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RAZED TO THE GROUND
AN AERIAL view of the blaze that ripped through houses in the Jennie Street area yesterday. A 99-year-old woman was treated for smoke inhalation. See the full story on page two.
‘MINNIS DIDN’T SPEAK COVID DEATH TOLL TO ME FOR MONTHS’ INCREASES BY TEN By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net HOUSE Speaker Halson Moultrie has revealed details about his and Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ apparent frosty relationship. Mr Moultrie told The
Tribune Prime Minister several months ago discontinued regular Thursday morning meetings, which had taken place since the governing Free National Movement took office in 2017. Further, he said the last time Dr Minnis spoke to him was two to three weeks ago when he sought
leave to present his upscale housing plans for young professionals. “The first time the Prime Minister spoke to me in months was when he called me to ask for leave to present his housing project plan,” he told The Tribune SEE PAGE THREE
TEN new COVID-19 deaths were reported over the weekend, taking the number of virus-related fatalities to 209. The latest COVID-19 classified deaths happened between February 22, 2021, and April 1, the Ministry of Health said in its latest press statement.
They had been previously classified as under investigation and are all Grand Bahama residents. These include a 64-yearold Grand Bahama woman who died on February 22; a woman, 68, on March 25; an 80-year-old man on March 28; a 61-year-old woman and a man, 56; a woman, 69,
1 DEAD, 2 INJURED IN DRIVE-BY By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
ONE man is dead and two others injured in hospital after a shooting incident on Saturday off Nassau Street. While one victim is in critical condition, the other is listed as stable, police have said. Speaking to reports on the scene on Saturday
THE SCENE of the homicide on Polhemus Street. Photo: Racardo Thomas night, police press liaison Assistant Superintendent
Audley Peters said the men were gathered at an event on Polhemus Street when the incident occurred. ASP Peters said shortly after 9pm police received reports of a shooting incident. “On the arrival of the first responding officers, they met three males suffering from gunshot wounds,” he explained. SEE PAGE SEVEN
Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper
who died on April 1. The ministry said four deaths that were previously reported as non-COVID-19 deaths were reclassified, taking the death toll to 209. Further, three deaths have been removed from deaths under investigation. SEE PAGE FOUR
INSIGHT
HOMES AND HISTORY LEFT TO ROT
SEE PAGE EIGHT
PAGE 2, Monday, May 3, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
RAZED TO THE GROUND
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
FIREFIGHTERS tackling the blaze yesterday. Photos: Racardo Thomas
A MASSIVE fire at Jennie Street yesterday destroyed six structures and left four partially damaged leaving families in total devastation. Helpless to the violent flames that moved from one structure to the next within minutes, Thomas Daxon was among the people who looked on. When he first arrived at the scene his house was intact, however as minutes turned into an hour the fire spread to his uninsured home and engulfed it. The 63-year-old said he also lost his boat, which he relies on to help care for his family. “It’s devastating. It’s terrible,” the 63-year-old said of the situation. “I can’t think because my mind blank. I don’t know what to think. “My boat I was making money off is gone and that’s it. I can’t think.” He said he was not at home when the fire started and only found out through a phone call. “My wife and my grandson was the only the two people in the house. I was on the job. They call me and tell me they called the fire engine. When they reach here the engine wasn’t even here as yet.” A 99-year-old woman was
also taken to the hospital by ambulance to be treated for smoke inhalation. According to police, the cause of the fire, is not yet known. Police said: “Preliminary facts are that shortly before 3pm, the Fire Department received reports of a structural fire on Jennie Street. Moments later, the first unit arrived at the scene where they found several structures engulfed in flames. The officers began to extinguish the fire. Several minutes later additional units arrived at the scene and assisted with the extinguishing of the fire. “Initial assessments reveal that six structures were completely destroyed and four were partially damaged.” When The Tribune arrived on the scene, the neighbourhood was at a standstill as black billowing smoke hovered over the community and the engulfed homes. The large cloud of smoke could be seen from Tonique Williams-Darling Highway and as far east as Village Road. The flames were unruly, and police were forced to block off certain roads near the blaze. Officers also manned the perimeter of the fire to prevent bystanders from getting near and possibly suffering smoke inhalation.
If the presence of police was not a sufficient deterrent, the fire’s intensity was motivation enough for the crowds to run from the scene. But this did not stop concerned residents from trying to approach the roadblocks as they feared the fire would move to other neighbouring houses, including their own. One onlooker was searching for his relative. “Our grandmother 97 years of age,” he said, “That house that burned down is her house. They removed her and put her somewhere and we don’t know where she is.” “They say she somewhere around here somewhere. We trying to get to her, but she ill and the police don’t want to us to get to her.” The gravity of the damage was blamed by some bystanders on the firefighters not having enough water to put out the blaze in its early stages before it grew out of control. Mr Daxon noted that there seemed to be issues with water. “The fire engine came and didn’t have enough water. They didn’t have no water in it,” he explained. “I sit there and watched my house burn. I sit there for more than 45 minutes to an hour and watch the house burn.” “This more than half
an hour and we ain’t see another fire engine yet.” He added: “They had a little bit of water. It lasted about two minutes and then it stopped.” Another man said: “I mean they run out of water quick, so they had to keep on going to the fire hydrant. I don’t know why they ain’t send more fire trucks. It was three of them, but they ran out of water quick. Like I say, that’s more than one house on fire.” Asked if he believed other houses could have been saved if there was more water, the man said: “They look like they was doing the best they could, but if they had more water, I think so – yeah. He also aid his neighbours were evacuated. Mr Daxon called on the government to assist in the matter. “I’m calling on my representative, Mr (Romauld) Ferreira to come and assist us in this situation that we’re in right now,” he pleaded. “We sitting here watching my house burn like why we are paying bills if we can’t get the money – something back for it. We asking the government to please consider us in this situation we’re in that we could get our life back.” The 63-year-old’s home was not insured.
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, May 3, 2021, PAGE 3
‘It’s time to get ready for hurricane season’ LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net THE National Emergency Management Agency is urging all residents to get prepared ahead of the 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season, which is poised to be an above average one with three to four major hurricanes expected. NEMA officials made the plea during a virtual briefing hosted by the Ministry of Disaster Preparedness, Management and Reconstruction yesterday, where they also gave an update on the agency’s hurricane preparedness efforts and forecast for the upcoming season. As this month is “National Disaster Preparedness Month”, Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness, Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe said everyone has a role to play “in the collective effort of disaster preparation and response” and urged Bahamians to get ready. She also said officials will be launching several educational activities focused on hurricane readiness under this year’s theme as “We Are All NEMA – Stronger Than Ever”. “The month of May was chosen because June 1 marks the official start of the annual Atlantic Hurricane Season that officially ends November 30 and, the hazards that most often affect our country are those associated with tropical cyclones (tropical depressions, tropical storms, and hurricanes),” Mrs ParkerEdgecombe said. “The hazards associated with these systems include storm surge flooding, inland flooding from heavy rains, destructive winds, tornadoes, and high surf and rip currents. The month of May then is an opportune time
CAPTAIN Stephen Russell speaking yesterday ahead of the 2021 hurricane season. to give focused attention to making preparations for the hurricane season.” “Our archipelago lies in an active hurricane zone. In their forecast for this hurricane season, the well-known researchers at
Colorado State University in the United States predicted an above-normal Atlantic Hurricane Season this year with 17 named storms, eight hurricanes and four major hurricanes.” Department of
Meteorology Director, Trevor Basden also explained that in today’s society, a normal season would usually have 14 named storms, seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes. However, he said
information reported from several international agencies have already predicted the season to be an above average one. “Now, Colorado State University has (forecasted) 17 named storms,
eight hurricanes, four major hurricanes this upcoming season so they are slightly above and the weather company usually called the weather channel, they’re going for just slightly higher values of named storms at eighteen of which eight will become hurricanes and three major hurricane,” Mr Basden said. For his part, NEMA Director, Captain Stephen Russell said several governmental agencies have already started their preparations efforts ahead of the upcoming hurricane season, including Ministry of Works, the Water and Sewerage Corporation and the Ministry of Social Services, etc. Among their preparation works include the clearance of roads, the securing of government buildings and ensuring water storage tanks are topped up among other things. Captain Russell also said officials began inspecting shelters in New Providence last month, with similar exercises set to begin today on the Family Islands. “A total of 19 shelters have been inspected thus far (in New Providence),” he said. “Family Island shelter inspections are scheduled to commence on Monday. On Abaco, shelter inspections should commence next week, 16 sites have been identified for inspection.” He added: “Shelter repairs continue in Grand Bahama, a total of 28 shelters in Grand Bahama have been inspected thus far. Special needs shelters are identified and available on most islands. COVID-19 Protocols dictate an adjustment to previous shelter capacity which will be determined.” Hurricane season will begin June 1 through November 30.
MAN IN TEARS AS HE TELLS OF BROTHER LOST TO DORIAN By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
A MAN broke down in tears Friday as he testified about the missing status of his brother who is believed to have died after Hurricane Dorian struck his home in 2019. Peter Davis said he filed a missing person’s report to police in October 2019 on not hearing from his older brother, Ezra Davis, after the powerful Category Five storm hit. Mr Davis, who was also living on Abaco at the time of the storm, said he last spoke to his brother on August 31, the
day before Dorian made landfall. He is among dozens who gave testimony this month at the Coroner Court’s inquest into the presumed deaths of people reported missing after Hurricane Dorian. “He was in Marsh Harbour when I spoke to him because I was in Sandy Point and I asked him how he was doing and he said ‘this is going to be big storm,’” Mr Davis told the court via Zoom. “And I asked him if he needed money or anything like that and if he wanted to come down and stay with me, but he said he was okay.”
