invited by the government have confirmed their attendance to observe the electoral process on May 10, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Invited groups include: the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the SEE PAGE THREE

MINISTRY DENIES CLAIMS OF $800,000 STOLEN FUNDS

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

BIGGEST EVER ROUND OF PROMOTIONS FOR THE RBDF

PRIME Minister and leader of the PLP Perry Christie making his way through the crowd at the rally on Golden Gates Park. See more rally pictures on page two. Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff

GIBSON SAYS HE SPENT $125,000 ON GOLDEN GATES COMMUNITY

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

WHILE accusing the Free National Movement of “plagiarising” a portion of Jamaica’s People’s National Party’s manifesto, incumbent Golden Gates MP Shane Gibson sought to free himself from the perception of malfeasance explaining to supporters his spending of $125,000 on various community initiatives including $50,000 each year on scholarships to constituents.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Perry Christie pleaded with members of the armed forces voting in today’s advanced poll to support the Progressive Liberal Party, remembering the people who fought for them to have the right to vote.

The early vote comes just days after hundreds of officers of the Royal Bahamas Police Force and Royal Bahamas Defence Force were promoted to higher ranks in their respective organisations.

The PLP’s mega rally at the Golden Gates Park

took on a party atmosphere with not only local artists taking the stage, but a performance from Trinidadian soca artist Farmer Nappy.

An elaborate fireworks show followed when Mr Gibson took the stage to dismiss allegations levelled at him recently.

While he did not mention his relationship with Canadian fashion mogul Peter Nygard, Mr Gibson explained his spending in Golden Gates.

SEE PAGE THREE

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

AGREEMENT SIGNED FOR NEW $100M CRUISE PORT

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net THE government and Carnival Corporation signed heads of agreement yesterday for the construction of a new $100m cruise port destination in East End, Grand Bahama.

The port – described as “the largest ever cruise development project on Grand Bahama Island” – expects to create an exceptional destination experience to more than one million cruise guests annually.

SEE PAGE 12

PAGE 2, Wednesday, May 3, 2017

THE PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party mass rally at Golden Gates last night.

THE TRIBUNE

Photos: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff

CLIFFORD ‘Butch’ Scavella, the PLP candidate for Central & South Eleuthera.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, May 3, 2017, PAGE 3

Union executives give praise to Christie administration

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

NATIONAL Congress of Trade Unions executives yesterday praised the Christie administration for advancing trade relations in the country while appearing sceptical of how labour issues would be resolved under a Free National Movement government.

In an interview with The Tribune, National Congress of Trade Union’s (NCTUB) President Bernard Evans said if he had to give the PLP, in particular Minister of Labour Shane Gibson, a grade on how well they worked with the union, it would be a “B+”. Mr Evans

said almost all of the contracts the union negotiated with the government have been satisfied with the exception of one or two.

Vice-president of the NCTUB and president of the Bahamas Electrical Workers Union Paul Maynard said “people may have a problem with the PLP and Prime Minister Perry Christie” but that is not his experience. In fact, Mr Maynard said anything he asked the government for on behalf of his members he “always” received.

Both men said they had “issues with comments about unions” made by Free National Movement candidates Jeff Lloyd and Dionisio D’Aguilar and are

“unsure” on what will happen if the FNM becomes the next government. However, they said they have met with FNM leader Dr Hubert Minnis and are willing to give him a chance.

The NCTUB also sent a statement on Tuesday evaluating the state of labour relations in the country.

The press release said that while there is still much work to do, the union is pleased by what has happened to date.

“This has been displayed recently by the present government that has increased the minimum wage for workers in the country. The government also amended the Employment Act and the Industrial Relations Act

to protect workers against mass layoffs by ‘redundancy’ exercises, and this was a major step in the right direction for our workers,” the statement noted.

“Additionally, all unions under the umbrella of the NCTUB have completed and signed collective bargaining agreements to improve working conditions, benefits and pay. The NCTUB must also commend the government for implementing National Health Insurance (NHI), which is especially designed to help the least among us. Going forward, the country would do well to have a labour friendly government because at the end of the day it is labourers that build

countries.”

The union said it looks forward to the “next cycle of governance” and encouraged their members to “respect the views of others and seek to make choices and participate in dialogue that would build our nation and our people.”

“Additionally, the NCTUB must serve notice to all private companies, banks and foreign investors, that the Bahamas is a labour-friendly environment, and the labour movement demands that all workers have the option of being organised and therefore protected under the umbrella of a union,” the statement also noted.

“In conclusion as we head

into our general elections, we ask all citizens to please respect the views of others and seek to make choices and participate in dialogue that would build our nation and our people. The process of elections is already divisive, and does not need to be negatively fuelled by irreparable character damage that is often expressed in the social media environment. We encourage all of our many members of our affiliate bodies to exercise responsible social behaviour, and show support for the candidates of their choice while remembering that the success of this country depends on us all.”

The NCTUB has more than 35,000 members.

GIBSON SAYS HE SPENT $125,000 ON GOLDEN GATES COMMUNITY from page one Last week, The Tribune reported that Mr Gibson received $94,000 from Mr Nygard through a Bank of America account.

He did not immediately own up to the claims, but later said he spent the money in his constituency when he was informed by The Tribune of documents, which verified receipt of the money.

Outside of releasing a press statement when contacted by the media, Mr Gibson was up until last night silent on the matter, despite numerous attempts by the press to question him further.

“That other party says ‘It’s The People’s Time.’ But everything about the FNM is fake,” Mr Gibson said. “And their platform? That’s fake, too– look at this. That right there is the platform of a political party in Jamaica, and word for word, that right here is the Fake National Movement’s platform.

“What you think about that? Copying word for word,” he alleged. “If you were in school, you’d get in trouble for that.”

He later provided The Tribune with copies of screenshots from both platforms, where the wording appeared similar on promises for culture and sports.

“No matter what lies they spew, when I walk around in Golden Gates, people know what’s real: the $50,000 we donate for scholarships for deserving Golden Gates students each year – that’s real.

“The $15,000 we spend every year to give Golden Gates kids a merry Christmas – that’s real.

“The $22,000 we spend to

show parents we appreciate them every Mother’s Day and Father’s Day – that’s real.

“The $10,000 we spend to prepare community kids for back to school each year – that’s real.

“The $8,000 for our marching bands, the $6,000 for food assistance, $5,000 for the computer lab, $4,000 for after school programmes, $3,000 for basketball tournaments, and $2,000 for our fun/run walks and health fairs, that’s real.”

For his part, Mr Christie went on to speak to plans included in the PLP’s 2017 action plan, saying “anyone could call anyone a thief” but the PLP will tell you the plans for your children.

The document features a cap on loan interest rates for government workers, a free electricity plan and skills training for older persons.

He also criticised FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis for having to bring back former FNM politicians to help him draw crowds at party rallies.

He was referring to former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham speaking at two FNM rallies in Abaco this week.

Former Deputy Prime Minister Brent Symonette also reentered front line politics and is on the party’s ticket for next week’s election.

He cautioned supporters to avoid voting for the FNM at the risk of it stopping things to look and see if they are right.

He said a vote for the FNM was a vote in favour of jeopardising the country.

“It’s your party that gave you a dignified existence in your own land,” Mr Christie told supporters.

“And no matter what they say about Lynden Oscar Pindling, he is the architect and

seen to be the architect of the modern Bahamas.

“Therefore the work done by those who came before us it gives us our strength and determination, it give us our belief in a better tomorrow. It gives us a strong sense of purpose and that’s why we didn’t hesitate to do the things we did as a government. We knew how important it was to focus on education. We knew how important it was to take the College of The Bahamas and lift it up to the University of The Bahamas. Your government did that and as you drive along University Blvd or University Commons let it be known that the progressive liberal party gave our children this wonderful wonderful opportunity to say where you went to school…

‘University of The Bahamas.’

“As we stand here this evening, we know there is still work to be done. I owe so much to the people who campaign for me Centreville. They know it’s been difficult for me because of the obligations as party leader to walk throughout the streets of Centreville. They knew I started Peter Street and had to stop to fly last night. They knew I had to fly back to Grand Bahama today and they know we are going to resume tomorrow and we are going to do our best to let the people of Centreville know that the leader of the PLP has this pressing obligation to ensure that he leads the way for his colleagues.

“We want you to believe in your heart and soul that this is the most important thing in your life. There is nothing more important. We are making decision now for children yet unborn.”

He also said: “We have an action plan and this is an action plan for moving forward

GOLDEN Gates supporters crowd the stage as Shane Gibson makes his way to the podium last night.

Photos: Terrel W. Carey/ Tribune Staff and I believe it’s a nice action plan only difference is I should (have) lose some weight before I took that picture.”

“We need to help those of you who are struggling with consumer debt. So in our plan we are proposing a cap on interest rates for government workers. That’s going to help many many Bahamians just drowning right now in interest rates, unable to keep their heads above water. No matter how hard they work because interest rates are killing them,” he added.

OBSERVERS ON THEIR WAY AHEAD OF VOTING from page one

Commonwealth of Nations, the Organisation of American States (OAS) and the United States of America.

For the Commonwealth, former Ghanaian Foreign Minister Hanna Tetteh will serve as chairperson for a four-member team that will be in the country between May 4 and 13. Ms Tetteh will be joined by election supervisor Elvin Bailey of St Kitts and Nevis; gender specialist Lebrechtta Hesse-Bayne of Antigua and Barbuda; and chairman of

the National Communications Network, Enrico Woolford of Guyana.

