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The Tribune

Volume:115 No.118, MAY 11TH, 2018

Established 1903

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Legislation in sight to limit time in office

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

PUBLIC consultation on bills establishing term limits for prime ministers and fixed dates for elections will begin before the end of the year, Attorney General Carl Bethel said yesterday.

He said the Law Reform Commission, now headed by former Court of Appeal President Anita Allen, will “finalise two draft constitutional bills” to address

workout pages 14 & 15

DAVIS’ SON GUN CASE DELAYED A SIXTH TIME

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

A 2017 GUN possession case involving Philmore Davis, the son of Progressive Liberal Party Leader Philip Davis, and three other men was adjourned for nearly three months yesterday after the prosecution requested more time to prepare.

This marked at least the sixth time the case was adjourned before Senior Magistrate Carolyn VogtEvans, who yesterday noted her court’s record for resolving such matters was within six months.

SEE PAGE SEVEN

GUN ATTACK VICTIM DIES IN HOSPITAL

such matters.

“Once completed we will commence public consultations before the end of this year, and the government will then decide if it is required to hold a referendum, when to pass the bills and when to hold any referendum which might become necessary,” Mr Bethel said.

This is the closest the administration has come to outlining its possible referendum plans.

SEE PAGE THREE

A MAN died in hospital on Wednesday a little more than a week after he was shot while standing outside a home in Pinewood Gardens.

Police said the deceased and other persons were outside a home at Jumbey Street off Windsor Place shortly after 11pm on Saturday, April 28, when they were approached by a gunman.

‘McALPINE NEEDS TO MAKE HIS MIND UP’

SEE PAGE THREE

DEADMAN’S REEF TRIAL: VERDICTS

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

over the past year.

Mr Culmer said he and others in the party have continued to reach out to the FREE National Move- first-time MP in an attempt ment Chairman to addresses his Carl Culmer grievances. suggested However, yesterday Pinaccording to eridge MP former Cabinet Frederick minister TenMcAlpine nyson Wells, it should seriously would appear consider his Mr McAlpine REV FREDERICK future with the does not respect McALPINE FNM followany of the paring repeated ty’s protocols to disparaging remarks about SEE PAGE FIVE the work of the government

Page 11

Tone up for Summer

The ultimate beach body

One step closer to two-term PM

‘UNGRATEFUL’ MOVIE PREMIERE

KEVIN GARDINER, 27 of Malcolm Road, back, and Cleveland Musgrove, 24, of White Subdivision, Kemp Road, who are both accused in separate murder cases. Also accused alongside Mr Musgrove are Marco Neely, 33, and Jonathan Brown, 18.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

JURY DIRECTED TO CLEAR OFFICERS ACCUSED OVER AARON ROLLE DEATH

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net CONSTABLES Akiel Smith and Carl Smith were acquitted yesterday of manslaughter charges related to the 2013 death of 20-yearold Aaron Rolle after a judge directed jurors to acquit them.

AARON ROLLE

Justice Vera Watkins made the decision following a “no case submission” from lawyer Wayne Munroe who represented the men. Mr Munroe argued the Crown presented no evidence the officers committed a crime.

Prosecutor Kendra Kelly indicated the Office of the Attorney General will SEE PAGE FIVE

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

ONE man was found guilty last night of the murder and armed robbery of a husband and wife who were shot dead at their Deadman’s Reef home three years ago.

The jury took six hours to find Devaughn Hall guilty of the murders - and also found a second man, Paul Belizaire, guilty of armed robbery.

FULL STORY - PAGE NINE

WHAT MEN REALLYSEEMEAN PAGE EIGHT

PAGE 2, Friday, May 11, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis leaves a wreath to mark the anniversary of the deaths of four marines when the HMBS Flamingo was attacked in 1980.

Photo: Peter Ramsay/BIS

Remembering Flamingo crew PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and other officials paid tribute yesterday to the survivors and four fallen marines who were on board HMBS Flamingo when it was attacked

by Cubans in 1980.

Each year, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force remembers those officers who gave their lives in the service of their country.

“When HMBS Flamingo slipped HMBS Coral Harbour on May 8, 1980, the crew of 19 officers and marines had just begun what was intended to be a routine patrol,” the RBDF noted in a press release.

“While many others were preparing to pay tribute to mothers everywhere, this ship’s company was about to experience what it truly meant to lay down one’s life for one’s country.

“The Royal Bahamas Defence Force had just become an official organisation on March 31, 1980.

Prior to this, officers and

marines had commenced training in 1978, the year HMBS Flamingo and her sister ship, HMBS Marlin, were built and sailed from England to the Bahamas.

The commanding officer of HMBS Flamingo was Commander Amos Rolle, a young Exumian.

“On Saturday, May 10, 1980, at approximately 5pm, HMBS Flamingo apprehended two Cuban fishing vessels for illegally fishing in Bahamian waters off cay Santo Domingo in the southern Bahamas. Shortly after the arrest, HMBS Flamingo was buzzed and struck by rockets and machine gun fire

by Cuban MiG jet-fighters forcing crew members to abandon ship.

“HMBS Flamingo eventually sunk in ocean waters 35 miles south of Ragged Island; 15 out of the 19 crew members survived the ordeal by escaping to Ragged Island aboard one of the captured craft they had arrested. Missing in

action and presumed dead were Able Seaman Fenrick Sturrup, and Marine Seamen Austin Smith, David Tucker and Edward Williams,” the RBDF said.

Lieutenant Commander Whitfield Neely is the only member of that crew who is a current serving member of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.

“During the past five years, two of the crew members, who would have given 25 years or more in service to their country, have since left us,” the RBDF said. “Chief Petty Officer Oscar Miller and Petty Officer Leopold Kirby will forever be remembered. The events of this sombre day remain fresh in the minds and hearts of both the surviving crew-members and the families of the four marines who were lost. This incident is also a stark reminder that the defence force is a voluntary force with inherent risks.”

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, May 11, 2018, PAGE 3

JONATHAN BROWN, 18, of White Subdivision, Kemp Road.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

Four are accused over two murders

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

FOUR men were arraigned yesterday on charges in connection with two of the latest murders.

Kevin Lamount Gardiner, 27, of Malcolm Road was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt charged with the May 4 stabbing death of 24-year-old Theagrea Hanna.

According to a police report, the victim was stabbed during an argument with a man at Malcolm Road around 6pm.

She was taken to hospital where she died a short time later.

The accused was not required to enter a plea to the charge and the case was adjourned to July 19 for service of a voluntary bill of indictment.

