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‘No witch hunt’ pledges Minnis Prime Minister denies govt role in BAIC probe

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday denied accusations that his administration has undertaken a political “witch hunt” over an investigation at the Bahamas Agricultural Industrial Corporation, saying the government will not “interfere” or “obstruct” the Royal Bahamas Police Force as the organisation carries out its work.

Branding his government as “transparent” and “honest,” Dr Minnis said it was his administration’s aim to treat all people equally.

His declaration comes on

the heels of a warning from Official Opposition Leader Philip “Brave” Davis last week that the new government should avoid succumbing to widespread expectations of “witch hunts” as he raised concerns over an excessive display of force by police at BAIC. The Progressive Liberal Party leader also reminded the RBPF of its mandate to maintain its political neutrality.

It followed the arrest of eight BAIC workers early last week, part of a probe into “theft by reason of employment” at the corporation.

SEE PAGE SIX

DION Smith was released from police custody without being charged on Friday as investigations into alleged “theft by reason of employment” at the Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation continued.

Mr Smith was appointed

as executive chairman of the organisation under the Christie administration.

The former deputy speaker of the House of Assembly was the ninth person arrested, questioned and released in connection with the matter; however, no formal charges have been brought against anyone.

SEE PAGE SIX

H O M ES & R

TWO WORKERS SUSPENDED IN BPL THEFT INVESTIGATION

TWO Bahamas Power and Light Ltd employees have been suspended pending an investigation into the theft of more than $200,000 at the power company, The Tribune understands.

The workers from the Accounts Department were suspended on May 15, according to an insider, who said investigations were still underway and put the total amount of stolen funds at around a quarter of a million dollars.

The company declined to comment on the matter on Friday.

SEE PAGE SIX

FRAUDSTER FOUND WITH CUT WRISTS IN BURNING CONDO

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

THE body of a Caucasian man discovered after a fire at a condominium in Cable Beach on Saturday is believed to be that of Bahamian-based fraudster, Derek Guise Turner.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Stephen Dean said the man also had “lacerations” on his wrists.

While circumstances surrounding his death are unclear, The Tribune understands that the New Zealand-born financier barricaded himself inside his residence at Ocean Place, near the home of former Prime Minister Perry Christie, over the weekend before setting fire to it.

Sources close to the situation have confirmed that the 68-year-old, who served seven and a half years in prison in the United States SEE PAGE TWO

DION SMITH RELEASED FROM POLICE CUSTODY

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

TA L S

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INSIGHT: A TEACHER’S PLEA TO THE EDUCATION MINISTER

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VOLUME:114 No.125, MAY 22ND, 2017

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LATE NEWS: MAN SHOT DEAD CLOSE TO STORE PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis with his wife Patricia at the Free National Movement service of thanksgiving yesterday at Cousin McPhee Cathedral in celebration of their election victory.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

GOVERNMENT MUST LISTEN TO CHURCH, WARNS EX-CHRISTIAN COUNCIL LEADER

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

IF the Free National Movement wants to remain in office, former Bahamas Christian Council President Rev Dr Ranford Patterson yesterday declared that the governing party must listen to the church.

Speaking to a packed

church of FNM supporters, Rev Patterson said the greatest mistake anyone could make was to go against God. He further pointed to the failed gaming referendum under the former Progressive Liberal Party government and that administration’s decision to go against the “no” vote on January 28, 2013.

He suggested the former PLP administration had lost its political footing because the voice of God was ignored.

“The greatest mistake that you can make is to go up against God,” he said during the FNM’s service of thanksgiving at the Cousin McPhee Cathedral, the church he heads.

SEE PAGE 14

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

POLICE were called to the scene of a fatal shooting of a man on Soldier Road last night.

Officers went to the corner of Soldier Road next to Bowe Sugar Kid Drug and Grocery Store around 11pm.

In two separate incidents, police have also arrested three men, including a Royal Bahamas Defence Force officer, after the seizure of two illegal handguns.

The first gun was seized shortly after 11.30pm on Saturday by officers near a nightclub on Carmichael Road. A man dropped a 9mm handgun from his waistband when approached by officers.

SEE PAGE THREE

PAGE 2, Monday, May 22, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

ASSISTANT Commissioner of Police Stephen Dean speaking to the media after a body of a man was found in a home at Cable Beach on Saturday.

Photos: Terrel W. Carey/ Tribune Staff

Fraudster found with cut wrists in burning condo from page one

after pleading guilty to federal charges of wire fraud, was allegedly involved in a dispute over unpaid rent with the property’s landlord.

According to reports, shortly after 9am, officers from Police Fire Services received news of a fire at a building on West Bay Street, Cable Beach. When firefighters arrived at the scene, they saw smoke coming from a unit in the building. The officers forced their way in and extin-

guished the fire.

“We don’t know what occurred as yet. We want to find out the motive, how the male got injuries to himself and how the fire has started,” ACP Dean told reporters on Saturday.

Before his body was discovered, neighbours were concerned that Turner had intentionally set the blaze and asked the police to protect the building in case he intended to burn the whole complex, The Tribune understands. However, shortly

afterwards, his body was found lying on the living room floor. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Turner emigrated to the Bahamas from Australia and began his “hedge fund trading” activities from Nassau in March 2000. But he was detained by the US federal authorities in Long Island on April 16, 2005 over an alleged money laundering complaint.

After returning to the Bahamas on his release from prison in 2011, Turner spent

much of the next two years attempting to reclaim his former Bahamas-based assets through the Supreme Court and battling among others the family of the former Governor General Sir Milo Butler, whom he defrauded of more than $6.25m. Mr Turner’s former Paradise Island and Bay Street properties were sold to pay off his creditors and the Court of Appeal dismissed his application to appeal.

US court documents obtained by Tribune Business

at the time revealed that a scheme operated by Turner defrauded several local businesses in the Bahamas out of millions of dollars.

His sentencing documents, filed in the US district court for eastern New York, listed “victims” collectively owed $55.374m.

Police have not formally identified the deceased, awaiting notification of next of kin. An autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death. Investigations are continuing.

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THE TRIBUNE

Monday, May 22, 2017, PAGE 3

No price tag yet for overall cost of audits on government agencies

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net THE government has not been able to finalise the scope or overall price tag of the round of audits it ordered on several government run agencies, corporations, and offices last week, this confirmed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance K Peter Turnquest yesterday.

In an interview with The Tribune on Sunday, the East Grand Bahama MPelect indicated that the new

government had decided to start its initiative with internal “audits and assessments,” with plans to “expand out” if the results deem it necessary.

To that end, Mr Turnquest said the government would be unable to determine exactly how much it would have to spend to carry out the audits, nor would it be in a position to do so until it concluded its appointments of essential personnel over the coming weeks.

Last week, the Minnis administration announced

that it would conduct forensic audits into Urban Renewal, Bank of the Bahamas (BOB) and the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI), among others.

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

Contacted yesterday for a status report on these proposed audits, Mr Turnquest said: “(No audit) is concluded as yet, however the first round will be internal audits and assessments.”

He continued: “We will expand out from there depending on results. As such, the cost of the exercise is not determined at this point.”

When pressed on when the country can expect a clear price tag for the proposed audits, Mr Turnquest added: “We will determine after new Boards are seated and assessments done.”

In its initial calls for the audits, the new administration suggested that the move was made primarily to bring about greater ef-

ficiencies within ministries and departments across the public service.

The Minnis administration said it was seeking to curtail unnecessary expenditure and the results of these audits will assist it in determining the way forward.

It added that where persons are found to be in breach of the Financial Administrative & Audit Act, the law will take its course.

Last Wednesday, Algernon Allen revealed that he and Cynthia “Mother” Pratt had resigned as co-

chairs of Urban Renewal earlier this month, noting that the pair had no concerns about what the audit may reveal as their role was largely “ornamental”.

Also last week, Minister of State for Grand Bahama Kwasi Thompson revealed he had suspended aspects of the initiative in Grand Bahama, expressing grave concerns over how the programme operated under the previous administration.

New FNM senators and parliamentary secretaries will be sworn in at Government House today.

PLP DUE TO ANNOUNCE SENATE PICKS

THE NEW leader of the Opposition, Philip “Brave” Davis and his wife, Anne-Marie, with former prime minister Perry Christie and Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling at Friday’s swearing-in ceremony.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

By RICARDO WELLS directly, Mr Davis said the as we move to reconstruct ing in the end of the ChrisTribune Staff Reporter group would be “eager” to this great party.” tie regime. rwells@tribunemedia.net approach business in the The PLP’s Senate caucus Of the defeat Mr Davis Senate on behalf of the will be officially sworn in said on Friday: “Last week’s THE Progressive Liberal PLP. during a ceremony at Gov- results should prompt real Party is expected to make “I have maintained in ernment House on Tuesday. and thorough self-exampublic its list of its Senate recent days that we are During a ceremony last ination; and indeed that choices today, this as Of- hoping to reflect and pro- Friday, in which he ac- process has already begun. ficial Opposition Leader ject what the future holds cepted his instruments of It is a process we intend to Philip “Brave” Davis con- for this party through our appointment to become the undertake unflinchingly firmed yesterday that he appointment,” the former new leader of the Official with both humility and canhad concluded his “period deputy prime minister Opposition from Governor dour.” of deliberation” and had stated.

