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VOLUME:115 No.128, MAY 28TH, 2018
HO US E & 16 THE PEOPLE’S PAPER: $1
INSIGHT: IS FOULKES A MINISTER OR A MOUTHPIECE? PAGES
‘They killed my son for nothing’
Mother’s agony as police insist suspect had gun By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net TEMPERS flared in the Masons Addition community yesterday after officers responding to an armed robbery, fatally shot a 20-year-old male said to have carried out the crime. It marked the eighth fatal police shooting this year. Chief Superintendent Solomon Cash said police were responding to an armed robbery near East Street and Bethel Ground Corner around 9.15am, when they travelled to McCullough Corner and met two men who matched
the description of the suspects. CSP Cash said one of the assailants produce a firearm, and police in fear for their lives, opened fire. “On scene was a firearm that was recovered from that victim. It was a .40 calibre weapon. That firearm is in the possession of the police,” CSP Cash said. He added: “EMS was called in, who came to the scene, they examined the victim, transported him to the accident and emergency centre of the Princess Margret Hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.” SEE PAGE FIVE
Police released a composite sketch of a male they wanted to question in connection with the incident on Friday morning. In an interview with The Tribune late on Thursday, Chief Superintendent Solomon Cash said it was too early in the investigation to definitively link Thursday’s assault to the other two SEE PAGE THREE
26 CAPTURED AS SLOOP LANDS OFF VENICE BAY By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net
AN “ongoing search” for illegal migrants is underway by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force following the capture of a number of Haitians in south New Providence on Sunday. According to an RBDF statement, shortly after midnight on Sunday, a 35-foot Haitian sloop made landfall off Venice Bay, south New Providence. As a result of a combined effort between police, immigration and RBDF officials, 26 migrants were captured, who were turned over to Immigration officials for further processing. SEE PAGE 12
PLP WARNS OF BUDGET VAT HIKE AND TAXES OFFICIAL Opposition Leader Philip Davis yesterday released projections for the upcoming 2018/2019 budget, predicting an increase in VAT, Customs duties and the introduction of new taxes. Mr Davis said country’s economic reality will clash with the Minnis administration’s key public policy promises, which he deemed fiscally contradictory and highly irresponsible. “It [the Budget] represents a real opportunity to present a growth agenda which this administration is sorely lacking. In its first year, the administration seem more fixated on making alarmist statements on the issues of fiscal management and accountability, which damaged the reputation of the country rather than improving the lives of Bahamians.” SEE PAGE SIX
GIRLS SEX ATTACKS: TEENAGER STILL HELD A TEENAGER remains in police custody in connection with three recent sexual assaults on young girls. This comes after the most recent attack on a 12-yearold girl near the Big Pond Park, next to the National Insurance Board off Baillou Hill Road, on Thursday. The girl was accosted by a man who sexually assaulted her before running away.
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THE MOTHER of the man shot by police is seen in this video circulated on social media, reacting to news of the incident.
WANTED: FIRM TO RUN JUNKANOO BEACH By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net THE Ministry of Tourism is seeking private sector bids to take over management of Junkanoo Beach and improve a key component of Nassau’s cruise product. Dionisio D’Aguilar, minister of tourism, told Tribune Business that the Government is looking to “yield better results” by
handing management of the West Bay Street site over to a private company. Should a management deal be sealed, Mr D’Aguilar said the successful bidder would be responsible for billing and collecting rent from beach vendors, plus “enforcing the rules” and maintaining standards in a bid to improve the visitor experience at a destination that draws a significant number of cruise ship passengers
and other visitors. He explained the Junkanoo Beach “outsourcing goal” was consistent with the Minnis administration’s twin aims of getting the Government “out of business” and creating opportunities for small Bahamian businesses and entrepreneurs. The Minister added that the move would also eliminate the influence of politicallymotivated decision-making. FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS
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BRILLIANT BRINIQUE BRINIQUE Gibson was last night crowned Miss World Bahamas. See page 12 for more. Photo: Shawn Hanna/ Tribune Staff
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THE TRIBUNE
Monday, May 28, 2018, PAGE 3
Girls sex attacks: teenager still held from page one incidents; however, he said there were distinct similarities in the victim’s profiles. Earlier this month, it was revealed two young girls, aged six and 12, had been sexually assaulted in a three-week span by a lone
male perpetrator. The first victim was a six-year-old girl. She was assaulted off Baillou Hill Road on April 28. The second victim was a 12-year-old girl who was attacked shortly after 3pm on May 14. Activist groups across the country have reacted
to the assaults, calling for the implementation of a sexual offenders registry, a separate sexual offenders court, and reform in both the judicial system and at a cultural level. In a press statement on Friday, Rights Bahamas urged law enforcement to enforce stricter policies to
protect Bahamian children from abuse. The activist group questioned whether officials are “doing everything in their power” to ensure the wellbeing of minors, highlighting the delay in reporting of the first sexual assault. It was not released to the public until earlier
this month following the second assault. Joseph Darville, vicepresident of Rights Bahamas, said: “We have eight-year-old assaulted without police warning parents of the community of the possible threat – only for it to happen again to a 12-year-old? It’s ridiculous,
especially considering that we made an international promise, nearly three decades ago, to protect children in this country,” he said. He was referring to Article 19 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, a UN treaty The Bahamas ratified in 1990.
FIRE CREWS BATTLE BLAZE AT CITY LODGE
FIRE services are pictured at the scene of a fire on Friday. A blaze ripped through the City Lodge building, on Okra Hill, leaving a swathe of destruction in its wake. The fire crews fought to get the blaze under control. No fatalities were reported. Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
ROBBERS SWIM TO GET AWAY AFTER BOAT AT ARAWAK CAY RAIDED By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net
POLICE arrested one man but two others swam to freedom following an armed robbery that took place on a boat moored at Arawak Cay on Friday. According to reports, a man was on a boat moored at Arawak Cay when three men, one armed with a firearm, boarded the vessel and
robbed him of cash shortly after 1am. Police officers arrived as the men were searching the boat, and two of the robbers jumped into the sea and escaped, while the third man was taken into custody. When contacted yesterday for an update in the matter, Chief Superintendent Solomon Cash, officer in charge of the Central Detective Unit (CDU), said police have the three
MAN DIES AS SCAFFOLD COLLAPSES
By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net
A CONSTRUCTION worker fell to his death from a scaffolding that collapsed while he was working on West Bay Street on Thursday, police said. According to reports, shortly after 3pm on
Thursday, the man was standing on the scaffolding while working on a highrise condominium complex, when it collapsed. The man consequently fell to the ground. Paramedics were called to the scene, but were unsuccessful in reviving the man. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
persons believed to be the perpetrators in custody. He also told The Tribune that the three individuals are suspected of also committing other armed robberies. Meanwhile, police are investigating two other armed robberies that occurred between Saturday and Sunday. In the first incident, shortly after 2pm on Sunday, a man was in his
home on South Ocean Boulevard when two armed men entered his house and robbed him of cash, jewellery and electronic items before fleeing. Then shortly after 1am on Sunday, a man was walking on Melvern Road, Yellow Elder Gardens, when he was approached by a group of men, one armed with a firearm, who robbed him of cash before running from the area.
PAGE 4, Monday, May 28, 2018
THE TRIBUNE
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Trump’s Korea rollercoaster AMERICAN President Donald Trump’s scuttling, for now, of the June 12 summit meeting with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un has once again focused the attention of the world on the US chief executive. His action was baffling and ill-conceived to many. Korean leaders may yet salvage a significant meeting from the US president’s impetuosity, but progress might come despite Trump rather than due to his diplomatic efforts. Looking from his own self-oriented perspective at Trump’s decision to pull out, the move was quite predictable. If one assumes, as many observers do, that Trump regards the presidency as essentially a tool for him alone to play with and a weapon to wield for his own advantage, the whole grand spectacle with one of the most reprehensible characters currently on the world stage is consistent with Trump’s past behaviour and an unnerving prologue to what may lie ahead. There is a sense that Trump’s sudden, unexpected flirtation with North Korea’s Kim originated from two factors. First, there is Trump’s unhealthy sense of competition with recent occupants of the Oval Office, most notably his dignified, measured, competent predecessor Barack Obama. Since even before Trump elbowed his way to the front ranks of the misbegotten crowd of “birthers” questioning Obama’s provenance and legitimacy, Trump had demonstrated a suspiciously racist attitude in his business practices and a disregard for other former chief executives as well. That Obama, the Bushes and Clinton did not succeed in socializing either Kim Jong-un or his father likely seemed an opportunity for Trump to surpass Obama and the others and buffer Trump’s place in history. Many may recall that it was in 2009 ago when Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Other US presidents so honoured have been Teddy Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson and Jimmy Carter. While many thought even at the time that Obama’s prize might be premature, the honour was nonetheless bestowed. No less a world figure than president Moon Jae-in of South Korea began in recent weeks to openly campaign for Trump to receive the peace prize for his efforts to bring the “little rocket man” to the negotiating table. Trump was widely reported to be
delighted with Moon’s highly flattering proposal. A second reason for Trump’s move toward, and then away from Kim Jongun comes straight from Trump’s tactical playbook. This move is called the art of the distraction. When Trump shockingly accepted an invitation to hold a summit meeting with Kim, the Robert Mueller investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 American election had just seemed to ensnare yet another of the president’s intimates. His personal attorney, Michael Cohen, became the target of Mueller’s investigators, alongside a separate inquiry into hush money allegedly paid to porn star Stormy Daniels over an affair with Trump. This was clearly moving the investigation into territory too close for comfort. When the North Korea summit spectacle was launched by Trump, it had the immediate, desired effect of knocking off the front pages various investigations that threaten his legitimacy, probity and even continued tenure in office. Is it too much to suspect that tactics and competition with predecessors may have been key reasons for Trump’s overture to North Korea? As Trump continues to govern and conduct international relations from a fundamentally narcissistic perspective, it is fair to wonder if there is some kind of overarching concept or even ideal that motivates and inspires him. Surely there must be something! The search for an answer could lie in how Trump reportedly spends his time in the White House. Especially in the mornings, the American president is known to devote himself to what has come to be known as his “executive time”. For many presidents, early mornings have been filled with strenuous exercise, other personal enrichment activities, or sensitive intelligence briefings. It is a privilege of living in splendour just above your office. For Trump, it has been different. Executive time for this president appears to consist almost entirely of either watching Fox News, which serves as an almost slavishly supportive echo chamber of praise for his policy decisions, or serving up a frequently distasteful and often mendacious mix of lies and calumny on Twitter. Can 2020 come soon enough?
