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Volume:114 No.121, MAY 16TH, 2017

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WOMAN: POLE POSITION AS WOMEN TAKE UP FISHING

Christie quits as PLP leader Former PM: My season in politics has now ended

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

he faced in life and the successes of his administrations as he sees them, from Urban Renewal, the Bahamas Agriculture & Marine Science Institute (BAMSI), Baha Mar and National Health Insurance (NHI), among others.

In a speech that often moved from reflective to defiant, Mr Christie said he accepts full responsibility for his party’s defeat in last week’s general election, the worst defeat the party has ever suffered at the polls.

“I also accept,” he said, “without reservation, that the best traditions of our democracy, no less the impulses of my own SEE PAGE SIX

TWENTY years after he took the helm of the Progressive Liberal Party from the late Sir Lynden Pindling, former Prime Minister Perry Christie resigned as leader of the PLP during an emotional meeting at the party’s headquarters on Farrington Road last night.

With Mr Christie’s resignation, former Deputy Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis will now serve as interim leader of the PLP. Many cheered and some shed tears as Mr Christie recounted his story as a politician, the adversities

FORMER PM APPROVED ENERGY AGREEMENT BEFORE ELECTION

By TANEKA THOMPSON Tribune News Editor tmthompson@tribunemedia.net

earn significant revenue.

Mr Christie’s remarks came a week after Tribune Business revealed that the Christie administration had quietly been soliciting bids to provide Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) with improved generation capacity, reportedly without the knowledge of either the company itself or its manager, PowerSecure.

SEE PAGE SIX

FORMER Prime Minister Perry Christie revealed last night that “four or five days” before the May 10 general election, his Cabinet approved agreements with a company that would make electricity “more affordable” and “reliable” while enabling the government to

FORMER Prime Minister Perry Christie with a PLP supporter in tears following his address last night as he stepped down as party leader.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

MINNIS SAYS UNETHICAL BEHAVIOUR A FIRING OFFENCE

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

WARNING of “immediate termination” as a consequence of “unethical” behaviour from Cabinet ministers and permanent secretaries, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis vowed to run his administration by the highest standards of conduct as 15 ministers took the oath of office at Government House yesterday.

This includes 12 substantive ministers and three ministers of state.

Carmichael MP-elect Desmond Bannister, who was absent from yesterday’s ceremony, will be sworn in as minister of works at a later date, Dr Minnis said.

During the ceremony where hundreds gathered to witness the remaining members of Dr Minnis’ administration sworn in, the nation’s new leader pledged that the government will be marked by “order and punctuality”.

He further suggested that this administration will be one of less talk and more action.

The new appointees including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest and Attorney General Carl Bethel who were sworn in last Friday - will have their Cabinet meeting today.

This totals 18 ministers in total at the helm of this country’s government.

In May 2012, the Christie administration appointed a Cabinet of 21 - 16 ministers and five ministers of state.

Three parliamentary secretaries were also appointed at the time.

“I repeat the charge that I made last week at the swearing in of two of your colleagues,” Dr Minnis said, “fidelity in the oath you swore today is essential in order to provide the SEE PAGE SEVEN

37% VOTED FOR PLP AS FNM UNSEALING BAHA MAR SWEPT TO POPULAR VICTORY DOCUMENTS ‘IMPORTANT’

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

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THE Progressive Liberal Party received 37 per cent of votes counted in the 2017 election, at least 11 per cent fewer than what it received in 2012, according to The Tribune’s analysis of the official election results.

The PLP received 59,397 votes, according to The Tribune’s records.

The Free National Move-

ment, on the other hand, won 57 per cent of the votes cast in the election, 20 per cent more than the PLP received and about 14 per cent more than the party received in 2012.

The Democratic National Alliance, which saw its stock decrease this year compared to 2012, won 4.7 per cent of the vote while other parties and independent candidates won a collective 1.4 per cent of the vote.

SEE PAGE TEN

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

NEWLY appointed Attorney General Carl Bethel said yesterday the Minnis administration regards the unsealing of the documents relating to Baha Mar’s sale as “very important,” but added that it is too early to reveal the avenue the government plans to take to have the deal made public.

Speaking to The Trib-

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une on Monday, Mr Bethel said he had not yet seen or reviewed the file and that any decision in this regard is not expected until the file has been looked at and discussed with his team at the Office of the Attorney General.

After repeated calls from the Free National Movement while in opposition and critics to reveal what was detailed in the deal, SEE PAGE TEN

PAGE 2, Tuesday, May 16, 2017

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Tuesday, May 16, 2017, PAGE 3

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis touring PMH maternity wards yesterday.

Photos: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff

Minnis promises new maternity wing at PMH

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis returned to his old stomping grounds for his first official tour as the country’s leader, promising the country and staff at the Princess Margaret Hospital a new maternity wing.

While he was short on details, Dr Minnis stressed that Bahamian women and children deserved the best and declared that the new wing would be on par or greater than the multimillion dollar Critical Care Block.

“What I will tell you is that we will build a new child health and maternity wing,” the former minister of health told reporters after meeting with hospital officials.

“The children and the women of this country need and deserve the best, and they will get the best.

So what you’re seeing out front, the Critical Care Block, they will have something just as great if not greater.”

The Critical Care Block cost the government more than $50m in construction costs and $45m in medical equipment, management information systems and furniture, according to former Prime Minister Perry Christie at the facility’s ribbon-cutting in September 2015.

Last year, the government signed a $14.9m contract for the renovations of the maternity and male surgical wards at PMH. In opposition at the time, Dr Minnis advocated heavily for the upgrades to be delayed as he felt the timing of renovations would negatively impact patient care.

Bahamas Doctors Union President Dr Charles Clarke also expressed similar concerns.

Yesterday, Dr Minnis said he did not know when that project would be finished, and underscored that oversight of the Ministry of Health portfolio will be undertaken by Dr Duane Sands, who recently won the Elizabeth constituency.

Dr Sands was sworn in at

Government House yesterday.

It is unclear how far the upgrades progressed under the former administration.

Yesterday Dr Sands said that he was eager to get to work and commence factfinding on the matter and other issues.

Dr Minnis, an obstetrician and gynaecologist by profession, said he planned to routinely visit the hospital to commune with former mentees and colleagues, just as he did before he took office.

“I worked here,” he said, “my heart has been here and will always remain here.

I came to visit the staff, I promised them that after election I would continue to follow the pattern I’ve always maintained. From time to time, I’ve always come over and had coffee with the staff in labour and maternity and the kitchen personnel, that’s a part of me and that will always be me. So from time to time I will be here having coffee with those individuals who I trained and worked with.”

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis speaking to the press at Princess Margaret Hospital yesterday.

CABINET TO DISCUSS POLICE OFFICER PAYMENTS TODAY

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Cabinet, it is top of the Tribune Staff Reporter things we have to talk about sdorsett@tribunemedia.net because we understand the

urgency of it and we know CABINET will meet that people depend on that today and is expected to money,” Mr Turnquest said. discuss whether the Free “The former administraNational Movement govern- tion promised it and we will ment will honour a promise make it a priority item. At made by former Prime Min- the moment I am reluctant ister Perry Christie to pay to say what we will do at overtime to Royal Bahamas this moment. Having said Police Force officers at the that the prime minister end of the month, according did say he will honour the to Deputy Prime Minister commitment and we will Peter Turnquest. push him to do that. Some In an interview with The things will have to wait and Tribune, Mr Turnquest, who be put on hold but when it is also the minister of finance, comes to human resources said the matter is a priority you do not want to hold on for Prime Minister Dr Hu- to things people depend bert Minnis but because of on. We will know after the the “state of the economy” meeting tomorrow (today).” it is something that has to be Prime Minister Mindiscussed thoroughly. nis, speaking during a rally At a rally on April 27, in the Central and South days before officers voted Eleuthera constituency in the May 3 advanced poll, earlier this month, said his Mr Christie announced party, if it won the election, that the government will would honour a court ruling finally pay RBPF officers and pay officers their overfor working 12-hour shifts, time payments. In opposiwith the first payment of tion at the time, Dr Minthe outstanding sum to be nis went on to suggest that issued on May 29. in a last-ditch effort to win He said the second instal- over the support of the law ment in overtime pay would enforcement agencies, Mr come “in the next budget cy- Christie made the promise cle,” but Mr Christie was not to pay on May 29 – after the more specific. He said offic- general election. ers who have died or are reEarlier this month, fortired will be paid in full. mer Prime Minister Hubert However, the PLP lost Ingraham told FNM supthe general election to the porters at a rally that no FNM on May 10. matter which party won the “We are discussing this election, the government tomorrow (Tuesday) Tuesday,in 16th would May 2017be unable to pay

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police officers overtime on May 29 because the money was not in the Public Treasury.