General Dame Marguerite “We do so with a sense centred on “the best mix He continued: “We want- Pindling, Mr Davis dis- of urgency too, because we for the legacy and continu- ed to give Grand Bahama a missed speculation that the believe that the values and ance” of the party. voice; the issues there need PLP is in a state of despair. missions of the Progressive In an interview with to be addressed and I think He contended rather, that Liberal Party must remain The Tribune on Sunday, we will achieved that with a spirit of “determination essential and indispensable the Cat Island, Rum Cay one of our selections. and excitement about mov- to our country. and San Salvador MP“Additionally we want ing forward” had already “We are ready to renew elect indicated that he the group to be guided by begun to resonate amongst the promise of our party was in the process of no- the history and legacy of officials and supporters. for a new generation of actifying the persons who the party; that will be reMr Davis at the time said tivists, servants, supporters would comprise the Offi- flected when we make our that the PLP was poised and fellow citizens. This cial Opposition’s team in announcement this week. and ready for “a new begin- process will begin on the the Senate.

“The other two will, like I ning” with him at the helm. ground and extend into eveDespite not naming any said, project what the future The PLP was crushed at ry community throughout of the expected appointees of this party will look like the polls on May 10, usher- our country.”

MOSS AND SAWYER TIPPED FOR SENATE POSITIONS

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

AS SENATORS are expected to be sworn in today at Government House, two new names have emerged for appointment to the Upper House.

According to sources, the picks fulfil the governing Free National Movement’s (FNM) mandate to incor-

porate their youth arm and reward long-serving party supports.

Jamaal Moss, a former Torchbearer Youth Association (TYA) president, and Dwight Sawyer, a meritorious council member, are said to be among those to be sworn in today, according to party sources.

Last week, Kay Forbes Smith and Dr Mildred Hall

LATE NEWS: MAN SHOT DEAD CLOSE TO STORE

from page one

He was taken into custody and nine rounds of ammunition were discovered.

In the second incident, at about 7.30pm last night, officers on patrol stopped

a Nissan Fuga with two men inside, including the RBDF officer, in the area of Balfour Avenue and Miami Street. A search uncovered a 9mm Smith & Wesson pistol and 16 rounds of ammunition. The two men were taken into custody.

Watson, were also suggested as contenders from the FNM for appointment to the Senate, The Tribune was informed.

Both women are long time supporters of the party.

Attorney General Carl Bethel, Minister of State for Grand Bahama Kwasi Thompson, and Labour Minister Dion Foulkes are also expected to make up

the Senate.

The government and FNM appointees to the Senate along with the swearing in of Desmond Bannister as Minister of Works along with parliamentary secretaries are scheduled for today at 5pm at Mount Fitzwilliam.

Official Opposition Senators are expected to take the oath of office on Tuesday at 4pm.

PAGE 4, Monday, May 22, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

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A future for one people - one Bahamas FORMER Deputy Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis, who will enter the House of Assembly as leader of a fourmember Opposition, has warned the new government not to “misrepresent or distort” the PLP’s long legacy of governance.

He said, small though it is, under his leadership the Opposition would not “acquiesce” in the new government pursuing “any policies or practices that could hurt vulnerable Bahamians”.

This statement would be amusing if it weren’t so pathetic. Does Mr Davis not know why his party — from being the mighty PLP — has been reduced to a mere shadow? Prime Minister Perry Christie has become the convenient “fall guy” for their loss, but if the PLP were honest with themselves, they would recognise that each one of them should help shoulder the blame. Their policies from the beginning have hurt many “vulnerable Bahamians” who, although Bahamian, were not PLP. Eventually, the hurt of one started to hurt the many until eventually even their own PLP were included in the “vulnerable.”

And in the end it was the “vulnerable” – Bahamians who crossed party lines, both FNM and PLP – who rose up on May 10 and gave them the “Order of the Boot”.

It is unlikely that the FNM will make the same mistake, but if they do, they too will have to face the people — all Bahamians, regardless of party affiliations.

“Vulnerable Bahamians” were hurt by the words, put into action, that “we only checking for the PLP” or “God gave this country to the PLP.” And when the PLP was the government, if an FNM were found to have a government contract — whether he was doing a good job or not, the contract was taken from him and given to a PLP, not because the PLP could do a better job, but just because “we only checking for the PLP.” The Tribune files are filled with many heartbreaking stories of people who were destroyed by the PLP’s “legacy in governance.”

Today under the FNM we would be surprised if a contract were taken from a Bahamian just because of his or her politics.

However, if the Bahamian were not meeting the terms of that contract, in the interest of the country, we would expect that person to lose the contract — not because of his politics, but because of his inability to measure up to the terms of the contract.

The PLP started out by embracing “one man’s dream”, which somehow got derailed in the drug years. Twenty-five years later that dream was over. The “all for me baby” inner circle had become so confident that Sir Lynden himself had to admit in the PLP’s 1992 defeat that his party knew “people were hurting,” that their homes were being sold and parents were taking their children out of school. However, they were so insensitive to what Mr Davis today calls those “vulnerable Bahamians” that Sir Lynden’s PLP “didn’t think that this would have affected them so dramatically in determining what they would do during the election.” Here we are, 25 years later and they still have not learned their lesson.

We hope that the FNM has taken note, and will bring an end to this ugly chapter of our history.

The social ills from which we are suffering today are a fall-out from those years. They took root in the drug years when many Bahamians were riding high on the “narco dollar”.

The PLP won the 2012 election on the promise that it had the secret formula to

bring crime — in particular murders – under control. Just before that election they put up large billboards — not caring that we are a tourist economy and murders were the last feature one should advertise.

The billboards proclaimed that during the FNM’s five-year administration there were more than 490 murders. The PLP won the election. Instead of going down, murders continued to climb. In fact, during this five year administration murders rose to 622 – 54 of which were committed in the first five months of this year. During their 2012 campaign the PLP pointed an accusing finger at the FNM, claiming that it was under the Ingraham administration that crime mushroomed. Of course, a casual glance through Tribune files will show that this was a lie of massive proportions. Crime grew out of the drug era and by 1990 Sir Lynden was at his wit’s end to find a solution. Addressing a mass rally in April 1990 Sir Lynden said that Bahamians had closed the previous year in fear for their lives, personal safety and property.

And going back a little further to October, 1975 when addressing the PLP, Sir Lynden said: “There are certain sociocultural factors to be borne in mind. The proximity of The Bahamas to the United States mainland and the large number of tourist arrivals have influenced the creation in Bahamians of what may be called a ‘tourist mentality.’

“Some young people are unemployed because they are apathetic, some because they are frustrated and some because they lack any real opportunity to work.

Others are ‘dropouts’ from school and have no marketable skills.

“However, the whole Bahamian society must realise that, to a large extent, it is partly to be blamed for the problems facing our youth. Our society, by virtue of the high goals and ideals which it sets, has created certain attitudes which have turned out to be two-edged swords.

Bahamian society has said to our youth – and I was one of the members of society who carried the message – ‘you must have an education, a piece of paper; you must have a white-collar job.’ But society did not realise at the time that those who could not get either would become socalled ‘failures’ or ‘drop-outs,’ and so on.

Our Bahamian society must now rethink its own value-system and modify it.

“We told them that they were too good to be gardeners,” he said. “Too good to be sanitation men, too good to work with their hands…

“But,” he said, “I didn’t know then what I know now, that any work breeds character.

Too many young men lack character today, too many too often shirk responsibility because they have never been held accountable for their actions at home, in school or in society. Therein may lie the heart of the problem.”

Rescuing the young Bahamian man from his “deep descent into the abyss of drugs, crime, idleness and despair,” said Sir Lynden, is the greatest tragedy facing the Bahamian society.

This is the legacy left us by Sir Lynden because he himself did not understand God’s words to man: “By the sweat of your brow you shall till the earth.”

It is now up to the FNM to understand its past, avoid the same pitfalls and rebuild a sound country that will recognise its people as Bahamian - one people. Not PLP, FNM or DNA, but just one people pulling together to build a better life for all.

A new government EDITOR, The Tribune I ALWAYS get edgy when an incoming government’s first recourse to address its financial obligations is to borrow more money.

It must be obvious that strategy has not worked well for the past 40-plus years.

The burgeoning national debt is evidence of this.

Before this new government goes on a borrowing spree, why not consider two things to increase governments revenue: collect outstanding debts and enforce the law.

These simple, cost-effective measures may help

to kill two birds with one stone. It would increase revenue in the government’s coffers while discouraging potential offenders from committing criminal acts.

There are multiplied tens of millions of dollars owed to the government in casino taxes, unpaid student loans, property taxes etc. Ascertain who owes the government money and make them pay (payment plans accepted) - MPs and former MPs included.

Why borrow monies with interest applied as a first option?

In addition, consider the number of traffic violations

the average driver witnesses driving to or from work on a daily basis. Increased order could be brought to our streets and communities if there was consistent enforcement of traffic and other laws with prompt payment of penalties. This applies to bail, not paying child support and other minor offences.

We need a paradigm shift in the management of our country’s financial resources. Borrowing should always be the very last option.

JB Nassau, May 15, 2017.

A chance for Grand Bahama EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) has been seen off in spectacular fashion, ending ten years of inept governance and corruption.

The arrogance of Perry Christie and many other ministers is a stark reminder that those elected work for the people, not the other way around. New Free National Movement (FNM) ministers take note.

With a sensible and talented Cabinet in place, Prime Minister Dr Minnis has the tools to deliver initiatives that could transform the fortunes of the country.

With the sagging GDP and multiple financial downgrades, unemployment is by far the biggest burden to the economy, not going away any time soon with another 4,000 students about to graduate from high school, with little or no chance of finding employment.