Stopover return EDITOR, The Tribune.
THANK goodness stopover tourism is finally back and our nightmare of reliance on cruise ships seems to be coming to an end. Baha Mar, The Pointe, new or redeveloped properties in Grand Bahama: not since the establishment of Atlantis has there been so much potential to sell thousands of new room nights, employ thousands of Bahamians and reinvigorate our tourism economy. For a long time, politicians have celebrated growing tourist numbers, now up to about six million a year. But the dirty little secret is that the vast majority of this growth has been in cruise ship visitors, whereas stopover tourists numbers, those who stay in hotels for days and sometimes weeks, have been stagnating. Stopover visitors spend far more than cruise ship passengers, who are sometimes in the country for only a handful of hours and spend most of their money on cheap trinkets downtown or else on tours of the Atlantis property. Some don’t even leave the ship while in
port, preferring instead to take advantage of the allinclusive dining, games and casino onboard. The difference really is staggering. According to the Minister of Tourism, cruise ship passengers spend around $69 in the country, while stopover visitors spend around $1,500. The result has been the cheapening of our tourism product, which now focuses on poor quality, fake and knock-off goods to cater to the tastes and wallets of the cruise ship passengers. It really has been a curse on our economy and culture. I can remember a time when the cultural offerings of The Bahamas, including entertainment and traditionally crafted goods, were world renowned around the world. Sure, these things were a bit more expensive, but back then we had a tourism market that attracted visitors who valued and appreciated authentic quality, true culture and “the real deal”. Over the past few decades, all that seemed to have disappeared. But now there is light at the end of the tunnel. The government must do all
that it can to continue this trend and encourage high end stopover tourists to come here. It must use the opportunity to encourage craftsmen, straw vendors and entertainers to get back to their roots and deliver authentic quality. At the very least, the regulations banning fake, knock-off goods must be enforced once again. Downtown Nassau and Freeport must be transformed into more than just cheap cruise ship ports. They must once again become cultural centres that entice high spending stopover tourists out of their hotels, encourage them to part with their dollars while discovering what The Bahamas is really all about. They must also return to their role as a hub for local shopping, gathering and entertainment. The new hotels will do wonders for unemployment, but this is about more than just jobs. This is about rescuing our identity and culture and preserving it for our children and grandchildren. CALEB MAC Nassau, May 24, 2018.
Promotion of police EDITOR, The Tribune. THE recent media exposure of the report, related to the most recent promotions on the Royal Bahamas Police Force, my alma mater has prompted me to provide information about the system of promotion, that existed from 1951-1981 when I retired as Assistant Commissioner. It was a fair and efficient system, left with us by the British officers, who were in command of the Force. (a) The Half Yearly Reports. The reports were prepared by the Sergeants, Inspectors and Divisional Officers on the performance, etc, of each Police Officer. Anything adverse in the report would be brought to the attention of the officer, with the expectation, that there would be improvement. The report was placed on the officer’s personal file. Commendations for outstanding performance were also placed on the file. (b) Officers had to take promotion examinations and pass to be considered for promotion. It was mandatory. (c Officers had to be free of any disciplinary convictions, for one year to be considered. (d) Recommendations for promotions were made to the Commissioner of Police, by the Divisional Commanders, with comments supporting the selections and provide explanations for any supersessions. (e) The Commissioner of
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net Police nominated the Promotion Board, which was always chaired by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, and consisted of the five Assistant Commissioners. I was included on the Board from 1971 to 1981 when I retired. The Force had an Establishment and Strength Policy, which indicated the quota for each rank. The Commissioner would advise the Board of the number of Officers to be promoted, to fill existing vacancies. (f) Board sitting took as long as fourteen days. We had to peruse the files of all candidates, read the half yearly reports and the files of officers who may have been superseded. Commendations were very important. The Staff Officer and the Senior ACP were responsible for providing all files. (g) The Board would provide the Commissioner of Police, with the list of its selections for promotions, for the ranks of Corporals and Sergeants. The gazetted ranks were dealt with by the Police Service Commission, on recommendations by the Commissioner. The Commissioner had the authority to promote officers, who may not have been selected by the Board. During my years on the Board there was only one Commissioner, who used this authority. The pre-election
promotion was a surprise to me. The numbers of Assistant Commissioners, Chief Superintendents and Superintendents appears to be way above the Force Establishment and Strength Policy. I was happy for all promoted personnel as the increase was deserved. It is not the first time, that politics have interfered with the efficient and effective administration of the Force. Sir Albert Miller, who was the senior Deputy Commissioner of Police was superseded. Then the government branded Sir Albert as being a friend of the United Bahamian Party. A second Deputy Commissioner was appointed and Sir Albert was posted to Grand Bahama, where he retired as Deputy Commissioner and with hard work and good business training, opportunities and investments became a millionaire. We have a good police force, that has served us well over the decades. We must strive to keep the politics out of it. We served with honour we remember with pride. PAUL THOMPSON SR., ACP (retired), Nassau, May 18, 2018. PS During my years on the Board I had recommended putting an end to the Annual Promotions and making Promotions when vacancies occurred. The reason being the drop in performance by those officers who felt aggrieved.
AirBNB warning EDITOR, The Tribune. A WARNING to those using the internet services of AirBnB - Home Away from home like services - make sure that your insurance policy allows for a rental. The incident shown on US News clearly shows the weak underbelly of AirBnB and others if you don’t read the fine print of your Home Insurance policies. Call your insurance office if you are unsure.
When is the Ministry of Tourism going to ensure that these renters comply with long-established regulations - rentals must be registered and there is a tax - sorry those renters who don’t wish to contribute to the bad state of our finances you have an obligation and it has been around for years. Hacking - the unlicensed offering of aircraft to the public - Minister D’Aguilar crack down on these people immediately.
Lives are at risk… so I have a life insurance - I use one of these unlicensed planes unknowingly it crashes after my family tries to collect on my life insurance only to be told – he rented an unlicensed aircraft our liability is nothing! Crack down now. LPIA - Hotel I agree with that previous letter writer no need. ABRAHAM MOSS Nassau, March 19, 2018.
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, May 28, 2018, PAGE 5
from page one
“We have been listening to these kinds of matters for years. The way they are handled is almost onesided. A few years ago, a man was shot dead in my yard by police. When it was investigated, no one spoke to me. When it went to court, I was never called. “I am not trying to paint a bad picture against police, I just want the public and those that see things to have their say. When you limit the voice of the people, who cause these types of tension. This young man was known and love by this community. Now you are saying that out of nowhere, today he decided to pick up a gun, rob a store and then walk around his neighbourhood with that gun,” Mr Moncur added. Police over the weekend also recovered a 9mm pistol along with seven rounds of ammunition in a separate incident. According to police reports, shortly after 3am Saturday, Flying Squad Officers, acting on information, while on Collins Avenue and Fifth Terrace, Centreville, conducted a search of a 2006 Buick Car and recovered the firearm and ammunition. An adult male and female, occupants of the vehicle were taken into custody and are expected to be formally charged before Magistrate Court this week. Anyone with information about these two incidents are asked to contact police by calling 919, 322-3333/4, 502-9991, 5029910, or Crime Stoppers on 328-TIPS.
