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VOLUME:114 No.123, MAY 18TH, 2017

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Urban Renewal ‘grave concern’ Thompson warns of ‘unusual operations’ in Grand Bahama By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

reporters at a press conference on Wednesday at the Office of the Prime Minister in Grand Bahama. “In particular, I am reviewing what I can only describe at this time as unusual operations of Urban Renewal in Grand Bahama. I have requested that certain operations be suspended until a further review can be performed,” he said. While Mr Thompson did not want to disclose any further details at this time, he said that he will have more to say once the review process is complete. The Urban Renewal office in Grand Bahama was headed by Michelle Reckley under the former

IN his first day on the job, Minister of State for Grand Bahama Kwasi Thompson expressed grave concerns regarding Urban Renewal in Grand Bahama and has suspended certain operations pending further review. In addition to having full control of the day-to-day operations of the Ministry for Grand Bahama, Mr Thompson also has oversight of Urban Renewal and hurricane restoration and repairs on the island. “Last night, I began being briefed on the status of the ministry. Needless to say, there are some matters of great concern,” he told

SEE PAGE SEVEN

ACTING Parliamentary Commissioner Charles Albury discussing the 2017 General Election at a press conference at the Parliamentary Registration Department yesterday. Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

THE investigation into what contributed to the disorganisation and chaos surrounding the advanced poll has been completed and forwarded to the Office of the Prime Minister, Acting Parliamentary Commissioner Charles Albury confirmed yesterday.

The report was requested by former Prime Minister Perry Christie after participating in the chaotic May 3 advanced poll, which saw thousands of voters waiting for hours in the sun and others enduring the long queues only to be turned away for various reasons. At the time, Mr Christie said he was “disappointed” in how the process played

out, considering that he had “added personnel” to the Parliamentary Registration Department’s (PRD) roster “with a view to minimising the extent to which we have challenges.” “I must say that I’m waiting on a report,” Mr Christie said on May 3. “There has to be obviously explanations as to what took place.”

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AS the Minnis administration prepares to have a forensic audit conducted into the Urban Renewal programme, Algernon Allen revealed yesterday that he and Cynthia “Mother” Pratt resigned as co-chairs of the initiative last Thursday. Mr Allen said they have no concerns about what the audit may reveal as their role was largely “ornamental”, with neither he nor Mrs Pratt having a major part in the decision-making processes of the programme. SEE PAGE SIX

FORMER Deputy Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis is expected to be sworn in as leader of the Official Opposition on Friday. PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts said yesterday that the Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador MP-elect would now shoulder the leadership responsibilities for the Official Opposition moving forward. Responding to question concerning the party’s Senate appointments, which are expected to be made next week, Mr Roberts said all inquires of the sort should be made to Mr Davis in his capacity as Official Opposition leader and party leader. SEE PAGE NINE

ADVANCED POLL INVESTIGATION REPORT SENT TO PRIME MINISTER

RASPBERRY ICED TEA

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

MORE TO BE QUESTIONED AFTER ARRESTS AT BAIC confirmed that seven persons – four men and three women – all employees of BAIC, are in police custody in connection with missing items from the corporation. No one has been charged. According to a wellplaced source, police suspect the employees of attempting to destroy files and remove evidence from BAIC that could show funds have been misappropriated.

‘ORNAMENTAL’ ALLEN AND PRATT QUIT CO-CHAIR ROLES

DAVIS TO TAKE OPPOSITION LEADER ROLE TOMORROW

SEE PAGE SIX

By SANCHESKA BROWN Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net POLICE expect to “bring in several more persons for questioning” as the probe into “theft by reason of employment” at the Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation (BAIC) continues, according to Assistance Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander. In an interview with The Tribune, ACP Fernander

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MINNIS TAKES ON WORKS DUTIES UNTIL BANNISTER IS SWORN IN

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday assumed the Ministry of Works portfolio until Desmond Bannister can be officially sworn in next week, according Anthony “Ace” Newbold, president of the Bahamas Press Club. Mr Newbold has been named as the prime minister’s new press secretary, however he will not officially assume his duties until next Tuesday. SEE PAGE 12


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