The current economic status of the country is such that jobs cannot be created by some sort of waving of magic wand. Like it or not, being the small nation we are, dependence on foreign investment has and is today the main vehicle to deliver job opportunities. Unfortunately, for too many years, we have been xenophobic about encouraging other nationals to come to our shores to set up businesses, establish homes and educate their children.

The rocky fortunes of the Freeport, Grand Bahama, economy for the past 40 years is of course the prime example. In the early 1970s, persons came from all over the globe to open their own businesses, build homes

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net and establish a vibrant community. Equally importantly, they employed countless Bahamians in a wide variety of jobs. Unemployment was virtually unheard of - in fact many persons had two or three jobs. The decline from these halcyon days has been nothing short of spectacular and, never at any time, did it seem that the situation would improve.

The reality is that it has got progressively worse.

The catalyst for this “great Idea” was the Hawksbill Creek Agreement (HCA), mandating free trade, industrial and tourist development, no taxes and unrestricted immigration. The HCA has been revisited and tweaked over the years, mostly in connection with duties and tax exemptions. The “open immigration” aspect has been ignored, simply because the mindset for generations is that foreigners are welcome but only in very small numbers.

No successive Government has made a serious or conscious effort to promote or encourage foreigners to come to the country to establish businesses. Indeed, if foreigners might be considering an investment, they are often driven away at the prospect of only being allowed a handful of work permits at exorbitant annual fees. How short sighted can you possibly get? Obviously, there are dozens of ways to offer incentives and thinking “outside the box” is the only way the situation will change.

It is worth noting that the Forbes list of rankings, for the best and worst countries to do business in, out of 139, the Bahamas is not mentioned. Jamaica ranks 53 and Barbados 72.

It seems clear that this new administration, should be thinking and hard as to how to attract new and sustainable investment, not just for Grand Bahama, but for the whole country. Perhaps this should come under the Financial Services portfolio.

In any event, there should be some sort of Ministry for Foreign Investment, with a budget for research, planning, marketing and promotion.

For far too long, especially in Grand Bahama, we have been reciting the tired old record, that we have the best infrastructure in the entire region, less than 100 miles from the world‘s richest economy, but we are unable to get anyone to substantially invest here for the past 25 years. Sad but true and unless there is a dramatic change in Government policy very soon, those currently unemployed will remain unemployed and the children that leave school this year will still be unemployed in ten years’ time.

This seems like the prime time to “reset” the Hawksbill Creek Act, its original intentions and vision, and to forge a new path to emerge as a progressive and prosperous first world country. One can only hope that this new administration has the courage and foresight to make it happen.

CHRIS PAINE Freeport, Grand Bahama May 19, 2017

Teachable moment EDITOR, The Tribune.

At the risk of stating the obvious, the May 2017 general election is a teachable moment for both the outgoing and incoming governments.

The Bahamian people sent a clear message and it is this: You have a window of op-

portunity for five years to faithfully serve your constituency, your country and our Constitutional principles; to be effective, transparent and accountable; to produce positive outcomes for the benefit of the people.

The PLP Government has left the country somewhere between Emergency and ICU, morally de-stabi-

lized, gasping from dump fumes and haemorrhaging at the Treasury.

The next challenge for the good Doctor, PM Minnis, is to get the country out of sick bay and back on its feet.

LEANDRA ESFAKIS Nassau, May 14, 2017.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, May 22, 2017, PAGE 5

Man shot dead by police after he ‘fired at officers with assault rifle’ POLICE shot and killed a man who allegedly led them on a car chase and fired at officers with an assault rifle.

A second suspect involved in the incident was being sought by police.

Police said that shortly after 3pm Saturday, officers were conducting a traffic stop on Shrimp Road off Carmichael Road when they saw a Honda Stream vehicle occupied by two men pass by with a high powered weapon inside.

The officers signalled to the driver to stop, but he refused and sped off, police said.

The suspects led police on a chase that ended when the vehicle crashed into a fence in Pride Estates, where the two men armed with an AK-47 assault rifle and a handgun got out of the vehicle and opened fire at the police.

The police returned fire, fatally shooting one of the suspects who dropped the AK-47 assault rifle, the Royal Bahamas Police Force said.

The second suspect managed to evade capture.

Police retrieved the highpowered weapon and put out an all points bulletin for the wanted suspect.

Coroner Jeanine WeechGomez is investigating the death.

The incident came a week after police shot and killed another man who officers said led them on a high-speed car chase through Nassau.

The man was one of four men who fired at police during a car chase and were detained in hospital.

According to reports, shortly after 3am on May 13, officers on routine patrol attempted to stop a Honda vehicle for a traffic violation at the junction of Blue Hill and Wulff Roads.

The vehicle refused to stop and sped off, police said.

The officers gave chase and during the pursuit the occupants of the vehicle fired several shots at the police. The chase ended at Montrose Avenue, near Tenwich Street, where the vehicle crashed into a wall and burst into flames.

A POLICE chase ended with one victim shot dead and another on the run.

Four men emerged from the vehicle and were arrest-

ed. The suspects were taken to hospital for injuries re-

Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff

ceived during the crash.

One suspect died from

his injuries while in hospital on May 13.

SEARCH FOR PRISON OFFICER IN DRUGS INVESTIGATION POLICE want to speak with a 26-year-old prison officer they believe can help with an investigation into an undisclosed quantity of drugs that were allegedly found at the Bahamas Department of Corrections earlier this month.

The police bulletin for Alston Lamar Forbes, of Kent Drive, Coral Harbour, described him as being of

medium build, at 5ft 8in with medium brown skin complexion.

The type of drugs found on May 1 were not specified in the bulletin; however, The Tribune understands that the matter also allegedly involved the smuggling of cell phones and phone chips into the Remand Unit.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police

at 911 or 919, the Central Detective Unit at 502-9991 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 328-TIPS. Police have also launched a manhunt and public appeal for information on two men wanted for questioning in reference to murder.

The first suspect is 22-year-old Livingstone Knowles, aka “Kaisor”, of Ethel Street, Montel

Heights. Knowles is described as a medium brown male, slim build, about 5ft 9in to 5ft 11in.

The second suspect is 31-year-old Tico Omar Lightbourne, aka “Pitbull”, of McCartney Lane and Wilson Track.

Lightbourne is a dark brown male, of medium build, about 5ft 5in to 5ft 11in.

Police said the men are considered to be armed and dangerous and advise the public not to approach them.

In a separate matter, police arrested a man found in possession of a quantity of marijuana on Thursday.

The arrest was made around 5pm after a team of officers executed a search warrant on a home located

ALSTON LAMAR FORBES

TWO DETAINED AND GUN SEIZED AFTER POLICE CAR CHASE TWO men were arrested and an illegal firearm seized after a car chase in the Farrinugton Road area with police ended in a shootout on Thursday night.

According to reports, police received a complaint around 10pm that the occupants of a Nissan vehicle were discharging firearms in the area of Boyd Road and Providence Avenue.

When police arrived, the vehicle was quickly spotted and officers signalled to the occupants to stop. However, they refused and sped off, causing a chase to ensue in the Farrington Road area.

The suspects also fired several shots at police, authorities said. Police returned gunfire and the vehicle crashed into a wall on Pitt Road, where one of the men ran from the car and fired several shots at police before he fled on foot.

The officers then chased the suspect, catching him as he hid in a dog house nearby.

Another suspect, who had been shot, was arrested in the vehicle. A handgun was also found at the time. Authorities reported that he was transported to the hospital, where he re-

mains in serious condition under heavy police guard.

Police believe these men are responsible for a number of armed robberies.

Police also took a man and woman into custody on Thursday morning for questioning in connection with an armed robbery.

Police said shortly before 11am a woman was standing in the parking lot of a business establishment on Ernest and York Street when she was approached by a man with a handgun and robbed of her handbag.

The handbag contained a cell phone and cash.

RESEARCH ROOM TEMPORARY CLOSURE THE Department of Archives has announced that its Research Room will be closed to the public during

the period June 6 to July 14 for an annual inventory check.

Normal opening hours

will resume on Monday, July 17 at 10am.

The department regrets any inconvenience caused.

The suspect then fled on foot. It is unclear how the woman, who was arrested,

participated in the incident.

However, authorities said when the pair were ar-

rested, the cell phone stolen during the robbery was also found in their possession.

PAGE 6, Monday, May 22, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

‘No witch hunt’ pledges Minnis from page one

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis speaking at the FNM thanksgiving service yesterday.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

While the workers were later released without charge, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly Dion Smith was also taken into custody Thursday in connection with the ongoing probe and held overnight. Mr Smith was appointed as executive chairman of BAIC during the Christie administration. He was released on Friday. No formal charges have been brought against anyone.

Asked to respond to Mr Davis’ accusations, Dr Minnis said: “No, no, no. We have said repeatedly that we are a transparent government; an honest government and we will treat all people equal.

“We are a government for The Bahamas (and a) government for the people.

It’s the people’s time,” Dr Minnis continued following a service of thanksgiving at Cousin McPhee Cathedral for the Free National Movement’s victory at the polls.

“We will not interfere with the police. We will allow the police to do their job and not obstruct it and let the chips fall where they may,” he also said in another telephone interview with The Tribune yesterday afternoon.

During the lengthy church service yesterday where hundreds of supporters gathered, Dr Minnis called on his newly appointed Cabinet and elected members of Parliament to avoid the temptation of becoming “high and mighty”.