In the aftermath of Dorian, Mr Davis said he made several calls to his brother to find out how he fared during the storm, but was unable to reach him. Having not heard from his brother for several days, Mr Davis told the court he and his aunt decided to drive up to his home in Marsh Harbour to locate his whereabouts. However, when they arrived there, the Abaco resident said, “everything was gone”. “The house was (gone). His car was there. The generator was flown about…but everything was destroyed. There was no
sign of him,” he told the court. Asked by Coroner Jeanine Weech-Gomez if he ever spoke with neighbours to find out what happened, Mr Davis said he spoke to several people who knew his brother. However, only one person told him they had seen him just before the storm. “He said he gave my brother a ride home,” Mr Davis added. “But he said when he dropped him off, the pressure of the storm was too (serious) for him to go back. He said he asked my brother if he was gone be all right (before he left) and he said ‘yeah’, but he
said that was the last time (he saw him).” Asked what he believed happened to his brother, Mr Davis said he really hopes his brother isn’t dead, but added the family has not heard from him since Dorian. “If he was alive, I would’ve known because he stays in contact with my mother and that’s not like him (to not contact our mother),” the Abaconian said. He also told the court that his mother, who currently lives abroad, needs closure. Asked what would give his mother closure, Mr Davis said he had hoped
police would have found a DNA match after he submitted samples in hopes of locating his brother’s body. He added his brother was well known by the police in the community. In response, Coroner Weech-Gomez advised Mr Davis to keep in contact with police officials over the matter, noting that officers are currently working to retrieve “fresh DNA” from family members for some new DNA testing method. Dorian hit Abaco on September 1, 2019, as a Category Five storm. The storm’s official death toll is 74. The inquest continues on Thursday at 11am.
‘MINNIS DIDN’T SPEAK TO ME FOR MONTHS’
from page one
on Friday as he gave his views on a government COVID-19 testing exercise for Members of Parliament and Senators at the Office of the Prime Minister which took place that day. “That was the new housing project that is being proposed for young professionals. That was about three weeks ago I would say - two-three weeks ago.” “Prior to that he had discontinued our regular Thursday morning meeting that we had established from the time the FNM came to power. That was discontinued for about nine months prior to this situation.” Meanwhile, the Prime Minister had little to say on the matter. Asked about it during a visit to Eleuthera Friday, Dr Minnis seemed to shrug it off. “I didn’t even think about it,” he said. “I’m more concerned with getting vaccinations out to the general
population. I’m more concerned with saving lives. I’m more concerned with getting our economy back and having our population working.” The two men appear to have a tense relationship and last week’s fiasco at the House of Assembly gave the impression of a deepening divide between the two. Mr Moultrie, Nassau Village MP, quit the FNM in February and is now an independent member of Parliament. At Parliament on Wednesday, the Speaker abruptly adjourned Parliament’s sitting out of frustration that the House had not been sanitised after a senior staffer tested positive for COVID-19, adding that other members had been called out of isolation against his orders. Mr Moultrie went on to say he made numerous attempts to communicate about the situation with the prime minister, who only offered a one-word
response of “noted” and Bamboo Town MP Renward Wells, who is also leader of government business did not respond. “The staffers of Parliament we assembled in these very chambers waiting for answers. We got one response in one word from the member for Killarney and that was ‘noted’,” Speaker Moultrie said in Parliament last Wednesday. By Friday, the government had organised testing for parliamentarians and Senators. House staffers were also invited to the event. The speaker called it a “purely political exercise”. He did not participate in the exercise because he viewed it as government attempting to “save face” after an embarrassing situation at Parliament. “I got some inquiries yesterday from a number of members of Parliament,” he said Friday. “One had sent me a notice that appeared to have come
from the government whip requesting all parliamentarians, including Senators, to attend at the Office of the Prime Minister for a testing exercise at 9am this morning (Friday). “I was unable to respond to the inquiries at the time because I had gotten no notice of the event, but I couldn’t say if it was real or fake but at about 6pm I got a call from Cabinet office to invite me to participate in the exercise and later on at about 8:10pm I got a call from the government whip indicating that as a member of Parliament the Speaker should attend. “I did not attend this morning because I did not need to get a free test. I was able to go and pay for my own test and I am waiting on the result, but I thought that the exercise in my estimation was all that I was seeking from the very beginning when I contacted the Prime Minister and the Leader of Government Business to have the matter resolved.”
“…I don’t think that the Speaker should participate in an exercise that appeared to be completely political exercise of damage control and saving face after facing an embarrassing situation as the former speaker puts it in Parliament on Wednesday, which needed not to have happened if the executive branch of the government and Prime Minister recognised that the legislative branch is the first arm of the government. It is a separate arm of the government, and it is not to be controlled by the executive branch. “Once we can arrive at that recognition, we should have no difficulty. I am prepared to function as a professional person in that capacity. As a matter of fact, just two weeks ago the prime minister called the Speaker to request leave to present his housing programme and the Speaker acceded to his request and he was permitted to do so. It is not a matter of personality and egos in my
estimation. It’s a matter or procedural correctness and once we perform and we act in consistency with the constitution, with the Powers and Privileges Act and with the roles of Parliament there would be no issues.” Former House Speaker Dr Kendal Major has called the abrupt adjournment “grossly unfortunate”. Dr Major further expressed that he felt the incident should not have happened in a democratic Parliament. “The case of COVID is a proper reason to sanitise and shut the House down and protect the staff and the members. That’s appropriate. The process of what happened is what concerns me; the fact that he had to chastise the Prime Minister and the leader of government business in their presence.” “They just sat there like children being scolded and he went on to close the House down for a day that he chose. It was embarrassing and ought not to have happened.”
PAGE 4, Monday, May 3, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
Minnis reiterates call for testing at businesses By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis on Friday stood by his call for businesses to implement a testing regime for employees who do not get the COVID-19 vaccine. During a contract signing for the government’s purchase of the Grand Bahama International Airport on Thursday, Dr Minnis encouraged employers to have their unvaccinated employees “take a COVID test, PCR test, weekly so as to not jeopardise the remainder of (their) employees.” The comment sparked feedback from the public given that RT-PCR tests typically cost more than $100 per test. Asked in Eleuthera on Friday about his comments, Dr Minnis reiterated his view but did not specify that employers should demand a weekly PCR test. “You should encourage individuals to vaccinate,” he said. “It is established that if in the environment or the workplace those individuals are vaccinated, then if one individual in that environment is not vaccinated, you would not have to close your business (after there is exposure) because the remainder are protected. For those who have refused for whatever reason to not be vaccinated then there should be some form of test that they should do to ensure that the environment is safe.” Dr Minnis sidestepped questions about House Speaker Halson Moultrie, who abruptly adjourned House proceedings on Wednesday after accusing the executive of ignoring the authority of Parliament. “The Cabinet Office
TOTAL CASES
TOTAL DEATHS
NEWLY CONFIRMED CASES SATURDAY 30 CASES
NEWLY CONFIRMED CASES THURSDAY 64 CASES
NEW PROVIDENCE GRAND BAHAMA EXUMA ABACO
NEW PROVIDENCE ANDROS GRAND BAHAMA EXUMA LONG ISLAND ABACO
10,549 209 23 4 2 1
FRIDAY
66 CASES
NEW PROVIDENCE GRAND BAHAMA ABACO BIMINI & CAT CAY ANDROS LONG ISLAND PENDING
TOTAL TESTS
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis pictured on Friday. seems to think that it controls Parliament,” Speaker Moultrie said, adding: “Now, I don’t necessarily pick fights or wars, but if you want a war, you can get a war. They say if you don’t want a war, don’t start one. So don’t come in this Parliament talking about reading books of war because more than one person in this Parliament reads books of war.” In his first public comments about Speaker Moultrie’s remarks, Dr Minnis avoided addressing
the matter directly. “I didn’t even think about it,” he said. “I’m more concerned with getting vaccinations out to the general population. I’m more concerned with saving lives. I’m more concerned with getting our economy back and having our population working.” Dr Minnis visited Eleuthera on Friday to open a new Passport Office in Governor’s Harbour. “Eleuthera residents should not be disadvantaged in any way because
87,822
49 9 1 1 1 1 4
HOSPITALISED
52
40 15 4 2 2 1
RECENTLY CONFIRMED DEATHS • AN 80-YEAR-OLD MAN FROM GRAND BAHAMA ON MARCH 28 • A 69-YEAR-OLD WOMAN FROM GRAND BAHAMA ON APRIL 1 • A 64-YEAR-OLD WOMAN FROM GRAND BAHAMA ON FEBRUARY 22 • A 56-YEAR-OLD MAN FROM GRAND BAHAMA ON MARCH 31 • A 68-YEAR-OLD WOMAN FROM GRAND BAHAMA ON MARCH 25 • A 61-YEAR-OLD WOMAN FROM GRAND BAHAMA ON MARCH 31 • AN 80-YEAR-OLD NEW PROVIDENCE MAN ON APRIL 27
CASES IN ICU
4
RECOVERED
9,561
COVID DEATH TOLL INCREASES BY TEN from page one Originally these three persons were suspected to be COVID-19 positive, but upon investigation they
were found to be negative. Previously, the death toll stood at 199 after an 80-year-old New Providence man died on April 27. Currently, there are 30 new COVID-19 cases in
the country for a total of 10,549. That is 23 new cases in New Providence, four in Grand Bahama, one in Eleuthera and two in Exuma.
you reside outside our larger urban centres,” he said. “You should not have to endure the inconvenience and unnecessary
costs associated with travelling to New Providence to apply for and collect your passports. Passports are essential as travel
documents and proof of citizenship and identification. These documents should be available to you where you live.”
