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The Tribune

Volume:116 No.100, MAY 17TH, 2019

Established 1903

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WEEKEND: JONATHAN FINDING FAME IN THE BIG APPLE

Rising Bahamian star take s on

Friends grabbed by gunmen and held for ransom

THE harrowing abduction and sexual assault of two young women yesterday morning has led police to detain three men for questioning, officials confirmed yesterday.

The women are believed to be around 18 and were headed to a bar in downtown Nassau when the incident happened, The Tribune understands.

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

THERE are “roughly 5,000” self-drive licence plates in circulation, according to Road Traffic Controller Bradley Sands, who yesterday suggested some rental car operators are presently “illegally crossing over” into the taxi business.

Mr Sands, who was appointed to the post last September, said he has

SEE PAGE NINE

New York

pages 4 & 5

A COMIC’S VIEW WHAT NOT TO DO AT YOUR OFFICE SUMMER PARTY

SEE PAGE EIGHT

‘PLP NEEDS CREDIBLE CANDIDATES’

PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party deputy leader Chester Cooper has stressed the need for the party’s 2022 general election candidates to be “good” and “credible” people.

A week after the Free National Movement celebrated its historic 2017 landslide victory at the polls - leaving the PLP with a meagre four seats in Parliament - Mr Cooper said: “We need to understand no one is going to hand an election to us. We have to go out there and seize it.”

SEE PAGE SIX

HUNG JURY IN WOMAN’S MURDER

SEE PAGE SEVEN

received several reports of “unscrupulous behaviour and activities” related to some of the smaller selfdrive operators.

Transport Minister Renward Wells on Tuesday announced his ministry was moving forward with plans to facilitate the colour change of taxi plates, insisting the move would bring about the “needed” differentiation between the two services.

Page 14 & 15

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

According to a source, the women allege they were approached by two armed men with dreadlocks. They were forced into a car and driven around. They were allegedly ordered to cover their heads in their laps so they couldn’t see where they were being taken. One of the women was ordered to throw her phone away, it is claimed.

During the three-hour ordeal, one of the women

TAXI PLATE CHANGE TO BEAT HACKERS

PARADE OF COSTUMES

All the world’s a stage

Teenage girls’ rape nightmare

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

Friday, May 17, 20

food gardening entertainme nt puzzles

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

GRIEF TURNS TO ANGER

TYRONNE PERPALL, the brother of slain Petty Officer Percival Philip Perpall, delivered a blistering attack on the RBDF yesterday during his military funeral.

Full story - Page 3 Photo: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff

A MOTHER was awash in tears yesterday after hearing that a Supreme Court jury was two members short of unanimously convicting the man who was accused of killing her 21-year-old daughter while she was on her cellphone on their front porch four years ago.

Lavita Thurston had to SEE PAGE FIVE

MOTHER PRATT’S MANDELA HONOUR

By RIEL MAJOR Tribune Staff Reporter rmajor@tribunemedia.net

FORMER prime ministers, politicians, family members and friends all joined Cynthia “Mother” Pratt at Prayer and Praise Assembly yesterday for an international humanitarian award ceremony.

Mrs Pratt was awarded the 2019 Nelson Mandela Humanitarian Lifetime Achievement Award and a NPAN certificate as a

MOTHER PRATT YESTERDAY 21st century Pan-African “change agent”.

The New Pan-African

Movement (NPAN) awarded Mrs Pratt for her long-standing commitment to community building. Mrs Pratt said the ceremony would not be possible without the help of her friend, Alizè Utteryn. Ms Utteryn, CEO and founder of AlizéLaVie Media, nominated Mrs Pratt for the award.

Mrs Pratt said: “Today really is a special day for me. I thought I was

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

SEE PAGE TWO

DIANE PHILLIPS HOW THE WEATHER CAN AFFECT THE WAY WE FEEL

SEE PAGE TEN

PAGE 2, Friday, May 17, 2019

AT yesterday’s special awards ceremony for Cynthia “Mother” Pratt both Hubert Ingraham, right, and Perry Christie, far right, made remarks.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff from page one stronger than I was, and I tried to hold out as much as possible but how can I say thanks for the things God has done for me? The path in which he has taken me is sometimes rough, sometimes smooth. Sometimes I was at a point where I wanted to give up.

“You know what made this so special for me? It’s done among my people… among my people, the heart of the inner city, the

first ever, so this is special because it has never happened before. So, the people are a part of this award; I still live among the people and I am proud of where I am, and I am proud of my people and I know we are just as good as anybody else.”

Former prime minister Perry Christie said there are not many people in the country whose curriculum vitae is as diverse and extraordinary as Mrs Pratt’s. Mr Christie appointed Mrs Pratt as the

THE TRIBUNE

MOTHER PRATT IN TEARS OVER MANDELA HONOUR

first woman deputy prime minister and national security minister during his first term. He recalled Mrs Pratt, then a nurse, coming to see him when he was minister of health around 1978, asking for a transfer to the education field.

“She (started) a career in teaching at what is now the University of the Bahamas and she shared began to nurture and mould lives,” Mr Christie said. “She did something very special.

She began to recruit young people who not for her

effort would never have the opportunity to go to university abroad or college abroad and she began to give them opportunities.

“There are hundreds of Bahamians who have benefitted from this lady’s work in education.”

Hubert Ingraham, former prime minister, said it was his loss that Mrs Pratt never came into his focused attention until she was a candidate in the St Barnabas general election 22 years ago.

Mr Ingraham said: “She

had several careers as an athlete, a teacher, a student recruiter, nurse, community leader. She was a sports legend, outstanding and she then became a deputy prime minister served as deputy leader and deputy prime minister of the Bahamas and the minister of national security.

“She served in Parliament with me for 15 years, five of its she served as a minister, ten of which I was prime minister of The Bahamas.”

Fred Mitchell, Progressive

Liberal Party chairman, said he felt privileged to be able to speak at yesterday’s award ceremony.

Mr Mitchell said: “I want to start off by congratulating Mother Pratt, my very good friend. There are a lot of connections (between Africa and the Bahamas) and we cherish those connections. Thank you for coming and for presenting this award to Cynthia ‘Mother’ Pratt who is cherished in the hearts and minds of the Bahamian people.”

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, May 17, 2019, PAGE 3 ROYAL Bahamas Defence Force Petty Officer Percival Philip Perpall’s military funeral Photo: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net “A NATIONAL disaster” is how the brother of slain Royal Bahamas Defence Force Petty Officer Percival Philip Perpall described the circumstances surrounding his brother’s murder, as he delivered a blistering attack on the RBDF yesterday during Perpall’s military funeral.

Tyronne Perpall said there must be a “clarion call for a thorough investigation”, adding that there is the “appearance of a cop out” regarding Perpall’s death, which was allegedly at the hands of a fellow RBDF marine.

Mr Perpall’s criticisms of the RBDF spanned decades, as he accused the organisation of giving Perpall’s family a “hard fight” in the late ‘80s when the RBDF reportedly resisted the family’s pleas for the slain marine to be let out of training to “mourn his mother’s death”.

He also said that the RBDF previously punished Perpall for working a side job by assigning him to mop and detention duties while those who were “not so decorated” were promoted.

