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VOLUME:115 No.122, MAY 17TH, 2018
OFFICIA
CLASSIFIED TRADER: CARS, CARS, CARS & MORE CARS
INSIDE
Police Farce
Audit exposes RBPF’s: • Promotion sham • Top-heavy at force’s senior level • Massive shortage of junior officers By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net RESEARCHERS who conducted a manpower audit of the Royal Bahamas Police Force flayed last year’s promotional exercise in their report while revealing the top-heavy Force needs 791 more constables to be more effective. The audit said last year’s promotional exercise just days before the 2017 general election contravened policing policy when former police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade participated in the interview process. “The Commissioner of Police headed the Promotion Board (that
‘I CAN’T LET MY CHILD WALK HOME ALONE’
interviewed officers) instead of the Deputy Commissioner who is mandated by policy to assume this role,” the report, tabled by National Security Minister Marvin Dames, told the House of Assembly yesterday. “This portion of the process was initially designed to give a certain degree of impartiality on the boards so as to be devoid of the commissioner’s input.” More disturbing was the vacuity of the interviews conducted, a process that left officers “baffled”. “One officer said: ‘When I got into the interview I was asked if my shoes were clean and then an SEE PAGE NINE
THOUSANDS of warrants remain unexecuted and ports of entry have been left vulnerable because of a manpower shortage within the Royal Bahamas Police Force. The report, which among other things explores the issues at the Police Prosecutions Division, does not say how many warrants have failed to be executed, but it notes that with only ten staff members – one superintendent, three officers
and six civilians – the division is challenged to carry out its mandate. It further notes the division’s deficiency in workers as a factor in affecting matters that are to be presented before the courts leaving them under represented. This division is located on Nassau Street near the Magistrate’s Court Complex. “Due to the large amount of court matters coupled with manpower shortages, many matters are under-represented. SEE PAGE NINE
L SOUR CE
‘MINISTER’ LINKED TO POLICE IN SMITH TRIAL
By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net
A WRITTEN statement submitted by Assistant Commissioner of Police Paul Rolle in the ongoing Frank Smith extortion and bribery trial could lead to at least one current government minister being called before the court. In another twist yesterday, the defence’s lead attorney Keith Knight, QC, revealed his brief review of a written statement submitted by ACP Rolle - the officer-in-charge of the RBPF’s Anti-Corruption Unit - gave the indication that the senior officer was not the “first link in the chain” but rather “link number two or three”. SEE PAGE SEVEN
ATLANTIS ‘BEST START IN YEARS’ By NATARIO MCKENZIE Tribune Business Reporter nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net ATLANTIS has enjoyed “one of the strongest first quarters in many years”, its top executive revealing that business is “well ahead” of 2017 numbers. Audrey Oswell, the Paradise Island resort’s president and managing director, told Tribune Business: “Business is well ahead of last year’s numbers, and even 2016 numbers. We are very pleased with how business is going. “We have had one of the strongest first quarters that we have had in many years, and our business going forward through the rest of the year is also well ahead of last year.” FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS
WARRANTS UNSERVED DUE TO LACK OF WORKERS By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net
$1
BUTCHERED DOG’S PUPS SHANTY TOWN CENSUS - MAJORITY HAVE STATUS LOSE FIGHT FOR LIFE A PARENT walks a child home from Stephen Dillet Primary School. Parents were on hand to ensure their children got home safely following two incidents of sexual assault on minors recently. See page five for the full story. Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net
AN “OVERWHELMING” 70 percent of shanty town residents surveyed in New Providence have a legal right to reside in the country, according to the preliminary findings of a recent government survey. Twenty-three percent of interviewees did not provide information on their legal status, and only six percent of residents that did
OFFICIALS during the shanty town census. were undocumented. The largest grouping, 32 percent, held work permits, and 21 percent of interviewees had permanent residency, survey findings revealed.
Bahamian residents stood at 15 percent, and three percent of interviewees had a spousal permit. The survey conducted by the Shanty Town Action Task Force (SATF) assessed 1,410 residents from the 428 households, and revealed most are long-term residents aged 40 or older with an average of three persons per household and total weekly incomes of less than $400.
SIX days after a pregnant pit bull dog named Whitehead died as a result of an illegal caesarian performed by a street vet in Grand Bahama it has been discovered that none of her eight puppies have been able to survive without their mother.
SEE PAGE SIX
SEE PAGE THREE
Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper
By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
PAGE 2, Thursday, May 17, 2018
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By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net
LODGE members of the Rebecca Chapter No 4, Prince Hall Affiliate, gave the Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre’s beautification programme a boost with a new garden in the atrium of the Robert Smith Ward. The garden marks the first phase of a beautification project designed for
the area, which is housed in the new Child and Adolescent Robert Smith (CARS) Building at the facility on Fox Hill Road. The colourful additions included hibiscus, petunias and peonies. Sister Fredericka Wallace, who supervises the Robert Smith Ward, described the contribution as a “beautiful change” and one that would certainly brighten the day of staff and clients alike.
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, May 17, 2018, PAGE 3
Butchered dog’s pups lose fight for life from page one
The tragic incident highlights the concerns of the Veterinary Medical Association of illegal medical procedures and animal vaccinations being performed by lay people in The Bahamas. Veterinarian Dr Pedro Davis, president of the Veterinary Medical Association in New Providence, condemned the incident that occurred last week and said his association expects to meet with the Veterinary Board - the governing body in The Bahamas - to discuss this latest incident and few others that have come to their attention. The story of Whitehead, a four-year-old pit bull terrier, and her puppies, was first made public on the Freeport Vet Hospital Facebook page last Thursday.
Local veterinarian Dr Chante Wildgoose, of Freeport Vet Hospital, said the dog’s owner, who is a client of theirs, had left Whitehead in the care of someone while he was away. The caretaker contacted a “street vet” who deemed the dog was breached and performed a caesarian without any anaesthesia. She said the mother was butchered and bled to death at the hands of a non-vet “playing doctor” who was not qualified or licensed to conduct a surgical procedure on animals. As newborn puppies are very fragile and highly dependent on their mother for warmth and nutrition, the orphaned puppies started dying one by one in the absence of proper nursing. Dr Davis told The Tribune that proper monitoring is needed to address such incidents. “Incidents like this point
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WHITEHEAD the pit bull died following an illegal caesarian.
out the lack of monitoring that exists in The Bahamas,” he said. “We’ve had incidents with dog ear cropping and other cases where people take their animals to lay people to have vaccinations done.” He noted that in most cases the animals are not adequately evaluated before procedures are done by rogue vets, and there can be unfortunate outcomes for the animal. “These persons are not trained, licensed or qualified to do any vet procedure. And so our stance is that we condemn incidences like this, and try to educate the public of how they should properly take their animals to a local Vet for care.” Dr Davis said the Veterinary Medical Association is moving to have their issues addressed. “We have drafted a letter
to the Veterinary Board to have a meeting as soon as possible with them. They are the governing body, and they are supposed to police this profession. “Anything that happens we are supposed to report it and present it to Board, which we did. We want to get them to deal with this incident and a few other incidents.” According to Dr Davis, the laws concerning the veterinary field are very old and holds the veterinary profession back. “We are still governed by laws that are archaic. We have been trying since 2008 to get a new Act passed to put the profession in the hands of the Association and Veterinarians so that we could police it properly. As it stands, the law only allows Vets to make reports to the Veterinary Board,” he said.