He was remanded to the

Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until that time.

Meanwhile, in the second arraignment, Marco Neely, 33, Step Street, Fox Hill; Cleveland Musgrove, 24, of White Subdivision, Kemp Road and Jonathan Brown, 18, also of White Subdivision, Kemp Road, all stood accused yesterday of the May 4 stabbing death of Prince Johnson, 29, of Cox Street.

Johnson was fatally stabbed during a brawl at Potter’s Cay Dock.

Attempts by paramedics to revive him were unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The three men were not required to enter pleas to the charges and the case was adjourned to July 19 for service of a voluntary bill of indictment.

They were remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until that time.

MARCO NEELY, 33 of Step Street, Fox Hill.

ONE STEP CLOSER TO TWO-TERM PM from page one

In the 2017 Speech from the Throne, the Free National Movement promised a constitutional referendum will be held to mandate that a prime minister could serve a maximum of two terms in office. The FNM also

said a referendum would be held to establish an independent Electoral Commission and Constituencies Commission and a recall system for MPs; the latter would allow for the sacking of poorly performing parliamentarians, the FNM said.

In 2016, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, then

leader of the Official Opposition, said he would host a referendum on amending the Constitution to remove the UK-based Privy Council as the highest court of appeal for murder convicts.

In 2014, he said he would push legislation limiting prime ministers to two terms in office.

“This has always been my position simply because everyone reaches a certain level when they would be maxed out, suffer from brain drain and become stagnant,” he said previously.

“If someone remains in office for let’s say 20 years, they can only take you to a particular point.

PEDESTRIAN DIES AFTER CAR COLLISION

By FARRAH JOHNSON

A PEDESTRIAN has died after he was hit by a car while walking on Madeira Street late Tuesday night.

Shortly after 9pm, police received a report of a serious accident.

Upon arrival, they found a man severely injured. He was taken by ambulance to hospital, but died from his injuries the next day.

GUN ATTACK VICTIM DIES IN HOSPITAL from page one

The man opened fire on the group, hitting four of them before running away.

Police have not released the victim’s identity; however, he is the 30th murder victim this year, according to The Tribune’s records.

Officers are also

investigating a shooting which occurred on Wulff and Kemp Roads shortly after 4am yesterday that left a man in hospital.

The victim was shot in his stomach. He was taken to hospital and is listed in serious, but stable condition, police said.

Investigations into both incidents are continuing.

Preliminary reports indicate the man was walking when a white Ford Explorer struck him. It was reported the driver remained on scene to help police with their investigation.

Craig Stubbs, head of

the Royal Bahamas Police Force Traffic Division, said the victim appeared to be a “street person,” and that officials are in the process of locating his next of kin.

The investigation continues.

A maximum two terms in office would allow the generation of new ideas, new views and keep this country moving forward.”

The country has had two constitutional referenda, which both failed.

And in 2013, the Christie administration held a non-binding gambling referendum, dubbed an

“opinion poll”; however most people who voted in that exercise rejected the questions.

The Christie administration spent $1.2m on the 2013 gaming referendum. It was also estimated the 2016 constitutional referendum cost the public purse around $1.57m.

PAGE 4, Friday, May 11, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

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

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Windrush row rocks British govt WHILE continuing to concentrate on the complex negotiations about the terms of Britain’s forthcoming departure from the European Union, Prime Minister Theresa May has been faced recently with a major immigration issue that could damage her politically. Migrants who came to the “mother country” legally from the Caribbean on the ship the Empire Windrush in 1948 have now been treated as illegal immigrants under a “hostile environment” policy initiated during Mrs May’s time as Home Secretary when she was responsible for immigration. This has become known as the Windrush scandal and has caused widespread public concern.

After living and working legally in the UK for decades and with children born there, the Windrush migrants and their families have been suddenly subjected to deportation orders as illegal immigrants. This was precipitated by a hostile policy designed to encourage those living illegally in the UK to leave of their own accord. In seeking to deport the Windrush migrants and their offspring, the British government has ignored their legal status.

Inevitably, under extreme political pressure Mrs May and her ministerial colleagues have apologised and backtracked, but the current Home Secretary felt compelled to resign over the issue.

Nonetheless, the matter is worthy of scrutiny since there may be lessons for us in The Bahamas as successive governments have wrestled with the thorny issue of immigration that has caused controversy in varying degrees over many years, not least how to treat long-term migrants from Haiti and their offspring born here.

After the Second World War, Britain invited people from the West Indies to come to help rebuild the nation. The British Nationality Act of 1948 provided for separate citizenship for Commonwealth countries and gave citizens of those countries the legal right as a British subject and then a citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies to reside in the UK. The Windrush brought some 500 West Indian migrants to work and settle in Britain and this marked the beginning of so-called New Commonwealth immigration. It meant that citizens of Commonwealth countries were more or less free to enter and stay in the country as they pleased and because of this no official records of the numbers were maintained.

Subsequently, the influx of migrants grew to such an extent there was increased pressure on the Welfare State and public services and there were fresh doubts about Britain’s capacity to absorb greater numbers. This continued until increasing public calls for the introduction of controls resulted in passage of the Commonwealth Immigrants Act

of 1962 which ended the traditional right to Commonwealth citizens of free entry.

More recently, immigration has become a hot topic in Britain in the context of Brexit and the free movement of people within the EU as one of the requirements of the single market.

It would be hard to fault the UK government for seeking to tighten up on illegal immigration from outside the EU, but it is the flawed implementation of a tougher policy that seems to have provoked the controversy. It was clearly unfair, unwise and plain wrong to target the Windrush migrants and their families as part of the government’s new policy, and ministers seem to have been negligent in not curbing overzealous officials.

For many years, successive British governments were inhibited in dealing with immigration by what has been termed a liberal post-colonial guilt complex. Not only were they slow to admit the scale of Commonwealth immigration but they were also reluctant to take positive action to contain it.

Here at home, without any such inhibitions, we have always been robust in our attitude to uncontrolled large-scale immigration. We are faced with large numbers of Haitians on our doorstep who are seeking a better life. So, as a small country, we need to protect ourselves against an unsustainable influx, not least because the flow of refugees and economic migrants northwards will continue unless Haiti can achieve greater stability and a better standard of living for its ten million citizens.

It is good we now have an experienced, able, active and caring minister - with, at the same time, a no-nonsense approach – who is responsible for such a complex and important subject.