He said: “We must remain grounded and ever vigilant of our actions. Our mission is to enhance the common good as we advance economic opportunity and social justice.

“There is admiration also of the enduring ability

SIDNEY COLLIE, FNM chairman; Hubert Ingraham, former orime minister, and Patricia Minnis, wife of Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis at yesterday’s service. of the Bahamian people to guns drawn in the circumredirect the affairs of their stances of the allegations country through the demo- made against the employcratic process. ees seems like overkill,” Mr “With grace and dignity, Davis’ statement read. the Bahamian people took “None of these people command of their democ- would have been armed and racy. We avoided the empty no arms were involved in any call to spoil our ballots or to of the allegations. The new refrain from voting. government has to be care“Democracy does not ful that it does not live up to work when the people ab- the widespread expectation sent themselves. Democ- of witch hunts by them folracy demands participation lowing a campaign.” and civic responsibility. The Before the general elecrecent general election will tion, Dr Minnis labelled help to further deepen our the former administration democracy,” he also said. the “most corrupt, the most On Thursday, Mr Davis is- incompetent and the most sued a statement in which victimising government he took issue with the treat- since independence”. ment of the employees, all Capitalising on national of whom were said to have concerns about corruption worked with Mr Smith, and was a major plank in the suggested that both the gov- FNM’s campaign strategy, ernment and law enforce- according to party Chairment owed the country a man Sidney Collie, who full explanation. unpacked the party’s dataHe questioned why po- driven campaign strategy lice officers visited the in an interview with The government agency with Tribune. guns drawn to investigate “That is the way the reallegations made against cent action comes off,” Mr workers, characterising the Davis’ statement continued.

“Gestapo style” approach “If that is not the intenas “overkill”. tion then both the police His statement was re- and the government owe leased hours before police the country a full and frank arrested the former Nassau explanation. The police Village MP. must be careful to maintain “Descending on a cor- its reputation of strict adporation during working herence to a neutral politihours Gestapo-style with cal position.”

DION SMITH RELEASED FROM POLICE CUSTODY from page one

On Tuesday, police said seven employees had been taken into custody and, on Thursday, police said another worker was also questioned and later released.

The employees were taken into custody 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.

According to officers, Mr Smith, the former Nassau Village MP, turned himself over to authorities shortly

after 4pm on Thursday in the presence of his attorney, Wayne Munroe, QC. Mr Munroe has maintained that there was no evidence of anything being stolen and to his understanding the employees only removed personal items from the building.

Mr Munroe said it was also his understanding that an inventory check was conducted and “nothing was found to be missing”.

When contacted yesterday, Mr Smith said he did not want to comment on the matter.

Meanwhile, his attorney has raised questions over the arrest, suggesting it was politically motivated.

“When you have a situation that the only individuals arrested are the ones with PLP affiliation, and if you are talking about

items that you claim to be missing from an office in which loads of people have access - everyone - including the FNM supporters ought to have been arrested...”

Last week, Mr Munroe told The Nassau Guardian that his client decided to watch the May 10 general election results at BAIC last Wednesday and reportedly brought his speaker and television to the building.

He also claimed that the former MP and several BAIC workers packed these items and other personal belongings after Mr Smith learned he had lost his re-election bid.

Mr Smith was out of the country for a few days and returned last week.

Investigations are continuing.

TWO WORKERS SUSPENDED IN BPL THEFT INVESTIGATION from page one

Yesterday, police confirmed that the investigation was ongoing, saying BPL made a complaint regarding the missing funds last week.

“Last week, we received a complaint from them (BPL) of a large amount of money missing,” Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Stephen Dean told The Tribune.

“Our Business and Technology Unit immediately launched an investigation

into the matter. We interviewed several employees and we intend to continue the investigation.”

Senior ACP Dean said police will be “looking at some more people” who will likely be taken into custody for questioning soon.

He said no one was under arrest at this time.

He declined to say the specific amount of money allegedly stolen, only stressing that it was a “considerable amount” of funds.

the stories behind the news

insight@tribunemedia.net

MONDAY, MAY 22, 2017

A teacher’s plea Public education system desperately needs an overhaul to meet Bahamian needs

B

efore I get to the motivation for this letter, here are a few things you should know about me: While I am upset, frustrated, disappointed, hurt, even angry, I will do my best to be objective about what follows.

I am an educator. For 35 of my 37 working years I have worked with children and adults to do my best to ensure that learning opportunities were optimised for students. Importantly, I am a lifelong learner and hope that everyone else is. I am wholly committed to my students.

For personal reasons, in 1990, I emigrated from my home, Exuma, to the United States. I stayed for 25 years, returning each year for four to six weeks before moving back full-time to Exuma in June, 2015. I returned to George Town because I felt I had at least 10 good years of classroom teaching left in me and that I wanted to spend that time contributing to helping young people learn at L N Coakley High School on Bodie Hill.

I learned a substantial amount about educating young people during my time in the United States, and wanted to use my experience to do my small part to help education in my homeland. I started my teaching career in public schools in the Bahamas; here is where I was hoping to end it.

I returned to Exuma even though I knew my compensation would be at least half, perhaps even a third, of that I was accustomed to in the United States. Further, while I knew that, under current civil service regulations, I would be forced to retire on my 65th birthday, I had hopes that, by the time February, 2021, rolled around, this outdated requirement would be abandoned.

Either that, or because I was still an effective educator, I could persuade the Ministry of Education (MOE) and Public Service Commission (PSC) to allow me to continue to work in the classroom.

I am a rational, honest, hard-working, professional human being who does my best to respect people as individuals. I speak truthfully and I expect others, especially adults - particularly those who consider themselves to be professionals - to do the same; to not simply say what they think I want to hear or lie in order to appease. I expect others to treat me and everyone they come into contact with similar respect and consideration. As written in the New Testament, Titus 2:7, “In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness …”

Additionally, I have two fundamental guidelines for my students: (1) Respect yourself; respect others; and (2) always tell yourself “I can,” rather than “I can’t.”

My references from my former colleagues and administrators are stellar.

They contain language such as: “Chris served in many leadership capacities within our school [and] he was a thoughtful and sage advocate, support, and role model for the students and adults in our community. I could always depend on Chris for sound advice. He is greatly

“Our system of public education is failing too many of our young people and our country.

Our government knows this.” teacher. Who knows? Perhaps it’s simply that my hopes were Panglossian.

One thing I do know something I suspect most Bahamians know - our system of public education is failing too many of our young people and our country. Our government knows this, particularly since the publication of Vision 2040 Bahamas in 2016. For example: ther statistics, however, paint a more complex story - one of increasing poverty, violent crime, poor educational outcomes and skills training that do not reach the people who need it most. Many young people find themselves without the necessary hard and soft skills to find and keep employment and some, frustrated, turn to socially destructive behaviours. Employers report that finding workers with the required skills or work habits is difficult … (p 12) Despite significant government investment, our education and skills outcomes need to be improved. (p 22) Additionally, the inadequacy of the education of the workforce was seen as the single largest obstacle to doing business in the Bahamas … (p 28) The lack of education and skills has been highlighted as a leading cause of poverty. (p 29) I find solace in the knowledge that I will continue to return to Exuma and that, for the near future, I will be able to contribute in some way for four to six weeks each year. Additionally, I anticipate returning full-time in the next five to seven years and, though I will no longer be looking for employment in the schools, I will be able to volunteer.

While it is undeniable that our public education system must be overhauled if we are to better meet the needs of our people, for now - for the immediate future - I mourn the reality that schools like L N Coakley desperately need experienced, dedicated teachers. People passionate about helping children to learn. People who believe in them. People who see them as part of the solution, not part of the problem - an essential part of the solution See pg 8

O missed at our school. I have no doubt he will bring the same passion and commitment to the next community in his journey. He is an outstanding educator and colleague. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of further assistance to you.” nd “Chris is a tremendous educator.

He is unbelievably productive, constantly developing and tweaking class activities, lessons, and content ... None of this, however, would amount to much if Chris were not also totally focused on the academic and developmental needs of his students. All of us were in awe of Chris’s narrative student evaluations, which eloquently demonstrated his deep knowledge of each student as an individual, his keen grasp of their academic and emotional development, and the high standards to which he held them ... The fundamental quality of Chris’s teaching work is his deep commitment to his students. It has been one of the highlights of my career to work alongside Chris Minns. He will be an extraordinary teacher-leader wherever he chooses to go.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.”

Many of the Bahamian students I helped to educate during the 1980s are successful adults. Two of them are MPs in the current Parliament, one on either side of the aisle. Three are principals in Exuma schools. All of my students would say that I had high expectations for them, that I believed each could succeed, that I worked hard to ensure their success, and so on.

In the Bahamas, 19 per cent of all public school teachers are male; on Exuma, about 10 per cent. I’m a male.

I didn’t readily satisfy the requirements of the MOE/ PSC application process.

I completed the application form on the computer, rather than writing out two copies by hand. I supplied my original birth and marriage certificates - as well as my “smart” National Insur-

A

“After more than a year of trying to get a job teaching with the MOE and after six months of volunteering four days each week at L N Coakley High School, I am returning to the United States to teach. Once I decided that I had to leave, it took 16 days to obtain a job in the United States.”

Chris Minns, a veteran and highly regarded educator, offers an open letter to Jeffrey Lloyd, the new Minister of Education, Science and Technology

Minister of Education Jeffrey Lloyd. ance card and a Bahamian passport renewed in 2016 - as evidence of who I was.

