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Time to pay up

Patients who can afford fees to be targeted

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net HEALTH Minister Dr Duane Sands forecast “increased collection of gazetted fees” to meet healthcare demands but insisted no one is going to be denied care in government facilities — particularly the destitute.

He stressed those who can pay should do so as he addressed the financial boost his ministry is set to receive in the 2019/2020 budget.

The Minnis administration is planning to earmark $301,973,034 for the Ministry of Health, a little over $8m more than it received in 2018/2019.

When asked about the 2019/2020 budget’s projected revenue increase

for public health fees, Dr Sands replied: “Well, first of all, I think the Ministry of Health is pleased that we actually got an increase in allocation in this upcoming budget year.

“When we compare the allocation, however, to the anticipated demand for services, we recognise that there is still going to need to be something to fill the gap.

So even as we cut waste and improve efficiency, it is likely that we are going to have to increase collection of gazetted fees.

“We have tried to account for that in a very small way and we’ll see what we’re able to do in terms of actual collections over the upcoming fiscal year. Certainly the position of the Ministry of Health remains the same: that if somebody is unable, SEE PAGE FIVE

FORMER Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe has applied for the Progressive Liberal Party’s nomination in the West Grand Bahama constituency in the 2022 general election, according to PLP chairman Fred Mitchell.

Mr Mitchell revealed this during a PLP branch meeting in West End Grand Bahama on Friday.

The Tribune understands

that party insiders are gearing up for a contentious nomination fight in that constituency. Mr Wilchcombe received 47 percent of the votes in the 2017 general election, 263 fewer than the winner, the Free National Movement’s Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe.

Mr Mitchell said during the branch meeting: “There is a process that was settled by the National General Council and the National Leadership Council last year. It’s a simple SEE PAGE THREE

US COURT TO RULE TODAY ON CARNIVAL ‘VIOLATIONS’

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

A LOCAL environmentalist is working to be identified as a victim in ongoing pollution proceedings against Carnival Corporation in a US court.

Sam Duncombe, cofounder of reEarth, is one of three people behind an emergency motion filed in the US last week and will likely learn the fate of her efforts today.

Carnival Corporation’s Princess Cruises pled guilty in 2016 to several charges related to pollution and falsifying records. The corporation paid a $40 million fine and was placed on probation. The corporation is now facing charges that it violated its probation.

SEE PAGE SIX

CRACKDOWN ON ‘NEW NAME’ TAX DODGERS

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

WILCHCOMBE WANTS GB SEAT IN NEXT ELECTION

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

HOME

CA Smith being sworn in as Deputy Governor General last summer as Acting Chief Justice Vera Watkins looks on.

Photo: Derek Smith/BIS

CA SMITH - OUR NEW GOVERNOR GENERAL

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

CORNELIUS Alvin Smith has announced that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has appointed him as the country’s next Governor General, a revelation that some see as a “shocking breach” of protocol.

Mr Smith made the statement to a group of friends during a farewell

CURRENT Governor General, Dame Marguerite Pindling party at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ building in Freeport where he

announced he has resigned as the non-resident ambassador to Panama.

It is not clear if he knew his statements were being recorded for public consumption. The announcement of a new Governor General usually comes in a statement from the Queen, not from the appointee. A government source yesterday said Mr Smith’s ascension to

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

SEE PAGE FIVE

THE government has introduced “discretion” into the crackdown on corporate tax cheats who seek to evade their liabilities by reincorporating under a different vehicle or name.

Proposed changes to the Financial Administration and Audit Act still allow the Ministry of Finance to withhold Tax Compliance Certificates if it is believed any company applying for one has created a different corporate vehicle to evade payment of due taxes.

Marlon Johnson, the acting financial secretary, said that they had “seen some attempts” by companies to evade their due taxes by incorporating under a different name or vehicle.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

INSIGHT FRED SMITH:

DETENTION AND DEPORTATION JUST DOES NOT WORK

SEE PAGE SEVEN

PAGE 2, Monday, June 3, 2019

THE TRIBUNE

Man killed in drive-by shooting

By TRIBUNE REPORTER A MAN is dead after he was wounded during a drive-by shooting Thursday night.