It is incumbent on us as a nation to treat immigrants fairly and humanely and to recognise many have a constructive contribution to make, but the law has to be enforced. Recently, there have been a number of immigration issues which have had to be determined by the courts and it must be right in our democracy that such enforcement by officials under the authority and responsibility of ministers is under constant scrutiny.

It is also important to ensure the law is both up-to-date and relevant as well as being appropriate in current circumstances. It is, therefore, encouraging to learn from the minister himself that draft amendments to the Immigration Act are now being reviewed and that legislation is likely to be changed substantially during the coming months.

The changes, we hope, will pass the scrutiny of the courts and be faithful to our constitution, protecting all citizens and those with an unquestionable right to live here.

Children’s right to education EDITOR, The Tribune.

Open letter to Minister Jeffrey Lloyd Dear Minister Lloyd: I write to congratulate you on your bold and determined move to protect the sacred principle that all children are entitled to an education, regardless of their background or ethnic origin. This principle, enshrined in both our Constitution and Education Act, is also a cornerstone of the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of the Child, an agreement which the Bahamas has ratified and subsequently reinforced in our own Statute law with the passing of the Child Protection Act (2006).

Indeed, around the world today, in all but the most repressive and anti-democratic regimes, education is regarded not as a privilege, but as a fundamental human right that must be legally guaranteed for all without

regard to circumstantial factors. States are understood to have an obligation to protect, respect, and fulfil the right to education and should be held accountable for any violations or deprivations of this right.

Unfortunately, over the past few years in our country, this principle was turned on its head. The forces of darkness and discrimination sought to deny the children of foreign born parents access to their fundamental right to learning, justifying the persecution of innocent minors with the atavistic logic of racism, division and hate. For a time, on the watch of Messrs Mitchell and Fitzgerald, this calamitous vision held sway over our precious Bahamaland, and the full extent of the suffering, fear and emotional distress experienced by young people and their parents as a result will probably never be known.

Thankfully, it would seem

that a new day has dawned for education in The Bahamas and with it, a new cause for hope for the future of our young people.

As human rights defenders, our primary goal is to combat the forces of discrimination, hatred and xenophobia while defending the fundamental rights enshrined in the Bahamas Constitution.

Rights Bahamas could not be pleased with your decision or more heartened by the knowledge that the stewardship of our young people is in the hands of such a dedicated and courageous defender of their wellbeing.

As always, our team is available at your convenience to discuss this matter or any other issue pertaining to human rights, children’s rights or rule of law in The Bahamas.

JOSEPH DARVILLE Vice president Rights Bahamas May 8, 2018.

Dupuch’s revisionist history EDITOR, The Tribune.

PIERRE Dupuch is a likeable enough grouser who tries to dispatch folksy opinions that in his mind reflect a point of wisdom, but to the thinking community come across as misinformed at best.

His latest diatribe is a missive aimed at the universally accepted principle of majority rule. But because his mind is perhaps sometimes in another universe he misses this point entirely.

Majority rule does not, as he would have us believe, mean that the racial makeup of the majority will always offer up leaders of the same hue. The definition of majority rule is simple and straightforward – the greater number should exercise greater power.

That is what was achieved on majority rule day. It was not the coronation of a black king and a decree that henceforth only black people need apply for serious leadership jobs in government.

In fact, the time will come when the majority in this country may very well settle on a non-black Bahamian to lead us. If that person inspires us with his or her character, vision and policies he or she will rise to the top.

That, Mr Dupuch, is what happened in the United States when they elected Barack Obama as President. The majority of Americans voted for him.

Not the majority of white Americans, but the majority of them all.

Likewise, we know that black people in The Bahamas regularly vote for white candidates from their party and vice versa. In fact, one of the favourable attributes of the FNM and the PLP is that they regularly attract voters from all races.

Our laws stipulate that whenever the majority acts on something they speak for all of us. Foolish is the politician who tries to win a majority of votes in any election by concentrating

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net only on the race of the electorate.

It is accepted that if white Bahamians don’t get involved in the political process then they stand zero chance of being elected by the majority of voters.

Furthermore, it seems reasonable and natural that in a country where 85 per cent of the population is of a certain colour that the make-up of their elected parliament would reflect that reality. There are people of many races in the American Congress but would it not be passing strange if the great majority of the Congress were black?

We celebrate majority rule day, not only as the day that a majority black government won power, but rather as a day when everybody got a chance to have their vote counted and when that majority chose the people they thought best able to represent them.

Mr Dupuch accuses others of telling lies about this matter then he comes up with this whopper: “In November 1962, the Majority of Bahamians voted and overwhelmingly the Majority of them voted for the UBP!”

I would not be so ungracious as to call that a lie but Mr Dupuch, who was a candidate in that election, knows that it is not the truth. The truth is that the PLP got more votes than the UBP in that election but still lost. The UBP got 26,500 votes which produced for them 18 seats in the House of Assembly.

The PLP got 32,261 votes but only eight seats! One Labour and six Independents were also elected.

While there was universal adult suffrage in the Bahamas for the first time in 1962 the UBP still frustrated the will of the majority and maintained control by ruthlessly and shamelessly gerrymandering the electoral districts.

If a white Bahamian were leading the PLP on January 10, 1967, the day would still live on in history as majority rule day for that was when a majority of all citizens, in a free expression of national will finally wrested control of the government from an entrenched racist oligarchy and levelled the playing field for Bahamians of all races and backgrounds.

Mr Dupuch’s blatant attempt at historical revisionism is easily dispensed with.

THE GRADUATE Nassau, May 9, 2018.

Check the prison EDITOR, The Tribune.

WHAT intelligence the Police had to raid Fox Hill?

Jockey hey! Social media full stop like all of us!

This writer hopes that the police will investigate the prison staff who worked the cells where these weapons drugs and cellphones were found. White washing will not stamp this mess out.

Front gate security officers need to be checked as that probably is where they smuggle in.

AG, let the ball fall

where it has to - the law was breached in the place where people who have been judged are supposed to be reformed…that seems to be a laughing joke.

Weed out the bad officers and send them home.

Nothing changed here been like this for years.

Seem it is Better in Her Majesty’s Prison.

No wonder the criminal likes it like home sweet home.

ABRAHAM MOSS Nassau, April 11, 2018.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, May 11, 2018, PAGE 5

JURY DIRECTED TO CLEAR OFFICERS ACCUSED OVER AARON ROLLE DEATH from page one

appeal the ruling. The reasons for Justice Watkins’ directive to the jurors were not given yesterday, however; her written ruling is

expected next week.