On the Government of The Bahamas Security Questionnaire, I answered Question 12 (“If you have at any time visited a country, having at the time of the visit, a Communist Government, give full details below:”) and the

five related questions about being a communist, fraternising with communists, and having communist sympathies honestly. No to all of the latter, and I haven’t had the good fortune yet of being able to visit Cuba or China. Note: In the end, I was “compliant” and did rewrite in duplicate my MOE application by hand and did provide the 21st century version of my birth and marriage certificates because doing these things were deemed essential components of the MOE/PSC application process - as were my deceased mother’s and retired father’s occupations.

The purpose of the letter After more than a year of trying to get a job teaching with the MOE and after six months of volunteering four days each week at L N Coakley High School, I am returning to the United States to teach. After two years

without gainful employment I need a job. Once I decided that I had to leave, it took 16 days to obtain a job in the United States. As with my prior jobs, it is at a top independent (private) school, in this case rated in the top five in Florida. How did I end up there? On April 12, 2017, I received an email from a principal at the school that read, in part, “I have seen your impressive profile on the Carney Sandoe site, so I am writing to see if you are interested in a teaching position, possibly including Middle School Department Head responsibilities ... We are looking for an instructor with your passion and experience, and I feel confident that you would find [name of school] to be an excellent opportunity for you.”

All it took was an hourlong phone interview and a day visiting the school - a day at the end of which I left with a written job offer from the Head of School.

While I don’t expect such expediency from the MOE/ PSC, I don’t understand why I can’t get straight answers about whether or not it will employ me, only evasive or oblique second-hand ones about this or that missing or inappropriate document. In 1980, when I was first employed by the MOE, I was an inexperienced teacher fresh out of graduate school.

Back then, it took only eight months to get an answer.

Today, perhaps the problem is that I’m an experienced

PAGE 8 MONDAY, May 22, 2017

Email: insight@tribunemedia.net

Debunking Baha Mar’s false narrative

Q

uite a stir was made after images of Baha Mar’s former developer, Sarkis Izmirlian, attending the swearing in of Prime Minister Hubert Minnis flooded local media last week.

The whispers have been uncontrollable as the public waits to see what happens with the unsealing of the Baha Mar documents and what implications that may have on the future of the resort and its ownership.

An article in the Nassau Guardian’s National Review entitled “Bad Optics” characterised Izmirlian’s attendance as controversial, and perhaps a sighting that may have taken place too soon for the comfort of some.

People are afraid that the resort that has been embroiled in disappointment and uncertainty could face more down the road if Mr Izmirlian’s attendance of the swearing in is any indication of what may take place.

Perhaps we may be looking at this the wrong way.

As opposed of looking at how it would be perceived, it should come down to the central issue of what is right and what is wrong. We ought to be careful to judge Mr Izmirlian’s presence at the swearing in, which may have very well been in a congratulatory manner, without a full understanding of the events leading up to this.

The previous government did a great job of creating a narrative that made Mr Izmirlian the foreign bogeyman that wanted to destroy Baha Mar’s prospects and positioned themselves in the minds of the public as the resorts eternal co-saviours, along with their Chinese co-conspirators. It was not long ago when ex-Prime Minister Perry Christie would have been heard showering Mr Izmirlian with compliments and cred-

Eyes were raised when Sarkis Izmirlian attended the new Prime Minister’s swearing in. Malcolm J Strachan says it might not have been what it seemed iting him as the project’s visionary.

Something obviously happened to alter the course of the relationship of the previous government and Mr Izmirlian. Former high ranking members of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) government launched a public onslaught on Mr Izmrilian - the man who they approached to aid in the redevelopment of the Cable Beach strip. Bradley Roberts, Shane Gibson, Jerome Fitzgerald, Fred Mitchell, Mr Christie and Allyson Maynard-Gibson, all publicly attacked Mr Izmirlian between 2015 and 2017 after the Baha Mar fallout.

It would be beneficial, in debunking the false narrative that Mr Izmirlian’s presence in the country, or in association with Baha Mar can somehow conjure up sentiments of ‘bad optics’.

Mr Izmirlian filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy after multiple deadlines were missed because China Construction America (CCA) was unable to deliver a completed project up to standard. The project was essentially bleeding for the whole of 2015 until the time it was shuttered in June of that year. Mr Izmirlian was paying employees out of his pocket.

Mr Christie, just weeks prior to the project shutting

down, in a calculated attempt of misdirection, told the Bahamian people that all was well with the project, only to later claim that he was ‘blindsided’ by the Chapter 11 revelations.

We all know by now how the story played out: the government stepped in and quashed the Chapter 11 proceedings that were noted as the best option for the project by the US Court, but when implications on the Bahamas’ sovereignty, an agenda largely promoted by former Attorney General, Mrs Maynard-Gibson, came into play, the case was dismissed. Then the government moved to liquidate Baha Mar and the dream for the former developer and 2,200 Bahamians - became a nightmare.

Mr Christie and his government masterfully played the role of nationalists against the foreign billionaire ‘bogeyman’ that tried to undermine our country’s legal system by pursuing Chapter 11 outside the country. They painted Mr Izmirlian as a bad debtor that could not afford to pay back a loan and henceforth, lost his property.

Many Bahamians still believe this false narrative today. But we should be digging a bit deeper if we want to understand the truth and the definitive difference between what is right and what is wrong in this matter.

“Mr Christie and his government masterfully played the role of nationalists against the foreign billionaire ‘bogeyman’ that tried to undermine our country’s legal system by pursuing Chapter 11 outside the country.”

Centre of attention: Sarkis Izmirlian, the former developer of Baha Mar, caused a stir when he attended the swearing in of Prime Minister Hubert Minnis earlier this month. Photo/Shawn Hanna

The moment Baha Mar opened on April 21, with the official ribbon cutting by the Governor General, Dame Marguerite Pindling, Prime Minister Perry Christie, Baha Mar president Graeme Davis and the president of China Construction America, Ning Yuan. Photo/ Terrel Carey It would be best to remember that in August, 2015, Sir Baltron Bethel, Mr Christie’s Senior Policy Advisor, reached out to a US attorney via email to suggest that a new equity partner be brought in to invest in Baha Mar as a means to secure the necessary financing to complete the project.

The revelations in The Tribune earlier this month of Jerome Fitzgerald’s emails to Mr Izmirlian between 2013 and 2014 were a clear indicator as to what the PLP was about - selfdealing and corruption. We can also see that there was refusal from Mr Izmirlian, who is considered a reputable and high character businessman, to play ball.

Mrs Maynard-Gibson,

who was dogged in her attacks against Mr Izmirlian, also was questioned on multiple occasions of her very close relationship to the property through her husband’s jewellery stores.

Needless to say, it was very questionable for Mr Christie to select each of the aforementioned to lead negotiations in finding another buyer for the project. It was even more disquieting when Mr Christie announced that the project would be restarting its construction, that the same contractor that was the cause of the multiple unfortunate delays, was reenlisted.

The new buyer of the property, Chow Tai Fook (New World Group), while well-known in the Hong

A teacher’s plea From pg 7 to the challenges facing our local and national communities.

For those who share my concerns: If you are interested in a detailed overview of Bahamian education and its challenges and possibilities, read VISION 2030: A Shared Vision for Education in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Submitted version: 16 November, 2015, produced by the National Education Committee

chaired by former Senate President Sharon Wilson.

Further, while Vision 2040 Bahamas makes recommendations about reforming the civil service generally, Vision 2030 is specific about rebuilding the MOE. For example, on page 21 it states: “There is the need for reform within the Ministry of Education and policies, programmes and procedures will be adopted which provide

Kong business world, have also been connected with the Triad crime organisation through its casino operations in Macau.

Say what you will of Mr Izmirlian’s presence at Prime Minister Minnis’ swearing in, but the facts remain that he was and still is committed to making Baha Mar successful. He, in a time when the public felt lied to by the government, truly exemplified what it meant to ‘believe in Bahamians’. For this, many, in the event that he is still able to purchase the resort, would be happy to see him retain what was rightfully his to begin with.

• Comments and responses to insight@tribunemedia.net for a system that is: fair and equitable; accountable and transparent; progressive and strategic; and efficient and effective.”

Further, the basis of the reformation efforts must be the concept that any and all enhancements to the MOE must be connected to developing an institution capable of leading the country in the process of attaining its vision for education.

• Comments and responses to insight@tribunemedia.net

MONDAY, MAY 22, 2017 PAGE 9

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

OAS compromised on Venezuela by its Secretary-General World T

HE Organisation of American States (OAS) has lost credibility as a multilateral institution capable of contributing to a resolution of the growing conflict in Venezuela.

There are two reasons for By SIR RONALD SANDERS this.

The primary one is the hostile behaviour toward the Pope - neither side has which no Secretary-General the Venezuelan govern- demonstrated the spirit of of any organisation - rement by the Secretary-Gen- compromise or reconcili- gional, multilateral or intereral, Luis Almagro. The ation that is fundamental national - should set himself other is the strong position, to formulating a solution. or herself. Further, as Secadopted by a handful but Each side appears to want retary-General, Mr Almapowerful group of countries victory even at the expense gro’s task should be to douse in the organisation, that has of the country’s turmoil and the fires of conflicts; not to fan the flames. Yet, in Venbeen consistently and open- the population’s torment.

In adopting entrenched ezuela, that is precisely what ly vexed with the Chavez/ positions and intensifying he has been doing. Within Maduro government.

