05132016 edition

FRIDAY HOTCAKES ALL DAY i’m lovin’ it!

HIGH 87ºF LOW 74ºF

SUN & A SHOWER

The Tribune Weekend L ATEST NE WS ON TRIBUNE242.COM

Volume: 112 No.109

FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2016

PRICE - $1 (Abaco / Grand Bahama $1.50)

The hottest shoes for prom Guide to tonight’s final - inside Weekend

‘Stop same-sex scare tactics’ Archibishop Gomez rebukes religious leaders over vote

By SANCHESKA BROWN Tribune Staff Reporter sbrown@tribunemedia.net

RETIRED Anglican Archbishop Drexel Gomez yesterday criticised some religious leaders for using “suspicion and fear” of same-sex marriage to “mislead” the public and campaign against the fourth Constitutional Amendment Bill.

In a statement, Archbishop Gomez said these church leaders allege, without offering any factual corroboration, that the use of the word “sex” in amendment four can provide a legal “back door” for the authorisation of same-sex marriage in The Bahamas, despite the fact that marriage does not, on any logical reading, form part of the rationale spelt out so clearly

FNM MEMBERS CALL FOR REMOVAL OF SENATOR ROLLE

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Tribune Staff Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

SEVERAL Free National Movement members yesterday called for the removal of Senator Lanisha Rolle from the upper chamber, while stressing that her appointment underscored party leader Dr Hubert Minnis’ “poor judgment and leadership ability.”

SEE PAGE SIX

GREEN SHIRTS TO THE FORE FOR DNA RALLY

in the four amendments.

The archbishop said he supports all four proposed amendments to the Constitution and “strongly” urged all Bahamians to vote in favour of them.

“All right thinking Bahamians should therefore oppose legislation that authorises discrimination on the basis of being male or female,” he said.

“In addition, a ‘yes’ vote on amendment four cannot provide a legal authorisation of same-sex marriages in The Bahamas because our present Constitution at Article 26: 4, (8), authorises Parliament to enact legislation that discriminates in the spheres of marriage and family life, and the present Marriage Act passed

by Parliament restricts SEE PAGE THREE

LGBT COMMUNITY SLAMS ‘IGNORANT’ DEPUTY PM

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

sembly, Mr Davis brushed aside concerns about whether same-sex marriage could result from the constitutional referendum by saying there’s nothing complicated about the question of whether one is a man or a woman, even if someone gets gender reassignment surgery.

“In any way we look at SEE PAGE SIX

THE lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community yesterday condemned the “ignorant” comments Deputy Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis made about transgender people on Wednesday.

Speaking to reporters outside the House of As-

MAKE IT GREAT

CHEERS from supporters of the Democratic National Alliance at their rally held on Christie Park. For more photographs from the event, see page 11.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

LAWYER WARNS CABBAGE BEACH DISPUTE IS ‘FAR FROM OVER’

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

THE ongoing dispute over an easement giving beach vendors access to Cabbage Beach is “far from over,” lawyer for the Cabbage Beach Business Owners Association Halston Moultrie said yesterday.

BRING GREAT TIMES TO THE TABLE.

TWO TEENS ACCUSED OF STABBING MAN TO DEATH

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

TWO teenagers, including a 15-year-old juvenile, were arraigned in Magistrate’s Court yesterday on a murder charge.

It is alleged that Shawn McPhee, 18, and a 15-yearold boy, both of Nassau Village, intentionally caused the death of Cyril Cart-

20

However, Mr Moultrie said the CBBOA is still waiting to obtain a copy of Justice Turner’s written ruling to determine the best way forward, claiming that it is “almost impossible” for him to properly advise his clients without it.

SEE PAGE SIX

®

CHEESY BITES PIZZA

$

Mr Moultrie suggested that the Cabbage Beach Business Owners Association (CBBOA) still has a card or two to play in light of Justice Bernard Turner’s ruling against the association last Thursday, telling The Tribune: “Whether we accept or appeal the judge’s decision, the matter is far from being over.”

LRG. 1-TOPPING (INCL. VAT)

PULL, DIP & POP. • LIMITED TIME OFFER

TEL: 603-3333 www.pizzahutnassau.com

wright on February 13.

Police received reports that Cartwright, following an argument with another man, was stabbed while in the area of Sumner Street.

When officers arrived, they found the lifeless body of a man with multiple stab wounds in his body. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The accused pair will

have their case fast tracked to the Supreme Court on July 1.

McPhee was remanded to prison and the juvenile to the Simpson Penn Centre for Boys.

The latter was warned that if he misbehaved, he could be placed in the juvenile wing at the Department of Correctional Services.

SEE PAGE SIX

PLP CHAIRMAN: EXPLAIN HOW ROAD TRAFFIC LOST MILLIONS

By SANCHESKA BROWN Tribune Staff Reporter sbrown@tribunemedia.net

PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts yesterday called on Auditor General Terrance Bastian to explain the “criterion” he used to determine the Road Traffic Department suffered millions in operating losses due to a severe lack of order.

In a press release, Mr Roberts also called for the matter to be “turned over to police” for a full investigation.

SEE PAGE SIX

THE NEXT EDITION OF THE TRIBUNE IS ON TUESDAY AFTER THE WHIT MONDAY HOLIDAY

PAGE 2, Friday, May 13, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

WEEKEND NEWS

FOLLOW THE HOLIDAY ON YOUR MOBILE-FRIENDLY TRIBUNE242.COM DON’T miss breaking news throughout the holiday weekend, a video review of the week’s top news stories with The Tribune’s Top Five - PLUS, on Saturday morning at 9am, a news bulletin on The Tribune Media Network’s radio stations: 100 Jamz, Y98, KissFM and Joy FM. And, on Tuesday, The Tribune returns to newsstands with a round-up of all the weekend news, business and sport.

e n a m u H s ’ y t e i c o S g n i l F g n i r p S

LONG Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner with Paul Aranha.

SANDRA COOKE, Claire Cash and Paul Cowderoy at the Bahamas Humane Society’s Gala Ball at the Colonial Hilton.

VIVIENNE Kaiser with one of the raffle prizes.

IAN and Karin Goodfellow, Julia Jordan and Tanya and David Nixon.

DR Amanda Pinder and her father, Gregory Pinder.

CHIEF Inspector and Shelter Manager Percy Grant celebrated 30 years of employment with the Bahamas Humane Society this month. He was recognised for his service by President Kim Aranha.

PATRONS at the Bahamas Humane Society ‘Spring Affaire’ Gala Ball at the British Colonial Hilton Hotel on Saturday raised funds for the organisation’s important projects

to improve conditions for needy animals. Money was raised through a raffle and a silent auction.

• See Animal Matters in the Weekend section for a report of the ball

BHS Senior Veterinarian Dr Solomon Kwakye dancing with BHS volunteer Maureen Pearson.

DEAL

CONSTABLE SHERQUELL FORBES, right, from the RBPF Prosecutions Section, who was formally recognised for her assistance with the US Embassy’s fraud prevention programmes, receives her certificate from US Chargé d’Affaires, Lisa Johnson.

$20.00 VAT INCLUSIVE

US EMBASSY HONOURS THREE BAHAMIANS FOR THEIR SERVICE

THE US Embassy has formally recognised three Bahamians who have provided exceptional service over the last year in appreciation of its key partners who support safe and responsible travel to the United States as well as provide services to assist American citizens in The Bahamas.

On Tuesday, at a reception at Harbourfront Lounge, East Bay Street, Assistant Superintendent

Marlon Fulford and Constable Sherquell Forbes from the Royal Bahamas Police Force Prosecutions Section were honoured for their assistance with the embassy’s fraud prevention programmes along with Dr Mishelle Grant, who works as a social worker at Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre.

US Chargé d’Affaires Lisa Johnson hosted the reception, which was at-

tended by Archbishop Patrick Pinder, Catholic Diocese, Harrison Thompson, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, senior government officials, and other distinguished partners. Chargé Johnson expressed gratitude for the hard work and collaboration between the US Embassy and its key partners in assisting American citizens, facilitating visa services and combatting fraud.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, May 13, 2016, PAGE 3

Bethel suspects PM has ulterior motive over vote

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net SAVE Our Bahamas committee member Pastor Lyall Bethel yesterday questioned whether Prime Minister Perry Christie was trying to use the gender equality referendum to secure a win at the polls in 2017.

Pastor Bethel suggested there may be an ulterior motive behind Mr Christie’s “obscene display of partiality and misuse of public funds” as he expressed frustration over the government’s refusal to fund ‘vote NO’ campaigns.

The group is now appealing to the public for donations.

He further suggested that Mr Christie was determined to win at any cost, even though he has not publicly declared that the outcome of the June 7 referendum will foreshadow the outcome of the 2017 general election, as former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham did in 2002.

“It is utterly disgraceful,” he said. “The Prime Minister is treating public funds as if he’s getting it out of his own pocket. He’s been financing the Constitutional Commission for two years under a supposed education campaign, but it wasn’t because you never heard the other side. That was not able to make a dent in suspicion so he now starts a YES Bahamas campaign.”

Pastor Bethel said: “We have been made to under-

stand that many of the persons are salaried positions, the (YES Bahamas) ads you can count them, every night there are five or six during a broadcast.”

“We’re watching daily as the Auditor General reveals the misuse of public funds,” he said. “The Prime Minister is adding to that travesty: who knows, perhaps to secure the next election. I don’t know what his motivations are, I just don’t know.”

The YES campaign is being funded by the government; however, its budget has not been made public.

The Save Our Bahamas Committee is urging Bahamians to vote no to the fourth constitutional amendment, which seeks to remove discrimination based on sex. The group, which staunchly opposed the 2013 gambling referendum, is adamant that the bill was part of a “diabolical” plot to allow for samesex marriage.