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THE TRIBUNE
The Tribune Limited NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI “Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”
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Liberal primaries tilt a sign for Democrats HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Primary election season is still young, but the liberal wing of the Democratic Party is already celebrating. Democratic voters have chosen decidedly liberal candidates in several closely watched congressional primary elections, a sign that the left is driving much of Democrats’ enthusiasm and may be winning the tug of war with moderates over the direction of the party. Primary voters’ embrace of liberal candidates in Nebraska and Pennsylvania on Tuesday underscored the trend and demonstrated the risks. In Omaha, Democrat Kara Eastman edged out moderate Brad Ashford by casting herself as a progressive in Nebraska’s lone urban district, supporting single-payer, government-run health insurance and a ban on assault weapons. But some Democrats argue candidates like Eastman are pulling the party too far to the left for a district that, except for Ashford’s lone term two years ago, has been held for more than 20 years by Republicans in the heart of a conservative state. Eastman, whose victory surprised top Democratic leaders, argues otherwise. “The Democratic base was looking for an actual Democrat who represents their values,” Eastman told The Associated Press. “For years, we’ve been running conservative Democrats and seeing them lose.” In Pennsylvania, Scott Wallace, a wealthy donor to liberal causes, beat out Rachel Reddick, a former Republican and Navy veteran, in a three-way race in suburban Bucks County, north of Philadelphia. Lesser-known environmentalist Steve Bacher finished a distant third. Reddick stressed her conversion to the Democratic Party, while Wallace, a grandson of former Vice President Henry Wallace, stressed his long-standing loyalty to party ideals, including single-payer health care. In Allentown, Pennsylvania, lawyer Susan Wild narrowly won in the crowded Democratic primary in the state’s swingvoting 7th Congressional District. Wild, who supports universal health care and an assault weapons ban, beat out moderate John Morganelli, who holds more conservative views on abortion rights and immigration. The results reflect voters’ shifting thinking on ideas long considered too liberal to appeal to the middle. Promoting gun control, for instance, is not viewed as the deal breaker with moderates it might have been a decade ago, Democratic state Rep Peter Schweyer of Allentown said. “People are less afraid to be as vocal about it as they once were,” said Schweyer, who backed Wild. National liberal groups cheered Democratic Idaho gubernatorial candidate Paulette Jordan’s win in Tuesday’s primary. The 38-year-old state representative was endorsed by the liberal, anti-Trump group Indivisible. Unlike the districts in Nebraska and Pennsylvania, Idaho is a Republican-heavy state where the GOP gubernatorial nominee, Brad Little,
would be the heavy favorite to win in November. The three House seats in Pennsylvania and Nebraska are seen as key to the roughly two dozen seats that Democrats must gain in November to claim a House majority. Democrats are looking first to 25 districts where Republican Donald Trump fell short of Democrat Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election, like the two Pennsylvania districts. Several of those are open seats because of the dozens of Republican members choosing to retire rather than seeking re-election amid headwinds for the party. As GOP retirements have mounted, Democrats have begun looking to a roughly 100 more districts, including the Nebraska district, where Trump narrowly won, demonstrating the potential breadth of the battleground this fall. While Ashford had sought public office as a Republican and later a Democrat for more than 30 years, Eastman’s profile as the head of a nonprofit group helped her connect with some voters on Omaha’s African-American-heavy north side, said Precious McKesson, the coalitions director for the Nebraska Democratic Party. “You had someone who had already been there before in Ashford,” McKesson said. “But then you had someone in Kara who is a social worker, who has worked on causes behind the scenes, someone we could relate to. I think that’s what made more people come out for her.” The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, the national House campaign arm of the Democratic National Committee, had backed Ashford and dispatched national figures such as California Rep. Adam Schiff to Omaha to raise money for him. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, who raised $16m for House Democrats in the first quarter of 2018, had said as late as last week that she expected Ashford to win. Some of Tuesday’s results, at least in Nebraska, jolted House Democrats in Washington, who expressed surprise after huddling privately Wednesday. They were seen as a gift to the Congressional Leadership Fund, a super PAC that supports Republican House members. “In suburban districts you cannot have candidates who are to the left of Bernie Sanders,” group spokeswoman Courtney Alexander said. But even Alexander would not go so far as to say Eastman’s win leaves the Republican incumbent, Rep. Don Bacon, in the clear. Crystal Rhoades, Democratic Party chairwoman for Douglas County, Nebraska, said her party has assumed wrongly the way to win is by offering voters a conservative Democrat. “There’s been a fundamental misreading of this district for a long time,” she said. “The answer is turnout, turnout, turnout.” By Thomas Beaumont and Marc Levy, Associated Press
Missing projects EDITOR, The Tribune.
IS the perception or disillusionment of corruption a reality against foreign investment? Truth experienced since May 10th, 2017, it seems to be the opposite as under the supposed to be lily-white-uncorrupt FNM not a single investment project has been announced except for the odorous Oban energy refinery deal. Knee-jerk reaction a year after being elected is simply the correct description of the announcement, I suggest at an inappropriate time, in front of foreign diplomats but surely any idiot should know you have to have a
tracking system for projects. So are we to believe on May 10th, 2017, the incoming government found absolutely no pending project proposals? What happened to the Carnival Cruise Port for Grand Bahama? Did the FNM kill that for the highly speculative and environmentally unsafe and unfinanced Oban project? The People wish to know, Mr Prime Minister. This Port would benefit ‘000’s not the 600 at Oban and no pollution and ugliness on pristine beach. Rumours abound that after the budget, May 16th, there will be a Cabinet
shuffle - Prime Minister shuffling is a total waste of time - if the Minister did not perform in one capacity why do you think he will perform in an alternative one? Sir, fire the unperforming Ministers you have a broad back bench. Fire them! Prime Minister can you give a serious directive to your Ministers and Permanent Secretaries they are required by General Orders to reply to correspondence…and not months later within a reasonable time, or as usual, never! W THOMPSON Nassau, May 11, 2018.