The mission will be a first for the Commonwealth, whose team will be assessing “whether the election has been conducted according to the standards for democratic elections to which the Commonwealth of The Bahamas has committed itself.”

In a press statement, Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland said: “I’m delighted that former foreign minister Hanna Tetteh has accepted my invitation to lead the Commonwealth Observer

Group. Her experience will be a real asset in this important assignment. In offering their assessment on the conduct of the election and the overall credibility of the process, the group will be contributing to enhancing democracy in The Bahamas.”

Meanwhile, the OAS’ electoral observation team will be deployed today, according to Secretary General Luis Almagro.

Mr Almagro signed an agreement with interim representative of The Bahamas to the OAS, Chet Neymour, yesterday.

The mission will be the organisation’s second deployment to the country, and will be headed by the ombudsperson of the organisation, Sherry Tross, according to a press statement.

During the ceremony, held at OAS headquarters in Washington, DC, Mr Almagro said: “The OAS is committed to accompanying The Bahamas in this important democratic exercise. We look forward to the successful conclusion of the process and to hearing the authentic voice and will of the people of your great democracy.”

VOTER REGISTER CERTIFIED THE 2017 voter register was certified on Monday, according to Parliamentary Commissioner Sherlyn Hall, however The Tribune was unable to obtain a copy up to press time last night.

Mr Hall confirmed yesterday morning that the register had been certified in accordance with the law, but would not take further questions.

He said The Tribune would not be able to obtain a copy of the voter register, nor the register for today’s advanced poll, because department staff were too busy printing election materials.

The Tribune made numerous attempts throughout the day to get further details about the voter population registered to vote today, but was told to “check back after 5pm” because there was a high demand for copies.

This newspaper paid a visit to the department at 3pm, but was not able to make a payment for a copy of the advanced poll register until well after 4.30pm despite numerous attempts to speak with officials who were visibly under strain and, at times, uncoordinated.

Once the payment was finally processed, The Tribune was told to return in an hour to pick up the document, or given the option to have an electronic copy sent via email.

Despite assurances, The Tribune did not receive an electronic copy of the register up to press time.

Last Friday, Mr Hall confirmed that the voter register stood at just over 181,000, but noted that his team was still hard at work weeding out the names of deceased people from the register before it was certified.

There have been repeated concerns about the register, after it was reported last month that it contained hundreds of errors.

In April, Free National Movement officials raised alarm about the discovery of 72 pages of duplicate registrations, names printed of persons born over 200 years ago and some who were born in 2017.

DAVIS TOUTS ‘UPGRADES’ IN SAN SALVADOR AS PROOF OF HIS WORK

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

DURING a campaign stop in San Salvador last night, Deputy Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis touted his work in the area, saying even the Free National Movement must admit that upgrades have taken place.

He mentioned government’s efforts to construct a “modern” primary school on the island at the cost of $5.1m.

In 2015, officials said the site for the new school had been cleared. It is unclear how much progress, if any, has been made on con-

struction.

Mr Davis noted the substantially upgraded airport, new NEMA homes that are currently under construction and the nearly 33 square miles of now protected area running through Southern Great Lake, Pigeon Creek and Snow Bay, Graham’s Harbour, West Coast and Green’s Bay. He also noted hurricane repairs throughout San Salvador in the wake of Hurricane Joaquin, mainly repairs to the island’s administration building, the nurse’s residence and clinic, and repairs to the island’s high school.

“The graveyard walls in Cockburn Town and

Long Bay. The renovation of houses at Lighthouse in United Estates. Make sure take him to the site of the health clinic, which is being built in United Estates, that’s $1.5m.

“Take him to the preschool block at the primary school and witness the track and field course with the primary school.

“Take him to the community centre and show him the instruments that were donated for the Urban Renewal Band,” Mr Davis said, referring to his opponent, FNM candidate Gadville McDonald.

“Let him speak to the sporting community so that they can tell him about the

travel that has been facilitated to tournaments. ‘Big Mac’ calls San Salvador home. How is it then that only he cannot see the progress here? Everyone else when they return after a long absence can see the development.

“When you take ‘Big Mac’ around, don’t leave out Rum Cay. Take him at nighttime so that he could see the runway lighted up to facilitate emergency flights.

While he is there, have him visit the construction site for Rum Cay Health Clinic.

That’s $1.6m.

“Take him to check out the renovations at the Rum Cay school, that bring it up to modern standard. That’s

half a million dollars. We have executed contracts (at the) Rum Cay teacher’s residence.

“We have approved the construction of a government complex in Rum Cay. That’s $1.5m.

“We are planning for a

two-bedroom facility for the administrator in Rum Cay,” Mr Davis also said.

The Progressive Liberal Party held mini-rallies in Cat Island and San Salvador Monday night, a constituency Mr Davis has represented for some time.

PAGE 4, Wednesday, May 3, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

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

LEON E. H. DUPUCH,

SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH,

jrolle@tribunemedia.net

Publisher/Editor 1903-1914 Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt .

Publisher/Editor 1919-1972 Contributing Editor 1972-1991

EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON,

C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B. Publisher/Editor 1972-

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The real reason Fyre Festival went up in flames IT IS easy to blame organisers for the debacle that was supposed to be a glampacked Fyre Festival and instead went up in flames, becoming the non-event, empty tent city with pictures that went viral and fury heard round the world.

But blaming it on organisers alone would hardly do justice to the deeper causes of the travesty.

Fyre Festival was an international embarrassment exposing how poorly we plan, our lack of adherence to the establishment and expectation of meeting standards, rules and regulations for any event or even for the conducting of business. And the sad part is that we can do so much better. At the same time as cameras, microphones and social media were focused on the failure in Exuma, the magnificently executed FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup was going on in Nassau with far less immediate attention. Teams from 16 countries convened, every player, coach and troupe member or follower was accommodated. Tickets and free or VIP seating was organised, vendors open for business, signage and medical attention on site. Two years of planning had gone into the event and its promotion, scouting for and signing partners, sponsors and 200-plus volunteers, building the stadium and literally sifting the sand. Endless hours of meetings and co-operative effort resulted in a near flawless event televised in 209 countries, though to a smaller audience than professed shock about the concert venue and festival experience that caved.

Tragically, the Exuma meltdown a short plane ride away from the excellence of the beach soccer tournament typified how we do business far too often - executing on an ad lib, ad hoc basis. That ad lib, ad hoc basis is the same platform for multi-million dollar giveaways in Heads of Agreement on too many projects, the largest of which we the public just learned about days after it was signed, in secret, without public input and with decisions rendered by the government and the purchaser (though it was our property and tax money they were discussing).

We are not discussing the rights or wrongs of the Agreement itself, merely the ad hoc process by which this and other agreements are reached. We know tax incentives grow the economy but we strongly believe such incentives should be enacted following consultation. They should be widely understood and evenly applied. If VAT and Real Property Tax exemption are to be offered to Baha Mar’s new owner, why would they not also

be offered to the Bahamian family who wants to build a small bed and breakfast on South Beach? Why is everything negotiated on a one-on-one basis? And why always, always at the last minute?

This is one scramblin’ society. When we don’t plan it right from the start and stick with the planning process, we get really good at scramblin’ our way through.

We do not publish the rules and therefore, we don’t have to stick to them. And so we scramble to make things work.

Fyre Festival was an example of how we scramble to make things work at the last minute. Unfortunately, Fyre Festival was the last minute scramble that ran out of time, the Hurricane Joaquin of rock concerts. And that is the real reason Fyre Festival went up in flames. Because between the Ministry of Tourism and the organisers, there were few rules to adhere to and less advance planning than many a Bahamian grammy puts into having all the ingredients to turn out a hearty Sunday meal after church.

It is our own fault that we have become so good at scrambling we have come to depend on it and let it substitute for the kind of planning that went into the Beach Soccer World Cup. Fyre Festival’s front-end marketing appeal showed the most effort. Promises of days of sun-speckled days and starry night glamour, entertainment and fine food on an exotic island surrounded by the world’s most beautiful waters lured hundreds who paid up to tens of thousands of dollars to be part of history.

They pictured mingling with the likes of the Kardashians as they nibbled on fresh seafood and sipped on fine champagne before bedding down in ultra-luxurious accommodations. When the first 150 or so arrived on a rain-soaked morning in Exuma where their luxury accommodations turned out to be tents that were not ready yet and nearby hotel rooms were all booked because it was also National Family Island Regatta, there was pandemonium. Several locals lent assistance, neighbouring Grand Isle Villas, even though full, put up as many as they could and fed more than 100. Headlines that screamed within hours in online publications from Vanity Fair to Rolling Stone and The Guardian (UK version) will fade and Exuma may even benefit longterm from the exposure.

The real problem lies far deeper and that is the lesson we should learn from Fyre Festival. If we do learn, then we can say thanks to the festival that went up in flames.

Nygard’s giving EDITOR, The Tribune.

I MUST agree with V Alfred Gray’s timely statement when he said Peter Nygard has done more for The Bahamas than most Bahamians have. That might sound controversial, but it is the undeniable truth.

It upsets me to no end to see this outstanding, highly accomplished philanthropist being routinely smeared and denigrated by the FNM propaganda newspaper The Tribune.