Save Our Bahamas consists of Mario Moxey, senior pastor of Bahamas Harvest Church; Pastor Bethel, of Grace Community Church; Minister Kevin Harris; Alfred Stewart, senior pastor at New Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church; and Geoffrey Wood, senior pastor of Temple Baptist Church.

Pastor Bethel yesterday made a public appeal for donations as the groups has been self-funding the campaign to date. Cheques can be made out to Save

Our Bahamas and dropped off at any of the member churches.

“We want to encourage them,” he said, “if they do not want the matter of same-sex marriage snuck under the radar on us. If they feel they are being treated unfairly, that the government is acting inappropriate, come and support us.”

On Wednesday, Minis-

mians from doing the right thing in support of equality for all Bahamians under the law.

“Some Bahamians have in the public discussion of the amendment bills, expressed support for the principle of equality before the law or all Bahamians, both male and female, but they feel compelled to vote ‘no’ because of the benefits that will be afforded to persons who are not Bahamians at birth by a ‘yes’ vote,” Archbishop Gomez said.

“In fact, these persons are being motivated by a fear of foreigners which clouds their reasoning. In the first place, since 1973 the foreign wives of Bahamian males have received citizenship and have been eligible to hold political office. This eligibility has not created any social dislocation.... there is an obvious,

unfortunate need for the general public to be reminded about the sterling contributions made by so many non-Bahamian born persons to the development of the Bahamas especially in the areas of education, the judiciary, law enforcement, sports, religion, and commerce.”

Archbishop Gomez also urged Bahamian men to “study the facts and be guided by your conscience and not be influenced by any extraneous factors.”

“Please note that if you vote ‘no’ you will be telling the world that you are happy and content to be the recipient of certain constitutional rights while your Bahamian sister is denied these same rights under identical circumstances,” he said.

“Surely, your conscience should lead you to recognise that such a position is

LYALL BETHEL, pastor at Grace Community Church. ter of National Security Dr Bernard Nottage announced that the symbols for the yes and no vote would be the scales of justice and a gate respectively.

Pastor Bethel said it was clear that the government was trying to subtly suggest that the YES campaign was seeking to balance the scales of justice, while the no campaign was closing

the gates on forward progress. However, he said the symbol would be wellreceived as a rallying point for the vote no campaign members, who consider themselves the moral gatekeepers of the country.

Pastor Bethel said: “The PM has acted falsely on two referendums. First he voted yes in Parliament for the gender equality referendum and then went out and cam-

paigned no, the gambling referendum is the second time,” he said. “Now one gets the impression he’s acting falsely for the third time. He needs to listen to those voices; they may not want to hear but play fair.

Whether he does or not we’re prepared to raise the money and it will only make the defeat of his bills all the more painful for him,” he added.

the law simply because they are female.”

Last month, the Save Our Bahamas committee, made up of a group of pastors, launched a campaign against the fourth bill.

The group is urging people to vote “no” to question four in the June 7 gender equality referendum.

The committee has called on the electorate to “vote their conscience” on bills one, two and three; but urged voters against being duped by the government’s “diabolical” plot to allow for same-sex marriage

under the guise of gender equality.

The committee said it was convinced, given the precedent set in other countries, that the fourth bill would open the door to legalising same-sex marriage in The Bahamas despite the government’s continued assurance that it would not.

The fourth bill seeks to end discrimination based on sex, which has been defined as being male or female. The other three bills deal with matters of citizenship.

‘STOP USING SAME-SEX SCARE TACTICS’

from page one

status as ‘male’ or ‘female’ is determined at birth. Consequently, well-thinking Bahamians must conclude that the obvious fear of same-sex marriage in The Bahamas as expressed by these church leaders is both unfounded in Bahamian law and in logical factual reading,” Archbishop Gomez said.

“Indeed, these church leaders are in my opinion obliged to present the Bahamian populace with an unequivocal legal path that leads from amendment four to the passage of legislation authorising same-sex marriages. Suspicions and fears are no substitute for legal evidence to support their claim.”

Archbishop Gomez also said the “fear of foreigners” should not prevent Baha-

LABOUR MINISTER PAYS TRIBUTE AFTER NELERINE HARDING DIES

NELERENE Harding, a veteran of the labour movement in the Bahamas for more than 30 years and president of the Airport, Airline and Allied Workers Union (AAAWU), has died. She was 52.

Shane Gibson, the Minister of Labour, paid tribute to Ms Harding yesterday as “one of the stalwarts of the labour movement” and “a role model for young and aspiring trade unionists”.

“Ms Harding served with distinction in the labour movement for over 30 years, and worked in many capacities in the AAAWU eventually rising to the post of President, the position she held at the time of her death,” Mr Gibson said in a statement. The AAAWU represents non-managerial workers of Bahamasair and Nassau Flight Services.

Mr Gibson said he had met Ms Harding, a Long Islander, in the early 1980s when he served as a shop steward in the Bahamas Communications and Public Officers Union.

“My respect for her abilities as a Trade Unionist was solidified when we both served as executives in the

National Congress of Trade in employee benefits with Unions of The Bahamas particular emphasis on penwhere she rose to the posi- sion and medical plans. In tion of Third Vice-Presi- fact, she served as a Master dent,” he said.

Trustee of the International “Additionally, she was a Benefits Association, an past member of the Board international association of Directors of the Nation- which deals with employee al Workers Co-operative benefits and pensions.

Credit Union.

“Nelerene Harding was a “Not one to rest on her role model for young and aslaurels, Ms Harding sharp- piring trade unionists – she ened her skills when she was skilled, knowledgeable represented The Bahamas and unwavering in her purin many training work- suit of rights for the workers shops held internationally. she served selflessly.”

She used her knowledge for the benefit of the worker.

Her latest feat was to conclude and sign an Industrial Agreement for the nonmanagement employees of Bahamasair. She was a viFriday, 13th May 2016 sionary leader, specialising

"Quick start, engine running strong, smooth ride? It's probably 'Castrol' in your engine... nothing to do with luck, whatever day it is!"

“QUOTE OF THE DAY” Distributed By

BAY STREET GARAGE Dowdeswell Street

322-2434 • 322-2082

unfair and unjust.”

He also warned Bahamian women that a “no” vote is a vote “against your own self-interest.”

“In so doing, you will be depriving yourself of the legal right to equality before the law. If you are not sufficiently concerned about your own status before the law, I urge you to give serious consideration to the status of your children with special reference to your female children who will, by your ‘no’ vote, continue to be discriminated against and denied equality under

PAGE 4, Friday, May 13, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

The Tribune Limited A QC’s view on question 4 NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI “Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”

LEON E. H. DUPUCH,

Publisher/Editor 1903-1914

SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH,

Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt .

Publisher/Editor 1919-1972 Contributing Editor 1972-1991

EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON,

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

Published daily Monday to Friday

Shirley & Deveaux Streets, Nassau, Bahamas N3207 TELEPHONES

News & General Information (242) 322-1986 Advertising Manager (242) 502-2394 Circulation Department (242) 502-2386 Nassau fax (242) 328-2398 Freeport, Grand Bahama (242)-352-6608 Freeport fax (242) 352-9348 WEBSITE, TWITTER & FACEBOOK www.tribune242.com

@tribune242

tribune news network

UN paints bleak picture of stagnating world economy UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The United Nations lowered its forecast for the world economy on Thursday, painting a bleak picture of stagnating growth with little prospect for a turnaround this year.

The UN report on the World Economic Situation and Prospects as of mid-2016 forecasts overall global growth of just 2.4 per cent this year, the same as last year. It represents a significant drop from the 2.9 per cent growth the UN forecast for this year in its report last December.

“The bleak state of the world economy clearly poses significant challenges for member states around the world,” Assistant Secretary-General Lenni Montiel told a news conference launching the report.

He said forecasts for many countries in Africa and Latin America as well as for Russia and many of the former Soviet republics have been revised downward over the past few months.

The report blames a host of factors for this year’s lackluster economic prospects including persistent weak demand in the major economies which remains a drag on global growth, the low price of oil and other commodities which are hurting exporting countries, severe weather-related shocks especially severe drought related to El Nino, political challenges, and large capital outflows in many developing regions.

Dawn Holland, a senior economist in the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, said the 2.4 per cent growth predicted for this year is 1 per cent lower than the average annual rate of growth of 3.4 per cent in the decade leading up to the global financial crisis in 2008 and 2009. It reflects the weak global economy for most of the last decade, she said.

For 2017, Monteil said, “the global economy is projected to expand by 2.8 per cent, marking a very modest improvement — and possibly reflecting the downturn bottoming out in some emerging economies”.

But he stressed that for the world economy to grow it needs increased investment and greater fiscal stimulus coordinated by the major economies who have relied for too long only on monetary stimulus like interest rates.

Holland said so far there are no proposals for co-ordinated fiscal stimulus measures, but the issue will be discussed at the upcoming summit of the Group of Seven major industrial powers in Japan

on May 26-27.

The report highlights the prolonged economic downturns in Brazil and Russia, both with significant regional spillovers.

In Russia, GDP is forecast to contract by 1.9 per cent in 2016 due to fiscal tightening, further declines in private consumption and investment, and continuing international sanctions, it said.

In Brazil, where President Dilma Rousseff is facing impeachment, the UN is projecting that the economy will contract by 3.4 per cent this year, reflecting the deepening political crisis, rising inflation, a surging fiscal deficit and high interest rates.

The world’s poorest countries are expected to grow by 4.8 per cent in 2016 and 5.5 per cent in 2017 but the report stressed that these figures are far below the UN target of at least 7.7 per cent growth needed to increase spending on health care, education and measures to combat climate change.