‘They killed my son for nothing’ (expletive) could pop off in my (house). I got down lower and crawl to the door The deceased was and I could see the police identified as 20-year- just firing away,” the resiold Deangelo Evans by dent said. relatives a short time later. “I thought I was losing According to CSP Cash it, because he just talk to the second suspect who was me. He just say the pot was stopped at the scene man- smelling nice like he always aged to escape police and is do, an in couple minutes is now on the run. Police the man had my boy with have failed to give any he hands up and then down description. on he back bleeding out.” The coroner has been “I ran outside like eveinformed and will now ryone else, it was only the examine the incident. black jeep with the two Meanwhile at the scene, officers. So everyone was residents who saw the trying to help (the decease). incident claimed police One of the dudes from the approached Evans, who corner was going to turn was standing with another him over on his back, I say man on Sandy Lane off no leave him on his stomMcCullough Corner, ach so he wouldn’t choke searched both men, and in on the blood.” the course of that search, It was at this point opened fire. the resident said, addiResidents reported hear- tional officers showed up to ing at least eight gunshots; the scene and began to secall purportedly fired by tion off the area with yellow police. tape. “It is crazy That resihow this all dent insisted happen,” said that it was at a neighbour this point he, of Evans who and several asked for his other resiidentity to dents became be withheld. agitated “To keep because officit real, (the ers claimed decease) just Evans was walked past shot for branmy house with dishing a another guy. weapon. He wasn’t “It gone running. He sideways DEANGELO EVANS didn’t look quick because nervous or we hear what none of that he say. We (expletive). Dude say the know it was (expletive) pot we had going smelled because the man ain’t had right, and he continued no weapon and it wasn’t walking toward the street. none there.” “Car pulled up. We hear “When the noise start, all what was going down and of a sudden we see one of then, (shots rang out). the officers walk off and “I dipped down in my point back at a gun. house because I live in “I couldn’t believe it. I a wooden house, I think was just standing there and
FAMILY members and friends on Saxon Way where the deceased lived. Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff no gun was there,” he said “They say my son get Evans’ death also marked pointing at the spot where shoot up by police. I say the second police-involved police said they recovered a why the police shoot him, homicide in community firearm. no one knew. I came here since 2016. “How? Tell me how? All and they told me he was There have also been sevthese people through here already to the hospital,” she eral other non-fatal police see. We know. They ride said. involved shootings, accordthrough here, see these lil’ “Before I could even ing to the residents. dudes, search them, and make it there, I see all kind These circumstances led shot one dead.” of news from the police former Senator and curThe resident walked over that my son rob a shop, rent talk show host to wall where the two men had a gun and was trying to Rodney Moncur to visit the were initially approached hide from them. I couldn’t scene yesterday. by police, and continued: understand it,” Ms Lee told “The family called me “How? Look at this, all the The Tribune. and told me what hapwall shot up. All the road Pointing at the scores pened,” he told The shot up. They say he had of neighbours surround- Tribune. “The indication a gun, in this close area, ing her at the time, “Most, is, that this young man was none of them get shot, the if not all these people just unarmed, searched by next man ain’t get shot; see my boy a little while police and somehow shot in but that lil’ dude got more before this happened. He the process.” than 18 holes in him? Pure walk out the house (Masons Mr Moncur, who has (expletive).” Addition), walk up that way been outspoken throughout The Tribune continued (McCullough Corner) to the years on gun violence in to canvass the area, even- look for one of his friends.” inner city communities, said tually coming across the “Now they all over the there needs to be more clardeceased’s mother, Beverly radio and TV saying my boy ity around the investigation Lee. robbing places and shooting and reporting of policeShe told The Tribune at the police.” involved shootings. her cellphone was bombarded by calls around 10.30am; responding to one, she said she was informed her son had been shot by police.
JURY TO DECIDE ON MENTAL FITNESS OF WOMAN WHO BURNED DAUGHTER TO DEATH By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net A JURY will determine whether a 40-year-old woman is mentally fit to stand trial for allegedly setting her one-year-old daughter on fire and killing her last year, a Supreme Court judge has ordered. Justice Bernard Turner made the order on Friday, after opting not to formally arraign Kemp Road resident Philipa Marshall due to submissions from her attorney Bjorn Ferguson concerning her ongoing mental issues. In April, Marshall was charged with a single count of manslaughter for allegedly causing the death of Philicia Marshall by means of unlawful harm on February 14, 2017. The charge has since been upgraded to murder. Prosecutors reportedly alleged Marshall doused her child with gasoline and
set her on fire at her Faith Gardens home after hearing voices. The child died in February this year having been cared for at Princess Margaret Hospital. Prior to her initial arraignment before Magistrate Samuel McKinney, Marshall had spent the previous 12 weeks at the Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre (SRC) due to mental health issues. She is now listed as an SRC outpatient and is currently on medication. On Friday, Mr Ferguson submitted that the Crown, which is in possession of a psychiatrist’s report on Marshall stating she was mentally unstable at the time she allegedly committed the offence, can exercise its discretion on whether it should proceed against his client. Referring to Section 92 of the Penal Code as well as section 155 of the Criminal
Procedure Code to substantiate his submissions, Mr Ferguson charged his client’s case would be an appropriate one for the issuance of a nolle prosequi. Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Vernal Collie made brief submissions in response, however, in view of Mr Ferguson’s submissions, Justice Turner adjourned the matter to June 8 for mention. On that date, he said he will further consider the matter and fix a date for a jury to consider her ability to stand trial for her daughter’s murder. Last month, Acting Chief Justice Stephen Isaacs granted Marshall $15,000 bail with two sureties ahead of her trial. As part of her bail conditions, Marshall must live with her sister-in-law in the interim. The Kemp Road resident is also to have supervised visits with her two other children.
PAGE 6, Monday, May 28, 2018
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THE TRIBUNE
PLP WARNS OF BUDGET VAT HIKE AND TAXES from page one
He continued: “As a result, in the first year in office many of the gains made by the previous administration have evaporated. For example, there has been anaemic revenue growth notwithstanding the opening of Baha Mar. Revenue for the first nnine months is trending on par with actual revenue for the last fiscal year. This is disturbing as the last fiscal year’s revenue yield was decimated by Hurricane Matthew. “With the phased opening of Baha Mar and the absence of major storms impacting New Providence, revenue yields should have been at least ten percent above the last fiscal year. A five percent increase in recurrent revenue would have allowed the Government to fully execute its capital budget.” Mr Davis noted expenditure levels have not dropped in comparison with last year notwithstanding “widespread yet very selective terminations of contractual employees”. While he said the Government has reduced capital expenditure to near historic lows as a percentage of GDP, Mr Davis argued it was
essentially a deferment of expenditure and not a true budget saving, adding such a deferment would have a visible and negative impact on maintenance of infrastructure and the commencement of new projects. He accused the FNM administration of sabotaging the government’s ability to mobilise resources through Public Private Partnerships (P3s) by “walking away” from agreements made by the former administration. “This means that staff would have to remain in the condemned General Post Office building for an indefinite period; the Road Traffic Department’s emergency residence in the National Stadium has now become permanent; no new police facility for Harbour Island; and great uncertainty on whether the investors which are funding the construction of the new complex in Eight Mile Rock would ever be paid by this Administration,” Mr Davis said. Promises were identified as: the elimination of VAT on a variety of goods and services at an undetermined cost; the introduction of economic empowerment zones in New Providence; reduce the deficit
by over 50 percent in the upcoming fiscal year; provide free tuition at the University of The Bahamas; increase the use public private partnerships; and keep recurrent expenditure growth to less than three percent of the previous year’s level. Mr Davis said: “It is safe to assume, given the current situation, that the public can expect any or all of the following: an increase in the VAT rate to offset the elimination of VAT on certain goods and services, the introduction of the economic empowerment zones in New Providence and to absorb the increase in the subvention to the University of The Bahamas. “An increase in selective Customs and excise tariff rates as well as real property tax rates to account for the anaemic revenue growth of the past fiscal year. “Introduction of new and additional taxes to fund the deferred capital expenditure and assist in the ambitious deficit reduction target of the draft Fiscal Responsibility Act. “A capital budget which relies heavily on P3s but with significant implementation challenges in mobilising Bahamian investors due to the Government’s indifference to
the current P3 investors. “No real increase in the recurrent allocation for any of the critical areas such as health, education and national security, so the manpower and skills deficit in national security, health and education would continue to widen. “A freeze on public service increments or a reduction of public service employment levels. Public sector salary increments automatically upwardly adjust recurrent expenditure by about one percent per annum. Increments along with the increase in interest expenses and principle amortisation would likely breach the three percent rule. “Reduction in subvention to public corporations would certainly mean job losses. “Reliance on the sale of assets to fund current expenditure. He added: “For a Government without a real growth agenda, this is a bleak outcome and a recession inducing budget. However, it is unavoidable and although the Budget Communication would include the usual soaring oratory flourishes, behind those words would be a grim picture and it would grow grimmer as we traverse the fiscal path outlined by this Government.”
Dr. Susan Donald #9b Village Rd. P.O.Box SS-19163 Nassau, Bahamas Tel: (242) 393-2774 To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394
PRIME Minister Minnis waves to the crowd.