Last May, the Court of Appeal upheld a landmark Supreme Court ruling ordering the government to compensate police officers for working 12-hour shifts at different periods in 2013 and 2014. The RBPF intro-

duced 12-hour work shifts for officers in an attempt to get crime under control in September 2013.

The appellate court had dismissed the government’s appeal against Supreme Court Justice Milton Evans’ ruling that a Force Order issued by former Police Commissioner Paul Farquharson in 2003 was relevant

to the case as it mandated that public officers be paid when they work for more than 40 hours in a normal working week.

At the time, the PSA had estimated that if the choice is made to pay the officers, the government could end up paying as much as $16.4m in overtime pay.

However, attorney Wayne

Munroe, QC, who represents the PSA, said at the time that Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade would determine whether to pay officers or to give them a proportionate amount of time off.

The Supreme Court ordered that the compensation be received within a year.

PAGE 4, Tuesday, May 16, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

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Diet for a new government, recipe for another term THE Free National Movement has swept into office in a landslide of historic proportions with a 35-4 seat majority in the House of Assembly.

How it happened will be the subject of analysis for days to come in media and for years to come in classrooms. Decades from now, graduate students at the University of The Bahamas may still be studying the 2017 election.

What happened happened. It is time to move on and the new government must do so with steely determination and uncompromising courage.

As it does so, we cannot overstate the need for an immediate self-imposed, well-publicised austerity programme.

The Bahamian people are demanding a show of fiscal responsibility. Individuals know they cannot spend wildly and turn around and bill someone else for what they spent. Why should their government be allowed to do so?

The people, especially the young people, many who voted for the first time, have higher expectations than they have ever had for any government in modern Bahamian history. They will be watching closely.

Bahamians are sick and tired of governments that operate on the principle that they can spend whatever they want, borrow whatever they need and repay by taxing the public for whatever they require. Bahamians are sick and tired of being told they have to swallow more taxes to make up for more extravagances by government.

So when all the celebrations and flag waving and swearing in ceremonies are over and the government settles down, it means every single one of those 35 elected Parliamentarians - and the Senators and other Cabinet members they appoint - should take a deep breath, inhale and tighten their belt until the very last notch they can find is within reach. Settling in must start with government going on a diet of government spending, starting with an immediate freeze on hiring and a temporary halt to international travel except for essential business. While those are small expenses, they send a significant message demonstrating a seriousness people are craving.

There are dozens of steps the new government can take to show they will stop spending like drunken sailors with a bottomless chequebook. To restore confidence in the nation’s finances, they must continue to drum into the public psyche outrage at the reality - a population of fewer than 400,000 saddled with a debt of nearly $7 billion.

With strong, unfaltering voice, the new government must announce the dawn of a new day with new and transparent ways of doing business. Freedom of Information legislation must be among the first priorities. The government must state unequivocally that they understand people will no longer tolerate handshakes behind closed doors or secret deals without consultation and they must, absolutely must, unseal the deal with Hong Kongbased Chow Tai Fook Enterprises for the

sale of Baha Mar. They must announce a comprehensive review and audit of the public service.

They must have the courage to institute a system that rewards innovation and productivity, introducing to the public sector the values that make business successful, including respect for customers. They must show the courage to shrink a public service bloated by election after election and promise after promise. They must say it is possible in a public service to pool resources for combined tasks from reception areas to data entry, from procurement of supplies and provisions to maintenance of premises.

The list of how to get government under control even without addressing the sensitive issue of immigration-related matters is almost endless. But like any business that wants to move forward, it must know where it stands. It is one thing to say the Treasury is broke and another to see where the money is going by creating a spreadsheet of income and expenses including those related to leases, labour costs, operation of government or quasi-government owned corporations, banking fees and more.

The Attorney General will have his hands full. He must show this government is serious about investigations into corruption or court orders and judicial decisions that were ignored in arrogance.

He must authorise investigations into secretly or improperly awarded contracts.

Where abuse is found, those responsible must be held accountable and punished to the full extent of the law.

Setting the right tone at the start of a new administration is essential. If the tone is what the people want to hear, they will be more forgiving if there is a slight misstep along the way. If the new government starts out wrong, it will be very hard to recover the affection.

This government must be mindful that they were not so much voted in as the former government was voted out. Now is the time to prove they are worthy of the faith placed in them.

Let them begin with an austerity programme, winning plaudits from those who will see they are making a move in the right direction. Yes, money will have to be spent on infrastructure and on promotion later, but first, the mission must be to show the population who turned out in droves to usher in a new day that they did not err. We are concerned that among Dr Minnis’ first statements was about spending money on building a new maternity ward at the Princess Margaret Hospital. We warn him not to follow in the path that came before him paved with promises that turned into pitfalls.

Going on a broad government diet will not be easy. Failing to do so will make it even harder for people who voted the FNM in to retain the feeling of relief and even euphoria they felt on the night of May 10. The diet for a new government that puts The Bahamas back on a road to fiscal responsibility in an atmosphere of transparency will lead to economic recovery - and that could be the recipe for another term.

Bitterness of Fred Mitchell EDITOR, The Tribune

LETTERS

FORMER PLP MP Fred Mitchell’s press statement over the weekend portrays him as bitter and angry that he has lost the trappings of Cabinet ministers.

All that expensive firstclass travelling around the world that cost taxpayers millions of dollars have come to an end. He is going to miss being chauffeured in expensive governmentowned cars.

His attempts to trivialise the FNM’s historic thumping of the PLP on May 10 was flimsy at best. Bahamians must bear in mind that Mitchell aspires to be PM one day.

Obviously as a seatless wonder, he must now get reelected to the House in order for his ultimate goal to materialise. Now 64, Mitchell will be at the ripe age of 69 in 2022.

Mitchell is angry that Bahamian voters dared to throw a monkey wrench into his political plans.

His ranting about monied individuals who allegedly funded the FNM rings hollow, seeing that the PLP was financially backed by a wealthy foreigner who had a few

choice words for former PM Perry Christie.

He also fails to mention the monied ‘Numbers Boys’ for whom his administration committed political suicide when it blatantly ignored the 2013 gaming referendum results by legalising web shop gaming.

All of a sudden former Baha Mar developer Sarkis Izmirlian is the villain to Mitchell. Yet we have evidence that his former Cabinet colleague, Jerome Fitzgerald, begged the man for lucrative contracts. Obviously, Fitzgerald didn’t view him as being bad for The Bahamas, or should I say for his family?

Mitchell never dreamt that he would lose Fox Hill. Yet here we are, a week after the election, with Shonel Ferguson as the newly-minted Fox Hill MP. Mitchell’s assessment as to why his PLP was outright rejected by the Bahamian people fails to include the fact that his party was inundated with

Bernard Nottage and, yes, Fred Mitchell - all lost their seats. The PLP was utterly decimated, winning only four seats to the FNM’s 35.

And yet, Mr Mitchell says there was nothing “revolutionary” about this. Does this man live in outer space?

How out of touch with reality can one man be?

Fred Mitchell simply does not get it.

It wasn’t propaganda or public manipulation that put the FNM in power. It was a people, a nation, fed up with the never ending “kaka” from the previous administration. A people fed up with the empty and broken promises. A people fed up with the scandals

and blatant corruption. A people fed up with cronyism and nepotism. A people fed up with the xenophobia and fear mongering (which Mr Mitchell is indeed guilty of). A people fed up with the Baha Mar circus. A people fed up with the rise in unemployment and zero economic growth. A people fed up with the non-stop murders and never ending crime and violence, problems the PLP promised to fix, and didn’t.