The rich developed countries are not expected to see an improvement in GDP over last year, and in the United States the UN is predicting a drop in growth from 2.4 per cent in 2015 to 2.2 per cent this year due to weak business investment and low exports. Next year, the US economy is forecast to rise slightly to 2.5 per cent.

The report said “economic growth in Africa continues to lose momentum, as it is buffeted by global, regional and internal headwinds.” GDP growth for the continent slowed to 3 per cent last year and is expected to weaken more this year to 2.8 per cent though east Africa is expected to see 6.1 per cent growth.

Latin America and the Caribbean are expected to see the region’s economies contract by 0.6 per cent for the second straight year, according to the report.

Holland said this would be the first two-year contraction since the debt crisis of 1982-83. She cited high inflation, high interest rates, rising unemployment, rising fiscal deficits “and a loss in confidence which is holding back investment” in some South American countries.

On a positive note, east Asia is projected to see 5.5 per cent economic growth this year, with China’s economy forecast to grow by 6.4 per cent in 2016 and 6.5 per cent in 2017, in line with government targets, the report said.

By Edith M. Lederer of the Associated Press

jrolle@tribunemedia.net

EDITOR, The Tribune.

I SHOULD be most grateful if you would be so kind as to afford me a little space in your most valuable publication to posit my humble views on some of the issues that are being ventilated in connection with the upcoming referendum, and in particular Bill Number 4 which seems to attract the lion’s share of attention.

That Bill substantively seeks to add the word “sex” in the definition of the expression “discriminatory” at the end of the list of descriptions of persons who may not be subjected to different treatment on the basis of such description. The Bill also defines sex as male or female.

There is, for some reason, a great concern, apparently quite genuinely held by many people that the passing of this Bill in the referendum will open the door for same sex marriages in this country.

In my opinion, this view is wholly misconceived for the following reasons: The fundamental rights provisions of The Constitution do not confer any rights on anyone but instead they recognise that every person in The Bahamas is entitled to such rights [Article 15]. As far back as 1967, the Privy Council in an appeal from Jamaica held that Chapter III of The Constitution of Jamaica, which is in similar terms as our constitution, “proceeds on the presumption that the fundamental rights which it covers are already secured to the people of Jamaica by existing law.

The laws in force are not to be subject to scrutiny in order to see whether or not they conform to the precise terms of the protective provisions. The object of these provisions is to ensure that no future enactment shall in any matter which the chapter covers derogate from the rights which at the coming into force of the Constitution the individual enjoyed.”

In the case of Boyce and Joseph v The Queen, which was a Privy Council appeal from Barbados, Lord Hoffman delivering the majority decision of the Board said the following about the constitution of Barbados: “13. Among the entrenched provisions was Chapter III, headed “Protection of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms of the Individual”.

This chapter began (in section 11) with a declaration that “every person in Barbados is entitled to the fundamental rights and freedom of the individual” including “life, liberty and the security of the person” and a list of other human rights familiar from international human rights instruments starting with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1948. Section 11 went on to say that the following provisions to Chapter III were to have effect for “affording protection to those rights and freedoms.

14. Section 12 to 23 then set out in detail the extent of the protection which the constitution afforded to the specified rights and freedoms, together with limitations “designed to ensure that the enjoyment of the said rights and freedoms by any individual does not prejudice the rights and

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net freedoms of others or the public interest.” The drafting of these sections was strongly influenced by the terms of the European Convention of Human Rights.”

In paragraph 15, the Board opined that the European Convention on Human Rights had in fact applied in Barbados while it was a colony. In 1953, the United Kingdom government made a declaration pursuant to the convention extending its application to Barbados and its other colonies, the opinion also states that the Convention bound the United Kingdom in respect of its government of Barbados, only as a matter of international law. But as Chapter III of the Constitution was part of the Supreme Law of Barbados the rights which it protected took priority over all other laws.

As we know, The Bahamas, like Jamaica and Barbados, was a colony of the United Kingdom until its independence in 1973 and our Constitution is in similar if not identical terms to those of Barbados and Jamaica, in fact Article 15 of our Constitution is identical to section 11 of the Barbados Constitution. It is apparent therefore that everything that was said about the Constitution of Barbados applies to our Constitution.

It means that all of the rights which were provided for by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the European Covenant on Human Rights were applicable to persons in The Bahamas before the Constitution of 1963 came into force. They continue to be in force under subsequent Constitutions including the Independence Constitution.

Prior to the coming into force of the Constitution, those rights could have been abolished by an Act of Parliament as there was no protection for the same.

The tail piece of Article 15 of our Constitution states: “The subsequent provisions of this Chapter shall have effect for the purpose of affording protection to the aforesaid rights and freedoms subject to such limitations of that protection as are contained in those provisions, being limitations designed to ensure that the enjoyment of the said rights and freedoms by any individual does not prejudice the rights and freedoms of others or the public interest.”

Those subsequent provisions begin at Article 16 and end at Article 27 with each Article addressing the protection of a different right or set of rights.

Article 26 Addresses the “protection from discrimination on the grounds of race etc.” and it states: “(1). Subject to the provisions of paragraphs (4), (5) and (9) of this Article, no law shall make any provision which is discriminatory either of itself or in its effect.

(2) Subject to the provisions of paragraphs (6), (9) and (10) of this Article, no person shall be treated in a discriminatory manner by any person acting by virtue of any written law or in the performance of the function of any public office or any public authority.”

Paragraph 3 defines the word “discriminatory” which appears in both paragraphs 1 and 2 as “affording different treatment to dif-

ferent person attributable wholly or mainly to their respective descriptions by race, place of origin, political opinions, colour or creed whereby person of one such description are subjected to disabilities or restrictions to which person of another such description are not made subject or are accorded privileges or advantages which are not accorded to persons of another such description.”

Paragraph (4) is of supreme importance in the context of the present discussion. It states as follows: “Paragraph (1) of this Article shall not apply to any law so far as it makes provisions(c) with respect to adoption, marriage, divorce, burial, devolution of property on death or other matters of personal law”.

What then is the effect of paragraph (4) (c)?

In my humble opinion, the effect is that there is no constitutional protection in respect to marriage and divorce and other matters of personal law so that an Act of Parliament relating to marriage and divorce which is alleged to be discriminatory as that word is defined could not be struck down by the court on the ground that it offends Article 26 (1) because paragraph (4) (c) states very clearly that paragraph (1) does not apply to marriage and divorce.

Section 21 of the Matrimonial Causes Act provides that a marriage shall be void where the parties are not respectively male and female, and this cannot be challenged on the basis that it violates Article 26 of the constitution by virtue of paragraph 4 (c).

Assuming, therefore, that the political directorate has an agenda to legalise same sex marriages, it plainly cannot achieve that end by bringing within the protective regime of Article 26 discrimination on the basis of sex and defining that term as male or female simply because as shown above, matters concerning marriage are not themselves within that protective regime. In order for any such agenda to be realised in this country, it would be necessary to either amend the Matrimonial Causes Act to validate such marriages or the Constitution by removing Article 26 (4) (c), which can only be achieved by a Bill that passes with a three quarters majority in each House and in addition the majority of voters in a referendum.

As indicated above, at present, whilst the freedom from discrimination on the basis of sex is a right to which every person in the Bahamas is entitled, that right is not protected by the Constitution which is declared by Article 2 to be the Supreme law. Subject to the provisions of the Constitution if any other law is inconsistent with it the Constitution shall prevail and the other law shall be void to the extent of the inconsistency, as Article 26 (1) does not apply to such right. The proposed amendments will correct this anomaly. That is all that it can and would do.

I sincerely hope that this letter may bring a modicum of clarity to this most important issue in the history of our young nation.

THOMAS A E EVANS, QC Nassau, May 11, 2016.

Unstoppable

EDITOR, The Tribune.

I MUST say I was initially apprehensive and unsure. It felt like a political meeting because how can you separate Mr Michael Pintard’s message from the message of the FNM. However, upon arrival, I was pleasantly surprised by the set up and attention to detail. Not only was his speech moving, but the video presentation and decor of the room spoke to a man who was serious about

delivering his presentation and message to an attentive audience. The two coincided beautifully leaving me feeling, hot, as there was a problem with the air conditioning in the room, and inspired.

Mr Pintard pointed to so many notions that we all know to be true but painted those images with illustration that drove the point home for me.

Being a first time voter with several degrees, it was a refreshing brand of political messaging, as I see the op-

position as largely fearful of the big bad PLP who seem to have no issues in bending or breaking the law to accomplish its end...the retaining of power and whatever access that entails.

I sure hope this is a first of many to come and others jump on the bandwagon to take their message on the road directly to the people and make this change UNSTOPPABLE. M McPHEE Nassau, May 12, 2016.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, May 13, 2016, PAGE 5

Judge confident emails will not be disclosed while matter before court

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

JUSTICE Indra Charles expressed confidence yesterday that House Speaker Dr Kendal Major would not allow further disclosure and dissemination of private emails in Parliament while a constitutional matter is before the Supreme Court.

Justice Charles also stressed that the “status quo” of her previous injunction order remains in place until the constitutional motion is heard on May 18 concerning whether parliamentarians can use their privilege to disclose confidential information of private citizens.

Last month, the judge granted an injunction to Save the Bays (STB) that bars parliamentarians from accessing or making public the personal information of the non-profit organisation.

In late April, Marathon MP Jerome Fitzgerald moved a resolution in the House of Assembly to determine whether Justice Charles, STB Legal Director Fred Smith, QC, and lawyer Ferron Bethell should be held in contempt of the House of Assembly.

Justice Charles’ decision set off a debate about separation of powers between the judiciary and the legislature, with Dr Major insisting that a judge cannot dictate the behaviour of legislators in the House of Assembly.