JOIN THE FUN, FAST-PACED TEAM AT BURGER KING NASSAU! Managers: Email resume to: edmiranda@restaurantsbs.com Crew Members: Apply in-store at your nearest Burger King Nassau location.
Photo: Yontalay Bowe/BIS
MINNIS WANTS ‘LOVE’ BETWEEN HAITIAN AND BAHAMIANS PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis called for love between Bahamians and Haitians as the government seeks to eradicate shanty town communities. He was addressing the League of Haitian Pastors’ 24th Annual Crusade/Civic Night at the Church of God Auditorium on Joe Farrington Road on Thursday, May 24. Transport and Local Government Minister
Frankie Campbell served as an interpreter. Underscoring the strong ties between The Bahamas and Haiti, Dr Minnis addressed “misunderstandings” in the government’s dealing with issues of illegal immigration. He said: “No matter where we hail from, we also celebrate unity in our diversity. We must be one people in love and unity.” “I thank the League of Haitian Pastors for the work you do in our communities, including your pastoral and social ministry and outreach. Dr Minnis urged the group to let their crusade be a time to express their love of God and love of neighbour, which God has instructed all to do. “No matter the struggles, no matter the suffering, no matter the trials and
tribulations, no matter the heartbreak, no matter the mountains to climb, we should always rely on the love and mercy of the God who sustains us in every season of life. Let us all always continue to seek God’s guidance and grace,” he said. Dr Minnis also sought to clear up any misconceptions regarding the Government’s intentions to, over time, remove shantytowns in New Providence and Abaco. He said the government has set up a large task force to carefully plan for the removal of shantytowns, “so that we can better assimilate the residents of these areas, and help to improve the quality of life of residents”. Dr Minnis noted the task force includes a number of representatives of the
Haitian community, including pastors with whom the government is in continuous dialogue. “There has been a tremendous misunderstanding,” he said, “by some people, of what we are trying to do.” “Our aim is to improve the lives of all of those affected by what we are doing.” “The ties between the Bahamas and Haiti go back several centuries,” he continued, “Haiti and The Bahamas are bound together by history, by geography and by family ties. So many Bahamians enjoy such family ties; this is something to be celebrated.” He added: “We celebrate those who have contributed so much to building our Bahamas, no matter which land we originally came from.”
ACCOUNT INFORMATION UPDATE Please be advised that Bahamas Registered Stock (BRS) holders are required to complete,and return a BRS Account Information Form to the Central Bank. This information is mandatory to ensure that all accounts are updated and accurate in advance of the Bank’s migration to the Centralized Securities Depository (CSD) electronic BRS registry. To ensure full compliance, the completed form along with copies of one’s NIB smartcard, and driver’s license or passport, should be submitted via email to domesticdebt@centralbankbahamas. com or delivered to the Banking Department no later than June 30, 2018. Delays in receipt of this information may result in a delay in settlement of payments. Any additional concerns and queries should be directed to the Banking Department at the Central Bank of The Bahamas at 302-2600 or the Markets Unit at:
domesticdebt@centralbankbahamas.com.
MONDAY, MAY 28, 2018
THE STORIES BEHIND THE NEWS
Is Foulkes a minister or merely a mouthpiece?
THE POINTE development during construction, pictured last year.
Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff
By MALCOLM STRACHAN
spokesperson for CCA than a minister in the Bahamas SINCE The Tribune Government. His most recent commureleased the findings from nication with local media its investigation earlier this year, which revealed quite clearly shows this. In an apparent breach of The saying he understands the Pointe Heads of Agree- view of CCA’s reasoning to ment, much controversy undermine its responsibility has loomed over the pro- to adhere to a signed agreeject. What has been most ment between itself and disconcerting is the Minis- the Bahamian government ter of Labour’s consistent is nearly treasonous and is attempts to defend the seri- reason for him to be fired ally bad acting contractor, by the prime minister. Minister Foulkes said it China Construction Amerhimself: “Government is ica (CCA). At every turn, Labour continuous.” Furthermore, Minister Dion Foulkes as he suggested, the current provides a sequence of government should honour excuses for the Chinese what is legally binding. His construction company’s attempts to massage the manipulation of the agree- agreement’s wording and ment between itself and the appeal to the electorate’s penchant to accept foolformer PLP government. The previously con- ishness is obvious and structed agreement shameful. Foulkes, himself, has stipulated the labour ratio called The Pointe Heads required during construction be set at 70:30, in favour of Agreement a poorly constructed deal. Perhaps, of a local complement. However, CCA execu- he should do the work tive Daniel Liu initially expected of a public servant stated the high-tension and propose to Cabinet that superstructure built on the they reconstruct the deal contractor’s construction to reflect good sense and projects required special fairness to the Bahamian skills that were not present people. Unfortunately, at this in The Bahamas. Not long after, images on time, he has shown no the Bahamian Contractors’ such inclination. Rather, he Facebook page toppled seems hell-bent on sweepthose comments and chal- ing this under the rug and lenged the validity of the quietly meeting with the Contractors’ CCA executive’s claims that Bahamian there was no local expertise. Association to offer some Naturally, a few questions type of concession to keep arose among the general things quiet. Using the Minister of public: Did Education they not make as an attack It has become contracts dog on social available more and more media is also for the local apparent that the unbecoming contractors of lead“people’s time” was to have an ers in our opportunity? nothing more than society. MinIt certainly a catchphrase, as ister Lloyd, would seem in particumore Bahamian as though lar, who has they did not. citizens question historically Worse, the which “people” been a stalMinister of wart for the Labour, of all the government advanceresponsibiliis referring to. ment of the ties, seemed Bahamian clueless as people, should, above the to whether these opporturest of his colleagues, be nities were opened to the able to see right and wrong local construction industry. He, along with the prime in this matter. Yet, as we so often see in minister, expressed satisfacthe political sphere, good tion with CCA’s adherence men and women overlook with the agreement, which their own moral compasses means, had The Tribune to fall in line with the not published its findings, demands of Cabinet. This we would have been in “Cabinet versus the collecthe dark on this disturbing tive” model of governance matter. That in itself is a has compromised the disappointing revelation. nature of accountability, as Rather than being the loyalty within Cabinet prevanguard for securing employment opportunities empts that promised to the for Bahamians, Foulkes’ Bahamian people. With millions of dollars responsibilities seem to have spanned into public surrendered to the Chinese relations, as these days in concessions to purchase he looks more like a two hotels in the heart of Nassau, how are the
CHINESE workers at The Pointe development. Bahamian people supposed to be satisfied with 500 jobs when the construction industry is still left ailing? CCA’s assurances – which literally aren’t worth the paper they’re written on – fall on deaf ears when the government refuses to hold them to account. The strange irony here is this is the same group that talked tough on China prior to the last election. At least the prior administration had the fortitude to stipulate a labour ratio that should have served as a stimulus for the ailing construction industry. Sadly, the current administration lacks the fortitude to enforce it. With no idea how long it takes to build the superstructure, versus how long the suggested 83 percent local complement would be working on the site, we are hard-pressed to make sense of what the Labour Minister is talking about. This is an abject failure and neglect of responsibility on the part of Minister Foulkes, and the entire government of The Bahamas. It has become more and more apparent that the “people’s time” was nothing more than a catchphrase, as more Bahamian citizens question which “people” the government is referring to. Certainly, it is incumbent upon the government to understand something important – times have
changed. This is not like in days past, where a sitting government can feed an electorate hogwash and not expect their days to be numbered. Quite the contrary, the time is ticking away until 2022, and the Bahamian people will have the opportunity to say how they feel. As witnessed last year, the Bahamian people were merciless with the PLP government. Therefore, the Minnis administration need not delude itself into thinking that because the ABC (anyone but Christie) epidemic spread rampant throughout the archipelago, that we would be immune to the ABT (anyone but them) virus in 2022. In short, if the Bahamian people are disgusted enough with you, anyone can get a chance. While the Minnis-led government continues to miss these opportunities to stand up for disenfranchised Bahamians - not only when it is convenient or politically expedient, but when it is simply the right and just thing to do - the Bahamian people are keeping score. Without any doubt, a day of reckoning is certain to come in 2022 if these lessons aren’t learned by this current administration. And if the record reflects the Bahamian people again felt treated as second-class in their own country, heads will be sure to roll.
DION FOULKES, Minister of Labour.
Photo: Lionel Smith
A TRIP TO CHINA TO OPEN THE EYES
PAGE 8, Monday, May 28, 2018
THE TRIBUNE
By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net AT this point I would be misleading you if I said I was not apprehensive about the opportunity to travel to The People’s Republic of China and live among its people for four weeks. I was. More so, to my detriment, the western narrative of a country built on espionage, tech secrets and financial ploys, almost solidified my belief that I was walking into a circumstance where the truth would most definitely be hidden and all realities manufactured for my dubious enjoyment. I was wrong. While there were several cultural and educational activities predicated on getting me to see “a different side of China,” the organisers of my trip allowed me the opportunity to see the
RICARDO WELLS, right, with Sterling Quant, the ambassador to China from The Bahamas. country for what it is. The very moment I decided to put aside my preconceived notions and theories, I discovered a country very similar to the one I call home. You see, away from all
the global politics and technological advancements, China is just as much a country trying to find its way in the ever-changing global community. When I arrived in Beijing last month, I was not rushed into fancy cars and sped off to some luxury property in the middle of Beijing. Rather, I spent most of my time in Beijing at a community college dorm with students and professionals from all over the world who, like me, were brought to China to study and discover the country’s true characteristics. For every shopping app pitched to “make life easier”, there was a father in a market, shopping for just enough eggs to feed his family for the night.
