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VOLUME:115 No.125, MAY 23RD, 2018

THE PEOPLE’S PAPER: $1

ALICIA WALLACE: ROYAL WEDDING MAY NOT BE ALL WE HOPED FOR

Left in the dark BEAUTY AND THE BEACH

Pointe talks held without builders’ union

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net THE government’s engagement with Bahamas Contractors Association (BCA) officials on The Pointe project remains unsatisfactory, BCA President Leonard Sands said yesterday, claiming the association was not invited to a key stakeholder meeting last week despite four attempts to uncover when the meeting was to be held.

Mr Sands’ discontent contrasted with the feelings of Labour Minister Dion Foulkes who told reporters the government is nearing an agreement on how the BCA will interact with the management of The Pointe going forward.

“I had a very constructive meeting last week with

the top management at The Pointe,” Mr Foulkes said. “I also had several conversations with Mr Leonard Sands and I think we are coming to a type of agreement as to how his association will interact with the management at The Pointe. I am discussing with my cabinet colleagues for a holistic approach to how we are going to make sure that the Heads of Agreement, the provisions are enforced.”

Mr Sands, nonetheless, insists The Pointe is in breach of labour ratio requirements in the Heads of Agreement. He said BCA members pressure him continually to advocate for greater inclusion of Bahamian workers on the project.

THE Bahamas “could kiss the entire IBC market goodbye” if it gets its response to Europe’s “ring fencing” demands wrong, an ex-Cabinet minister warned yesterday, branding it a “make or break” issue.

Ryan Pinder, a former financial services minister, told Tribune Business that The Bahamas likely had just one opportunity to “get it right” in dealing with

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

THE investigation into the North Andros plane crash could take up to a year to complete, Tourism and Aviation Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar said yesterday.

And while the forensic team has treated this matter as a “priority”, Health Minister Duane Sands said he could not say how much longer it will take for the victims’ to be identified through DNA. On January 17, a Piper Aztec plane flown by Darren Clarke, 45, was flying from North Andros to Nassau when it crashed shortly after takeoff. All six people aboard were killed in the accident.

ROSEWOOD: SO GLAD WE STUCK WITH BAHA MAR

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

SEE PAGE FIVE

the 28-nation European Union’s (EU) requirements, thereby ensuring it remains “relevant in the cross-border finance market”.

Reiterating his call for The Bahamas to shelve legislation for a centralised Beneficial Ownership registry until global standards became clearer, Mr Pinder argued that this nation instead needed to prioritise meeting the EU’s demands by the December 31, 2018, deadline.

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net

SEE PAGE SIX

EU RESPONSE: WE MUST GET IT RIGHT

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

PLANE CRASH PROBE COULD TAKE A YEAR

THE MISS World Bahamas swimsuit and top model competition was held at Compass Point Resort on Saturday, part of a series of events as contestants do battle to win the top title. See Friday’s Weekend section for more from the week of activities.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

BAHA Mar has “nailed” the design of its Rosewood hotel, the brand’s president said yesterday, adding he was “absolutely delighted” it did not go through with a previously-threatened exit.

Radha Arora, speaking ahead of yesterday’s opening, told Tribune Business that Rosewood’s arrival in The Bahamas had been “a long time coming” but “first impressions” - which can “make or break the client experience” - had exceeded the brand’s expectations.

He added that the 237room Rosewood Baha Mar resort could easily “rub shoulders” with other highend resorts in its global property portfolio, which includes hotels throughout the Caribbean, US, Europe and Asia.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

CHIEF JUSTICE TURNER? IT’S JUST A TYPO HOME INSURANCE

AUTO INSURANCE

LIFE INSURANCE

MARINE INSURANCE

THE search for a permanent Chief Justice appeared over yesterday - but only for a moment.

Justice Bernard Turner was named there in black and white on the government’s own official directory - name, phone numbers and email address under the grand title - Chief Justice.

The Tribune stumbled on the “appointment” while making other routine inquiries.

After all the fuss about

JUSTICE Bernard Turner named on the government directory yesterday. the Prime Minister dragging his feet over finding a full-time replacement for Sir Hartman Longley to

head the country’s highest court it seemed the search was over.

SEE PAGE THREE

Covering The Bahamas for over 40 years.

NEW PROVIDENCE | GRAND BAHAMA | ABACO | ELEUTHERA | EXUMA

INSURANCE MANAGEMENT

(BAHAMAS) LIMITED. INSURANCE BROKERS & AGENTS

www.InsuranceManagementBahamas.com

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

RICHARD COULSON: SAY ‘YES’ TO BAHAMAS OIL DRILLING

SEE PAGE TEN

PAGE 2, Wednesday, May 23, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

ROSEWOOD BLOOMS AT BAHA MAR AS RIBBON IS CUT

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunenedia.net

ROSEWOOD Baha Mar officially opened last night during a ribbon cutting ceremony as executives prepare to phase in the first guests on June 1.

Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis praised Baha Mar for its contribution to The Bahamas’ exceptional tourism market, adding the country must focus on doing an even better job in attracting and providing services to visitors.

He said his administration is committed to doing

PRESIDENT of Baha Mar Graeme Davis, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and Rosewood President Radha Arora cutting the ribbon.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff a better job at monetising also includes revitalising recognised Chow Tai Fook cruise ship visits to New the tourism product in the Enterprises Ltd – Baha Mar’s owners and former Providence and Grand second city.

Dr Minnis also Prime Minister Perry Bahama. This commitment

D’AGUILAR: I HAVE CHANGED MY VIEWS ON BAHA MAR

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

TOURISM Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar says his position on Baha Mar and its importance to the country has changed since being appoint to his post.

Speaking outside Cabinet

yesterday, the former Baha Mar board member praised the resort’s continued expansion, insisting his past views had been influenced by his relationship with Baha Mar’s original developer, Sarkis Izmirlian.

“Let’s say that my position has changed from when I offered those views,” he said. “I was the director of a company that was ran by

the initial investor, and I was supportive of those views.”

However, Mr D’Aguilar added: “Now, I am the Minister of Tourism and I am… looking out for all Bahamians. An asset has been built, concessions have been given; it is now time to, no matter what my feelings were, to get that hotel open and Bahamians employed.”

Christie for contributing to the resort’s opening.

Radha Arora, president of Rosewood Hotels and Resorts, told reporters there is a huge pent-up demand for the 237-room Baha Mar arm of the brand, which employs 450 workers.

He said: “June 1 we’ll have a few guests, but we’ll phase them in. We want to make sure we get the service standard right so that nothing is amiss.”

It comes six months after the SLS opened in grand style last May. Dr Minnis said: “Tourism is doing exceptionally well in The Bahamas. But we can do even better. The government is committed to the revitalisation of tourism in Grand Bahama. We must better monetise cruise ship visits to New Providence and Grand Bahama.

“There are a number of developments being negotiated for the Family Islands.

We will announce a number of upgrades to infrastructure, including a number of Family Island airports.

“Here in New Providence, the ongoing transformation of downtown Nassau is essential for the visitor experience. The new Straw Market and the movement of the Container Port from downtown were important developments in

the revitalisation of downtown. Considerably more must be done.

“In due course, we will announce a number of developments and initiatives to truly transform downtown for Bahamians and visitors, including hotel and resort guests and cruise ship passengers.”

He continued: “Fairwind, of course, is the nautical term for a favourable wind for a sailor. In this vein, Baha Mar and tourism in general are experiencing exceptional fairwinds throughout our archipelago.