Rolle was found dead at the Southern Police Station on February 9, 2013, having died of haemorrhaging and a ruptured intestine caused by blunt force trauma to his chest.

The constables were charged with manslaughter after jurors concluded during a 2013 Coroner’s Court inquest that Rolle’s death was a result of an “unlawful killing.”

Yesterday’s verdict is the

latest development in the long-running, high profile case.

“That was the right decision,” Mr Munroe said afterward. “There was no evidence to call on the officers. This is

the end of something that should never have troubled them.

“No one established our clients did anything to Aaron Rolle,” he added.

“Even more important than that, there was

nothing to say he didn’t receive whatever injury he got while trying to escape.

This is a fella who had escaped custody before from that very same station. Nobody saw anybody beating him.”

‘Mcalpine needs to make his mind up’ from page one address issues. He said the MP’s conduct recently has been “most inappropriate,” adding he should know what to say and when to say it.

While some have called for Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis or party executives to reprimand Mr McAlpine, Mr Wells believes the right way to handle the matter is to allow the MP to “hang himself” by speaking negatively about his party.

Asked about the issue, Press Secretary Anthony Newbold suggested the prime minister’s recent comments at a church service on Sunday celebrating the one-year anniversary of the FNM’s election victory were directed at Mr McAlpine. At the service, Dr Minnis admonished FNMs not to attack each other in the press or publicly criticise the government’s efforts because it would bolster the opposition’s agenda.

Days later, the backbench MP was again at centre stage telling the Nassau Guardian he had no regrets about criticising the government. Mr McAlpine said he intended to continue doing so.

“In an organisation you either support the organisation or (you don’t)” Mr Culmer told The Tribune yesterday.

“My thing is I am a disciplined person. If I join an organisation and it’s not going the way I want it to go, I have to make some choices for myself. I guess Mr McAlpine needs to do some self-inspection.”

He also said: “I have been reaching out McAlpine for quite some time. I have been talking to him trying to find out what he really wants. I will not speak ill of an FNM, (but) my job is to unite the party.

“I will continue to reach

REV Frederick McAlpine speaking at the FNM conference in 2016. out to McAlpine to find out what is going on.

“All day (and) all night, 24/7 whenever he wants to sit down and discuss any challenges (he can) or he can even call me. I have reached out to him. I know several other people have reached out him. His colleagues in Grand Bahama have reached out to him because we want to move away from these instances move the country forward,” Mr Culmer added.

For his part, Mr Wells maintained Mr McAlpine has a right to speak. However, he said the MP should know what to say and when to say it.

Mr Wells said: “He needs to stop contradicting

himself on some things. But is doing, but at the end of I don’t think they should the day, if he is seen by the reprimand him. Let him council as a detriment to speak. His the party constitu‘I have been reaching the counents will cil will deal deal with out McAlpine for quite with him. him at the some time. I have been “They end of the talking to him trying should give day. him every to find out what he “I leeway and wouldn’t really wants. I will not if he wants try to stop speak ill of an FNM, to speak him from and hang (but) my job is to speaking. himself “If I were unite the party. I will then so be the prime it.” continue to reach out minister I Mr Wells to McAlpine to find wouldn’t said there get out what is going on.’ is no reason involved why Mr in it,” Mr McAlpWells also said. ine has not addressed his “He must know what he branch, the FNM council or

EVENT TO RAISE AWARENESS OF INDUSTRIAL POLLUTION

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

GRAND Bahama Environmental Association is preparing to stage its second “Residents Day” to raise awareness of industrial pollution on Grand Bahama.

The event, which was considered a success last year, is scheduled for August.

Berthram Pinder, president of GBEA, said residents are looking forward to this year’s event as last year there were a number of interesting speakers, free blood screening, a fun day for families and a distribution of school supplies.

Many residents living in the settlements and communities surrounding the industrial park are expected to attend.

GBEA has been advocating on behalf of the residents in the affected communities and has been urging successive governments to immediately relocate persons from the area.

“Residents living around the industrial park in Grand Bahama say their hopes

of getting help with pollution issues are becoming dimmer by the day,” said Mr Pinder, who claims that residents are still experiencing strong chemical odours.

He indicated that the organisation and residents were very optimistic when the FNM government was elected to office that their issues and concerns would be addressed.

Their optimism has been replaced with despair and discouragement, Mr Pinder said.

“The residents’ discouragement stems from the (minister of environment’s) failure to meet with them in January 2018 in a town hall setting as promised. Now five months into the year, the residents have lost hope in the governments’ willingness to tackle…the issues of pollution,” he stressed.

“In fact, no government has had a demonstrable willingness to the relocation of residents as was mandated by a government study completed as far back as 1985 under the Pindling government,” he claimed.

The GBEA believes the “controversial” study and its results were hidden by the government and those

who conducted the study were sent away.

Shuffel Hepburn, businessman turned activist who supports the residents, believes the study was hidden because there was no intention of forcing the industrial companies to relocate the residents.

“The study was only uncovered in late 2016 when I dug up a copy in a government office in Nassau. And a couple of weeks later an anonymous source sent a copy to The Tribune.”

He said the study proved that residents, students, teachers and plant workers were all struggling with a myriad of health issues.

“No cancer cases were presented at the time because cancer generally follows a 20 year rule, and usually shows up some 20 years after the exposure to carcinogens,” he claimed.

One resident said: “The government has been so busy negotiating with Oban Energies that it has had no time for the residents.”

The resident believes an oil refinery in East End, Grand Bahama would further complicate the issues of pollution.

the parliamentary caucus.

“He should go and raise his issues first among his branch people and get their views and then among the council and then the parliamentary group and try and get answers for these things.

“Whether he has done these things I don’t know, but I have never heard anyone said he came to the council with it and I have spoken to council members occasionally.

“But it would appear that he doesn’t have any respect for the protocols.

“In such a short time after the election he should give the leadership of the party or the Cabinet members some time to perform and I think one year out dealing

with a budget the party didn’t really put together. I think is most inappropriate of him,” Mr Wells said.

On Wednesday, Mr McAlpine was critical of the government’s attempts to boost the economy of Grand Bahama.

“Grand Bahama don’t need 50 jobs or 100 jobs, Grand Bahama needs economic infusion, and not at the expense of destroying the lives of people,” the Pineridge MP said.

“So, we don’t need just jobs, we need jobs that’s going to get at least 2,000 – 3,000 people to work in order for Grand Bahama to feel the turn around and the economic impact that it needs to have,” he said.