The Tribune continues to publish highly offensive political ads that mockingly say “Peter Nygard for Prime Minister,” as if the said idea is reprehensible. Well, I for one would take Nygard for prime minister over Dr Hubert Minnis, Hubert Ingraham or any other FNM every day of the week and twice on Sunday. He has made significant contributions to this country. I dare say he has done more for this country than the FNM. He reportedly donated $5m to the PLP for its 2012 Gold Rush campaign.

If it wasn’t for Nygard’s funding, the path to victory for the PLP would’ve

been that much harder, especially since the FNM was backed financially by the Bay Street Boys.

Nygard gave Shane Gibson $94,000 in order to assist needy kids with scholarships in his Golden Gates community. His development at Lyford Cay has employed hundreds of Bahamians in the construction industry. I recall him giving a leading Baptist minister $10,000.

Young beautiful Bahamian women who aspire to become models would find grand opportunities at Nygard Cay. All Bahamians should have been proud when a video of some PLP Cabinet ministers were with Nygard at his palatial residence.

The man is truly a PLP. His stem cells initiative could spur growth in the health industry, creating many opportunities for employment. One silly FNM spin doctor calling himself the Whistleblower has repeatedly brought up the matter of Nygard confronting the Rev CB Moss in Bain Town. What the forked tongue spin doctor failed to say was that Moss

may have been sympathetic to Save the Bays, an organisation that was attempting to topple the Christie government.

The Whistleblower also ranted about Nygard using profanity as he spoke about Christie in a video.

The coward chides the PLP Cabinet for remaining silent over the video.

Nygard did absolutely nothing illegal. He exercised his constitutional right to free speech. The coward is a dictator just like his FNM. Who has never lost his temper and uttered words he wished he could retract?

Nygard was only being human. One cannot judge the man based on that one isolated incident.

The PLP did the right thing in not responding.

Good for them. Whoever released that video was looking to create mischief.

I believe it was an FNM. Nygard is good to The Bahamas. He is good for The Bahamas, just like the PLP. PLP, all the way! PLP, all the way!

DAVID L T FOWLER, Jr Nassau, May 2, 2017.

The task of the satirist EDITOR, The Tribune.

FEW things have come to symbolise the morning ritual better than a hot cup of coffee or tea and a roaring laugh over the political cartoon in the newspaper.

Editorial cartoons have been published continuously since 1721 when the first one appeared in a British paper.

It’s a feature of all of our local newspapers and its popularity can be credited to one man, Eddie Minnis, creator of “Potluck” and father of the loveable characters “Granny B” and “Fleabs”, aka Fleabag.

Through the creative mind of this most apolitical of artists we kept our cool and our sanity during most of the excesses of the Pindling government. Potluck ridiculed the powerful and made us see that our emperors were as naked as jaybirds.

A part of Minnis’ appeal was that he was fearless and owed allegiance to no political party or ideology.

We respected his deeply held personal faith and were comfortable with him because he never preached at us.

The modern day Potluck is of course, Sideburns, an understandable acolyte of

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net Junkanoo who seems to recoil from satire when the political heat is turned to full blast and the PLP is the target. Sideburns is entitled to his political beliefs and we must accept that his editorial opinions are exclusively his to make.

But he does a great disservice to us all when he fails to grasp the controversies of the day, presumably because they are unflattering to the current governing party.

There could be no better grist for the satirist’s mill than the current fire engulfing Jerome Fitzgerald and Shane Gibson. Or the shame the Prime Minister has brought on himself by his vulgar sign language.

Years from now if historians studying The Bahamas used only the Sideburns cartoons to get a glimpse of what was happening in the Bahamas in 2017, they would hardly know of the Fitzgerald hustle or the Gibson bamboozle.

Sideburns didn’t notice any of this because all he could see are road signs put up by all of the parties. Really!

We are not asking Sideburns to do anything edgy like the cartoonists at Charlie Hebdo in Paris, although as proponents of free speech everywhere we must stand up for their right to say and draw what they wish.

But it would be more compelling if Sideburn’s creative juices could imagine poking fun at the PLP when it is warranted. What better fodder for an editorial cartoonist than the Perry Christie minstrel show?

This wouldn’t preclude his poking fun at the FNM. Sideburns should be able to walk and chew gum at the same time. And besides, Hubert Minnis is a big man and he will continue to take his licks, I am sure.

But surely there is some pun to be drawn from Christie sleeping on the job; or from Fitzgerald begging for jobs for his family; or from Gibson pulling a snow job on Peter Nygard while the three of them were on the clock and being paid by the people.

Maybe Sideburns got some of the same dropsy that licking Christie so hard.

THE GRADUATE Nassau, May 1, 2017.

The lie of free NHI care EDITOR, The Tribune.

NHI…has the programme taken away ‘Free Medical Care’ for our old people?

Read up and down the website of NHI and I am totally unable to see what is the programme for the growing number of persons over 65 years.

Before the launch, a registered Pensioner would get free medical care including prescription drugs - doctor visits - treatments and hospitalisation.

Mr Minister of Health -

Dr Perry Gomez - Mr Director of NHI Secretariat someone who has the good sense to advise the pensioners has the programme for them changed?

1) Free anything out the window except like everyone else.

2) Free hospitalisation cancelled.

3) Free treatments.

Can we stop the stupidity and comments…NHI does not create free medical care other than primary care and the short list of issues that are free.

If you need surgery you

will have to find the money - Christie and his Ministers are lying through their teeth to say anything different and playing with yours and my life.

Go to NHI web page and try to see different.

Pensioners need to know do they have free medical care or has that all been taken away?

Shame on the PLP for not telling them…it is not free, folks!

T FORBES Nassau, May 2, 2017.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, May 3, 2017, PAGE 5

‘Dates mix-up won’t hurt attendance for carnival’

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMAS National Festival Commission CEO Roscoe Dames yesterday said local attendance for New Providence’s Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival festivities will not be negatively affected by the commission’s recent decision to postpone the event - then reverse their decision - due to possible conflicts with the general election timetable.

Mr Dames, in an interview with reporters at the Atlantis resort, said the controversy would likely not have a “significant impact on locals who are already here,” as he referred to sold out skyboxes and ticket sales going “extremely well,” according to offi-

cials from Cash N’ Go, the event’s official ticket outlet.

However, Mr Dames admitted that the scheduling drama would have an adverse impact on the festival’s “public relations” and on “people who had already planned to come from outside the country.”

Last month, the BNFC said in a statement that it made the “difficult decision” to postpone the event to May 18 to 20, due to conflicts with the general election timetable. At the time, the commission announced that the Grand Bahama celebrations were cancelled altogether with the event downsized to just one island on one weekend.

After two days of widespread backlash over the last-minute delay, however, it was announced that the festivities were back on

for their original date of May 4 to 6 in Nassau, with an April kick off in Grand Bahama after an “intervention” by Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe.

In a statement, it was explained that Mr Wilchcombe’s intervention was made after consultation with Prime Minister Perry Christie, and took into consideration the overwhelming cries of disadvantaged stakeholders and guests.

Despite the news, band owners still predicted big losses as a result of the confusion. Bahamas Carnival Band Owners Association (BCBOA) President Dario Tirelli told The Tribune at the time that the event’s brand reputability and the 2017 festival had been dealt a major blow.

He said bands had indicated that nearly 3,000 par-

be spending money “branding what we have” instead of “imitating or transplanting other people’s culture and call it something original.” Mr Miller has also hit out at the ‘carnival’ aspect of the event, which he previously said could further destroy young people who are already “totally out of line morally.”

Yesterday, however, Mr Montano, one of two Trinidadian artists to headline this year’s Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival festivities, encouraged Bahamians to seek to “understand the dynamic” between Junkanoo and carnival, adding that “there’s no wrong” in investing in “culture collaboration”.

He referred to the success the Baha Men enjoyed after performing “Who Let The Dogs Out” in 2000, which was a cover of Trinidadian musician and composer Anslem Douglas’ hit single “Doggie”.

“I know a lot of people may be finding attention of saying we spending too much money or we not spending enough money,” Mr Montano said of Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival.

“Maybe there are other things that money needs to be spent on in any country. But I think this effort, there’s no wrong to come out of really investing in culture collaboration, interisland. And you know, Bahamas has really embraced all these islands. We have people come from Jamaica, we have reggae, we have soca, we have Junkanoo.

“So, fear not about the investment, and fear not about the results. Sometimes you have to unconditionally commit to something without an interest in the result, and that way you know you’re confident in what you’re aiming for.”

He added: “Collaboration is really important.

When we come to these places we come to unite.

We’re not here to fight but we’re here to unite, and part

of it is understanding the island. The best thing I understand about Bahamas is that when Trinidad and the Bahamas came together we produced probably one of the greatest things that ever hit the earth, which was ‘Who Let The Dogs Out’.

A Trinidad soca song with a Baha Men version, mash up the world.”

Mr Montano also appealed to the government and the private sector to support the movement towards Bahamian/soca music collaborations, stressing that “you can never be more sure than investing in people” and culture.

“I feel like the time is right now to collaborate again with the artists and get in the studio, and these are things that the government and corporate society should be kind of embracing,” he said. “We shouldn’t really leave this as something for the artists to just do. We shouldn’t have a festival based on us doing that.