“These favourable winds will gather speed and will benefit even more Bahamians as our economy continues to grow, and as our Bahamas brand continues to attract even more visitors to the islands of The Bahamas. Today is indeed one of celebration. Congratulations again to all who made today possible.”

Dr Minnis further appealed to executives to incorporate heritage tours and cultural experiences off property for guests.

Rosewood, a global hotel company with over 23 hotels and resorts, boasts a number of iconic properties, including: The Crillion in Paris, Rosewood London and the Carlyle in New York City.

If you see this handsome young man today please join us in wishing him

Happy Birthday!!!

WE LOVE YOU.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, May 23, 2018, PAGE 3

Two charged with robbery and murder attempt

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net TWO 24-year-old men were arraigned in a magistrate’s court yesterday accused of being the perpetrators of an armed robbery and an attempted murder one week ago.

Dominic Stuart and Antonio Neely stood before Deputy Chief Magistrate Subusola Swain charged with one count each of armed robbery and attempted murder stemming from the May 15 incidents.

It is alleged that being concerned together and armed with a handgun on May 15, the two Garden Hills residents robbed Travis Johnson of $80.

It is further alleged that on the same date, the two intentionally and unlawfully

attempted to cause Travis Johnson’s death by means of unlawful harm.

Stuart was further charged with one count of robbery concerning an incident that occurred days before the alleged armed robbery on May 9.

It is alleged that on that date, Stuart robbed Sean Simmons of his wallet which contained $400 in cash and an assortment of credit cards.

Neither man was required to enter a plea to the armed robbery and attempted murder charges and the matter was adjourned to August 8 for service of a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI).

Stuart pleaded not guilty to the robbery charge and that matter was adjourned to the same date for trial.

Prior to the closure of the arraignment, Neely’s

ANTONIO NEELY, left, and Dominic Stuart, right.

attorney Lennox Coleby indicated to the court that his client was shot by police, and that he consequently has a bullet lodged in his right arm.

The surgery to remove the bullet is today, Mr Coleby said. Thus, the attorney requested that the deputy chief magistrate send a note to officials at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDCS) in view of his client’s predicament.

The deputy chief magistrate noted Mr Coleby’s submissions and stated that she would recommend that Neely be seen by a medic at the Fox Hill facility.

Both men were subsequently remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services in the interim. They have the right to apply to the Supreme Court for bail.

Photos: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff

TEENAGER ON ATTEMPTED MURDER CHARGE

BY DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A 19-YEAR-OLD Freeport man was charged with attempted murder in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court yesterday morning.

Cornel Beckles, of Tamarind Street, appeared in Court Two before Magistrate Charlton Smith in connection with an incident that occurred on May 13 when it is alleged he attempted to commit murder.

Beckles was not required to enter a plea to the charge which is an indictable offence. The matter was adjourned to Tuesday, August 14, for trial, and he was remanded to the

Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

In other court news, two Freeport men were charged with armed robbery.

Denny Rolle, 22, of Summerville Drive, and Tommy Rolle, 23, of Malibu Drive, appeared before Magistrate Charlton Smith in connection with an incident that occurred on May 14. The pair was not required to enter a plea to the armed robbery charge, and the matter was adjourned to July 30 for trial.

The men were remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

In Abaco, two men were charged separately in the Marsh Harbour

Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday - one for grievous harm, and the other for stealing.

Obrien Reckley, 24, of Murphy Town, Abaco, appeared before Magistrate Ancella Evans on the charge of causing grievous harm in connection with an incident that occurred on May 13. He pleaded not guilty and was remanded to Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. The matter was adjourned June 18 for trial.

Louiciux Timotee, 19, of The Mud, Abaco, was charged with stealing in connection with an incident reported to police on May 15. He pleaded guilty to the offence and is awaiting sentencing.

RICARDO Burrows outside court.

MAN CHARGED WITH TWO SEX OFFENCES AGAINST YOUNG GIRLS

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net A 31-YEAR-OLD man was arraigned in a magistrate’s court yesterday charged with having sexual intercourse with a ten-year-old girl, and also of trying to touch another girl’s private parts earlier this year.

Ricardo Burrows, of Eden Street, stood before Deputy Chief Magistrate Subusola Swain charged with one count each of unlawful sexual intercourse and indecent assault concerning incidents that occurred between January and the first week of February.

It is alleged that sometime between January 1 and February 7, he had unlawful sex with the ten-year-old girl, and that between January 1 and February 8, he placed his hand underneath another girl’s dress and attempted to touch her vagina.

He was not required to enter a plea to the charge and the case was adjourned to August 9 for service of a voluntary bill of indictment.

Bail was denied and he was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDCS) until that time or until he is successful in securing bail from the Supreme Court.

Another man, Taraves Eneas, was charged with rape for having sexual intercourse with a 22-year-old woman without her consent sometime on Saturday of last week.

He too was not required

TARAVES ENEAS to enter a plea and his matter was adjourned to August 8 for service of a Voluntary Bill of Indictment (VBI). He was remanded in the interim, and also has the right to apply to the Supreme Court for bail ahead of his trial.

Another man, 38-yearold Kevin Dean of Old Trail Road, was arraigned before Magistrate Samuel McKinney on a single count of abduction of an unmarried

person.

It is alleged that between April 18 and May 19, while at New Providence, he abducted an unmarried girl who is only 16 years of age.

He was not required to enter a plea to the charge and the matter was adjourned to July 26 for service of a VBI. He was remanded to the BDCS in the interim. He has the right to apply to the Supreme Court for bail.

TWO ACCUSED OF $12,000 FRAUD

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

A MAN and a woman were arraigned in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday charged with collectively defrauding a woman of more than $12,000 within a threeday period earlier this month.

Donovan Stubbs, 21, and Shafara Lewis, 23, stood before Magistrate Ambrose Armbrister for allegedly fraudulently obtaining $1,500 from

Fatiha Neymour in eight separate instances between May 11 and 14.

Stubbs and Lewis were charged with four counts each of fraud for their alleged actions.

Stubbs was further accused of dealing with $14,120 between the dates in question, which in part represented another person’s proceeds of criminal conduct.

He was also alleged to have laundered the same amount between the same dates, which represented another person’s

proceeds of criminal conduct.

Lewis was likewise charged with acquiring and laundering $13,620 between the dates in question.

Both Stubbs and Lewis pleaded not guilty to all of the charges. The matter was adjourned to July 18 for trial.

Bail was denied and the two were remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDCS) until that time or if they are successful in applying to the Supreme Court for bail.

CHIEF JUSTICE TURNER? IT’S JUST A TYPO from page one One senior lawyer when we contacted him for reaction had only one word: “wow”.

We immediately contacted Attorney General Carl Bethel to get his take on the news thinking he’d

be relieved someone had been named to the post given the constant rumours he would be given the job himself.

Mr Bethel was back in touch after an hour, sadly to dampen our enthusiasm.

“As of today it is a typo…

Stephen Isaacs is still

Acting CJ.” So as of today, as Mr Bethel says, no story.

In fact, if it is a typo, it’s one that’s been there – according to Tribune sources – for up to two years. It’s only now that we’ve been able to bring it to the government’s attention.