PAGE 6, Friday, May 11, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

Minnis: We’ve laid a foundation

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis last night took on his critics who say his administration has got off to a slow start, expressing confidence it has accomplished much already and is laying a foundation for future progress.

He said those who say the government has accomplished little are furthering their own “selfish interests” over the Bahamian people.

“I’ve been asked repeatedly what have we done and that we got off to a slow start,” he said, speaking during a rally celebrating the one year anniversary of the Free National Movement’s landslide election victory. “I want them all to hear that if you want to construct a building the first thing you do is clear the land. Nothing is seen; in public the building is moving slow. Next thing you do is lay the foundation. Nothing is seen; the building is moving slow. But come next year we will be out of the ground.”

Dr Minnis provided a laundry list of what he considers the FNM’s successes,

from “stabilising public finances” to “addressing official corruption.”

“For the first time since the Great Recession of 2008, we are seeing healthy and sustained economic growth,” he said.

The International Monetary Fund this year credited recent economic improvements to the improving US economy and the success of Baha Mar; the FNM opposed Baha Mar’s new leadership until after last year’s election.

Nonetheless, Dr Minnis said: “More Bahamians are getting a job. But we still have a long way to go. We can achieve historic reform and revitalisation of this country together. Those who seek to divide us out of their own selfish and narrow interests, they are more loyal to their cause than they are to the needs of the Bahamian people.

Those who say we have accomplished little have purposefully closed their eyes and ears because it is in their interest to sow discord.”

During last night’s rally, government ministers and parliamentarians promoted their successes as they see them.

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis at the FNM anniversary celebration and, below, supporters at the event, and Jeffrey Lloyd MP speaking.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest talked about the government’s fiscal consolidation efforts.

He said the administration “increased revenue collection by $25m”, “reduced expenditure by $67m”, and “reduced the GFS deficit by 92.3m”.

Attorney General Carl Bethel said his office, with the help of the Law Reform Commission, produced new bills at a robust pace, including “more than 30,” 18 of which have passed Parliament so far.

Some administration officials spoke of the past year while also pointing to goals for the next one.

“By this time next year, every single school in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas is going to be 100 per cent digitised,” Education Minister Jeff Lloyd said. “This coming summer we are going to build a brand new school in southwest New Providence, a primary school taking on 650 children; (we will build a) brand new school in Mathew Town, Inagua (and a) brand new school is going to be built in Gregory Town, Eleuthera...”

A Celebration For The Life Of MRS. ANNIE B. RALSTON Sunrise: October 16th, 1939 Sunset: March 9th, 2007

Dear Mom, I just wanted to send a little note to let you know the love and support you’ve given over the years is something I’m thankful for everyday of my life.

Though you may not physically be beside me, your love is matched by no other. With all my heartfelt, thank you for everything. I miss you dearly.

Love Always, Kyla

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, May 11, 2018, PAGE 7

Davis’ son gun case delayed a sixth time from page one Inspector Claudette McKenzie had previously represented the Crown in the trial of Philmore Davis, 33, of Colony Village; Matthew Davis; 22, of Westridge; Lavant Gibson, 27, of Sandyport; and Don Davis, 26 of Westridge.

Yesterday, prosecutor Sgt Bridgette Strapp told the court she was not in possession of exhibits because she was new to the case, and made an application for adjournment and the addition of two police witnesses.

The senior magistrate granted both applications.

Magistrate Vogt-Evans

said: “The court notes while there have been a number of adjournments for prosecution, the court having been assigned a new prosecutor in this matter will allow Sgt Strapp an opportunity to familiarise herself with this matter.”

She added: “However prosecution is advised to have their witnesses present on the next adjournment.”

Lawyers for the accused Damian Gomez, QC, and Roger Minnis, yesterday argued against both applications and suggested the lengthy delays infringed on the right of their clients to a fair hearing within a reasonable time.

Mr Gomez represents Mr Gibson, and in his

objection stated there was no excuse for the prosecution’s unpreparedness and failure to provide the other side with a summary of case evidence.

“These are serious matters,” Mr Gomez said.

“This case is an embarrassment... which has continued for almost six months and we should proceed with prosecution.

“If they can’t proceed it should take a different course, and if unsuccessful in my objection, I suggest this be the final adjournment.”

Mr Gomez continued: “In the second application, I’ve not seen witness statements for either two witnesses. One would have

thought sufficient time had elapsed for those statements to have been shared with counsel.”

“It ought to be in prosecution knowledge,” he said, “we have to see statements to prepare for cross-examination. We should have had it before trial began given evidence that has been heard so far.

“It is apparent that the prosecutor has not prepared for trial today and it is compounded by the lack of disclosure of witness statements…having regard to the right of the defendants to a fair hearing within a reasonable time.”

According to Magistrate Vogt-Evans, the prosecution requested

adjournments on December 1, 2017, January 22, February 2, March 9, and April 4.

On April 4, the court issued warrants for police witnesses who failed to appear in court; those warrants have since been cleared and there were two police witnesses present yesterday.

For his part, Mr Minnis said: “The new application for two police inspectors I would say is long overdue and tantamount to abuse of process. They are noted in the witness statements of Sgt Bain (investigating officer) and Sgt Pratt (forensic officer). They would have been (mentioned) in their reports.

“It is not as if these individuals came as a surprise to warrant inclusion. This was already acknowledged.

Despite the application for adjournment the last time more than a month ago, we are still not in receipt of any statement or items they intend to introduce.”

Mr Minnis continued: “We shouldn’t carry this burden any longer, swing the pendulum both ways for fairness. They (the prosecution) seem to be making up as they go along.

One of my clients travelled from North Carolina, its costly and time away from his job may jeopardise his employment.”

The matter was adjourned to July 25, 2018.

Funeral Service For

Gertrude Elizabeth “Liz” Newton 64 of 3rd Street The Grove & Coconut Grove will be held on Saturday, May 12th, 2018 at Living Waters, Warren Street, Oakes field, Nassau Bahamas, at 10:00a.m. Officiating will be Apostle Raymond Wells assisted by other ministers. Interment will follow in Lakeview Memorial Gardens and Mausoleums, John F. Kennedy Drive, Nassau Bahamas.