“You know we’re going to be here, we’re going to be trying to vacation and see things on the island, we’re trying to do the show and we never really come to really have a music conference, go and meet the actual legends of rake and scrape, sit down and talk, what it is your beat is about, what soca is about.

“So I think collaborating with the artists should be something that we should put on board as a definite, specific event.”

He added: “…We’re really in the stage where we’re here to deal with this with each other first. We’re here to really understand the dynamic between Junkanoo and carnival, and find these relationships.

Eventually in about five or six years you will hear the songs starting to change. I’ve already heard Bahamian songs changing already and sounding more like soca and the artists getting to know each other better.”

MONTANO: FUSION OF MUSIC STYLES COULD MASH UP THE WORLD

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

TRINIDADIAN soca star Machel Montano yesterday urged Bahamians not to adopt an antagonistic stance towards Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival, as he stressed that the fusion of Trinidadian and Bahamian musical elements could possibly “mash up the world” as it did for the Baha Men in the early 2000s.

Mr Montano, during a press conference at the Atlantis Resort, urged Bahamians with conservative views on the controversial festival to not shun the integration of Trinidadian or any other culture into the Bahamas, saying such a “collaboration” has resulted in one of the greatest things that ever “hit the earth” - Baha Men’s hit single “Who Let The Dogs Out”.

Mr Montano also called on the Bahamas government and “corporate society” to support the collaboration of local artists and those from other islands, as he said such a venture should be a “definite, specific event” and not “something for the artists to just do.”

Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival has been a major source of contention ever since its inception, as various detractors have criticised the government for spending so much money on “copying” the cultures of Caribbean islands, chiefly that of Trinidad and Barbados.

Some, like Free National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis, as well as veteran trade unionist John Pinder, have called on the government to increase funding for traditional Junkanoo festivals instead of launching a new commercial cultural product.

Others, like Tall Pines MP Leslie Miller, have said that the government should

COLLIE CRITICISES CARNIVAL MISMANAGEMENT FREE National Movement Chairman Sidney Collie criticised the government over its “mismanagement” of Grand Bahama’s Junkanoo Carnival, days after officials admitted that turnout for the weekend event was low.

“It comes as no surprise that the reports coming in from Grand Bahama say this year’s Junkanoo Carnival saw significantly lower turnout than last year,” Mr Collie noted in a statement.

“According to one official, less than 1,000 people attended the second of the two-day event. This is a stark difference to years past when attendance could reach upwards of 16,000 or even 18,000 attendees. Everything this inept government touches

or attempts to manage falls apart.

“And, of course, this delusional government acts surprised that their indecision on changing the event’s date would have a negative impact on attendance. They were warned of this, but they ignored the warnings as is typical for the PLP. “Now they are running away from accountability caused by their mismanagement, pointing fingers and offering worn out excuses like their excuse this year of tightening budgets.

“But while the government ducks and hides from accountability, local businesses in a struggling economy are the ones that truly feel the loss. The event’s contracted organiser Unique Bahamas Inter-

national (UBI) has already taken steps to sue the (Bahamas National Festival Commission) for breaching their contract.

“How can this government claim that they care about Bahamians? At every opportunity, the PLP hangs local businesses out to dry while cozying up to their friends and allies. Grand Bahama’s economic struggles are well known yet perpetually ignored by a greedy government that looks past the people in their pursuit for personal gain.”

The Nassau Guardian reported earlier this week that the company contracted to produce Junkanoo Carnival is suing the BNFC for breach of its three-year agreement to put on the event.

ticipants or “revellers” were expected to take part in the festival.

When questioned on the BNFC’s optimism that the issue would not adversely affect attendance numbers, Mr Dames said: “It affected the rescheduling, affected public relations and people who had already planned to come outside the country. I don’t think it has a significant impact on locals who are already here, and having it reverted simply meant that visitors who had already planned could continue to come.

“And ticket sales have been reflective of that as well, of people now they know the dates have been crystalised, they’re purchasing tickets online. We have a new platform that Cash ‘N Go has put together for us, so that we can monitor

and track…and the beautiful thing about it is we can get actual numbers, more consistent numbers of ticket sales, what was bought, where it was bought, where they’re buying from and those kind of things.”

When asked by The Tribune about the BNFC’s projections and targets for tourist arrivals and attendance, Mr Dames said: “That’s a little difficult to gauge. Generally it’s easier for us to gauge post-event, because the hotels, they don’t provide that information until people actually come, visit, and then leave, so that we can have that statistical data.”

He added: “A promise is a comfort to a fool, but we deal on factual information.

And we can provide that certainly afterwards. A lot of the groups have indicat-

ed a lot of visitors that are coming and visitors of all complexions. So when you see a group of people on the parade, a lot of those people are visiting our country.”

Because of the financial constraints, Nassau’s events will take place in the cultural village at Arawak Cay only.

However, Mr Dames has vowed that production quality will not be diminished.

General admission will be $25 per night or $60 for the general weekend pass. VIP tickets will go for $75, while the weekend package will go for $180. The skyboxes, which can hold 20 persons, previously went for $10,000.

Tickets can be purchased online from Cash ’N Go, which also has 14 physical locations. Machel Montano and Bunji Garlin, Trinidadian singing stars, will headline this year’s festivities.

MACHEL Montana and Bunji Garland, headliners for the Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival.

Photos: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff

PAGE 6, Wednesday, May 3, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

Wilchcombe: Fyre Festival organisers are not banned

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

TOURSIM Minister Obie Wilchcombe yesterday denied that the government has “banned” Fyre Festival organisers from ever hosting events in the Bahamas again.

In an interview with The Tribune, Mr Wilchcombe said while the event “did not go as planned” the individuals involved have attempted to “resolve all outstanding matters” internationally and locally.

Mr Wilchcombe was responding to an article posted on businessinsider.com, which referred to a report from American entertainment and gossip website

TMZ.com. That report alleged that the organisers of the failed festival have been banned from doing repeat business in the Bahamas, citing sources at the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism.

According to TMZ, the Ministry of Tourism also “plans to be more strict when vetting future festivals to be planned there, and will check in with organisers several times in the process.”

“We have not banned them,” Mr Wilchcombe said on Tuesday.

“No, that has not happened. The individuals ran into a logistical nightmare and bit off more than they could chew. What they were trying to achieve was

not able to be done in the time line that they wanted and they still tried to make it work despite many issues.

“We are continuing to work with them and trying as best as we can to ensure this type of thing does not happen again, but we do not hold any ill feelings toward the individuals. There was some outrage and negative feedback, and the organiser will lose some credibility, but hopefully they will be able to fight it off and work to get it back to where they regain their credibility.”

The Fyre Festival, a much-hyped luxury music event in Exuma with tickets costing up to $12,000, was branded a “disaster” and postponed after reports

The promotions are seen by some as the Christie administration’s attempt to win the officers’ vote. Law enforcement officers vote in the general election’s advanced poll today.

“This is what I would refer to as a poor governance and not only poor governance, this is a political tactic on behalf of the government,” said Marvin Dames, the FNM candidate for Mount Mariah and a former deputy commissioner of police.

“There is no way in the world, in any country where a government, one day before law enforcement officers are about to cast their votes, rolls out a promotion.

Whenever a party decides to use the government’s servicemen and women as political tools, that calls for great concern. What you are essentially doing is tampering with democracy.

“Whenever you promote people, that means you have a plan for those persons. How can you have a plan when you don’t know whether you will be the government tomorrow?

They just confirmed a commodore. What craziness is this? We have to get serious about what it is we want from our elected officials.

If we are going to continue playing games, and that is what this is, it’s frightening, using our government departments and the power entrusted to us by the people to advance your own personal ambitions.”

Mr Dames added: “I’m not taking anything away from these people who would’ve gotten promoted, but the point is when are we going to stop playing games? This government has hired more people in the last week than they have hired in the last five years.

They are in a state of desperation.”

Commodore Bethel’s confirmation comes more than two years after he began serving as acting commodore of the RBDF. His position was made retroactive to March 2015.

He is among more than 400 men and women in the force who were promoted.

In addition to Captain Bethel, Captain Samuel Evans was appointed deputy commander of the RBDF. The promotions affect

of music, art and food” over two weekends in Great Exuma. Festival organisers claimed they set out “to provide a once-in-a-lifetime musical experience on the islands of the Exumas” and had billed it along the lines of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in southern California.

Tickets had included a flight from Miami, a stay in a “geodesic dome” and activities including yoga and kayaking. Pre-publicity suggested festival-goers could pay up to $100,000 to mingle with models and be ferried around by private yachts and planes.

But visitors described the event as a “complete disaster” and it attracted unflattering international media

coverage. William Finley, of North Carolina, posted on social media that he and his friends had arrived to find “disaster tent city” when searching for their accommodation. One British visitor said the festival site “was worse than a refugee camp.”

There were also complaints of missing luggage, unsatisfactory catered food, fears for people’s safety, piles of garbage, stray dogs and looting of alcohol.

The organisers have since been hit with a $100 million class action lawsuit.

The complaint was filed Sunday in California and alleges fraud and breach of contract by Ja Rule, coorganiser Billy McFarland and Fyre Media Inc.

INGRAHAM SAYS THE TREASURY IS BROKE

BIGGEST EVER ROUND OF PROMOTIONS FOR THE RBDF from page one

that infrastructure and accommodation was not ready, security was poor, flights were cancelled and passengers stranded.