The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority Invites you to its

2018 Oral Hearing

“Smart, Green Bahamas” Thursday 31 May 2018 Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority’s Office Frederick House, Frederick Street 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

RSVP by 28 May 2018 to info@urcabahamas.bs or 242.396.5237 Improving lives through effective utilities regulation

PAGE 4, Wednesday, May 23, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

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Let’s be honest - they’re just downright rude IT is a fact of life that putting a uniform on an ordinary man can change him instantly. The heavyset class creep can be transformed into the big-chested bully. A stout woman can become HyperHolly on authority steroids. Not only does a uniform imbue a sense of power for the individual wearing it, it induces greater likelihood of obedience from those who interact with the uniform.

Research beginning with Milgram’s Yale experiments in the early 1960s and continuing with variations over 11 years have consistently demonstrated that we see the individual in a uniform, whether grey lab coat or police blues, as a figure of authority and we are more likely to respect and obey that uniform, even increasing the likelihood of our willingness to inflict pain on another individual if ordered. The research of a uniform on human behaviour is robust and clear.

Uniforms change people, pump the wearer with confidence and we suggest that confidence, in some cases, can lead to arrogance.

Those who interact with a frustrated police officer may see his or her reaction to slowness to producing a driver’s licence, for instance, as frightening, even abusive. We want to point out another type of abuse and from what we hear, this is an abuse of power that takes place on a daily basis at LPIA. It is the treatment of non-Americans, and in particular, Bahamians, at the hands of America Homeland Security in the pre-clearance section of the nation’s busiest airport.

There was great hoopla surrounding the introduction of self-serve kiosks in the Immigration Hall. People who checked in for a flight to the US could walk up to a kiosk, scan their passport - with visa if necessary - pose with a straight face for the attached camera and the machine would spew out a receipt. With that receipt in hand, the individual would then proceed to the line on the far right of the hall, go to the quick clear line, clear and head into the next hall before going upstairs to the appropriate departure gate.

The advanced technology was a great relief for NAD officials and personnel who were dealing with a daily three-tofour hour midday overload when the US pre-clearance halls were struggling with lines that often wrapped around three times with hundreds waiting to clear and not infrequently missing flights. Travellers were warned to arrive at the airport three hours in advance, which was fine for surviving long lines, but hardly a popular solution especially for Americans who are accustomed to one-hour advance arrivals in even that country’s busiest airports.

The kiosks proved efficient for returning Americans but had the opposite impact on Bahamians and others who could not use them for one reason or another.

In theory, Bahamians with visas should be able to clear through the kiosk method but because the ink of a stamp from a previous re-entry can

smear essential information, it is not uncommon for Bahamians to be redirected from kiosk to the line on the near left that goes nowhere fast. While those on the far right zip by and those on the extreme left, including flight crew, handicapped and VIPs, are whisked through, the individuals stuck in the mid-left line go nowhere.

We have had reports of the line reaching up to three dozen passengers waiting to be instructed to a waiting booth where a man or woman in uniform can question their legitimacy while on both sides of them passenger after passenger goes through. And who is in the line for leftovers with the foul treatment?

Mostly Bahamians either travellling on a police certificate as recommended by the American Embassy which often sends out notices that it is not necessary to have a visa, a police certificate will do, or those whose passports have been ‘tainted’ by the ink of an official stamp smearing the letters and numbers along the bottom of the page that has to be read electronically. According to the security at the entrance to that hall, the individual who directs passengers to the kiosk or another line, the midleft lane is treated that way all the time and there is nothing that he or she can do about it. If they report a complaint, it gets even worse and the individuals in line are punished further for being non-American.

In two recent cases that have been reported to this newspaper, waiting individuals who dared to raise their hands after 20 minutes to half an hour and ask if they were forgotten were not only left standing longer but after finally being directed to a station were “randomly selected” to be hauled off for an “agricultural survey,” where they were led to an interrogation room where they waited even longer for their name to be called to take the survey and be checked for mites, ticks and lice.

One of those persons told us he had never thought about carrying so much as apple-flavoured breath mints in his luggage or pocket so why would he have been “randomly selected” to be subjected to an agricultural survey. He knew why, he said, because he dared to raise his hand and ask if the line he was in could be called.

It doesn’t pay to speak up when speaking to a uniform in pre-clearance, even when speaking up politely. We wish the new American Embassy Charge d’Affaires Stephanie Bowers good luck.

We have met her and she seems pleasant enough and interested in her new post. But we strongly suggest that she let the uniforms know they are guests in this country and should treat their hosts with respect and if she cannot do it, The Bahamas will need to apply greater pressure for an ambassador who is not afraid to get the unruly, impolite officers who are supposed to defend America’s borders in line, not treat those who are entering legally and with good intentions as if they were unbathed scum.

Uniforms do not the man make, character is what lies beneath.

Police sirens EDITOR, The Tribune.

WHILE many of us believed that The Divine Right of Kings and Potentates ended with the Magna Carta in 1215AD. I don’t think that the memo reached The Bahamas.

Certainly not those in our police force assigned to taking dignitaries along the streets of Nassau, at speeds that the average potcake Bahamian would be jailed for.

For the many of us waiting patiently at the Shirley and Mackey Streets traffic light, at two thirty today, Friday, 18th May, suddenly we were alarmed at the siren in the east and the

heavy booomp boooomg of the police car horns as they tried to navigate the double lane of dense traffic. As the north and southbound Mackey Street traffic is unable to hear the sirens, or the horns, they quite naturally kept going with the green light in their favour.

In a few moments, one of the outriders pushed his way to the front of the line and with great annoyance on his face, at those of us too scared to move into the line of fire, he moved to the middle of the intersection, which is exactly and precisely what he should have done in the first place.

Running his siren from 100 yards back would have

been very cold comfort for anyone causing a crash in the intersection and possibly ending their life or someone else’s. These people really must think that they are endowed by Almighty God to do whatever they feel is important, and to hell with the rest of us. I would love to be able to share the name of the Potentate who was being escorted by these maniacs, but suffice it to say, and I hope they read this account, they should feel absolutely ashamed of themselves for condoning such vulgarity.

MONKEEDOO Nassau, May 18, 2018.

Carifta medal bungle EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE Holy Bible encourages us to plan intricately at Luke 14:28, 29 & 30 (28) For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?

(29) Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, (30) Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.

The 2018 Carifta Games was held March 30 through April 2 named after (Dr Bernard Nottage Carifta Games). Marking the 8th Carifta Games to date.

I represented The Bahamas in the first junior CAC championship and represented The Bahamas as the first race walker to do so in the summer 1980 games. Sensible people normally order more medals than enough per event. Even the local fun run/ fun walk are better organised. It is even tempting to pilfer a medal or two for souvenir where there are so many Gold medals glaring you in the face but some things you just don’t do.

The caption reads: “Bungling officials run out of medals at Carifta Games”

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net of April 5, 2018, issue of the Punch.

The front page right hand corner has Michael Pintard’s picture affixed to it.

Hence Bahamian athletes were requested to give up their medals to accommodate athletes of the other 27 countries. Who is going to re-order medals; they probably have broken the mold which created the medals.

This is what happens when you don’t want to sponsor an event but you want to get the full credit.

The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture did not want to invest anything in Carifta this year 2018, but wanted to get all the rewards. He who wants all gets none.

One cannot expect to have your cake and eat it too.

This slackness is a first; we are the laughing stock of the Caribbean and the world; silly and slack to the core. How could this have happened? It just goes to show you that common sense is not common. All of this catastrophe happened under the Hon Michael Pintard’s watch.