Mr Perpall made these comments from the pulpit of Church of God Auditorium as he delivered his tribute for his dear brother — and as he was standing mere feet away from RBDF Commodore Tellis Bethel, who earlier in the service had made warm-hearted remarks about Perpall’s life and service.

Commodore Bethel told The Tribune yesterday he would not be commenting on this matter. “I do not have a response for Mr Perpall’s comments as there is an independent review authorised by the Minister of National Security (Marvin Dames) that is already underway; in addition to a marine who is currently awaiting trial in relation to the matter as was reported by your paper,” Commodore Bethel said.

Perpall, a 30-year veteran of the RBDF, was fatally shot while sitting in the guard room of Government House with two of his colleagues around 2.30am on April 28, according to police reports.

Another RBDF officer, who was Perpall’s subordinate, has since been charged with one count of murder and two counts of attempted murder in connection with the incident.

Mourners filled the church yesterday to celebrate Perpall’s life. Born on February 12, 1967, Perpall

Brother of fallen marine delivers a blistering attack on RBDF was described by his emotional son, Maleek Perpall, as a beloved father of six and a man of respect and honour.

Similar praise was bestowed upon Perpall

by Commodore Bethel and Education Minister Jeff Lloyd, who was speaking on behalf of National Security Minister Marvin Dames.

Both applauded Perpall’s service to the nation as an RBDF officer, which began in 1988. His career

highlights include serving on a United Nations Peacekeeping Mission to Haiti in 1995, a Tradewinds exercise in Guyana in 1999, and assisting Ragged Island following Hurricane Irma in 2017.

However, his brother also underscored more troubled times that Perpall had endured on the force.

“My brother though, was no perfect saint,” Mr Perpall said. “The (RBDF) had a rule sometime back.

And you could not have a second job in the day. But he told me many senior officers and many junior officers, they did their own thing and kisses went by favour. eliverThis same Defence Force sent him out to (help) Bahamian citizens in distress.

“When he went on the Family Islands, people knew good work. People knew quality people. And it was those same people who came back and (asked) for him to work for them.

The Defence Force banished him and threw him at extra mop duties and detention duties while others, not so decorated, were put forward. But he took his assignment. He endured all the abnormalities and just kept plowing as a loyal Bahamian citizen.

“This same Defence Force gave me and my sister a hard fight in 1988 when we came to you to ask you to let him out of the training to mourn his mother’s

death. He was in training and they thought maybe he was going to jump ship. But mummy died in the middle of that training. She never knew him as a defence force officer. He felt slighted that he was not standing by during mummy’s final minutes.

“This same Defence Force assigned him to assist families following emergency disasters. He would have made contacts and these same individuals would call on him to perform, to advise, and to oversee their projects as he was respectful, he was kind, he was honest, and he was open.”

Mr Perpall went on to condemn his brother’s death as “mutiny within the ranks” and called it a demoralising blow to the RBDF. “This is a hard one. But as a family, we must take heed and be obedient,” he said. “There must be a clarion call for a thorough investigation into his death, and the matters arising.

But there are some shortcomings, including security systems, operational procedures also at the morgue which hurt our family.

Family liaison, grief and care, and judicial processing. Some good must come from this.”

The final sentence of Perpall’s obituary reads: “This unsung Bahamian citizen has soberly become ‘the defence force martyr’ and the nation’s ‘sovereign hero’ at what must now signal a turning point for a troubled society.”

PAGE 4, Friday, May 17, 2019

THE TRIBUNE

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Make sure everyone is following the rules TO anyone who has made use of public transport in The Bahamas, it will come as little surprise that there are irregularities in the sector.

The latest area under the microscope is the use of self-drive licence plates – sometimes, it would seem, not for the purpose they are intended.

Road Traffic Controller Bradley Sands says that many are being used in competition with the taxi business.

He’s right – to find that out, you just need to keep a watch on our streets.

Especially at night. Members of The Tribune staff have reported vehicles slowing down while passing to shout out “Need a taxi?”. The licence plate often doesn’t match up to the service being offered.

The suggested solution seems to be to have different coloured licence plates – we’re not convinced that tourists in particular will note the difference between licence plate colours any more than they note the difference between the SD and TN already in use, but it is a step to be welcomed. Back it up with some more enforcement, though, and ensure that licences are rescinded for inappropriate use, and we might be getting somewhere.

The taxi side could also use tighter regulation too, of course. Of particular note would be the lack of proper meter usage – regular taxi users report it’s a rarity for a driver to use the meter to charge a passenger. Instead, the passenger is often just told a fee at the end of the journey – sometimes inflated more than it should be.

And while we’re at it, let’s clamp down to make sure that the people using the licences are the ones who are supposed to – not someone else who then leases them out and skims the profit by being the middle man.

These are little steps – but they all add up to a better regulated sector. And given that people are putting their lives in their drivers’ hands, every extra bit of reassurance is welcome.

A well deserved honour WE WOULD echo the applause for Cynthia “Mother” Pratt wholeheartedly.

She was awarded the 2019 Nelson Mandela Humanitarian Lifetime Achievement Award yesterday, along with a New Pan-African ovement certificate.

While many a public figure has moved away from their roots as their career has grown, Mother Pratt has stayed right where she grew up – in the heart of the inner city.

Others may retreat behind high gates or to luxury surroundings, but not Mother Pratt. She has stayed where her heart belongs, even as she rose to become national security minister, deputy prime minister – even acting prime minister. All from being the girl with bare feet whose family struggled with poverty and the challenges of that inner city.

She is an example to others indeed – and her honour is so very richly deserved.

D+ max for FNM EDITOR, The Tribune

PRE-MAY, 2017 we heard such pious words and promises - every second allegation against the then government so now two years in I wish to sum up my report so far for the FNM. A max grade of “D plus”.

1) Integrity? Lacking… the Oban Energy fiasco will never be lived down totally, incredibly all those officials thought that what they tried to pull they could get away with it.

2) Appointment of top officials? Again, in my

opinion, serious lack of appropriate measurement…for a Government that promised so much to employ at least two top officials with considerable responsibilities who were found lacking at a major Government Institution and the other by a Regulatory Commission one has to ask the obvious…did the PM take into consideration these two gentlemen’s past?

3) FNM appointees taking lobbying positions… were we not told not under the FNM. PM that appointee has to resign.

4) Ministers interfering in the judicial process? - okay we will wait to the Appeals Court hearing and their judgment - nothing changes we expect effective and immediate resignations of two Ministers.

5) BP&L - most of what has happened there since September, 2017 has not, in my opinion, been compliant with the Law and URCA… silence is golden PM, but we are watching how far you will let BP&L go?

ABRAHAM MOSS Nassau May 15, 2019

Play us straight, sir EDITOR, The Tribune FINANCE Minister Peter Turnquest acknowledges some difficulty in collecting Gaming Taxes from the Number Houses. I support the government in its effort to collect any and all legitimate taxes.

But, Minister, who is looking out for the consumers? You are the regulators of all Gaming in the Bahamas. We, the patrons have no idea if you are regulating the industry to ensure that the machines are not rigged in favour of the operators.

When was the last time these machines AFTER Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest said the government has “not reached the point” of finalising business licence reform despite being “very sensitive” to its burden on the private sector, readers reacted on tribune242.com.