According to police, shortly after 10pm a man was standing in front of a residence on Shady Tree Street, Culmersville, when a silver coloured vehicle pulled up to him. The occupants opened fire in his direction, injuring him before speeding away. Paramedics took the injured man to hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

His identity has not been released by police.

In other crime news,

police said three Mexicans are in police custody after a Dominican man was attacked on Bimini yesterday.

Police were told that shortly before 3am on Sunday, a group of Mexican men got into a fight with a Dominican man, who was beaten about the body.

He was taken to the clinic in Bimini and seen by a doctor.

He was later airlifted to New Providence for treatment.

Meanwhile, another man is in hospital in critical condition after he was shot Friday night.

According to reports,

shortly after 11pm the victim was sitting on his vehicle in the Haitian community off Cowpen Road, when he was approached by an armed man, who shot him multiple times in his body before running away.

Paramedics were called to the scene and took the victim to hospital.

Police are appealing to members of the public who may have information that can assist with these investigations to contact the Central Detective Unit at 502-9991/2, Crime Stoppers at 328-TIPS (8477) or the nearest police station.

Investigations are continuing.

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es Revealed: Nam list and on the eliteowed what they

not be officials could T to press time. reached up to sources

By AVA TURNQUES Reporter of According .net Tribune Chief matter, as tribunemedia close to the Wells has since aturnquest@ Mr Progres- Monday his accounts FOUR former Cabinet paid $9,000 on balParty an outstanding ARNOLD sive Liberal more than with $8,600.

FORBES ministers owedat Bahamas ance of some also said as $62,023 The source Forbes was one $20,000 each Mr Light, with Power and in arrears of Monday the company former minister as of July, in talks with balance over settle the Mr for some $60,000 a list obtained to three-month period. a according to PLP Mount former Tribune.

The by and Collec- Forbes, MP, was appointed The Credit 2015, listing of Moriah in January the tions Department and board to Cabinet served as MPs, senators the period and previouslythe Bahamas of for chairman members 31, revealed and Industrial ending July State Minister Agricultural . that former of Works Corporation the “do not Others on are: former in the Ministry owed BPL list Dr disconnect” Arnold Forbes of Health Tall $62,023.14.

by The Minister former The list obtained delin- Perry Gomez, Leslie Miller, Tribune contains of six Pines MP Youth Minister of former quent accounts Cabinet minis- former Johnson, Dion former PLP PLP MPs, Dr Danny Village MP ters, two former Tourism DR DANIEL entities, and Nassau , two private Cabinet min- Smith, former JOHNSON Obie Wilchcombe one sitting $24,413 Town MP Minister South Beach MP and former ister: Bamboo Hamilton State Renward Wells. who owed Cleola of Mr Wells, $3,703.96 at former Minister Damian Affairs $9,277.07 and locations - for Legal two separatetotal – did not Gomez.

SEE PAGE EIGHT $12,981.03 in yesterwant to comment other former day, and the

DR PERRY GOMEZ $24,498

LESLIE MILLER $42,219

DION SMITH $9,275

RENWARD WELLS $12,980

BPL WHO RUNS is quite willCRUNCH DAY OVER utilityto operator from it “walk away”

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W. Carey/Tribun

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By NEIL HARTNELL Editor $25m, five-year maximum t contract et Tribune Business ibunemedia.n BPL managemen nhartnell@tr and Minnis if the board wish it to go. on Power & BAHAMAS board will administrati which will The meeting,PowerSecure Light’s (BPL) by meeting” hold a “crunch e today, be attendedand their attorneys key with PowerSecurlikely crit- executives is viewed as the from the US, with the outcome whether the to determining whethermake and ical in decidingas manager. sides will “kiss latter remainsTribune Busi- two separate. up” or Multiple - SEE BUSINESS yesterday US FULL STORY ness sources that the confirmed

HUMILI AFTER 4O YEARS LOSES HIS SEAT

seats: Encaptured four Island and Cat were spent under to South Aners’ dollars administration. glerston; 1,900 votes and San Salvador; Christie the win with is evidence 2017 the as well as Exuma A DORSETT Mr Christie’s 1,875. unofHe said if there”, the new dros VIRGIL ELECTION Islands.