However, Dr Major on Monday stated that parliamentarians should not seek to call judges before Parliament to answer for their rulings and urged members of the House Committee on Privilege not to pursue “unchartered territory.”

In what was to be a substantive hearing on the constitutional application of the plaintiffs, the judge was informed that neither side

had come to an agreement.

“I have good news and bad news. We have an agreement on something but not everything,” Mr Smith said.

He noted that there was an agreement to allow for the applicants/plaintiffs to amend the originating notice of motion to include Article 20 of the Constitution among the others referred to in the document.

“My (learned) friends are considering whether or not to make discovery (of private information). If consent cannot be achieved, we’d like a hearing date,” Mr Smith added.

Addressing the matter of the current injunction against the respondents, Mr Smith said: “We’ve not been able to agree to either an extension of the injunction or a form of conservatory order.”

“As I understand (Dr Major) has taken certain necessary steps?” Justice Charles said, seeking confirmation.

Mr Smith said notwithstanding this, he and the remaining applicants would prefer to receive an undertaking from the respondents as “the Speaker’s ruling does not protect the applicant as much as the injunction.”

“It doesn’t prevent disclosure and discussions without the tabling. It’s conditional and it doesn’t prevent the Speaker from changing his mind,” Mr Smith said, stressing that he intended no disrespect for the House of Assembly’s head.

Mr Smith urged the court to recall that Dr Major was not present in the House when the emails were introduced and the deputy speaker allowed documents to be tabled and discussed, leading to the present action.

“Don’t you think in light of what has transpired since I granted the injunction, we must have confidence in the

Speaker and Deputy Speaker? Let’s give them the benefit of the doubt. You can always return to the court, no?” Justice Charles said.

The plaintiff said it was not as simple as that because irreparable damage was done by the disclosure of private client-attorney information.

“I don’t want a situation where the Speaker allows them or others to read our emails again,” Mr Smith stressed.

Justice Charles said the Speaker has given the order that parliamentarians should not continue similar action going forward.

Mr Smith said the latest move amounted to the respondents attempting to intimidate the plaintiffs and the court from hearing the constitutional matter.

He referred the court to the case authority of MP Mark Brantley vs St Kitts Speaker Curtis Martin (2013) where the Privy Council determined that normally the court has no right to dabble in the affairs of Parliament except in the over-riding supremacy of the constitution.

Mr Smith stressed that this case determined that it was unconstitutional to deny a plaintiff access to the high court to seek protection of his constitutional rights.

He suggested that the respondents in the matter, since the injunction, have been “speaking with a forked tongue.”

He added: “If my (learned) friends cannot give a simple undertaking, then I’ll argue the motion right now. Is the Constitution the supreme law or the land or is it Parliament?”

Dr Lloyd Barnett, who appeared for the respondents, said if the plaintiffs intended to argue the motion, they would have to withdraw applications for discovery.

Dr Barnett also said he

SUPREME Court Justice Indra Charles. would need time to review (are) abusing powers in other places and saying no one submissions and bundles.

The Crown respondent can hold them accountable.”

“Fairness dictates that also stressed that “nobody expected a trial (hearing) the status quo remain in place,” he added. today.”

Justice Charles later told He suggested that the other side had not done the the court that she has “great preparatory steps needed to confidence” in the Speaker and Deputy Speaker “that have the hearing.

Justice Charles admitted they will do the right thing,” that she had expected an stressing that the “status agreement to be made be- quo” of her previous order tween the two sides prior remains in place until the to the hearing “but that fell constitutional motion is heard on May 18. apart.”

The applicants in the The judge said she was prepared to leave it to the matter are the Coalition to Speaker of the House, but Protect Clifton Bay (Save was concerned that other The Bays); Zachary Bacon, things were transpiring dur- the brother of hedge fund billionaire Louis Bacon, a ing an open case.

Mr Smith said: “People resident of Lyford Cay, Mr

RBC Royal Bank (Bahamas) Limited is presently considering applications for a

ELECTRICIAN ACCUSED OF PART IN BTC BREAK-IN

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

AN electrician denied having any involvement in the recent break-in and robbery at the Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s JFK location.

Kevin Morris Sands, 25, of New Hope Drive appeared before Magistrate Andrew Forbes to face charges of shop breaking and stealing from a shop concerning the controversial robbery of the RND Plaza store.

It is alleged that Sands, sometime between April

28 and 29, broke into BTC with the intent to steal.

It is then alleged that he being concerned with others, stole $10,023.44 in cash, $9,098.76 in cheques, 50 mobile phones and devices valued at $1,580.50 and a steel safe valued at $2,000, all property of BTC. The same allegations were brought against Royal Bahamas Defence Force officer Darien Miller, 32, and his girlfriend, 25-year-old Stephenique Jones a week ago in Magistrate’s Court.

They both pleaded not guilty to those charges.

At his arraignment yesterday, Sands also pleaded

not guilty to the charges and was remanded to prison until July 4 when he stands trial.

Two former police officers, constables Ricardo Henry Bain and Herman Lawrence Pinder, were dispatched to investigate the break-in, but instead helped themselves to the three phones which they stuffed in their chest area. The alleged theft was captured on the store’s hidden camera.

Both former constables, who pleaded guilty at an earlier arraignment, have been ordered to pay a fine of $3,000 or spend 18 months at the Department

AMERICAN ADMITS FAILING TO DISCLOSE FIREARM POSSESSION

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

AN American man who admitted yesterday that he failed to disclose that he was carrying an Austrian Glock pistol while travelling within The Bahamas was fined $20,000 by a magistrate.

James Goff, 63, and Jasmine Diaz, 41, both of Miami, Florida, appeared before Magistrate Andrew Forbes each facing a count of possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of ammunition.

While Diaz pleaded not guilty to both charges, Goff admitted that he was illegally in possession of the .40 pistol and nine rounds of .40 bullets for the handgun on May 10.

Police prosecutor Supt Ercell Dorsett told the magistrate that Goff came to Bimini by a private aircraft before sailing his boat to Grand Bahama. Goff left the boat in Grand Bahama before booking a commercial flight to Bimini.

Goff’s luggage was scanned and the weapon was found in a cooler contained in the bag.

When interviewed by police, he acknowledged the weapon was his, the prosecutor said.

Magistrate Forbes asked Goff if he agreed with the facts. The accused said he did and was formerly convicted.

His lawyer, Carlson Shurland, noted that Goff had been visiting The Bahamas since he was 13 years old.

“It’s almost as if it’s his home, except he doesn’t have citizenship or residency,” Mr Shurland noted.

His client, he added, was a successful builder with a concrete production company that had been operating since 1974.

Goff, he said, did not want to leave his personal belonging on the boat.

“It shouldn’t have come in the first place,” the lawyer said.

Mr Shurland stressed that his client has a number of medical ailments, including

hypertension and that this case did not require a custodial sentence.

Magistrate Forbes, in response, expressed concern at the actions of Goff whom he said should have known better given his frequent travels to the country.

He said The Bahamas had been plagued by violence due to the prevalence of firearms and “those firearms are not manufactured here”.

“However, in this case, the circumstances suggests you had no intention to use the firearm for nefarious purposes,” the magistrate added.

He fined Goff $15,000 for possession of the firearm and another $5,000 for the bullets. Failure to pay the $20,000 will result in two years in jail at the Department of Correctional Services.

The magistrate stressed to Goff’s lawyer that he would not be released until the fine was paid.

The weapon and ammunition was confiscated and Diaz was discharged.

Smith and Mr Bethell.

Dr Barnett, Loren Klein, Darcell Smith-Williamson and Hyacinth Smith appeared for Mr Fitzgerald, Fox Hill MP Fred Mitchell (2nd respondent) and Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson (3rd respondent).

Dawson Malone and Adrian Gibson appeared with Mr Smith while Camille Cleare appeared with Mr Bethell.

CONTRACT TECHNOLOGY BRANCH MANAGER LONG ISLAND BRANCH SUPPORT OFFICER Qualifications/Experience

• Bachelor in IT or equivalent programme • MSCE or equivalent training would be an asset • 2 years experience with computers within a LAN/WAN environment • Knowledge of IT Infrastructures (Servers, Operating Systems, Desktop Support etc.)

• Experience in Banking and Bank Operations will be considered an asset

Critical Skills

• Good oral and written communication • Proven trouble-shooting skills • Team Work & Cooperation • Results Oriented • Customer Relationship skills

Key Responsibilities

• Provides in-market physical infrastructure support e.g. installing/configuring new switches/routers, servers • Responsible for incident management and escalation process flow for desktop environment, including telephony; servers/network systems, and electronic banking • Manages end-user hardware program and deployment of new peripheral equipment • Ensures that all technical support and maintenance are performed • Coordinates activities such as backup, offs-site storage, report and statement generation *This role will be required to work shifts and weekends A competitive compensation package (base salary & bonus) will be commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications.

Interested persons should apply by May 19, 2016 and follow the steps below: • • • •

Go to jobs.rbc.com Type Bahamas in the search by location box Then select Search Jobs Select the role you wish to apply for

PAGE 6, Friday, May 13, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

TWO TEENS ACCUSED OF STABBING MAN TO DEATH

from page one

In another matter, a third suspect was arraigned in Magistrate’s Court yesterday accused of plotting the death of a man who was found lifeless in a car.

Ramon Sweeting, 37, of Coral Harbour appeared

before Magistrate Andrew Forbes facing a charge of conspiracy to commit murder under Section 89 (2) of the Penal Code, Chapter 84.

It is alleged that he, being concerned with others between April 30 and May 1, conspired to murder Oneil Marshall.