D’AGUILAR: FAKE VACCINATION CARDS ARE A CONCERN By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net TOURISM Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar says officials will have to determine what sort of mechanism will be needed to ensure visitors are not using false vaccination cards when applying for travel health visas. Over the weekend, Tourism officials announced that with immediate effect citizens and residents who are fully vaccinated, having received two doses of the COVID-19 shot, are exempted from testing requirements when travelling domestically from New Providence, Grand Bahama, Abaco, Exuma and Eleuthera to any other island. And, as of last Saturday, internationally fully vaccinated visitors to The Bahamas from other countries who have also passed the two-week immunity
period are also exempted for entry and inter-island travel. Speaking to The Tribune yesterday, Mr D’Aguilar said the possibility of people uploading false vaccination documents is a concern for his ministry, given the fact that many US states and other countries use different vaccination cards. He added that while the situation is “unfortunate”, it’s something the government will have to deal with by implementing certain features via its travel health visa online platform to limit the risk of people entering the country by fraudulent means. He said: “So let’s face it, 93 percent of our foreign visitors right now come from the US. Flights from Canada are not still operating and there’s no direct non-stop flight from Europe to the Bahamas so most travellers coming to the
country are coming either by aircraft or by pleasure craft from the United States.” “So, every jurisdiction, every municipality and every testing site seems to have a different document so there is that concern, clearly, that we will have to determine a mechanism in place as to how we’re going to vet these and how we’re going to process these and how we’re going to ensure that as many fraudulent documents as possible don’t slip through. But, obviously, in every instance where you have to upload documents, there’s always the concern of fraudulent documents being uploaded.” According to international reports, more than 100 million people in the United States have been fully vaccinated against the novel coronavirus to date. This also means that over 100 million Americans are
now eligible to enter the country without having to take a COVID test after Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis relaxed travel protocols for fully vaccinated people. Yesterday, Mr D’Aguilar said he believes the vaccination perk will make the country a more attractive destination for visitors and added officials expect that the Bahamas will have a busier summer than was seen last year. Asked if officials have seen an uptick in travel applicants since the latest travel announcements, the minister replied: “It is too early to tell. It’s being warmly received by the industry but it’s still too early to tell what the difference before the announcement and after the announcement, just not enough time has elapsed yet.” Officials said yesterday that 64,047 travel visas were
bought in April. The new travel rules, however, comes at a time when the country is seeing an uptick in COVID-19 cases, with total infections at 10,549 as of Saturday. Yesterday, Mr D’Aguilar reiterated the government’s stance on the new protocol despite concerns about the move, insisting officials are relying on the latest science. He also noted that if fully vaccinated people do contract the virus, research has shown it is less likely for them to spread it to someone else. “The reality is the risk is significantly diminished, not eliminated if you are vaccinated and we felt that it was safe and appropriate to remove any other requirements from vaccinated persons,” he told The Tribune. Mr D’Aguilar also noted that once a vaccinated person gets their health visa approved, they will no longer need to be constantly “vetted” for the next six months, allowing for a smooth process. “Once you upload evidence that you are vaccinated, the health visa system will allow you to travel without the need or the requirement to be constantly vetted and once you have uploaded your vaccinated details, the system will clear you to travel to the Bahamas for the next six months without the need to be vetted,” he told The Tribune. “You’ll still have to apply but you won’t have to wait for someone to vet your trip each and every time that you wish to travel to the Bahamas so it will greatly expedite your approval to come into the Bahamas and hopefully reduce the stress that some travellers are currently experiencing to come to the Bahamas.” However, this comes amid concerns about long waiting times for the visa application process after
several Bahamians raised an alarm about the issue on social media yesterday. One Bahamian even claimed that she and her family were forced to book a new flight because their travel health visa was not approved in time. Responding to the concerns yesterday, Mr D’Aguilar said: “So, let me tell you how the system works. The system prioritizes those who are travelling the next day or the same day so if you travel and you’re intending to travel Friday and you upload your approved test on Tuesday, the system doesn’t prioritize you because you’re not travelling immediately.” “Obviously, we want to prioritize those persons who are travelling today or tomorrow so sometimes you upload (all of your documents) on Tuesday and when nothing happens on Wednesday or Thursday, you happen to get stressed and that is causing some consternation but I am almost 99 percent sure that anybody who wished to travel to the Bahamas prior to them departing from where they come from, their travel health visa has been approved,” he added. “Obviously we just prioritize those people who are travelling first versus those people who are travelling later and obviously if you tried to apply early for a later travelling date, you get stressed when it’s not processed immediately, but we’ve been experiencing some heavy loads and we expect that as the summer approaches, our indications are that we are going to have a busier summer and so the ability for persons to upload their vaccination details and get a blanket approval for the next six months, we hope that will reduce the number of applications that we’re having to process over and over again.”
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, May 3, 2021, PAGE 5
Thompson named as first in Freedom of Information role By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net RETIRED Supreme Court Justice Keith Thompson has been appointed the nation’s first Freedom of Information Commissioner, Attorney General Carl Bethel announced yesterday. Meanwhile, Shane Miller, a retired Assistant Director of Legal Affairs (ADLA), has been named his deputy. Justice Thompson will receive his instrument of appointment from Governor General A Cornelius Smith today and will assume his duties, along with Mr Miller, afterwards. Mr Bethel made the announcements in a press statement released yesterday, when he said the move represents an “historic” day for the Bahamas. The FOI office, which will be housed on the top floor of the Yandi Building, University Drive, is expected to open today. However, the public is advised that the office will not immediately be providing service but will instead be focusing on other important issues. “We are excited about the prospects for the FOI office and the democratic
FREEDOM of Information Commissioner Keith Thompson. Photo: Ulric Woodside/BIS process which it represents. appointment of a person This FNM government whose independence and campaigned on a prom- sterling character are cruise of accountability and cial to the working of a new transparency, and we are legal regime. This certainly committed to fulfilling that epitomises our new commissioner,” Mr Bethel said promise,” he said. Yesterday, Senator yesterday. “Justice Thompson Bethel also praised the achievements of both Jus- has had a long and distice Thompson and Mr tinguished life of public service. Before entering the Miller. Mr Bethel said because legal profession, he served of both men’s exceptional as a teacher and Dean of character and work experi- Students at Aquinas Colence, they were well suited lege. Upon being called to to the new roles. The Bahamas Bar he served “The Act provides for the at various law firms and
as general Legal Counsel to the Sunshine Group of Companies extensively in the areas of conveyancing, mortgages, probate matters, litigation and various commercial transactions,” said Mr Bethel. “He continued in education by serving as a law lecturer at the University of The Bahamas and the University of the West Indies Open Campus lecturing in Employment Law, Business Law and Law for HR Managers. He served as Vice President of the Industrial Tribunal before being appointed as Justice of the Supreme Court of The Bahamas.” Mr Miller was also described as man of impeccable character. The Attorney General said the retired public officer, who dedicated 30 years to the public service, is very technically proficient in Information Technology. The FOI office, which will be housed on the top floor of the Yandi Building, University Drive, is expected to open today. However, the public is advised that the office will not immediately be providing service but will instead be focusing on other important issues. Government is planning
to hire a consultant for 90-days to give technical advice to the commissioner on the way forward. The Attorney General said: “For the next three to six months the team will be planning and strategizing for the implementation and roll out of the FOI Act. To that end, through the auspices of the IDB and the Department of Transformation and Digitisation, the government will be hiring a consultant for a ninety-day contract, who will provide the requisite technical advice to the Information Commissioner on best practices in freedom and access to information. “ As this is a completely new venture for The Bahamas, we want to ensure that it is done properly. Advertisements for a Consultant with the requisite expertise were posted both locally and internationally over the past five weeks.” Section 47 of the Freedom of Information Act 2017 (FOIA), which outlines protections for whistleblowers, was brought into force in 2018. The previous Ingraham administration passed a FOIA shortly before the 2012 general election, however there was no date for
enactment. The last Christie administration then overhauled the legislation and conducted an extensive public consultation process. The Christie administration passed a FOIA in Parliament in February 2018. However, aside from the whistleblower’s protection, only part one and sections of part five and eight of the legislation have been enacted, allowing for the appointment of an information commissioner and repealing the 2012 FOIA. “This is an historic day in the life of the people and Government of The Bahamas of which I am delighted to be a part,” he said.” We are excited about the prospects for the FOI office and the democratic process which it represents. This FNM Government campaigned on a promise of accountability and transparency, and we are committed to fulfilling that promise.” A statement from the World Press Freedom has said there is an “urgent need” for access to information and full enactment of FOI legislation enacted, saying most Caribbean nations lack “the necessary framework” that will guarantee information as a public good.
SMITH: STOP DEMOLITION UNTIL COURT RULES By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net
FRED Smith, QC, made an impassioned plea for government to cease further demolition until the Supreme Court has made its final ruling on whether a standing injunction, which bars the government from evicting shanty town residents and disconnecting services in their communities, will be extended to cover unregulated communities in Abaco. It was expected that Justice Cheryl Grant Thompson would make a decision on Friday. However, Mr Smith who represents the 177 shanty town residents and nonprofit group Respect Our Homes Ltd in the judicial proceedings told the court he had a series of doctors appointments, which presented a challenge to proceedings continuing. Before the court adjourned to May 21, Mr Smith and attorneys representing the Crown squared off after Mr Smith pleaded with government to cease demolition until the court made its final ruling. Government is planning a demolition exercise on May 7 at The Farm shanty town in Abaco. This comes after 45 homes in the same area were pushed down about two weeks ago. “As we know the court is considering the variation of the application for the extension of the injunction to Abaco. As we know the court has a lot to consider but may I ask the respondents to please take instruction and invite them to ask their clients not to engage in any further demolitions until such time as the court has had a reasonable opportunity to deliberate and deliver its ruling in due course,” Mr Smith said. “I mean we are before the court and out of respect for the rule of law and out of respect for the judicial process I invite the respondents to please not do anymore demolitions until the court rules. “In fact the better thing would be just until the end of this trial. We didn’t seek an extension of the injunction on the first occasion when we issued the proceedings because there was no imminent threat for the demolitions in Abaco at the time. Notices hadn’t even been served in respect of the Abaco communities. “So, I ask the respondents to please take
instructions and to please ask their clients that in the spirit of respecting the rule of law and in the spirit of respecting the fact that this court is deliberating on the very issue of whether there should or shouldn’t be demolitions that they please simply give an undertaking not to demolish until you give a judgement in this entire case.” “In relation to any demolition that may have taken place those structures had nothing to do with the injunction or had nothing to do with the 177 applicants in that residence that are before this court.” In response, attorney Kayla Green-Smith noted that the demolition had nothing to do with any of the applications now before the court. She too made an appeal for there to remain respect of the laws in that people should not still be constructing unregulated structures. She pointed to a sworn affidavit by Warren Johnson who stated that following Hurricane Dorian there were about 28 structures confirmed by drone photographs. However, as of March 14 she said the number had exponentially grown. She said: “The demolition related to unfinished structures, unoccupied and unfinished but we note his concern and take it under advisement. We wish to correspond and note that the respondents have never disrespected the court order and as I indicated the structures that were demolished were unoccupied, unfinished structures that were demolished, and they had nothing to do with this application that is before this court today. “We would also urge Mr Smith’s clients to also respect the rule of law because as you would note based on the affidavit of Mr Warren Johnson that was filed. He gave an assessment based on drone photographs of the state of the Farm area in Abaco post Dorian, which related to only about 28 structures and then a further assessment had been done with the drone on the 14th of March and that area was built up to 175 structures in the community, which is clear the disrespect for the rule of law. “So, we say that the position has to be mutual, but we also need to make the point that those structures had nothing to do with what are presently dealing with.”