How hypocritical of Mr Mitchell to talk about propaganda when his party “propagandised” harder than all the political parties that participated in this election.

One could not drive or

letters@tribunemedia.net

corruption.

It is quite possible that Mitchell’s career in politics is over, hence the anger and bitterness that permeates the press release. Rather than encourage his supporters to unite behind PM Dr Hubert Minnis and the FNM government to rescue the country, he wants instead to engage in political tribal warfare.

Mitchell must not be allowed to be a part of the PLP rebuilding process.

His statement is representative of the arrogance displayed in the PLP. That administration took Bahamians for fools. Mitchell should take a nice long vacation, seeing that he loves travelling, gather his thoughts and accept the fact that he is now an ordinary citizen just like the overwhelming majority of Bahamians and that he now has to call Dr Minnis Prime Minister.

The Whistleblower is willing to bet he will devote more time writing on a weekly political site with the aim of hurting the FNM. THE WHISTLEBLOWER Nassau, May 15, 2017.

Mitchell needs humility EDITOR, The Tribune, AFTER reading a report in which former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Fred Mitchell tried to downplay the Free National Movement’s (FNM) landslide victory in the May 10 General Election, where the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) was annihilated in the polls, I have one question to ask, and I will use common Bahamian vernacular for emphasis: “Bey, you fa real, King?”

The sheer ridiculousness of Mr Mitchell’s statement made me shake my head.

When the results were read, and it became clear to everyone that the PLP had lost, Perry Christie, leader

of the PLP and soon to be former Prime Minister, read a written statement where he congratulated the victor, FNM leader Dr Hubert Minnis, and avoided speaking publicly for several days.

Even the usually pompous and bombastic PLP chairman, Bradley “Big Bad Brad” Roberts, showed great humility and professionalism by being the first within the party to concede defeat and congratulate both Dr Minnis and the FNM on their victory.

Nearly every PLP candidate lost their seat and the losers all graciously admitted and accepted their defeat, knowing that the obvious was undeniable. The

people had spoken. They wanted change. They chose to “Rock wit’ Doc”.

Then Fred Mitchell opened his mouth. According to Mr Mitchell, the FNM only won because of “propaganda” and “manipulation”. He claims that there was nothing “revolutionary” about the May 10 election. Right.

The PLP suffered the worst defeat of any political party in the history of The Bahamas. Perry Christie became the first Prime Minister - ever - to lose his seat, a seat he held for 40 years.

Some of the biggest names in the PLP - Christie, Leslie Miller, Jerome Fitzgerald, Shane Gibson,

walk 10 feet without seeing PLP posters plastered top to bottom on street lights, utility poles, traffic signals, trees and buildings.

Signs and billboards were even hung in the air. You couldn’t watch ZNS without seeing PLP ads. Even YouTube was bombarded with ads. That, Mr Mitchell, is propaganda.

Be a man, Fred Mitchell.

Be a man, and accept that your party got clobbered.

For once in your life Mr Mitchell, swallow that blue hyper-giant sized ego of yours, and show some humility.

TYRONE TAYLOR Nassau, May 15, 2017.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, May 16, 2017, PAGE 5

Roberts: It’s time to roll up sleeves after disappointment

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net AS he urged party supporters to roll up their sleeves and begin making necessary adjustments to the party, Bradley Roberts said at the Progressive Liberal Party’s National General Council meeting last night that last week’s general election results were a “bitter disappointment” for PLP supporters.

“The desire for change was great and the Bahamian people expressed their free will,” Mr Roberts said nearly a week after the political party suffered its greatest electoral defeat, winning only four seat of the 39 House of Assembly seats.

As some have called for the party to completely revamp itself in the wake of its landslide defeat, Mr Roberts suggested this won’t be necessary, citing the party’s 1997 experience when, under the leadership of former Prime Minister Lynden Pindling, the party won only six seats in that year’s election.

“I remember well the party’s loss at the polls in 1997 when only a handful of PLPs were elected and there was a call from FNM supporters for the PLP to change its name and to re-

brand its image,” Mr Roberts said. “PLP MPs and senators ignored the naysayers but aggressively engaged the FNM inside and outside of Parliament and five years later the Bahamian people re-elected the PLP to government in very strong numbers in 2002. I vividly recall as the then MP for Grants Town on many occasions standing to my feet to speak in Parliament only to find one or two FNM members present.”

Mr Roberts said “now is not the time for finger pointing, for making excuses and for over-analysis.”

The PLP chairman said he fears newly-elected Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis will face many of the difficulties as the country’s leader that he faced as leader of the Official Opposition, a tenure that was plagued by infighting and challenges to his leadership.

After the FNM ran a campaign that cast doubt on how value added tax (VAT) was spent, Mr Roberts said Dr Minnis’ “painful obligation” will be to truthfully admit that all VAT revenue was deposited into the Public Treasury and that all of it is accounted for.

Mr Roberts also suggested that the FNM is already changing its tune on Baha Mar. “Newly appointed At-

BRADLEY ROBERTS, chairman of the PLP, speaking at their national council meeting last night. Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff Mr Roberts called on the torney General Carl Bethel the Bahamian people beMr Roberts thanked fortold the media at his swear- fore and during their cam- FNM to compare the con- mer Prime Minister Perry cessions offered under the Christie for his service to ing in ceremony that the paign.

“There is a world of dif- PLP government to con- the country last night, sayFNM government is only interested in the truth sur- ference between the irre- cessions offered under the ing: “History will be kind rounding that agreement,” sponsible, casual and loose FNM with respect to Baha to Mr Christie and record handling of the facts in op- Mar. he noted. that notwithstanding a pro“For once, the FNM tracted global economic “He, on behalf of the position politics compared FNM finally admitted that to the discipline, responsi- should allow the Bahamian recovery, over 33,000 jobs it was in fact the Supreme bility and accountability of people the benefit of unfil- were added to The BahaCourt that sealed the sales governance. A government tered empirical data from mas economy in the last five agreement and not Chris- cannot be casual and loose which to draw their conclu- years – the most in any five sions,” he said. tie as they repeatedly told with the facts.” year term in office.”

UNION WARNS FNM TO BE SERIOUS OVER ITS PROMISES

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

THE National Congress of Trade Unions Bahamas has urged the FNM government to “be serious” about honouring its promises to improve labour relations in the country, calling on the Minnis-led administration to prove it can turn words into action.

NCTUB Secretary General Zane Lightbourne, in an interview with The Tribune, said while Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and his administration have “presented themselves as friends of labour” to the union, time will tell if their words will be “translated into actual action”.

“We did our homework before the elections, we would have met with all of the parties vying for political position, and the FNM’s platform came with a lot of promises that we’re looking for them to keep when it comes to labour,” Mr Lightbourne said. “(Prime Minister Minnis) and his team would have met with the National Congress and we will hold them to what they have assured us they will do for labour.

They have presented themselves as friends of labour; we’ll have to see that translated into actual action, and we have some proposals to present to them that will

benefit the country.

“We’re looking for the government to be serious about what they say,” he added. “We believe they are, but they have to just show us that they can translate all of their words into action.”

Mr Lightbourne also commended the former Christie administration for its efforts on the labour front while in office, saying that those efforts brought the country’s labour movement “a big step from where we actually were for a long time, where a lot of matters for labour were not addressed.”

However, he said, it was “sad” that the PLP “didn’t read the people in a manner they should have,” ultimately resulting in the party’s defeat at the polls.

“We have no political preference,” Mr Lightbourne added. “We prefer that a government that comes into power adheres to the requirement of labour for the benefit of their people. This isn’t a personal initiative for any one of us to hold office. As (NCTUB) members, we each have our individual preference when it comes to politics, and you’ll find that we cannot speak for everyone when we talk about who we’re voting for.

“We know what we’d like to see in a party, and as expressed we know what was

presented by the PLP, and we thank them for what they have done. It’s sad that they didn’t read the people in a manner they should have or had an opportunity to, and so now they’re placed in that position.

“But we’re here for the people, and the people have to exist under whatever government comes into play.

And, therefore, I would not go on record to say that we’re saddened by any win or loss in any particular government, but that the Bahamas is the beneficiary of good governance going forward, and all of those things that need to be done, that they are done.