Shortly after midnight on Sunday, May 1, police were on mobile patrol when they saw smoke coming from a vehicle in the parking lot of the old City Meat Market building located off Market Street north, according to initial police reports.

Police examined the vehicle and found the body of

LAWYER WARNS CABBAGE BEACH DISPUTE IS ‘FAR FROM OVER’ from page one On May 5, Justice Turner sided with Access Industries, the landowners, over a dispute about whether vendors had a right to traverse the easement in question to get to the beach.

Justice Turner acceded to a position put forward by legal counsel for Access Industries suggesting that the association did not hold the legal position to file an injunction or block the property’s owners from restricting vendors.

Access Industries insisted that the association did not have the right to exist because vendors were not employees hired by property owners but each operator was individually contracted to provide a service. Access Industries further charged that those vendors signed agreements giving the property owners the right to cancel the contracts at any time.

“Our position at this stage is that the matter is far from over,” Mr Moultrie said when contacted yesterday.

“The independent business owners of the Cabbage Beach Business Owner’s Association, they have a right to bring their individual action because they are all licensed by the Bahamas government to conduct business on Cabbage Beach.”

Mr Moultrie added: “We can-

an adult male with gunshot wounds. The victim, later identified as Marshall, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Jamaric Green, 30, and Caryn Moss, 25, were previously arraigned on the same charge concerning the incident.

As he did to Green and

from page one

not say exactly how we’re going to proceed because we need to know his (Justice Turner’s) reasoning, in terms of whether we should appeal it, whether we should just abandon that course of action, or whether we should initiate new actions individually.”

In 2014, ownership of the Cabbage Beach property was transferred from Atlantis – owned by Brookfield Asset Management – to a subsidiary of Access Industries, the One&Only Ocean Club. Prior to the sale of the property, Atlantis had allowed access to the beach via an easement through their private property; however, the company had petitioned the government on several occasions to address the vendor operation at the beach.

In December 2015, the vendors’ association filed an injunction in the Supreme Court to prevent Access Industries from restricting access by way of the easement. Subsequently, a 30-day injunction was put in place. Further applications were made to get that injunction extended, but motions were eventually denied, allowing Access Industries the leeway to erect a fence to restrict access to the beach atop its property. The day after some vendors protested the fence was taken down.

The FNM insiders, who spoke to The Tribune on the condition of anonymity, pointed to a recent controversy sparked by the senator. They also called on the party not to nominate her to run in the next general election.

The FNM sources also questioned Senator Rolle’s authority to carry out “internal brokering,” describing her as “power hungry”.

The controversy stems from a recent meeting between Mrs Rolle and political hopeful Lincoln Bain where they both discussed their political aspirations and members of the FNM. One insider said: “Who does she think she is? Brokering deals, informing people that they won’t be afforded party nominations and divulging the alleged mindset of the leader?

“She must be made to step down from the Senate and not even be among the options for the Free National Movement as the party focuses on winning the 2017 election.

Something must be done.”

Another source told this newspaper: “One does have to question whether there is any truth to her supposed claims. Apparently she has said Dr Minnis has intentionally held off on ratifying MPs. Not one single MP has been ratified, it doesn’t auger well.”

“There are many of us in the party who still cannot figure out why she was even appointed to the Senate in the first place,” another insider said.

“If the leader does not see now

Moss at an earlier arraignment, Magistrate Forbes told Sweeting he was not required to enter a plea to the allegation until the matter is transferred to the Supreme Court by way of a voluntary bill of indictment.

The presentation of the indictment is scheduled for June 21.

FNM MEMBERS more than ever that he should remove her, considering she was just in the spotlight a few months ago speaking of the Long Island MP and the other parliamentarians, then Dr Minnis should go too. He has poor judgment and cannot lead.”

On Wednesday, party insiders told The Tribune that opposition MPs were “up in arms” over statements that were reportedly made

by Mrs Rolle during the meeting in question with Mr Bain. During this meeting it was alleged by Mrs Rolle that Dr Minnis had purposefully delayed ratifying the incumbent MPs. The sources who contacted this newspaper expressed anger over this assertion and accused the senator of “traipsing around conducting party business as though she is an authoritative figure” within the organisation.

At this meeting Senator Rolle informed Mr Bain that the party decided not to offer him a nomination for the Pinewood Gardens constituency, this newspaper was informed. The revelation was “a surprise” to Mr Bain, an FNM source claimed.

Senator Rolle further “railroaded” the opposition parliamentary team, the source said, accusing them of not being concerned with serving Bahamians, but only with fulfilling their personal interests.

However, the main focus of her tirade, sources said, was Long Is-

Sweeting was denied bail in the interim, but was informed of his right to apply to the Supreme Court for pre-trial release.

He was remanded to the Department of Correctional Services in the interim.

Sweeting is represented by attorney Jomo Campbell.

land MP Loretta Butler-Turner whom she insisted is unfit to lead and has not proven herself.

She pointed to Mrs Butler-Turner’s tenure during the previous Ingraham administration as minister of state for social development, suggesting the MP was only handed the junior Cabinet appointment because the party could not do better.

This matter, The Tribune was reliably informed, is at the heart of an internal investigation underway in the party and has stirred up another round of controversy and contention within the organisation.

The probe is being handled by party Chairman Sidney Collie.

Mr Bain confirmed to this newspaper on Tuesday that he was called into a meeting with Mr Collie to discuss the matter.

He added that he also observed Senator Rolle meeting with other party executives. However, he was tight-lipped over what sparked the meetings. Senator Rolle was embroiled in controversy earlier this year after she called a radio show in January and criticised Mrs Butler-Turner and other FNM members of Parliament.

She accused sitting FNM MPs of being “jealous” of the party leader and said Mrs Butler-Turner, Dr Minnis’ former rival for leadership, would not have the support of voters over Prime Minister Perry Christie.

After she was criticised by members of her party, in March Mrs Rolle finally publicly apologised for her remarks.

LGBT COMMUNITY SLAMS ‘IGNORANT’ DEPUTY PM

from page one

it,” he said, “sex means male or female. However we may cut ourselves, slice ourselves, how an orientation or wanting to be other than ourselves, it wouldn’t change us from being what we are. If you are a male, you are a male. If you are a female, you’re a female.

“If you cut it, it don’t make you a woman. If you slice it or add to it, it don’t make you a man. And that’s the end of it,” Mr Davis added.

His comments thrust him into a debate about the nature of sex and gender in which many government figures have so far avoided,

preferring instead to just emphasise that the upcoming referendum doesn’t concern the LGBT community and its own fight for equality.

Erin Greene, human rights activist, was particularly critical of Mr Davis.

“The deputy prime minister’s comments were disrespectful, flippant and suggests that he is not entirely certain of what his function is,” she said. “He manifests he is unaware of his function as minister of works and his obligation as MP and representative of the state and its citizens.”

Ms Greene said the comments were likely a part of the government’s attempt to distance itself from the

LGBT community “to save a failed referendum process.”

“Unfortunately he is just compounding the various issues,” she said.

“There is definitely been an uptick in violence (against the LGBT community) which I believe is directly related to the discourse surrounding the referendum,” she added.

“The increase in violent discourse on social media is not solely about increased visibility, but a combination of that and the perpetuation of the idea that visibility means pushing a political agenda.”

Nonetheless, she said she’s also seen an uptick in support for the LGBT community by some Baha-

mians.

“Over the last 15 years we’ve seen tremendous growth in terms of the country’s understanding of its obligation to its citizens,” she said. “We’ve seen a progressive movement in terms of understanding human rights and human rights principles. We would like to encourage all political, religious and social leaders to acknowledge their roles as leaders and to measure their speech and to be careful when they speak that they are not engaging in hate speech or perpetuating an already dangerous environment for LGBT people specifically and for all vulnerable people in general.”

Alexus D’Marco, head of Bahamas Transgender In-

tersex United (BTIU), told The Tribune yesterday that Mr Davis’ statements are a set back for her community.

“However, through education, knowledge and awareness, we will get information to them,” she added. “The fact of the matter is they really don’t know and through the education that we’re going to provide to them, they’re going to sit and listen and engage with us, so maybe they can be able to speak on these things. I’m willing to engage with any level of government and department clarifying the issues relating to the LGBT community, including transgenders, as to who they are and the problems they face in their daily lives, what a

transgender person means in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas and so forth.

Most people don’t understand that there is a difference between one’s sexual orientation and one’s gender identity. At the end of the day they’re all human beings.”

The government will hold a constitutional referendum on June 7, which seeks to end gender discrimination.

Four questions will be on the ballot, however some people fear that the fourth, which deals with discrimination based on sex would inadvertently lead to samesex marriage. The government has denied this, saying sex refers to being male or female, not one’s sexual orientation.

PLP CHAIRMAN: EXPLAIN HOW ROAD TRAFFIC LOST MILLIONS

from page one

On Monday, Mr Bastian’s report was tabled in the House of Assembly.

It said that if a forecast was performed based on the total number of li-

cence plates produced and issued, approximately 374,000 plates, to the public as of June 30, 2015, one would estimate that the motor vehicle licence revenue should be at a minimum of $73m (374,000 x $195) instead of the re-

ported average of $26m per annum.

According to The Tribune’s calculations, that represents a revenue difference of $47 million.

If the approximate number of 374,000 plates was reduced by 50 per cent, the report said, there would still be an estimated loss of $10m as compared to the actual recorded revenue noted herein.

The audit of the department covered the period July 1, 2012, to June 30, 2015.

“I call on the Office of the Auditor General to provide the public with greater clarity on the criterion used to arrive at the huge figure of $47 million in operating losses due to ‘a severe lack or order’ at the department among other cited deficiencies. I am of the view that in light of the huge losses incurred at the department that this matter must be turned over to the police for a full investigation and let the chips fall where they may,” Mr Roberts said in statement.