DDK said: “TRANSLATION: We do not give a damn about The People who thought it was THEIR TIME. We just want to squeeze as much as we can out of them before they fall by the wayside. It’s so easy really, just base the tax on net rather than gross sales, with perhaps a nominal fee for those experiencing

were professionally calibrated? I hope I am wrong, but I have a suspicion that patrons are being “played” (pun intended) by the operators.

Regrettably, Government only appears to be concerned about collecting taxes and nobody looking out fer we!

Stop “boxing” us in, sir……play us “straight”!

BRADLEY L ARMBRISTER Freeport Grand Bahama May 13, 2019

a loss on annual income.

Even Turnquest and the crew in Treasury should be able to get that.”

Bcitizen posted this comment: “Meaning they are not going to change this antiquated unfair business license system. I guess just like government income they see business income as all profit. No need to account for costs.”

Bahamas Power and

Light announced customers in New Providence can expect load shedding to continue through next week, prompting this response from Dawes: “Complete incompetence From BPL and Government for the last 40-50 years. Let someone else run it as this is a joke. Only a month ago BPL were saying no load shedding and now this. If it’s due to routine maintenance then this would have been known a month ago.

Also, if it is due to maintenance then why do it once the weather begins to get hotter? Schedule those during the down months.”

Let your word be your bond EDITOR, The Tribune I CONGRATULATE the newly appointed Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr Paul Rolle. I first met him several years ago, when I hosted The Real Deal at MORE 94.9 FM. He was in charge of CDU at the time and was doing a wonderful job in that division. In fact, I prophesy at that time, that he was destined to become the Commissioner of Police, at the appropriate time. Of course, he did not believe me, as conveyed by his body language, but my revelations come straight from the Lord Jesus Christ. It was definitely not “flesh and blood” that told me this almost seven years ago. Lo and behold, it has now come to pass.

The current Commissioner of Police, Mr Anthony Ferguson and his stellar team have served this wonderful nation well and I look forward to him being retained as a Consultant within the Ministry of National Security. He is still good, I believe, for a another few years of service. Likewise, I would have hoped that officers like Clayton Fernander and “my” boy Kendal “Ken” Strachan would have been retained as consultants but, it is whatever it is.

The re-engineered Ministry of National Security will have to meet the requirements of continuing to keep the nation safe and to eliminate, as far as possible, the fear of crime and reduction

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net of alleged gang related violence. I hold no brief for the current Minister of National Security, Marvin Dames. I supported and voted for him but, in my opinion, he has proven to be a major disaster in this crucial position.

His self admitted interaction in the celebrated Frank Smith case left an unpleasant political taste in the collective mouths of many right thinking Bahamians. Under any other constitutional system it’s my opinion that Dames should have offered his resignation or have been fired. The same applies to the Minister of Health. This administration, in many cases is politically duplicitous and are mastering the art and craft of the flambay.

The word of 95% of the current Members of the House of Assembly, across the board, means nothing.

They preen and posture during the electoral campaign. All sorts of promises are made and many nubile Bahamian females are sexually exploited in the anticipation of getting “a government job” if that politician and/or his party is successful. Men and young males are also, it is alleged, subjected to sexual beggars disguised as politicians. In short, they are duplicitous and dream shatters.

PLP hypocrites EDITOR, The Tribune WHAT hypocrites these PLPs are! They are raising the roof about how Prime Minister Minnis took politics into the pulpit. They must be joking. Do they think people have forgotten how for decades up and down this country PLP politicians have used pulpits to preach their stuff? I suppose it’s just another example of their sense of entitlement. They can do it but nobody else can.

DISGUSTED Nassau, May 12, 2019

The young crew of FNMs who came in in 2017 are evolving to be worse than many of the senior ones. Some sit creased up in their parliamentary or commission offices seemingly figuring just how to exploit the system to their apparent benefit. They may not have been accustomed to duplicity and lying prior to being elected or appointed, but once in office it appears that all hell breaks loose.

Their word comes to mean absolutely nothing. You coordinate with them on matters of public policy and all you get is the shaving creams and bogus commitments. I could call names and expose at least eight FNMs and possibly two PLPs but, at this juncture, I will refrain. There is yet another three long years of this administration, possibly, they might come to see the error and wickedness of their ways.

There may yet be hopes for redemption.

The average Bahamian does not ask for or demand much from our politicians. The politicians, however, must be aware of the salient fact that without the support of the unwashed masses, et al, they would not have been given, on a golden platter, the opportunity to do the right things for themselves; family; friends and lovers. This has got to stop and these political infidels must get on with the real business for which they were elected or appointed.

Let your word be your bond. Stop using people and circumstances as pure political mantras.

The art and craft, however, of shaving cream; duplicity and flambay are alive, big time and well, in our wonderful nation. To God then, in all things, be the glory for great things He will do for the unwashed masses.

Jr

ORTLAND H BODIE, Nassau, May 3, 2019

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, May 17, 2019, PAGE 5

INQUEST OPENS INTO POLICE SHOOTING DEATH

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

AN inquest into the 2014 police shooting death of Andrew Stubbs, 40, began with testimony from two witnesses yesterday in the court of Coroner Jeanine Weech Gomez.

The man who shot Stubbs, Officer Kevin Deveaux, was represented by K Melvin Munroe.

No lawyer was present in the matter to represent the deceased or his family. Anishka Missick is marshalling the case. from page one be consoled by two prosecutors after the jury returned a 10-2 guilty verdict against Anthony “Peanut” Bethel for murdering Georgette Rahming on May 26, 2015.

For a murder conviction a jury’s verdict must be unanimous.

Given the “deadlocked” verdict, Justice Bernard Turner was forced to discharge the 12-member jury. He said Bethel must now face a second trial before a different judge and jury, thus ending a three week-long trial, and a four-year wait for closure for Mrs Thurston. Bethel returns to court on May 24 for his case to be assigned to a different judge. He was ordered to be remanded into custody until then.

The jury’s decision came after roughly two hours of deliberation over evidence that showed how Bethel admitted on three occasions to killing Rahming: once in giving a “spontaneous” admission to officers at the Central Detective Unit (CDU) after turning himself in; during his record of interview and in giving a statement under caution, and to Mrs Thurston when she approached him at the Magistrate’s Court when he was being arraigned.

And Bethel, according to the evidence led, says his occupation is a “shooter” employed at “Mad Ass Gang,” according to his Facebook page.

During the trial the court heard that Bethel, in his record of interview on August 4, 2015, admitted to shooting Rahming because another individual, Rashad Leroy Smith aka “Shaddy” said he would have killed him otherwise.

Rovan Damian Carey, a police officer, was the first witness to testify. In his police report, Mr Carey said he was at Ira Storrs Backyard Restaurant, his family eatery in Golden Gates, when he saw a man wearing a grey sweater with a hood smoking a joint. He said when he told the man smoking was not allowed in the establishment, the man became disorderly and was escorted outside where he became even more unruly.

He claimed the man left the area heading east on Sisal Road while saying he disliked the police.

Officer Carey said after the incident, he and several other officers stood around outside conversing when, 20 minutes later, someone in the group shouted “watch out.”