By SANCHESK Reporter to the

By KHRISNA Reporter seat, Fox According the the Ragged of “criminality et Tribune Staff from the Parwill allow SPEAK An additional being reDeputy Chief bunemedia.n ficial results Registration government course.

THE PEOPLE nemedia.net sdorsett@tri PAGE 4 was still its kvirgil@tribu his Hill, law to take to press time. and liamentary , Mr Chipman after ON’ decounted up his parMoments DNA ‘TO GO PAGE 5 IN a surprisingat the Departmentout of 12 pollas the na- This marked the worst in AFTER leadinglandslide defeat party won seven maiden speech MinLOSE humbling leader, Dr Prime Min- ing divisions in the former ty to a stunning feat for a governing Mr tion’s next PLP BIG NAMESPAGE 7 dealing a parapolls, outgoing that under recent history. victory and to the ProgresChristie lost PLP stronghold, while will nis promised victory came MPS ister Perry Bahamians The FNM’s won five. lysing blow Party last night, years the Centreville his watch, YOUR PROJECTED his seat in last night by Christie a rocky five PAGE 9 to fear from Mr Christie sive Liberal challengIn 2012, have nothing , pointing to despite conPrime Minister constituency representing FAR included twoleadership, SO incoming that the Centrevilleeighth declared government said the RESULTS Minnis 25 votes aftermore than 40 won the PAGE 14 Dr Minnis’ of a fracn, which he Dr Hubert stituency for time with have abused victimisatio tional” “im- es to the area for to unofthat those who trust “have continued reports ultimately consecutive He defeated is “unconstitu MORE COVERAGE of years, according party and the post “wrong”.

PAGES 2-18 positions votes. moral” and to unofficial tured Ella to fear”. ficial results. held 2,950 candidate removal from has Opsomething to thousands of his FNM’s According able at the Mr Christie 1977 and the of the Official FNM was Speaking by 1,349 votes at the Q House today. results, the stunning defeat of leader in the House of won all the Lewis the seat since a pledged that jubilant supporterslast night, ment Mr Christie leader of Dr Minnis on will give to pull off securing a mas- position has been Liberal Party time. polling division in E Sports Centre but one administrati Terrance of the PLP, constituencies. Assembly. a long fought National MoveProgressive 39 “This was victory is not the Free also announced his General it sive 34 of ry Regsince 1997. released a but the Prime 2012. ment leader be sworn in as Auditor the resources former is yours,” Although he the loss, The Parliamenta did battle, The about his seat to that he will fourth prime Bastianto probe how taxpay- istration Department re- mine - the victory thousands Minister lost Movement statement did not speak full election last Dr Minnis told on the carThe Bahamas’ at Govern- needs Christie not release 5pm Free National packed with the and po- Mr minister at SEE PAGE SIX candidate sults last night, in from the of FNMs (FNM) Reece nival grounds. people’s time numbers coming litical newcomer agency around “This is the and I who secured government from the and I am your servant Chipman, 11pm. However it apSEE PAGE THREE only unofficial numbers, the PLP of the conpeared that “The outcome trust according to vention did not inspireBahalast Mark Humes in the results, said coming afor confidence that’s “obvious” mian electorate but think sweeping defeat residents unofficial that it is I ROLLE have stood behind us now and they night ter Fort Charlotte

By RASHAD Reporter told him party would winning the the party has a wonderful repeatedly lead- the Tribune Staff stand the any a better chance rebuild and emedia.net could not he been victori- opportunity to rrolle@tribun of the country per- election had itself,” he said. leadership for for- ership despite their ous in the PLP’sadding that reengineer longer, him.

AS HE called SEE PAGE SIX RASPBERRY Minister Perry sonal affection for was pro- race in January, made a mistake” mer Prime who ICED TEA “the party resign as leader Mr Sears, Mr Christie.