For every scientific discovery touted by some government agency or department during my month in China, there was some new report being broadcast of a lack of jobs. Even more so, for every financial success celebrated, there was a failure being encouraged to try again. That was the reality that greeted me and my colleagues. There was no cover-up, no hiding the obvious; China, despite its effort to aid developing countries in the Caribbean and Latin America, was struggling to help many of its own people. Just maybe if we saw this side of China more often, we would recognise and better understand its activities in counties like The Bahamas and the rest
of the Caribbean and Latin America. The year 2018 marks 40-years since China’s reform and opening-up policy became a reality. In that time, China has raced to the front of many world’s financial sectors. In just 40 years, China went from a country of farmers, rice paddies and small, out-dated factories to skyscrapers, global companies, top-level tech firms and what seems to be a university on every block. In 1973, The Bahamas gained independence, and since that time, has done very little to expand it economy beyond tourism and banking; and far less to service education. To my mind - after this recent firsthand experience - it is time for The Bahamas, and to a far greater extent Bahamians, to examine its relationship and national exchange with China out of the “what will America think” prism. To be frank, while we enjoy a great relationship with America, The Bahamas can no longer survive in the guarded playground of the US and its allies. What my journey to China showed me was that a country, if it is to develop, must not only recognise what it is, but what it can be. There are opportunities to be had. The discussion should no longer be based around which world superpower we should better serve,
but rather, how best to utilise the opportunities granted by them. China and its development should be viewed as model by which The Bahamas could craft its way to financial security. Yes, while it is clear that many of the of the success stories made popular in China could never work here, the strategy of encouraging insular development and transformation can be mirrored. In China, there a social agencies built to problem solve; we are now lost in our problems. In China, the family acts as the nucleus for society; we battle social ills daily due to the erosion of family and societal models. In China, education and the power of youth are factored into every national discussion, we have grown to accept the belief that for the youth, their time will come. I started this article with the intent of telling all about the moments I experienced in China - the Willow Festival, my trek up the Great Wall, my time at the opera and learning the ins and out of Karate. However, my want and hope for a better Bahamas will not let me overlook the avenues of change and success I walked down in the People’s Republic. As I said before, opportunities are there to be had. I hope we take them. Then it really would be the ‘People’s Time’.
SCENES from Ricardo Wells’ visit to China.
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, May 28, 2018, PAGE 9
Political hubris and justice I
F there is any doubt the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) is not beholden to governments and does not yield to their wishes in making judgments, recent events should dispel it. Freundel Stuart, whose tenure as Prime Minister of Barbados, was decisively terminated by the majority of the Barbadian electorate on May 24, had infamously declared five days earlier, that “once” his party is returned to office, he would withdraw Barbados from the CCJ as the country’s final court of appeal. The declaration, which conflicted with every previous public statement he had made about the CCJ, was characteristic of Stuart’s hubris. In stating categorically that he would remove Barbados from the CCJ without consulting important sectors and institutions of Barbados society, including the Bar Association, other political parties, and, the people of Barbados, he showed the haughtiness for which he has become notorious. The rashness of Stuart’s declaration – and evidence that it was not a policy position that either he or his party had remotely considered – is clear from the fact that just two nights before he had revealed his party’s manifesto for the elections and not one word about withdrawing from the CCJ was contained in it.
World View
By SIR RONALD SANDERS
Stuart was simply galled that the Justices of the CCJ found that, in dealing with matters of immigration and migrant rights, his government had twice violated the law. The most recent judgment was published three days before Stuart’s petulant utterance. In both cases, the Court upheld the lawful rights of the individual and protected them from abuse, giving comfort to all persons that the Court is not influenced by a government. Stuart’s Attorney-General, Adriel Brathwaite, who was also rejected by the electorate, made it clear the cause of Stuart’s “annoyance with the court” was both the finding that Commonwealth citizens, resident in Barbados for the requisite legal period, were entitled to vote in the Barbados general elections, and the 2013 decision that the treatment of Jamaican Shanique Marie by Barbados immigration officials violated her rights under the CARICOM Treaty. In other words, the decisions did not sit well with the domestic political platform of Stuart and
his political party, particularly on the eve of general elections. In the fashion of the imperious Charles de Gaulle who famously said, “I am France”, Stuart claimed he was not “going to have Barbados disrespected by politicians wearing robes”. Barbados and Stuart were, in his mind, one and the same; clearly not something with which the Barbados electorate agreed. So, out of his own fury that the Court’s decisions could muddy his political waters, he cast the CCJ as a villain from which Barbados must keep “a safe, safe distance”. In one fell swoop, “once” he got back into office, Stuart would dismantle the progressive and constructive work that leading Barbados Jurists, such as Sir David Simmons and Sir Henry Forde, had done to establish the CCJ, opening the door for all CARICOM countries to sever the remaining vestige of colonial dependency. He would turn history on its head and reverse Barbados’ revolutionary role as the first country to accept the
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CCJ as its final appellate at public hearings and elseFREUNDEL STUART, the ousted Prime Minister of Barbados, pictured in 2013. to the Privy Council would court in place of the Privy where, is the CCJ is the not be an option. That left Council. poodle of regional govern- the frightening prospect To add injury to insult, ments and, therefore, would that judges of the final Stuart sought to disparage take instructions from the appellate court in Barbados the Court by making the political leadership in any would be appointed by the false claim that, in its appel- actions involving individu- political party in office. late jurisdiction, the CCJ als and civil society. It was to avoid such had heard only two appeals That fear should now be a scary occurrence that so far for this year. The erased from the collective financing the CCJ and facts uncloak the untruth: minds of the electorate in appointing its judges, were the CCJ has delivered 13 all these countries that will deliberately distanced judgements since the year soon hold a referendum on from all governments to began; another 9 cases have the matter as required by ensure its independence; been heard with the judg- their constitutions. its competence and its high ments pending and another The CCJ has shown quality. Fortunately, with eight are expected to be itself to be as independ- Mia Mottley as Prime Minheard before the end of ent and competent as the ister, Barbados will remain term on July 31. Judicial Committee of the a committed founding Those who fear the British Privy Council. The member of the CCJ. CCJ is the handmaiden of Caribbean Court’s greater Caribbean nations should governments should take qualification is that, as its give their full support to the heart that in these events name indicates, it is “Carib- CCJ, and by so doing, assert related to the government bean”. It is reflective of the their sovereignty over of Barbados, as with other region’s own capability and all their affairs, and their governments, the CCJ’s identity. equality with the best in the performance has been in Only four countries world. service to the law. have so far liberated themThat would be a good This should be an impor- selves from the ‘mental recovery from the illness of tant consideration for slavery’ which Bob Marley political hubris. electorates in countries, lamented. The only • Responses and previsuch as Jamaica, Trinidad thing that would keep the ous commentaries: www. and Tobago, and five of the remaining CARICOM sirronaldsanders.com independent nations of the nations tied to the Privy The writer is the Antigua Organisation of Eastern Council is not doubt about and Barbuda Ambassador Caribbean States (OECS), the competence and fair- to the United States and the who have to determine ness of the CCJ; it would be Organization of American whether or not to join the the superiority they attrib- States. He is also a Senior CCJ as their final appel- ute to others. Fellow at the Institute of late court, abandoning the Freundel Stuart added Commonwealth Studies at colonial link to the Judicial a worrying dimension to the University of London Committee of the British his announcement that he and at Massey College in the Privy Council. would be rid of the CCJ; he University of Toronto. The The fear, often expressed said, in doing so, returning views expressed are his own.