Lest we forget when we ask who is at the helm of the ministry of youth

sports and culture they are not going to call the goffer and lackey; they are going to request whom is at the head.

I have done seminars orchestrated by Pintard and Educator Samuel Bain.

I have found them to be meticulous; paying attention to detail, going beyond the call of duty- well organised, so how can this blunder be?

Also, the organisers even wanted to charge athletes $20 per head. Morale was at its all-time low. Luckily enough we had proud sponsor of the Easter weekend games CIBC claims “it was an honour to help.”

The cheque was presented to marketing agent Ken Wilson from CIBC’s treasurer Beulah Arthur.

Also too, Scotia Bank was Silver sponsor of 2018 Carifta Games.

Team Bahamas comprising of 80 members was second to Jamaica with six (6) gold fourteen (14) silver and fifteen (15) bronze.

Jamaica won with 45 gold, 29 silver and 10 bronze (84 medals total).

Whose purse or pocket did the monies go into? I have to call on my cousin Terrence Bastian to fully investigate.

LOXSLEY L BASTIAN Nassau, May 16, 2018.

Munnings Road EDITOR, The Tribune.

THIS Gladstone Road Munnings Road, south side of West Ridge road blocking issue.

I find it totally unacceptable that the Public Works note without required gazetting have blocked off Munnings Road access.

Munnings Road had to have been approved in a sub-division approval so it was accepted to be a public access.

The policing as in the Royal Bahamas Police presence in the area

is precisely the responsibility of the Commissioner - if there have been incidents of road rage, drag racing, dumping of garbage then the police need a presence there. A report indicates there are medical records dumped in the area - whichever clinic they belong to should be charged and dealt with, not just speaking about it.

If we take the policy decision in this Munnings Road case half of Nassau roads will be blocked off.

Gladstone first thing is bumper to bumper

- Munnings Road filtered Airport - Lyford Cay and Clifton Pier traffic to the benefit of road users thus adding delays on Gladstone Road accessing Thompson Boulevard.

There is no reason for Munnings Road to be “suspiciously” blocked off…

So the good Minister of Public Works will spend $2m next year and still keep Munnings Road closed?

Need to know?

ABRAHAM MOSS Nassau, May 16, 2018.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, May 23, 2018, PAGE 5

WORKERS at The Pointe development on Bay Street.

Left in the dark from page one

While the government has acknowledged The Pointe lacks the agreed 70-30 workforce in favour of Bahamian workers, officials say more Bahamians have not yet been hired because of the specialised work required at this stage of the development.

“We were advised that there would be a meeting,” Mr Sands said.

“The date originally was two weeks ago on a Wednesday but the Friday before that Wednesday we got a communication from the Department of Labour that the meeting had been

cancelled so we asked when is the meeting if it had been rescheduled? At no point in time were our questions answered. We followed up and asked again. To this date no response to our communications has been received.

‘What’s been interesting is for other matters we called the office and we were advised then that there was a meeting a week ago Monday and we were not there. We were advised that at the meeting there was representation from The Pointe, the chief executive was there, their attorneys, the Minister of Labour, the Director of Labour, everyone except for representation from

the BCA. We were advised that they tried to reach us but no one could reach us.

But that seems interesting to me since we were corresponding via email and we received no update in that form.”

Mr Sands said the association wants to help the government find ways to accomplish the goals of the Heads of Agreement, “nothing else”.

Regarding last week’s meeting, he said: “I have no idea what was agreed, what was discussed, where the direction of components of labour is heading, what they advised in terms of what they can or cannot do in terms of finding the right

people - nothing.”

Mr Sands was once the Free National Movement (FNM) candidate for Bain and Grants town but he withdrew months before the 2017 general election.

Yesterday, it appeared Mr Sands was at odds with the Minnis administration with his criticism.

He decried the condition of the male restroom at Potters Cay Dock on a Facebook post over the weekend.

“I make no apologies for this statement that I am about to make,” he said.

“The Bahamian people fired the previous government for not doing their jobs. It seems to me that some members in

this government cannot do the job…I can personally have this matter fixed in less than seven days. I cannot because this facility is government property. I have no authority.”

Education Minister Jeffrey Lloyd responded under the post.

“Leonard Sands,” Mr Lloyd wrote. “You not talking bout people doing their jobs eh? You, Leonard?

You want us –– ME AND YOU –– to go there??? I think a space for critical, unvarnished SELF-EXAMINATION may help you.”

It didn’t end there.

“Yes sir, I have faults,” Mr Sands responded. “Yes sir I may have to look at

‘DIFFERENCES’ DELAYED MARCO’S LAW IMPLEMENTATION

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net DIFFERENCES between the Office of the Attorney General and the Ministry of National Security prevented the full implementation of the Sexual Offences Act under the Christie administration, according to Attorney General Carl Bethel.

He told The Tribune the regulations for the Act, which includes provisions for a sexual offences register, will come into force this year “sometime after the budget period, depending on how fast we can achieve a workable consensus”.

“I have only just received the draft regulations so I’m not aware of where the difficulty might have been yet,” he said.

“We are reviewing the regulations. My understanding is that the hold up on the full implementation of Marco’s Law was differences between OAG and MNS in the last administration. We are working to iron out any impediments to implementation.”

Desire for the registry remerged after last week’s revelation that two young girls were victims of sexual assault.

Some parents of children who frequent the Darling Street and Bailou Hill Road areas where the incidents occurred expressed shock and surprise that no registry exists in the Bahamas.

my inner man introspectively. The only thing that I sought to have done was to have the matter either resolved or somebody to care enough to explain why it hasn’t been resolved.”

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Dr. Susan Donald #9b Village Rd. P.O.Box SS-19163 Nassau, Bahamas Tel: (242) 393-2774 ATTORNEY General Carl Bethel.

The Christie administration passed the Sexual Offences Act and the Child Protection Act in 2013, two years after the killing of 11-year-old Marco Archer, a tragedy that spurred calls for the registry.

Kofhe Goodman, convicted killer of Archer, had a history of predatory behaviour towards young boys dating back to the 1990s and many Bahamians believed that if a proper registry existed the child could have been protected.

Under the Sexual Offences Act, a person

convicted of a specified offence can be exempt from a requirement to register or report to authorities if the conviction is for a first time offence; if the person is a child, if the sentence being imposed is of minimal severity or if the court is satisfied that the “effect of the imposition of such requirements on the offender, including how his privacy or liberty, would be grossly disproportionate to the public interest to be achieved by registering the offender as a sex offender.”

SO WHERE IS YOUR GOD? “I so sick and tired of people telling me about their God… From what I can see, you’ll God and my, ‘suppose’ Father ain’t never do nuttin to help me. If you’ll jail my parents, you’ll need to jail God too. He sit right down, year after year and let me get abused. He could part the Red Sea but he did nothing to help me.

Understand why I aint on your God run.” (bahamian children cry pg. 45) “My brother bleed to death in my hands, Ms. on the way to the hospital. I was bleeding too but I live; I can’t live without ordering a body bag. It is that simple.

Read: ‘Bahamian Children Cry’ and its companion text, ‘Without Consent: Without Intent’ Every Serious Youth Worker Should Read These!