Editorial false claims EDITOR, The Tribune. I READ with interest a Nassau Guardian editorial titled, “Carnival continues, as it should”, dated May 4, 2018, and thought I should respond to two glaringly false claims made therein. Time does not allow me to respond to more. First, while making what is clearly a bad case for the continuation of carnival, the editorial writer makes a false claim that “the road march dancing is the same you’d see at any party hosted by young Caribbean people”. Further, he wrote that “those who think otherwise do not get out enough”. While all of the parties hosted by young Caribbean people that the editorial writer attended may very well have had the same dancing as displayed on the carnival road march, the editorial writer is in no position to universalise because he has not attended all parties hosted by all young Caribbean people. There are parties hosted by young Caribbean people that do not reflect anything close to road march dancing; I and others attended some. So, perhaps it’s the editorial writer who needs to get out more and experience parties hosted by young Caribbean people where debauchery, vulgarity, and lewdity, all of which are signature marks of the carnival road march, are absent. Connected to that false claim, I believe the editorial writer also makes a false comparison. I’m tentative on this point because the parties hosted by young Caribbean people that the editorial writer attended may very well have had women wearing G-strings and thongs and nothing more than patches on the nipples of their breasts, and
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net they may have been wining and jiggling and twerking and jerking their bare bottoms on the genitals of men (conduct typically engaged in during carnival road marches). But I doubt it. At best, it seems more reasonable that even if the style of dancing at those parties matched road march dancing, the women at those parties wore clothes. So, to compare dancing in both contexts is a false comparison, all in a futile attempt to make what happens in carnival seem normal. The second false claim the editorial writer makes is that in The Bahamas we live in a secular democratic society. While I agree with the editorial writer that we live in a democratic society, I strongly disagree that our democracy is of a secular kind. According to the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary, the word “secular” means “not having any connection with religion”. Clearly, The Bahamas has a very strong connection with the Christian religion, so I’m at a loss as to how the editorial writer can make the false claim that we are a secular democratic society. Officially, the best evidence of the kind of democracy we have is found in our constitution, and the word secular is not even mentioned there. On the other hand, the preamble to our constitution states that we as a people recognise that the preservation of our freedom will be guaranteed by an abiding respect for Christian values, among other things. Secularism is not listed among those other things.
Further, the preamble to our constitution states that we recognise the supremacy of God and that we agree for the articles of our constitution to provide for the indivisible unity and creation under God of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. I have no doubt that the editorial writer knows the content of our constitution’s preamble. Why then does he ignore it and say that we live in a secular democratic society? Many people are surprised to learn that, in The Bahamas, the observation of worship and the teaching of religion in governmentmaintained schools are mandated by law. The Education Act requires that “the school day in every maintained school shall begin with collective worship on the part of all pupils in attendance at the school” and that “religious instruction shall be given in every maintained school” (Section 17). In addition, every session of Parliament opens with Christian prayers, and the same is true for virtually every official function or meeting in government ministries and departments, and on government appointed boards. So why does the editorial writer make the false claim that we live in a secular democratic society? Could it be that he is expressing his wish rather than making a claim? Perhaps in a future editorial, he should tell us. And at the same time, he should tell us if he has seen people attend parties hosted by young Caribbean people dressed like those who go to the carnival road march (especially the females). PASTOR MOSS Nassau, May 15, 2018
CEDRIC
Costly tugboats EDITOR, The Tribune.
unconsidered alternative “recoupment”, perhaps the JUST for some perspec- Minister could put them up tive on the $15,000.000.00 for sale, before they too are Tugs, the People (tax- broken down or up on dry payers) have to spend dock. $ 200,000,000.00, or in How well has any BahaEnglish, two hundred mil- mas Government ever lion dollars, to generate managed ownership of $15,000,000.00 of VAT. floating assets, or any other If I might be so bold as kind of asset for that matter. to suggest an obviously And to manage the
contingency of a disaster in the harbour, maybe one or two of the existing RBDF vessels might be deployed to this side of the island, where we have deep water ingress and egress. MONEKEEDOO Nassau, May 16, 2018.
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, May 17, 2018, PAGE 5
‘I can’t let my child walk home alone’ By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net
know the type of mentality my little girl has at this time so I know what that little girl is going through. If the PARENTS of Stephen government could do someDillet Primary School stu- thing about this it should dents are fearful after a because when you come young girl was assaulted down here you see murdernear the school on Monday ers with ankle bracelets on and I don’t see the sense afternoon. The attack on the in that. The ankle bracelet 12-year-old girl on Dar- is supposed to be for these ling Street shortly after same rapists so when you 3pm Monday came after see them you could have eyes on them an eight-yearso they can’t old girl was go close to assaulted off schools.” Bailou Hill Mr ChiRoad last solm isn’t month. the only one One parent adjusting his told The Tribroutine. Sevune he moved eral parents blocks from and guardthe school just several weeks POLICE issued these sketches ians are doing same. ago so his in their hunt for the attacker. the One woman, seven-yearidentified as old daughter Tameka, said could walk she usually home withpicks up her out his own children help. Now his from school plans are but now she’ll changing, he have pick up said. her niece and “My little nephew too girl hasn’t so they don’t been three weeks at this school yet,” walk home alone. A woman who declined said the man, identified as to be identified said she Chisolm. “I had to take time off knows a parent of the girl from work to pick up my who was assaulted. “I was devastated when little girl. I live right there. I moved her from Sandilands I heard what happened,” Primary School this way she said. “Yesterday when because I say it’s going to be I heard the news all of this close to home and she can side of my face felt tension just walk home while I’m at because I have a son that work, but I can’t do that no is seven and a daughter more. Now I have to change that is 11. And I know the that routine, take my time child (who was assaulted) off from 3pm just to pick because the child lives on my little girl so that’s incon- Market Street. I know the parent and the parent drops veniencing me.” Mr Chisolm said he will her child to school. I don’t not send his daughter to the know what the case might PARENTS outside Stephen shop anymore or ask her to be, if she got a job or had Dillet Primary School escortthrow out garbage. “With something to do but I usu- ing their children home after my job, I’m not supposed ally see her drop her child school to ensure their safety to he here at this time,” he and pick her up.” following two incidents of sexYesterday, St Barna- ual assault on minors in New said. “I was as supposed MP Shanendon Providence. to be off at 5pm. But hear- bas ing about the incident and Cartwright said the girl and Photos: Shawn Hanna/ that it happened right here her family are “coping with Tribune Staff and you can see that where what happened” and have my little girl has to walk “requested privacy”. talking about the young “Any sort of sexual darlings of the nation.” is where it took place so I cannot let her walk home. I assault on anybody is awful Police had no update into have to take that two hour and criminal,” he said. the assault investigations “There’s no doubt when yesterday. loss to come pick up my talking about these acts little girl.” Senior Assistant Comon young missioner Mr Chisolm said authori- perpetrated Stephen ties must quickly prevent people is reprehensible, it’s Dean emphasised police confusion from settling detestable and hopefully don’t know who the perpeamong the public when the alleged assailants will trator is, and also pushed incidents like this happen, be caught and the full brunt back against a rumour noting a picture that had of the law will be brought the attacker was recently circulated on Facebook to bear in bringing them to released from prison. of the alleged perpetra- justice. Communities are Though that narrative is tor was later confirmed by being impacted everyday by false, several parents said a police to be false. Yesterday a number of issues but this functional Sexual Offendpolice released sketches really hits at the core of the ers Registry is long overdue of the man believed to be innocence that’s really left in the country, with some involved in the two attacks. in our communities and in expressing shock that one “The first information our country when you’re isn’t already in force. which was laid out was the wrong information because from yesterday there was a The Eye Doctors’ Office is pleased to advise that young man’s face put out, claiming he was the person who did it and to me I was Functional Medicine Specialist already out for that same face because this was someWill be seeing patients in Nassau on thing unheard of,” Mr May 25th & May 26th Chisolm said. “This isn’t something 43 Ivanhoe Road you want people being con(Eastern/yellow entrance) fused about. My little girl is seven, the girl it happened to was 12 so I would say Please call 393-2273 to make an appointment they are about the same. I