She was pre-deceased her Parents: Carl and Myrtle Newton She is survived by her Sons: Trevor Williams, Robert Kelly Jr., Dwayne Kemp; Daughter: Alana Kemp-Lloyd; Grandsons: Tiano Williams, Dwayne Jr. and Deywan Lloyd; Grand-daughters: Makeeba Walker, Calista and Riley Kemp; Great-Granddaughter: Kianna Dean; Brothers: Anthony Newton (predeceased), Clifford Newton; Sisters: Althea Newton (predeceased), Vanera Newton; Daughter-in-Law: Josanne Campbell Kemp; Son-in-law: Dwayne Lloyd Sr.; Aunts: Hilda (predeceased), Roselda, and Ethlyn Woodside; Uncles: Nelson and Bernard Woodside (pre-deceased), Phil Newton; Nieces and Nephews: Terrance Sweeting (pre-deceased), Michelle Sealy (pre-deceased), Linda Heastie-Masekenuba (pre-deceased) and Donald Masekenuba, Drs. Stacy and Reginald Booker, Debra Alcime-Morgan Ed.D and Alvin Morgan of Huntsville Alabama, Priest Willis and Lady Sandra Stubbs, Larry and Carolyn Alcime, Shirley and Dion Kerr Sr., Kevin and Sophie Alcime, Dianne, Dario and Shakera Smith, Alvin Sweeting, Reba, Carlson and Sabina Newton; Grand-nieces and Grand-Nephews: Tiffany and Marcus Pinder, Sife and WaynetteCardron, Lathera, Willisa, Robyn, Aleece, P’lar, Coren, Larry Jr. Kevin Jr., Ashton, K’Dyn, Tafari, Marcus Jr. Maikai, Mckayla, Aliyah, Kenya, Kyle, Shandera, Dion Jr. Deangelo, Bryce, Brandon, Brad, Joshua, Michael, Caleb; Cousins other relatives and friends: The Hinson’s, Woodside’s, Newton’s, Kemp’s, Heastie, Hanna, Tynes, Masekenuba’s, Whyms’, Ford’s Newbold’s, Robinson’s, Ao’s, Lloyd’s, Liz Darville, Carmita Christie, Billy Dorsette, Ethelmae Moss, Michelle Munroe, Pandora Mackey, Linda Curtis, Dianna Knowles, Delvin Major, Rose Panza, Kermit Smith, Ruthmae, Clara, Carlita, Jillian, Brenda, Marcellus, The Grove, Windsor Lane and Blue Hill Heights/Pride Estates Community, TheAquinas College Classes of ’72, ’04 & ‘05; The Bahamas Met Office Dept.; The Bahamas Civil Aviation Dept; The Kidney Centre, P.M.H., Living Waters Kingdom Ministries, the management & staff of Melia, Albany, Tap & Eat 242, The Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin, Sen. The Hon. Jamal Moss, The Hon. Cynthia “Mother” Pratt, Drs. Leon & Laura Dupuch, Pastor Ambassador Devon & Atty. Yolanda Rolle, Supt. Robert Lloyd & Dr. Jenny Lloyd & Family; Special Thanks to: Dr. Brittany Benjamin, Dr. Ilsa Grant, Dr. Wesley Francis, Dr. Delton Farquharson, Nurse Ferguson, Nurse Grant, Nurse Glinton.

Relatives and friends may pay their last respect at Evergreen Mortuary, Collins Avenue & 5th Terrace, Centreville on Friday from 10:00a.m. – 6:00p.m. and again on Saturday from 9:00a.m. until service time.

PICTURED at the presentation of the proceeds of the 2018 Antique Auto show are, from left, Antique Auto Club members Dwayne Bethell, Don Aranha, Adrian Hanna, President, Mr. Williams, father of young Ephraim to his left, Andrea Moxey (mother), RE Barnes, chairman, Sir Victor Sassoon Heart Foundation and Murray Forde, director, Antique Auto Club.

Antique Auto Club of The Bahamas IN a short ceremony at the office of the Sir Victor Sassoon Heart Foundation, a group of members from the Antique Auto Club of The Bahamas

presented the proceeds of their 2018 Antique Auto Show & Cook-Out to RE Barnes, chairman of the foundation. The funds are specifically earmarked for the foundation to use towards the expenses of necessary heart surgery for a four-year-old boy, Ephriam Williams. Surgery

is being scheduled at a Hospital in Florida specialising in such surgeries. The Sassoon Foundation has three other young children for which surgery is also being arranged. This is the fourth time the Antique Auto Club has partnered with the foundation and will continue to support it.

www.ub.edu.bs

CAREER OPPORTUNITY SENIOR MANAGEMENT

Suitably qualified candidates are invited to submit applications for the following position available at University of The Bahamas:General Counsel, who will serve as the chief legal officer of the University of The Bahamas’ system, and provide legal guidance and counsel in executive and policy decision-making to the Board of Trustees and senior leadership. Among the duties and responsibilities are: • Managing the University’s legal representation in all litigation and administrative proceedings; • Providing counsel and advice concerning compliance with laws of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas and all UB Act statutes and regulations affecting tertiary education, including preventative legal services and legal representation in monitoring and resolving disputes that may lead to litigation; • Subject to direction of the Board of Trustees and President, resolving all legal claims and initiating and appealing all lawsuits and administrative proceedings; • Managing outside counsel budgets, issuing contracts for legal services and retaining outside counsel on behalf of all University units; • Providing administrative leadership to the Board of Trustees in litigation reviews; • Serving as attorney to the Board of Trustees in legal matters and communicating legal issues and concerns to the attention of the Trustees, President, and senior leaders; • Reviewing all Board resolutions and policies for form and legality.

Among the essential qualifications are at least 10 years of experience as a practicing attorney in a sophisticated environment such as a large law firm, government agency, university, non-profit organization or corporation and a J.D. LLB and /or LLM degree from an accredited law school. Proven success in providing legal guidance in the context of complex organizations and a deeply held commitment to, and belief in, the value of collaborative decision-making are also essential.

A detailed position announcement is available online at: http://www.ub.edu.bs/about-us/career-opportunities/ .

Applicants should electronically submit via hrapply@ub.edu.bs, to the attention of the Vice President, Human Resources the following documents

by Thursday, 31st May, 2018: • A completed University of The Bahamas Application for Employment (available at (www.ub.edu.bs/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Applicationfor-Employment-Staff.pdf); • A cover letter of interest highlighting work experience and accomplishments relevant to the position; • Current Curriculum Vitae or Resume; and • The names and contact information of three professional references

PAGE 8, Friday, May 11, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

What men really mean I

N the spirit of fair play a certain subject must be addressed.

In past columns, I gave some insight to my younger Bahamian brethren as to what women really mean when they say certain things. If I do say so myself, it turned out to be right on the money, despite the raised eyebrows I received from my female co-workers and threats from my sistersin-law to be shared out of Christmas dinner in two households.