“And not at the end of any tenure but in a timely manner where people can see that work is being done, and people are getting the benefit immediately because it’s been long suffering for a lot of our citizens.”

Earlier this month, both NCTUB President Bernard Evans and Vice-President Paul Maynard praised the former Christie administration for advancing trade relations in the country, while appearing sceptical of how labour issues would be resolved under a FNM government.

Mr Evans had given the PLP, in particular former minister of labour Shane Gibson a “B+” grade on how well that government worked with the union, stating at the

LA NINA BRINGS RETURN OF WET WEATHER AFTER SIX DRY WEEKS

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

FORECASTERS in the capital have urged residents throughout the country not to be misguided by the low levels of rainfall over the last six weeks, warning of a return to “normal levels” over the course of the “wet” months.

Local climatologist Arnold King suggested that the presence of the latest ‘La Nina’ system in the Pacific Ocean extended winter temperatures and conditions throughout North America and the Caribbean. La Nina, the winter counterpart of El Nino systems, has far reaching impacts extending beyond the Pacific Ocean.

Global forecasters have indicated that the prescience of La Nina will mean drier and warmer weather for the southern portion of

North and Central America, while offering extended cold temperatures for northern portions of the continent.

According to Mr King, that extended winter weather “slightly impacted” rainfall throughout April and early May in the Bahamas.

Historic rainfall averages for April usually come in at around 2.46 inches. However, this year, forecasters have recorded just over an inch of rainfall for the month.

Mr King told The Tribune yesterday: “We usually see La Nina in the Pacific affect weather conditions throughout our region over the course of the dry months and how we transition to the wet months. We expected less rainfall during the dry months specifically due to this occurrence.

However, as we transition to the wet months, we expect things to return to normal.”

When asked to further clarify those “normal” projections, Mr King predicted 4.5 inches of rainfall throughout May and an increase to the 8.7 inches average for June.

“La Nina was weak, but no matter the strength, it has an impact on what happens with our patterns an temperatures. The wet season starts in May and April often acts as a period of transition. Now we are back to our normal weather patterns,” he said.

He was speaking as the capital was drenched with torrential rainfall yesterday, with segments of New Providence under a thunderstorm warning for up to five hours. At 11am, Accuweather issued a warning for severe thunderstorm conditions within 25 miles moving east at 20mph.

Similar weather conditions are expected to continue throughout the week.

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

Mr Maynard said at the time that “people may have a problem with the PLP and (former) Prime Minister Perry Christie” but that was

not his experience. In fact, Mr Maynard said anything he asked the government for on behalf of his members he “always” received.

However, both men said at the time that they had “issues with comments about unions” previously made by then-FNM can-

didates Jeff Lloyd and Dionisio D’Aguilar and were “unsure” on what would happen if the FNM became the next government.

Nonetheless, they said they had met with Dr Minnis while he was in opposition and were willing to give him a chance.

PAGE 6, Tuesday, May 16, 2017

THE TRIBUNE THE TRIBUNE

Christie quits as PLP leader from page one conscience and value-system, dictate that I resign as the leader of our party. This is the correct and only thing for me to do from both a political and moral perspective.”

Mr Christie said it is critical to the rebuilding of the PLP that the party understands the message voters sent it with last week’s general election result and he called on PLP supporters to humble themselves before the electorate.

Likening the party’s current predicament to the challenge it faced in 1997 when it won only six seats in the House of Assembly, Mr Christie said: “We need to come to terms with any mistakes we made. And it is not at all incorrect for us to humble ourselves before the people and let them know that we understand their message. We should speak to whatever failures we’ve had as well as the many successes because we’ve always said we’re going to work hard, to work assiduously, and work to do our best. Sometimes mistakes are made and we have to be not just honest with ourselves about the mistakes that were made, but in frank admission to the

THE NEW interim leader of the PLP Philip “Brave” Davis speaking last night.

people of our country from whom we expect their respect and support and that we understand how important it is for them to understand that we respect them and our views.”

Even as the PLP sets out to find out why it suffered such a heavy defeat last week, Mr Christie reminded supporters that the historical odds favour a return to government for the party in 2022.

“There is another part of the nation’s recent history that should give us great encouragement and it is this,” he said. “We have not had a two term government now for 20 straight years. Every single general election since 1997 has produced a government for just one term.”

“My season in politics has now ended,” Mr Christie said as he wrapped up his speech last night.

“It is for me to bid you farewell as your leader. The time has come for me to move on and I do so with these final words to you: I wish to God that I could have helped more people but God knows that for all my faults and failings as a leader and a man I tried my best to do the best I could for the Bahamian people.”

After last week’s loss, former Tall Pines MP Leslie Miller said he was concerned about Mr Christie’s “mental state”.

Mr Christie expressed annoyance last night at the notion that he could be struggling to deal with last week’s loss, noting his experience of being put out of school at 14 and suffering a stroke in 2005 during his first term as prime minister, have strengthened him.

Mr Christie did not discuss why his party lost last week’s election, but the unfounded claim that the Free National Movement allegedly “bought votes” was a popular theory among the crowd.

FORMER Prime Minister Perry Christie pictured as Eva Bain, foreground, prays.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff Without directly saying so himself, Mr Christie said: “(Past PLP supporters who have sat in this room) would never conceive of selling votes. They understood that citizenship required them to participate in general elections and win or lose they would do so with integrity.”

The idea that unethical activity may have taken place in the election was shared by Mr Davis, who told The Tribune last night some residents have allegedly come forward and told him as much.

BERNADETTE Christie and Alexandria Christie pictured as former DR PERRY GOMEZ, former In the lead-up to the elec- Prime Minister Perry Christie speaks.

PLP MP, wipes away tears. tion, some supporters of the FNM also accused the PLP of allegedly giving inducements for votes, however this too was not proven.

Last night, Mr Davis could not tell The Tribune when the party will have a convention.

Meanwhile, former Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe revealed that he will run for chairman of the PLP at the party’s next convention as Bradley Roberts will not seek re-election to FORMER minister Dr Bernard FORMER Prime Minister Perry Christie pointing to pictures of Nottage last night. previous PLP leaders during his speech. that post.

the matter as he gave a lengthy resignation speech at a National General Council meeting at PLP

headquarters last night.

He said it was up to the new government to review the proposals and decide if

FORMER PM APPROVED ENERGY AGREEMENT BEFORE ELECTION from page one

Mr Christie referred to

it wanted to go forward with it. He also assigned former Minister of Works Philip “Brave” Davis and former

Minister of the Environment Kenred Dorsett the job of explaining the details of the proposals to the public.

“I want Brave Davis and Ken Dorsett to speak (to the fact that) in the last remaining weeks of my government we made an incredible breakthrough in the provision of electricity and the agreements were approved

by Cabinet like four or five days before the election,” Mr Christie told PLP supporters packed into the Sir Lynden Pindling Centre.

“It was incredible insofar as it was the use of natural gas, that it would make electricity much more affordable, more reliable. A part of it was to pay off the $700m rate reduction bond.

A company that was going to broaden its involvement in establishing in Freeport and New Providence facilities that would enable the government to earn substantial revenues from. As (I) indicated to Brave Davis today, he has a responsibility to speak to it because the country will benefit from it substantially. It is an extraordinary set of agreements and the country should know who did it as efforts will be made now by our successors to in fact review the agreements and make a decision as to whether or not they would proceed with it.”

Tribune Business reported last week that several energy industry groups had been invited to participate in “a very weird request for proposal (RFP)” initiated by the Christie administration.

It was previously reported that this newspaper was told that the process, run directly out of Mr Christie’s office, set different terms and bid criteria for the various energy groups, with timelines similar to the tight deadlines involved in the New Providence landfill tender.

Mr Christie did not name the company involved, however Tribune Business previously reported that the former administration’s preferred bidder was New Fortress Energy, a liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplier with assets and interests in both Florida and Jamaica.

On May 8, Bahamas Information Services (BIS) released a two paragraph

statement, attributed to Mr Christie, which suggested the process had reached the stage of negotiations with preferred bidders.