Dr. Kevin Bethel
PAGE 6, Thursday, May 17, 2018
THE TRIBUNE
Shanty town census - majority have status
from page one While the assessment was intended to survey the head of households, convenience sampling methodology allowed for any responsible adult to be interviewed. It furthered the predominately male interviewees, some 38 percent, could be indicative of other social, economic, and employment factors given that assessments were conducting during the day. Twenty-six per cent of interviewees were identified as women, while 36 percent were categorised as unknown. The largest number of
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households, 44 per cent, was located in the Carmichael constituency - a figure the report noted was consisted with the 2013 report from the Department of Environmental Health Services. Two-hundred households had electricity, and of those residents, 35 percent had an electricity supply from BPL while others predominantly used electricity generators. Thirty percent (132) of households have indoor flushed toilet facilities, but only 96 households had indoor running water. Enumerators recorded 536 minors (aged 18 and under) just about evenly split by sex, with 61 percent attending school. The report prepared by Dr Cherita Moxey from the Ministry of Health. The survey was conducted in ten shanty towns over a four week period from Elizabeth, Carmichael (Garden Hills), and Golden Isles constituencies, and with the help of 60 enumerators from various governmental agencies. Those shanty towns were located on: Montegomery Avenue, 115 residents; Allen Drive; 28 residents; Bellot Road; 10; Golden Gates Road, 291 residents ; Lazaretto Road, 56 residents; Cowpen Road (West), 165 residents; Bacardi Road East, 39
DEMOLISHED buildings at the Hamster Road shanty town. residents, and West, 96 but were not categorised residents; and Lumumba by location. Less than five percent of Lane, 160 residents. The report also included 27 residents surveyed had a residents who participated disability, with the largest
disability grouping of 40 people being sight-related. A building assessment report was also conducted by the Ministry
of Works, and the findings of 19 inspectors over a three week period are expected to be made public next week.
TECHNOLOGY AT CENTRE ‘TO BENEFIT GRAND BAHAMA’ BY DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net THE smart technology and services available at the newly renovated YMTA in Hunters will provide “real tangible benefits” for people living in the various outlying settlements in the Central Grand Bahama constituency. Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest on the weekend officially opened the facility, which he believes serves as a model not only for other recreation centres in Grand Bahama but also for New
Providence and the other Family Islands. The centre, equipped with state-of-the-art smart technology, allows residents access to free wifi. It is powered by wind and solar energy and has an LED lighting system with security surveillance cameras. The YMTA (Young Men Training Association) was significantly damaged during Hurricane Matthew was renovated and improved at the cost of $100,000, according to Iram Lewis, the MP for Central Grand Bahama. On Saturday at the opening, the facility was renamed after founding member Mr Wheatley Grant of Hunters. The Basketball Court was named after former long jump Olympian Fletcher Lewis, a resident of Hunters, and the playing field after Bernard ‘Tampa’ Russell, another founding member of the YMTA. Mr Turnquest said: “I looked at some of the programmes you hope to run from this centre; this is going to be a haven for young children to come to learn, experiment, and play in a safe, secure environment. It is also going to be a place where they can learn new skills.” “I am sure we will take from here today this solution to Nassau for them to use on the parks there because this is an efficient way to get service to these
parks cost-effectively,” he said. The DPM commended IQ Energy, a new company, for introducing smart technology solutions at the centre. “I want to congratulate them for being creative by going out and blazing a trail doing research and bringing back to the Bahamas effective solutions that contribute to this country,” he said. Mr Turnquest said that the YMTA centre has a very strong history, and has been through several hurricanes that caused damage and forced its closure. “This is a community effort and one that this community should be proud. One of the focuses of the government is to ensure that we provide wholesome spaces for young people to grow, learn, and recreate. “This facility is certainly within keeping with the government’s aim. The services and experiences to be provided here are going to assist in building the kind of citizenry that we want… to build this community, island, and country.” Minister Turnquest indicated that the PM is committed to ensuring that there is no community in this country left behind – that does not have access to technology, to WIFI, and all the state has to offer. “Indeed, we understand one of the ways to bridge our diverse and separate islands and communities is through technology. Many
of you would remember in his first stint as a Minister of Health he was big in the telemedicine project, which, unfortunately, was delayed. But now it is going to be relaunched in a real way which will assist these communities to have access to online real-time diagnostic services so that we can utilise our specialists in the most effective and efficient ways.” “This offer of free WIFI is absolutely in keeping with what we are trying to do throughout this country, and it is a major initiative of the Prime Minister in Nassau with his Over The Hill initiative.” Mr Turnquest, the MP for East Grand Bahama, said he too expects to introduce similar smart technology to the parks in East End. “It is about empowering our people… and bringing solutions to the country and communities to provide real tangible benefits to our people. I am proud of what you are doing in Hunters, Mack Town, Pinder’s Point, and Lewis yard to empower your people,’ he said. He commended the founders of the YMTA such as Mr Granville Lewis, Lionel McIntosh, Talmage McIntosh and longtime president Mr Wheatley Grant. “Thank for your sacrifice and the gift you have given this community and all you continue to do to support these communities,” he said. Mr Turnquest stated that the golf programme that will be offered at the centre could provide an avenue for young people to obtain scholarships. “A lot of time we focus on track and field and
basketball, but some of the easiest scholarships are in golf, archery, tennis - these no traditional sports. I am happy to see you doing golf here. I want to see some kids going to the Olympics doing non-traditional sports,’ he said. The DPM commended Iram Lewis for the work he is doing in the Central Grand Bahama constituency. “You elected, almost one year ago, a wonderful gentleman who has been driven and focused on this constituency. We are proud of the work Iram is doing here in this community and the wider Central GB. We celebrate him and his achievement. We trust you will continue to support him,” Mr Turnquest said. Mr Lewis said that he was passionate about the restoration of the YMTA. He believes it is essential that “foundational communities” such as Hunters, Mack Town, Pinder’s Point and Lewis Yard are supported. “What you see here today is the first step towards empowering the local Grand Bahamians. A building is only as strong as the strength of the foundation, and these foundational communities need to be strengthened. What you see here today is not the effort of one man, it is a team effort; a team effort led by Almighty God, he said. He acknowledged his team that supported his vision to rebuild the community centre in Hunters. “They bought into the vision and plan, and we recognised that the economy of The Bahamas is not where it used to be,” Mr Lewis said.