Judge Grant-Thompson noted the court had expected that the status quo remains. Mr Smith rebutted that what is “good for the goose should be good for the gander”. He said if anyone was in breach of the injunction then they should face the court. “You can’t take the law into your own hands when you’re respecting the process and start demolishing. A breach of an injunction doesn’t entitle you to demolish. It entitles you to bring the person that breached the injunction before the court and allege that they have been in contempt and the court can then deal with that person. “It doesn’t entitle the Attorney General or other members of the government to demolish the structures whether they were built 10 years ago or 10 days ago, it’s a matter of respecting the process. “I would embrace your honour’s suggestion fully... my friend can take instructions, the status quo be maintained pending your judgement and that would free your honour of having to deal with the interlocutory application for variation.” While Mrs Green-Smith reiterated that government had disrespected the court’s order, attorney Franklyn Williams noted government still had a duty to uphold the law. “We just wish to note that there is no breach of the injunction by the respondents,” he said. “Any action that is being taken now is to enforce the provisions of the law and if I may just say the government or no agency of government which is tasked with enforcing any aspect of the law can be injuncted from its duties under the law.” He was supported by David Higgins, another Crown attorney, who noted that the people who face the most recent action by government were not Mr Smith’s clients. “I don’t know why we are spinning around with this issue. So, therefore it would be like we are going in a circle,” he said. “They were not his clients. They were not under the injunction. The variation was not granted to include the entire Abaco and so, therefore, how would we hold contempt against them? “…then alternative remedy comes up because they could have asked for the extension before the
magistrate. Nobody did anything when the notice was served on them when the respective authority caught them just going along and doing whatever they feel like doing, building whatever structure in whatever form contrary to the law,
“They were just doing their own thing and then when the government enforced the law, which was not part of the court case they had the right to go to Magistrate Court or whatever court to ask that that matter be dealt with by the appeal under the law.”
He maintained the government acted appropriately. Still, Mr Smith said the government was orchestrating a humanitarian crisis and “ethnic cleansing” as people, including the handicapped were now forced to live in nearby bushes.
PAGE 6, Monday, May 3, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
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Friends or not, get the business done FEW would have mistaken Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and House Speaker Halson Moultrie as bosom buddies, but the frosty nature of their relationship has come to light in recent days. Even before the abrupt shutdown of Parliament last Wednesday, there had clearly been friction between the two – and in today’s Tribune, Mr Moultrie spells out the extent of the relationship’s breakdown. According to Mr Moultrie, the last time Dr Minnis spoke to him was weeks ago when he sought leave to present his housing plans. Before that? Months of silence. It’s a change from the way things used to be – with the pair having held regular Thursday morning meetings after the FNM took office in 2017. That stopped around nine months or so ago, according to Mr Moultrie. Such was the breakdown in communication that when Mr Moultrie emailed to advise the Prime Minister about a senior staffer testing positive for COVID-19 and seeking answers on what to do, all he received was a one-word answer: “Noted.” We don’t care how well Dr Minnis and Mr Moultrie get on – we just care that they get the job done. And last Wednesday’s debacle shows that, whoever is to blame, that job isn’t getting done the way it should be. Face-to-face meetings might not be advisable in this age of COVID19, but there’s absolutely no reason why virtual meetings could not be held to discuss matters of importance to the administration of government business. The relationship between the two has clearly broken down, and Mr Moultrie has been outspoken on a number of issues, but the two should still be able to have an open dialogue when it comes to ensuring the House meets as it should and that issues that pose a risk – such as a positive COVID-19 test – are discussed properly. Many of us have had testing relationships with work colleagues – but you just have to set aside any dispute and do the work that needs doing. We
don’t expect to see Dr Minnis and Mr Moultrie exchanging bouquets – we do expect to see Parliament meeting as it should and without further disruption. The shutdown of Parliament should never have happened. Equally, it should never have reached that point and should have been dealt with beforehand. If a communications breakdown contributed to that? Well, time to pick up the phone a little more often. Let’s not have this happen again.
Freedom of information It has been a long time coming, but a Freedom of Information Commissioner has at last been appointed. Retired Supreme Court Justice Keith Thompson has been given the role – and it is one that will face plenty of demands as the media and civil groups seek information on a host of topics. While the Freedom of Information office is due to open today, however, it won’t be for some time that it will start to provide service. In an announcement yesterday – ironically enough, one where the media was not invited to ask questions – Attorney General Carl Bethel said that the team will be planning for the next three to six months for the implementation of the Freedom of Information Act. A consultant is going to be hired for 90 days to give advice to the commissioner on best practices. In other words, nothing’s happening in a hurry – and with the prospect of an election at some point, we probably shouldn’t expect a huge amount this side of casting our votes. We have seen Freedom of Information Acts passed in 2012, and 2018, and yet here we are only just catching up. Still, this is a step forward, and one that we welcome. We wish Justice Thompson the best in his role, and hope that he and his team can help to bring a little more transparency to Bahamian society.
Govt’s poor treatment of Bahamians EDITOR, The Tribune. PLEASE see the list attached of almost a hundred Government employees that Paradise Island Lighthouse & Beach Club have been sent on a merry-go-round in seeking approvals, giving presentations, writing letters, providing a never ending litany of requirements, present to board meetings, asked for meetings, being told “no”, the big Bahamian government run-around and yet foreign investors get the red carpet treatment and a one stop shop at the Office of the Prime Minister! More than 22 government agencies and the business hasn’t even started yet! Bahamian Crown Land should be for Bahamians, yet our politicians will tell you coldly that they:
“Don’t want to waste their time on Bahamians,” “Don’t want to take a risk on Bahamians.” “If a foreign investment kicks up a fuss we can kick them out, we can’t kick out a Bahamian!” “Bahamians like to make too much noise!!” This is what the government of the Bahamas thinks of its own people, putting us in horrendous debt that we carry as they negotiate from a position of weakness when we have a strong position and call it “national interest of the Bahamas”. Selling out hundreds of thousands of Bahamians, most of whom are struggling for their own politician’s greedy agenda! Giving away our birthright of Bahamian Crown Land, giving away our beach access so we can pay to enter the beach, if we are lucky!
Foreigner investors exporting their vertical revenue stream by the billions to their foreign shareholders where Bahamians are restricted by government to invest. They exploit our natural resources, they destroy our natural resources and they leave us with the mess once it becomes useless to them for us to clean up. They want to demolish our buildings, demolish our history, dictate our culture and bring in foreign workers and pay them a pittance and leave the menial jobs only for Bahamians and they sure don’t want us Bahamians mixing with them! This is going to stop! TOBY SMITH Paradise Island Lighthouse & Beach Club Co Ltd. No 1 Paradise Island Nassau, Bahamas.
Kelly needs electronic wake-up call EDITOR, The Tribune. THE letter writer Catherine Kelly is usually a “glass half full” sociologist but occasionally she draws back her bow and the arrow lands way off the mark. She’s done it again with her take on the evolving story of bank practices here. Redlining is a word that rankles many Americans because it is racist and offensive. It is also illegal in the US. Redlining is the immoral system of determining who can and cannot get services such as bank loans based on the colour of their skin, where they live, etc., and not on their earning power or ability to pay. Closing a bank branch on a Family Island while opening a posh office in the ritzy Albany community where clients are ostensibly offered cappuccinos and bubbly may not look good but it is pragmatic and makes sound business sense. Although we are underbanked in terms of our savings and access to loans, there was never a dearth of bank branches, particularly on New Providence. And even as we witness branches closing or amalgamating, there is still no real shortage of walk-in branches across the capital. A 2019 survey showed that the Bahamas at 25 has more bank branches per 100,000 adults than Canada at 19. Barbados has 15 branches per 100,000 adults, Trinidad and Tobago has 12, Guyana 8 and Jamaica just 7. Banks tend to proliferate wherever you find rich clients who generate more fees and profits. We kid ourselves if we believe that Chase Manhattan Bank opened on Eleuthera in the 1960s to serve farmers. It was to serve Pan American
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net Airways founder Juan Trippe and his wealthy friends who stayed at the Cotton Bay Club, Windermere and other haunts of the rich and famous. So why pick on RBC now for cozying up to the mega rich in Albany and Lyford Cay. Don’t think for one minute that Lyford Cay founder E.P. Taylor and fellow Canadian Alexis Nihon didn’t lean on RBC, Bank of Montreal, Bank of Nova Scotia, and others to expand their services here in support of wealthy Canadians they were wooing. Noted Caribbean diplomat Sir Ronald Sanders described the nature of the Canadian banking beast when he reminded us that when they set up shop in the Caribbean, Canada’s banks didn’t invest one red cent. Over decades huge profits were repatriated to Canada. Now Canadian banks are generally beating an Algonquin retreat back home and in most places in the Caribbean local banks are rushing to fill the void. Not so here, even though home grown Commonwealth Bank has been reporting record profits. Ms. Kelly didn’t draw the reader’s attention to the fact that the world is becoming digitized and doing more on-line. It boggles the mind to see the lines out the door at many banks around payday when over 90% of us use mobile devices. It couldn’t be that even in a pandemic Bahamians have a unique aversion to banking online. While some people don’t have the means or the skill set to bank on-line, it is also true that when the gambling houses closed during the pandemic more of their betting shifted online. Old Uncle Reggie
who can’t find the home button on his cell phone, still found a way to place a digital bet. Government has a role to play, and the Prime Minister has been trying to spell out a national internet policy since 2017. We need fast, reliable and affordable internet service as part of our infrastructure. That will help the unbanked join the transition to 24-hour banking. Ms. Kelly should know that while she was lamenting what she considers bad faith practices by the local banks, financiers all around the world were toasting our Central Bank for rolling out the first ever nationwide Central Bank Digital Currency. Forbes magazine said last year: “You could not have asked for a more ideal ground for the release of the world’s first CBDC; a relatively well-off, scattered population with high mobile concentration. The other twist in the story is that the Bahamian dollar is pegged to the US dollar. So, in effect, this can be seen as a pilot release of a digital US dollar by proxy.” The sand dollar will become our e-wallet and will be how we pay retailers 24/7/365. It will only be used for Bahamian dollar transactions, but if they are wise then taxi-drivers, straw vendors and tour guides should start investigating how to download a point-of-sale app on their smart phones as increasingly digitalized tourists will pay with credit cards, not cash. Ms. Kelly should switch off her alarmist clock. The banking future is staring us in the face, and it is not sipping cappuccinos in Lyford Cay, but rather paying for conchs at Potters Cay by swiping sand dollars into the fisherman’s e-wallet. THE GRADUATE Nassau, May 1, 2021.