Despite the caution of the conflict, each side has the OAS itself, as Secresought allies tary-General, Mr Almagro other member from among the should be working overtime states, the small ‘Undoubtedly, other 33 mem- to build a consensus about but powerful Mr Almagro’s ber-states of the Venezuela among all memgroup of counOAS. The op- ber states; instead he has sat tries has re- toxic position parties back, making no attempt to peatedly issued statements have found their bridge divides among memstatements that about the greatest sup- ber countries about an aplack balance and porter in Sec- propriate response to the portrays them as Venezuelan retary-General Venezuelan situation from less than neutral. government Almagro, whose the organisation as a whole.

This has led to are motivated public stateMr Almagro is a former alienation of the ments against foreign minister of Uruguay Venezuelan gov- by his own the Venezuelan and his own former Presiernment, whose personal government have dent, Jose “Pepe” Mujica, involvement in feelings.’ become more who would know him better any solution to strident and vit- than many, has stated pubthe Venezuelan riolic over the last year. But, licly that “what Almagro issue is vital.

Before continuing fur- by adopting what is now re- is doing from the OAS is a ther, it should be stated that garded as an entirely parti- danger, not only for Venthere are no clean hands san stance, Mr Almagro has ezuela, but for the entire in Venezuela and no para- deprived the OAS of playing continent”.

On May 17, amid frenzied gons of virtue. The coun- any role as mediator or honest broker in the Venezueactivity by the representatry is locked in a battle for power between political lan situation. Because of his tives of the OAS member parties that has paralysed unauthorised actions, the states to try to agree on a its capacity to formulate government of Venezuela ‘Meeting of Consultation’ and implement a plan for distrusts the organisation by ministerial representadealing with a weakened and refuses to countenance tives to discuss Venezuela economic situation that has any participation by it in the as a “problem of an urgent nature and of common inaffected the country as a Venezuelan situation.

Undoubtedly, Mr Almaterest”, Mr Almagro prewhole. The conflict that has arisen - and that intensifies gro’s toxic statements about empted the purpose and every day - has engulfed the the Venezuelan government outcome of any such meetcountry. The resolution of are motivated by his own ing, slated for May 31, by the conflict resides in the personal feelings. But, he is stating publicly that: “We political will of the gov- the Secretary-General of an must get past the notion erning and opposition par- organisation of 34 member that dialogue or mediation ties to agree a ‘Venezuelan states and his public state- is a solution to the crisis in solution’ to their national ments cannot be divorced Venezuela”.

In a letter to the President problem. But, despite at- from his role as a hemispheric civil servant.

That is a funof the European Parliatempts at mediation - even by a high representative of damental principle above ment, Mr Almagro present-

View

HIGH COMMISSIONER ROLE FOR SIR RONALD SANDERS SIR Ronald Sanders, a weekly contributor on world affairs to The Tribune, has been accredited by the government of Canada as Antigua and Barbuda’s non-resident High Commissioner.

The accreditation took place on May 15, prior to Sir Ronald’s attendance at a Diplomatic Retreat organised by the Canadian government in Ottawa for all foreign High Commissioners and Ambassadors.

The Antigua and Barbuda diplomat, whose principal accreditation is as Ambassador to the United States of America, explained that accreditation to countries that neighbour each other is “an effective cost-saving device”.

Speaking in Ottawa, Sir Ronald said “this is the same device utilised by the governments of Britain, Canada and the United States that serve multiple countries in the Eastern Caribbean from their missions located in Barbados”.

The seasoned diplomat, who has served in the past as Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Germany and France as well as UNESCO and the World Trade Organisation, said that “strengthening diplomatic contact with the Canadian government and engaging in regular dialogue with ministries and departments in Canada is important to Antigua and Barbuda’s foreign policy outreach”.

“Canada is an important source of tourists and investment in Antigua and Barbuda; a number of Canadian banks provide global financial services and nationals of Antigua and Barbuda enjoy visafree travel to Canada; it is important that these beneficial relations be maintained and reinforced.

Since our country cannot afford a multiplicity of Embassies and High Commissions, doubling-up representation to nearby countries makes perfect

sense. It is far cheaper to make regular visits to Ottawa from Washington, DC, than to establish a fullblown mission in Canada.

That is something appreciated by the Canadian government since it does the same thing in the Eastern Caribbean and elsewhere

in the world,” he said.

Sir Ronald held bilateral discussions on May 15 with Canadian Department for Foreign Affairs officials, who have responsibilities for the Caribbean, and participated in a day-long Retreat for all 125 Heads of Mission in Ottawa.

Funeral Service For Robert Edward “Bob” Isaacs, 92

of Orange Hill, West Bay Street, will be held on Friday, May 26, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Shirley and Church Streets. Officiating will be Rev’d Fr. Whitfield Hutcheson assisted by Rev’d Fr. Joseph Mycklewhyte and Rev’d Dr. James B. Moultrie.

Left to cherish his memories are his children: Althea ‘Bobbi’ and Jose Adderley, Vivian and Dr. Alfred Brathwaite, Irrington “Minky”, Pamela and Leslie Isaacs; grandchildren: Scott and Taige Adderley, Contanza (Dayan) Bourne, Nanika (Lewis) Clark, Ricio “Dax” Brathwaite, Chandre (Mendel) Tillman, Gillian (Dion) Thompson, Aynda (Dion) Gibson, Kele (Niketa) Isaacs, Irrington Roberts, Ayla Isaacs, and Adia Isaacs; brothers: Charles, Edward and Sidney Isaacs; sisters: Jennifer Isaacs-Dotson, Julia Isaacs-Pierre, and Margaret Isaacs; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

There will be NO VIEWING at the church.

Friends may pay their last respects at Butlers’ Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Ernest and York Streets, on Wednesday, May 24, 2017 from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

LUIS ALMAGRO, Secretary General of the Organisation of American States, has failed to act in an authorised manner and as an honest broker in the Venezuelan situation. ed what he, in his individual wisdom, believes should be done. This includes “targeted sanctions” that would “increase the pressure on the regime to restore the Constitutional order and hold elections”. His statement is an attempt to corner the representatives of member states and to frame the parameters of their discussion and decisions.

From all this, it should be obvious that the SecretaryGeneral has compromised the organisation’s constructive role in Venezuela. In doing so, he has not helped the cause of any party in Venezuela; he has served only to harden the position on both sides. He has also weakened the integrity and authority of the OAS. At the very least, if they are to salvage any credibility at all, the representatives of the member states should disassociate themselves from Mr Almagro’s remarks and remind him of his role as set out in Article 118 of the OAS Charter

which states that, in the performance of his duties, the Secretary-General “shall refrain from any action that may be incompatible with (his) position as (an) international officer responsible only to the Organisation”.

Beyond this, all the member states have to recall the architecture of the OAS that guides their conduct.

A pillar of that architecture is Article 1 which states, in unequivocal language, that none of the provisions of its Charter “authorizes it to intervene in matters that are within the internal jurisdictions of the member states”.

In other words, the first task of the member states of the OAS should have been to secure the agreement of the government of Venezuela and the opposition parties for a role by the OAS. That would not have been easy. It is the hard graft that constitutes measured diplomacy and it entails building confidence all around. But it was - and still is - necessary.

When I led an OAS del-

egation to Haiti in February, 2016, at the height of a constitutional crisis that could have led to great violence, it was at the invitation of the President and amid deep suspicion by opposition parties that had to be overcome. Confidence building, trust, allaying of fears and encouraging patriotic duty by all parties was part of the process.

If the May 31 ministerial ‘Meeting of Consultation’ takes place, those are the elements that every country should advocate; they are also the elements to which all the parties in Venezuela should respond positively.

• Sir Ronald Sanders is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States and the Organisation of American States. He is also Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, University of London and Massey College in the University of Toronto.

The views expressed are his own. Responses and previous commentaries: www. sironaldsanders.com

PAGE 10 MONDAY, MAY 22, 2017 PAGE 10, Monday, January 23, 2017

THIS WEEK IN THE TRIBUNE

Today Business - Supervalue owner Rupert Roberts is urging the government to prioritise a VAT policy review, Neil Hartnell reports Sports - the Bahamas national golf championships and defeat for The Bahamas in rugby; plus Fourth Quarter Press.

Plus the latest properties for sale and rent in the Home Buyers’ Guide

A10INSIGHT

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

GAIN AN EDGE A NATIONAL DIALOGUE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

A prescription Why diversified for a brighter future education is key to social equity R

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GAIN AN

A NATIONAL DIALOGUE ON H

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A Lyford Cay Foundations scholar aims to serve through medical technology

TECHNICAL vocational education and training is important to help students, says Remiska Wildgoose.

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THE TRIBUNE

Monday, May 22, 2017, PAGE 11

Opposition leader Davis ‘will not allow party’s legacy to be misrepresented’

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net FORMER Deputy Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis has advised that as the country’s newly installed Official Opposition, the Progressive Liberal Party under his leadership will not allow the government to “misrepresent or distort” the party’s legacy.

Mr Davis made the declaration as he accepted his instruments of appointment to become the new leader of the Official Opposition from Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling during a ceremony at Government House on Friday.

As he expressed varying levels of gratitude to those in attendance, the Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador MP-elect emphasised that his administration would not “acquiesce” to the new government if it pursues any policies or practices that could “hurt vulnerable Bahamians”.

Mr Davis also noted that the Official Opposition, under his guidance, would not stand aside if the government in any way compromises on the nation’s “sovereignty”.

To applause, Mr Davis said: “You will find, I believe, that we are quite up to the challenges ahead. We will be few, but we will not be alone.”