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THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, May 17, 2018, PAGE 7
‘Minister’ linked to police in Smith trial from page one While that statement was never read in court yesterday, Mr Knight, in response to concerns raised by Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt, said his brief review of the document led him to consider the need to call other witnesses to verify the contents of ACP Rolle’s report. “I have received a record of the statement of Paul Rolle, Assistant Commissioner of Police. It answers questions and raises others,” Mr Knight said. He continued: “As it appears now, Mr Rolle seems to be link number two or three.” Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt asked: “So, there is another person you require? Mr Knight: “Yes, because he received information from someone and then he went to someone who gave him information.” “And, having read this,” Mr Knight said while holding up ACP Rolle’s signed statement, “I now greater understand aspects of the evidence of Barbara Hanna and I, let me say we; we would have even greater understanding of that evidence if we got a statement from a Minister of government.” He added: “Yes, a Minister of government is mentioned here, and I can’t forget the expression used by (one of the witnesses). So I am going to look at it further with my colleagues.” While under oath Tuesday, the prosecution’s lead witness in the case, Barbara Hanna testified that she, subsequent to her statement of account, met with ACP Rolle for
a period of 15 to 20 minutes. The defence requested a transcript of that meeting, however, the prosecution said it was unaware the meeting had taken place. Mr Knight protested the fact, and again stressed that due to the nature of the case, both the court and the defence should have been made aware of the meeting. Following up on the revelation yesterday, the court was informed that due to a family matter, Mr Rolle was unable to appear, and in turn, submitted a written statement of his interaction with Mrs Hanna. The court yesterday also received and reviewed copies of Mrs Hanna’s cell phone records, a submission the defence countered with the billing records of Mr Smith. The Crown looked to highlight the number and duration of calls between Mrs Hanna and Mr Smith. While the defence moved to make the case that the two rarely if ever spoke over the phone. These discussions are expected to continue when court resumes today at 10am. Smith is facing 15 criminal charges concerning his alleged solicitation of $65,000 in bribes from a woman he is said to have assisted in getting a contract. He is currently out on $50,000 bail. It is alleged that Smith, between April 2016 and April 2017, in respect of his duties as a public officer, demanded and obtained $5,000 per month from Barbara Hanna, knowing he was not lawfully authorised to do so. He is also alleged to have attempted to extort another $5,000 from Ms Hanna. Concerning the bribery
FORMER MP Frank Smith, right, outside court on Tuesday. charge, it is alleged that he solicited $5,000 a month from Ms Hanna for aiding her in getting a contract with the Public Hospitals Authority. Smith pleaded not guilty to all the allegations during his arraignment.
Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff
PAGE 8, Thursday, May 17, 2018
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Symonette calls on banks and schools to be sympathetic By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net IMMIGRATION Minister Brent Symonette yesterday appealed to local banks to exercise sympathy and sensitivity in handling the accounts of people with expired residency or work permits. Mr Symonette said he was unaware of any legal mandate for banks to shut down client accounts immediately upon the expiry of status permits, adding the processing challenges faced by the Immigration Department are well-known.
“It appears that some banks,” he told the Lower House, “when person’s work permits expire, are refusing to deal with them as clients. I don’t see anything in the law that allows them to shut down a person from doing business just because his work permit or residency permit has expired.” He continued: “Please be more sympathetic, more sensitive, I understand that’s happening in places like drivers license or other areas. The person hasn’t died because his work permit has expired. We all know the Immigration Department is doing
the best job it can, it can do better. “Give us some time to renew permits,” he said. Mr Symonette also backed Education Minister Jeffrey Lloyd’s appeal for schools to allow students to register regardless of their parent’s legal status. “And similarly,” Mr Symonette said, “the schools that are not allowing persons to enter their schools and get an education simply because their parents work permits is not in place, please stop that too. We need to educate the young persons in this country, irrespective of where their parents came from.”
BRENT Symonette. Minister of Financial Services, Trade and Industry and Immigration. Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff
PINTARD HAILS TEACHERS WHO INSPIRE FUTURE LEADERS By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
YOUTH Sports and Culture Michael Pintard yesterday extended his appreciation to educators for continuing to inspire and shape the lives of young people who will be the country’s future leaders. He urged them to stay faithful to their calling and not to be discouraged or frustrated by the many inadequacies and challenges they face as teachers. “I know you are in a difficult profession where many you have groomed those who have become policymakers that have done very little to transform the condition of teachers in the country,” he said while addressing educators and staff at a Teachers Appreciation Prayer-Breakfast at the Walter Parker Primary School, which is located in his constituency of Marco
MICHAEL PINTARD, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture. Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff City. The MP noted that teachers are responsible for shaping and stretching the minds of the new generation of business leaders, pastors and politicians who are questioning traditions that to them make no sense. According to Mr Pintard, educators are more than just teachers. “I wish to say thank you, particularly at the primary school level for catching us
at the finish line after we run a grueling race; thank you for helping us to blow our nose, wipe our eyes, and adjust our uniform when the morning rush or breaks left us disheveled,” he said. “Thank you for the subjects with which you teach with such clarity, steeped in research and tailored to our way of learning since many of us learn differently.” Minister Pintard said
teachers have unselfishly used their resources to decorate and buy materials for the school, their classrooms and help their students. “Thank you for using your scarce resources to help children; thank you for sacrificing your time, energy, and resources; thank you for sacrificing your own family time; thank you for your love and patience to deal with children and help them find the correct path… so they can deliver on the promise that God has placed in them,” he said. The MP said teachers have the most significant influence on the lives of young people. He noted that educators have made the difference in the lives of many Bahamian athletes who are competing internationally. “Just recently two Grand Bahamian sons (Demetrius Pinder and Michael Mathieu) returned home to be celebrated. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt
that in this room some persons who saw them and felt a sense of pride because something you did, or you spoke into their lives made a difference. You have helped cultivate those lives so they can be excelling on the international scene,” he said. Mr Pintard indicated that they had played a pivotal role in shaping a number of young people who have become business leaders, ministers of the gospels and policymakers who are doing good things in society. Minister Pintard told educators not to abandon their calling. “When you look at what you have done, I am asking you when considering alternative vocations to consider this legacy you have. Do not allow newbies or the nature of our system to cause you to stray away from what you know instinctively is your undeniable calling,” he stressed. “I am asking you to stay true to your calling, do the things you know you have
been called to do even when the remuneration does not make sense, and when there is lack of appreciation.” Mr Pintard encouraged the educators, staff, and administration of Walker Parker to continue to be committed to transforming young lives. “You have the opportunity to create a culture at WPP where people will comment on the way you do things and the products you produce - a new generation of elementary students that people would be pandering to receive them from you.” The minister also encouraged educators to speak up whenever a change is necessary. “Stay the course; I am not asking you to be quiet because wherever change is necessary you have an obligation to usher it in, even if your party is not in power and we have an obligation to hear you and be responsive to reasonable requests and demands,” he noted.