Headline performers cancelled their performances and the Ministry of Tourism offered a “heartfelt apology” in expressing its disappointment for the “total disorganisation and chaos.”

The ministry, while saying it was not an official sponsor of the private event, said it was lending its support to help with the safe return of all Fyre Festival visitors.

Fyre Festival, co-organised by American rap artist Jeffrey “Ja Rule” Atkins, promised a “cultural moment created from a blend

from page one

COMMODORE Tellis Bethel. more than one quarter of defence force officers, a press statement said and are in effect from May 1, 2015.

The promotions comprise 66 officers, 17 warrant officers, 77 non-commissioned officers and 284 enlisted personnel.

Senior officer promotions include Captain Adrian Chriswell, who was promoted from commander. Other senior officers promoted from the rank of lieutenant commander to commander were: Clarence Dean, Michael Saunders, Raymond King, Chapell Whyms, Henry Daxon and Frederick Brown.

The RBPF also announced promotions of senior officers in early April.

“Unfortunately they ain’ ga be around when they say they going to pay. They said they going to pay on the 28th or the 29th of May, well they ga be gone long time by then.

“And so the police officers and the defence force officers and all others who are voting (today) be assured that the FNM will honour the judgment of the court.

“And speaking for myself, there is no way that either the FNM or the PLP going to be able to pay you on the 28th or 29th of May. The Treasury ain’t got that money. They money ain’t there. Don’t let nobody lie to you.”

Last week, Mr Christie announced the government would finally give police officers overtime pay due for 12-hour shifts worked in 2013 and 2014. He said the first payment would come on May 29 and the second in the next budget cycle.

Mr Ingraham also responded to the Ministry of Finance’s statement issued yesterday, calling on him to provide information to police on his allegation Monday that more than

$800,000 had been stolen from the ministry.

“They got the information,” he said. “They want know what I know.”

He added: “Do you believe the police will be motivated to investigate this allegation eight days before the general election when in the meantime they have yet to deal with the multiple reports on the allegations of abuse in government department?”

He referred to several outstanding investigations or unresolved allegations from Auditor General Terrance Bastian over the past few years which have faded from headlines and questioned if anything ever came of these matters, including $700,000 in cash and cheques not deposited on the Department of Customs’ bank account in Abaco.

This matter was first reported in 2014.

Defence And while he has shied away in the past from publicly endorsing his successor, Mr Ingraham defended FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis from attacks last night.

On Monday, Mr Christie called Dr Minnis “weak” and the most “unprepared” candidate to ever vie to be prime minister.

In response, Mr Ingraham said: “We all have a season. My season ended.

Perry’s season will end next week. Dr Minnis has good business acumen, he is in his early 60s, he is physically fit - not like me and Perry. He is focused and he is determined. He has put together a good team to form the next government of the Bahamas.”

He also accused the PLP of being undemocratic this election cycle.

“They are not very democratic the PLP,” Mr Ingraham said. “We are supposed to be living in a democracy. How come therefore, that the FNM is unable to obtain bookings to have a rally at Clifford Park in Nassau?

“How is it that Clifford Park is off limit for the FNM but on limit for the PLP? How is it that the FNM has been unable up to yesterday (Monday) to book and pay for its rallies to be carried live on ZNS?” He said when the FNM was in power, the PLP was able to broadcast its political events on the public station and host rallies at Clifford Park.

Meanwhile as he continued his party’s election campaign last night, Dr Minnis pledged to be a new type of leader, promising a Crop Forecasting Information System, a Coral Reef Protection Act and a land registry if elected to lead this country.

He also repeated promises to introduce fixed election dates and campaign finance legislation.

He also said: “To protect the local poultry market and farm products, first and foremost all government agencies and institutions, ie hospitals; prison; schools; and ministries will be required to purchase and utilise all local Bahamian grown products as a part of their menu.

“To ensure regular flow of farm products, my FNM government will introduce a Crop Forecasting Information System. We will also introduce and enforce a Coral Reef Protection Act.” The FNM will hold a mass rally in Nassau tonight at the Q E Sports Centre.

MINISTRY DENIES CLAIMS OF $800,000 STOLEN FUNDS from page one Commonwealth of Nations, the Organisation of American States (OAS) and the United States of America.

For the Commonwealth, former Ghanaian Foreign Minister Hanna Tetteh will serve as chairperson for a four-member team that will be in the country between May 4 and 13. Ms Tetteh will be joined by election supervisor Elvin Bailey of St Kitts and Nevis; gender specialist Lebrechtta Hesse-Bayne of Antigua and Barbuda; and chairman of the National Communications Network, Enrico Woolford of Guyana.

The mission will be a first for the Commonwealth, whose team will be assessing “whether the election has been conducted according to the standards for democratic elections to which the Commonwealth of the Bahamas has committed itself.”

In a press statement, Commonwealth SecretaryGeneral Patricia Scotland said: “I’m delighted that former foreign minister Hanna Tetteh has accepted my invitation to lead the

Commonwealth Observer Group. Her experience will be a real asset in this important assignment. In offering their assessment on the conduct of the election and the overall credibility of the process, the group will be contributing to enhancing democracy in The Bahamas.”

Meanwhile, the OAS’ electoral observation team will be deployed today, according to Secretary General Luis Almagro.

Mr Almagro signed an agreement with interim representative of the Bahamas to the OAS, Chet Neymour, yesterday.

The mission will be the organisation’s second deployment to the country, and will be headed by the ombudsperson of the organisation, Sherry Tross, according to a press statement.

During the ceremony, held at OAS headquarters in Washington, DC, Mr Almagro said: “The OAS is committed to accompanying The Bahamas in this important democratic exercise. We look forward to the successful conclusion of the process and to hearing the authentic voice and will of the people of your great democracy.”

PAGE 8, Wednesday, May 3, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

A matter of policy how the parties compare W

ITH the general election one week away, the last debate organised by University of The Bahamas’ School of Social Sciences held last night and all plans of the three major parties published on their websites, it’s decision time.

We don’t hear much about the issues at rallies.

They are celebratory in design and execution, bringing more music, one-liners and dancing than substantial plans for the next five years.

Door-to-door visits are seldom made by the candidates themselves, leaving the questions of many constituents unanswered. Constituency offices are barely open until a few weeks before election, and rarely staffed by people with complete information, or even able to put constituents in immediate and direct contact with the candidate.

We have very little to go on as we approach the polls.

I visited several constituency offices to request hard copies of their plans, but they all directed me to their websites. When I asked about options for people with limited internet access, I was met with no response.

While the plans are long, and not always organised or designed in the most intuitive ways, I found reading them side-by-side quite beneficial. I’ve chosen to focus on specific aspects of each of the three plans, and highlight some of their components to give a general idea of party promises.

PLP Charter 2017 The Progressive Liberal Party has identified, in Charter 2017, five key tools for development - environmental sustainability, good governance and civic responsibility, cultural development, youth empowerment, and technology. It’s action plan is divided into six areas of focus - expand opportunities, empower Bahamians, protect our citizens, care for our people, preserve what makes the Bahamas special, and strengthen citizen participation in governance. I find these titles quite odd, but the subheadings for each not shown on the website but shown in the download - help to set expectations.

Charter 2017 can be viewed on six separate webpages or downloaded as an 84-page document. In each of its sections, Charter 2017 gives an overview of the PLP’s work since 2012.

For example, Expand Opportunities boasts of over

Culture Clash

By ALICIA WALLACE 40 per cent reduction in papers and a paper-free electricity costs (with no public service. further explanation), the Charter 2017 is relatively College of The Bahamas’ easy to read, laid out in bultransition to University of let points with bold type for The Bahamas, expected job key phrases. The points do creation through Baha Mar not include much details, and expansion of the Royal but give a general idea of Bahamas Defence Force what the PLP intends to acfleet. It then lists plans for complish, why, and how. the next five years such as generation of new jobs FNM Manisfesto through BAMSI, building a the free national movecollege-based city in North ment (fnm) manifesto is a Andros, creating policies to much more basic plan with ensure 75 to 80 per cent of less detail, mostly stopping tourism revenue remains in at the mention of an item. the the Bahamas, implement- manifesto is divided into 23 ing a revitalisation plan for sections including immigradowntown Nassau, and de- tion, healthcare, economy, veloping Exuma as an eco- good governance, education, nomic and transportation judicial reform, tourism, and hub to bridge the northern the environment. there does and southern Banot seem to be a hamas. one-click option to The PLP’s ‘These plans download or even Charter 2017 fur- will not give view the full plan. ther promises the us all the the website offers development of a a history of the Cultural and Cre- answers, but party and a biogative Industries in one week, raphy of the party Sector yielding we have leader, but there is $200 per tourist no framing of the ($1 billion of new to make a manifesto. revenue), allevia- choice.’