By Dr. Valerie H-Knowles, Licensed Psychologist Children and Adolescents

https://valerieknowles.wixsite.com/stolenchildhoods Available at Nassau Stationers Ltd, Rosetta Street, Amazon.com, or ask for personal delivery at 433-8223

PAGE 6, Wednesday, May 23, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

Plane crash probe could take a year from page one In interviews with The Tribune last weekend, relatives of the victims criticised the way the investigation has been handled as well as the repeated delays in DNA testing.

These delays have prevented them from obtaining death certificates, receiving remains and getting closure.

When asked by reporters if he could provide information on the status of the investigation, Mr D’Aguilar said he would have to “consult”, noting “these things take time”.

“I spoke to the Air Accident and Investigation Department and they told me that the investigation was on-going,” he said.

“They have to wait for the insurance company in the States that’s looking at the wreckage to finish their study and to produce a report and all these things take time.

“And I think that they’re waiting for that process to be done. Typically they say the maximum period —this is what they informed me, this is what I’m advised— the maximum period these investigations can go on for is one year.”

“So, within one year, this investigation will come to a close. But I think that they’re still waiting for reports that they have no control over to be completed.

Air Accident Investigation Department’s chief accident investigator Delvin Major confirmed Mr D’Aguilar’s remarks. He

FAMILY members of crash victims during a memorial service in January in North Andros - but some could wait for up to a year more for answers in the probe to learn what caused the plane crash.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff added that investigations can actually take “forever”, but investigators try to complete them within a year.

However, Mr Major said the investigation into the plane crash could be completed as early as the end of July.

“I just received the last report that I was waiting for just last week,” he said.

“I’m actually in the process right now of adding that…to my report, so by week’s end I will have the draft report completed which I will have to send to the participants…those who assisted us with the analysis.

They have to review the report before it becomes final.”

Mr Major said they then have a 60-day window starting from the day he sends

the report to submit any changes or edits to him that are needed.

“If there’s any corrections I would make those corrections and then thereafter the report would be available for release,” he added.

If no response is sent within 60 days, his draft report becomes the final report.

“I would say by latest, end of July, but it can be sooner if they respond back to me say within 30 days,” he said.

Vandeka Stuart and Kermit Adderley, relatives of three of the victims, spoke with The Tribune over the weekend on the impact the accident and its aftermath have had on their families.

They both pleaded with

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government officials to speed up the process of DNA analysis so they can bury their loved ones.

Despite providing DNA samples to help identify their relatives within the first week of the accident, neither relative has received an update since then.

When they inquire about the delay, the family is simply told that there “are people who are ahead of [them] that’s also waiting on DNA results”, Ms Stuart said.

Mr Major made it clear the release of DNA results are separate from his investigation.

“One has nothing to do with the other. What happened is the remains that were found were sent for

DNA analysis. That really has nothing to do with us or our investigation. That’s something completely aside,” he said.

When asked about the delay in the DNA results, Dr Sands told The Tribune that a perceived delay is a “function of expectation”.

“Without revealing a whole lot of the specifics, this was a phenomenal forensic challenge to identify remains of multiple different victims, given what was left,” he said.

“I guess it is the perception of ‘long’ is really a function of expectation, given the challenge of the forensic activity required to go through the remains,” he said.

“To the family, I think it’s important to understand

that the medical team in charge of this process are very, very sensitive to the human concerns of this event and are working diligently to get the matter resolved.”

“But an arbitrary expectation of an upper limit of time really doesn’t apply.

However long it takes to get this matter resolved definitively and appropriately is how long it’ll take.”

While acknowledging the “phenomenal sensitivity” of the matter, Dr Sands commended the forensic pathology team for moving the process along “with phenomenal efficiency”.

“We understand grieving, we understand the wish for closure. And I suspect that obviously in due course most if not all of the family members should be able to get that closure.”

Dr Sands dismissed the idea that any perceived backlog was affecting the forensic evaluation of this case.

“I think the most important think is that the families should know that… the pathologists have dealt with this matter as a priority and they have applied all of their professional skill and the skill of their supporting laboratories to get the forensic activity completed.

And I think they should be commended for the effort to date.”

The Health Minister added as soon as the forensic pathologist is satisfied with the analysis, matters surrounding the death certificates will be resolved.

1 IN 50 PEOPLE IN NATION HAS HIV, REPORT WARNS

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net

THE country’s main supplies of HIV/AIDs drugs have been restored, Health Minister Duane Sands confirmed yesterday.

In an interview with The Tribune, Dr Sands addressed the status of HIV/AIDs in the country, including The Bahamas’ rank as having the highest prevalence of HIV outside Sub-Saharan Africa in the world and the international goal to eliminate the disease by 2030.

According to the “Global AIDS Monitoring Report: 2017”, released by the Bahamas Ministry of Health, at the end of 2015, 8,667 people were listed as living with HIV in The Bahamas.

“This means that roughly 1 in 50 persons in The Bahamas in 2015 was HIV positive”, the report says.

However, that same year 226 people were diagnosed with HIV — a 43 percent drop from 2006, when 396 people were diagnosed.

Despite the drop, The Bahamas still ranks 17th in the world for HIV/AIDs adult prevalence rate, according to statistics by Index Mundi.

This puts the country below states such as South Africa (4), Kenya (12) and Tanzania (13) but above Rwanda (20) and Nigeria (21).

The Bahamas also has the highest rate in the region.

In reference to these statistics, Dr Sands said, “It is what it is. I mean, it is an acknowledgement of the…

prevalence of HIV in The Bahamas.”

Dr Sands said a combination of sexual behaviour — both heterosexual and homosexual — contributes to these high figures.

He added that mother-tochild transmission accounts for a “small contribution”, but added the in recent years the country has virtually eliminated this.

When asked what can be done to further facilitate the downward trend in transmission and decrease the country’s ranking, Dr Sands suggested adopting the 90-90-90 strategy by 2020.

“Ninety percent of people infected with HIV should know their status. So we need to get to a point of nearly universal testing of Bahamians to know their status.”

“To have 90 percent of persons who are HIV positive to be on antiretroviral therapy. And to have 90 percent of people who are on antiretroviral therapy to have adequate suppression of the virus.

“We are nowhere near that right now,” Dr Sands added.

“We have challenges with continued stigmatisation of certain high risk or vulnerable groups. And that interferes with individuals seeking or accepting therapy.”

“We have a very conservative public approach when it comes to matters of human sexuality. And not withstanding the fact the general manifestation of sexual behaviour is not so conservative.”

In late March, it was reported that there were HIV/AIDs drug

shortages at facilities in New Providence.

At the time, Dr Sands noted that the country was at a “critically low level” of supplies.

Yesterday, he confirmed that supplies have been restored.

He added that health officials have increased the criteria for treatment and recognise that not all patients in The Bahamas can be adequately treated with either first- or secondline medications.

“And so while the supplies of antiretrovirals or HIV medications has been repleted, the fight against HIV is constantly going to have a moving goal or goal post,” he said.

When asked to elaborate, Dr Sands reference the high number of patients in the country.

“We have roughly 8,000 patients living with HIV/ AIDs. And we would like to have those individuals have a constantly improving quality of life. We want to minimise the number of new persons infected with HIV. And so it means that our approach will have to be constantly evolving.”

This includes both the implementation and monitoring of treatments as well as counselling for children, teenagers, and adults “who face daily stigma and public recrimination”.

“So, we can never ever rest on our laurels. It is a matter of constantly improving the care that is provided to those persons battling this disease, if we’re going to get to a point where as the rest of the world has decided, we’re going to eliminate HIV by 2030.”