“The government has been giving consideration to the short and longterm electricity demands throughout the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, with a view to improving both efficiency in the supply of electricity and lowering the cost of electricity to the public,” the statement, released the day this newspaper broke the story on the electricity negotiations, noted.

“In that regard, a committee comprised of members from both the public and private sectors has carried out a meticulous review of various proposals received by the government and has made its recommendations.

“Discussions with preferred proponents and relevant stakeholders are ongoing. This matter is of great economic importance and benefit to the public, and my government expects to complete consideration of this matter as soon as possible,” the statement continued.

Last Monday, then Free National Movement Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest said the FNM was very worried about the reports.

“There’s something not clean in the smell here,” Mr Turnquest said last week.

“BPL doesn’t know about this until late, and nobody else seemed to know it was in the works.

“It’s a last-minute deal that raises all kinds of suspicions as to the motive, who’s behind it and who’s going to benefit from it. These guys are incredible; this is just over the top.”

On May 10, the PLP was wiped out of office, receiving only four seats while the FNM won 35. As part of the humiliating defeat, Mr Christie became the first Bahamian prime minister to lose his seat in an election.

Mr Christie has represented Centreville since 1977 and won the constituency in eight consecutive elections. Last night he said he accepted responsibility for his party’s loss and resigned from the party with immediate effect.

As deputy, Mr Davis now assumes the role as leader.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, May 16, 2017, PAGE 7

MINNIS SAYS UNETHICAL BEHAVIOUR A FIRING OFFENCE from page one

Bahamians people with a government of integrity.

“Good and open government demands transparency and accountability.

Good governance demands being responsible for our actions.

“Accordingly I will hold ministers to the highest standards of ethical conduct in performance of their public duties,” Dr Minnis continued.

“And I want to send a message to my ministers: Should you engage in unsavoury or unethical requests to the permanent secretaries and I discover or find this out, you will immediately be fired.

“And I say to the permanent secretaries should you not report such behaviour and allow it to fester, you too will be fired.

“It is now the people’s time.”

The Cabinet Dr Minnis explained his decision not to take on a substantive ministry or portfolio, aside from those items which fall under the Office of the Prime Minister. He was previously minister of health under the former Ingraham administration.

“I made this decision in order to perform my primary constitutional duty as prime minister. This primary constitutional duty is the coordination and oversight of the Cabinet of The Bahamas.

“And as I have repeatedly noted, my government will be one of collegiality, collective responsibility and collaboration. I pledge also collaboration and regular consultation with parliamentary colleagues. “ He also said: “The most

DIONISIO D’AGUILAR, Minister of Tourism, Avaition and Bahamasair.

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis speaking yesterday.

Photos: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff cohesive and more endur- elect Marvin Dames, minis- Bahama in the Office of the ing families are those that ter of national security and Prime Minister. combine the continuity, the Sea Breeze MP-elect LaniYamacraw MP Elsworth experience and the wisdom sha Rolle, minister of social Johnson will serve as minof the elders alongside the services and urban develop- ister of state for legal affairs energy and dynamism of ment. in the Office of the AttorThe list also includes ney General and the Minisnew blood ready for change.

“When I was growing Southern Shores MP-elect try of Legal Affairs. up my mother would re- Frankie Campbell, minisMr Bannister, who was mind me that in order to ter of transport and local not present during yesteravoid bucking my toe, that I government; South Beach day’s ceremony reportedly should get the advice of my MP-elect Jeffery Lloyd, for personal reasons, is exelders and of people with minister of education; Mar- pected to be sworn in as the experience when making a athon MP-elect Romauld minister of works soon.

Ferreira, minister of envidecision.”

Dr Minnis said to harIn choosing the makeup ronment and housing; Dion ness and hone the talents of his Cabinet, the prime Foulkes, minister of labour; of the members of the new minister said he wanted North Abaco MP-elect “people’s government,” effective and meaningful Darren Henfield, minister Cabinet and parliamentary change. To do this, Dr Min- of foreign affairs; Marco colleagues will have the nis said it was essential to City MP-elect Michael benefit of an orientation include a new generation of Pintard, minister of youth, programme conducted by leaders as well as ministers sports and culture and Free Bahamian and internationwith experience in govern- Town MP-elect Dionisio al experts.

D’Aguilar, minister of tourment.

“This orientation will inThose who were sworn ism, aviation and Bahama- clude information on the in yesterday are: St Anne’s sair.

Constitution; our parliaThe list also includes mentary system of governMP-elect Brent Symonette, minister of financial ser- three junior ministers. Gar- ment; public finance; the vices, trade and industry, den Hills MP-elect Brensil proper working of Cabinet and immigration; Bamboo Rolle will serve as minis- government; a code of ethTown MP-elect Renward ter of state for the public ics and other relevant areas Wells, minister of agricul- service and National In- of government. ture and marine resources; surance in the Office of “My colleagues should Elizabeth MP-elect Dr the Prime Minister. Kwasi remember that their role Duane Sands, minister of Thompson will serve as as Cabinet ministers is to health; Mt Moriah MP- minister of state for Grand set policy and to make sure

MARVIN DAMES, Minister of National Security.

RENWARD WELLS, Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources. that policy is carried out, a new day. Every decision not to act as administrators. we make must be with the “We must never forget intention of improving the that we serve as the peo- lives of our people. ple’s government, and that “If they see us working means all the people. The hard; if they see us using spirit of democracy must public funds wisely; if they be our constant companion see us doing their business and guiding light. Each day with integrity and humility, we must work to maintain then, and only then will we the confidence and trust of have truly earned their fullthe people who voted for er trust,” Dr Minnis said.

MAN ADMITS POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA WORTH $25,000

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was spared an immediate prison sentence yesterday after he maintained his guilty plea to possession of more than $25,000 worth of marijuana.

Christopher Brown, 33, along with his 50-year-old mother Velerie JohnsonBrown, Vanessa Brown, Marguerite Brown and Kendera Moss, 25, were arraigned in Magistrate’s Court on Friday concerning the seizure of 26 pounds of marijuana on May 10.

Although the 33-year-old pleaded guilty to possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply, the other defendants entered not guilty pleas at their arraignment before Deputy Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes.

According to police reports, officers were on patrol on Market Street when they saw three men behaving in a suspicious manner in front of a home.

As the officers approached, one of the men fled towards the house where the drugs were found. This suspect has not yet been arraigned as he is in hospital receiving treatment for a gunshot injury received during the chase.

The officers allegedly smelled marijuana coming from a car in the yard and officers found packages of drugs inside the trunk of the car that was registered to the 33-year-old accused.

The search continued inside the home and police found more marijuana hidden under the floor.

In yesterday’s proceedings, Deputy Chief Magistrate Forbes asked the 33 year old if he still maintained his guilty plea.

Brown said he did.

His lawyer Nathan Smith made a mitigation plea on his behalf.

Mr Smith said that the married man and father of one is a carpenter and interior designer by profession who had no prior convictions.

He said his client not only surrendered to police and cooperated with their investigation, but he had not wasted the court’s time and assumed responsibility for his actions.

Mr Smith said from the character references submitted to the court on his client’s behalf, “everything suggests this is a departure from his character and an isolated incident.”

“He’s extremely remorseful having to put his family through this, particularly his mother on Mother’s

Day,” Mr Smith added.

“If given the chance to rehabilitate, he’ll continue down a positive path,” the lawyer continued.

Mr Smith said a custodial sentence was not warranted as it would be counter-productive to rehabilitation efforts and noted that the prison was already overcrowded.

He also expressed concern for his client’s safety if incarcerated, noting that the only means for survival in such a facility was to join a gang for protection.

“He’s not shown any characteristics of joining a gang,” Mr Smith added.

The deputy chief magistrate accepted the guilty plea and formally convicted Brown of the charge.

While accepting the submissions argued by the defence, the judge noted his confusion “as to why this defendant would secure 26.3 pounds of marijuana in the car and his house.”

“Your actions show a degree of callousness, a lack of judgment and selfishness,” the deputy chief magistrate added.

The judge told Brown that the court was empowered by law to impose a fine of up to $250,000 and/or seven years imprisonment.