Free NaChristie to Liberal in choosing to lose to the Al- jected Movement’s (FNM) of the Progressive last night, the tional Party (PLP) said he saw fred Sears

T

By AVA TURNQUES Reporter t Tribune Chief ibunemedia.ne aturnquest@tr Sewerage WATER and Chairman Corporation yesterday Adrian Gibson existence the confirmed disconnect” of a “do not by scores list populatedthe governof elites at utility owned to ment he pledged provider as on crackdown a initiate accounts. delinquent told The Mr Gibson l “confidentia Tribune the 221accounts, list” held total of with a combined the period $175,000 for2017. ending June he plans He said that corporathe to direct all persons tion to notify arrears owing excessive or face debts to resolve n. disconnectio a list confi“There is the Long dential list,” said.

MP Island would think “In fact, I s corporation that all the year or two, in over the last and more particularly year, there May of thisclose attenhas been that list by tion paid to t with the managemen changing the a view to lists usually way those operate. this con“As it stands, a number has fidential list on it, and of persons it’s being really and trulypersons by used to notify or letters. courtesy call that as the I can say toothe corporachairman of to direct tion I am going owing that all personswho are excessive arrears EIGHT SEE PAGE at the end of

DAMIAN GOMEZ OBIE $3,413 WILCHCOMBE CLEOLA $4,911 HAMILTON they owed $6,118 list and the amount since that date. disconnect” BPL “do not made or further debt incurred named on the NINE individualsdo not include any payments July. The sums

PUT SOUTH ISLANDS T ON MARIA ALER

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Watch the film - every agonising, wrenching, awful second.

Then give up Eugene’s killer

CHRISTIE TO RESIGN

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safeas well as of homicides A DORSETT guarding the residents

By SANCHESKReporter in Fox Hill. et Tribune Staff walkabout bunemedia.n During a Acting prepared. live national sdorsett@tri er Fox Hill on Tuesday, ROLLE During a Ferguson Commission his office

By RASHAD Reporter ACTING Fergu- Commissioner and address from Dr Minnis Tribune Staff Anti-Gang of Police Anthony emedia.net yesterday said the Inveslast night, Maria is rrolle@tribun Tracing and announced dev- son establishment of two Firearms Unit will operate fore- said: “Hurricane the potentially Bahamas tigation WITH we the DetecMaria another hurricane that separate Royal anti-crime out of the Central the cast for Hurricane Force storm to pass astating monitor.”

(CDU) while projecting the Baha- must carefully Though most Police aimed at eliminating tive Unit SEE PAGE 11 units counHe added: near the Southeast was spared gang activity in the morning, Prime of mas Friday Hubert Minnis of the Bahamas the number try, reducing Minister Dr of those SEE PAGE TWO and is urging residents be vigilant to islands

boardroom Interview, pages 4&5

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Dr Hubert MinPRIME Minister Kendera Woodside, nis meeting murdered Eugene the mother of

this Yes I feel for y our countries.than I can say.” more ensure has a responsibilit one mother said he will Each citizen information Dr Minnis provided to and whatever that forward. medical attention is is pregnant. the composure. said he felt the fam- has we must bring among us.” who after feel live Dr Minnis Mrs Woodside, the grieving and days makes me Three These criminals who emphasised country’s he “You can see of those pushed the ily’s pain. “What through,” Mrs Minnis, that her appearis that most during murder that violent crime into ROLLE she’s going someI, even worse

By RASHAD Reporter not a pain “I assured her that the family the yard, struggle with spotlight yet again, them was doctor, to will have we see in Tribune Staff ance before called on women said. today (Friday) we to look the national as a medical emedia.net acute. rrolle@tribun come my my years political move,one day this week time her pain remained live a life, medical personnel she’s pregand comforting cried.

“He ain’t even to wear blackfor murder victims.

Dr THE hugs her because sure that Prime Minister wife God,” Mrs Woodsidegive my upon after in mourning I’m calling words of I have to make infant are and his a baby. I could my really nant.