Ouch!

Fast forward the tape to this past Wednesday.

I was standing in line at BPL trying to pay my gargantuan power bill before another load shed strikes, and in front of me were two women deep in conversation.

The television on the wall, which is usually on, was off, so the women’s conversation served as entertainment.

As I tuned in, I could gather the gist of the conversation.

One of the women was spinning a monologue about how her husband really understands her after all these years.

Random Woman: “Girl I feel so sorry for my sweetie.

He so lost without football.

“The NFL season is still far far away. He tell me he so lost without football he decided to renovate the guest bathroom.

“Girl I been on him like white on rice for years to do that. He got a finish date too, end of May, beginning of June.

“That’s means in one month or so, I will have a

new brand bathroom. He loves me.”

After laughing (quietly to myself), I sighed.

Ah, the naiveté.

Being a woman her natural instinct was to assume that this was some love offering from her loyal, devoted, loving husband.

NOT! Her husband’s sudden morph into “Handy Manny” probably meant he was really thinking: “I can’t wait ‘til the NFL season officially kicks off .

“I’m cautiously optimistic that enough everyday necessities will be able to pull me off the ‘project’ and serve as a viable excuse for any delays caused.

“If this is the case I will renovate the guest bathroom, but I will stretch the project until the end of August. So this woman will have nothing to nag me about during football season.

“The one month ‘or so’ time frame, will keep me focused and save me from having to watch the Oprah Network or another Lifetime original movie, because if I have to stomach another one, I’ll take my chances jumping off the bridge.

“So when the season starts she better remember this gift and don’t ask me to do nothing non-football

related until after the Super Bowl.”

Right there and then, in BPL, the light bulb went on in my head.

I had to think quickly, after all I was in BPL, and lights cost money.

So I decided on this topic for this column.

After all, what is good for the goose is also good for the gander, therefore, with apologies to the Mandom, ladies here is what men really mean: He Says: I’m going fishing!

He Means: I’m going to get dead drunk sitting on my boy’s dinghy with a beer in one hand, fishing line in the next, as the fish swim by completely undisturbed.

He Says: It’s a guy thing!

He Means: There is no rational thought process connected to it. You will make nothing logical out of it.

CAN I get a thumbs-up if you’re looking forward to the return of the NFL season?

He Says: Can I help with dinner?

He Means: Well muddoes! My food ain’t ready yet? I dead hungry! I knew I should have stopped at “KFC.”

He Says: Take a break honey. You’re working too hard.

He Means: Why you decided to clean and run that vacuum cleaner while the game is on, is beyond me.

He Says: My wife doesn’t understand me.

He Means: She’s sick of my BS.

He Says: I‘ve read the classics.

He Means: I’ve been

READERS GRADE THE GOVERNMENT THE Tribune’s online poll on the FNM’s first year in government has seen some changes in the numbers in the past 24 hours - but the majority of readers are still giving the Minnis administration a pass.

Leading the poll at the time of going to press were B and C grades - each getting 23 percent of the vote, followed by D with 19 percent. The rest of the results were A: 11 percent; E: 5 percent; F: 11 percent and U: 8 percent.

After Tribune Business reported this week that the Government has dropped demands for Bahamian importers to supply proof of exchange control approval for each Customs entry following an outcry from furious businesses, readers had their say.

Dawes had this to say: “Typical Government, bring in a rule that makes no sense. Guess they want people to be happy they actually listened and got rid of it, however that’s not the case, it’s just another indication that we are run

by idiots. Not sure if they are aware, but there is a thing called computers and the Internet meaning Customs can very easily check to make sure the company is paid up, in fact you can have it so that if the company’s business license isn’t paid the system should say do not allow out. But I guess that’s too hard for Government. One other thing that Government keeps doing and has done here, when they think that someone maybe gaming the system (with those large suspicious transactions), instead of dealing with that company or person, they decide to make it harder for all to use the system, which will invariably lead to more people gaming the system.”

SP welcomed the move: “These people who never

ran a business have no clue what it’s like to get anything accomplished here! They sit around dreaming up asinine, nonsensical policies and procedures about something they know absolutely nothing. Thank GOD for once someone with clout had enough sense to LISTEN to business owners! The idiot(s) that came up with the idea businesses should obtain and present foreign exchange approval with every entry should be removed from the decision-making process . . .”

The investor aiming to kickstart Grand Bahama’s “technology hub” this week pledged to fully “Bahamianise” “sooner rather than later”, having been inundated with 100 job applications per day.

Realitycheck242 responded with this: “Those folks giving the Government a D after one year should start changing your minds. The tech hub for our Silicone Valley in Freeport is taking off like a jet . . . ain’t no stopping now.”

And ThisIsOurs said: “For the persons in Grand Bahama who haven’t had income opportunities in a while ‘a job’, any job, is a wonderful thing. I’m still struggling with the vagueness of this initiative. What jobs are these people being trained for? What skills will they possess at the end? If they’re being trained to install software and use Microsoft Word that’s not much value added. We should be looking at value added for Bahamian workers . . . Freeport has been through another initiative that ‘sounded’ similar to this with Pleasant Bridgewater, that too ‘I guess’, based on the current definition, was a ‘tech hub’. But hopefully this is different, I hope they’ve done more due diligence than they did with Oban in terms of expected benefits to the Bahamas beyond low paying tech jobs and basic computer skills.”

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

looking at Playboy since I was five.

He Says: I got a lot done today.

He Means: I won three bracelets today and $45m, playing World Series Of Poker, on my iPhone.

And finally, He

Says:

That’s

interesting, dear.

He Means: Are you still talking?

Well there you go, I hope it makes decoding what your man says a little more fun in the future.

I, on the other hand, have to go. My wife calls …and I was just off to my “man cave” to relax and read a “classic!”

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, May 11, 2018, PAGE 9

Man guilty of double killing, second guilty of robbery

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

AFTER six hours of deliberation, a Supreme Court jury unanimously found Devaughn “Short Man” Hall guilty of the murders and armed robbery of a husband and wife who were brutally shot to death at their Deadman’s Reef home three years ago.

However, the eight woman, four man jury was hung and could not reach a verdict on the two counts of murder against Paul Belizaire, but instead found him guilty of armed robbery by a vote of 11-1.