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, May 17, 2018, PAGE 9
Police Farce from page one
interviewer made a joke, after which I was told that the interview was finished,” the report said. “A sergeant said: ‘There was no reference made to my job performance, in fact, I was asked how my mother was doing and then I was dismissed. “An inspector stated: ‘We were brought into the interview room in a group of four and, all asked, how we were doing and then the interview ended.” Researchers concluded that some officers “may or may not have been promoted justly/unjustly due to the lack of any systematic proof that they were the most qualified candidates. As for individuals not promoted, they may or may not have been justly/unjustly denied promotion as no systematic process was followed. Based on these comments it is unclear how officers would have had an opportunity to interview for promotions if they were not properly assessed during this process.” Researchers added: “There is much cause for concern as a result of the last promotion exercise in particular, as there appears to be inconsistent practices, some of which were in violation of the Police Act. The effects of poor decisions and unfair practices often have lasting effects and are most detrimental to the morale of young officers. Not because an officer has been on the force for 20 years means he is suitable for an automatic promotion. “There is no underlined principle which governs this process or any reasonable link between job descriptions for each post which should be the benchmark for promotion from one rank to another. While policy exists to allow for impartiality in promotional exercises, the policy wasn’t
followed in the last two instances.” The report’s findings may not surprise many Bahamians. There was heavy criticism last year when 851 officers were promoted on the eve of the general election, many critics believing the action was politically motivated. Nonetheless, researchers said the exercise only compounded the RBPF’s problem of over-saturation at the senior ranks. Researchers said in the last decade or so there has been an explosion in the ranks of senior officers without any reasonable explanation. Between 2011 and 2017 the number of chief superintendents increased by 2200 percent; likewise, the number of superintendents increased by 212 percent, from 33 to 103. As part of their analysis, researchers assessed how much officers are necessary at each rank. Currently, the force has one more deputy commissioner than is necessary, they concluded; it has two more senior assistant commissioners than necessary, four more assistant commissioners than necessary, 12 more chief superintendents than necessary, 13 more superintendents than necessary and two more assistant superintendents than necessary. While there has been an increase in senior ranks, no value has resulted from this, researchers concluded. “Despite the force ebbing top heavy, very little, if any, of the strength in numbers is translating into evidencebased leadership which would allow the agency to keep pace with 21st century policing leadership,” the report said. “Officers as they are promoted should add more value with reference to increased knowledge and core competencies, relevant to the higher ranks. Consequently, despite having the highest complement of officers in senior ranks there
COMMISSIONER of Police Anthony Ferguson. is no conceptual transfer of knowledge to improve the agency’s overall processes and effectiveness.” On the other hand, the force had 837 constables when the report was compiled but needs 791 to better protect Bahamians. Researchers said the consequence of an inadequate number of junior officers is that junior officers in service now “are at risk of related stress factors due to physical threats of violence, high speed chases, and general exposure to dangers which are further hampered by work schedules and physical environments. With the shortage of frontline officers, as indicated by the strength, the threat of work role overload in which officers may feel fatigued and overwhelmed increases.” Among other things, the shortage has affected the RBPF’s intelligence gathering capabilities, with researchers noting: “… Areas of policing such as shootings, mobile and foot patrols inclusive of traffic stops, intelligence gathering and stop and searches are
WARRANTS UNSERVED DUE TO LACK OF WORKERS from page one “This is of grave concern because the caseload of prosecutors are sometimes ten times more compared to that of trained lawyers. There are also insufficient officers to serve summons to witnesses on a consistent and timely basis. “Data entry for the adjudication and update if matter has also been slow and in some cases nonexistent due to insufficient manpower. There are thousands of warrants that have not been executed due to manpower shortages.
Auditors recommended each court have its own prosecutor with an assistant prosecutor, clerk and summons server to increase efficiency and ensure continuity in the court system. Training is desperately needed to prepare officers to become police prosecutors, as there has not been a prosecutor’s course in ten ears, the report said. In addition, auditors said in order for the division to be efficient there needed to be a staff complement of about 36 people. As for the vulnerability of the ports of entry, there are insufficient K-9s
and trained officers to maintain worldwide safety standards. “The K-9 Unit consists of trained police officers who partner with K-9s to execute their duties. While it is preferred that an officer and a k-9 be present at all points of entry in New Providence so as to maintain worldwide safety standards, it’s not possible,” the report said. “Due to manpower shortages and insufficient K-9s the unit is only able to patrol Lynden Pindling International Airport which means other ports of entry are left vulnerable.”
not recorded and analysed.” Attrition remains a significant problem for the force. “Between January 2016 and September 2017, 145
Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff junior officers exited the system,” according to the report, noting the number of departing officers is set to increase by 33 this year
when some officers retire. The report was created by the Research and Development Section of the Ministry of National Security.