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, May 23, 2018, PAGE 7

A DEMOLISHED property at the Hamster Road shanty town in New Providence.

Government has a plan for shanty town residents - but won’t reveal what it is

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net LABOUR Minister Dion Foulkes said yesterday the government does have a plan which addresses mounting frustrations from those in the Haitian community who say demolishing shanty towns will leave many homeless.

However, Mr Foulkes told reporters he did not want to announce this plan, adding officials had given it a lot of consideration.

This comes as shanty town residents in New Providence have been given a deadline of July 31 to move along with residents of Abaco shanty towns, namely the Mud and Pigeon Peas.

As work continues, Mr Foulkes who is chairman of the Shanty Town Action

Task Forced, said a date had not been set for the start of a census in Abaco where there are several major shanty towns. He previously announced officials would conduct a survey on that island following the completion of a questionnaire in the capital.

“This week I am meeting with the leaseholders of the land,” the minister told reporters ahead of yesterday’s Cabinet meeting.

“All of the shanty towns are located on land that has the legal vested right in Bahamians.

“And I want to meet with them to basically give them notice of what we are doing and give them the opportunity to rectify the situation.”

Asked where people with status living in shanty towns were expected to go

when their homes were torn down, Mr Foulkes said: “I do not want to announce it now, but we have a plan that we are going to follow.

We have been giving this a lot of consideration and I want to assure the Bahamian people that it is very precise and it is going to be done in a methodical way.

“We are not going to be rushed and we are not going to be pressured. In shanty towns are children so we have to be extremely sensitive.”

Preliminary census results released last week show that of the total number shanty town residents, an “overwhelming” 70 percent have a legal right to reside in the country.

The survey conducted by the Shanty Town Action Task Force (SATF) assessed 1,410 residents from the 428 households, and revealed

YOUNG MAN DIES AS CAR CRASHES INTO UTILITY POLE

BY DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

GRAND Bahamas’ West End community was in a state of shock yesterday after an early morning traffic accident left a young man dead on Queens Highway, the island’s seventh fatality for the year.

Although police have not yet released the victim’s name, The Tribune understands the deceased is Devon “Vonnie” Poitier of the Big Yard in West End. The accident happened shortly before 7am in the area of Pelican Lakes when a silver-coloured 2008 Honda Fit driven by Poitier crashed into a utility pole.

ASP Terecita Pinder said the vehicle sustained extensive damage. “The vehicle collided with a utility pole and separated on impact, and the male driver died at the scene,” she reported.

Relatives, including the victim’s mother, went to the scene after learning news of the tragedy.

Morticians were called in to remove the victim’s body. A tow truck was also summoned to remove the wreckage from the bushes and large pieces of car debris scattered in the area.

Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe, MP for West Grand Bahama and Bimini, was also at the scene and offered her support to distraught family members.

She said the victim was a “striving” young man from the West End community.

“My heart goes out to the family, said Mrs Parker-Edgecombe.

He was a striving young man, well mannered, loved and known by many in West Grand Bahama.

“It’s a sad day for us all.

We are uncertain as to what lead to the traffic accident at this time and while police investigations are underway, as a community, I do believe long standing issues involving our streets in

most are long-term residents aged 40 or older with an average of three persons per household and total weekly incomes of less than $400.

Twenty-three percent of interviewees did not provide information on their legal status, and only six percent of residents that did were undocumented.

The largest grouping, 32 percent, held work permits, and 21 percent of interviewees had permanent residency, survey findings revealed.

Bahamian residents stood at 15 percent, and three percent of interviewees had a spousal permit.

The survey was conducted in ten shanty towns over a four week period from Elizabeth, Carmichael (Garden Hills), and Golden Isles constituencies, and with the help

of 60 enumerators from various governmental agencies.

The eviction deadline angered Rights Bahamas.

The organisation said it now had evidence to take “constitutional action” against the government over the timeline mandating the eviction of shantytown residents, arguing the decision was discriminatory.

Stephanie St Fleur, president of the activist group, branded the move “ethnic cleansing” saying it contravened certain articles of the Bahamas Constitution.

Last week, Ms St Fleur said she was surprised by the news of a deadline. She has also voiced concern about the living facilities of residents post demolition.

However, Haitian Pastors League President Dr Jean Paul Charles told The

Tribune yesterday he had no issues with the deadline because in his view it gives sufficient time for shanty town dwellers to find alternative housing.

He said he had known of the government’s date to vacate since February.

The deadline was first made public in The Tribune’s report of an interview with Labour Minister Dion Foulkes, chairman of the government-appointed shanty town committee.

Dr Charles said the only challenge was some families may find it difficult to financially afford what is required to rent accommodations. This, he said, was raised with government officials. But the Minnis administration has said they are not willing to assist in this regard, Dr Charles said.

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DEVON ‘VONNIE’ POITIER West Grand Bahama must be addressed, and it will be,” she stated.

The Grand Bahama MP said she was very concerned about the number of road deaths on the island.

“We are losing way too many lives, said Mrs Parker-Edgecombe.

“As the representative for the area, along with community leaders and constituents, I am committed to ensuring that we put in place necessary road safety measures while spreading the message of road safety.”

Investigations are underway into the accident. In

the meantime, police are again urging motorists to drive within the speed limit and to buckle up.

ASP Jeremy Henfield, officer in charge of the Traffic Division, said this latest incident is the seventh traffic fatality on Grand Bahama for 2018.

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PAGE 8, Wednesday, May 23, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

PRINCE Harry and Meghan Markle kiss on the steps of St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle following their wedding on Saturday.

Photo: Danny Lawson/AP

Celebrate Meghan’s marriage but it may not be all we hope for

By Alicia O F all the movies in theatres, plays on stage and weddings all over the world, none drew attention to match that of the royal wedding on Saturday. People set alarms and woke up early to spot celebrities, critique the wedding dress, give meaning to Queen Elizabeth II’s expressions and see the way Prince Harry and Meghan Markle looked at each other during the ceremony in St George’s Chapel.

Markle arrived by car with her mother, Doria

Wallace

Ragland, and stepped out in a silk dress by British designer Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy.

The palace described it as “timeless minimal elegance”. With a boat neckline, long sleeves and

no embellishments, the soft matte dress drew attention to her shoulders and waist. It stayed true to Markle’s minimalist sophistication and preference for an understated aesthetic.

Her hair was styled in a low

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chignon bun and she wore and crimes and injustices the diamond bandeau tiara that go unacknowledged from Queen Elizabeth II’s by perpetrators and beneficollection. The trim of her ciaries. This, however, does 16-foot silk tulle veil, also not mean we cannot seek designed by Waight Keller, and find joy in the pomp was a composition of dis- and pageantry of a royal tinctive flora from each wedding, the supposed disof the 53 Commonwealth comfort of the Queen, the countries, hand-embroi- possibility of royal children dered in silk threads and with afros, the imaginaorganza. The yellow elder tion of the monarchy being was representative of The taken down, or spirited Bahamas. arguments with friends Celebrities in attendance and family members about included Amal Clooney, aspects of the ceremony Victoria Beckham and and its guests.

Serena Williams and their We can love Wakanda husbands, Oprah Winfrey, and still sip tea throughout Gina Torres and Idris Elba. the ceremony, celebrating To enjoy, or not to enjoy? every drop of blackness we On Satfind, real or urday, imagined. everyone We deserve was talking that much. about the A little royal wedbit of joy ding. Even goes a long those who way and, claimed for some they did not people that care about it wedding made statewas the ments to beginning assure eveof someryone that thing else. they, in fact, Since did not have Prince any interest Harry and in the event.