However, having weighed all of the mitigating circum-

MURDER TRIAL FACES FURTHER DELAY

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

THE transfer of a murder case from Magistrate’s Court to Supreme Court has been delayed by an additional two weeks.

Jordan Stubbs, 18, was scheduled to be presented with a voluntary bill of indictment in the death of Delanzo Cartwright on March 10.

However, the documents were not ready and the Crown requested a further adjournment of the proceedings until May 31. Stubbs is accused of intentionally causing the death of Cartwright and attempting to kill Tia Green and Devontae Kerr on the same day.

According to police reports, shortly before 10pm Cartwright was driving with the two women when the occupants of a Honda

Odyssey pulled alongside their car and shot them before speeding off.

All three were taken to hospital. The man was seriously injured and died of his injuries the next day while the two women were treated and discharged.

Due to the nature of the allegations, Stubbs will not be required to enter a plea until a formal arraignment before a judge in the Supreme Court.

MAN DENIED BAIL AFTER FIREARMS CHARGE

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net A MAN was remanded to prison yesterday after he was arraigned on firearm related offences.

Charlton Thurston, 37, appeared before Magistrate Carolyn Vogt-Evans facing

a count each of possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of ammunition.

It is alleged that he was in possession of a black Austrian Glock 9mm pistol and 15 rounds of 9mm ammunition without being the holder of a license or certificate to possess the items.

Thurston pleaded not guilty to both allegations and is scheduled to return to Magistrate’s Court on June 7.

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

However, he has the right to apply to the Supreme Court for bail.

stances against the aggravating circumstances, the judge instead imposed a fine of $30,000.

“If the fine is not paid you will serve three years at the Department of Correctional Services,” the judge

added.

The charges were withdrawn against the other defendants, except for Curtis.

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PAGE 8, Tuesday, May 16, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

Jilting the PLP does not mean love for the FNM I

MMEDIATELY following the slaughterhouse general election, I felt a little sorry for Perry Christie, who, if the widely-shared photos were genuine, was

By NICOLE BURROWS captured on camera looking quite melancholy in the have when I force myself to election aftermath. recollect anything ChristieThen I - quickly - got over positive is of him shuffleit. hopping across a stage like I can’t say that Christie an itching, seizing man. was ever at the top of his Notwithstanding his illusgame, so I also can’t say trious, vociferous, pontiferthat there was ever a high ous, 40-plus years of experinote for him to leave on, but ence in public life, Christie’s he really should have exited legacy is now that of a man frontline governance years who achieved too little in ago when his disapproval too long a time. I can’t even rating wasn’t so ... conclu- fully analyse the official sive. election results to write this I’m a pretty compassion- article on this post-election ate person, although most weekend, because we the times people think I’m official results have been so rowdy. I’m certain that my slow in coming rowdiness is out. Add that attributable to ‘Eradicate the to Mr Christhe fact that I tie’s legacy. possibility of just don’t like But as pitiful career politicians being taken as Christie and advantage of, I and those who his Progresdon’t like feelsive Liberal seek positions of ing taken adParty (PLP) governance to vantage of, and are today, the I don’t like to milk the coffers Free National see others takMovement and realise their en advantage (FNM) should of ... and after own private not read too many years of agendas.’ much into the experience of fact that they dealing with now hold office. two-faced, ill-intentioned, The FNM didn’t win the pretentious people who general election because take advantage, my default they had a good plan or the setting is ‘self-preserve’. At best plan for the country. my core, I’m rather a softy, They won because they had but once you’ve done me a foothold in the process, wrong I have zero ability as the only other political to sympathise or empathise party Bahamians were gowith you, even though I ing to use to rid themselves won’t ever hate you. of Christie and his PLP. And so (borrowed that And while I’m disapfrom guess who) I can feel pointed that the Bahamian nothing tender for Christie, people aren’t more courabecause this is where he led geous than they are, to see me, where he led us, and that both the FNM and where he brought himself to PLP parties offer mostly be, where the first memory I the same things and almost

identical methods of governance, I am less horrified by the outcome of the election than I would have been had the PLP won it.

The FNM can’t be too comfortable with their success, because if it wasn’t clear before it is more than obvious now that if Bahamians are not happy with your party’s governance they will swap you out for the only other one they’ve ever had ... it’s the Bahamian love triangle. The Bahamian people, the PLP and the FNM. Unfortunately, the Bahamian people have been and generally are accepting of and satisfied with their government, and their relationship with them, no matter how dysfunctional it becomes. Only once in a while, the people will act out to show the government they still have what the government needs and wants from them.

Still, evidently, for Bahamians, if it ain’t the PLP, it must be the FNM. And if it ain’t the FNM, it must be the PLP. It could only ever be one of two things.

Bahamians say they want different, but they don’t really like to make different choices. They prefer if you keep giving them what they’re used to. And they will likely do this until the day The Bahamas is so consumed by another more powerful national entity that it no longer matters.

We can safely expect that, in the next five years, we’ll be on this merry-go-round

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FORMER Prime Minister Perry Christie speaking to the PLP council and supporters last night.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff again. If the Bahamian voting for the FNM - they more than half your term in people are sufficiently mad are virtual unknowns to office thinking about how at the FNM in 2022, or if many. And that’s not to say to be re-elected. the FNM can fix no/too few that they can’t make posiThere should be no such problems in the country, tive contributions to their thing as an incumbent seekthey’ll be out the next time country in Parliament, but ing re-election. Eradicate and Bahamians will vote they have to and will be the possibility of career polback in the PLP... assum- watched closely. Even those iticians and those who seek ing that party is still a going more well-known have to positions of governance to concern. and will be watched close- milk the coffers and realise And speaking of going ly. A few of the candidates their own private agendas. concerns, if the Democratic already have negative asThere should always be a National Alliance (DNA) sociations as corrupt busi- refreshment of good qualstays around, the party ness people, even as United ity leadership to ensure has to decide if the people States tax-evaders. Be these that the young people are who voted for them in 2012 claims true or not, they pre- constantly engaged in the did so because they just cede the people associated process and that the most couldn’t bring themselves with the claims and Baha- modern or advanced socito vote PLP as an alterna- mians should be observing ety possible is re-enabled at tive to the FNM they want- every one of these newly- every election. ed removed from office, or elected parliamentarians Though, admittedly, he because they really believed with watchful hawk eyes. has been improving, Hubert in and wanted to realise the There’s been much talk Minnis still doesn’t speak vision of the DNA. about term limits for Prime well. But since he has the Someone in an elec- Ministers of The Bahamas. role of leader now, I would tion broadcast made the Many people are in favour offer him one - albeit unsocomment that the FNM of a maximum of two terms licited - bit of advice: get a “touched the hearts of Ba- in office. I say there should speaking/language coach, hamians” and therefore only be one term - for all even for training in the task they won the election. I persons elected or appoint- of reading from a script. Or, doubt that completely. The ed to leadership. And it’s if it’s easier, just go ahead FNM did not win because not as radical as it sounds. and speak broad Bahamian the FNM, or Hubert MinWe know the problems English one time. We, those nis, was/is politically loved we face with corruptible who care very much about by most Bahamians. The politicians and political competent communicaFNM won because the PLP, processes. If you want to tion, would feel less dread and Perry Christie, was/is prevent these things from if you speak just as you are politically despised by most taking hold, or if you want instead of trying to be who Bahamians.

Bahamians to flush them out sooner, no you definitely aren’t, espeweren’t voting for candi- one, no Prime Minister/par- cially when trying too hard dates; they were voting for ty leader, no Deputy Prime every time causes you to fail the party they needed to Minister/deputy leader, no every time. take the (PLP) government member of Parliament, etc, I didn’t vote for him, but out - this time. should be allowed more I do wish Minnis the best Case in point. In Centre- than one term in office. in his new job, because I ville, Reece Chipman won As old-time Bahami- still love my country. It will that seat in Parliament by ans would say, “ass in, ass not be easy for him. In fact, the skin of his teeth. The out.” Get in there, do what we will make sure it is not final count, last I checked, you have to do, and get easy, for him and all of his put Chipman at a win over out. From the highest to party’s representatives. BeChristie by four votes, three the lowest elected or ap- cause more than anything, if you accept defensive, bal- pointed office in the coun- the Bahamian people know, lot magician Grimes’ com- try, a person should never without a doubt now, we ment that one of those four serve in public office for simply cannot afford to cut votes was a protest vote. more than one term. There anyone any slack.