They also failed to reach verdicts on all three counts in relation to Kevin Dames, who according to court evidence, gave the men a ride to Deadman’s Reef on the evening of September 12, 2015, when Barry and Sheena Johnson were shot by four masked armed men and robbed of their GMC truck and a set of keys.

The jury retired around 12.20pm after Justice Estelle Evans completed her summation. Shortly after 7pm, the jury returned and delivered the verdicts before a packed courtroom under heavy police guard.

In the case of Hall, the jury brought back a verdict of 12-0 guilty on counts

one and two in relation to the murders of Barry Johnson and Sheena Johnson, respectively and 12-0 guilty on the armed robbery count.

In the case of Belizaire, they were hung by a vote of 10-2 guilty on count one in relation to the murder of Mr Johnson, and 9-3 guilty on count two in relation to the murder of Mrs Johnson.

They came back with hung verdicts in relation to Dames, with a split vote of 6-6 on the two murder counts, and 7-5 guilty on the armed robbery, which is not a true verdict.

Justice Estelle Gray Evans convicted Hall of the murders and armed robbery, and set sentencing for July 5 when probation and psychiatric reports would be completed and presented before sentence is passed.

Belizaire will appear back in court on May 31 for sentencing on the armed robbery conviction.

His lawyer Geoffrey Farquharson has indicated his intention to file an application on behalf of his client in the Court of the Appeal.

Attorney Carlson Shurland asked Justice Evans if the court could allow him to make a bail application for his client Dames, who had been incarcerated for two

PAUL Belizaire’s attorney, Geoffrey Farquharson, after the verdict.

FAMILY members embrace outside court after hearing the verdict. years and nine months.

“He is on the edge of his constitutional rights being breached,” he explained.

Justice Evans said she was unable to accommodate the application as she would be out of court on Friday, but was prepared to hear the application on May 31.

Shirley Stubbs, the mother of Sheena Johnson, was pleased with the outcome, and believes that Hall should get the death penalty.

“I am well pleased, justice is served,” she said surrounded by family members. “I thank the jury, I know my daughter will rest in peace, she and her husband.”

Mrs Johnson was a teacher at the Eight Mile Rock High School and had just been promoted before her death. “She was very intelligent… and was taking a law course because she wanted to be a lawyer,” her mother said.

Mrs Stubbs, who sat in the court for the past eight months, never missing a day of the trial, said her daughter was a Christian woman. She said she was disturbed to learn that she had been shot multiple times and was on her knees praying before she was shot.

“I know God answered my prayers. I know her death was not going to be in vain,” she said, holding back tears. “Oh God, I am overwhelmed. I was disturbed to know she died like that. I hope that Mr Hall will get some treatment for him because I know he had to be a sick person to do an act like that.”

“Yes,” she replied when asked if she thinks he deserves the death penalty.

Jenella Johnson, the sister of Barry Johnson, who also testified during the trial, said she is happy that her brother has finally got justice.

PAUL BELIZAIRE, Kevin Dames, and Devaughn Hall at court yesterday.

Photos: Vandyke Hepburn

PAGE 10, Friday, May 11, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

$5m deal signed to improve water supply in Long Island

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net

LONG Island MP and WSC executive chairman Adrian Gibson.

A $5M CONTRACT was signed yesterday between the Water and Sewerage Corporation and BHM Company Limited to bring potable water to hundreds of residentes in Long Island.

Settlements such as Salt Pond have “suffered for far too long without a reliable potable water supply,” Long Island MP and WSC Executive Chairman Adrian Gibson said at a press conference on the island.

“Today, many Long Islanders are served via water tanker or forced to rely on ground water supplies where the quality of the water is questionable and the reliability of the supply is adversely affected during hurricanes, due to power failures and storm surges that bring the seawater inland, directly contaminating the freshwater aquifer,” he said.

These issues have existed for decades “due to a lack of funding”.

However, Mr Gibson said in December 2017 he pledged substantial improvements would be made to his constituents’ water supply.

Five months later, on the anniversary of the Free National Movement’s electoral victory, a contract to bring this about was signed.

According to Mr Gibson, phase one of the Long Island component included the delivery of two new water tankers (outfitted trucks), which were delivered last year.

Phase two represents the contract. Worth an estimated $5.3m, it involves the installation of 100,000 feet of pipe in two areas of Long Island, which are divided in “lots”.

Lot one represents north Long Island, from the northern end of Salt Pond and ending at Boat Harbour Drive, Gray’s Settlement. Mr Gibson said this will provide service to about 200 service connections.

Lot two refers to south Long Island, from Turtle Cove in Steven’s Settlement to the southern end of Clarence Town settlement.

Mr Gibson added that this will bring service to approximately 100 service connections.

“This represents the second phase…of a project to provide a world class water supply for Long Island,” he said.

The representatives from BHM were Ebbe Saidi, managing director, and Paul Huckle.

Mr Gibson implored the company to hire and involve as many people from Long Island as possible. He added that the

managing director has committed to this already.

This is exemplified by the fact that BHM has promised to hold an open house on June 12 to recruit.

According to Mr Gibson, the company will “ascertain best accommodations, recruit skilled and unskilled labourers, machine operators, and other staff.”

“This would represent a major economic injection into Long Island,” he added.

When asked by The Tribune if the contract stipulates a minimum number of Bahamian workers to be involved in the project, Mr Gibson said no.

However, he said that the government will “insist” on a minimum of Bahamian workers and added, “I expect the vast majority, 90 plus per cent to be Bahamian.”

The third phase of the project will extend the water supply system to other areas of Long Island.

This will be implemented under a separate contract, and affect both northern settlements (Deal’s, Bunches, and Millerton) and southern (Morris and Wemyss).

Through these works, the number of customers connected to the water system will increase from 80 to 255.

Mr Gibson also shared three other projects which will affect multiple islands.

The Caribbean Development Bank Water Supply Improvement Project will commence two projects in New Providence and five on various Family Islands including Long Island. It will be funded by a $28.33m loan from the bank and $13.3m in counterpart funding from the government.

The Central Long Island Non-Revenue Water Project will “reduce the amount of leakage on that system”.

Thirdly, plans are in motion to supply piped potable water to the resort communities of Cape Santa Maria and Stella Maris on Long Island.

Mr Gibson added that these projects “will total in excess of $10m” and “bring relief…to a combined 740 plus homes and businesses.”

‘The Bahamas’ own street philosopher’

TO donate to the Potcake House Fire Relief Fund: Go into, or electronic transfer to, any Bank of The Bahamas branch to Acct #5510082190 (Main Branch 157) in the name of Loxley Thompson.

To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394