In its social tion of debt buragenda, the FNM den by capping commits to the interest, doubled invest- implementation of the Disment in public school schol- ability Equal Opportunity arships, creation of “Sec- Act and lists a number of ond Start” to help adults specific actions such as develop new skills, launch making parking in disabled of a forensic laboratory, a parking spots an offence biometric bail reporting and establishing facilities process, development of so caregivers could have Family Island health facili- respite. It seeks to create a ties to include new equip- Ministry of Environment, ment and more doctors and inaugurate a National nurses, and free electricity Clean-up Day, and phase for those under (an unspec- out use of plastic bags by ified) limit (expected to af- 2020. On crime, the FNM fect 15 to 20 per cent of low proposed a zero-tolerance income households). approach, shares the PLP’s It also proposes the de- interest in a forensic lab and velopment of a Standing plans to “eliminate habitats Forum for the Bahamian where criminally flourish”. diaspora, inviting BahaInterestingly, the FNM mians to return annually, has a section on public life bringing their talent, skills which lists seven principles. and experience to work to- They are selflessness, integward national development. rity, objectivity, accountSome components appear ability, openness, honesty, to be copied from the Vi- and leadership. Each item is sion 2040 National Devel- explained, and would sugopment Plan (NDP) of the gest FNM candidates make Bahamas such as Services their public disclosures on Bahamas - one-window ac- time and are transparent cess to a range of govern- about their decisions. In ment services. It, of course, general, the plan is quite also includes buzzwords difficult to read, because like Freedom of Informa- it requires visits to 23 diftion Act and references to ferent pages, used colour widely demanded systems backgrounds and has mullike consultative processes tiple nested lists. Unfortuwith green papers and white nately, with such simple line

items, it does not feel like it is worth the work.

DNA Vision 2017 & Beyond The Democratic National Alliance (DNA) has Vision 2017 & Beyond on its website, easy to view and download. The 62-page document begins with the vision and mission, message from the party leader and a list of 23 priorities for its first year should it win the election.

These include forming a Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, launching Commissions of Inquiry on Baha Mar and Bank of The Bahamas, raising minimum wage to $250, establishing a national lottery and legislating for the reinforcement of capital punishment.

Vision 2017 & Beyond is divided into eight areas of focus - good governance, national security, business and the economy, youth, education and culture, energy and the environment, healthcare and social policy, and Grand Bahama and the Family Islands.

The DNA has the strongest response to the demands of Bahamians who want political and electoral reform.

It states its commitment to establishing the Office of the Ombudsman, an anti-

corruption act, revision and strengthening of the Public Disclosure Act and making the Attorney General an independent position. Vision 2017 & Beyond also speaks to electoral reform, listing campaign finance reform, fixed election dates, term limits, recall of MPs and moving to a proportional representation system.

Through its plan, the DNA commits itself to reducing electricity costs by 50 per cent, move toward having 40 per cent renewable power by 2027, formation of a National Procurement Agency to oversee tender processes, developing a unified bus system, reducing public debt to 65 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2022, and reducing unemployment to eight per cent by 2021. It also makes mention of “one-stop portal” for the Business Licence Unit, which is akin to the onewindow service in the NDP. The party also includes smaller projects that, no doubt, can be undertaken by its candidates whether they win or lose. These include the online “super library” and the fruit tree planting drive.

It’s interesting to consider the plan of the DNA and derive its value. The approach

to crime is questionable, particularly when considering the impact of another maximum security prison, increased foot patrol and capital punishment. Punishment seems to get more focus than crime prevention, or addressing the issues that can lead to crime.

Comparing the three parties’ plans is not an easy task.

They do not use the same style, and do not even focus on the same areas. Still, even a quick read gives a sense of values, priority areas, feasibility. The PLP Charter 2017 is the most detailed of the three, and likely benefitted from the NDP. The FNM Manifesto has simplicity, but lacks substance. The DNA has buzzwords and pet issues front and centre, but does not explain process. These plans will not give us all the answers, but in one week, we have to make a choice. It’s on us to be informed and prepared, and make our way to the polls on May 10 to make our marks.

• Alicia Wallace is a women’s rights activist and public educator. She produces The Culture RUSH - a monthly newsletter fusing pop culture, social justice and personal reflection - and tweets as @_ AliciaAudrey. Contact her at culturerush@aliciaawallace.

READERS SAY FNM HAS STRONGEST MESSAGE OF CAMPAIGN SO FAR IN The Tribune’s latest online poll, we asked readers which political party they thought had the strongest message so far in the election campaign.

The majority of those voting - 56 per cent — thought

the strongest message had come from the FNM. The DNA came second with 35 per cent, followed by the PLP (eight per cent) and the Independent/Other option (two per cent).

After former Prime Min-

ister Hubert Ingraham urged FNM supporters in North Abaco to “fire” the PLP-led government, readers responded on tribune242.com.

Birdiestrachan said: “The majority of the voters did not care about what the FNM’s papa had to say in 2012. And they care even less in 2017. They must be really desperate bringing him back, to prove what?”

Sheeprunner12 had this to say: “Ingraham did the honourable thing in 2012 ... he lost the 2012 election and subsequently resigned from his post as Leader of the FNM (defeated government). Now how Minnis was appointed as FNM leader/Leader of the Opposition may be debatable, but it is good to see HAI endorse HAM (despite the rumours that he was part of the inner turmoil between HAM & LBT). LBT is no longer politically relevant, so Ingraham is going with the winner this time.”

That prompted this response from Publius: “Where did Ingraham endorse Minnis? He said he stands in solidarity with the party and its leader. You need to understand what that statement means. It means, I am FNM, so I’m not going to go against the FNM. That is all it means coming from Ingraham. If

Ingraham were endorsing Minnis, he would do what only he can do, which is give a true recommendation of him based on what he knows of him that no one else can speak to. Not once in five years has Ingraham ever done that.”

And there was this comment from Avidreader: “Whoever wins, there is nothing good to be expected. Taxes will have to be constantly and gradually increased in order to provide some sort of a social safety net for the majority of the population who will struggle to take care of themselves with a constantly in-

creasing cost of living. Add to that the inexorable population increase and expanding unemployment and you have a perfect storm in a small place. Any devaluation of the currency will be the final step in complete and total destruction of the country as we know it today.

All the election foolishness is purely noise in the market since the politicians refuse to address the systemic underlying problems facing the country for which they have no real solutions.”

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

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, May 3rd, 2017, PAGE A9

ROBOTS JOIN BATTLE AGAINST

TECHTALK

INVASIVE SPECIES

A ROBOT zaps and vacuums up venomous lionfish in Bermuda. A helicopter pelts Guam’s trees with poison-baited dead mice to fight the voracious brown tree snake. A special boat with giant winglike nets stuns and catches Asian carp in the U.S. Midwest.

In the fight against alien animals that invade and overrun native species, the weird and wired wins.

“Critters are smart — they survive,” said biologist Rob “Goose” Gosnell, head of U.S. Department of Agriculture’s wildlife services in Guam, where brown tree snakes have gobbled up nearly all the native birds. “Trying to outsmart them is hard to do.”

Invasive species are plants and animals that thrive in areas where they don’t naturally live, usually brought there by humans, either accidentally or intentionally. Sometimes, with no natural predators, they multiply and take over, crowding out and at times killing native species.

Now, new technology is being combined with the old methods — weed pulling, trapping and pesticides. Finding new weapons is crucial because invasive species are costly — $314 billion per year in damages in just the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa, India and Brazil. It’s also one of the leading causes of extinction on islands, such as Guam, according to Piero Genovesi, an Italian scientist who chairs the invasive species task force for an international organization .

“We have totally new tools that were just unthinkable a few years ago,” Genovesi said.

Case in point: There are companies that now market traps for wild pigs that are triggered by cellphones.

“There’s enough activity that there’s starting to be an industry,” said University of California, Santa Cruz research biologist Bernie Tershy.

LIONFISH A new underwater robot is targeting the stunning but dangerous lionfish , which has spread over the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico and up the U.S. East Coast as far north as New York’s Long Island, with its venomous spines that are dangerous to touch. With no natural predator in the Atlantic, the voracious aquarium fish devour large amounts of other fish including key commercial fish species such as snapper and grouper. The robot is the creation of

• ROBOT delivery vehicles may soon be cruising down sidewalks in some Wisconsin cities.

The state Senate passed a bill Tuesday on a voice vote that would legalise the delivery robots. The proposal would still have to pass the Assembly and be signed by Gov. Scott Walker before becoming law.

The robots are essentially high-tech rolling coolers loaded with sensors that can read the environment.

People also can operate them remotely. Starship Technologies has been using them to deliver takeout food in Europe, California and Washington, D.C. The bill would limit the robots’ operations to sidewalks and crosswalks, set an 80-pound weight limit and a 10-mph speed limit and require operators to control or monitor the devices.

Democratic Sen. Janet Bewley says this is another example of technology taking jobs away from people.

THIS artist’s photo provided by Robots in Service of the Environment shows the first day a new robot was used to hunt dangerous and invasive lionfish in Bermuda. It stuns lionfish with an electric current and then the fish is vacuumed into a container alive and it can later be sold for food. (AP) Colin Angle, chief executive officer of IRobot, which makes the Roomba vacuum cleaner. Along with his wife, Erika, and colleagues, he created a new nonprofit to turn automation into environmental tools.

The robot, called Guardian LF1, uses what Angle says is a gentle shock to immobilise the lionfish before they are sucked alive into a tube. In its first public outing this month, the robot caught 15 lionfish during two days of testing in Bermuda.

Top chefs competed in a cook-off of the captured lionfish. Lionfish go for nearly $10 a pound and Angle is hoping to get the price of the robot down from tens of thousands of dollars to about $500.

“What’s next?” Angle said. “Our ambition is much larger than lionfish.”