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, May 3, 2021, PAGE 7
PHARMACISTS SAY GOVT HAS FAILED TO COMPLY WITH LAW THE Bahamas Pharmaceutical Association has filed an injunction against government in the Supreme Court over failure to comply with existing legislation. BPA in a press statement yesterday said not only had the Minster of Health Renward Wells and
Attorney General Carl Bethel failed to appoint two pharmacists to sit on the council, but new fees levied on members are not laid out in the Pharmacy Act 2009. “The injunction, filed just days ago, points out that the Pharmacy Act, 2009, states that the
Minister ‘shall appoint’ two pharmacists recommended by the BPA to sit on the Council,” BPA said in a press statement. “With this directive being disregarded, BPA members are uncertain about their rights being defended or their issues being respected and heard
POLICE on the scene of a homicide which occured on Polhemus Street.
1 DEAD, 2 INJURED IN DRIVE-BY from page one
“Emergency Medical Services were summoned. On their arrival, the victims were treated. However, one of the males succumbed to his injuries on scene.Two of the males were transported to the hospital via the ambulance, one of which condition is critical and the other is stable.” When asked for the ages of the deceased and injured, the officer admitted police could not say the exact ages. However, he revealed the “range is from 35 to 60”. He continued: “Preliminary investigation revealed that a small vehicle travel through the streets where a group of males were congregated. An occupant of that vehicle discharged a firearm in their direction, hitting the victims.”
ACP Peters added that police had no information to suggest this incident was gang-related, adding it appeared to be a conflict. “We want to encourage members of the public, particularly men, to find alternative solutions in resolving their conflict and to be aware that life is valuable. “When they resort to conflicts not only is the persons injured affected but also family members and the society at large. If you see here, there’s a number of resources that are necessary to be used to investigate this matter and to ensure that the judicial process is completed to a point of conviction and justice is received. “However, if we resolve our matters in an amicable manner, all of this
resource could be channeled to something more productive to assist the wider community. There are number of things that could be done. You can seek out a third party to mediate the situation to assist you to come to a resolution that is a win-win situation for all persons in that conflict or encounter. This takes the country’s homicide count to 41, according to this newspaper’s records. Previously, a man was stabbed to death in the early morning hours of April 19 on Collins Avenue. Police are appealing to members of the public who may have information that can assist with the latest homicides to contact the Criminal Investigations Department at 502-9991/2, Crime Stoppers at 328TIPS (8477) or the nearest police station.
CONDITIONAL DISCHARGE FOR ASSAULT ON PREGNANT WOMAN By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net A HAITIAN woman was granted a conditional discharge on Friday after admitting to harming a pregnant woman from her neighbourhood during an argument earlier this month. Sylvanie Simeon, 29, appeared before Assistant Chief Magistrate Subusola Swain after being accused of unlawfully assaulting Bahana Jacques on April 17. The court was told that sometime around 6pm that day, the complainant reported to police that she was at home on Cowpen Road playing music when she was approached by the accused about loud music. The prosecution said the two women got into an argument over the matter
and added that during the altercation, the accused grabbed the complainant by the collar and pulled her to the ground, causing her to experience lower abdominal pain. The court was told the complainant was nine months pregnant at the time of the incident. After the complainant reported the matter to police, the prosecution said Simeon was arrested and taken to a local police station, where she admitted to the offence. During Friday’s hearing, the accused – using the aid of an interpreter – pleaded guilty to the charge. In mitigation, Simeon’s attorney told the court his client, a mother of one, was extremely remorseful for her actions. The attorney also noted that Simeon, who lived in the Bahamas for four years on a work permit,
did not have any previous convictions. As a result, he asked the court for leniency and noted that a conviction would result in her arrest and ultimate deportation. After accepting Simeon’s guilty plea, Magistrate Swain told the accused that while she did the right thing by asking her neighbour to turn the music down, she allowed things to go too far by taking matters into her own hands. Magistrate Swain also told her that moving forward, she should call the police whenever she is being disturbed by loud music. Simeon was given a conditional discharge granted she does not repeat the same offence or cause any other disturbances. She was also told that failure to do so would result in three months imprisonment.
at such a critical level. They maintain that proper representation is vital for the effective and efficient practice of pharmacy across the country. “The BPA further alleges those changes to existing fees and the implementation of new fees that have been levied to Association
members, is not laid out within the Act, therefore the BPC has no basis on which to implement these fees. The Association asserts that these fees that the BPC is charging needs to be properly enacted by Parliament and gazetted. “The BPA has made numerous attempts,
whether by letter or official meetings, to resolve these grievances to no avail, which has now resulted in seeking legal counsel within the courts of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.” The matter is expected to be heard in court tomorrow.
Photo: Racardo Thomas
THE STORIES BEHIND THE NEWS
MONDAY, MAY 3, 2021
IS ANYONE LISTENING WHY ARE WE LETTING MILLIONS SLIP THROUGH OUR FINGERS? By TANYA SMITHCARTWRIGHT tsmith-cartwright@ tribunemedia.net “STAR ACRES”, its gargoyles and neighbouring luxurious government-owned Prospect Ridge properties, join “La Playa” in its grandness of yesteryear and the rotting wood, crumbling walls and overgrown foliage of current times. Insight recently featured a two-part series on “La Playa”, a high-end government-owned house situated on the beach next to Goodman’s Bay and just a few feet from GoldWynn, a development by the Wynn Group. As mentioned, “La Playa” does not stand alone as a government-owned house left to deteriorate. According to a wellplaced Insight source, the houses featured in this week’s Insight were homes where the country’s former Chief Justices and other Justices resided in at some point. Three of these homes are situated on Sanford Drive, while another is on Skyline Drive. The home on Skyline Drive, named “Star Acres” sits on some 84,000 square feet of land; equivalent to about two acres. And, three properties located on Sanford Drive are 75,000 square feet each; totalling some one and a half acres. Visiting the properties, Insight saw run-down, dilapidated mansions sitting in the middle of overgrown jungles and rusted, padlocked gates. The only sound of life being birds chirping while enjoying the uninterrupted wilds. It is estimated that these properties value approximately $5m apiece, putting the wastage at about $20m. Insight’s source gave a clearer picture of how these houses came to be. “These houses were once bought by the government to house the Chief Justice and other Judges,” he said. “Once they were appointed, the CJ and certain level justices lived in these homes. They were extremely high-end homes and all utilities and everything they came with, staff etcetera, was at the expense of the government. This is how we treated our senior judicial members. “The government took a turn away from this custom and the houses became vacant. They remained vacant for a long time and then the government asked NIB to purchase them, assess them, fix them up and then put them up for sale. The purchases happened, but nothing else. I’m
not sure what the downfall was on their part. Maybe NIB didn’t have the money, I’m not sure, but nothing happened after the purchases were made.” Insight spoke to another source who actually visited one of the houses years ago. This source gave an assessment of what was seen at the time. “Well I am not going to get into the politics of this to say which government did what and to egg on some blame game,” the source said. “Here’s what I will say … whichever government comes into power in 2022, ought to immediately look about these houses and stop the wastage of government money. You cannot in any way, just leave these million dollar properties to sit there and become dust. That is not being good stewards of just ignore communications, the people’s property and ignore phone call messages, money. ignore people in general “I actually visited ‘La and expect situations to Playa’ and the house on take care of themselves. Prospect Ridge … Skyline That’s ludicrous! This is Drive. The one on Prospect wasting public funds. This is Ridge was in bad shape wasting NIB’s money. This at the time, but what was is being bad stewards of the more interesting, there people’s treasury. In other was a vagrant living in it. It countries, this would be was a major scene and the reason to hold an inquiry.” police had to get involved. One can only wonder, if I think there is someone Insight had not brought the living in ‘La state of these Playa’ as well. ‘They remained homes to If these prop- vacant for a long public knowlerties were edge, would being properly time and then the their decay government asked and estimated maintained, this could NIB to purchase values be not happen. swept under ‘La Playa’s’ them, assess the rug and grounds are in them, fix them discovered worse shape up and then put again decthan the ades later by them up for sale. interior.” some tour The purchases This guide pointing source said happened, but them out to the impresour visitors as sion the team nothing else. I’m mere ruins of was left with not sure what the palatial manwas that the downfall was on sions that once homes were were. in no way a their part. Maybe One is also priority of this NIB didn’t have left to wonder, government, other the money, I’m not what even though treasures of many attempts sure, but nothing The Bahamas were made by happened after lie in disrepair, “underlings” unnoticed, the purchases to address the unaddressed condition of were made.’ with the public them, given uninformed. their value. This is wast“As you wrote in this age at its worst, with the column before, a report government constantly was sent in to the Minis- reporting its “strapped for ter responsible for NIB, cash” status, $20m can do outlining the value and con- an awful lot. ditions of these properties “Star Acres” and the and nothing happened,” other three, once beautiful, the source said. “What homes can be seen from the else could be done? I don’t Baha Mar golf course. Our know! We expected the tourists and residents have action to be taken and the perfect views of the deplorrecommendations either able states of these homes, negotiated or followed, but while they engage in a game nothing happened. of golf. “What I don’t like is the Sadly, these once magway this government does nificent properties have business sometimes. They history attached to them.