He said he then saw a man with an object that appeared to be a gun. He said Officer Deveaux then shouted “police” and demanded the suspect drop the object. He testified that he heard about five or six gunshots. However, when asked by the foreman to say if the shots came from anyone “in his circle,” he said he “couldn’t answer that at this time.”

said he heard about five or six gunshots.

“I looked out and saw a short person wearing the same clothes as the gesticulating man,” he said.

“I went outside and I saw the gentleman in a pool of blood and a with a gray and black handgun on the side of him. I called the police and told them what I saw.”

Mr Beneby said when a police officer pulled back the man’s hoodie, he recognised the man as Andrew Stubbs, a man in the neighbourhood he knew for years.

The matter continues on Monday.

Supreme Court jury fails to reach verdict in girl’s murder trial Bethel, in response to a question by the investigating officer, Detective Corporal Raphael Miller, said he does not work for Smith, but is “scared” of him because if he did not do things for Smith, Smith would ensure that someone would follow and kill him.

Nonetheless, in his statement under caution, Bethel said he had known Smith all of his life. And despite his claims that he was afraid of Smith, Bethel’s girlfriend testified how the two were friends.

According to Bethel’s statement under caution, at some point in time after Smith came out of jail, he approached Bethel, pulled a gun on him, and asked if he was “with him or not”. To please Smith, Bethel said he replied in the affirmative.

Bethel went on to say that at another point in time, while he, Smith and Rahming were all hanging out, Smith and Rahming got into an argument and had a heated exchange. He said Rahming told Smith that she was going to have

him killed, causing Smith to threaten her in return and say that “he will make sure she will get kill”.

Bethel said on the date in question, Smith told his girlfriend, Nessa, who was suggested to be Rahming’s friend, to call her and find out where she was. Nessa then told Smith that Rahming was at her home on Palmetto Avenue in The Grove on her porch. Then, Bethel said Smith told him and three other persons – “Bugs”, “Makaveli”, and “Crazy” – to “deal with that”. Bethel also said Smith told him to ensure that Rahming was dead or else they would be killed.

Bethel said he and the other three persons got in two separate cars and drove to The Grove area. Bethel said he was dropped off a few houses down from Rahming’s house. He said he then walked up to the young woman, whose head was down. However, he said, when she looked up and saw him, she tried to run.

Bethel said he opened

DRUGS AND FIREARMS FOUND ON EXUMA

EXUMA police conducted special operations in three settlements on Tuesday and recovered a quantity of dangerous drugs and two illegal firearms.

In the first incident, shortly before 5am, the officers acting on intelligence searched an

The second witness, George Beneby, testified that from his house he saw a man who was gesticulating as if he was in an argument. He said the man eventually left the area. He testified that about 20 minutes later he heard gunshots, then saw the man’s dead body in his car driveway.

Mr Beneby said he was in bed when his brother alerted him to an argument outside.

When he looked through his window, he “saw a short guy gesticulating.” The man left the area but 20 minutes later Mr Beneby

abandoned building in the settlement of Harts and discovered 25 packages of cocaine.

Then shortly after 6am, the officers, acting on information, conducted a search of an area in the settlement of Steventon and recovered a quantity of marijuana.

In the third incident, shortly before 7am, officers acting on intelligence, searched a bushy area of the Boulevard, Mt Thompson and uncovered a Smith and Wesson revolver, and .a Ruger pistol.

No arrest was made in these incidents.

Funeral Service For

Pauline Aretha Jones, 46

fire on Rahming, hitting her, before fleeing onto Market Street, then Andros Avenue where he got into a car. He said he then made his way back to Smith and gave him back his gun.

According to a pathologist report, Rahming died from a gunshot wound to the back.

Days later, on August 7, Bethel was arraigned in a Magistrate’s Court charged with murder. On that day, according to the evidence, Mrs Thurston approached him at some point and asked him whether he had killed her daughter. In response, Bethel said “yes’’,

explaining that had he not killed Rahming, Smith would have killed him.

However, Bethel took the stand in his defence and maintained that he was essentially framed by police officers, who beat and threatened him while in custody, and that Mrs Thurston, who took the stand and gave evidence for the Crown, lied on him when she said he admitted to killing her daughter.

He further asserted that he was not on Palmetto Avenue on the date in question, and that he did not kill Rahming.

There was also evidence

led on his behalf that he was with his girlfriend on the date in question; however, that evidence was not given by him, but rather his girlfriend, Simone Bain.

She said that Bethel was with her that entire evening, and after getting into an argument with her, fell asleep before she did. She said Bethel did not leave the residence they were at, because she would have known.

Keevon Maynard represented Bethel during the trial. Darnell Dorsette and Camille Gomez-Jones represented the Crown in the case.

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of Godet Avenue who died on Monday, May 6, 2019 will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Greater Chippingham Church of God, Eden Street. Officiating will be Bishop Carl Dennis Lafrenier assisted by Other Ministers. Interment will follow in Southern Cemetery, Cowpen and Spikenard Roads.

Fond and Loving Memories will be held by her devoted parents, Luther and Dorothy Jones; sons, PC4070 Patrick and Patricko Taylor and Dario Jones; daughter, Lakeisha Jones; one grandson, Jayden Jones; brother, Mario Jones; aunts, Dorothy Burrows, Francina Henderson, Joan Colebrooke and Dorcas Green; cousins, Cora Clarke and Family, Shirley Clarke and Family, Stafford Clarke and Family, David Clarke and Family, George Larry Burrows, Patsy Huston, Juanita Rolle and Janice Jean-Baptiste, Ricardo of Opalocka, Fla., Kristal Fairman of Opalocka, Fla., Noel Henderson, Nicloe Henderson; and other relatives and friends including: Sanctuary of Praise Ministries, Greater Chippingham Church of God, Willamae Newbold and Family, Naomi Coakley and Family, Philip and Carolyn Beneby, Charles Williams and Family and Timothy Brocon and Family.

Viewing will be held in the Legacy Suite of Vaughn O. Jones Memorial Center, Mt. Royal Avenue and Talbot Street on Friday from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. and on Saturday at the Church from 9:00 a.m. to service time.

SECURITY & GENERAL INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED Atlantic House, 2nd Terrace & Collins Avenue, P.O. Box SS-5915, Nassau, The Bahamas tel. 326 7100 www.cgigroup.com A member of Colonial Group International Ltd. Insurance, Health, Pensions, Life Security & General Insurance is rated A (Excellent) by AM Best

The Tribune Always uncovering more

PAGE 6, Friday, May 17, 2019

THE TRIBUNE

‘DON’T SHOOT THE MESSENGER - THERE ARE LAWS’

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Staff Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

AS the government’s crackdown on CBD products also forces out dairy alternative hemp milk and protein powders, Health Minister Dr Duane Sands says “don’t shoot the messenger”.

Up to yesterday, hemp goods were still on the shelves of several stores across the capital.

Dr Sands told The Tribune he has received several angry calls from consumers over the loss of a longstanding healthy alternative to dairy products, but reiterated “there is no distinction, the law is the law”.

“I understand the view that’s being put out that somehow this (hemp) is innocuous,” he said.

“It’s no different than numbers.