“The Bahamian taxpayer deserves that much because after all, the losses incurred were tax dollars and more importantly, public confidence in our public institutions is at stake here.”

Mr Roberts also criticised the Free National Movement for “dodging responsibility” for operational deficiencies at the department.

“The FNM had five years in their last term to clean up this mess and did not see their way to doing so

in the public interest. As a matter of fact the very same automation project that Glenys Hanna-Martin is currently executing was cancelled by the last FNM administration for unknown and undisclosed reasons but now Dr Hubert Minnis and Loretta ButlerTurner are conveniently calling for strong action to be taken on this matter,” Mr Roberts said.

“Where were they between 2007 and 2012 when strong action needed to be taken? Wonders never cease. It took the PLP’s return to office in 2012 to decisively address these vexing issues at the department in the public’s interest.”

Yesterday, FNM Chairman Sidney Collie called on Minister of Transport and Aviation Glenys Hanna Martin to take responsibility for the losses at the department.

“Leadership is taking responsibility and finding solutions when things go wrong,” he said. “Unfortunately for Bahamians while the PLP knows a lot about self-congratulatory celebrations, they know little about true leadership. Case in point is Glenys Hanna Martin’s response to the PLP’s latest scandal . . .

“According to Mrs Hanna Martin she’s not responsible. If Mrs Hanna Martin, the substantive minister, is not responsible then this government needs to tell the people who is.

“Every day there is another scandal, and everyday another denial from the PLP,” Mr Collie noted.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, May 13, 2016, PAGE 7

TRENCH IN ROAD REPAIRED AT LAST IN SEA BREEZE

THE TRENCH at Sea Breeze dug by Cable Bahamas and left since November pictured on Monday.

SHAYNE Knowles is among a number of residents in Imperial Park and Sea Breeze frustrated by the lack of attention paid by authorities to repairing potholes in the local neighbourhood roads.

So when he saw a notice in The Tribune on Monday which highlighted how repairs had followed immediately the newspaper’s reporting of severe traffic problems caused by an open trench on East Bay Street, he decided to go to the press.

“In Imperial Park and Sea Breeze, the MP Hope Strachan has refused to answer our claims to fix the potholes,” Mr Knowles wrote. “We have agitated for over three years to fix these issues so we must go to the media.”

He said specifically that at the traffic lights by the Sea Breeze Canal by the junction of Savannah Avenue/

Charles Saunders Highway and Golf Course Road, Cable Bahamas had dug a trench across both sides of the road several months ago and left it unpaved. “It’s getting deeper and deeper every day. This trench has been this way since November 2015. We have holes in the side corners of Sea Breeze and Imperial Park that are just a disgrace. Millions on a carnival but we can’t fix a pothole. Where is the tax and VAT money going to?”

By Wednesday, the trench had been repaired.

The Tribune has been drawing attention to areas that are being neglected, unsightly, unhealthy and being ignored by the relevant authorities, whether it is potholes in the road, uncollected garbage or abandoned cars. Email fixmystreet@tribunemedia. net to let us know your issues.

THE TRENCH at Sea Breeze repaired yesterday morning.

Visitors of all backgrounds urged to attend Haitian Flag Day event

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

HAITIAN Flag Day Committee Chairman Robert Dieudonne yesterday urged Bahamians from all backgrounds to participate in this year’s Haitian Flag Day Festival, set to take place Saturday at the Botanical Gardens.

At a press conference at the restaurant Paradis des Amis on Minnie Street, Mr Dieudonne called for Bahamians, Haitians and Bahamians of Haitian descent to come out and “experience the culture, art and expression of Haiti”.

According to Mr Dieudonne, this year’s Haitian Flag Day will feature a Creole rap competition, as well as a kompa music concert with a variety of performances by bands from both the Haitian and Bahamian community. The festival will also see participation from Gazzman Couleur, a renowned kompa musician.

The festival is also slated

to feature a number of food booths providing a fusion of unique Haitian, Bahamian and Jamaican dishes. Persons attending the festival will also have opportunities to win prizes throughout the event, courtesy of the events sponsors.

“I’d say to the Bahamians, and the tourists, and Bahamians of Haitian descent and Haitian nationals living in the Bahamas who haven’t had the opportunity to really enjoy their own culture, come out and celebrate with us that day,” Mr Dieudonne said.

“It’s a celebration of Haitian culture, in the sense that you’re actually involved in it. Take this moment to celebrate with them, celebrate with us, because we’ll be there in numbers but also in true unity, in the sense that they acknowledge that they’re in The Bahamas, but they’re also acknowledging who they are.”

According to Mr Dieudonne, Haitian Flag Day honours the date of May 18,

1803, which Haitians regard as an iconic date in Haiti’s historical struggle for freedom.

He said the holiday has been celebrated in The Bahamas since 2002, when a group of Bahamians of Haitian descent wanted to “show reverence and show respect to their culture”.

However, Mr Dieudonne said what originally started as a “cultural event” at the Victory Church of the Nazarene on Minnie Street soon outgrew the walls of the church, ultimately maturing into the festival that it is today.

“It’s really a promotion of Haitian culture that’s done once a year, and so we’d like to do it in a very demonstrative way and just wait till the next year and do it again,” Mr Dieudonne said.

“It’s going to be far better in many different ways than ever than what we have done over the last 14 years.”

The festival starts at noon on Saturday.

BAHAMIAN and Haitian flags side by side at yesterday’s press conference.

THE CHAIRMAN of Haitian Flag Day Robert Dieudonne.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

DEFENDING THE NATION, DEFENDING THE ENVIRONMENT

SIXTEEN Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) Rangers have successfully completed the first phase of the Bahamas National Trust’s (BNT) Navigators Programme and their graduation took place on Saturday at the Rand Nature Centre in Freeport.

The Navigators programme is the senior level of the BNT’s Discovery Club environmental education network for young people.

It provides a more researchbased learning experience for older students with the objective of developing environmental leadership.

The 16 Rangers who graduated were Addison Bethel, Alexander Demeritte Jr, Claude Vilburn, Deaion Sherman, Dereko Moxey, Fabian Laing, Joshua Cartwright, Justin Dames, Kiara Sands, Leigha Campbell, Paul Wildgoose, Razhena Arthur, Ron Lewis, Samuel Mackey Jr, Tyler Bain and Tyriq Forbes.

According to Navigators Co-ordinator Stefan Evans, “with 32 national parks covering 2.2 million acres,

THE 16 Defence Force Rangers who graduated recently from the Bahamas National Trust’s Navigators Programme in Freeport with BNT officers and instructors, Defence Force officers, and Ministry of Education officials. the BNT values this partnership with the Defence Force. Participants learn to be more environmentally aware while studying the land and sea life of The Bahamas. This provides opportunities that many in our country unfortunately do not get,” Cheri Wood, outreach of-

ficer for the BNT on Grand Bahama, instructed the 16 Rangers with the aid of a small group of volunteers, including Jim and Cathy Lacombe, Toio Mazzoni, Dr Andrew Moxey, Nina Sanchez and Steven Thair.

Ms Wood said the Rangers were very committed to the programme and partici-

pated fully in both the classroom lectures and outdoor experiences.

“They were so enthused, and their personal growth over the last six months is their biggest accomplishment. They pushed themselves to the limit and were able to learn way more than you can from a textbook,”

she said.

The Rangers studied four Bahamian ecosystems: sandy shores, blue holes, coral reefs and wetlands.

Their final presentations included posters, photographs and talks. A short video was also produced to show family and friends the sites they were able to visit.

Lieutenant Delvonne Duncombe, of the RBDF, presented the graduation certificates and pins, while expressing appreciation for the opportunity the Rangers had to learn about the Bahamian environment.

Three special awards were also presented: Razhena Arthur was Most Outstanding Navigator, Kiara Sands was Most Improved Navigator and Tyriq Forbes was Most Dependable Navigator.

Herbert Marshall, senior education officer at the Ministry of Education, congratulated the graduates and urged them to pass on their knowledge to others.

He also encouraged them to consider careers in marine science.

According to BNT Education Director Portia Sweeting, the Navigators programme is aimed at helping senior students with their schoolwork and giving them marketable skills. She said all the Discovery Club programmes were designed to produce environmental champions for The Bahamas.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, May 13, 2016, PAGE 9

BAMSI TO OPEN INSTITUTE IN GRAND BAHAMA

THE Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute will be established in Grand Bahama, said Agriculture Minister V Alfred Gray during a press conference at the Ministry for Grand Bahama on Thursday.

Started in Andros as the brainchild of Prime Minister Perry Christie, Mr Gray said The Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science InstituteBAMSI is not Andros-centric and will be a school for the country.

“We want to go into all the places in The Bahamas where we find agriculture and marine science in any form,” he said.

“Grand Bahama is an important island in The Bahamas chain. Quite frankly, it’s the second city and we will do well to ensure that BAMSI’s reach is in Grand Bahama. So we’ve come today to begin the official discussion with the Ministry for Grand Bahama.”

Also present during the press conference were Minister for Grand Bahama Dr Michael Darville; Godfrey Eneas, president of BAMSI; and Zakita Bethel, agriculture development officer at BAMSI. “We have simply come to let Grand Bahama know that we expect its full participation with respect to student enrolment and

parental guidance of students to consider BAMSI as a place to go after school closes.

“They graduate in June, and expect Grand Bahama to have a full complement – there are one or two students in BAMSI now from Grand Bahama. But we expect at least 10, at least 15, at least 20 when September comes around.”

Dr Darville will have the responsibility, as minister for Grand Bahama, to represent BAMSI in the absence of Minister Gray, and to also ensure that the policies and direction of the institution are always in the forefront of what is agriculture and marine science-based.