BROWN TREE SNAKES A few decades ago, native birds started disappearing from the Pacific island of Guam, baffling scientists until they found that non-native brown tree snakes were eating all the birds and their eggs. The snakes, which live in the trees, had no natural enemies and just trapping them wasn’t working, Gosnell said. The snakes did prove to have one enemy: the painkiller acetaminophen, a ge-

neric form of Tylenol.

So biologists came up with a plan : Use a painkiller pill glued to dead fetal mice as bait.

The mice are put in tubes, and dropped by helicopter in batches of 3,000.

The mice pop out, and the whole contraption dangles in the trees. It’s still experimental but it will soon go to more regular use.

There is one problem. Using dead fetal mice as bait is expensive and they have to be kept cold. But biologists are working on a solution: mouse butter.

A new bait mixture smells like mice to snakes, but minus the expense and logistical problems.

ASIAN CARP U.S. Fish and Wildlife officials are using souped-up old technology to catch Asian carp, a fish that’s taken over rivers and lakes in the Midwest. They use a specialised boat — the Magna Carpa — with giant winglike nets that essentially uses electric current as an underwater stun gun to shock the fish, said biologist Emily Pherigo. At higher doses, the fish are killed and float to the surface. In just five minutes, they can collect 500 fish, and later turn them into fertiliser. Using electrofishing was written about as a pos-

MICROSOFT TAKES AIM AT GOOGLE WITH LAPTOP AND SLIM WINDOWS MICROSOFT is taking aim at Google as it introduced a Surface device for students and slimmed down Windows for the classroom.

The new Surface Laptop is the first Surface device without a detachable keyboard. Microsoft says the new laptop will have up to 14.5 hours of battery life, compared with 12 hours for the MacBook Air. The Surface Laptop will come out on June 15.

The laptop runs Windows 10 S, a streamlined version of the ubiquitous operating system. It will run only software downloaded from the Windows Store, a limitation that Microsoft touts as a security benefit. Microsoft’s previous effort at a slimmed-down Windows,

Windows RT, wasn’t popular because it wouldn’t run older programs unavailable in the Windows Store.

The laptop comes at a rough time for the Surface line, which Microsoft blamed for the small revenue shortfall in its latest quarterly report. And it’s a clear effort by Microsoft to step up competition with Google and its inexpensive Chromebooks in the classroom, where the latter has made major inroads.

Microsoft said new education PCs running Windows 10 S will start at $189, a bit more than the cheapest Chromebooks. The Surface Laptop, though, will start at $999, the same as the MacBook Air. Associated Press

sible conservation technique back in 1933, said biologist Wyatt Doyle.

WILD GOATS On the Galapagos islands, wild goats were a major problem. In less than five years, scientists wiped out tens of thousands with sterile “Mata Hari” females.

Biologist Karl Campbell of the nonprofit Island Conservation introduced specialised female goats that researchers sterilised and chemically altered into a permanent state of heat, to lure the male goats into fruitless goat sex.

Santiago Island, once home to 80,000 goats, is now goat free and larger Isabella Island is getting close, he said.

And now, Campbell and others are going one step further: Tinkering with the genes of mosquitoes and mice to make them sterile or only have male offspring.

That would eventually cause a species to die off on an island because of lack of females to mate with. There are worries about regulating and controlling this technology, along with actually being able to get it done, so it is years away, Campbell said.

SETH BORENSTEIN, Associated Press

• APPARENTLY not content with having the world’s tallest building, an indoor ski slope and countless other baubles, Dubai now boasts one more: its own typographic font.

The forward-looking Mideast business hub unveiled the new font designed with Microsoft’s help on Sunday. The government communication office says the Dubai Font integrates Arabic and Latin alphabets and is available for use in 23 languages.

Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum ordered government bodies to begin using the new font in their official correspondence.

The United Arab Emirates’ largest city has championed technology and innovation as it looks to diversify its economy beyond a traditional focus on energy, trade, transportation and tourism. It will host the World Expo in 2020.

• A HACKER claims to have followed through on a threat to release several episodes from the upcoming season of Netflix’s hit series “Orange Is The New Black.”

The hacker, which goes by the name The Dark Overlord, announced the move on Twitter early Saturday. The post included a link to an illegal file-sharing service where purportedly 10 episodes from the series’ upcoming fifth season were available for download.

The Associated Press could not legally confirm the authenticity of the uploaded files.

New episodes of “Orange” are scheduled for official release on June 9.

Netflix did not immediately return a call seeking comment Saturday.

The hacker had been demanding that the video streaming service pay an unspecified ransom in exchange for not releasing the episodes prematurely online.

PAGE 10, Wednesday, May 3, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

PATROL CRAFT JOINS THE FLEET

HMBS Nassau coming alongside the jetty at the Defence Force Base.

THE first of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force’s Bahamas class vessels to be able to dock at Coral Harbour base has arrived after an eight-month refit, adding a patrol craft to the active fleet.

After undergoing extensive maintenance and repairs overseas at the Maaskant Shipyards in Stellendam, Holland, Her Majesty’s Bahamian Ship Nassau docked at the Defence Force Base for the first time last week under the command of Commander

Gregory Brown. The 200ft vessel arrived in the capital after sailing for 18 days.

HMBS Nassau’s ship’s company weathered rough seas during the transatlantic voyage, calling at Madeira - a Portuguese island off the north west coast of Africa - for replenishment of supplies.

The docking of HMBS Nassau at the Coral Harbour Base was made possible by the multi-million dollar Sandy Bottom Project.

The 2014 signed agreement between the government,

Photos: RBDF

Damen and VAN Oord allocated funds for the acquisition of nine patrol craft and the refit of two Bahama Class vessels. The agreement also included harbour dredgings, as well as improvement and creation of adequate jetties, docks and breakwaters.

Coral Harbour Base was unable to accommodate the Bahama Class vessels prior to being dredged. HMBS Nassau becomes the first of the Bahama Class vessels to be facilitated by the newly dredged harbour.

COMMODORE TELLIS BETHEL, Defence Force, greeting Commander Gregory Brown, Commanding Officer HMBS Nassau shortly after the craft’s arrival at the Coral Harbour Base.

HMBS Nassau making way to New Providence after undergoing maintenance and repairs in Holland.

NOLLE PROSEQUI ISSUED OVER MURDER OF FOAM PRESIDENT’S BOYFRIEND

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net PROSECUTORS

pro-

duced a written directive from the Attorney General’s Office requesting that proceedings be discontinued against a man accused

of committing murder nearly two years ago.

The move by the Crown in the Supreme Court came more than two years after

26-year-old Shawn Thompson was initially arraigned in Magistrate’s Court in connection with the killing of Roberto “Bonaby” Williams on September 15, 2015.

Williams, then boyfriend of Families of All Murder Victims (FOAM) President Khandi Gibson, was shot and killed by two men outside a residence near the Sadie Curtis Primary School around 8am on the date in question.

A purported video of the incident – which was shared on Facebook more than 700 times and had more than

27,000 views – shows two gunmen shooting at a man who appears to be Williams. The victim was shot multiple times.

In the 57-second clip – which appeared to be recorded on a cellphone from video surveillance footage outside the victim’s home – Williams is seen throwing out the trash and then walking toward a blue SUV and opening the car’s door.

Seconds after the victim approached the vehicle, two armed men, one with a white cloth covering his head, emerged and began

firing at the victim.

He collapsed and the men are seen running away before escaping in a white vehicle.

Prosecutor Algernon Allen II presented the nolle prosequi - no prosecution order - before Senior Justice Stephen Isaacs last Friday.

A copy of the same was presented to Thompson’s lawyer, Roberto Reckley.

While Thompson was discharged, he was informed that the Attorney General’s Office could bring the case against him again at any time in the Supreme Court.

MURDER TRIAL HEARING MOVED FORWARD

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

A MAN who denies a murder charge against him will stand trial a year earlier than scheduled.

Richard Brown, 24, appeared before Senior Justice Stephen Isaacs yesterday for a status hearing in his case concerning the death of Devano Decosta.

Brown was initially

scheduled to stand trial on May 7, 2018. However, an opening in the court’s calendar for May 8, 2017 became available resulting in Brown receiving an earlier date for trial.

Brown is charged with the murder of Decosta and attempted murder of Shavano Rahming.

After 10pm on May 18, Decosta and Rahming were standing in front of a home on Burial Ground Cor-

ner when two males with a handgun and shotgun approached and fired several shots at them before fleeing on foot. Decosta was pronounced dead at the scene and Rahming was taken to hospital for treatment.

Brown has denied the allegations against him and has retained attorney Sonia Timothy to represent him.

Terry Archer appeared for the Crown in yesterday’s hearing.

10LB LIMIT ON CONCH EXPORT WITHOUT LICENCE THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised that that fisheries regulations allow for the export of up to 10 pounds of conch meat as personal baggage without the requirement of a permit.

Anything in excess requires written and formal permission from the Department of Marine Resources, the ministry noted

in a press release.

“Further, in response to recent queries and complaints over the confiscation of conch from an individual travelling into the city of Fort Lauderdale from Freeport, Grand Bahama, the United States embassy has reconfirmed that country’s long standing limit of 10lbs per person on the importation of

conch into the US. “There has been no change in the Bahamian regulation of a 10 lb limit on the exportation of conch meat and the US has confirmed that there has been no change in the US rule and that CBP Preclearance at the airports in Nassau and Freeport continue to enforce the 10 lb limit,” the statement added.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, May 3, 2017, PAGE 11

St Anne’s School Fair ST Anne’s School Spring Fair, which was held on Saturday.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/ Tribune Staff

PAGE 12, Wednesday, May 3, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

Agreement signed for new $100m cruise port from page one The signing was held at the Grand Lucayan Resort Tuesday evening, where Prime Minister Perry Christie and Carnival Corporation CEO Arnold Donald expressed optimism about the project and the potential impact it will have on Grand Bahama.