PAGE 10, Monday, May 28, 2018
THE TRIBUNE
IN this 2010 photo provided by the Smithsonian Institution, corals and crabs lie dead from low oxygen in Bocas del Toro, Panama. Bahamian experts have voiced concern for a number of ways in which local coral reefs can be affected, following new reports of a disease affecting reefs near Florida. Photo: Arcadio Castillo/Smithsonian via AP
Florida coral reefs at risk - but what danger for The Bahamas? By FARRAH JOHNSON THE outbreak of an unknown disease
threatening Florida coral reefs is on the radar of local scientists but no screenings have been
conducted yet. Earlier this week, AP News reported on a “mysterious disease” attacking
Florida’s already “dwindling” reefs off Looe Key. The disease is reportedly now the biggest and most prolonged infection for coral anywhere, believed to be caused as a result of a bacterial infection carried by currents; however, little else is known. Scott Johnson, science officer at the Bahamas National Trust, told The Tribune: “This is still relatively new to me, we’ve heard about this disease in Florida, but I haven’t heard about any type of research that has been going on yet to check and see if our corals are being affected. So that may be in the works, but I haven’t gotten any word about that yet.” Mr Johnson admitted there is a “possibility” the disease could reach Bahamian reefs, but said there are other man-made factors that pose a major threat to local marine life. “Our coral reefs are always under threat
because of global warming, and with global warming you don’t just have acidification of seawater, but you also have the development of new pathogens which currently are being seen now. The warmer the water, the more of an environment for disease carrying microbes,” he explained. Agnessa Lundy, marine science officer at the Bahamas National Trust, added that BNT are in the process of monitoring coral reefs, although no screening has been carried out for this specific disease due to the lack of equipment needed. “There are other diseases that have been around for a while that are impacting the reefs but this new disease seems to be moving fairly quicker than those, so that’s why its raising a lot for concern… (still) the likelihood of a serious epidemic is difficult to determine, because it depends on a lot of factors
like the current, and the stress levels of corals,” she said. Indira Brown, assistant fisheries officer from the science conservation unit at the Department of Marine Resources, confirmed the country is collaborating with non-profit organisations to combat coral aggregators. All of the experts agree that a variety of factors, including pollution and ship grounding have contributed to the vulnerability of the reefs. Lindy Knowles, senior science officer of the BNT reported: “Both diseases came from the south and worked their way north… it’s just something we have to keep an eye out for. (We have) to keep checking when we do our surveys (to see) if anything strange comes up, and familiarise our staff with the description of what the disease looks like so we can identify it if we do come across it.”
HOME ALONE SAFETY TIPS FOR PARENTS
IF you determine your child is responsible enough to care for himself at home alone, brief him on these rules. While teaching your child these safety rules, it is key to stress their importance without unnecessarily instilling fear. • Post a list of emergency numbers, including family members, trusted friends and neighbours and emergency personnel. • Make sure your child knows his/her phone number and address. Write these on the list of important numbers. It is very easy for anyone, especially a child, to panic in an emergency. If included on the list, your child can easily read aloud to a 911 operator in case of emergency. • Keep a first aid kit in the house. Teach your child basic first aid. • Make sure there are working smoke detectors on every floor of the house and teach your child what to do in case of fire. Practice fire evacuation routes with your children. • Keep a flashlight and
Police advice
By SERGEANT 3150 NATHALIE RANGER
batteries in an easily accessible place in case of power outage. Show your child where to find it. • Make sure that your child has a way to contact you when you are away from the home, including a cell phone and/or work number. Check your messages often and promptly return your child’s calls. • Limit the kind of cooking that can be done absent adult supervision. • Call and check on your child. Always call and let them know if you are running late
FOR CHILDREN
• Never let anyone into the house. Do not open the door to strangers. • Use caller id or an answering machine to screen calls. When answering the phone, never tell
callers you are home alone. Tell them your mom/dad is busy and will call them back. • Keep all doors and windows locked. • If coming home to an empty house never enter the house if there are open or broken windows or doors, or other signs of forced entry. Leave and get help from a trusted neighbour. • Do not invite friends over. • Tell parents of any fears or concerns. The best defence against a home invasion is prevention. Le us create safer communities. Please visit the Royal Bahamas Police Force website at www.royalbahamaspolice.org or Facebook page at www. facebook.com/rbpforce for latest news, daily crime reports and additional crime prevention tips.
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, May 28, 2018, PAGE 11
Pinder’s Point residents urged to sue By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net IN his first town meeting in Grand Bahama, Environment Minister Romauld Ferreira advised residents of Pinder’s Point and Lewis Yard to consider civil litigation as an avenue to have their complaints heard. He said they could achieve environmental justice through the Environmental Health Services Act 1987, or seek damages for personal injury through the common law. “The crux of any assignment of liability lies in causation,” said Minister Ferreira, who is an attorney by profession. “The common law can assist, I know because I had litigated many times before I became a politician. “These avenues you can take to have your matters heard; to do that you need evidence. This is why the experts are here; so this is an opportunity to gather the necessary evidence you need to bolster whatever it is you intend to do,” he said. His advice, however, did not go down well with many residents who turned out at the Church of the Good Shepherd on Thursday evening. The residents living in settlements near the industrial plants want the government to assist with their relocation. The Rev Michael Pinder, 72, told the minister the meeting was a waste of time and they were tired of successive governments telling them the same thing over and over. He claims there has been more than enough evidence presented to successive governments that have done nothing over the past 30 years to help residents. “I came here reluctantly,” he said. “What more evidence; what more do you need?” he asked Mr Ferreira. “I have lived here for 72 years, and we are still here, still suffering,” Industrial pollution has been an ongoing issue for more than 30 years in the Pinder’s Point/Lewis Yard
MINISTER Romauld Ferreira speaks with the family of Salathiel, 11, who lives near the industrial plant. Salathiel went blind in one eye and is losing sight in the other eye after playing with foam from a nearby industrial plant. area and other surround- can move the people out of ing communities such as the affected settlements.” Hawksbill, Seaco Town, He recalled that discusHunters and Mack Town. sions were held a long time Over the past three dec- ago with all the parties about ades, three schools have possibly moving residents at been relocated, and there the cost of about $400m, but have been numerous com- claims the plan fell through plaints about the high after the sale of BORCO. incidents of cancer and canMinister Ferreira stated cer-related deaths among relocation of residents was residents as well as asthma not something he could and eye and skin irritations. approve on his own and Rev Pinder said residents that such a decision would are being fed “false hope need Cabinet sign off. and empty promises” by the “A decision to move the minister. “We are looked residents is not one I can at as fools listening to the make in and of myself. I do same rhetoric over and over not have the authority to again,” he said. do that. It is a Cabinet deci“I am tired; I had enough. sion,” he explained. I am going to be content “We have a situawith my God and the rest of tion where people have the life He gives me . . . with no expectation from this government or any other government.” Former Ambassador Maurice Moore, 78, of Pinder’s Point, said the only solution to the problem facing residents is relocation. “We have been at this for a very long time when I was a minister. We have a serious problem – a life and death problem; I went through it,” said the former cabinet minister who had announced he too was now battling prostate cancer. “What we need to focus on is a programme to relocate the people who live near the industrial plants,” he said. Mr Moore said the government has to take the lead, sit down with the industrial plants and the Grand Bahama Port Authority “and figure out the best way they
TEENAGER ACCUSED OF KILLING HOTEL WORKER By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net A TEENAGER was arraigned in a Magistrate’s Court on Friday charged with murdering a hotel employee in February. Javonne Holbert, 19, stood before Deputy Chief Magistrate Subusola Swain charged with the February 7 murder of Keno Strachan. Holbert was also charged with robbing Keno Strachan at gunpoint on the date in question, and also unlawfully setting fire to Keno Strachan’s black 2014 Mercedes Benz, with the damage estimated at $20,000. Holbert, along with 22-year-old Steffen Rolle AKA Chubby of Fox Hill, were further charged with attempting to murder
Rodman Rolle last Sunday. Concerning Strachan’s murder, according to initial police reports, shortly after 10pm on the date in question, officers received reports of gunshots in the area of Munnings Drive in South West Ridge. When police responded to the scene, they discovered a man lying in front of a residence with injuries to the body. Paramedics took him to hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Neither Holbert nor Rolle were required to enter pleas to the charges. As the deputy chief magistrate lacked the jurisdiction to grant them bail, it was denied and the two were remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. They will return to court on August 9 for service of a voluntary bill of indictment.
PUBLIC NOTICE
AUDLEY INGRAHAM is no longer employed at Switcha Bahamas Ltd./F.S.G. Manufacturing Ltd. and is not permitted to conduct any business on behalf of the company.
experienced things that have caused them to experience great anxiety and sufferation they have attributed to the proximity they live to these operations, but none of it has been tested in the court of law. None of you have litigated any of this. You have no judgments, no writs, no court orders.” He said the Minnis administration would make all the reports and studies available to facilitate them. He said the ministry is working towards the implementation of an Environmental Protection Act. “This is the signature legislation for the environment we want to have,” he said. Berthram Pinder, president of the Grand Bahama Environmental Association, told Minister Fereirra the association and residents would look at commencing legal action against the government, and continue with their demonstrations and protests. Shuffel Hepburn, a GBEA executive, highlighted various health issues of the residents, including young Salathiel, 11, who is blind in one eye and losing sight in the other eye after playing with foam from a nearby plant. Salathiel’s family told Minister Ferreira his
doctors had advised them to leave their home in Pinder’s Points in a couple of days to prevent further worsening of his condition. “We have to leave our home and have nowhere to go, we have no money to get a place in Freeport, can the government assist us?” they asked Minister Ferreira. Mr Hepburn said the meeting was a big disappointment. “I figured that they would come with something of substance tonight. The minister promised he would present something to the Cabinet, and brought nothing of substance to residents.” Mr Hepburn said that Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis needs to come and meet with the residents. “This is a huge problem, and if you lined up the people who have died in this community, it would stretch the length of these communities from east to west – that is what hurts us,” he said. “The industry and the Grand Bahama Port Authority need to be pressured by the government to do justice to these residents. “The residents are hurting and for the minister to come and say that the residents ought to individually
seek legal action - where are they going to get the money from because whatever money they have is spent on medical bills?” he said. “The Prime Minister needs to come and show residents he cares about their concerns. He met with the industrial plants, but he has not met with the residents. The industrial plants did not vote for him; the residents did,” Mr Hepburn said. Accompanying Mr Ferreira were Christopher Wright, of the Department of Forestry; Anthony Ryan, of Environmental Monitoring and Risk Assessment Division at the Department of Environmental Health Services; Berth McPhee, head of DEHS in Grand Bahama; and Ms Ferguson, an environmental officer in the Ministry of the Environment. State Minister for Grand Bahama Senator Kwasi Thompson, Iram Lewis, MP for Central Grand Bahama and parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Works; and Pakesia ParkerEdgecombe, MP for West Grand Bahama and Bimini and parliamentary secretary for communications in OPM also attended.