“As a mother, Hubert Minnis couldn’t answer “He’s right now just for because I this,” her and her unborn will also make take all mothers can stop the Patricia Minnis that consumed breath be right here. They well and we to to make sure believe mothers who was tearful both as baby ts body. the questions yesterday out my who arrangemen medical personnel said Mrs Minnis, eight- my heart my only son. They Kendera Woodside have our sons on a too for her son, killed times. “We birth and as they necessary her and see her “This after she grieved of them at my daughter from the safety who was still with look almost shoot (the house) with would’ve delivered most knowing we cradle basis to ensure infant.” year-old Eugene, men we are to me with regular they inside four days ago. people ain’t tell- and What they do to my family? so they are closer patients,” Dr becomeWe have to speakshould of her and her unborn PAGE TWO SEE them. are my former “Why these bringing my son me. they do to us? st by pro- them. I think all women week me? I they we ain’ carry one day this ing me they she cried between What Minnis, a gynaecologi “The message “Why they wear black what’s happening in a baby.” tried to right now?” fession, said. the entire Bahamas 29 years, He’s Dr Minnis and mourn Eugene’s Rose- live must send to screams as this alone.

Tonio Woodside, family at theirEugene wife even is the police can’t fight console the consoled his home where on father, struggled to maintain bud Road a stray bullet as he was shot by did his homework. he as Monday

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PLP CASUAL HIRES COST EXTRA $10M

he told Parto In June, cost the ROLLE such liament of

By RASHAD Bahamians $10,149,738. by the Carib- Tribune Staff Reporter so alarmed Action Task rrolle@tribunemedia.net increases was comes after draft bean Financial The revision more than

By NEIL HARTNELL Editor Rolle, minForce’s (CFATF) BRENSIL et Tribune Business services he included that were not The Bahamas ibunemedia.n report on his staff ister of public nhartnell@tr 1,700 workers Gen- that he instructedaddressing and National Insurance, in his original count.

December Progressive THE Attorneyslammed to begin work on June.

Amid the said between 2017, the criticism May flaws from early eral yesterday

by Liberal Party’sadministrablasted the 2016 and in the nation’s the ballooned Mr Bethel deficiencies adminis- public purse laundering of the of the Minnisof its firings anti-money former Christie to tackle $16,532,738 because on’s tion because “entirely unacfailing administrati regime as SEE PAGE SIX they had tration for with the Christie public service new ceptable”, warning “in great known weaknesses of hiring period. during that put The Bahamas necessary urgency.

BUSINESS workers danger”. told Trib- FULL STORY - SEE Carl Bethelhe had been une Business

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FIREFIGHTERS TACKLE MAJOR NEW BLAZE AT LANDFILL

A DORSETT

By SANCHESKReporter et Tribune Staff bunemedia.n sdorsett@tri TERS yesFIREFIGH a large blaze terday battled Providence at the New three weeks Landfill, nearly a massive that after tackling city dump fire at the nearly a month. burned for Charge of Fire Officer in Chief SuperinServices, Evans said tendent Walter is “not confire the the current any way to this nected” in and at blaze previous do not know time officials the fire. Howwhat caused t Minister ever Environmen told rehe Kenred Dorsett the site that porters at “sabotage” in said suspected the fire. He relation to the team “instructed” he to have the of firefighters “before and blaze extinguished day” today nomination Baha Mar’s before certainly Friday. opening on started shortly The blaze and Wednesday after 3am said offichief Supt Evans fire

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FORMER PM TELLS OF LAST TALK WITH NOTTAGE

WELLS

By RICARDO Reporter Tribune Staff nemedia.net rwells@tribu

G concern ADMITTIN Bernard Notin over what Dr have battled last tage may his isolation during Prime Minisdays, former yesterday for ter Perry Christie admiration the expressed forth by the effort put security to former national the build-up minister in election. the May general from his Breaking away since being public silence office in hisof out a voted last month, toric fashion Mr Chrishis visibly troubled portions of his tie detailed with last conversation and longfriend childhood colleague on time political Thursday.

Centreville The former Nottage as Dr MP saw “fought tehis someone who throughout naciously” he loved and life for those said he

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Prime Minister rings the bellrace for election

traditions. just a short ROLLE “Earlier today,present ParBy RASHAD Reporter the while ago, Tribune Staff officially disemedia.net liament was Christie said. rrolle@tribun Mr of Perry solved,”seat in the House “Every PRIME Minister the prover- Assembly is now vacant. the to you, Christie rang morning, “It is now left beloved bial bell yesterday that the 2017 citizenry of our who will announcing be held on nation, to decide in the next election willMay 10. fill those seats In doWednesday, address, givof Assembly.