Dr Darville added that over the past few weeks, the Ministry for Grand Bahama has been in discussions with representatives from BAMSI, mainly the technical staff, on how to proceed with the introduction of the school in Grand Bahama.

“I must say that all of us are excited to finally have the presence of BAMSI here in Grand Bahama, particularly those who are in the agriculture industry,” Dr Darville said.

Having spoken with those involved in agriculture, as well as some students on the island, the minister added that he was pleased to announce that “we are now

in the process of acquiring a substantial plot of land in Freeport where BAMSI will be located.”

“So as we develop the structure and the plans associated with BAMSI’s presence on the island, I want to assure the minister that with the support from the Ministry for Grand Bahama, and our synergistic efforts, we are certain that very swiftly we will be able to have a solid presence of BAMSI here in Grand Bahama,” Dr Darville added.

With Grand Bahama having 30,000 acres of arable land, commercial agriculture will expand through the academic institution of BAMSI, officials said.

Mr Eneas said it was their second trip to Grand Bahama to meet with the Ministry for Grand Bahama and set in motion BAMSI’s presence on the island.

“Grand Bahama is a very important island with unique potential,” Mr Eneas said. “The minister indicated that there is some 30,000 acres of high quality arable land in Grand Bahama and it is our task to bring that land into production because we feel that we will be able to generate new industries in agriculture and be able to supply this almost 50,000 people market that exists in Grand Bahama.”

LUNCH HELD FOR SENIOR CITIZENS

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmycock@tribunemedia.net

MORE than 500 senior citizens from Grand Bahama attended the 21st Annual Luncheon for Senior Citizens hosted by Dr M R Kavala in Eight Mile Rock on Thursday.

The event continues to draw a large crowd every year surpassing previous attendance records, making it one of the largest gatherings of senior citizens fellowshipping.

Melanie Griffin, minister of social services, and West Grand Bahama MP Obie Wilchcombe, minister of tourism, were in attendance and commended Dr Kavala and his family for their act of kindness each year to the elderly.

What started as a family tradition 20 years ago by Dr Kavala and his wife Nalini with initially nearly 100 senior citizens gradually became an annual community event in Eight Mile Rock.

“It is good to know there are people are like Dr Kavala in this world. He and his family have shown all of us that it is not the location, nor the circumstance

of your birth, but what is in your heart that makes you a truly worthy,” said Mrs Griffin.

Pledging the government’s commitment to the expansion of programmes for older persons, Mrs Griffin said “for the very first time in Grand Bahama the Department of Social Services will be launching on Friday a unit for persons with disabilities and for senior citizens.”

“While we always offered services to you, you will have your own unit and you won’t have to go to the community support centre; you will be able to go straight to the Senior Citizens Unit which is staffed to deal with you directly,” she told the elderly.

Dr Kavala was very pleased with the turnout and said that invitations were sent to every settlement in Grand Bahama.

“We sent out 500 invitations – not one settlement was left out - and today we had to bring out extra chairs,” he said, adding that transportation was provided for some residents.

“This is the biggest ever so far, and I want to say that this is not a one man show;

it is a community effort because it is no way we would have been able to do this alone. Every year we want to make it bigger,” he said.

Dr Kavala, a native of India, came to the Bahamas over 30 years ago working in the public heath sector. After his retirement, he opened a private clinic in Eight Mile Rock where he lives with his wife. His daughters, Gita and Latha, who live in New York, travel home every year with relatives for the annual event.

“Two decades of celebrations is something I could never imagine. And the success of these events would not have been a reality without dedicated efforts of so many people,” he said.

Mr Wilchcombe praised Dr Kavala as “a special man.”

“He does not have to do what he is doing,” Mr Wilchcombe said. “When he came to our country 33 years ago, he came to help us build our healthcare services. But he has stopped and reached back and he said the senior citizens are his heroes - he respects them; he loves them and when he gives to them annually.”

Rotary Club of GB Sunrise Rotary Club of GB Sunrise. - The Rotary Club of GB Sunrise is holding its sixth annual cigar night fundraiser on May 14, at the Pelican Bay Hotel.

A spokesperson for the event said: “This yearly gathering has quickly become one of Grand Bahamas’ can’t-miss events, and we expect this year to be our best yet!”

The Havana-themed party will feature a professional cigar roller, and music to keep you moving all night long.

Tickets are available at www.eventbrite.com.

Rotary Clubs of The Bahamas Rotary Clubs of The Bahamas. - Local rotarians, including area governor Karen Pinder (Bahamas East Area, Rotary Club of Nassau Sunrise), Rotary Club of the Bahamas incoming secretary Karine MacVean (Rotary Club of Old Fort Bay), secretary elect Arthur Chase (Rotary Club of West Nassau) and president elect Valerie Dean (Rotary Club of Abaco) joined forces to host a group of 19 Rotarians from The Cayman Islands, Haiti, Jamaica, St

VISITING Rotarian delegates taking a “selfie” with the live straw doll at the gathering at Montagu Gardens.

Maarteen and the British After dinner, the guests Virgin Islands to an evening were treated to a cultural of Bahamian Hospitality at talk and demonstration of Montagu Gardens during Bahamian straw work by the 2016 Rotary District Keisha Pratt and Kenny 7020 Conference. Blaise Moxey of Estre’ jha DeCloudy, first secretary to signs, complete with samthe Embassy of the Re- ples of raw straw products, public of Haiti (Member of a fashion show and a handsRotary Club of West Nas- on display. The straw work sau), was in attendance to included unique pieces with welcome guests as they ar- innovative designs applied rived. Cocktails began with to luggage, shoes and clothconch salad shooters, conch ing as well as inspired handfritters and goombay smash bags & hats. Many photos punch. During the sunset and “selfies” were taken cocktails, the guests were with the Live Bahamian entertained by violinist Straw Doll.

Jade MacVean, daughter of Shortly after the dessert Rotarian Karine MacVean. of guava cheesecake and A delicious Bahamian guava duff with a mouthmeal of scrumptious fish watering rum sauce, guests and baked chicken was were escorted back to the served with a raved about Atlantis resort with fond peas and rice accompanied memories of a great evenby delicious native side dish- ing filled with fantastic hoses. This introduced the visi- pitality provided by their tors to true down home style Rotarian hosts and the Bahamian Cuisine while friendly staff of Montagu the music of Ronnie Butler Gardens and all things Baplayed in the background. hamian.

OBIT

p u ‘ M FN ’ s m in ar e l l o R at W s t Time to say n e m m o c ‘bye Lanisha’

PAGE 10, Friday, May 13, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

THE FNM has been rocking and rolling with the latest reported comments to emerge from Senator Lanisha Rolle, right.

A Comic’s View

HAT I find most comical politically these days is the positioning that comes with the territory.

Political colleagues can turn cut u- throat on each nstit co ns d Garde than a WWE By INIGO ‘NAUGHTY’ ZENICAZELAYA iner- Pinewoo newspapother was faster st ye er er ap sp w ency, this cted this ne as storyline; all you really have ta w is n th tio er la ov ve r IL ange he re VIRG day expressed cused “new- formed. T to MrtoBdo

By KHRISNA Reporter ain,isandangle a constitu” ac se d “a surpri More time in the trenches learning ency candidacy nomination assertion an Tribune Staff edia.net tor Rolle of ce claimed. em comer” Sena nd conduct- FNM sour Rollein front heofr them and pretty rt kvirgil@ tribun fu the political landscape, along with the sing arou Senator on hell will break oppositiall Move- “traip rty business as though e much th l na d” io de at oa rules of political engagement and a N lr ai ing pa F R EE loose. e” “r , the rs of Parlia- she is an authoritative figur entary team m be ia em rl m pa t em en No thpolitical party suf- ‘muzzle’, are the keys to her future political m ganisation. to be “up in said, accusingfrom h more than the ment are said ements that within the or recent meet- source ing concfers ned witthis er success. However, for now it’s far better for a at st be During but - of not Free National Movement arms” over , em by ns m ia e M ad am N m F ah B ly o ed tw g rt in e po th rv re r present state Senator Rolle to practice that old Bahamian t ing, t se (FNM).thei The were arshal, reading ha Rolle dur- bers spoke at length aboud only minded to fulfi l is an ovost MOr L r to n na le as Prcall’. ro an Se of the party is sad and conan H s adage ‘Sit small ‘til ya name come M n hi s N s. re in F aw st tu e, Sh h re fu it ad o: te w in ical Phot Greensl cus ing a meeting ful Lincoln their polit n with certain personal er, thefusing, oner Ellisontime, ridiculous and hilarmain fo t. forget ‘Felicia’ it will be ‘Bye io LICE Commissielection ur PO Co e Howev em , pr id sa Su political hope that party dissatisfact the party, T he e ious time. urce–sall at theprsame so oclamation at thLanisha’.’ of her tirade, Which, Bain alleging ert M innis members of rstands. inetreality, is rather M P Lor nd la Is g ub de H on un r L was Tribune Leader D scary. whom she ng Senator rner lly delayed At this meeti r Bain that ta Butler-Tu has intentionasition parliaSenator Rolle also reIs Rolle the “pot” or go the Again, I personally like ver ed M SEE PAGE SI X The of ratifying oppo he Tribune Rolle informcided not to ofportedly informed Bain at se “kettle” in this case?

Dr Hubert Minnis.

I think ou H e th the in T on de ng y s, ki m rt .2 ea an pa ri $1 Sp e ta th men said r the he has some good ideasEStheir ROWN that the FNM KA Bmeeting nomination fo y, Dr Nottage ed” referendum.