PAGE 12, Monday, May 28, 2018
26 CAPTURED AS SLOOP LANDS OFF VENICE BAY
THE TRIBUNE
BRINIQUE GIBSON CROWNED MISS BAHAMAS
from page one
RBDF marines have since been deployed to “key areas” along New Providence’s coastline in support of vessels patrolling offshore, the statement said. However, the RBDF acknowledged that much of its land based, maritime and air operations have been hampered by “adverse weather conditions” over the past several days. According to its statement, the RBDF has apprehended 13 migrant smuggling vessels since May of last year. The RBDF has also apprehended or assisted with the apprehension of over 1,000 migrants during the same period. The last landfall made by Haitian migrants on New Providence was in February of this year, the RBDF statement said. According to previous reports, at the time, police patrolling the Marshall Road area discovered three undocumented Haitians. The police officers subsequently informed the RBDF marines stationed in south New Providence, who, after combing the area located a wooden sloop. A subsequent search by RBDF and police, and immigration officials resulted in the apprehension of 25 more Haitians. According to the statement, the RBDF is also conducting active patrols in response to reports concerning various illegal activities taking place in the northern and southern Bahamas. Those illicit activities include overfishing by American sports fishermen, mixed migrant smuggling in Grand Bahama, Bimini and the Abacos, and reports of Dominican poaching in the southern Bahamas.
BRINIQUE GIBSON, above, is crowned Miss World Bahamas last night during the final pageant at the Atlantis Imperial Ballroom. Miss Gibson - who was Miss New Providence in the contest - edged out, below, second-placed Serena Greene (Miss Grand Bahama), left of photo, and third-placed Shelly Elisee (Miss University of The Bahamas), right of photo. Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
FIVE FOREIGN NATIONALS ARRESTED IN MARIJUANA SEIZURE By RICARDO WELLS AND NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporters
TWO Bahamians and five foreign nationals are in police custody after the recovery of nearly 102-pounds of suspected marijuana in two separate incidents over the weekend. In the first incident, police
on mobile patrol received reports of a group of illegal migrants on a vessel near the Poop Deck, East Bay Street around 2.40am. Police Marine Support Services officers assisted by Flying Squad officers and K-9 officer Rexo, conducted a search of the vessel and found five foreign men on board who did
not speak English. In full view police discovered two large packages of what was suspected to be marijuana. A further search of the vessel uncovered nine other packages of marijuana in the panelling of the vessel. The drugs totalled 100 pounds. As a result of the
discovery, 32-yearold Keith McSweeny of Hopkins Drive Coral Harbour, 19-year-old Brandon Kevin of Ecuador and 17-year-old Zhang Lei, 17-year-old Dong Ziyi, 35-year-old XIaolin Ling and 40-year-old You Meichun, all of China, were taken into custody. In the second incident reported over the weekend, Police Marine Support Service officers conducted a search of a local mail boat anchored at Potters Cay Dock. A quantity of suspected marijuana was discovered in one of the cabins. A Bahamian man was taken into custody and is expected to be formally charged in Magistrate’s Court next week. The drugs in this incident totalled 1.5 pounds, with a street value of $1,000. Investigations into both
matters are ongoing. Meanwhile in Grand Bahama, two men were charged in a Magistrate’s Court on Friday with having been caught trying to export more than $40,000 worth of cocaine. Arcenio McKinney, 28, and 21-year-old Laleik Laing stood before Deputy Chief Magistrate Subusola Swain charged with four drug related counts stemming from their actions at the Grand Bahama International Airport on May 22. It is alleged that on the day in question, the two conspired to and were also found to be in possession of cocaine with intent to supply. It is further alleged they conspired to and consequently took preparatory steps to export the cocaine out of the country. According to reports, shortly before 1pm that day, Drug Enforcement Unit
(DEU) officers were called to the US Pre-Clearance Departure Lounge at the Grand Bahama International Airport, where a man had presented himself at US Customs to board a flight to Florida. A search was conducted of his carry-on bag and three plastic packages, each containing suspected cocaine, were discovered. Further investigations led to the arrest of another man and woman. The total weight of the drugs was 7.58 pounds with an estimated street value of $45,000. Both McKinney and Laing pleaded not guilty to the charge. The case was adjourned to September 18 for trial. Bail was denied and the two were remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. However, they both have the right to apply to the Supreme Court for bail.
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, May 28, 2018, PAGE 13
TAXI DRIVERS CLAIM RESORT IS TAKING THEIR BUSINESS BY DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
TAXICAB drivers on Grand Bahama demonstrated outside a local resort on Saturday claiming guests are being illegally transported in unfranchised vehicles taking jobs away from them. They claim this “illegal practice” has been carrying on for nearly a year without any redress from the Road Traffic Department, despite ongoing complaints made by cab drivers and the GB Taxi Union. Wayne Rolle, union chairman, and David Jones, president of the GBTU, were among some two dozen cab drivers who assembled at the entrance to the Ocean Reef resort on Bahama Reef Boulevard. According to Mr Rolle, when cab drivers drop off arriving guests at the resort, they are no longer allowed
WAYNE ROLLE, fifth from right, and David Jones, fourth from right, at the Ocean Reef resort on Saturday. back at the property to pick assistant controller Charthem up. maine Fernander as well as “They (the resort) take supervisors at Road Traffic the people in unfranchised in Freeport. vehicles and what they are “We were told that this doing is selling their guests was going to be stopped illegal cab fares to the food - that was almost a year store, beach, fish fry and ago, and next month will return trip to the airport be one year since this has and harbour,” he alleged. been going on,” said the cab Mr Rolle said they have driver of 24 years. spoken to everyone about Mr Rolle noted drivers the issue, including Minister also had also a brief conof Transport Frankie Camp- versation with the prime bell, the controller of Road minister about the situation. Traffic Ross Smith, and “We did not go into
details with him about it, but he told us that if the issue was not resolved that we could have a meeting with him,” he said. “There are about 30 taxicab drivers out here today because we are opposed to what is happening, and we want the matter to be addressed,” Rolle said. Taxi Union president David Jones called on the government to ensure proper regulation at the resort. “We want to make sure the government regulate this area and put in a taxi stand here. One was here (before), and they moved it. We are asking the government to make sure regulate this area, so we do not have these kinds of issues anymore,” Mr Jones said. “This has been a vexing issue for a long time, and it needs to be rectified, and we are asking the government to do something about it. The matter needs to be corrected because it is getting out of
hand, and if something were to happen to those guests it would be devastating.” On the matter of the harbour, Mr Rolle stated there are still issues concerning the illegal soliciting at the port for passengers off cruise ships. He complained a local tour operator is allowed through Customs and on to the cruise ships to solicit guests. “The government promised that would stop also, but the tour operator is still allowed beyond the checkpoint to go onboard the ship,” he claimed. Mr Rolle also complained about cruise ships selling tours while in port. “We have a problem with cruise ships having their tour desk opened and selling tours while in port; it is illegal to do that because the tour desk is supposed to be closed while in port,” he explained. Cab drivers had also requested that licence fees be reduced from $300 to
assist during tough economic times, he said. “Business licence fee used to be $100, and it is now $300, and with the state of the economy we wanted the government to give us a break on that,” he said. When asked if they feel their concerns and issues are being ignored, Mr Jones noted there had been some improvement at the port regarding sharing of cruise passengers. “We love the industry just like anyone else, and we could take drastic measures, but we choose to sit at the table and talk. “But we feel that government is helping us. At the harbour, we are now sharing the jobs on Celebration. Previously, the tour operators moved all the tours on the boat, but now we are getting some of those jobs, and so the government is working with us there,” Mr Jones said.