Meghan Some even Markle’s took time engageto berate ment, the or subtly discussion shame about the people who MEGHAN Markle during her wed- royal family watched the ding ceremony on Saturday. and race ceremony has been Photo: Owen Humphreys/AP or comendless. mented on Many seem any aspect of the event. to expect Markle’s presThere seemed to be two ence, as a biracial person in camps — the completely the British royal family, to enthused and the utterly revolutionise it. uninterested (who still What does Meghan needed to be involved in Markle represent? the conversations of the Meghan Markle is an completely enthused). The American woman with first camp was seen as men- a white father and black tally enslaved, foolishly mother. She has worked as an addicted to colonialism actress, best known for her and the reason we are not role as Rachel Zane in Suits. in a better position today. She is divorced. She is not a The second camp, through typical “royal”. She has had its most vocal members, a career, public persona,and became the thief of joy. demonstrable interests. The Because of slavery, colo- Tig — her now defunct lifenialism and the continued style blog — gave insight into effects of white supremacy, her love for food, wanderlust they said there should be no and engagement in socioblack person with an ounce political issues. She comes of interest in the royal across as both a dreamer and wedding. a practical person and, overLet’s face it. Most of us all, quite low-key. are interested in the wedMarkle has been the kind dings, funerals, birthday of black woman it is easiest to parties, baby showers and like. To love. To respect. To vacations of complete stran- idolise. She is not only lightgers. No? How many days skinned, but has a biological has it been since you looked proximity to whiteness. She through pictures of some- has been what most consider one else’s event because to be modest. She has been someone you know (or sort likeable; not controversial of know) was tagged in one in her statements or actions. of the photos and you just She is “respectable”. kept going, because why To the optimistic among not? us, she signals the acceptWe can — and should ance of black people and — be angry about slavery blackness by the royal and colonialism. We should family. Maybe she will be a part of the movement breathe new life into the for reparations. It should family, relax the formalities bother us to see people and expose personalities. continue to benefit from Maybe. kidnapping, slavery, murThere has been a lot of dering, cultural genocide talk about what Meghan

Markle represents for us, but far less about what she represents for the royal family. Might they have an agenda of their own? The family has always been known as stuffy and uptight.

Princess Diana brought a new energy that does not seem to have stuck around since her death. They may have realised that, at this point, a change in brand could be helpful. This is not to say her relationship with Prince Harry is not real, but that the unexpected acceptance — or the illusion of acceptance — could be strategic.

Think about what Princess Diana brought to the family. Recall the reactions to her death. Look at the conversations taking place everywhere, everyday, about gender, race, class and migration. Markle’s place in the family is no more the end of racism or an erasure of slavery than Obama’s presidency.

It looks good, it feels good and it encourages optimism, but it might not be all we think or dare to hope.

What can we expect from the Duchess of Sussex?

She is certainly different from what we might expect of a “royal.” On the wedding day alone, she made this clear. She was intentional about including black people such as The Most Rev Michael Bruce Curry of the Episcopal Church, Karen Gibson and the Kingdom Choir, and cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason. She went unescorted until the Quire where main guests were seated, accompanied

by Prince Charles the rest of the way. Her Cartier earrings were worn for at least the third time on that day.

Still, she entered the British royal family. She was baptised and confirmed in a private ceremony, becoming a member of the Church of England. She wore jewels from the queen’s collection. How much will she change, and how much will she be changed?

In her blog post titled “How to Be Both,” Markle explained the bridge between her two worlds — one where she was a successful actress and another where she did humanitarian work.

“I’ve never wanted to be a lady who lunches – I’ve always wanted to be a woman who works. And this type of work is what feeds my soul, and fuels my purpose. The degree to which I can do that both on and off camera is a direct perk of my job.”

It will be interesting to see how life as a duchess will suit her, or how she will suit it. We will soon see how she balances that new life with existing interests, and whether or not she will find a way to share it with the world, similar to the way she shared her lifestyle on The Tig.

PAGE 10, Wednesday, May 23, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

Say “Yes” to Bahamas oil drilling

N

O sooner had Simon Potter, CEO of Nassau-based Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC), announced an international oil company had signed a 90-day renewable option to become a farm-out partner with BPC, than our environmental activists predictably denounced the deal — indeed, the very concept of drilling for oil in Bahamian waters.

The issue lay dormant in the recent past while the market price for crude oil dropped to less than $40 a barrel, making it cheaper to buy in the open market than to develop new sources like the promising but unproven Bahamas.

With the price approaching $80, the formula has reversed, leading to success in the year-long negotiations conducted by Mr. Potter. While production of oil in commercial quantities is still by no means assured, it is far more likely now that a “major” has expressed interest and will help fund the cost of drilling exploratory wells to prove the long-term reserves that have been indicated by extensive seismic research over the last ten years. On this good news, the BPC ‘s

BAHAMIAN wells lie in a narrow strip across the Old Bahama Channel from Cuba.

London share price jumped 130 percent.

But it was bad news for our environmental spokespeople. Publicist Diane Phillips, Joseph Darville, chairman of Save the Bays advocacy group, and ReEarth founder “Sam” Duncombe are on record as being totally opposed and are actively campaigning to convince uncertain citizens to join their movement.

They are all well-meaning folk with admirable vigour in a free society to defend the natural gifts of our unique environment.

But they are profoundly misguided.

They seem barely aware, or they discount, that as far back as 2012 our BEST Commission reviewed and accepted a multi-volume Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), followed in 2014 by an Environmental Management Plan (EMP), a

site-specific plan covering all performance criteria to mitigate potential impacts to the environment. They ignore that the EMP is steadily upgraded to meet the requirements of our Petroleum Act 2014 and its associated regulations, specifically for environmental protection and pollution control. This regimen was not drafted in a vacuum, but follows the best practices and advice of experienced producing countries.

Our environmentalists remain concerned that, nevertheless, oil spills do occur, citing Wikipedia’s list of over 100 in the past 60 years. But any such list must be kept in rational perspective. Many spills have been small releases from pipelines that are easily contained with minimal effect. The greatest pollution has been caused by groundings, accidents and collisions suffered by

supertankers, such as the Exxon Valdez in Alaska in 1989 and the Torrey Canyon in the British Isles in 1967. Just this January, Iranian tanker Sanchi was rammed, burned and sunk in the East China Sea, killing all its crew and leaving a slick of 100 square kilometres still not fully dispersed.

But there has never been a serious incident involving all the scores of tankers that every year transit the Gulf Stream or the Northwest Providence Channel, waterways not far from our beaches and marine life.