PAGE 10, Thursday, May 17, 2018
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Lawyers must act as financial institutions By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net UNDER the updated Financial Transactions Reporting Act (FTRA) lawyers will be treated as “financial institutions”, Attorney General Carl Bethel told the Bahamas
Bar Association yesterday. During his speech, Mr Bethel reiterated that in an evaluation the country received last summer, The Bahamas was found to be deficient in 22 out of the 40 recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). One requirement for The
Bahamas was to bring into effect an updated FTRA. According to Mr Bethel, the FATF breaks its recommendations down to “almost microscopic suggestions that are called methodologies”. “To comply with the recommendation, you have to show that you have the
methodology in place and are implementing it,” he said. “Now, how do you get the methodology in place? You have to craft laws almost with microscopic attention to these methodologies. “That is… the process we’ve been at. And so today we now have an FTRA and by this evening, God willing, the House would have accepted the Senate’s amendments which will… close the circle and we will have a fully compliant and acceptable [FTRA] that will meet all of the deficiencies that were identified in respect of our compliance in these aspects.” Mr Bethel explained the FTRA is based in system of compliance and due diligence, and thus will “henceforth” be the standard of conduct for all participants in financial services. “Lawyers, accountants and other sort of professionals were never treated as financial institutions before,” Mr Bethel said. “They merely had duties of customer due diligence, making STR, Suspicious Transaction Reports, possibly. But they were never given the duties of being a financial institution. That’s all changed. They are now in a category of financial institutions.” This is one “basic innovation” of the act. Mr Bethel explained to the Bar Association that as attorneys, they are “designated nonfinancial businesses and professions”. As such, he noted that “verification is now the standard” for their field. “Obtain and verify,” he said. “Don’t just give me your utility bill. I require you to go to counsel attorney in your home country, and have them say, ‘I have compared this with the
ATTORNEY General Carl Bethel. original and this is a genuine bill, [I’ve] notarised it’. That’s an item of verification. You have to go that extra step.” Mr Bethel described this as “enhanced” due diligence. Additionally, as financial institutions, lawyers are now expected to “comply and be regulated”, Mr Bethel said. “I know that there has been an issue between the Bar Association and the Compliance Commission. But unfortunately, under the new law, this must be resolved in favour of a cooperative relationship between the profession and the commission.” In this regard, major law firms will be expected to hire compliance officers. In smaller law firms, a senior partner can be nominated for this role. And in oneperson law firms, the sole attorney can serve as the compliance officer. The Attorney General also discussed the issue of lawyer-client privilege, emphatically stating that “privilege does not extend to…. facilitating the commission of a crime by a client.” “Of course, privilege can extend to, ‘okay, you’re in trouble, let me see how I can best frame your defence’, that’s a different issue.” However, “there are limits to privilege”. Mr Bethel referred to the fact Canada does not adhere to this regulation, as its Supreme Court has ruled lawyer-client privilege as “akin to an absolute right” and that “any intromission into this sacred territory violated certain articles of
the Canadian Charter of Rights”. However, Mr Bethel suggested that Canada itself was “embarrassed” by the breadth of ruling, as a member of the the FATF. He added the country also is given negative ratings in this area in its mutual evaluations. Despite this precedent, Mr Bethel underscored the reasons why The Bahamas cannot follow in Canada’s footsteps. “The Bahamas, however, I don’t think we amount to a…sub-borrower in Toronto. Canada is a country with enormous natural resources, 40-50 million people, standing army, navy, Air Force; they don’t need the world as much as we do. “We have an entirely open economy. We are an integrated part of the world. And we’re very small. We don’t have the luxury that a Canada can enjoy. “So we are not going to legislate, have not legislated any exemption, and it is expected that lawyer-client privilege will be kept within due bounds.” “And I hope I am well understood that anytime counsel is aware of anything untoward, it is mandated by law, and we always follow the law as lawyers, that SDRs be generated.” Mr Bethel ended his remarks by expressing “full confidence” in the legal profession in The Bahamas, and praised it for piloting this “ship of state” through “many such storms”. He added: “We get through hurricanes…. we know how to pilot the ship. Let us remember that it’s not survival of the fittest, it’s survival of the smartest.”
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Legislation will help BPL secure funds By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net THE Electricity Amendment Bill 2018 was passed yesterday in the House of Assembly through which Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) will be better able to secure vital funding. In addressing the new bill Works Minister Desmond Bannister told MPs: “In order to be able to secure the funding that BPL needs now, the lenders are requiring them to have certain specific language in their statute. Language which ensures that among the functions that they have would be the power to borrow, for example.” Mr Bannister said any new funding would be used for a “number of purposes”, such as Automatic Meter Reading or AMR. “Mr Speaker, we have [people] who have not had electricity in their homes for some time, some for years. This [AMR] is going to permit people to prepay on their meters,” said Mr Bannister. “So you’re going to be able to say ‘I’m going to pay for my meter, put a couple dollars here, and I’m going to be able to have power here in my home’.” This system will also
allow people to monitor their power from their internet or cell-phones. Mr Bannister added BPL will offer some “concessions” to ensure “Bahamians who have had their power disconnected for some time are going to be able to benefit from this opportunity”. While noting that he will strive to ensure that this not taken “advantage of”, Mr Bannister said, “It is going to be an opportunity for people all over this country, particularly in… some of our heritage communities, they will be able to have the opportunity to have their power on, to monitor their power on a regular basis from their phones”. Mr Bannister also thanked the unions at BPL. He said on Tuesday, both unions, The Bahamas Electrical Utilities Managers Union and the Bahamas Electrical Workers Union, signed an agreement with BPL to facilitate voluntary separation of corporation. He thanked the union members for seeing the “importance of this”, to give their members the opportunity to select to leave the corporation under very favourable terms. He also noted this is an entirely voluntary initiative.
THREE ARRESTED AFTER MARIJUANA DISCOVERY BY DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net THREE people have been arrested following the discovery of several marijuana plants on Grand Cay, Abaco, police reported yesterday. ASP Terecita Pinder said shortly before
11am police on that island were on inquiries on Percy Rolle Highway when they discovered 13 suspected marijuana plants at a residence. The occupants – all males residents of Grand Cay – were taken into custody and the plants were collected. Ms Pinder said investigations are continuing into the matter.
READERS ON IMF CONCERNS AFTER Prime Minister K Peter Turnquest said the government had no intention to downsize the public sector in response to concerns levelled by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), readers gave their opinions on tribune242.com. John said job growth was needed: “This country needs more job growth NOT job cuts. Country needs more self sufficiency and reductions on imports. The country (government) needs more efficiency in the use of tax dollars. The government’s continued efforts to stamp out corruption, abuse of public office and efficient use of government resources can easily result in $350m spending reductions. “BUT remember, every time the National Debt increases by a dollar, that is one dollar less the government has to spend. And if the National Debt continues to increase, especially at the rate it is currently increasing, most of government’s revenue will go to service the debt. Are you willing to have cook outs to keep the government running?” To which Dawes responded with this: “More job growth in the private sector. It needs plenty job cuts in Government. One of the reasons the private sector struggles is due to the taxes they pay to keep the bloated civil service employed. Until this is changed, the private sector will continue to struggle and the country will continue to get in debt until it all collapses. If the civil service jobs are needed people wouldn’t mind, but we have all experienced how overstaffed these departments are, with people who either won’t or can’t do their job in a timely manner.”