Also attending were Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe; Minister of Labour and National Insurance Shane Gibson; Minister of Transportation and Aviation Glenys Hanna-Martin and Attorney General Allyson MaynardGibson.

According to Mr Christie, the project will consist of 226 acres of land in eastern Grand Bahama, and will take 24 months to build after all relevant government approvals.

The new cruise port will encompass multiple projects inclusive of construction of the channel, docks, water taxi and workboat piers, berthing platforms, seawalls, and a turning basin to accom-

modate two super post Panamex Ships.

The expansive Shore Project will include a 20-bed hotel, an 18-hole miniature golf course, restaurants, food and beverage pavilions, shops, nightclubs, amphitheatre, aquatic and other recreational and sporting facilities as well as pedestrian and cycling trails. There also will be interactive amenities, such as stingray and dolphin encounters, animal exhibitions and petting zoo.

Mr Christie indicated that central to the overall development will be the construction of a “harbour town” with retail shops, a Bahamian art plaza and such back of town facilities as storage and security houses, administrative complexes, utility services and a transportation hub offering more entrepreneurial opportunities for local taxi and tour operators.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the projected impact of Carnival’s cruise port on employment cannot be overstated. Bahamian entrepreneurs operating at the new port will need to draw

on a wide range of local vendors such as sub-contractors, architects, landscapers, tradesmen, technicians, security, marine specialists, retail workers and other service specialists,” he said.

“As development of this new cruise port takes place, the government will work with cruise lines, owners of the harbour, other stakeholders, local entrepreneurs, taxi drivers and tour operators to make Freeport Harbour and the city itself more attractive to cruise visitors,” he said.

Prime Minister Christie stated that the HOA signed with Carnival was made possible following painstaking and lengthy negotiations between government and the principals of the Freeport Harbour Company to negotiate a waiver of exclusivity agreement of their exclusivity rights on all ports in Grand Bahamas, which had been granted by the previous FNM administration.

“My government welcomes this opportunity to set in motion events which will memorialize the long-

standing and mutually beneficial relationship between Carnival Cruise Lines, the world’s largest and most successful cruise line, and The Bahamas,” he said.

Carnival Corporation CEO Arnold Donald described the signing as “a historical day” for Carnival Corporation.

“I am very pleased that this port is now on track to become a reality,” he told the gathering.

“We have been committed for a long time to developing a new and authentic Bahamian experience port.

In fact, we were working for the better part of 15 years, and renewed our momentum over the last three years.

“The port will create an exceptional experience for what over time will be more than one million guests annually visiting the Bahamas on a number of our world leading cruise lines,” he said.

He noted that Carnival already brings over three million guests throughout the Bahamas across its various lines – Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises,

Holland America, and several others - including lines from Europe.

“It will, of course, be the largest cruise development project ever on (Grand Bahama) - it will be truly spectacular. It is the next generation of destination experiences, and it will bring more guests here,” Mr Donald said.

He indicated that there will be many opportunities for Bahamians during the development and construction of the new port, and continually through its dayto-day operation.

There will be entrepreneurial opportunities for Bahamians to be restaurant operators, retail owners, short excursion operators, and transport providers, he said.

Mr Donald also stated that Bahamians will supply a wide variety of goods and services to the new port.

He said Carnival Corporation continues to be the largest cruise line invested in the Bahamas, which includes significant investment in the Grand Bahama Shipyard, and two private islands - Half

Moon Cay and Princess Cay, and a variety of other initiatives.

Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe said the signing represents the start of the rebuilding of the tourism plant in Grand Bahama.

“It is a major step that will cause Grand Bahama to take its rightful place in the growth and economic development of TBahamas,” he said.

Mr Wilchcombe recalled that the new port was initially intended for Williams Town, but it did not happen due to challenges, and is now going to be built in East Grand Bahama.

Sarah St George, vice chairman of the Grand Bahama Port Authority Ltd, said the new port is “a major leap forward in Grand Bahama’s history.”

“This is a big deal, she said, and added that it is a “win, win” for the island.

“What is even better is this is not going to be a closed cruise port on a remote island, and the economic spinoff is that to be enjoyed by everyone,” she said.

NAOMI Grant (right), Solomon’s Fresh Market Brand Manager, presents proceeds from a recent wine tasting held in-store to Marcia Newball, Executive Director of REACH Bahamas.

SOLOMON’S AND YOUNG’S TEAM UP TO SUPPORT AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH AUTISM Awareness month received a $600 boost when Solomon’s Fresh Market teamed up with Young’s Fine Wine to host a fundraising evening of food, wine and networking in support of REACH Bahamas in its efforts to help children and families affected by the condition.

Cases of autism continue to increase in The Bahamas and, according to the United States Centers for Disease Control And Prevention, an estimated one in 68 children are on the autism spectrum. The Charity sampling event took place at the Old Fort Bay location.

Solomon’s Fresh Market Brand Manager and event co-ordinator, Naomi Grant,

welcomed guests to the tasting. “We wanted to create a relaxing atmosphere for participants to mingle, sample Young’s Fine Wine paired with gourmet cheese from our deli and other specialty foods. This was our first charity sampling event and we were pleased with the overall turnout. Supporters of REACH Bahamas had an opportunity to attend and share their goals and future plans for the organisation,” she said.

Renea Bastian, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at AML Foods Ltd, parent company of Solomon’s Fresh Market, commended the group for the work they have done over the past 18 years.

“There are many families in the Bahamas dealing with

the realities of autism,” she said. “As a company, we recognise the work being done by REACH Bahamas and thought that this event was a great way to raise awareness and support their initiatives.

“We are pleased to engage our customers in a different way and would like to thank them for being a part of our outreach events as we continue to enhance the lives of those in the communities that we serve. We are planning on hosting more charity sampling events to raise awareness for organisations and causes doing great work in our communities.”

The total proceeds from the event - $600 - were donated to REACH Bahamas.

REISS Engineering presented a $5,000 cheque to the Ranfurly Home for Children. Pictured from left to right is: Ian Penn, mechanical inspector at Reiss Engineering; Alexander Roberts, Ranfurly Home administrator; Dwight Fitzgerald, mechanical inspector at Reiss Engineering and Princess Burrows, Ranfurly Home assistant administrator.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

ENGINEERING COMPANY SUPPORT FOR RANFURLY REISS Engineering Ltd made a $5,000 donation to the Ranfurly Home for Children to assist with the needs of youth that are less fortunate.

The presentation of the donation was held at the Ranfurly Home for Children on Friday.

The Ranfurly Home is a privately run home for children that are in need of a safe environment. It heavily relies on donations every year by private citizens or corporations. Since 1956, the organisation has

provided a safe haven for thousands of Bahamian orphaned, abused, neglected or abandoned children.

The home originated in the mid-1950s after a tragic fire resulted in many displaced children living in downtown Nassau. This historic home provides a safe environment to 36 children between the ages of 12 to 18.

“Reiss Engineering is committed to giving back to the community in which we work and live,” said company President Dr Robert Re-

iss. “We are pleased to give this donation to the Ranfurly Home for Children, and appreciate the work they are doing to house and care for children and ensure a brighter future not only for the children but for our country.”

Reiss Engineering employees Ian Penn and Dwight Fitzgerald presented a $5,000 cheque to the administrator of the Ranfurly Home for Children, Alexander Roberts and Assistant Administrator Princess R Burrows.

NEW LOCATION FOR EXUMA REGATTA VENDORS THE government has constructed a new Regatta Village in George Town, Exuma, home of The National Family Island Regatta.

According to a release from Bahamas Information Services, some 1.1 acres of the seabed off the main road near the George Town Dock have been reclaimed to erect stalls for vendors to sell their wares.

Stalls were previously set up along the roadside between Queen’s Highway and the George Town Dock.

Danny Strachan, chairman and commodore of The National Family Island Regatta Committee, is pleased with the construction of the new village, which was completed in time for the 64th

National Family Island Regatta, April 25-29.

He said: “It is going very well. Last night (April 28) we had several thousand people at the site. When we were on the streets, that would have not been possible.”

Two years ago, a contract for the three-phase construction was awarded to G and L Construction at an estimated cost of over $1m.

Construction began in January 2017 and was completed at the end of March.

“The reclamation area is actually finished. The next stage is to build a permanent structure on there so we can control the quality of what is put out there.

So, as opposed to vendors building their own stalls, they will rent the stalls from

the Committee. They will be properly constructed and designed with landscaping,” Mr Strachan said.

“Shacks are a thing of the past. We are going to be building something more appropriate for a national event, like a housing site,” he added.

Moreover, the commodore revealed that approximately 20,000 square feet of the site next to the Regatta Park will be used to construct a new George Town Straw Market.

Straw vendors have been operating under a tent next to the police station in George Town since a fire destroyed the area’s Straw Market in 2015.

The third stage of the Regatta Village will comprise landscaping of the site.

THE NEWLY-constructed location for Exuma Regatta vendor stalls.

Photo: Patrick Hanna/BIS