For example, “Star Acres” now overgrown by a native jungle, was once the home of retired Canadian banker, Sir Frederick WilliamsTaylor and his wife Lady Williams-Taylor. Sir Frederick was born in born in Moncton, New Brunswick on October 23, 1863 and was knighted in 1910. Prior to his retirement and relocation to The Bahamas, he was general manager of the Bank of Montreal. While enjoying life here in The Bahamas, Sir Frederick and Lady Williams-Taylor were close friends of the Duke (formerly Edward VIII) and Duchess of Windsor. The once palatial “Star Acres” holds its spot in history as the site where Swiss-born American society artist Adolfo Muller-Ury painted a portrait of Lady WilliamsTaylor in December 1917 just before her daughter’s wedding. The Williams-Taylors’ granddaughter was the famous American socialite Brenda Frazier who was a little before her time, being considered a bit too gregarious for that era. Sir Frederick died in Montreal, Quebec on August 2, 1945. Today the home they created is being left to rot. “These houses are not only eyesores, but imagine having your beautiful million dollar home situated beside these rusted, rotting buildings,” said the source. “This should be a complete embarrassment to the government. I have no proof of this but sometime back, I understood a high profile resident of this area wrote to the government about the state of these homes and what it was doing to her property.” “It is not fair to people who have their dream
AERIAL images of Star Acres, above, and one of the other abandoned properties, top.
homes in the area. As a matter of fact this is not fair to the people of The Bahamas because it is really their property and their money wasted. NIB was to fix these homes and sell them back to the government. I am not sure what happened either.” What comes next from this source was mind boggling. How could this be allowed to happen? “I remember once when someone had to visit one of the houses on Sanford Drive to assess, they actually found serious court papers in that house,” the source said to this writer’s astonishment. “There were boxes of court papers in the house. No wonder all these cases in court have missing documents and cases thrown out, et cetera. I don’t know what cases it was as that was never shared with me, but you heard me correctly … boxes of court documents … associated with various cases.” One can argue that this particular government had the devastations of Hurricane Dorian and the pandemic COVID-19 to deal with, however, the people’s business must continue to be taken care of no matter what else is going on in the country. Surely the government is capable of multi-tasking. If sidewalks could be built in the middle of a pandemic, when people are jobless and hurting, then these buildings could be restored giving countless architects, contractors, construction workers and security officers work. Thus pushing the economy a little further instead of casting gaze solely at the tourism market in hope.
An Insight source was so gracious to donate drone shots of these homes showing their state of disrepair and the overgrown acreages they are shamefully situated on. The government ought to do an inspection of these homes immediately as there are suspicions that people, possibly vagrants, are living in some of them. Once again, Insight shared the drone pictures to the same prominent architect that assessed “La Playa”. “They definitely can be salvaged,” the architect said, making an assessment. “The wood frame verandah and porches look a bit dilapidated. They may have to be demolished and redone. The roof flashing needs to be changed to copper or PVC. The shingles look good. One or two coats of white roofing epoxy should bring some life back to the roof. The masonry looks good.” So again, a professional architect with many years of experience who has studied restoration in university and has worked on many restoration projects in The Bahamas and internationally, has deemed the people’s property salvageable. Who is listening to this architect though? Who is going to take action? Who is going to take up the mantle to restore the people’s property and give it the dignities in which it once basked? “La Playa”, “Star Acres” and the accompanying unnamed high-end properties still look for attention and beckon to their viewers as the deafening silence from the government continues to permeate the air.
EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net
INSIGHT
MONDAY, MAY 3, 2021 PAGE 9
Tunnel vision and myopia are too heavily guiding decision on vaccinations for travellers By MALCOLM STRACHAN
FOR SALE
THIS past weekend, the requirements for fullyvaccinated travellers to provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test before being permitted into the country were officially dropped. Within government and the tourism industry, this was viewed as the right move. This comes despite Dr Merceline Dahl-Regis, the chair of the National COVID19 Vaccine Consultative Committee, admitting that research is ongoing. “The committee is reviewing the transmissibility,” she said, adding: “Are you able to transmit the virus after you’ve been fully vaccinated? That is the only discussion we need to have and how long after you’re fully vaccinated, do you need any testing?” She referred to CDC guidelines that suggest that for the fully vaccinated, while transmission might occur, it “does not produce significant illness”. Meanwhile, with that research still under way, our country is falling short in mass testing and percentage of the population vaccinated. A total of 1,096 cases were recorded in April, nearly doubling March totals. To this point, vaccinations are at somewhat of a standstill, as we await the remaining 67,200 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine from the COVAX facility. Once those doses are administered, we will still not be anywhere near herd immunity, only having vaccinated 20 percent of the population. Last week, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis encouraged businesses to have their unvaccinated employees take COVID-19 tests weekly to essentially avoid closures. He said: “Kindly encourage all of your employees to become vaccinated, because if your employees are vaccinated, and one individual enters your premises who has evidence of COVID, you need not close your premises. You can continue. “If one of your employees is not vaccinated and has COVID and the remainder of your employees are vaccinated, you need not close your premises. Your business can continue. “However, if your employees are not vaccinated, and an individual enters your premises who has evidence of COVID, then your business is subsequently closed temporarily for a cleaning, thus jeopardising your economic progress,” said Dr Minnis. Certainly, while this is not an outright vaccine mandate, which the competent authority could have decided to do, this certainly incentivises the private sector to mandate such policies that would come at a significant cost to the Bahamian people. As the current price for a COVID19 test stands at $100, it goes without saying that the prime minister’s suggestion can result in an unfair burden being saddled on employees
EXPERTS such as Dr Merceline Dahl-Regis are monitoring whether you can transmit the virus even after being fully vaccinated - even as the government opens the doors of the country to travellers who have had their vaccines. whatever reason, the gov- where we will get the next “The longer this corona- we are about embark on in the private sector. We’ve seen a snapshot ernment’s focus is squarely set of vaccines from, but virus circulates anywhere, our greatest gamble yet. The countries that have of what could possibly take on making the destina- that hasn’t stopped the gov- the longer global trade and place on a larger scale last tion the most attractive ernment from easing travel travel will be disrupted, and been successful either on month as a popular res- for potential visitors – no restrictions – another point the higher the chances that the front or back-ends of taurant in western New matter the cost on the the WHO Director General a variant could emerge that the pandemic have either made. renders vaccines less effec- instituted mass testing of populace. Providence Deeming it “vaccine tive. That’s just what viruses their citizens or have had WHO Direcmade the news ‘A total of 1,096 efficient vaccination protor General euphoria” – the practice do,” he concluded. after reports Also speaking to the grammes. Our country’s Dr Tedros by which governments are circulated they cases were undermining “hard-won potential for vaccinated global position has not were forcing recorded in April, Ghebreyesus recently gains” as some countries travellers being vectors for afforded us the latter, but their employ- nearly doubling lamented the are prematurely relaxing the virus, Senior Director the government can cerees to get March totals. run on vac- public health measures, of Infection Prevention at tainly consider mass testing vaccinated or cines by the such as allowing fully vac- the Johns Hopkins Health our citizens, beginning with To this point, face penalties. world’s wealth- cinated travellers to enter System Dr Lisa Maragakis New Providence and Grand But the gov- vaccinations are ier countries the country without proof maintains that vulnerable Bahama. ernment’s lack at somewhat Governing by focusing and is hoping of a negative COVID-19 populations are being put at of acknowltest while the majority of risk. “While countries may on the economy at the sacthey will do of a standstill, edgement of their part as our population remains welcome the income from rifice of public health has its decision as we await tourism, additional cases not served any country well good world unvaccinated. not to supply the remaining Dr Ghebreyesus aptly can tip over a fragile health during this pandemic. Nor citizens by free testing, will it do so for us. making surplus diagnosed the situation, system,” she added. coupled with 67,200 doses of It is rather concernIt’s just like my mother vaccines avail- stating that the longer the its inability to the AstraZeneca able to poorer coronavirus circulates, the ing that such measured used to say – “Trouble is acquire suffi- vaccine from the countries. This longer the global recovery approaches are being taken easy to get into and much cient amounts outside of the country, but harder to get out.” comes as the will remain in the balance. of the vac- COVAX facility. US is reportcine, place Once those doses edly getting the populace are administered, ready to dump in a precari60 million ous position. we will still not doses of AstraOf the 200,000 be anywhere near Zeneca – from plus Baha- herd immunity, which Health mians in our Minister Renonly having labour force, ward Wells is only 60,000 will vaccinated 20 hopeful we be vaccinated percent of the will receive a from the initial population.’ portion. tranches of the As concerns vaccine. While of geopolitiwe don’t have data on the cal agendas loom with 80 employment status of those percent of COVID-19 vaccinated, a fair amount vaccines still in the hands of retired and unemployed of the world’s wealthier Bahamians would have nations – a point raised by accounted for some of the Dr Ghebreyesus - the govdoses already given. ernment needs to keep an One would think these open line with the Bahawould be concerns for mian people. We still have any government. But for no more information on
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PAGE 10 MONDAY, MAY 3, 2021
INSIGHT
EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net
If we weren’t worried before - we should be now By SAM PURKIS, Professor and chair of the Department of Marine Sciences, University of Miami
CORALS bleaching in the Chagos Archipelago. long. Over the follow- Chagos Reef wasn’t hap- temperature elevated ing week, we watched the pening in isolation. from global warming, even corals turn white and start Over the past century, a minor heat wave can to die. It wasn’t just small sea surface temperatures become devastating. pieces of the reef that were have risen by an average In 2015, the ocean heat bleaching – it was hap- of about 0.13 degrees Cel- from a strong El Niño pening across hundreds of sius (0.23F) per decade event triggered the mass square miles. bleaching in as the oceans What most people think absorb the Chagos the ‘We knew the of as a coral is actually vast reefs and majority many tiny colonial polyps of greenhouse reefs weren’t around the that build calcium carbonworld. It was doing well under gas emissions ate skeletons. With their the third global human the insidious algae gone, the coral polyps from bleaching on march of climate record, followcould still feed by plucking activities, from morsels out of the water, but largely change in 2011, ing events in the burning their metabolism slows with1998 and 2010. out the algae, which provide of fossil fuels. when the global Bleaching more nutrients through pho- The tempera- reef expedition doesn’t just increase tosynthesis. They were left ture affect the corals started. But it’s desperately weakened and and changing – entire reef more vulnerable to diseases. ocean chemis- nothing like systems and the We could see diseases taking try affects sea the intensity of fish that feed, hold, and that’s what fin- life of all kinds, worry we have spawn and live ished them off. among the coral from deterioWe were witnessing the rating the shells now in 2021.’ branches suffer. death of a reef. One study of of oysters and tiny pteropods, an essential reefs around Papua New part of the food chain, to Guinea in the southwest causing fish populations to Pacific found that about 75 percent of the reef fish migrate to cooler water. Corals can become species declined after the stressed when tempera- 1998 bleaching, and many tures around them rise just of those species declined by more than half. 1C (1.8F) above their tolResearch shows marine The devastation of the erance level. With water heat waves are now about
RISING TEMPERATURES INCREASE THE HEAT WAVE RISK
20 times more likely than they were just four decades ago, and they tend to be hotter and last longer. We’re at the point now that some places in the world are anticipating coral bleaching every couple of years. That increasing frequency of heat waves is a death knell for reefs. They don’t have time to recover before they get hit again.