WSC UNION SAYS REHIRE EMPLOYEES AFTER COURT CASE By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net
THE government has advised the Water and Sewerage Corporation to reinstate the three employees who were formerly accused of stealing a fire hydrant from their employer “as soon as possible”, the corporation’s union chief Dwayne Woods said yesterday. Mr Woods said both the minister and the director of labour further advised the corporation that Lejaith Paul, Kerven Pierre and Latario Bowe should be compensated for any losses they incurred, and to retract the suspension placed on them as a result of court proceedings. Mr Woods consequently begged the corporation to “do the honorable thing” and reinstate the three men, charging that failing to do so would result
in a “contentious” issue between the corporation and unionised staff. Paul, Pierre, and Bowe were previously charged on one count each of stealing by reason of employment. It was alleged they stole a fire hydrant valued at $1,024.93 from the WSC property on John F Kennedy Drive, which they had access to by reason of their employment. They stood trial before Magistrate Samuel McKinney earlier this year, with key witnesses WSC Deputy General Manager Robert Deal and his administrative assistant Donna Petty giving sworn evidence. The case against the three men was ultimately dropped earlier this month. Yesterday, Mr Woods told The Tribune subsequent to the case being dropped, the union wrote to the corporation concerning the reinstatement of the
three men. The union also pursued the matter to the labour board, after or during which Labour Minister Dion Foulkes and Director of Labour John Pinder advised the corporation to reinstate the men, compensate them for any losses they incurred and retract their suspensions. “And this is exactly what the union was saying all along,” Mr Woods said yesterday. “We try our best to work out our matters with the corporation internally. This whole ordeal that these fellows was put through has traumatised the whole organisation as far as the employees are concerned, and I guess as soon as the corporation reinstates them, the union and the corporation would probably be ready to work feverishly together to continually boost the morale of the corporation moving forward. “So we’re looking for
great things to happen as soon as these persons are reinstated.” He added: “I must unequivocally say that the employees are sitting and waiting with anticipation that this reinstatement takes place, because none of them feel safe on the job anymore, and this will be a contentious matter if it’s not done. So we beg and plead with the corporation to do the honourable thing”. Mr Woods said while Paul, Pierre and Bowe feel as though their “rights were violated” because of the allegations levied against them, the three men are looking to be reinstated both “enthusiastically and egotistically”. “They’re looking for the reinstatement to take place, and every day they’re calling and asking ‘what day we gone come back to work,
what day we gone come back to work’,” Mr Woods said. “They put pressure on the executives of the union to see that they get in. That’s where they are now.” The Tribune made contact with WSC Chairman Adrian Gibson yesterday to find out if the corporation would heed the advice given it, however, at the time he was contacted, Mr Gibson told The Tribune he was in a board meeting. Nonetheless, Mr Woods told The Tribune the union hopes the corporation heeds the advice of the Messrs Foulkes and Pinder. Otherwise, he hinted at the possibility of industrial action. “The union has two options,” Mr Woods said. “One is to work along with the corporation on reinstatement and I guess if the corporation fails to reinstate
then we got to appeal to the stakeholders to do the honorable thing. And if the stakeholders fail us then we have to resort to our greatest weapon, whatever that may be. Whether it be withdrawal of enthusiasm or whatever. That’s the final straw that the union will have. “But it is our hope..we hope and pray we don’t have to get to that.” He added: “…So my thing is I’m doing my endeavor best to keep them (employees) on the straight and narrow as far as ill feeling toward the corporation, and I guess we’ll sit down with the corporation and see how we could resolve the matter amicably by probably working with them in some other way, or awarding them some type of incentive to let the situation go away.”
www.ub.edu.bs
CAREER OPPORTUNITY SENIOR MANAGEMENT
Suitably qualified candidates are invited to submit applications for the following position available at University of The Bahamas:General Counsel, who will serve as the chief legal officer of the University of The Bahamas’ system, and provide legal guidance and counsel in executive and policy decision-making to the Board of Trustees and senior leadership. Among the duties and responsibilities are: • Managing the University’s legal representation in all litigation and administrative proceedings; • Providing counsel and advice concerning compliance with laws of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas and all UB Act statutes and regulations affecting tertiary education, including preventative legal services and legal representation in monitoring and resolving disputes that may lead to litigation; • Subject to direction of the Board of Trustees and President, resolving all legal claims and initiating and appealing all lawsuits and administrative proceedings; • Managing outside counsel budgets, issuing contracts for legal services and retaining outside counsel on behalf of all University units; • Providing administrative leadership to the Board of Trustees in litigation reviews; • Serving as attorney to the Board of Trustees in legal matters and communicating legal issues and concerns to the attention of the Trustees, President, and senior leaders; • Reviewing all Board resolutions and policies for form and legality. Among the essential qualifications are at least 10 years of experience as a practicing attorney in a sophisticated environment such as a large law firm, government agency, university, non-profit organization or corporation and a J.D. LLB and /or LLM degree from an accredited law school. Proven success in providing legal guidance in the context of complex organizations and a deeply held commitment to, and belief in, the value of collaborative decision-making are also essential. A detailed position announcement is available online at: http://www.ub.edu.bs/about-us/career-opportunities/ . Applicants should electronically submit via hrapply@ub.edu.bs, to the attention of the Vice President, Human Resources the following documents by Thursday, 31st May, 2018: • A completed University of The Bahamas Application for Employment (available at (www.ub.edu.bs/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Applicationfor-Employment-Staff.pdf); • A cover letter of interest highlighting work experience and accomplishments relevant to the position; • Current Curriculum Vitae or Resume; and • The names and contact information of three professional references
PAGE 14, Monday, May 28, 2018
THE TRIBUNE
Conference to examine the future of finance BY DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
STATE Minister for Grand Bahama Kwasi Thompson.
Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
HUNDREDS of tech companies are expected to attend The Bahamas Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Conference (BBCC) in Grand Bahama next month. The event will take place June 20-22 at the Grand Lucayan Convention Centre. State Minister for Grand Bahama Kwasi Thompson announced the conference would take the form of a Venture Conference to establish the Bahamas as a global player in introducing venture investors to Seed Stage and Early Stage companies that are focused on Blockchain, Cryptocurrency and FinTech solutions. He said the government is committed to making the Bahamas a premier place to do business. “We believe that Grand Bahama Island is uniquely suited to become an internationally recognised technology and innovation hub, and as such have set out to establish Grand Bahama as this region’s Silicon Valley,” he said. He noted last November the Office of the Prime Minister held its first Technology Summit hosting “some of the finest minds in technology and innovation worldwide.” Minister Thompson said the technology summit was instrumental in beginning the strategic planning process of developing a technology sector in the Bahamas. He stated that the government is implementing recommendations made by the Steering Committee to make the technology hub a reality, including hosting a major international conference. Mr Thompson said BBCC is designed to attract investors, entrepreneurs, and services providers and tech companies from all over the world who are focused on making investments, starting and developing companies, and building business relationships with Blockchain technology companies. Additionally, he said, BBCC will provide The Bahamas, particularly Grand Bahama, with the opportunity to present itself to the world as a jurisdiction that has an established framework, financial and immigration policies that are favourable to technology and FinTech companies that incorporate and are based in The Bahamas. Several topics will be discussed, with panellists
from the Bahamas and the United States taking part. The topic, “The Technology Sector in The Bahamas is Open for Business:” will be presented by proposed panellists John Rolle, Governor Central Bank; Keith Davies, BISX; Christina Rolle, Bahamas Securities Commission; and Tanya McCartney, Bahamas Financial Services Board. Other topics to be discussed are: “Why You Should Invest in The Bahamas”; A Global Perspective on Regulatory Frameworks for Cryptocurrency and ICOs and their view of Caribbean Jurisdictions with respect to the SEC and EU” and “What Does the Future look like for Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, and FinTech Solutions?” “We are extremely excited to welcome a series of high-calibre international speakers and panellists to Grand Bahama to participate in this conference, in particular, are two persons who were featured on Forbes Magazine Cryptocurrency Billionaires list, Brock Pierce and Anthony Di lorio, and assure you that this is an experience you definitely do not want to miss,” Mr Thompson said. “The government believes that it is critical to not only talk about Grand Bahama and all we have to offer but to open our doors and welcome the global community to see for themselves and dialogue with our local business community. “It is also expected that the conference will have a significant immediate economic impact as we intend to fill hotel rooms, taxis, restaurants, and tours. However, it is anticipated that these international companies that come – and our target is 500 – that we show them what The Bahamas has to offer and why Grand Bahama is the right place to invest,” he said. Mr Thompson said technology companies are already taking advantage of the Commercial Enterprise Act passed by the government to set up shop in The Bahamas. He noted that three have already been approved for Grand Bahama, including GIBC, which is owned by Greg Wood. “I also want to encourage Bahamian professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs to remain keen on what is happening globally, and venture into the technology industry with the intent of establishing yourselves and your businesses at home,” he said.
MAN KILLED AS CAR HITS TREE A MAN is dead after a traffic accident on Prince Charles Drive on Saturday morning. According to reports, at around 8am the man was driving alone in his Toyota Tacoma when he lost control and hit a tree.
Paramedics were called and made attempts to revive him but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Traffic Department officers are continuing investigations into this matter.