Numbers been played for decades but it wasn’t legal. So people been murdering for decades, it ain’t legal.”

Dr Sands said: “That argument doesn’t hold water. We are attempting to deal with a matter that is contentious and controversial not everybody has the same view.

“There are existing laws and if we are a country that follows the rule of law, then even if you didn’t know that you were breaking the law before, and

you know the law now, then it’s reasonable for you to cease and desist.”

Dr Sands announced in Parliament earlier this month that his ministry had met with Department of Customs officials and police over the influx of CBD and THC products hitting shelves locally.

Medical marijuana can be prescribed as the whole, unprocessed marijuana plant or its basic extracts, and the major active compounds in those extracts, are the cannabinoids CBD, THC, and cannabinol or CBN - which is mildly psychoactive with powerful sedative properties.

Popular uses of CBD - which is not psychoactive - include relief from chronic, muscle pain, convulsions, and inflammation; and the use of CBD oil has become immensely popular.

However, the Dangerous Drug Act restricts “every compound, manufacture, salt derivative, mixture or preparation of such plant or resin” unless given a special permit for medical or scientific purpose.

Dr Sands said yesterday: “I’ve heard this argument from several reasonable people that it’s only hemp and it’s innocuous and it’s this and it’s that. I will refer

you again to the law, it makes no distinction it says all strains of cannabis.

“Don’t shoot the messenger,” he continued, “at the end of the day there is a process and there are laws.”

“Whether you believe it’s a reasonable law or you don’t believe it is a reasonable law it’s the law.

And until such time as the law is changed I am duty bound to ensure to the best of my ability that the rule of law is followed in this country.”

He added: “For me to be promoting disobedience or violation of the law is inappropriate as a lawmaker.”

We need good candidates to fight 2022 election, says PLP’s Cooper from page one

PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party deputy leader Chester Cooper

The party should also offer more women candidates, the Exuma and Ragged Island MP said.

He made the remarks during a PLP North Andros branch meeting, where he insisted North Andros MP Carlton Bowleg has not been a good representative for the area. In large part, he blamed this on the failings of the Minnis administration since it took office.

“It would be the PLP’s greatest tragedy to believe we will win by default and not be armed and ready to fight when elections are called,” Mr Cooper said.

“So, I will tell you before I leave here the roadmap I’ve shared with other constituencies. And to me, the journey to retaking North Andros and retaking the government - so that some semblance of sensible national leadership can be in place - starts now.

“We’re talking about the future of the PLP and make no mistake about it, the future of the PLP starts now.

“The road to the next election in 2022, if it even

takes that long, starts now. So, on top of holding (Prime Minister Dr) Hubert Minnis and this FNM government to account, let’s start making the PLP the party of choice for the people in 2022.”

He continued: “We need good people, credible people, some experienced people and a lot of new faces, and female faces.

Half the voters in the country are women.

“So, we need to recruit more quality female candidates and more women fighting on the front lines for the PLP and the future of this nation.”

However he noted the largest cross-section of voters by the next election

PLP leader Philip Davis

will be young people, so an investment is needed in youth to give them real opportunity.

“Young people in North Andros, I am told, are leaving their hometowns and not returning. It’s leaving our communities stripped bare. So, we have to get the young people involved with the understanding that this Bahamas is theirs and crafting its future starts now.

“A clear plan and agenda to show our youth, you can make money, live a great life and have all the things you want right here at home. We must let our youth now, that it’s all about you in 2022.”

As he frequently does, Mr Copper also harshly criticised the prime minister, telling PLP supporters Dr Minnis was in an unstable place with Bahamians.

“The PM knows he’s in a fragile place. He knows he’s lost the confidence and trust of the people. He could call an election at any time.

“We can’t let him catch us by surprise. Let’s stay sharp, stay prepared, stay on the attack, but build up the defences and put ourselves in a position to be the next government of the Bahamas,” Mr Cooper said.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, May 17, 2019, PAGE 7

TEENAGE GIRLS’ RAPE NIGHTMARE

from page one

was raped and the other was forced to perform a sexual act on the men, this newspaper’s sources alleged.

The men allegedly attempted to get a ransom by ordering one of the women to call a family member and demand that

By FARRAH JOHNSON VENDORS at Potter’s Cay Dock are expressing concerns about the livelihood of their businesses, after barricades were placed under the Paradise Island bridge to prevent customers from parking in front of stalls.

The barricades come one week after two men were shot and killed in a double homicide at Potter’s Cay Dock on May 8.

Roosevelt Wright, owner of The Blue Hole, said the barricades were not allowing customers to come in and “get what they want.”

“Some people are not going to go in the parking lot and walk back because they prefer their car parking [in front] so it is affecting business,” he said.

He added that he wasn’t sure if the barricades were “going to work” because at the moment, the circumstances “were not looking too good.”

“What they’re basically saying is because of the recent crime and shootings we had they would like for everyone to park in the parking lot so they’ll be able to see as people come and they are walking in,” he explained.

“It’s a good idea, but I’m not really sure if it’s going to work because right now it’s really hurting business.”

Another vendor, who requested anonymity, expressed similar sentiments to Mr Wright and said he felt it would be more effective if officials increased police presence in the area instead.

“If they have more uniformed police walking out

$1,000 be brought to a specified location. The call was made to one of the women’s parents. Suspecting something was wrong, the parent alerted police. Police then launched an operation. A parent showed up to a gas station and spotted the car with the young women.

As the parent approached the car with police in tow,

the men drove off with the women screaming “don’t kill me,” a source claimed to this newspaper.

Chief Superintendent of Police Solomon Cash said yesterday evening: “We got a report around 1am (on Thursday) at the police control centre where a family member was saying that their daughter was

kidnapped and there was a demand for a considerable amount of cash for the return of their daughter.

Police commenced an investigation. We received some communication between that family member and the alleged suspect. Our investigations led to Tonique Williams Darling Highway where we found the alleged

vehicle. The occupants of the vehicle were able to elude police. Moments later the vehicle was recovered with the two young women inside.

However, they alleged they were robbed and sexually assaulted.”

The young women were found on Carmichael Road, The Tribune understands, and were taken to hospital.

SOLOMON CASH

Potter’s Cay vendors concerned after barricades go up LEFT: ROOSEVELT WRIGHT, owner of the Blue Hole; right, Edward McPhee, owner of BANG! Photos: Terrel W Carey Sr/ Tribune Staff

here we wouldn’t really much need the barricades because guys them will see the police in their uniforms and they won’t come here doing foolishness,” he said.

“I think it makes sense to do that instead of putting up the barricades because right now we ain’t making no money.”

He insisted that the

barricades didn’t make “any sense” because there were no warning signs to let people know the area was now blocked off.

“They put the barricades here but they ain’t have no security out front and people have to park out there. Whose gonna watch the cars?” he questioned.

Still, there were some

vendors who agreed that the barricades were needed, even though they would discourage some customers from coming.

Edward McPhee, owner of The Bang, said that stall owners were made aware of the barricades beforehand by officials.

“The police are just doing it for protection

because with the cars parking, the generators making noise and the stalls playing music, it poses a problem.

“A lot of things happen on this dock and some of the vendors right on the dock don’t know until they maybe see some people running or hear from somebody else what happen.”