Of course, the downwell explosion and resulting flows from the famous Deepwater

Horizon rig in 2010 occur elsewhere. killed 11 workers and did Balanced against the incalculable harm along virtually invisible environthe shores of US States on mental risk, the potential the Gulf of Mexico, with economic and social benbillions of dollars spent on efits are overwhelming. still incomplete clean-up Every cost of the invesefforts. The Ixtoc blow-out tigative, exploration and disaster off Campeche in drilling programmes has 1979 had much the same been and will be covered effect on Mexico. With by BPC together with all these exceptions, the hun- its operating expenses, dreds of wells drilled and and a annual licence rental producing across the Gulf of $1m to Government. have created no major When, and if, oil is sold spills. Our activists often in commercial quantities, cite Deepwater Horizon BPC will pay royalties as a template for what rising from 12.5 percent to could result from drilling 25 percent on increasing in The Bahamas. In fact, production levels. These the alleged similarity to revenues will be chanour five licenced drilling neled into a Sovereign locations is virtually mean- Wealth Fund, for long-term ingless. They will reach sea investments capable of floor at about 1500-foot meeting national objectives depth, while drilling in the like reducing our critical Gulf now is at the harder- unfunded pension obligato-control 10,000-foot tions. This type of fund has level, operating in ambi- accumulated over $5.5bn ent pressure of 16,000 psi for Trindad-Tobago, the compared with 4,000 in our only Caribbean nation with different undersea geology. proven oil earnings.

Our New wells lie in opportua narrow nities will strip be granted across to Bahathe Old mians for Bahama employChanment in nel from the offCuba, shore oil over 100 industry, miles where from the technical nearest positions Bahamas will be land-mass available GAS prices are on the rise again on the and educastirring interest once more in Bahasouthwest tion will be mian oil exploration. coast of provided.

Andros.

Once profThe whole Grand Bahama itability seems assured, Bank lies firmly between BPC will launch a public the exploration area and offering of its shares on our incomparable beaches, our capital markets, giving resorts and fishing grounds. citizens an equity stake in a This geography means type of business sought by prevailing conditions will investors worldwide. sweep any slicks straight I am sympathetic to into the Gulf Stream the constant calls that flowing north at a predict- our nation’s beauty be able three to five knots preserved for our chilfor dispersion in the vast dren and grand-children, Atlantic, for past and but has passionate envisurely future millennia, ronmentalist Ms Phillips unaffected by hurricanes. carefully considered her Our activists worry that public appeal to Prime our small country will be Minister Minnis that he left alone without skills or “leave whatever oil that is resources to handle a spill. beneath the waters right But we have joined several where it is”? He would multi-country coopera- have to cancel all the leases tives like the International and extensions granted to Association of Drilling BPC since 2007, wiping out Contractors (www.adc.org), the roughly $100m of capiand upon production BPC tal invested and held by will become a dues-pay- several hundred shareholding member of Oil Spill ers on the London Stock Response Limited. These Exchange. Such a blatant arrangements assure that state confiscation could any needed equipment and only leave us with a painful personnel will be commit- lawsuit, and a certain black ted from Florida and the eye to show international Gulf. Since Deepwater investors, the IMF and the Horizon, the expertise of rating agencies. the world’s oil industry has Like the hard-bitten been focused on assuring saying, “No good deed goes a similar disaster does not unpunished.”

THE TRIBUNE

CUT OUT THE SUGAR

Wednesday, May 23, 2018, PAGE 11

Calling All High

By FARRAH JOHNSON NON-PROFIT group Healthy Lifestyles Team (HaLT) of the Cancer Society of The Bahamas is advocating for a ban on the sale of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) in or near local schools.

HaLT is also calling on for regional leaders, like CARICOM Heads of Government, to enact policies and legislation that will increase taxes on those products.

“Impose a tax on sugar sweetened beverages, ban the sale, promotion and marketing of sugar sweetened beverages and unhealthy fast food and junk food in schools,” the group’s statement read, “and push for the adoption and application of regional standards for nutritional and front of packaging labelling of foods and beverages, in order to combat childhood overweight and obesity.”

The non-profit group is comprised of a team of volunteers, including obesity medicine specialists, doctors, nurses, teachers, exercise enthusiasts, nutritionists, as well as concerned citizens.

Dr Phillip Swann, public health specialist and general practitioner, said HaLT’s mission is to “educate, inspire, and empower people”, and “to promote healthy lifestyles in children”, in order to decrease the rate of childhood obesity, and “halt the rise” of non-communicable diseases.

“Forty-five percent of Bahamian children are either overweight or obese, that’s almost one in two children. We are unfortunately number one in the Caribbean for childhood overweight and obesity.

Already many of our children have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes, or are suffering from the consequences of sugar overload such as poor dental and bone health, hyperactivity, short attention span,

SCHOOL STUDENTS THE TOO Much Junk website. and poor academic performance,” he said.

“One of the most important contributors of excess calories for children is sweet drinks. We’re advocating therefore, for a ban on the sale and availability of sugar sweetened beverages in and around our schools in The Bahamas, and to promote the benefit of drinking water… as said before, about one in two of our children are overweight or obese, and that’s something that’s unsustainable for our economic development, as well as sustainable from a health perspective,” he continued.

Dr Swann added efforts to cut down on SSBs are just the first step of the campaign. He reported the group is pushing to promote “Water-full Wednesdays” in schools, where only water is drank on that day.

Dr Christine Chin, lecturer at UWI School of Clinical Medicine and Research, admitted childhood and adult obesity are “worldwide” problems, and said the issue has to be addressed globally so that nutritional information on packages are simplified.

Dr Chin added: “We’re focusing on sweetened drinks because they comprise 10-11 percent of a child’s diet in terms of calories. So it’s an easy fix. We can easily drop that and cut down on the weight that they gain. If you drink a 20 ounce bottle of sweet drink, that causes you to put on 25 pounds per year of weight,” she explained.

Dr Lashan McKenzie, paediatrician at Princess Margaret Hospital, also said: “We’re seeing children with Type 2 Diabetes, severe hypertension,

hypercholesterolemia, (and) gallbladder disease. The non-communicable diseases in children are actually way more prevalent than we thought them to be, and most of these direct effects are from obesogenic environment.”

“So it’s not inherited, it’s not big-boned, the kids are fat and they’re suffering because of it. So I think the big thing is to stop it in childhood, so we can prevent all the complications – not only in childhood, but in adulthood as well,” she said.

Dr Catherine Conliffe, family medicine specialist at PMH, reported local research on the prevalence of elevated blood pressure in children, revealed one in 10 out of every child was either prehypertensive or hypertensive already.

HaLT is encouraging people to consider drinking more water, and is asking Bahamians to go online and sign the e-petition on the website: www. toomuchjunk.org.

Patricia Minnis, wife of Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, Dr Duane Sands, Minister of Health, and former Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes and his wife, Lady Foulkes, have already signed the petition.

Dr Swann added: “We are also calling on heads of our government to attend the UN High Level Meeting for non communicable diseases in September 2018, (so) we can make a difference for the people of The Bahamas by joining together with other nations to combat the spirit of obesity … we invite all residents of The Bahamas to join the fight by signing the e-petition and spreading the word.”

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

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

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

Email to back2school@tribunemedia.net with ‘Back To School’ in We want profiles from as many the subject field and photos in .jpeg schools and students as possible to format. make this guide essential and informative.

By post to Back To School, The tribune, Shirley Street & Derveaux Profiles must include Streets, PO Box N-3207, Nassau.

By Hand to The Tribune office 1. Name 2. Age The deadline for the profiles is June 3. School 30, 2018 and there is no cost in4. Grade volved. For any questions please 5. Parent name or names contact Tribune Features at kherig@ 6. Goals and aspirations, prizes tribunemedia.net. won and honors awarded

PAGE 12, Wednesday, May 23, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

A S PEC TAC U L A R FUTURE AWA I T S

WELCOME

P RO U D LY W E LC OM E S ROSEWOOD TO T H E FA M I LY

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