And the PLP pushed and is no real justifiable rationFixing a broken country pushed until Christie got ale for more time than one is a gargantuan task, and beat by only four votes. I term. Any argument made anyone in a position of leadhave to ask - how much bet- in support of more than one ership or influence in govter does that feel? term could conceivably be ernment who does not have So, really, in the Centre- made for ten more terms. their shoulders to the wheel ville case and perhaps a few And the longer it goes, the in this mammoth repair job others, the FNM needs to more comfortable those in needs to be removed swiftly eternally thank their lucky office will become, and the and unapologetically from stars for the DNA candi- more they will (passively the vehicle of governance. date, the Bahamas Con- or actively) resist being reThere is an entire, bleedstitution Party candidate moved. They will always say ing nation with multiple and all those individuals they couldn’t get everything traumatic injuries to save. courageous enough to go done. But that will be true Bahamians will help their up against Christie in his no matter how much time new government to save 40-plus-year-old, desper- passes, whether it’s one our nation, if those in govately-in-need-of-largeyear or 100 years. ernance show they mean to scale-renovations, conErgo, if you mean busi- save it, with all their heart stituency. Because, without ness about helping your and spirit and strength, in those other candidates, country, then you get in, the time gifted to them by Christie could have easily and you get out. You mean Bahamian voters in this won/kept that seat, and the to do good for your peo- most recent general elecjoy the FNM now has in ple? Well, you bust your tion. retiring Christie from lead- ass and get it done in one • You can watch and lisership of the country and term. And what you don’t ten to Nicole Burrows talksimultaneously deny him a achieve in your one term in ing through this article and seat at the parliamentary office, the next iteration of other thoughts on fb.me/ table would not have been government will. The true PolitiColeTV. Comments realised. measure of your capability and responses to nburSome of the FNM candi- and commitment should be rows@tribunemedia.net. dates who won seats in this how well you use the time This is the last in the Politielection really only won you have to achieve what is Cole series so thank you for them by default of voters most important, not spend reading.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, May 16, 2017, PAGE 9

More than 200 sign up for NHI at weekend in GB

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net MORE than 200 people enrolled in National Health Insurance on Grand Bahama over the weekend at pop-up locations in Freeport and in Lucaya.

Since the launch of the enrolment phase on April 24, some 2,860 Grand Bahamians have enrolled to date.

Charles Hamilton, communications consultant with NHI Bahamas, reported that 60 persons enrolled on Friday at the location in Port Lucaya Marketplace between 10am and 2pm, and 200 at the Circle Mall location in Freeport between 9am-5pm on Saturday.

“It was a pretty successful event on Saturday and persons of all ages turned out to enrol,” he told The Tribune, adding that the process was simple and quick.

In a press statement issued on Friday, officials said the third phase of NHI is underway with those enrolled able to receive primary care service at no cost, and their selected preferred doctors and physicians registered to provide primary care service under NHI have received payment.

Mr Hamilton reported that more than two dozen doctors from the public and private sectors have registered under NHI on Grand Bahama.

“There is definitely a healthy appetite among the public to enrol in NHI,” he said. “We continue to have persons going to the NIB offices on the island to enrol and also through the website.”

When asked for the figures, Mr Hamilton was unable to provide the numbers of those who had registered

online or through NIB offices on Grand Bahama, but said the numbers would be available at the end of the day.

He indicated that they intend to hold more pop-up events on Grand Bahama and are encouraging Bahamians to enrol.

“We want…to be able to reach persons and eliminate any barriers they might have to be able to enrol.

We know that not everyone may be tech savvy or can go to the NIB locations, and we want to go in to communities like West End and other parts of the island so that everyone can have an opportunity to enrol at the pop-up locations,” he said.

According to Mr Hamilton, the process takes about 15 minutes and persons pick their primary care doctors the same time they enrol.

Phase three of NHI - primary healthcare coverage - has started in Grand Bahama. The NHI consultant reported that as of Friday patients in Grand Bahama started visiting their selected doctors and receiving care at no cost at point of service.

“We are seeing great support from Grand Bahamians who are excited that the day has come where they can start receiving care under NHI Bahamas. There have been doctors from across the island who will serve communities, including Freeport, Eight Mile Rock, Hawksbill Creek, High Rock and the West End, to ensure local residents have access to quality, affordable care,” Peter Deveaux-Isaacs, permanent secretary for National Health Insurance, said in an official statement released last Friday.

Dr Renee Lockhart, of Seahorse Family Health

Centre in Freeport, is one of the primary care providers in Grand Bahama.

“As a primary care provider, I feel privileged to treat some of the first patients in Grand Bahama who can now access care under NHI Bahamas. This is an important programme that will help relieve the burden of medical expenses associated with primary care for Bahamians,” she said.

Andrea James was among the first patients to receive care in Grand Bahama under NHI. “It feels great to have access to NHI Bahamas. I had insurance for many years and each year it progressively increased to a point where I had to let it go. NHI Bahamas adds a level of individuality and you have a primary care doctor whom you can identify and build a relationship with. I am excited about this because it is a very encouraging first step,” she said.

The primary care phase of coverage will cover many services, including doctor visits, screening for various medical conditions, lab tests, diagnostic imaging, ultra sounds and x-rays, vaccinations, various medications, and much more. The full primary care benefits package can be found online at http://www.nhibahamas.gov.bs/whats-covered/.

The NHI Secretariat said that enrolment for NHI Bahamas is continuing.

In order to enrol, persons will need the following: NIB Smart Card; be a Bahamian citizen or legal resident and proof of residency in The Bahamas for the last six months.

Persons in Grand Bahama and the Family Islands can also enrol online or inperson at their local NIB office.

DR RENEE LOCKHART, primary care provider registered with NHI, seeing one of first patients enrolled with NHI, Andrea James of Freeport.

COCAINE WORTH $5M SEIZED IN FREEPORT

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

LOCAL authorities seized $5m worth of suspected cocaine at the Freeport Container Port on Monday, however no arrests have

been made, police reported.

Inspector Terecita Pinder reported that 490.5lbs of cocaine were discovered while searching a 20ft container. The drugs were in seven black duffle bags that were uncovered by Drug Enforcement Unit offic-

MAN FOUND HANGED IN GRAND BAHAMA

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

GRAND Bahama police are investigating the death of a 39-year-old man who was found hanged from a

tree in an upscale subdivision in the Lucaya area on Monday.

According to reports, shortly after 9am police were called to the Fortune Bay Drive area where a male victim was pro-

nounced dead by a doctor.

Inspector Terecita Pinder said that foul play is not suspected, but police are awaiting the results of an autopsy to determine the cause death. Investigations are continuing into the matter.

READERS RESPOND TO MITCHELL BLAST AT FNM AFTER former Fox Hill MP Fred Mitchell hit out at the FNM following their election victory, readers gave their response on tribune242.com.

JohnDoe said: “Fred, I could see if you won your seat. You just sound like a cry baby, you don’t even have a place in an official Opposition. The old regime is finished. Go back to life as usual ‘without’ the politics.”

There was this from The_ Oracle: “‘The money of foreign interests’, the ‘turn of clever phrases’ and the manipulation of ‘a population suffering from the ill-effects of the economic recession’ – sounds like he has revealed the PLP playbook. Foreign interests as in a foreign government! Wholesale! And why shouldn’t FNM supporters believe their party’s propaganda? It is what PLPs are expected to do whole heartedly, blindly, the difference, of course, being content and the truth! As to needing professionals, uh, you had those, it didn’t help. Who saves a rotten apple, rotten to the core? You throw it away, and think twice before buying them again! All

this drivel reinforces the appearances of a deluded individual, one who believes his own propaganda! Delusions of grandeur in the extreme.”

Alex_Charles had this to say: “Thing is, Mr Mitchell is correct in his assertion of foreign financing helped the FNM campaign (largely indirectly through third party ads). Thing is though . . . in 2012 the PLP did the same flipping thing! The PLP needs reform, Fred is showing why he can’t and shouldn’t play any role in that.”