He added that Bahamians would eventually get used to the new parking arrangements because the same thing happened at Arawak Cay. “Before Arawak Cay parking was made, people use to park cars right in front of the stalls. It took a while before people get

use to parking outside,” he said.

Mr McPhee also told The Tribune that vendors were told that the barricades were only temporary and that the vendors would also receive some sort of incentive.

“They say in the next couple of days they intend to have some 600-800 visitors come [to] the Potter’s Cay area. So we’re expecting those people to bring some money to us,” he said.

“The police are our friends we need to work with them and partner together to make it best for the customer and ourselves.”

FREEPORT MAN DENIES DANGEROUS DOG CHARGES

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A 27-YEAR-OLD man was charged in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court yesterday in connection with a ferocious dog attack.

Joseph Wallace-Whitfield, of Freeport, appeared in Court One before Deputy Chief Magistrate Debbye Ferguson on three

counts, including possession of a ferocious dog, negligently causing harm, and causing damage. It is alleged that on May 7 at Freeport, Johnny Jones was attacked by a large number of ferocious dogs.

It is also alleged that on the same date and place, the accused negligently and unlawfully caused harm to Jones and caused material damage to his Dickie pants, valued at $40.32.

Deputy Chief Magistrate Debbye Ferguson asked what

breed were the dogs, and Prosecutor Sergeant Veron Rolle said that the dogs in question were pit bulls.

Wallace-Whitfield pleaded not guilty to the charges. He was granted $900 cash bail on each of the three counts, and the matter was adjourned to July 3 for trial.

He is represented by Paul Wallace Whitfield.

In other court news, a 43-yearold man was charged with possession of dangerous drugs.

Stephen Alexander Farrington,

of Freeport, appeared in Court One before Deputy Chief Magistrate Debbye Ferguson on one count of possession of dangerous drugs.

It is alleged that on May 14, the accused without proper authority was found with a quantity of marijuana.

Farrington pleaded guilty to the charge and explained that a wellknown local doctor that is not practicing had recommended that he smoke marijuana to help with his seizures.

He explained that he suffers frequently from seizures and had been prescribed many medications from the Rand Memorial Hospital, but none helped. Farrington said that he smoked marijuana for medical purposes and that he has not any seizures since.

Deputy Chief Magistrate Ferguson ordered Farrington to pay $150 fine. She warned him that this was second drug conviction, and granted him a conditional discharge.

To advertise EARLY MORNING ARMED ROBBERY AT WEST BAY STREET BAR in The Tribune, contact 502-2394

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

POLICE are seeking the public’s assistance in apprehending the suspect responsible for an armed robbery at West Bay Street bar early Thursday morning.

According to reports, shortly before 2am, an armed male entered a business and robbed a female cashier of cash,

before fleeing on foot in an unknown direction.

Police did not disclose the name of the property where the incident occurred, however The Tribune understands it is Curly’s restaurant and bar.

Meanwhile, in a separate matter, police are appealing to members of the public who may have information related to a shooting incident that occurred in Carmichael Road area late Wednesday.

According to reports, shortly before 11pm, a male was in the front of a residence on Hunts Close when he was approached by three armed men, who opened fire on him, wounding him.

The male was transported to hospital where he was listed in critical but stable condition up to press time.

Anyone with information related to any of these cases is asked to call police at 919, 502-9991 or Crime Stoppers at 328-TIPS.

PAGE 8, Friday, May 17, 2019

THE TRIBUNE

Have fun but ...

MY TOP TEN LIST OF WHAT NOT TO DO AT YOUR OFFICE SUMMER PARTY

SUMMER is here and there’s nothing more “political” than office parties, fun days and after work happy hours.

So to ensure all you office party and after work, happy hour-goers remain “politically correct” and don’t end up either in court, incarcerated, hospitalised or all of the above.

Here’s my Top Ten list of what not to do at your office summer fun day or after work happy hour, because we all know, work rules still apply.

1. GETTING INEBRIATED (DRUNK) It’s a party, so you can expect a lot of people to get a bit tipsy. However, dancing on the bar or starting a fight, is still unacceptable.

As long as you don’t do anything that is illegal, then the worst punishment you will have is being “shame”.

If the company puts on an “open bar” employees might feel that they cannot be held responsible, but they can.

So no need to show your “jungaliss” side.

2. ASKING FOR A RAISE There is a time and a place to negotiate a change in your pay, the office fun day is NOT it!!

Drunken slurring about how you’re the best employee to your boss while spilling your drink will not have the desired effect in securing your raise.

3. DON’T INVITE FRIENDS TO THE OPEN BAR The open bar is considered a gift from the employer to the employees, bringing your friends will make you “persona non grata”.

4. MAKING ADVANCES An employer may be ultimately responsible for the actions of its employees at an office function or party, just as it may be responsible for the actions of its employees in the workplace.

So no “cutting up” with the bosses wife or secretary for that matter.

Nor any of your colleagues’ significant other.

Neither any of your co-workers directly!!

5. DON’T ARRIVE OR LEAVE EARLY After work happy hour, cocktails, is not an easy event for some as it is for others.

In a multi-cultural society some might argue it is debatable whether or not the concept of “happy hour” might be outdated.

In any case always remember to be “fashionably” late and leave late, right ahead of the staff, and you won’t be in violation of “office drinking etiquette.”

6. NO MAN LIKERY OR GOSSIPING After a few drinks, “liquid courage” might make people more talkative, but putting down colleagues or gossiping is never cool.

You don’t know if the person you are talking to will repeat your conversation, which could lead to awkward conversations when you sober up and have to face people in the office.

7. FUSSING AND FIGHTING Not surprisingly, fighting constitutes gross misconduct, which should be dealt with formally under a company’s disciplinary procedures.

Advice to anyone thinking of getting involved in one is this – it will most likely lead to your dismissal.

8. NO TALKING SHOP Talk stop, and you might find you have a lot of very short conversations.

The office fun day or night out is a chance to talk with colleagues, but not about work.

You don’t want to be known as “Boring Bob”.

9. DON’T OVERLOAD YOUR PLATE The food is for everyone. So make sure it lasts the night.

You want to have something to eat, especially if you’re drinking, but you don’t want to be the person at fault for why someone else hasn’t got a single morsel.

“Toting” however is completely acceptable.

10. DANCE MACHINE In the old millennium, looking lost on the dance floor might have been largely forgotten as memories faded.

Today, you can guarantee those “moves” could haunt you for a very long time.

Social media is a wicked beast !

Until next week, it’s summer, party on!

Just remember the rules, written and unwritten.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, May 17, 2019, PAGE 9

Taxi plate change to beat hackers from page one

While Mr Wells didn’t go into detail with his comments at that time, Mr Sands yesterday insisted the issue was predicated on the “many issues” taxi drivers have raised over what has been described as “hackers coming in and picking up the tourist”.

Mr Sands told The Tribune the similarities of the two plates have led to poorly guided visitors being duped into receiving rides at rates just below those of standard taxis.

He said this “hacking service” has completely stunted the day-today operations of some taxi drivers in tourist hot spots.

“Since I came here I’ve been asking why or how all of this was allowed. I mean, for both of these groups to get plates that are so much alike, this level of confusion should have been expected,” Mr Sands said.