NCH would emblthe Asshim

By SAalong was told. n- fer him a not offer at on the way forward, ip co er ic rt ho nt o w “a ep s R ce been ter and Mini hasPinene Staff nomination Several sour Tribuintenwith the very best ia.net for itthe no an that figed th e em or un m ib tr Perry Christ rown@ wood Gardensthat constitu-used. tions. However sb politically, at be ill w e ur at timated th t Which his naïveté is showing moreNAency.

Securityno doubtt came pated th ci ti en L an m Paging Lanisha ...

FYI rn is ve IO “I Bain.

NAIT (no as a na Not- to Mr ired for ingohighlightand more recently. rd shock requapproach beyour Ber total ill r w D r 7m te .5 is $1 in is M majorat that Butler-Turner’s But wait, more! doubt along with y ththere’s sterda um andMrs - the is min ge revealed ye nstitutional the referend ing ta ed.” et ityam of ad the voting populace) dg er Ingrah bu rm en co fo g fbe deficiencies clearly puts the min Tra what has LA e upco Road he L th e .

E V th 7m A r .5 C thought would step his fo S $1 n O st io trat spotlight on your deficienBy NIC T D) referendum will co (R er rt o t’s en ep R tm ff ar game up ”after fic Dep on the whole Tribune Sta cies and your glaring inex.net ad excuse and ‘Bobo’ deba@ tribunemedia SO N s is a “s‘Toogie’ lla N oe ve H w ca rt JO ns perience politically. the fail pa H C s E n’ ti ar M

By L A M na me onin mye M rs Han cle.had ministeReporter Obviously out to earn her ff Further e ta ill former Priproof, S nv e ng ra n yi u B sa ib , r s Tr m de ha dum yest du ea e et I was wrong it seems, beL en .n sh ia e A ed ahamRolle DN unem “stripes”, opinion, ist is not ast- sinc ert Ingrthat departOLLE the storyMmaking bl e ub R y ne th H D da r A of er t H te “I ljohnson@ trib st S is gh ye A in si R once again we y have the rounds n he from rial over cause eris Rolle furthertheready whe of B McCartney rt t n lts o to elevate thet io ou su ep s at re R vi ar ff A ye gh ta d ri S ne ed e an e ir ni th itn rt sp u m or in po more infighting and mudib “f ad t ns Tr ra en ho m w ed T ore lambasted .net the opposition position the vote.of Senatorsato in a s T WO teens ars” and “m nys Hanna id con@ tribunemedia “politicised”stituency slinging emanating from PL P ercandidate. wrong to par- M inister Gle ing to blame the last 14 ye rm four rrolle parliamentarians, accusing fo st , la le e hi th y pa r m nw fo r ted they were filming and fo Mea Georg inister no interest e Martin for seek M adminis- particularlythe hierarchy in the FNM TY them having inethethtrencheM ister time inMore rimof P M iled fa et e ticipate in th the indecent N in PU F ab E C .

D us t- political ... and Minnis yester- only theirbecaes es-clearly has rain a previo e highesthe is fi- years” qu Bahamians, th learning av c e so D ni m al ” ro ve ey ch tn publishing of -year- old girl e h ar p “B Smitpo- landscape, reins rty with the Phili M r McCtroublelicgrasping tration for th ms plaguing ason to and r of his pa along e probe the had no reinterests e po assault of a 19 ree years in id hepersonal oble if th profi le membe r his stance y saas pr and reining in the party ed da l t ia on ns ti nc ai t’s na ag th ten litical gains. ng ar m rules fo of political engagevoti depart ffic Dep could face thea unified to apologise apologise forAnd front. into they return to the Road Tra nal refe itr- happened ment and a “muzzle”, are utiothen tit ns co prison when encing next X 02 SI E 20 G e th SEE PA nt ment. again: Rolle turned her the keys to her future po, in a statecourt for se M r McCartney ing the guns on Long Island MP litical success. k. wee N ment, said blam Loretta Butler-Turner.

However, for now it’s far SEE PAGE SE VE Based on this latest dra- better for Senator Rolle to No clearer case in point ma-filled story coming out practice that old BahamiRolle seems an adage “Sit small ‘til ya was the most recent quest of the FNM, d the arrest busttoanmake a -f name e dr for anotherR15 minutes of ug out th oot for her- name call”. Or come elecN W 60 O a on A B political stripes spects HES–Kand suself e th politically at all costs. tion time, forget “Felicia” it fame of

By SANC leuthera.

ReporterFNM Senanear E ghterEven if it means ei byff ‘rookie’ fr onallegedly will be “Bye Lanisha”.

Tribune–Sta ti ic et rd .n te caine in Butler-Turner unemediaRolle. Yes, the tribLanisha T his co berating by sbrown@tor a woman urs after her me hoaccusing of being unfit loose cannon has allegedly ca ht ug in ca e ar as men me w rinaleadership aitian om Sufor and fr fired off unexpectedly once SI X H In-chalking after they n Pindlingappointment y de od yn st L cu e th e her previous ith polic again. ith nearly $2 at w rt po l A ir of State for SonaMinister ht w ternatioas tocain ane article were caugAccording e. in ca co co Speaking of names being of of ds un Development under orth seven po cial the called, why is Dr Minnis Virgil in ThursmillionbywKhrisna essful in cc su e er y. w da e es “W Ingraham administration to tapping in to his inner PM e Tribune, Rolle, while late Tuday’s a large cocain perintendent interdicthe tingparty Chiefin a Su having no one else meeting with FNM ce nor -i nf er E fic g of ru Perry Christie and taking T he D l Butler, hopeful izure. lbetter to offer. for se the Samuepolitical so long to ratify co the rest ofre e Drug En- ment Unit, acting on inte th of ge of caine are ar After these claims of Pinewood Gardens ch packages (DEU), seat, ce from the southern SUSPEC DFNM’s TE the slate of Ph candit ni U oto: Sh t en ligen Rolle’s most recent offforcemLincoln Bain, team that tion ofalleged EE one dates? na R bi TH m E co G a PA id E the-reservation antics, sa party leader Dr SE text- has nt Minnis Was Senator Rolle’s outand “excelledelayed work intentionally toratify- can easily draw the same burst strategically planned d le k or w e lic book”ingpoopposition conclusion in regard to her parliamento buy Dr Minnis more time appointment as an FNM to satisfy disgruntled potentarians.

Senator. tial candidates such as LinCould it be a case of coln Bain and others?

Senator Rolle’s political It’s clear Rolle is one of passion getting the bet- Doc’s “favourites”. Is she ter of her, to the point that the prototype for Minnis’ she will accept the political version of young leaders? “kamikaze” mission to gain If so, stop review and favour and rank with her “counsel”, yes teach them leader and the party? (new potential candidates) As a comedian (and tak- the proper ways to conduct ing into account the reasons themselves politically. her name has appeared Allow their new ideas in past headlines) I find and exuberance to shine, er spap all while ensuring the parRolle’s impatience and ewimding N lands’ Lea Is a pulsiveness and the end ream ah B & ties “message” isn’t lost Nassau sults comical. amongst useless infighting, The fine line of General Electric appliances found at Geoffrey Jones cater to today’s busy household What else I find to be file pulling and ego-based “dead jokey” is the fact escapades to gain political and fits every lifestyle. Our wide variety of GE appliances are designed to suit your needs, providing the that, for a seatless political notoriety. ultimate in convenience, performance and style. With the best that technology has to offer, competitive rookie, her mouth remains In other words, to the “hard”. Usually selling up- political wannabes and pricing and a full service department, Geoffrey Jones is your ultimate appliance centre. set and misinformation. newcomers, until asked by I often wonder why is her party leadership or execumouth so hard? And who is tives for your comments ... jinxing her up to “run right “Know your role and shut out” and present the party’s your mouth.” - Dwayne position and decisions in ‘The Rock’ Johnson the public forum without rhyme or reason?

• Inigo ‘Naughty’ ZenicaMaybe Senator Rolle is zelaya is the resident standgiving us a preview of her up comic at Jokers Wild lack of interest in Bahami- Comedy Club at the Atlanans en route to completing tis, Paradise Island, resort her own personal and po- and presents ‘Mischief and litical agenda if she were Mayhem in da AM’ from lucky enough to be an MP? 6am to 10am, Monday to Pot or kettle?

Friday, and ‘The Press Box’ I must admit the irony sports talk show on Sunday and hypocrisy in Senator from 10am to 1pm on KISS Rolle’s tirades is laugha- FM 96.1. He also writes a ble. Almost every criticism sports column in The TribSales & Full Service Department | Rosetta & Montgomery Streets she brings against her own une on Tuesday. Comments FNM senior colleagues, she and questions to naughty@ T: 322-2188/9 | E: geoffjones@comcast.net | www.geoffreyjonesandco.com is guilty of herself. tribunemedia.net

AD O R IN M N F G IN M A ISTER BL USE’ C T WO TEENAGERS MIN X E D A S ‘A W O R TRAFFIC ADMIT GUILT OVER

‘

.

1 $ T S O C O T M U REFEREND

NUDE GIRL VIDEO

BYE LANISHA!

RED STRIPES RY FOR 2 EASON TO SAY SOR

DAVIS: I HAVE NO R

E N I A C O C M 2 $ R E V O D L E H S N A I HAIT ROLLED OUT!

ROLLE CALL

Intelligent.

Stylish.

EFFICIENT.

THE TRIBUNE

DNA HOSTS RALLY

SOME of the crowd at the DNA rally on Christie Park last night.

DNA candidate for Garden Hills Youri Kemp.

SUPPORTERS wearing green shirts and waving placards.

DNA Candidate for Bain and Grants Town Brenda Harris.

DNA candidate for Golden Isles Stephen Greenslade, pictured with his team.

Friday, May 13, 2016, PAGE 11

LADY E performing at the Democratic National Alliance rally held on Christie Park.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff