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The Tribune

Volume:114 No.124, May 19TH, 2017

Weekend

THE PEOPLE’S PAPER: $1

Friday, May 19, 2017 books film fashion music entertainment weddings puzzles

Weekend

stix noodle bar Pages 8&9

Coming home

WEEKEND: A LIFE-CHANGING JOURNEY TO ETHIOPIA

A life-changing journey

Dion Smith is arrested

Interview, pages 4&5

BPL CONFIDENT OF POWER SUPPLY AHEAD OF SUMMER

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

WITH the hot summer months approaching leading to concern over the reliability of electricity in the country, Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) Ltd yesterday expressed “confidence” in its readiness to take on the peak period with its higher power generation capability.

BPL said while it expected the needed power generation this summer to peak at 255 megawatts, its current generation availability is over 345mw. This is 90mw higher than the demand expected this summer.

In addition, the electricity provider said transmission cables between Blue Hills Power Station and the Big Pond Sub-Station have been replaced and upgraded to improve the capacity and reliability of the transmission system.

SEE PAGE FIVE

FNM WAITING ON PLP FOR SENATE ROLES ANNOUNCEMENT POLICE officers along with ACP Clayton Fernander leaving the BAIC office on Old Trail Road.

By SANCHESKA DORSETT and RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporters DION Smith, the former deputy speaker of the House of Assembly, was yesterday taken into custody in connection with an ongoing probe into “theft by reason of employment” at the Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation, which he headed under the Christie administration.

According to Assistant Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander, the former Nassau Village MP turned himself over to authorities shortly after 4pm

in the presence of his attorney, Wayne Munroe, QC. ACP Fernander at the time could not say how long police intended to keep Mr Smith in custody, but said he was assisting officers with their investigations into the matter. However, another senior police official said it was “more than likely” Mr Smith would be held overnight.

This comes as police have released the eight BAIC employees who were being questioned in connection with the investigation earlier this week, all of whom are also being represented

by Mr Munroe.

On Tuesday, police said seven employees were taken into custody, however yesterday police said another worker was also questioned and later released.

Last night Mr Munroe warned that the arrest and subsequent questioning of Mr Smith without any “merit of a charge” sets a “dangerous precedent” for government officials.

Mr Munroe indicated that shortly after being taken into custody, Mr Smith gave a statement and was taken by officers to his headquarters and then to his home.

SEE PAGE SIX

Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff

DION Smith pictured during his ratification ceremony ahead of the election campaign.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

DAVIS HITS OUT AT ‘GESTAPO-STYLE’ RAID AS HE WARNS OF WITCH HUNTS

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

INTERIM Progressive Liberal Party Leader Philip Davis yesterday warned the new government not to succumb to widespread expectations of “witch hunts” pledged on the campaign trail as he raised concerns over an excessive display of force by police at the Bahamas Agricultural Industrial

Corporation.

Mr Davis also cautioned the Royal Bahamas Police Force on its mandate to maintain its political neutrality following the arrest of seven BAIC workers on Tuesday, part of a probe into “theft by reason of employment” at the corporation. Police said an additional worker was also questioned by police earlier this week.

Those workers were later

released without charge and investigations continued yesterday.

In a statement, Mr Davis took issue with the treatment of nine employees, all of whom were said to have worked with former BAIC Executive Chairman Dion Smith, and suggested that both the government and law enforcement owed the country a full explanation.

SEE PAGE SIX

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Movement Chairman Sidney Collie yesterday told The Tribune that the Senate appointments have been identified and those selected by the governing party to fill 13 of the positions have been notified.

However, the remaining three, which are left for selection by the Progressive Liberal Party have yet to be finalised because there needs to be consultation with Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and the leader of the Official Opposition.

SEE PAGE THREE

FATHER OF TEN JAILED IN $1.4M DRUGS CASE

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

A JAMAICAN father of 10 children was sentenced to four years in prison yesterday after he admitted to trafficking more than $1.4m worth of drugs into the country.

Gothileb Patrick, 56, of Clarendon Parish, appeared before Deputy Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes with Geoffrey SEE PAGE SEVEN

PAGE 2 , Friday, May 19, 2017 THE TRIBUNE

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Calling All High

SCHOOL STUDENTS

OFFICERS with some of the drugs seized in Andros.

$1.6M DRUGS HAUL SEIZED

BY POLICE IN ANDROS POLICE in Andros seized drugs with an estimated street value of $1.6m early yesterday morning and arrested two Bahamians.

The drugs - which weighed 1,602 pounds and the male suspects were

Every year in August THE TRIBUNE publishes a popular Back to School supplement as a guide to the following academic year.

In the supplement we feature the profiles of high school students across the Bahamas and Family Islands.

We want profiles from as many schools and students as possible to make this guide essential and informative.

Profiles must include 1. Name 2. Age 3. School 4. Grade 5. Parent name or names 6. Goals and aspirations, prizes won and honours awarded

7. Name of college they will be attending (if attending) Plus a suitable photograph in .jpeg format (graduation or any other image).

How to submit profiles Email to back2school@ tribunemedia.net with ‘Back To School’ in the subject field and photos in .jpeg format.

By post to Back To School, The Tribune, Shirley Street & Deveaux Streets, PO Box N-3207, Nassau.

By hand to The Tribune office The deadline for the profiles is June 30, 2017 and there is no cost involved. For any questions please contact Tribune Features at 5022380 or 502-2391.

flown to New Providence last evening.

According to reports, officers assigned to Kemps Bay Police Station made the seizure and arrests. A team from the Drug Enforcement Unit then travelled to Andros and returned to

New Providence with the contraband and suspects at 5.30pm.

The drugs were found in 44 nylon sacks, a suitcase containing a number of small packages and 19 individual packages of various sizes.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, May 19, 2017, PAGE 3

GN-1893

CABINET OFFICE

APPOINTMENT OF PRESS SECRETARY FNM chairman Sidney Collie.

Collie says FNM bars victimisation

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net FREE National Movement Chairman Sidney Collie yesterday advised the public that the party, through its campaign policy mandate, has barred anyone associated with the political organisation from “issuing threats, intimidating or attempting to victimise” any government employees in the name of politics.

Mr Collie said the FNM has long adopted the official policy that “no person innocent of wrongdoing, irrespective of the political affiliation, should face any form of persecution on the job.”

The clarification came as Mr Collie responded to allegations that employees at the Bahamas Agriculture and Industrial Corporation (BAIC) were being victimised and intimidated by senior personnel at the government run facility while appearing as a guest on radio talk show “Darold Miller Live” with Darold Miller.

A female caller featured on the show Thursday claimed that she was aware of several cases at BAIC where FNM supporters were using their affiliation with the party to chastise and intimidate employees promoted or appointed between 2012 and 2017 the duration of the recent Christie administration.

The caller, during an exchange with both Mr Collie and Mr Miller, asked the two men to clarify why the employees were being subjected to such an arrangement despite senior members of the Minnis administration publicly declaring that no victimising will take place during their time in office.

In response to the line of questioning, Mr Collie insisted that no such behaviour was sanctioned by the FNM or its leaders.

Mr Collie said he would investigate the claims and,

in accordance with the party’s policies, address a letter to the soon to be appointed executive chairman of BAIC to “look into and fix” whatever issues are uncovered.

When contacted by The Tribune following his appearance on the show Thursday, Mr Collie said the FNM does not condone victimisation.

Mr Collie stated: “The party doesn’t have any jurisdiction or authority to address that claim directly.

But we do have policies in place where if this is the case; if someone is issuing threats, intimidating or attempting to victimise in the name of politics; we can step in, address the person in charge of that ministry or office and that matter is addressed.”

He continued: “That is the point I wanted to get across during my radio appearance this morning.

Since coming to office we have moved to make the point that we have no intentions of removing anyone from their post of employment.

“We have indicated on several occasions; myself and the Prime Minister (Dr Hubert Minnis), no person innocent of wrongdoing, irrespective of the political affiliation, should face any form of persecution on the job.

“What that caller alleged is serious and while I don’t have the position or authority to address it directly, I hold the power and authority through the party to bring it to the attention of this government and that is my intention.”

Mr Collie’s sentiments comes just days after Deputy Prime Minister K Peter Turnquest spoke out against claims that the new Minnis administration had given directives for persons to be fired from government programmes started under the previous administration - specifically the Christie administration’s

empowerment programme, which focused on creating apprenticeship opportunities for Bahamians.

Mr Turnquest told The Tribune that the claims were inaccurate, insisting that new ministerial portfolios had only been recently given and that ministers were still working to familiarise themselves with their new agencies and responsibilities.

The government has indicated that all Cabinet ministers will conduct audits within their respective ministries.

The government said it is seeking to curtail unnecessary expenditure and the results of these audits will assist it in determining the way forward. The government also warned that where persons are found to be in breach of the Financial Administrative & Audit Act, to have misappropriated public funds or engaged in unlawful activities, the law will take its course.

On Tuesday, seven persons – four men and three women – all employees of BAIC, were taken in to police custody in connection with missing items from the corporation.

Late Wednesday, all seven workers, including another taken into custody later, were released Thursday pending further investigations.

Of the BAIC investigation, Mr Collie yesterday warned that while victimisation is one thing, persecuting those found of wrongdoing is another.

Mr Collie added: “We will let the chips fall where they may. No one innocent of wrongdoing should fear.

The efforts of the government aim to address issues within the system and those that abuse the system.”

Former Nassau Village MP and Executive Chairman Dion Smith was taken into custody Thursday afternoon in connection with the police investigation.

IN THE OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER

Mr. Anthony Newbold The Cabinet Office announced today the appointment of Mr. Anthony Newbold as Press Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister. This appointment is the beginning of the resolve of newly-elected Prime Minister, Dr. The Hon. Hubert Minnis, to make transparency one of the watchwords of his new Free National Movement government.

The new Press Secretary will be the official spokesman for Prime Minister Minnis and his government. He will conduct media briefings on Cabinet decisions after Cabinet meeting and coordinate media appearances and press conferences for the prime minister among other duties.

Mr. Newbold is a 22 year veteran broadcast journalist who has specialized in Parliamentary News and Current Affairs reporting and programming while producing self-sustaining and award winning radio and television shows focusing on the contributions made by present and past nation builders.

After serving stellar stints in sales and marketing for leading hotels in the Bahamas and for the state-owned national airline Bahamasair, Mr. Newbold was recruited into the then newly privatized radio and television industry in the 90’s serving first with Jones Communications’ Love 97 Radio and Bahama Journal newspaper, then moving along with Darold Miller to the state-owned Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas.

FNM WAITING ON PLP FOR SENATE ROLES ANNOUNCEMENT

Mr. Newbold has served as President of The Bahamas Press Club from 2014 to the present and became a Founding member of the 79 member ACP Press Clubs Federation and Executive Council Member in 2016. He was appointed Vice President of the Federation at its most recent meeting in Brussels earlier this month.

While former Deputy Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis has assumed the post of PLP leader following the resignation of former Prime Minister Perry Christie from the position, the Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador MP-elect has not been officially sworn in to lead the minority party in Parliament.

The Official Opposition leader is expected to be sworn in at Government House today while senators are scheduled to be sworn in on Monday.

Two names, Kay Forbes Smith and Dr Mildred Hall Watson, have been suggested as contenders from the FNM for appointment to the Upper House, The Tribune was informed.

Both women are longtime supporters of the party.

Attorney General Carl Bethel, Minister of State

He is a former news director for radio and television at the state owned BCB and most recently held the post of director of the Parliamentary Channel at the Corporation.

from page one

for Grand Bahama Kwasi Thompson, and Labour Minister Dion Foulkes are also expected to make up the Senate.

PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts said Wednesday that Mr Davis would now shoulder the leadership responsibilities for the Official Opposition moving forward.

Apart from Mr Davis, only Glenys Hanna-Martin in Englerston, Chester Cooper in Exuma and Ragged Island and Picewell Forbes in South Andros successfully contested seats

in last week’s general election.

Sources within the PLP suggested to The Tribune that some consideration was for Mrs Hanna Martin to lead the party within the House of Assembly, but officials thought it best to rally behind Mr Davis as the party looks to “regain its footing”.

That trusted source added that the party would look to address its ongoing issues behind the scenes in the build-up to a convention and not through the media.

Mr. Newbold has hosted the award-winning television show Legends, The Untold Story, a one hour news magazine created by Darold Miller and now the longest running show on Bahamian television. The show recently celebrated its 200th Episode.

In 2013, Mr. Newbold was the first Bahamas Icon Award winner for journalism . In 2012 he won best documentary for The Price of Being A Man, the story of Ed Moxey and the Undoing of Jumbey Village at the International Film Festival in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

He has a daughter, Elle, and is married to Dr. Barbara Rodgers-Newbold, Country Head, UWI Open Campus Bahamas.

PAGE 4, Friday, May 19, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

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Changing of the political guard YESTERDAY in these columns, we praised the Prime Minister for making a review of the public finances his first priority.

We also believe that he must, without delay, scrutinise the full spectrum of government business and, where necessary, take appropriate action to rectify wrongdoing, faults and inadequacies.

The general election should now be put behind us, so today we take a final look at the outcome of last week’s tumultuous events while the new Free National Movement government begins its work in earnest.

There seems to be not only a manifest feeling of relief at the outcome of the FNM’s election victory but also an air of anticipation of better times ahead for the whole nation. For those with long enough memories, there seems to be a parallel with former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham’s electoral success in 1992, which ushered in a period of stability and prosperity for the country following 25 years of rule by the Progressive Liberal Party.

But, amidst the widespread euphoria, the resignation earlier this week of twoterm Prime Minister Perry Christie from leadership of the PLP after a political career spanning 40 years deserves recognition as a significant event in our political history.

Despite accusations of anti-PLP bias, this newspaper has always sought to honour its commitment to honest, fair and objective reporting and commentary. Our criticism of Mr Christie’s PLP government during the past five years has been in reaction to its systematic wrongdoing, corruption and poor governance.

It is worth repeating - perhaps for the last time - that the PLP was swept to overwhelming defeat because people were fed up with its blatant dishonesty, greed, corruption, broken promises, cronyism, victimisation, financial malpractice and sheer incompetence and inefficiency.

For these reasons, not because of some supposed inherent opposition to the PLP as a political party, we have consistently taken the view that a change of government was needed for the benefit of the whole country. But, while we may not have agreed with the former Prime Minister’s policies and stances on a range of issues, and have taken him to task about the way he has conducted the nation’s business, there is no denying the significance of his contribution to our political life as he withdraws from the scene.

As Mr Christie himself acknowledged in a dignified resignation speech, his departure was inevitable after having lost his own seat in the PLP’s worst ever defeat. This must have been a hugely emotional moment for him after such a long period in politics - particularly, perhaps, in the realisation of the disastrous effects

of his failure to provide decisive leadership and to take proper control of his own government - and he deserves respect for taking full responsibility for the PLP’s defeat.

The comparison with the actions of the now former Member of Parliament for the Fox Hill constituency could not be more marked. Fred Mitchell’s intemperate and petulant statement attributing the PLP’s defeat (together with his own loss to an unknown FNM candidate) to “the money of foreign interests”, “the turn of clever phrases’ and manipulation of the populace suffering the ill-effects of economic recession was patently absurd.

It has attracted a slew of letters to the Editor, some of which we have published. While displaying a dangerous lack of any understanding of the real reasons for the PLP being wiped out, his arrogant and egocentric attitude epitomises what was wrong with him and his colleagues and why the public rejected them at the polls. We can only hope that, in his enforced retirement, he will study the wise words in Shakespeare’s Henry V - “in peace there’s nothing so becomes a man as modest stillness and humility’’.

With all eyes now on the newly-installed FNM government, we urge the Prime Minister, in the interests of national unity, to follow Winston Churchill’s famous advice to be magnanimous in victory. So the FNM should not indulge in a witch-hunt of its predecessors or in the type of victimisation pursued by former PLP governments.

However, since one of the main reasons for voting the PLP out was its blatant dishonesty and corruption concerning financial matters, there is pressure for an investigation of economic malpractice and misuse of public funds - in relation, for example, to the Bank of the Bahamas as just one striking case among many which need to be examined; and, if evidence of criminality is revealed, the law should be allowed to take its course, whoever is found to be at fault and not just the small players.

The launch of forensic audits is a welcome first step because it is crucial for this country that the mythical Augean stables should be cleaned out, enabling a fresh start across-the-board so that Dr Hubert Minnis’s strong words about stamping out corruption will have some real meaning.

In a well-ordered democracy, the press must play its rightful role, on behalf of the public, in helping to curb possible governmental excesses or abuse of power. While we welcome the FNM’s victory, we shall be vigilant in holding the new government to account.

The nation is crying out for honest, firm and efficient governance. These are still early days, but the portents so far are good.

Ambassador protocol EDITOR, The Tribune THERE are established protocols and traditions as to how a Government appoints an Ambassador or High Commissioner.

It is unusual that even the United States should breach such, but it seems as in most things in the President Trump era, things have changed.

Recall under Perry Christie, it took forever for his Government to decide who they wanted as Ambassadors in Washington and at the United Nations and also the High Commissioner in London, then a photo-opportunity and embarrass-

ment as Mr Christie’s nominee for Washington had to withdraw. Then there was a switch; Eugene Newry who was to go to the UN, ended up with the plum job at Washington and Elliston Rahming at the UN. Yesterday, we heard President Trump had nominated a “Papa” Doug Manchester (certainly interesting the good gentleman uses “Papa”) as a nominee to be Ambassador to The Bahamas. Check the US Foreign Relations Committee, the body that has to process nominees: there is no nomination.

To the ignorant, all Governments receiving a diplo-

mat has the right to process the nominee and approve the nomination. Has the release of the nomination basically prejudiced the right of the Hubert Minnis’ Government to process, accept or deny? Good question.

We all heard PM Minnis mentioning announcing our diplomats. PM, hold back please until your nominees are accepted. We were embarrassed before. Let us do it right this time. Anyway, what is the rush? Hoping they are all under 75 years of age!

M ROLLE, Nassau, May 17, 2017.

Baha Mar - and what comes next EDITOR, The Tribune DR MINNIS and the new ministers face a daunting task over the next number of years: living with the legacy of Baha Mar. Because of the secret intertwining of Baha Mar and the government of the Bahamas, it is difficult for an objective and reasonably knowledgeable observer to see how Bahamians are going to profit from Baha Mar. Putting aside, for the moment, the issue of not collecting the VAT on the sale (theoretically, some believe it should be collected on both the initial transfer to one Chinese entity by Deloitte & Touche, and then on the final sale to another Chinese entity, possibly on amounts as high as $4.2 billion), one question will loom large in the next ten years and beyond: can Baha Mar operate profitably?

As a close but informal observer of Baha Mar, I’ve yet to see a published operating plan leading to profitability for Baha Mar, using generally accepted resort/ casino-business operating standards. Have basic assumptions been made, and the right questions asked?

• We must first assume the final Chinese entity owning Baha Mar must pay VAT of 7.5 per cent on roughly $4bn to the Bahamian government (side agreements made that do not comply with Constitutional requirements are not legal, and must be set aside, we presume?), meaning at least $300 million is due.

• The Chinese owners and its operators must then operate this massive project

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net profitably, so they may pay back the construction debt owed, in an orderly manner.

Assuming 30 year terms at perhaps 6.5 per cent interest, that means the Chinese must generate cash flows including at least $260 million in interest payments per year, plus some system to pay back the VAT, both costs over and above the cost to operate the resort in the first place.

• How do the Chinese owners anticipate attracting a totally new tourist flow of roughly 1,500 rooms per day (2,400 rooms x 65 per cent, an industry standard all hotels hope to meet to break even), meaning roughly 3,000 people housed every day, without reducing the occupancy of Atlantis and other surrounding hotels?

• Is the infrastructure in place to support 3,000 new tourists daily, meaning reliable municipal electricity, water supply, waste treatment, air conditioning (was the futuristic sea-water cooling system ever built?), refuse, roads, local transportation, health and safety, and finally, the needed near-continuous air-bridge to Miami and Fort Lauderdale and other major US and world cities?

Based on my 41 years living on Miami Beach, and visiting many casinos worldwide, I fear that there are simply not enough new tourists to meet that medium occupancy. I have seen casino after casino open to great fanfare, then slowly

wither and die as global casino and resort interest changes. Tourists are increasingly fickle, as more and more interests are introduced around the world.

You only have to look at Atlantic City in New Jersey: I was there the day Trump opened his Taj Mahal to great fanfare. But it eventually went bankrupt, finally selling for four cents on the dollar. That’s correct: For every $100 invested, investors and banks received only $4 in return.

Normally, having a huge project like Baha Mar (really suitable only at a major successful entertainment centre like Las Vegas or Macau) slowly moulder is hard enough on any municipality and country. But because of the Bahamian Government’s efforts to get Baha Mar open at any cost, the possible loss of hundreds of millions of dollars in VAT collection and the doubtful collection of profits from a never-quite profitable hotel and casino, Bahamians may realise soon enough they are looking at many years of struggle.

While some of Baha Mar’s operators are indeed experienced, overall, Baha Mar may prove to be too big to operate in the Bahamas, profitably. Ever.

If the Chinese owners and their experienced operators have meaningful and realistic plans for a profitable Baha Mar generating sustained revenue for the Bahamas, I’m sure the people would like to see it.

THOMAS MOORE RICKARDS IV Eleuthera May 18, 2017

Blame them EDITOR, The Tribune

WAYNE Munroe and Brave Davis apparently have accused Dr Minnis of all sorts of things, because all of

a sudden the police are cracking down on crime big time.

There is no point blaming Dr Minnis because he is only doing what the majority of Bahamians elected

him to do.

Blame them please.

BRUCE G RAINE Nassau May 18, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, May 19, 2017, PAGE 5

HEALTH INSPECTORS TO PROBE CHINESE RESTAURANT AFTER ALARMING VIDEO OF WORKER GOES VIRAL

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

A HEALTH inspector has been assigned to investigate the alleged collection of “gutter oil” from a puddle by an unknown worker allegedly from a Chinese restaurant in New Provi-

dence, according to officials from the Department of Environmental Health Services.

A video of the incident has gone viral on social media since Wednesday, showing a man alleged to be a worker at the Chinese restaurant in question caught on cam-

era using a large spoon to scoop what appears to be a puddle of refuse into a large, yellow container.

Although the reasons for him doing so have not been confirmed, his actions have already been linked by some observers to the illegal Chinese

practice of collecting “gutter oil” — an illicit cooking oil that has been recycled from waste oil collected from sources such as restaurant fryers, grease traps, slaughterhouse waste and sewerage from sewer drains.

Senior officials at the DEHS told The Tribune

that all information pertaining to the alleged incident has been forwarded to the department’s Health Inspectorate, and that the initial complaint will be forwarded to its Complaints Unit.

One senior official has pegged the alleged incident as being an “ur-

gent matter” for officials.

However, attempts to get further information about the investigation from DEHS officials were unsuccessful up to press time.

Still, the incident in question has gained significant traction on social media.

BPL confident of power supply ahead of summer from page one Pointing to the period from June through to September last year, in which BPL experienced challenges due to low generation availability and reliability, the company said it wanted to ensure the Bahamians would not suffer from the same issues this summer.

“Capital projects and maintenance activities during the last 12 months placed a great deal of emphasis on making certain BPL is able to meet the expected summer peak from both a generation and distribution standpoint,” the company said in a press statement. “BPL is pleased to confirm high confidence with its summer readiness programme to deliver consistent and reliable electricity during the summer period.

“Between June-September 2016, BPL experienced challenges due to low generation availability and reliability, therefore resulting in periods where the system demand exceeded the available supply.

“BPL wanted to ensure that Bahamians would not experience similar levels of outages as last year and upgraded and strengthened its generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure with additional rental units and an improved repair and maintenance programme.

“BPL also took into ac-

count the need for additional capacity to service the Baha Mar resort and other new loads as well as the previously recorded system demand in its projections.

“While the expected peak this summer is estimated at 255mw, BPL advises that its current generation availability is over 345mw, 90mw higher than the projected summer peak demand.

Furthermore, transmission cables between the Blue Hills Power Station and Big Pond Sub-station have been replaced and upgraded to improve the capacity and reliability of the transmission system.

“As with any similar provider, the system’s network may be impacted by third party incidents such as adverse weather conditions or traffic accidents. Should these incidents occur, supply will now be restored to customers in a much shorter period of time,” the press statement continued.

Last June, BPL said it was investigating to determine what caused an island wide outage in the capital. At the time BPL attributed the power cut to a cable fault due to a generation issue, which caused the blackout that lasted in some parts of New Providence for up to seven hours.

The outage caused several government offices to close for the day, including the passport office and the Road Traffic Department and also caused some banks

A BPL truck on the road. The company is predicting it has enough capacity for summer demand this year. to temporally suspend their services.

There were also reports that several planes were stuck on the tarmac unable to take off and planes were also circling the Lynden

Pindling International Airport unable to land because of power issues at the Airport Control Tower.

Several other similar incidents followed in the following months.

BPL’s capabilities were also put to the test in the days following Hurricane Joaquin. It took several weeks for the company to restore power to all residents and BPL sourced

some of the work needed to the Caribbean Association of Electric Utilities, who sent teams to the country.

Ultimately, BPL was heavily criticised over the pace of restoration to customers.

POLICE HUNT FOR ARMED ROBBERS POLICE are searching for the suspects responsible for two separate shootings and an armed robbery that occurred between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.

Shortly after 2am Wednesday, police said two security officers were on duty at a business on Wulff Road when several armed men approached and tied them up. The men then forced their way into the

business and stole a safe and several cash registers before fleeing in a small white flat bed truck belonging to the business, police said.

Around 11.30pm on Tuesday, a man was shot as he was walking on Sutton Street off Kemp Road.

Police said the victim was approached by a person or persons in a light blue Honda Fit who shot him before speeding away.

The victim was taken to

hospital where he remains in stable condition.

About half an hour earlier, police said another man was walking on Rodgers Lane in Bain Town, when a man armed with a handgun approached on a motorcycle and shot him before speeding off. The victim was taken to hospital where he remains in serious condition.

Police are investigating all three matters.

Death Notices for MRS. JOANNA ROWANIA TURNER, 48 of #12 Helm Lane, Freeport, Grand Bahama and formerly of Nassau, New Providence, died at the Cleveland Clinic, Weston, Florida on Sunday, May 14, 2017.

She is survived by her husband: James Turner; daughters: Antonia Higgs and Grace Turner; son-in-law: Maxwell Higgs Sr.; mother-in-law: Deseleane Lowe; father-in-law: Hartley Lowe; grandchildren: Annabell and Maxwell Higgs Jr.; sisters: Mary Thompson, Sandra Bullard and Donna Johnson; brother: Cecil Moore; sisters-in-law: Shonniqua Moore and Okada Turner; brothers-in-law: Ednul Thompson, Jeffrey Bullard, Leonard Johnson, Chester and Edmond Turner; aunt: Mercedes Walker; uncles: Joseph and Emmanuel Robinson; numerous nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.

Mrs. Turner’s funeral service is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, May 27, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Tabernacle Baptist Church, Settler’s Way, Freeport, Grand Bahama.

MRS. RUTH PINDER, 82 of Marsh Harbour, Abaco, died at her residence on Thursday, May 18, 2017.

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CHOICE FOR THE FAMILY WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/JOYFM1019

She is survived by her husband: Frank Pinder, sons: Damon Pinder and Donald Pinder; sister: Alice Nisbet, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Arrangements for the funeral service are being finalized and details will be announced at a future date.

PAGE 6 , Friday, May 19, 2017

POLICE officers along with ACP Clayton Fernander leaving the BAIC office on Old Trail Road yesterday.

THE TRIBUNE

Photos: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff

Dion Smith is arrested from page one

The attorney added that subsequent to this, Mr Smith was transported to the Cable Beach Police Station where he was expected to spend the night.

“This is very, very concerning,” Mr Munroe, a member of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), said.

“This is a very sad step we are taking politically in this country because it sets a precedent where an outgoing government could face this course of action without any firm evidence.

“Can you imagine an outgoing prime minister having to face this sort of treatment as a new government looks to be satisfied on matters of finance?”

Mr Munroe told The

Tribune that Mr Smith, who was reported to be out of the country on vacation since late last week, returned to the capital on Tuesday.

Mr Munroe said his client at the time of his return offered to assist officers in their investigations but was informed that his help was not needed at the time.

He added that Mr Smith followed developments in the investigation closely and once contacted Thursday, he immediately surrendered himself to police.

“Mr Smith in his capacity as chairman at BAIC could not handle any money and has nothing to hide,” Mr Munroe also said.

“He has remained accessible since Tuesday... but this entire situation has come across politically mo-

tivated.”

Mr Munroe however, applauded the actions of senior law enforcement officers who interviewed Mr Smith Thursday.

He said the officers involved yesterday were in stark contrast to the officers that “swarmed” BAIC offices brandishing firearms.

In an interview with The Tribune yesterday before Mr Smith’s arrest, Mr Munroe said the group was released, but added that police could file charges at another date “if they so choose”.

Mr Munroe also said as far as he knew, his clients did not remove anything from the property of BAIC that belonged to the agency.

The employees were taken into custody earlier this week after reports that

some items were allegedly taken from BAIC on the night of the election and the day after.

A source close to the matter told The Tribune that police suspected the employees of allegedly attempting to destroy files and remove evidence from BAIC that could possibly show funds were being misappropriated.

However, Mr Munroe said there was no evidence of anything being stolen and to his understanding the employees only removed personal items from the building. In fact, Mr Munroe said it was also his understanding that an inventory check was conducted and “nothing was found to be missing”.

“The persons were released Wednesday evening and there have been no charges to date but that doesn’t stop police from doing it later,” Mr Munroe said early Thursday.

“There were never any allegations of money being stolen, when I went to BAIC the officers were on the premises with guns. I was told that it was about a television and a CPU and some files. I am also made to understand that the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture did an inventory check and everything was there. An outgoing political appointee has the choice to move his property because if you leave your stuff it might end up in the garbage.”

ACP Clayton Fernander briefs the media after a meeting inside BAIC. Mr Munroe also denied ous that the outgoing chairrumours that Mr Smith fled man would take their stuff the country after the allega- if they get beat. Some of tions. He said Mr Smith was our colleagues packed up previously out of the coun- a week before the election try with his family. because they did not want “I have represented Mr to go back to their offices Smith and his family in if they lost. If you are not respect to various matters packed up before then you over the years. He has not have to move election night been questioned by police or your stuff will get thrown but if they wish to see him out. We lost. He lost,” Mr I will represent him, but I Munroe said. don’t see what they would At about 1.30pm on want to see him about,” Thursday, investigators led Mr Munroe said before his by ACP Fernander were client was taken into cus- seen leaving the Old Trail tody.

Road offices of BAIC. “I think it would be obIt is understood that durvious that when you get ing their time inside the beat, you take your things facility, investigators spoke or they will be thrown out. to several employees across I thought it would be obvi- several departments.

DAVIS HITS OUT AT ‘GESTAPO-STYLE’ RAID AS HE WARNS OF WITCH HUNTS from page one He questioned why police officers visited the government agency with guns drawn to investigate allegations made against workers, characterising the “Gestapo style” approach as “over kill”.

His statement was released hours before police arrested Mr Smith, the PLP’s former Nassau Village representative, as the

probe into BAIC continued.

Police said Mr Smith, who is also Deputy Speaker of the House, and his lawyer went to the Central Detective Unit on Thursday afternoon where the former turned himself in for questioning. Police also said it was likely Mr Smith would remain in custody overnight.

“Descending on a corporation during working hours Gestapo-style with guns drawn in the circum-

stances of the allegations made against the employees seems like overkill,” Mr Davis’ statement read.

“None of these people would have been armed and no arms were involved in any of the allegations.

The new government has to be careful that it does not live up to the widespread expectation of witch hunts by them following a campaign.”

Before the general election, Prime Minister Hubert Minnis labelled former Prime Minister Perry Christie and his administration the “most corrupt, the most incompetent and the most victimising government since independence.”

Capitalising on national concerns about corruption was a major plank in the FNM’s campaign strategy, according to party Chairman Sidney Collie, who unpacked the party’s datadriven campaign strategy in an interview with The Tribune.

“That is the way the recent action comes off,” Mr Davis’ statement continued.

“If that is not the intention then both the police and the government owe the country a full and frank explanation. The police must be careful to maintain its reputation of strict adherence to a neutral political position,” it added.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, May 19, 2017, PAGE 7

Newbold appointed press secretary THE Cabinet Office announced Thursday the appointment of Anthony Newbold as press secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister.

This appointment is the beginning of the resolve of newly elected Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis to make transparency one of the watchwords of his new Free National Movement government.

The new press secretary will be the official spokesman for Prime Minister

Minnis and his government. He will conduct media briefings on Cabinet decisions after Cabinet meetings and coordinate media appearances and press conferences for the prime minister among other duties.

Mr Newbold is a 22-year veteran broadcast journalist who has specialised in parliamentary news, current affairs reporting and programming while producing self-sustaining and award winning radio and

television shows focusing on the contributions made by present and past nation builders.

After serving stellar stints in sales and marketing for leading hotels in the Bahamas and for the state-owned national airline Bahamasair, Mr Newbold was recruited into the then newly privatised radio and television industry in the 1990s serving first with Jones Communications’ Love 97 Radio and Bahama Journal newspaper,

then moving along with Darold Miller to the stateowned Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas (BCB).

Mr Newbold has served as president of The Bahamas Press Club from 2014 to the present and became a founding member of the 79-member ACP Press Clubs Federation and Executive Council Member in 2016. He was appointed vice president of the federation at its most recent meeting in Brussels earlier this

month.

He is a former news director for radio and television at the state-owned BCB and most recently held the post of director of the Parliamentary Channel at the corporation.

Mr Newbold has hosted the award-winning television show Legends, The Untold Story, a one-hour news magazine created by Darold Miller and now the longest running show on Bahamian television. The

show recently celebrated its 200th episode.

In 2013, Mr Newbold was the first Bahamas Icon Award winner for journalism. In 2012 he won best documentary for The Price of Being A Man, the story of Ed Moxey and the Undoing of Jumbey Village at the International Film Festival in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

He has a daughter, Elle, and is married to Dr Barbara Rodgers-Newbold, country head, UWI Open Campus Bahamas.

HAITIAN migrants shortly after they arrived at the Royal Bahamas Defence Force base yesterday afternoon. They were picked up from Bannerman Town on Wednesday morning.

Photo: RBDF

HAITIAN SLOOP WITH MORE THAN 50 MIGRANTS ON DETAINED MORE than 50 Haitian migrants were apprehended in the eastern Bahamas on Wednesday morning during a joint exercise by the

Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Royal Bahamas Police Force and immigration authorities.

Shortly after 10am, a

Haitian sloop was spotted in the area of Bannerman Town, Eleuthera.

When officials arrived on the scene, they em-

barked on a joint exercise to take the migrants into custody, some of whom had already started to disperse.

A search was conducted in

the area and over four dozen were apprehended. The migrants were taken to the capital aboard HMBS Kamalamee under the com-

mand of Senior Lieutenant Valentino Rolle and turned over to immigration officials for further processing.

FATHER OF TEN JAILED IN $1.4M DRUGS CASE from page one

Griffin, 45, and Taze Turnquest, 42, facing four drug related charges stemming from a recent seizure in waters off Cay Lobos.

It is alleged that the trio conspired to possess and import dangerous drugs and were found with 1,452 pounds of marijuana between April and May 15.

While Griffin and Turnquest pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to possess dangerous drugs with intent to supply, conspiracy to import dangerous drugs, importation of dangerous drugs and possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply, Patrick admitted guilt on all four charges.

According to a summary of the facts read by prosecutor Supt Ercell Dorsett, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force was on routine patrol in the Ragged Island area near Cay Lobos when they observed a stationary 28foot blue and white go-fast vessel floating in the water.

Upon officers observing three individuals on board, they boarded the vessel and

informed the occupants of their suspicions that there was dangerous drugs on board.

Officers found some 38 bags of marijuana resulting in the arrest of the three occupants.

The boat was towed to the RBDF base where they met officers from the Drug Enforcement Unit.

“Patrick admitted to collecting drugs from Jamaica and was returning to the Bahamas but (they) were intercepted by the Defence Force,” Supt Dorsett noted.

Patrick also told DEU officers that he was supposed to be paid $2,000 for trafficking the drugs, the police prosecutor added.

Deputy Chief Magistrate Forbes asked Patrick if he accepted the facts.

“Yes, sir,” the 56-year-old said.

His lawyer, Moses Bain, made a plea in mitigation on his behalf, noting that Patrick “desired not to waste the court’s time.”

“He has no antecedents here in the Bahamas and it is my instructions he has no antecedents in Jamaica,” the lawyer added.

“He has 10 kids he provides for the youngest being six years old,” Mr Bain said.

“My client is remorseful for what he’s done and humbly asks you to be mindful of his plight in Jamaica. I’m instructed the reason he took this chance was to assist in what ways he could for his kids,” Mr Bain said.

Patrick was formally convicted of the four offences.

The deputy chief magistrate acknowledged Patrick’s early plea of guilt, lack of antecedents, and cooperation with law enforcement but expressed concern at the volume of the drugs that were trafficked into the country which he said also was partly responsible for the Bahamas’ high violent crime levels.

“He’s 56 and ought to have known better,” the judge said.

Patrick was sentenced to four years at the Department of Correctional Services while Griffin and Turnquest were remanded to prison to await trial on October 4.

Griffin is defended by Bain while Turnquest is defended by Jomo Campbell.

MAN ACCUSED OF MURDER TO HEAR BAIL DECISION NEXT WEEK

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribumedia.net

A MAN who denied committing a murder will learn next week the Crown’s position concerning his bail application.

Donathan Hanna, 25, appeared before Senior Justice Stephen Isaacs seeking bail abefore his trial concerning the September 29 death of 17-year-old William McKenzie.

However, the prosecution had only received Hanna’s affidavit in support of the bail application at the hearing and requested an adjournment of the proceedings to peruse the documents and respond accordingly.

He returns to the Supreme Court on May 25.

Hanna and Bernard Storr, 24, were initially arraigned in Magistrate’s Court last November facing a single charge of murder and five counts of attempted murder.

It is alleged that they in-

tentionally, and by means of unlawful harm, caused the death of McKenzie.

It is further alleged that they attempted to cause the deaths of Ashward Hanna, Anwar Lightbourne, Shayne Reckley, Deiago Arnette and Dominic McKinney.

McKenzie, of Sunset Way in Sunset Park, was a recent graduate of C V Bethel High School.

The 17-year-old, and the other intended victims, were in the driveway of a home on Sunset Way playing a game of dominoes when the occupants of a champagne coloured Honda Accord armed with

firearms pulled up and fired several shots at them before speeding off.

McKenzie was pronounced dead at the scene and the others were taken to hospital to be treated for their injuries.

The allegations were denied at a formal Supreme Court arraignment in February.

Both are scheduled to stand trial before Senior Justice Isaacs on April 18, 2018.

Jomo Campbell appeared for Hanna in yesterday’s bail hearing while Eucal Bonaby appeared for the Crown.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that ELIZABETH ABRAHAM SAUSANA of #32 Commonwealth Ave., Blair Estates, P.O.Box N-1078 New Providence, Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 19th day of May, 2017 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

TAZE TURNQUEST, 42.

GEOFFREY GRIFFIN, 45.

GOTHILEB PATRICK, 56.

PAGE 8 , Friday, May 19, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

The joke’s on Perry as Bahamians have the last laugh A Comic’s View

By INIGO ‘NAUGHTY’ ZENICAZELAYA IT’S now nine days post- almost zero opposition, just election and the nation is as I did with the previous settling in with both eyes administration, I will hold on the new government and you accountable to what with eager anticipation of you promised during ‘silly better days to come. season’. Objectivity and I, on the other hand, re- fairness remain very high flect daily on the previous on my list. administration, faced with Nothing personal; I’m the sobering fact that the only ensuring that transjokes would no longer be parency and accountability writing themselves. will be the order of the day I miss ‘Cool PC’, ‘Brave’, while young MPs are given ‘Dread Fred’, ‘Jeromie the a chance to serve and grow Homie’ and - last but not as leaders as promised. least - my favourite soundI’m quite sure this new ing board and easiest tar- breed of ‘swing voter’ will get (thanks to numerous remind the FNM at the dim-witted statements and polls in five years if they fail callous anto deliver on tics) good old ‘Let the pitiful their election ‘Vergineas’ alpromises. departure by ready.

I, like the Alas, no more the former PM citizenry of the freebies I guess! and PLP leader Bahamas, also Now don’t know that it get me wrong, I remain as his will take time remain apoliti- legacy. He lacked to assess, stratcal. Yes, I may the intestinal egise, organise have been critiand mobilise cal of the past fortitude to face the plans and government the nation and solutions de(as thousands concede on signed to create of Bahamians positive change were in their election night.’ and lead our own way), and nation forward, that may have helped the efficiently and - most imFNM with ousting the PLP, portantly - beneficially for but I remain apolitical. I’m all Bahamians. on ‘team Bahamas’.

We must support and The FNM was the only encourage the new governviable vehicle at the time, to ment as well. When they drive the nation to positive are to be commended, we change. It was obvious the must give them the credit entire voting populace got they deserve; with the same the memo - Perry and the conviction we will criticise PLP had to go. them for whatever their Moving forward, I want shortcomings may be. the FNM and my FNM polHowever, all politicos, iticians to realise that, with please be reminded, I am

FORMER Prime Minister Perry Christie pictured after his resignation as leader of the PLP. a professional comedian of over 19 years; if you put something humourous out there in the public domain, free material remains free material.

Alright, now that we’ve got that out of the way, here’s the good, the bad and the ugly that caught my eye this week.

Not a good look For the record, if possible, I want Sarkis Izmirlian to have his property returned to him through the proper legal channels. It’s his brainchild and no one can see his vision to fruition like he can. Period.

However, I must agree with the sentiments ex-

pressed by the majority of my peer group in regards to Izmirlian attending the swearing in ceremony of new Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis.

I understand Izmirlian had several associates in attendance who are now MPs (Dionisio D’Aguilar in Free Town, Jeff Lloyd in South Beach and Marvin Dames in Mount Moriah.)

Izmirlian seems to be straight up, so I feel his attendance was a genuine act of support for his associates.

None the less it wasn’t a good look for the FNM and the perception left a lot to be desired. As innocent as the congratulatory photo ops seemed at the time, they screamed a totally different message when released to the masses.

Once again here is the ‘influential foreign investor’, (the same one who was posing for photo ops and running full page ads in the dailies congratulating the new government circa 2012.) posted up next to the nation’s Chief Executive on day one!

The image is eerily similar, if not as boastful, as the infamous ‘Nygard Cay’ video, with influential Canadian billionaire and PLP financier Peter Nygard, meeting the entire new PLP government post elections in 2012.

Basically sending the obvious message, “I come for my tings first.”

Again Izmirlian’s intentions may have been sincere; however, the fact remains it was an optics fiasco. Easy attack points for a focused

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis at his swearing-in ceremony with his wife Patricia, left, and Sarkis Izmirilian and his wife. opposition.

You are now the hunted FNM, you must be focused and aware at all times. The PLP will only be immobile for a short period of time, and one thing I can say unequivocally, the PLP has proven to be a failure in a leadership role but are very powerful and effective as an opposition.

Silence is golden The best thing for the PLP to do at this time is distance itself from the old guard and political one-shot wonders that remain in its ranks. And remain silent, until it has regrouped and realigned itself and ready to begin regaining the government. (Chester Cooper would make a bright, visionary young leader.)

Let the pitiful departure by the former PM and PLP leader remain as his legacy.

He lacked the intestinal fortitude to face the nation and concede on election night; instead he reappeared on Monday to ‘give up the ghost’ at PLP headquarters,

with one final rambling, finger-pointing rant.

Just as he lacked the backbone to discipline his ‘rouge filled’ scandal ridden cabinet, the core of which must never return to frontline politics in this country, he should have no problem clearing the way for the new government.

And that silence goes for you too, Fred Mitchell. We’ve heard enough of your racial visceral, your time has come and gone. So follow Mr Christie’s example and just exit stage left already.

• Inigo ‘Naughty’ Zenicazelaya is the resident standup comic at Jokers Wild Comedy Club at the Atlantis, Paradise Island, resort and presents ‘Mischief and Mayhem in da AM’ from 6am to 10am, Monday to Friday, and ‘The Press Box’ sports talk show on Sunday from 10am to 1pm on KISS FM 96.1. He also writes a sports column in The Tribune on Tuesday. Comments and questions to naughty@ tribunemedia.net

READERS REACT TO URBAN RENEWAL FEARS AFTER Minister of State for Grand Bahama Kwasi Thompson expressed grave concerns regarding Urban Renewal in Grand Bahama, readers gave their response on tribune242.com.

DonAnthony said: “Please close this slush fund and prosecute.”

Cmiller wasn’t impressed: “I helped to vote out the PLP, but I want the FNM to go do their jobs without pointing out every little mistake the PLP made!!!

Get to work, fix what needs to be fixed without the long rhetoric about what was done wrong. We know ... that’s why we voted them out.”

But Banker said: “It’s worse than that. This is the thin edge of the wedge in what will be a tsunami of corruption, thievery, kleptocracy and theft from the treasury on an un-imagined scale. This is the small trickle that will soon be a roaring torrent. It is your money that they stole.”

Kayebj asked: “Grave concerns? Until you know what is, please stop feeding the frenzy. Do your review; state what you find; and state the changes to be made with the checks and balances included.”

Gotoutintime had this to say: “It took the former Government five years to get us into this disaster ...

It’s going to take the new Government more than a week to clean up the mess!”

And there was this from ThisIsOurs: “They would be better served if one consolidated statement was made: ‘we’ll do an initial assessment and we’ll give your our first report in two weeks’. This thing with everyone popping up at odd times looks disorganised.

They should have had this ‘first few days’ plan ready from before election.”

The news that Algernon Allen and Cynthia “Mother” Pratt have resigned from their “ornamental” roles as Urban Revewal cochairs prompted Cmiller to ask: “Wonder how much money they were getting for being ornaments????”

Birdiestrachan said: “Urban Renewal was put in place by Mr Christie, the FNM government can just close it down. It is Mr Christie’s vision, he was rejected by the Bahamian people, they should close Urban Renewal down right away.”

And Jus2cents said: “‘Ornamental’ - that is classic!

Did they just realise this?

Ornamental is usually something that is beautiful but useless; they’re not exactly beautiful but they are useless.”

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

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, May 19, 2017, PAGE 9

ORGANISERS at the launch event for the Grand Bahama Air Show.

Grand Bahama air show to be ‘bigger and better’

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net THE second annual Grand Bahama Air Show will be bigger and better, with some exciting new features, including a kite festival and fiery sky dive act, in addition to thrilling aerobatic performances and a career fair.

The two-day event kicks off this morning at 8.30am with a career fair and seminar for youngsters at the Western Air terminal, with the main events taking place at Taino Beach on Saturday.

The kite festival is a new component and begins at 2pm, followed by the air show at 5pm when seven pilots will take to the sky performing flying tricks, manoeuvres and stunts.

The Taino Beach grounds will be transformed into a festival site, where there will be Bahamian food, and musical performances and entertainment.

Back again this year are the Aero Show Team, headed by aerobatic pilot Paul Schulton; the Shooters (Sky Dive) Team, and the Airboss Team and John Wayne Cavalry which are co-ordinating and organising the

aerobatic air show.

Mike Zidzunias, a representative of Sun ‘n Fun - the largest aviation show in the US which is sponsoring the airshow in Grand Bahama and the first outside Florida - is also back and continues to be an instrumental partner in the event, and establishing the Young Eagles events in The Bahamas.

Nuvolari Chootosingh, manager of sports tourism in the Ministry of Tourism, said fans can expect a far more exciting show than last year’s inaugural show.

“The second annual show has a series of events this time around. It will be a

thrilling mix of breathtaking aerobatics, culture and family fun,” he said. “It is an event that will involve the entire Grand Bahama community and this year a brand-new feature is added.”

Mr Zidzunias believes that airshow will not only entertain, but will change the lives of Bahamians and inspire more to enter the field of aviation.

“I have been asked to orchestrate the Young Eagles for Bahamian students that will fly here. To date, we have flown approximately 50 Bahamians students,” he said.

“Mr Z”, as he is called, told of how one of the young men who was part of a Young Eagles event on Long Island is now a commercial pilot.

“We did the first event in Long Island where we flew 26 kids, and last year during the event in Freeport we flew another 26 to 27 Bahamian children. Out of that, one of the young men we met in Long Island is now a commercial pilot and we helped him find his way to become a commercial pilot and he is now flying freight and passengers to Stella Maris,” he said.

Paul Schulton, pilot of

Aerobatic Act, was thrilled to be back in Grand Bahama flying his Christen Eagle again in this year’s show. “I am flattered to be here again,” he said. “I am thrilled to share my love of aviation with the people in the Bahamas and (to be) meeting the young folks to inspire them.”

Betty Bethel, director of tourism in Grand Bahama, commended Greg Rolle, senior director sales marketing and sports at the Ministry of Tourism office in Florida, and his team for the work they have done in putting together a wonderful partnership.

BUSINESS WAIVER EXPECTED TO INCREASE INNOVATION

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE Grand Bahama Port Authority’s (GBPA) introduction of a business diversity waiver (BDW) is expected to increase innovation and diversity within the small business sector in downtown Freeport.

GBPA executives are excited about the BDW initiative as well as its upcoming training workshop next month for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

“Whilst the economy is making small but steady progress, increased diversity and innovation within the city’s small business sector would definitely add value for residents and to the local economic landscape,” said GBPA President Ian Rolle yesterday.

In addition, the company is preparing for the Business Innovation and e-Commerce Workshop. Both the waiver and workshop are initiatives by the Invest Grand Bahama Small Business Bureau (IGBSBB), to encourage increased busi-

ness diversity and innovation, which is presently lacking.

Mr Rolle explained that one important measure being taken is to incentivise entrepreneurs thinking outside the box, with a one-year GBPA licence fee waiver when they launch their creative business ideas within the downtown area.

While the downtown area will serve as the launch pad for their pilot initiative, he said the GBPA is hopeful that the results would translate into more variety and options for locals as well as visitors, with regard to customer experiences in shopping, dining, and entertainment, etc.

GBPA’s Business Innovation and e-Commerce Workshop is set for June 8 at the Grand Lucayan Resort, and will feature international headliners such as SHOPIFY. Derek Newbold, senior manager of business development, said that all elements of the upcoming workshop will support the new BDW. “We all know the traditional business concepts;

in fact they currently hold the majority share of the local economy, for example retail clothing stores, liquor stores, salons, beauty supplies stores, and the like,” Mr Newbold said.

“While these business types continue to be necessary within the community, we want to encourage entrepreneurs to be creative and think innovatively.

“By this, I am referring to adding value in a new way; perhaps within some of the traditional business concepts by way of enhanced customer experiences, technology integration, etc. It’s time to break the traditional mould,” he said.

Port executives believe that the creation of a rich and diverse SME sector is a key component in moving the local economy forward.

The BDW initiative will provide attendees with valuable information, as well as deliver the relevant, practical and engaging content, participants of previous events have come to expect, Mr Rolle said.

CHURCH CLARIFIES FALSE REPORTS OF FNM THANKSGIVING SERVICE SAINT Joseph Church has sought to clear up misinformation spreading on social media claiming the upcoming Sunday mass will be a Free National Movement thanksgiving service.

A statement from the church noted that while FNM Leader and Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis will attend the 10am mass, the service is for all parishioners.

“Social media has indicated that the 10am mass this coming Sunday, May

21, at Saint Joseph Church is a FNM mass of thanksgiving, nothing can be further from the truth,” the church noted.

“The 10am mass is the regular parish mass. Every mass is for the parish members and this Sunday is no exception. We shall celebrate the Sixth Sunday of Easter with the members of the parish.

“We welcome our prime minister and we thank him for his presence. But I make

it very clear that our Sunday worship will be done in the usual manner and is being offered for the faithful.

“No special invitations have been sent out to anyone from the parish and members of Saint Joseph Church should note that the mass on Sunday is their mass and will be celebrated in the usual manner.”

The notice from Rev Monsignor Alfred C Culmer said visitors are also welcome to attend.

Funeral Service For Gabriel Blaise, 62

of Fresh Creek, Andros who died on May 4, 2017 will be held on Saturday May 20, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Mount Ethel Baptist Church, Love Hill Andros, Bahamas. Officiating will be Rev. Alonzo Hinsey assisted by Rev. Leon Hinsey. Interment will follow in the Love Hill Public Cemetery, Love Hill Andros, Bahamas.

Cherished memories are held by his Wife: Rosiemae Rahming-Blaise; Daughters: Mamoon of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Gabrielle Blaise; Sisters: Vivian and PoPosh of Gonavies, Haiti; Brothers: De-osay, Anton, Renea, Bellmont, Ben Jam of Gonavies, Haiti; Brothers in Bahamas: Rev. Alonzo Hinsey, Maxwell, Michael, Freddie, Henry, Joel and Rev. Leon Hinsey; Mother-in-law: Betty Neymour of Behring Point, Andros; Sisters-in-law: Doramae and Terah Rahming, Meadon Smith, Pauline Cash, Annalee Rahming of Freeport and Maureen Green; Brothers-in-law: Perry, Marcian, Brent, O.J. Rahming of Freeport, Grand Bahama, Earlin Cash, Ednal Smith and Eddison Green; Numerous Nieces and Nephews in Haiti; Aunts-in-law: Fearless Whyms, Vernay Moore, Myrtle Goodman, Irene Bevans, Adrianna Moncur, Rozelda Moxey, Marion Curtis, Emerald Saunders, Annmarie, Patsy, Magnola and Anna Neymour; Uncles-in-law: Ronald and Randolph Neymour, Alvin Moore, Maxwell Moncur and Godfrey Moncur; Nieces and Nephews: Chiniska Smith, Adonis and Adian Johnson, Jeremiah, Jermaine and Jamal Rahming, Simon, Symal, Symiah, Shantea, Shanea and Shanon Gibson, Edricka, Nesternique, Neveah and Onessa Smith Sr. and Jr., Marvin Sr. and Jr., Curtis, Christopher and Christian Curry, Jolin Collie, Rashad, Francis, Hermioue and Achilles Rahming of Tampa, Florida, Jessica Humphreys, Michael, Destiny, Alica and O. J. of Freeport, Grand Bahama, Roosevelt Whyms, Brian and Gregory Roosevelt, Whyms, Brian and Gregory Moore and Margaret Curry; Cousins and Friends: Pearl, Theresa, Claudette, Bernique, Fredina, Niyoka, Keith and Craig Hinsey, Rozelda, Kenny and Campeo Thompson, Joel, Henry, Peter and Paul Bain of Cargill Creek, Andros, Simon and Joseph Bain, Maxine Lightbourne, Donald, Barry, Steve, David, Joan, Marsha, Cindy, Bhruna and Desiree Neymour, Allan, Ivan Jr., Cara Taylor, Carla, Terry and Nadia Neymour, Police Officer Stacey Smith, Otis, Shirley, Miriam Neymour, Dean, Kirk, Cynthia, Judy, Elvis and Beryl, Charlie and Fathia, Frankie and Linda and Larry Neymour, Mizpah Braynen, Trevor Wilson Sr. and Jr., Christopher Curry Sr., Nanetta Regis, Joseph Collie, Cathy Sweeting, Moses and Valaire Hanna, Walter Scavella, Dencil Miller; Family and Friends: Mr. Lery and Maldline Meadows, Anthony McKenzie, Prince, Esthermae Hepburn, Apostle Dorinda Dean, Ola McKenzie, Pastor Johnson, Jean and Vernon Bodie, Annamae Hinsey, Rev. Roy Hanna, Tanya and Vannie Hanna, Leslie Duncombe, Doris Pinder, Marion Kee, Wayde Clear, Chris Hinsey, Johnny McKenzie, Elizabeth Hanna, Adrian and Randolph Whylly, Melody McKenzie, Rebecca Smith, Thomas, Cinderella, Mary Rolle and Mrs. Evans; Home Boyd: Mitchell, David, Lucanus, Nelson and Fefe, Jenna of Nassau, Police Officers in Andros, Wilson and Minnis, Nursing Officer at Fresh Creek Clinic, Mrs. Edgecombe and Miss Braynen, Arnette Anderson, Flossie Belle, Merline Braynen, Vaneria Coakley, Precola Coakley, Leoma Rolle, Ismae Braynen, Mrs. Wanda Thompson, Staff and Students at Central Andros High School, Mrs. Newton, Members of Mt. Ethel and Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, Love Hill and Calabash Bay Family, Glen Air and Family, All the Families in Behring Point, Coakley, Bight, Cargill Creek, Bowen Sound, Fresh Creek, Calabash Bay, Love Hill, especially The Neymour, Bain, Mackey, Coakley, Braynen, Rahming, Smith, Hanna, McKenzie, Hinsey and all who came to know Gabriel.

Viewing will be held at Mt. Ethel Baptist Church, Love Hill, Andros on Friday from 2:00p.m. a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on Saturday at the Church from 10:00 a.m. to service time.

PAGE 10 , Friday, May 19, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis paid a visit to the Ministry of Works today and chatted with the employees. Pictured below is the Prime Minister being greeted at the door, and in a conference room meeting (above), centre right, with Permanent Secretary/ Office of the Prime Minister Jack Thompson seated next to him, third right, Permanent Secretary/Ministry of Works Colin Higgs, first right, and employees in attendance. Minister of Works Desmond Bannister will be sworn in on Monday.

Photos: Peter Ramsay/BIS

MINNIS GREETED BY STAFF DURING VISIT TO MINISTRY OF WORKS

NOTICE International Business Companies Act No. 45 of 2000 RJX Capital Ltd. (the “Company”) Notice is hereby given that, in accordance with Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, No. 45 of 2000, the Dissolution of RJX Capital Ltd. (IBC №. 170213 B) has been completed, a Certificate of Dissolution has been issued and the Company has therefore been struck off the Register. The date of completion of the dissolution was the 25th day of April, 2017.

RJX Investment Limited Liquidator

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, May 19, 2017, PAGE 11

JUNIOR high school students throughout The Bahamas got a chance to participate in the Sixth Annual Mathematics Competition hosted by SC McPherson Junior High School last month. Consolidated Water Co Ltd. (CWCO) made a donation to the school to assist in purchasing prizes, certificates and trophies for winners and participants. L-R: CWCO General Manager Bryan Russell, TA Thompson Junior High School student Skye Cooper, CWCO Administrative Assistant Welliya Cargill, SC McPherson student Krizia Smith, South Andros High School student Tristan Smith and CWCO Operations Supervisor Jeffrey Burrows.

Photo: Samone Davis/Serena Williams P.R.

Students get the chance to take part in math contest JUNIOR high school students throughout Nassau and the Family Islands were recently given the opportunity to compete in the annual Mathematics Competition hosted by S C McPherson Junior High School, which was created to ensure that students are properly prepared for the Bahamas Junior Certificate math examination.

Math co-ordinator at S C McPherson, Kiffany Daxon, said that since creating the competition six years ago she has seen a vast improvement in BJC results for students who sat the

math exam.

“Every year, there are activities, programmes and competitions for students studying other subjects such as English language or the sciences but nothing to help in math, so I thought students across the country needed a learning competition specifically for that subject.

“It was my vision and I brought it to life and now we are in our sixth year and we have seen a tremendous improvement in results on the math BJC exams - so that says a lot about this competition,”

Ms Daxon said.

Consolidated Water Co Ltd (CWCO) made a donation to the school to assist with the demands of the competition. Thirty-six students from eight junior high schools from grades seven through nine participated in the competition.

Students competed in the first round, which was a multiple-choice online test earlier that week. The top four students from each school were then selected to go to the second round, a one-day competition at the S C McPherson Junior High School auditorium.

T A Thompson Junior High School, Anatol Rodgers High School, L W Young Junior High School, A F Adderley Junior High School, H O Nash Secondary School, S C McPherson Junior High School, Kingsway Academy and South Andros Secondary School all participated.

South Andros High School emerged as the winner, followed by S C McPherson and T A Thompson in second and third place.

Tristan Smith, a ninth grade South Andros High School student, said he was

excited that his school won the competition and also happy that he got a chance to learn a lot more in the process. “Although I’m already good in math, this competition gave me an opportunity to learn a lot more about other aspects of sitting for my math BJC exam this year. I expect to pass my exam with the best grade,” he said.

Krizia Smith, a ninth grade student of S C McPherson, said the math competition has made her confident she will get an ‘A’ in her math BJC exam.

CWCO administrative

assistant Welliya Cargill said the company made the donation because they support the idea that math is a vital component in a child’s education.

“We always find it honourable when there is something being done in our communities to motivate our youngsters whether its sports or education. We recognise how important it is for student to learn the necessary mathematical skills and to be given the best chance to shine in their national examinations and we fully support it,” Mrs Cargill said.