“I mean for Bahamians, we know the difference between the TN plates and SD plates, but the visitors don’t. All they see is the colour and assume that ‘hey, there goes the local taxi.’ In many other countries around the world taxis have a set design, make or specific colour.

“What I am trying to say is those vehicles are easier to see and are recognised as taxis, while here in the Bahamas any car can be any of the two, SD or TN, you have to look at the plates,” he added.

BAHAMAS Taxi Union president Wesley Ferguson According to Mr Sands, there are 1,135 taxis registered in New Providence alone.

However, he noted that when the sector is compared to the “constantly growing” self-drive rental car sector, “it is greatly outpaced.”

Mr Sands explained that the longstanding moratorium on taxi plates has halted the growth of that sector and pushed a lot of modern-day entrepreneurs toward the “open for business” model of the self-drive sector.

He asserted: “There are way

more SD plates out there. I mean a lot, roughly 5,000 or so of them are out there and as it stands, because the issuance of new plates is controlled by the (Road Traffic) board, I can’t say if more will be issued.”

“We have about 50 or so operators out there, operating with thousands of plates. Those plates can be placed on any car… that’s why we have agreed to go forward with the change of the taxi plates.”

In January, taxi drivers protested

at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA), where they allege that limousine drivers and tour operators have been taking their business for years.

At the time, Bahamas Taxi Union president Wesley Ferguson said taxi drivers also had issues at Atlantis, Baha Mar and Prince George Wharf that need to be resolved.

To date, both Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and Mr Wells have made promises to union members, promoting plans to address concerns raised about the sector.

APPEAL AFTER REPORTS OF STABBING AT SCHOOL

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net POLICE in New Providence have issued an appeal for information surrounding the reported stabbing of a CH Reeves student on Wednesday.

Police Inspector Leonardo Burrows yesterday confirmed police received several reports of an incident involving a group of students from CH Reeves that occurred near Robinson Road on Wednesday afternoon.

However, he said responding officers discovered nothing related to the incident when they arrived.

Inspector Burrows said further checks carried out yesterday at the school and the surrounding area were to “no avail”.

He added neither the victim, nor his parents had come forward to report the matter officially.

Inspector Burrows said the lack of information related to the case has “tied” the hands of the police.

However, he did insist the Child Protection Act does make it mandatory to report violent acts involving minors.

School officials could not be reached yesterday for comment.

HAIL SEEN AROUND NEW PROVIDENCE AFTER SEVERE WEATHER SEVERE weather in New Providence likely caused reported hail sightings in the western part of New Providence on Wednesday, the Meteorology Department has said.

“There were some reports via WhatsApp from someone saying there was hail in Clifton,” one official said yesterday after two separate videos of hail falling

went viral on social media. “I can’t confirm that or deny that but I know for a fact that we had the possibility to have hail during those severe weather conditions.”

Hail forms when “thunderstorm updrafts are strong enough to carry water droplets well above the freezing level”, according to nasa.gov. “This freezing process

forms a hailstone, which can grow as additional water freezes onto it.

Eventually, the hailstone becomes too heavy for the updrafts to support it and it falls to the ground,” the website states.

In one video circulating on the messaging platform, a man is heard saying the hail fell in the Adelaide area earlier this week.

In a separate video another said

HAIL seen in Grand Bahama in March

man said it happened in the area of Clifton Pier.

In March, Grand Bahama experienced a hailstorm due to severe weather conditions that developed.

The hail sightings were reported in various parts of the island, particularly in the Lucaya, Port Lucaya, Windsor Park, Malibu Reef and Williams Town.

PAGE 10, Friday, May 17, 2019

N

EXT time you can’t figure out why you feel a burst of happiness for no apparent reason or you suddenly sank into a slump, check the weather. It has a lot more to do with how you feel than you probably realise.

What set me on the path of weather and its impact on mood was a near-historic occurrence that only happened once before in history and as it did, I felt an internal shift that I knew instinctively was related to external forces. It rained.

The date was May 15. The rain began during the night, precisely as it was supposed to do because May 15 was the official start of the rainy season (May 15-October 15) in South Florida and The Bahamas. The season only got its own identity last year, giving rain equal footing with events like hurricanes which have had their own season, June 1- November 30, since at least the 1880s.

So this was only the second time in history that the start of the now official rainy season experienced rain.

And with an attitude adjustment prompted neither by the start of a weekend or a liquid from which minors are banned, I decided to explore.

First, I confess. I was fascinated by the fact that something so momentous as naming a season got so little attention but equally fascinated by what weather events do to us not just materially but mentally.

Rain is associated with darker skies that can cause a reduction in serotonin, the brain hormone that triggers feelings of happiness.

(Think, the multiple awardnominated Robin Williams

THE TRIBUNE

There’s no explaining why you feel the way you do – or maybe there is... movie Awakenings when catatonic patients come to life with L-Dopa that releases serotonin). Most rain-related incidents are not so dramatic, though the impact of rain is contradictory. We love the sound, the gentle pitter-patter on a metal roof. So comforting and sought-after is the sound that a single YouTube MP3 version of it has nearly six million views (why do we call something we listen to a view?). Why do we find the sound comforting and the darker skies that accompany it the opposite, sapping our energy?

Mostly it appears to be about light. Deprivation of it as it as in long winter days actually leads to a relatively common condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

There are remedies including bright lights called happy lights, glasses that cast light and architectural designs created to enhance illumination.

Most of us know that being in the sunshine induces a feeling of wellbeing. What we may not be as well aware of is that when our serotonin levels drop – i.e., we’re feeling less happy – we eat more, especially gobbling carbs and when we eat more, we get even more upset with ourselves. You get the picture. We are also less likely to be social. And if we choose to stay inside because it is rainy or dark or gloomy outside and we choose to spend our time with a good book or movie instead of a bike ride or walk in park, we have even time to eat more carbs.

Welcome to the rainy season. At least now we know it’s official and the best way to maintain our state of happiness is to get outside at least 30 minutes a day to improve mood and, according to a University of Michigan study, memory and openness to new information and creative thought.

THE WEATHER has a great impact on how we feel

Power to the people – consistently, please THE high cost of electricity pales by comparison with not having it. Loadshedding that has left homes, schools and businesses in the dark for hours on end has come at a greater cost than the dollars that pay for it. And while we think the cost of electricity is high because we look up at the sun and say why aren’t we powered by that for free (forgetting installation costs) or we look to the US and wonder our electricity is so much more expensive, we are better off than we think. Consumers in Germany, where there is great demand, pay the highest price in Europe at 35 cents per kilowatt hour. In

this region, the US Virgin Islands suffers through 51 cents per kwh, Jamaica, 44 cents.

In The Bahamas, our basic rate ranges from about 11 to 15 cents per kwh before the fuel surcharge, add another 17 cents for that and even then at 32 cents per kwh (plus VAT on bills over $300) we are higher than most places in the U.S., but well ahead of The Solomon Islands in the Pacific. There, power comes at a cost of $1 a kilowatt hour when they can get it.