Tuesday’s Tribune Editorial spoke about the behaviour of jitney drivers on the streets prompting this comment from DDK: “Can there not be a system where traffic police can stop and detain reckless drivers on the spot and hold them until a fine is paid? Then with three strikes you lose your licence for a year, for example. Or could the fine be paid to the nearest police/traffic station with the ability to accept cash and debit/credit cards within twelve hours or an APB would be issued on the vehicle? Not only would it help remove the dangerous drivers from the road, but it would provide a much needed source of income for the RBPF. (Yes, I know, there is always that sticky situation of corruption, currently being tackled). “I am not sure if there are countries that have some sort of similar system, perhaps The Editor or someone out there knows? If an existing law would need amending, I am sure the AG’s Office would be helpful. Ambulance drivers are another great menace, usually endangering the lives of those being transported and/or other drivers and pedestrians far more than benefitting a medical emergency. Yes, then there is the general public, of whom many drive like bats out of hell, and are getting worse on a daily basis. By the way, this situation is not confined to the island of Nassau.” • Don’t miss your chance to join the debate on tribune242.com.
Thursday, May 17, 2018, PAGE 11
DESMOND BANNISTER, Minister of Public Works.
Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff
PAGE 12, Thursday, May 17, 2018
THE TRIBUNE
Trump confirms payout to Cohen NEW YORK Associated Press
PRESIDENT Donald Trump in Washington yesterday.
Photo: Evan Vucci/AP
Calling All High
SCHOOL STUDENTS
PRESIDENT Donald Trump revealed in his financial disclosure Wednesday that he reimbursed personal attorney Michael Cohen as much as $250,000 for unspecified “expenses”, with no mention of a $130,000 payment to porn actress Stormy Daniels to keep quiet about a sexual tryst she said they had. The head of the nation’s ethics office questioned why Trump didn’t include this in his previous year’s sworn disclosure and passed along his concerns to federal prosecutors. “I am providing both reports to you because you may find the disclosure relevant to any inquiry you may be pursuing,” David Apol, acting director of the Office of Government Ethics, wrote to Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein. Apol wrote that he considers Trump’s payment to Cohen to be a repayment on a loan and that it was required to be included in Trump’s June 2017 disclosure. But Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani told Fox News Channel’s Laura Ingraham that he didn’t think the repayment “had to be disclosed at all because I think
it was an expenditure that he reimbursed”. He also the president was “fully aware” of his decision to reveal the fact that Trump had reimbursed Cohen in a previous Fox News appearance and “endorsed the strategy”. “We wouldn’t do it without him,” Giuliani said. “He’s the client, after all, and has tremendous judgment about things like this. And I think it — that the OGE, the Office of Government Ethics, basically agreed with us that it had been fully disclosed.” “The fact is that the president disclosed everything that he could disclose. He can’t disclose more than he knows. And we’re very comfortable with it,” he added. But ethics experts say that if that payment was knowingly and willfully left out, Trump could be in violation of federal ethics laws. “This is a big deal and unprecedented. No president has been previously subject to any referral by (Office of Government Ethics) to DOJ as a result of having failed to report an item on their public financial disclosure report,” said Virginia Canter, a former ethics official in the Clinton and Obama White Houses who is now with
the watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. How Trump dealt with the Daniels hush money in his disclosure has been closely watched, particularly after Giuliani gave interviews earlier this month saying the president had reimbursed Cohen in a series of payments after the campaign was over. Trump and Giuliani have clashed over what the president knew and when he knew it. In a footnote in tiny type on Page 45 of his 92-page disclosure, Trump said he reimbursed Cohen for “expenses” ranging from $100,001 to $250,000. The report said the president did not have to disclose the payment but was doing so “in the interest of transparency.” While the disclosure didn’t specify the purpose of the payment, Cohen has said he paid $130,000 to Daniels in the weeks before the 2016 presidential election to keep her from going public about her allegations that she had sex with the married Trump in 2006. Daniels’ lawyer, Michael Avenatti, tweeted, “Mr. Trump’s disclosure today conclusively proves that the American people were deceived.”
NASSAR CRIMES COST MICHIGAN STATE $500M IN DEAL LANSING, Michigan Associated Press
Every year in August THE TRIBUNE publishes a popular Back to School supplement as a guide to the following academic year.
7. Name of college hey will be attending (if attending) Plus a suitable photograph in .jpeg format (graduation or any other image).
In the supplement we feature the profiles of high school students How to submit profiles across the Bahamas and Family Islands. Email to back2school@tribunemedia.net with ‘Back To School’ in We want profiles from as many the subject field and photos in .jpeg schools and students as possible to format. make this guide essential and informative. By post to Back To School, The tribune, Shirley Street & Derveaux Profiles must include Streets, PO Box N-3207, Nassau. By Hand to The Tribune office 1. Name 2. Age The deadline for the profiles is June 3. School 30, 2018 and there is no cost in4. Grade volved. For any questions please 5. Parent name or names contact Tribune Features at kherig@ 6. Goals and aspirations, prizes tribunemedia.net. won and honors awarded
MICHIGAN State University agreed to pay $500m to settle claims from more than 300 women and girls who said they were assaulted by sports doctor Larry Nassar in the worst sex-abuse case in sports history, officials announced Wednesday. The deal surpasses the
$100m-plus paid by Penn State University to settle claims by at least 35 people who accused assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky of sexual abuse, though the Nassar agreement involves far more victims. Michigan State was accused of ignoring or dismissing complaints about Nassar, some as far back as the 1990s. The school had insisted that no one covered
up assaults, although Nassar’s boss was later charged with failing to properly supervise him and committing his own sexual misconduct. “We are truly sorry to all the survivors and their families for what they have been through, and we admire the courage it has taken to tell their stories,” said Brian Breslin, chairman of Michigan State’s governing board.
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, May 17, 2018, PAGE 13
COURT HONOURS PRESIDENT BYRON FOR the first time in its history, the Caribbean Court of Justice held court in Antigua and Barbuda at a special sitting to honour the court’s retiring president, Sir Dennis Byron. Representatives from the region gathered to say farewell to Sir Dennis on Wednesday.
RODNEY WILLIAMS, left, Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda, and Gaston Browne, right, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, congratulate CCJ President Sir Dennis Byron.
PAGE 14, Thursday, May 17, 2018
THE TRIBUNE