Mr Davis will lead a parliamentary caucus of four - Englerston MP elect Glenys Hanna Martin, South Andros MP elect Picewell Forbes, Exuma and Ragged Island MP elect Chester Cooper and himself - into the House of Assembly on

Wednesday.

Of the group’s intentions Mr Davis said: “While we are doing this critical work of revitalising our party, we will also at the same time hold the new government to account. That is a primary function and duty of Her Majesty’s loyal opposition.

“I have every intention, as do my colleagues in the House, of proving ourselves equal to that duty from day one and throughout our time in opposition.

“As citizens and devoted patriots, we sincerely hope the new government well.

Where we can find common ground with them, they will have our full support.

“But, they should not look at our small numbers in Parliament and draw the wrong conclusions. Let me be clear: we will not allow the new government to misrepresent or distort our record of achievement in government.

“We will not acquiesce if they pursue policies or practices that hurt vulnerable Bahamians and we will not stand aside if they compromise our sovereignty as a nation.

“We will be sustained by the example of our party’s founders; by the commitment of our representation; by the energy and optimism; by a new generation of supporters; and by the substructure of the good people of The Bahamas, who I believe will continue to hold all leaders of our great nation to the highest standards.”

PHILIP “Brave” Davis, leader of the Opposition, pictured at his swearing-in alongside Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/ Tribune Staff

Transition In the wake of the stunning May 10 general election results, former Prime

Minister Perry Christie announced last Monday night that his political season had come to an end, as he officially resigned as party leader.

His resignation has opened the door for what many within the party have called a chance to “right itself”.

Singling out Mr Christie on Friday, Mr Davis thanked the former prime minister for his 40 years of service to the Bahamian people, adding that despite the ending of his journey, Mr Christie always attempted to do his best for the country. Mr Christie was present at Friday’s ceremony.

“I accept that our former leader tried his best to do the best for the Bahamian people and despite the ending of his road as leader, we remember him as a patriot

and one of the great, great builders of the modern Bahamas,” Mr Davis said.

“I therefore take pride, speaking not only for myself, but also on behalf of the many thousands throughout our nation in expressing our deepest gratitude and appreciation for the tremendous service that he gave our nation for more than 40 years.”

Mr Davis admitted that the PLP was in a “season of change”, which he said would attract those interested in participating in the “critical work” of revitalising the party.

The former minister of works went on to dismiss speculation that the party is in a state of despair, contending rather that a spirit of “determination and excitement about moving forward” had already begun to resonate amongst officials

and supporters.

“Today we find ourselves, the party that founded an independent and modern Bahamas, at a new beginning. It is a time for reflection, but it must be much more than that. It is a time for reform, a time for rebuilding, a time for renewal.

“Last week’s results should prompt real and thorough self-examination; and indeed that process has already began. It is a process we intend to undertake unflinchingly with both humility and candour.

“We do so with a sense of urgency too, because we believe that the values and missions of the Progressive Liberal Party must remain essential and indispensable to our country.

“We are ready to renew the promise of our party for a new generation of ac-

tivists, servants, supporters and fellow citizens. This process will begin on the ground and extend into every community throughout our country.”

Mr Davis said the PLP intends to listen closely to those who subscribe to the ideals upon which the party was established and those that have their own ideas about how to work toward social and economic justice in these changing times.

The new opposition leader said communication between the party and those supporting its rebuilding efforts will be a “dialogue” and not a “monologue”.

Of that dialogue, Mr Davis said communication and collaboration will be inclusive, adding that the party would leave no one out, embracing the entire Bahamian community.

Information Services.

Many officials and dignitaries are expected to attend the ceremonies, which will be staged in full pomp and pageantry — a reflection of the Westminster system adopted by British Commonwealth member countries.

A joint colour guard and band comprising members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Guard of Honour will add to the ceremonial fixtures and traditions.

Several roads also will be closed because of the event.

From 6.30pm Tuesday, the following roads will be closed to vehicular traffic: Bay Street between Frederick Street and East Street; Parliament Street between Prince George Wharf and Shirley Street; Bank Lane between Shirley and Bay

Streets; Charlotte Street between Shirley and Bay Streets.

On the day of the ceremony, beginning at 6.30am, there will be traffic diversions and the following road closures: Bay Street between Frederick St and East St; Charlotte St between Shirley St and Bay St; Parliament St between Prince George Wharf & East Hill St and Bank Lane between Shirley St and Bay St. The Cabinet Office has also advised that parking will be provided for guests invited to the event. Parking will be facilitated in the parking lot of the old City Market building on Market Street north.

Guests will be transported to and from the parking lot by buses to Rawson and Parliament Squares beginning at 8am and from the

squares to the parking lot after the ceremony until noon.

Guests are asked to show their admittance cards.

The official opening of

Parliament will be broadcast live on local TV and radio stations.

SPEECH FROM THE THRONE TO TAKE PLACE ON WEDNESDAY THE official opening of Parliament on Wednesday will feature the reading of the Speech from The Throne, which will outline the new government’s policies and objectives for the upcoming parliamentary session.

The opening of Parliament follows the May 10 general election win of the Free National Movement with 35 of the 39 seats in the House of Assembly.

Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling will read the Speech from The Throne in the precincts of the Senate, in Parliament and Rawson Square Wednesday morning.

The address sets forth the government’s priorities with respect to its legislative agenda, for which the cooperation of Parliament is sought, according to a press release from Bahamas

PAGE 12, Monday, May 22, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

PAIR ACCUSED OF ROLE IN DEATH OF RELATIVE OF FORMER PM’S AIDE CLAIM BRUTALITY

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

TWO suspects accused of having a role in the killing of a relative of the former prime minister’s press aide made allegations of police brutality at their arraignment on Friday.

Terrance Meuze, 25, and Renaldo Georges, 19,

were flanked by armed policemen as they were escorted into the Nassau and South Streets Magistrate’s Court complex to face accessory after the fact and abetment to murder charges.

It is alleged that the pair aided and abetted an unknown male on May 4 in committing the murder of Leo Rahming. They are

further accused of helping the unknown male avoid the due process of law.

However, no suspect has been charged with the actual killing.

Rahming, who was the cousin of Latrae Rahming, former press aide to former Prime Minister Perry Christie, was shot in the head at a car wash in the Marathon area before dy-

ing in hospital a short time later.

Meuze and Georges will not be required to enter a plea to the charges until they are formally arraigned before the judge of the Supreme Court.

The case is scheduled to be fast-tracked to the higher court on July 6 through the presentation of a Voluntary Bill of Indictment.

Before they were remanded to the Department of Correctional Services to await trial, attorneys Damian Whyte and Christina Galanos made claims of police brutality on behalf of their clients.

Ms Galanos said Georges, who is also represented by attorney Nathan Smith, was allegedly assaulted by detectives prior to his participation in a record of in-

JADRE EVANS, 21.

RENALDO GEORGES, 19, left, and Terrance Meuze, 25, who are accused of aiding and abetting a man in the murder of Leo Rahming. terview.

Mr Whyte noted that Meuze, who had been in police custody since Monday, required medical attention because he had difficulty breathing after allegedly being suffocated.

Meuze added that he was allegedly brutalitised for three days between Tuesday and Thursday.

Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt made a note of the complaints.

Another man was then charged in connection with a murder last year.

Jadre Evans, 21, is ac-

cused of intentionally and unlawfully causing the death of Stephen Horton on March 11, 2016.

According to reports, the 12th grade student of C C Sweeting High School was walking on Hyatt Drive around 9pm when a man with a handgun in a grey van approached and shot him before speeding off.

He was pronounced dead on the scene.

Evans, too, was remanded into custody until July 6 when the case is fast-tracked to Supreme Court.

SEARCH FOR LOST PLANE PASSENGERS SUSPENDED THE US Coast Guard (USCG) said on Friday morning that authorities have suspended the search for a small plane that apparently crashed into the ocean off Eleuthera this week with four people on board, including two children and a prominent New York businesswoman.

Coast Guard aircraft had been searching for the United States-bound plane along with Customs and Border Patrol and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force since Tuesday. Debris recovered from the sea east of Eleuthera on Wednesday was determined to have come from a twin-engine Mitsubishi MU-2B aircraft, the type with which air traffic con-

trol lost contact as it travelled from Puerto Rico to Florida on Monday.

The USCG said the Mitsubishi MU-2B was 37 miles east of Eleuthera on Monday afternoon when air traffic control in Miami lost radar and radio contact with the plane. It was en route from Puerto Rico and never made it to its destination of Titusville, on the northeastern coast of Florida.

The people on board the plane - tail number N220N - have been identified as Nathan Ulrich, 52, of Lee, New Hampshire, and Jennifer Blumin, 40, of New York, along with her sons Phineas, 4, and Theodore, 3.

Ms Blumin was founder and CEO of Skylight

Group, which provides event space around New York City, specialising in the fashion industry. The company released a statement confirming that she and members of her family were on the plane.

The plane was at about 24,000 feet when air traffic control lost contact shortly after 2pm on Monday. Mr Ulrich was listed as the pilot but it was not known who was flying it at the time.

Ms Blumin owned the plane through a consulting company, according to New York State and aviation records. New Hampshire-based Mr Ulrich is the founder and co-owner of Xootr, a company that manufactures kick scooters and folding bicycles.