The hidden cost is the real culprit to which we pay far too little attention – the toll which poor quality and

lack of consistency takes on equipment – appliances, computers, TVs, machinery. Still, when the sweat is pouring off our faces and we cannot watch the evening news, when we are relegated to a magazine or paper to fan ourselves with, we forgive a little imperfection and beg – just give the power to the people and let the major consumers like hotels install solar and other renewables without stifling their desire and ability to self-sustain because of appetite for revenue.

In the end, the people decide who is in power and the decision could very well involve the power the people are provided.

The other yellow that’s got our attention

WHEN we praised the brilliance and foresight last week of the individual who nominated yellow elder as the national tree of The Bahamas saying this year’s crop is the most brilliant ever, we neglected to mention its colourful counterpart – the yellow Royal Poinciana. No matter how challenging a day may be, the sight of native trees is an instant picker-upper, a re-affirmation of why there is no place on earth like this little nation despite it all.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, May 17, 2019, PAGE 11

BIRDING TOURS TAKE OFF AT BLUE LAGOON BEST known for its dolphins, sea lions and stingrays, Blue Lagoon Island also happens to be a haven for birds.

The private island destination invited local birders and island guests to participate in three birding tours as part of The Global Big Day in Birding earlier this month. They joined nearly 30,000 people worldwide in the effort to spot and record sightings of birds.

This was the first time Blue Lagoon Island participated in Global Big Day, and the results were impressive for the designated Important Bird Area.

According to Dr Ancilleno Davis, Blue Lagoon Island’s Sustainability Coordinator, 16 different bird species were recorded on the island that day. This represented 12 percent of the total number of species recorded throughout

the Bahamas that day. The early bird team that started just after dawn was the first group to record 12 of the species and was the only place a Black and White Warbler was recorded.

Some of the other special sightings on Blue Lagoon Island that day included Antillean Nighthawks, nesting Yellow-crowned Night Herons, Western Spindalis and Bananaquits, one of whom was spotted weaving a nest. “My favorite part of the day were the guests, who had no idea this was also possible in the Bahamas, including two Bahamian guests,” said Dr Davis, adding, “Sharing the wildlife experience with our guests, putting biodiversity, sustainable tourism and sea level rise shoulderto-shoulder with beautiful birds, butterflies, and edible plants can really change perspectives.”

PAGE 12, Friday, May 17, 2019

THE TRIBUNE

MEDIATION IN NORWAY AIMS TO RESOLVE VENEZUELA CRISIS CARACAS, Venezuela Associated Press

DIPLOMATIC efforts aimed at resolving Venezuela’s crisis accelerated yesterday as the government and opposition sent envoys to talks in Norway, though the two sides’ mutual mistrust and differences on key issues could prevent any quick solution.

The Norwegian attempt to mediate, confirmed by opposition

officials, comes amid tensions that exploded in street violence when the opposition called in vain for a military uprising on April 30.

Details, including whether envoys from opposing camps would even negotiate directly, were scarce. The initiative coincides with outreach efforts from others: Opposition leader Juan Guaidó said in Caracas that he planned to meet a delegation from a mostly European group of nations later yesterday, and

Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland met Thursday with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez in Havana.

Norway has hosted secret peace talks over the years. They include the negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians in September 1993, talks between the Philippines government and Maoist rebels in 2011, and the brokering of a 2002 cease-fire between Sri Lankan government and Tamil Tiger rebel negotiators. Seven

years ago, negotiators from the Colombian government and leftwing FARC rebels held their first direct talks in a decade in Norway.

The Norwegian Centre for Conflict Resolution has worked behind the scenes since last year to bring the two sides in Venezuela together. In October, it sponsored an initiative to bring a Harvard-trained conflict resolution expert to Caracas to foster dialogue. In recent months, with

the support of Norway’s foreign ministry and diplomats based in Bogota, Colombia, its representatives made several trips to Caracas.

Per Wiggen, an official from Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, did not confirm planned talks in Oslo, though Norway has urged the two sides to talk since February. Minister Ine Eriksen Soereide told lawmakers on March 5 that Norway could be a mediator.

PETITION TO DEMAND NEW END TO GAME OF THRONES

Manning: I would rather starve to death than testify VIRGINIA Associated Press

FORMER Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning was ordered back to jail yesterday for refusing to testify to a grand jury, even after telling a judge she’d rather “starve to death” than cooperate with prosecutors.

US District Judge Anthony Trenga ordered her to remain incarcerated at the Alexandria jail either until she agrees to testify or until the grand jury’s term expires in 18 months. He also imposed fines that will kick in at $500 a day after 30 days and $1,000 a day after 60 days.

Manning has already spent two months in jail for refusing a previous subpoena to testify to a grand jury investigating Wikileaks. She was released last week when that grand jury’s term expired, but prosecutors quickly hit her with a new subpoena to testify to a new grand jury.

Manning has offered multiple reasons for refusing to testify, but fundamentally says she considers the whole grand jury process

CHELSEA Manning yesterday. to be unacceptable. Trenga was unimpressed with her rationale and noted that grand juries are embedded in the Constitution.

He said he hopes that while incarcerated “Ms. Manning would reflect on the principles she says she’s embracing ... and whether those views are worth the price she’s paying for them.”

Manning’s lawyers had argued that she should not be jailed because she has proven that she will refuse to testify no matter how long she’s jailed. Under federal law, a recalcitrant witness can be jailed for civil contempt only if there’s a reasonable possibility that the incarceration will coerce the witness into

testifying. If a judge were to determine that incarcerating Manning were punitive rather than coercive, Manning would not be jailed.

“Whatever you might think of her, Chelsea Manning is a principled person,” said her lawyer, Moira Meltzer-Cohen.

“She’s more willing to put herself at grave risk than to betray her deeply held principles.”

Manning herself told the judge directly: “I would rather starve to death than change my principles in this regard.”

Prosecutors, though, said that so far Manning has only faced up to two months in jail. She has not faced the reality of being incarcerated for up to 18 months.

“Simply put, Ms. Manning has not spent enough time in jail to arrive at the time” where she could argue that she can’t be coerced into testifying, prosecutor Thomas Traxler said.

US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia G. Zachary Terwilliger said after Manning’s hearing that Manning is not being asked to do any more than any other citizen who might have relevant information.

ROCKETMAN LANDS IN CANNES ELTON John and his biopic Rocketman landed at the Cannes Film Festival yesterday where star Taron Egerton - both pictured above - was moved to tears after the premiere. The film is directed by Dexter Fletcher who took over directing duties on last year’s hit music biopic, Bohemian Rhapsody, after Bryan Singer departed mid-production.

WINTER has finally come for Game of Thrones and its last series is getting a chilly reception. A petition calling on its makers, HBO, to redo season eight has been signed by more than 500,000 disgruntled fans.

The latest series of the popular show has faced a barrage of criticism online as some viewers have taken against the show’s narrative structure and the fate of beloved characters.

The Change.org petitiongoes further by demanding a complete do-over “with competent writers”.

It argues that the show’s writers, David Benioff and DB Weiss, “have proven themselves to be woefully incompetent”.

The writers, the petition charges, have “no source material to fall back on”, alluding to the unfinished books season eight is loosely based on.

Those who signed the petition left comments saying the final series “seems rushed”, “totally disrespected the author” and threw eight years of character development “down the drain”.