WHERE WE SAW SIGNS OF HOPE
During the Global Reef Expedition, we visited over 1,000 reefs around the world. Our mission was to conduct standardised surveys to assess the state of
FOR SALE
THE Chagos Archipelago is one of the most remote, seemingly idyllic places on Earth. Coconutcovered sandy beaches with incredible bird life rim tropical islands in the Indian Ocean, hundreds of miles from any continent. Just below the waves, coral reefs stretch for miles along an underwater mountain chain. It’s a paradise. At least it was before the heat wave. When I first explored the Chagos Archipelago 15 years ago, the underwater view was incredible. Schools of brilliantly coloured fish in blues, yellows and oranges darted among the corals of a vast, healthy reef system. Sharks and other large predators swam overhead. Because the archipelago is so remote and sits in one of the largest marine protected areas on the planet, it has been sheltered from industrial fishing fleets and other activities that can harm the coastal environment. But it can’t be protected from climate change. In 2015, a marine heat wave struck, harming coral reefs worldwide. I’m a marine biologist at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, and I was with a team of researchers on a 10-year global expedition to map the world’s reefs, led by the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation. We were wrapping up our work in the Chagos Archipelago at the time. Our report on the state of the reefs there was just published in spring 2021. As the water temperature rose, the corals began to bleach. To the untrained eye, the scene would have looked fantastic. When the water heats up, corals become stressed and they expel the tiny algae called dinoflagellates that live in their tissue. Bleaching isn’t as simple as going from a living coral to a bleached white one, though. After they expel the algae, the corals turn fluorescent pinks and blues and yellows as they produce chemicals to protect themselves from the Sun’s harmful rays. The entire reef was turning psychedelic colours. That explosion of colour is rare, and it doesn’t last
Photo: Phil Renaud/Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation the reefs and map the reefs square kilometers (250,000 in detail so scientists could square miles) with only document and hopefully one island currently inhabrespond to changes in the ited – Diego Garcia, which future. With that knowl- houses a US military base. edge, countries can plan The British government, more effectively to pro- which created the marine tect the reefs, important protected area in 2010, has national resources, provid- been under pressure to turn ing hundreds of billions of over control of the region dollars a year in economic to the country of Mauritius, value while also protecting where former Chagos resicoastlines from waves and dents now live and which storms. won a challenge over it in We saw damage almost the International Court of everywhere, from the Baha- Justice in 2020. Whatever mas to the Great Barrier happens with jurisdiction, Reef. the region would benefit Some reefs are able from maintaining a high to survive heat waves level of marine protection. better than others. Cooler, stronger currents, and even storms and cloudier areas can help prevent heat building up. But the global trend is not promising. The world has already lost 30 percent The Chagos reefs could to 50 percent of its reefs in the last 40 years, and scien- potentially recover – if they tists have warned that most are spared from more heat of the remaining reefs could waves. Even a 10 percent recovery would make the be gone within decades. While we see some evi- reefs stronger for when the dence that certain marine next bleaching occurs. But species are moving to recovery of a reef is meascooler waters as the planet ured in decades, not years. So far, research missions warms, a reef takes thousands of years to establish that have returned to the and grow, and it is limited Chagos reefs have found only meagre recovery, if by geography. In the areas where we any at all. We knew the reefs saw glimmers of hope, it was mostly due to good weren’t doing well under management. When a the insidious march of cliregion can control other mate change in 2011, when harmful human factors the global reef expedition – such as overfishing, exten- started. But it’s nothing like sive coastal development, the intensity of worry we pollution and runoff – the have now in 2021. Coral reefs are the canary reefs are healthier and better able to handle the in the coal mine. Humans global pressures from cli- have collapsed other ecomate change. systems before through Establishing large marine overfishing, overhunting protected areas is one of and development, but this the most effective ways I’ve is the first unequivocally seen to protect coral reefs tied to climate change. It’s because it limits those other a harbinger of what can harms. happen to other ecosystems The Chagos marine pro- as they reach their survival tected area covers 640,000 thresholds.
A WARNING FOR OTHER ECOSYSTEMS
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EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net
INSIGHT
MONDAY, MAY 3, 2021 PAGE 11
Small states might benefit from the rivalry of larger nations for 21st century dominance World View
By SIR RONALD SANDERS US PRESIDENT Joseph Biden’s address to a Joint Session of the US Congress on April 28 was strikingly different from the speeches of his predecessor, Donald Trump. The address was free of the bombast and repeated references to the exceptional qualities that Trump ascribed to himself, including the frequent claim that he had either done more than any other President or that he had more knowledge of everything than anyone else. Biden succeeded in presenting an image of “father of the nation”. He was calm in his presentation, measured in his remarks and open-handed to his political opponents, many of whom were seated in the hall. Unlike Trump, while he was firm that the US would act to prevent excesses by China and Russia, he did not adopt a tone of belligerence to these two top rivals for global political, economic, and military dominance. Equally impressive was President Biden’s participation in the “Summit of 40 Leaders on Climate” that he organized on April 22 and 23. Except for one
brief period, when he personally excused himself to all the delegates present, he sat through every session, participating actively far beyond any expectation. If his deep involvement in the discussions is a measure of the seriousness of his stated desire to tackle Climate Change robustly, then the world might yet be at what he calls “a great inflection point in history”. He offers hope that greenhouse gas emissions can be dramatically reduced, global warming can be tempered and sea-level rise can decline – all of which would be immensely beneficial to small states. Of course, as Biden pointed out to the Congress, the US accounts for “less than 15 percent of carbon emissions”. He went on to state that even if the US does “everything perfectly, it’s not going to ultimately matter” because “the rest of the world accounts for 85 percent”. This latter statement is an oversimplification of the situation. Fifteen percent of carbon emissions is a high figure for one country, and it needs to be reduced; so US emissions do ultimately matter. At the Climate
US President Joe Biden addresses a joint session of Congress in the House Chamber at the US Capitol as Vice President Kamala Harris, left, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California, applaud, in Washington. Photo: Melina Mara/Pool Photo via AP Summit of 40 Leaders, Gaston Browne, pointed employment, and retaining will have to be convinced the President committed out at the summit, the 44 the US competitiveness, of the benefits of changto reducing US emissions small island and low-lying is now tied to his Climate ing from their traditional by 50-52 percent below its states of the world “collec- programme. sources of energy. He emphasised in his 2005 emissions levels by tively emit just 1.5 percent But the political fortunes 2030. However, no concrete of the emissions of indus- address to Congress that of President Biden’s adminplans to achieve this has yet trialized nations”. The main “the most important word istration are now tied to been revealed. These plans contributors, apart from the when it comes to meeting achieving this goal. Theremust be rolled out publicly US are China (28 percent), the climate crisis is ‘jobs’.” fore, he and his team will and soon if the US is to be India (7 percent), Russia Earlier, at the Summit work hard at accomplishcredible as a global leader (5 percent) and Japan (3 on Climate, he stressed ing their objectives across percent). These five coun- that: “Within our climate all sectors of the society. At on Climate. And while it is statisti- tries account for 58 percent response lies an extraordi- the same time, they will not cally true that the rest of of global emissions. The nary engine of job creation yield their competitiveness the world accounts for 85 remaining 42 percent comes and economic opportunity to China or Russia, as the ready to be fired up. That’s President told the US Conpercent of the carbon emis- from 188 countries. It was, therefore, impor- why I’ve proposed a huge gress. Consequently, the sions, it is misleading for it to be stated in this way. For tant that Biden include the investment in American world should expect that instance, as Antigua and other big emitters in his infrastructure and Ameri- the US Government will do Barbuda’s Prime Minister, Climate Summit to try to can innovation to tap the everything within its power reach a consensus on the economic opportunity that to push its rivals to cut their way forward. Whether such climate change presents our emissions. a consensus was achieved workers and our communiIn this regard, this may will be better measured in ties, especially those who be one of the few cases in the coming months, leading have been, too often, left world history, when small to the global Climate meet- out and left behind”. countries might truly beneing, COP26, in Glasgow in This is the circumstance fit from the rivalries of large November. But it should that, realistically, should and rich nations. For this be clear that large carbon give small states, that are reason, President Biden’s emissions in the five coun- the worst victims of the Climate plan, tied to his tries come from industrial effects of Climate Change, “American Jobs Plan”, production and lifestyles. It the greatest reason for should be given every supis cheaper for the offend- hope. President Biden port by small states. ing countries to continue contemplates spending $2 • Responses and previthis pattern in order to be trillion on his “American ous commentaries: www. competitive in the global Jobs Plan”, creating tens of sirronaldsanders.com economic market. So, no thousands of jobs, many of one should hold their breath them linked to clean energy The writer is Antigua and for dramatic change unless projects. It will not be easy. Barbuda’s Ambassador to these countries are pushed. Accounting shows that 29 the United States and the Biden’s policies look set percent of US emissions Organization of American to be the push factor. The comes from transportation States. He is also a Senior President has tied reducing and a further 23 percent Fellow at the Institute of carbon emissions to a mas- comes from electricity gen- Commonwealth Studies at sive economic programme, eration. Americans are the University of London participate in physical providing jobs and massive accustomed to driving cars and Massey College in the new infrastructure in the for long distances and to University of Toronto. The activities homes, views expressed are entirely • Demonstrates bizarre, US. His success in growing air-conditioned sophisticated, or unu- the US economy, increasing offices and vehicles; they his own. sual sexual knowledge or behaviour • Becomes pregnant or contracts a venereal disease, particularly if under age • Reports of sexual abuse by a parent or another adult caregiver.