THANK YOU

The Board of Directors of Junior Achievement Bahamas would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to the Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture and the Ministry of Education and to the corporate sponsors listed below, for the continued support in partnership of the programme during the 2016-2017 JA year under the theme “Solving Tomorrow’s Problems Today.” Our sentiments also includes those individuals and institutions who would have acted as judges, panelist and presenters for the various categories and events. These would have included: Advisors, Achievers, Volunteers Aetos Bahamas Alexis Hamilton Aliv Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated Eta Psi Omega Chapter Anastarcia Palacious Antonio S. Hall Augusta Bay BAF Financial Baha Anit-Aging Retreat & Spa Bahamas Fast Ferries Bamboo Shack Blue Lagoon Island Bodine Johnson Cable Bahamas Castino Sands Coastline Adventures College Bound Chaperones Dairy Queen Danielle Miller Denise Major-Curry Dr. Tamika Ferguson Dunkin Donuts Dwayne Davis Dyson Knight Edison Sumner, The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce First Caribbean International Bank First Trust Bank Ltd. Geron Sands Gowon N.G. Bowe High School Principals, Guidance Counselors and Teachers Ianthia Smith Jamaro Thompson Jerome Sawyer Jetlink Adventures Jordanna Wring Junior High School Principals, Guidance Counselors and Teachers K. Darron Turnquest Keith Davies Kevanna Hall Krysta Mason-Smith Leon Williams Lickety Split Lincoln Deal Nikki Bethell Mosko Group

Paul Frazier Primary School Principals, Guidance Counselors and Teachers Ramona Wells Randia Coakley RBC Royal Bank Ryan Knowles Sandals Emerald Bay Sandals Royal Bahamian Sherrexcia Rolle Sky Bahamas Small Hope Lodge Stuart’s Cove Dive Bahamas The BahamaJAC Committee The Big Picture The Dermal Medi-Center & Spa The Nail Lounge The New Providence Development Company Theodore Sealey Timico “Sawyerboy” Sawyer Toastmasters International Vernessa Dean Wendi Lewis Western Air Zamar Productions

Thank you to the 2016-2017 JA Company Counseling Firms and their respective Advisory Teams: Bahamas Agricultural & Industrial Corporation Bahamas First Bahamas Power and Light BTC Everyday Buckeye CIBC First Caribbean International Bank Commonwealth Bank Deloitte Grand Bahama Port Authority Grand Bahama Shipyard Hutchinson Port Holdings KPMG National Insurance Board Pharma-Chem Polymers Scotiabank Sunshine Finance

PAGE 14, Monday, May 22, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

Government must listen to church, warns ex-Christian Council leader from page one

REV Dr Ranford Patterson speaking to the congregration at the FNM service of thanksgiving.

“You can’t tell me the voice of the people is the voice of God only on some things.

“If the voice of the people is the voice of God that means if a referendum is held when the people speak, God has spoken.

God knows what to do.

“I said it then and I will say it now, God will have the last say. So I am going to encourage you to always recognise that God is still alive in The Bahamas.”

He also said: “If you want to stay in power, listen to the voice of the church. Listen to the voice of God.” While he did not directly speak to former Prime Minister Perry Christie’s contro-

versial “God can’t stop me now” comments, many in the audience remembered the controversial remark.

Nearly two weeks before the general election, Mr Christie joked during a mass rally in Exuma that things were going so good that “God can’t stop me now” as the event was plagued with power outages, rain and microphone issues.

“We are going to in this next term, turn Exuma into a fine example of what should happen,” he said, as his microphone cut out before scores of supporters at a rally on Saturday night.

“Listen, it going so good, God can’t stop me now,” he continued, after tapping the microphone, to cheers and laughter.

The comments triggered a wave of backlash.

Days later, he sought to explain the context in which the comment was made and questioned how anyone could dare to doubt his faith or suggest that he believed he was mightier than God. Mr Christie said his comment was in “advocacy” to God not to let his speech come to an abrupt end, adding that he thought there had been a power failure while he was on stage speaking to supporters.

A passionate Mr Christie seemed to attribute the immense backlash he received over the remarks to politics, saying it has become clear that both the PLP and the Free National Movement will compete in a way that is not helpful to the country.

THE FNM held a service of thanksgiving yesterday at Cousin McPhee Cathedral in celebration of their recent victory in the 2017 General Elections.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

MILLER BACKS DAVIS - BUT HAS ‘NO INTEREST’ IN POLITICS

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

WHILE throwing his full support behind newly appointed Official Opposition Leader Philip “Brave” Davis, former Tall Pines MP Leslie Miller said he has “no interest right now” in politics.

However, Mr Miller said he would make an exception to be in “the vanguard” ensuring that the newly elected Free National Movement (FNM) government does what is in the best interest of Bahamians.

Speaking to The Tribune, the former member of Parliament lamented the Progressive Liberal Party’s (PLP) landslide loss at the polls because of voters’ displeasure with the party’s leadership, but he insisted that the voter base of the now opposition party has

not changed and will aid it in a victory in 2022.

On May 10, the PLP was dealt a devastating blow after securing only four seats in the House of Assembly to the FNM’s 35. It was also the first time that a prime minister had lost his seat. Former Prime Minister Perry Christie had been elected to represent Centreville, formerly known as Farm Road, for eight consecutive elections. However in the 2017 general election, he lost the seat to a newcomer to Parliament, Reece Chipman, by four votes.

On the night of May 15, Mr Christie stepped down as leader of the PLP forcing the Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador MP -elect to take over the leadership of the defeated party.

Mr Davis was formerly the PLP’s deputy leader.

“I have no interest right now in politics except to be

in the vanguard to see that they (the government) do what is in the best interest of Bahamians. (Politics) is the last thing on my mind right now,” Mr Miller said.

“I believe Mr Davis will do a good job as party leader and I expect those with positions in the party to assist him. We have a very small minority in Parliament with four members, but you know the opposition has to do its job and the government has to do their jobs.”

He continued: “Right now, I think the focus of Bahamians everywhere is seeing to it that the present government is successful in its efforts to try to execute its mandate because their success is our success. Likewise if they fail we fail as a people and we cannot afford to fail.

I am very concerned.

“After (former Long Island MP Loretta) ButlerTurner did what she did, who would have thought that Dr Minnis would have become prime minister?

Now look at her and the rest of them who went after him. (They have been) obliterated. But that’s just how life is.”

Asked if he believed it was possible for Bahamians to again see the PLP as an option to lead this country, Mr Miller said the party’s base hasn’t diminished, suggesting that it could return to the helm of governance.

“Always remember one thing, the PLP has a base of about 40 per cent. I don’t think that will change much.

“A good example of that is in Tall Pines. Almost 1,200 voters didn’t go to the polls.

“We lost by about 250. A lot of the people didn’t go to the polls. They keep calling and keep saying they apologise for not voting. They didn’t want to vote for the leadership and what have you. So it’s not a case of the support not being there.

“The loss this time was on a greater scale and that’s because the losses were close in most areas and people just decided that they wanted a change,” Mr Miller said.

Mr Miller has said he was not surprised that the PLP was “wiped out” by the FNM because “the hate” for Mr Christie “was strong” throughout the country.

After suffering the agonising defeat at the polls, Mr Miller said Bahamian people do not vote parties in, they vote them out. He previously said the PLP did not fulfil its promises to the people and “so we had to go.”

PAGE 16, Monday, May 22, 2017

PROJECT AIMS TO STUDY NESTING HABITS OF BAHAMA ORIOLE THE Bahamas National Trust is collaborating with the Omland Laboratory at the University of Maryland to determine nesting habitat for the Bahama Oriole on Andros, where fewer than 300 of these rare birds are thought to live.

Up to this point, Orioles were thought to nest almost exclusively in developed areas, in non-native coconut palms. But initial research in 2011 observed adult birds foraging in pine and coppice forest.

Current research let by Dr Kevin Omland, of the

Omland Lab, discovered Orioles nesting deep within the pine forests, building in understory palms and in pine trees themselves. This demonstrates that Bahama Orioles are able to utilise a wider range of habitats than previously thought, which could have significant implications for our understanding of the population ecology and conservation needs of this endangered species.

The critically endangered Bahama Oriole (Icterus northropi) originally lived on Abaco and Andros, but

was lost to Abaco in the 1990s. Now it struggles to survive on Andros. This special bird is found in very small numbers in isolated pockets on Andros. The most optimistic population estimate puts the total at fewer than 300 individuals.

In 2010, the Greater Antillean Oriole (Icterus dominicensis) was separated by the American Ornithologists Union into four species, one being the Bahama Oriole. New species are always a source of excitement, but in this case the announcement was

overshadowed by a sense of alarm and urgency, as this new species was limited to certain parts of Andros, in small and diminishing numbers.

It was being seen less frequently in North Andros, where it had formerly been abundant. It was extirpated on Abaco by a combination of habitat loss and a population that could not breed prolifically enough to sustain itself.

The main causes of the decline on Andros include Lethal Yellowing Disease of the coconut palm, which

is the prime nesting habitat for the Oriole. In some areas on Andros, such as Staniard Creek, the palm has been all but wiped out. The arrival and spread of the Shiny Cowbird (Molothrus bonariensis), a brood parasite that lays its eggs in the nests of other bird species, is also a factor. The cowbird reached Andros in the mid1990s.

Other factors put forward include forestry work, forest fires, diseases, rodents and feral cats - problems that affect many other birds, such as the Abaco parrot.

THE TRIBUNE

BLACK-Cowled Orioles nesting in a thatch palm on Flamingo Cay in North Andros.

Photo: Carlton Ward Jr/ www.carltonward.com