But TalRussell offered this: “The former minister has stated a simple fact . . . that the Bahamaland remains a democracy . . . and that no political party is ever granted a ‘permanent majority’ from the voting public. The same democracy the red shirts politicians wanted voters to believe no longer existed in the Bahamaland. And even though

Reputable growing gaming company, accepting resumes for

ers, along with other law enforcement officials and security personnel at the container port.

According to Insp Pinder, the drugs have an estimated street value of $5,125,000.

Police are actively investigating the matter.

they knew it couldn’t be further from the truth, they kept going from constituency to constituency while repeating it. Now that they’ve won the government on the democracy they said was long gone from the polling stations, just maybe the red shirts will do the right thing - by apologising to the people for their deception.”

OMG said: “The vote for the FNM was not only by supporters but members of your own party fed up with the lies, corruption, cronyism and lack of accountability. The country will save a fortune now that you have to travel at your own expense. ” PastorTroy thought “the people have spoken”: “Why are we even responding to these arrogant, sore losers?

WE THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN SIR!! That’s what DEMOCRACY is all about!! Respectfully sir, GET OVER YOUR ARROGANCE!!

Humbleness is not weakness, but strength, to be vulnerable, yet maintain great character.”

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

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Interested qualified candidates may submit their resume via email to info@242careers.com.

Deadline for submissions – May 19, 2017 Only successful candidates will be contacted

PAGE 10, Tuesday, May 16, 2017

37% VOTED FOR PLP AS FNM SWEPT TO POPULAR VICTORY

The new Cabinet of The Bahamas

from page one

Overall, 160,641 people had a vote that counted in this year’s election.

According to official figures, 21,034 registered voters did not vote at all in the election or did not have their vote counted.

The PLP suffered the worst electoral defeat in its history, winning just four seats: Englerston; San Salvador, Rum Cay & Cat Island; Exuma and South Andros.

Former Fox Hill MP and Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell downplayed the FNM’s landslide victory over the weekend, saying there’s nothing revolutionary about the win.

Mr Mitchell chalked the loss up to the continuing effects of the global recession, “the money of foreign interests” and the “turn of clever phrases”.

Nonetheless, many in the PLP have privately blamed former Prime Minister Perry Christie for the general election loss, despite the party’s decision to overwhelmingly re-elect him leader at its convention in January.

Alfred Sears and Leslie Miller, the PLP’s candidates in Fort Charlotte and Tall Pines respectively, have both said that as they canvassed in their constituencies they encountered voters who admired them but declined to offer their support because they could no longer stand the leadership of the party.

During the campaign season, the FNM capitalised on this and the country’s discontent with the Christie administration.

The FNM frequently highlighted that administration’s decision to use value added tax (VAT) for reasons not related to debt reduction as well as scandals involving several government members, including former Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald’s unsuccessful attempt to solicit contracts from Baha Mar.

THE TRIBUNE

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis

DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest

MINISTER of Financial Services, Trade and Industry, and Immigration Brent Symonette

MINISTER of Agriculture and Marine Resources Renward Wells

MINISTER of Health Dr Duane Sands

MINISTER of National Security Marvin Dames

MINISTER of Social Services and Urban Development Lanisha Rolle

MINISTER of Transport and Local Government Frankie Campbell

MINISTER of Education Jeffery Lloyd

MINISTER of Environment and Housing Romauld Ferreira

MINISTER of Labour Dion Foulkes

MINISTER of Foreign Affairs Darren Henfield

MINISTER of Youth, Sports and Culture Michael Pintard

MINISTER of Tourism, Aviation and Bahamasair Dionisio D’Aguilar

MINISTER of Works Desmond Bannister (yet to be sworn in)

ATTORNEY General Carl Bethel

MINISTER of State for Legal Affairs Elsworth Johnson

MINISTER of State for the Public Service and National Insurance Brensil Rolle

MINISTER of State for Grand Bahama Kwasi Thompson

DNA CORRECTION

THE Democratic National Alliance (DNA) received 7,530 votes in the 2017 general election and not 8,749 as reported on Monday.

The Parliamentary Registration Department had erroneously reported on Sunday that the DNA’s candidate for Free Town, Karen Davis, received 1,379 votes. However Ms Davis only received 160 votes, according to the official election results, while the Progressive Liberal Party’s candidate for the area, Wayne Munroe, received those 1,379 votes.

The winner in the area, the Free National Movement’s candidate Dionisio D’Aguilar got 2,389 votes.

Overall, the DNA received about 4.7 per cent of the total votes in 2017, considerably less than what the third party captured in 2012. In that election, the DNA got more than 13,000 votes; however the party did not capture a seat in Parliament.

UNSEALING BAHA MAR DOCUMENTS ‘IMPORTANT’ from page one

former Prime Minister Perry Christie in January assured Bahamians that the documents would be made public. However this was

never done.

“I am just getting my first touch of the issue,” Mr Bethel said during a telephone interview.

“I haven’t seen the file as yet, although I did have my first verbal briefing on it to-

day (Monday).

“This is something that we do regard as very important. However, I have to review and then be briefed and we’ll go from there.”

On April 30, the former Christie administration re-

leased Baha Mar’s heads of agreement, which included several revelations, including a $4m annual bill for eight years by the government to help market the mega resort upon its opening.

FINAL NOTICE

FINAL NOTICE

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, 2000, notice is hereby given that:- BALTIC INVEST SA has been dissolved and struck off the Register pursuant to Certificate of Dissolution issued by the Registrar General on 28TH, MARCH 2017

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, 2000, notice is hereby given that:- EXL FUNDS INC. has been dissolved and struck off the Register pursuant to Certificate of Dissolution issued by the Registrar General on 3RD, MAY 2017.

Dillon Dean LIQUIDATOR

Dillon Dean LIQUIDATOR

NOTICE ASHGHAL INVESTMENT SA (Voluntary Liquidation)

NOTICE DAR TUNIS GMBH (Voluntary Liquidation)

Notice is hereby given that, in accordance with Section 138 (4) of The International Business Companies Act 2000 the above-named Company is in dissolution, which commenced on the 12th, day of May 2017. The Liquidator is Dillon Dean of Nassau Bahamas.

Notice is hereby given that, in accordance with Section 138 (4) of The International Business Companies Act 2000 the above-named Company is in dissolution, which commenced on the 12th, day of May 2017. The Liquidator is Dillon Dean of Nassau Bahamas.

Dillon Dean (Liquidator)

Dillon Dean (Liquidator)

The document, signed on April 25, also outlined a number of other concessions granted to the new buyer of the beleaguered resort, including value added tax (VAT) exemption for the project’s completion until the end of 2019 and write off of $10m in casino debts.

While stressing that there must at all times be “continued efforts” to maximise Bahamian employment at the resort, the government further allowed for the granting of up to 300 work permits for non-Bahamian workers in senior management positions, those with technical or specialty skills, including brand management, “where there is a demonstrable need and lack of qualified Bahamian applicants.”

The heads of agreement noted that after the first 18 months of operation of the resort and casino, work permit numbers are projected to drop to 200.

The resort also will be exempt from the payment of real property tax for 10 years “commencing on the

date of opening for business of each facility within the project.”

The heads of agreement also committed the government to solving the longstanding issues plaguing the New Providence Landfill and addressing the issue of unreliable electricity supply in the capital by the end of this year.

The timing of the release of the heads of agreement coincided with the end of the government’s self-imposed deadline to push for the release of the sealed Supreme Court documents relating to the sale of the resort to Chow Tai Fook Enterprises (CTFE).

However, those documents remain under the court ordered seal and as a result, the sales price and other conditions involved in the process are still unknown.

The non-government organisation Transparency in Governance has recently made a motion in court to have the documents released to the public.

NOTICE BISTON GROUP SERVICES SA (Voluntary Liquidation) Notice is hereby given that, in accordance with Section 138 (4) of The International Business Companies Act 2000 the above-named Company is in dissolution, which commenced on the 12th, day of May 2017. The Liquidator is Dillon Dean of Nassau Bahamas.

Dillon Dean (Liquidator)