WATCH FOR THE WARNING SIGNS WHICH SHOW A CHILD IS BEING ABUSED PARENTS, it is imperative to remember your children are gifts from God. Therefore, the Royal Bahamas Police Force admonishes individuals to pay closer attention to the various social ills that continuously target innocent children. One in particular is the fight against child abuse and the signs of this inhumane act. Remember, the first step in helping abused children is learning to recognise the warning signs of abuse. Please note, any child at any age can be a victim of abuse. In fact research proves that children over the age of five are more likely to be physically abused and suffer moderate injuries than children under the age of five. Therefore, here are a few alert signs which may indicate the presence of child abuse. The Child • Shows sudden changes in behaviour or school performance • Has not received help for physical or medical problems brought to the parents’ attention • Has learning problems that cannot be attributed to specific physical or psychological problems • Is always watchful, as though preparing for something bad to happen • Lacks adult supervision • Comes to school early, stays late, and does not want to go home. The Parent • Shows little concern for the child, rarely responding to the school’s requests for information, for conferences, or for home visits • Denies the existence of - or blames the child for - the child’s problems in school or at home • Asks the classroom teacher to use harsh physical discipline if the child misbehaves • Sees the child entirely bad, worthless, or
Police advice
By SERGEANT 3011 MAKELLE PINDER
burdensome • Demands perfection or a level of physical or academic performance the child cannot achieve
SIGNS OF PHYSICAL ABUSE
Consider the possibility of physical abuse when the child: • Has unexplained burns, bites, bruises, broken bones, or black eyes • Has fading bruises or other marks noticeable after an absence from school • Seems frightened of the parents and protests or cries when it is time to go home from school • Shrinks at the approach of adults; or • Reports injury by a parent or another adult caregiver.
SIGNS OF NEGLECT
Consider the possibility of neglect when the child: • Is frequently absent from school • Begs or steals food or money from classmates • Lacks needed medical or dental care, immunisations, or glasses • Allowed to roam the streets without adult supervision.
SIGNS OF SEXUAL ABUSE
Consider the possibility of sexual abuse when the child: • Has difficulty walking or sitting • Suddenly refuses to change for gym or to
SIGNS OF EMOTIONAL MALTREATMENT
Consider the possibility of emotional maltreatment when the child: • Shows extremes in behaviour, such as overly compliant or demanding behaviour, extreme • passivity or aggression • Is delayed in physical or emotional development • Has attempted suicide; or • Reports a lack of attachment to the parent. Remember children are precious gifts from God who should be loved and nurtured NOT abused, killed and taken advantage of, Should you need more information on child abuse or if you have information pertaining to any crime, please do not hesitate to contact the police at ‘919’ or Crime Stoppers at 328tips (New Providence), 1-300-8476 (Family Island or If you know of Individuals who may be in need of counselling and emotional support please contact the Department of Social Services hotline number at 322-2763.
PAGE 12, Monday, May 3, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
Puerto Rico groans under pandemic SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico Associated Press PUERTO Rico seemed to be sprinting toward herd immunity this spring before people began letting their guard down against COVID-19 and new variants started spreading across the US territory. Now, a spike in cases and hospitalisations has put medical experts at odds with the government, which is struggling to protect people’s health while also trying to prevent an economic implosion on an island battered by hurricanes, earthquakes and a prolonged financial crisis. “The difficulty here is how do you find a Solomonic decision ... to give people the opportunity to work and be responsible and also maintain health as a priority,” said Ramón Leal, former president of
A HEALTHCARE worker injects a man with a dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine during a mass vaccination campaign, at the Maria Simmons elementary school in Vieques, Puerto Rico. Photo: Carlos Giusti/AP Puerto Rico’s Restaurant Association. “These are hard conversations.” It’s a delicate balance for
an island that imposed a lockdown and mask mandates ahead of any US state and has some of the
strictest entry requirements of any American jurisdiction — measures that helped contain infections
before the latest surge. Overall, the land of 3.3 million people has reported more than 115,000 confirmed coronavirus cases, over 115,000 suspected ones and more than 2,000 deaths, with transmission rates inching up the last week of April to 28 cases per 100,000 people a day, compared with 17 per 100,000 on the US mainland. The pandemic has unleashed the secondbiggest economic drop Puerto Rico has seen since recordkeeping began in 1980, according to José Caraballo, a Puerto Rico economist. The biggest was caused by Hurricane Maria, which inflicted more than $100 billion in damage in 2017, with nearly 3,000 people dying in its sweltering aftermath. More than 30,000 jobs have been lost because of the COVID-19 outbreak, and at least 1,400 businesses have closed, Caraballo said — this on an island that saw nearly 12 percent of its population flee in the past decade and whose government is struggling with crushing debt that led it to file for the biggest municipal bankruptcy in US history in 2017. “I’m taken aback by what the people of Puerto Rico have had to endure,” Caraballo said. Many of those who remain are mourning over lost homes, jobs, businesses or loved ones. Luis Ángel Sánchez has two close friends in the intensive care unit and lost his father and son to COVID-19 in April 2020 less than two weeks apart. Sánchez got vaccinated in mid-March. “The vaccine will not erase the scars or heal my broken heart,” he wrote on Facebook that day. “It will not bring back my son. It will not bring back my father. They, along with the others who have succumbed to this monster will not have died in vain if we continue to do the right thing.” Sánchez said people should keep their guard up and exhorted the government to impose stricter sanctions on those not following COVID-19 measures. “It’s not over yet,” he said.
Gov Pedro Pierluisi has resisted tighter restrictions, saying that another lockdown would be too extreme and that things will keep improving and the island could achieve herd immunity by August: “The solution is vaccination.” More than two million doses have been administered on the island, with a robust 55 percent having received at least one shot and 27 percent two. While health authorities say they are relieved many are eager to get vaccinated, they note that some people who are not yet fully protected are disregarding restrictions that include a more than yearlong curfew. That and the presence of at least seven COVID-19 variants on the island are believed to be contributing to the rise in cases. Another factor, experts say, is a drop in testing from an average of around 7,000 tests a day to 2,000, a trend blamed on people becoming fixated on getting vaccinated. The fight against COVID-19 has also been complicated by a drain of medical talent to the US mainland. The number of doctors in Puerto Rico is down to 9,000 from 14,000 in 2006, said Dr Víctor Ramos, a pediatrician and president of the island’s Association of Surgeons. Similar drops have been seen among nurses and technicians. “Health professionals are exhausted, and they’re scarce,” said Daniel ColónRamos, who presides over a scientific coalition that advises Puerto Rico’s governor. Ramos and other health experts say the governor should temporarily ban indoor dining, a measure imposed last year. Currently, restaurants and other places are restricted to 30 percent capacity, but officials say the limit is hard to gauge and question whether it is even being followed. It’s an issue the government and business owners have clashed over repeatedly, with the industry insisting that it’s safer to eat at a restaurant indoors, given all the safety protocols, than in someone’s house.
US TO LAUNCH TRADE TALKS ON COVID VACCINE DISTRIBUTION WILMINGTON, Delaware Associated Press THE US top trade negotiator will begin talks with the World Trade Organization on ways to overcome intellectual property issues that are keeping critically needed COVID-19 vaccines from being more widely distributed worldwide, two White House officials said yesterday. The White House has been under pressure from lawmakers at home and governments abroad to join an effort to waive patent rules for the vaccines so that poorer countries can begin to produce their own generic versions of the shots to vaccinate their populations. The US has been criticised for focusing first on vaccinating Americans, particularly as its vaccine supply begins to outpace demand and doses approved for use elsewhere in the world but not in the US sit idle. US Trade Representative Katherine Tai will be starting talks with the trade organization “on how we can get this vaccine more widely distributed, more widely licenced, more widely shared”, said White House chief of staff Ron Klain. Klain and national security adviser Jake Sullivan said the administration will have more to say on
the matter in the coming days. Sullivan said the administration believes pharmaceutical companies “should be supplying at scale and at cost to the entire world so that there is no barrier to everyone getting vaccinated”. Klain said the US has sent India enough of the raw materials it needs to make 20 million vaccine doses immediately. India is battling a deadly new surge in coronavirus infections and deaths. Tai’s office did not respond Sunday to an emailed request for additional detail after Klain’s and Sullivan’s comments. Sen Bernie Sanders, I-Vt, who is among a group of Democratic senators who are pressuring the White House on the issue, said the situation is “morally objectionable”. Sanders said that, when millions of lives are at stake, the drug companies must be told to “allow other countries to have these intellectual property rights so that they can produce the vaccines that are desperately needed in poor countries”. “There is something morally objectionable about rich countries being able to get that vaccine, and yet millions and billions of people in poor countries are unable to afford it,” Sanders said.