His televisedOffice of the House you will also be dethe ing so, en live at the came mo- ciding who will form Minister, the BahaPrime Police Commis- government of five years. ments after Greenslade, for the next that mosioner Ellison as provost mas “You will make in what ns in his capacity decision proclamatio read pray mentous and Asmarshal, hope House of fair elecoutside the Governor Gen- I earnestly be free and Pin- will following a spirited sembly from Marguerite Let tions eral Dame Parliament. peaceful campaign. dling dissolving said he is but the forthcoming Mr Christie election will us contestwith all the vigour confident the and will fol- elections fair at our command.” be free and and peaceful SEE PAGE TWO low a spirited is consistent campaign that political with this country’s

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Monday, June 3, 2019, PAGE 3

BOY ‘CRITICAL’ IN HOSPITAL AFTER HE’S RUN OVER BY CAR

Wilchcombe wants GB seat in next election

from page one

process and I add this caveat for Grand Bahama. I have a saying which I’ve adopted…we don’t cross the Hawksbill Creek. What you have to decide is who is the appropriate candidate that you want to run for your area. Obviously the decision is that of the Candidate’s Committee of the Progressive Liberal Party and the National General Council, but the first right of this process is the local branch and local constituency and it would be unfair to ask me or the leader at this point to get involved in that because if I get involved in that you’ll tell me mind my business, I’m not from Grand Bahama.

“The council made a decision that the only persons who have an automatic buy in to becoming candidates in the next general election are the four incumbents, that is Glenys Hanna Martin in Englerston, Chester Cooper in Exuma, Brave Davis in Cat Island and Picewell Forbes in South and Central Andros. Every place else, the slate is clean, starting from zero. There is a course, which each

person who wants to be a candidate has to go through in order to run for a nomination…once you’ve gone through that course and you get your certificate, you have the right to apply for a nomination.

Two people in this constituency have done that, one is Obie Wilchcombe who is the incumbent and the other is Lewis Astwood. They have written the party and said they wish to get a nomination for the West Grand Bahama and Bimini seat. The branch has been written and told that it is now your job for you to vet those individuals and make a decision as to who you will recommend.”

Mr Wilchcombe was elected MP for West Grand Bahama three times, in 2002, 2007 and 2012. He could not be reached for comment yesterday.

Former Cabinet minister George Smith, who sits on the PLP’s Candidates Committee, has said the committee desires to run a fresh slate of candidates in 2022. This desire is expected to run up against the ambitions of several candidates who lost in 2017 and wish to run again.

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net

A TODDLER was left in critical condition in hospital following a traffic “mishap” in Eleuthera on Friday, police said.

The boy sustained an injury to the head after being hit by a reversing vehicle.

The child is one year and 11 months old, according to Superintendent Shanta Knowles.

He is currently being treated in New Providence and an investigation is continuing, according to police.

“Police on the island of Eleuthera are investigating a traffic mishap [on Friday] which has left a child detained in hospital,” the Royal Bahamas Police Force said in a statement released this weekend.

“According to reports, shortly after 5pm, a resident of Green Castle, arrived at home with a male child. He secured the vehicle, leaving the child inside and got into another vehicle.

“As he was reversing, he heard the child screaming.

He got out of the vehicle and noticed that the child was at the rear of this vehicle and bleeding from an injury to the head.”

The child was taken to the Rock Sound Community Clinic and later flown to a hospital in Nassau where he is listed in critical condition.

Investigations are continuing.

FORMER Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe.

D’Aguilar: It’s critical that hotel talks are successful

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net THE hotel workers union is maintaining the proposal it received from industry stakeholders outlined a “zero percent” gratuity provision — despite Atlantis recently stating the industry has “never suggested” eliminating 15 percent gratuity from employees.

Bahamas Hotel Catering and Allied Workers Union Secretary General Sheila Burrows confirmed this to The Tribune yesterday, adding the union will release a report later in the week.

“We know what is in the agreement that they sent,” she said.

When asked if the removal of employees’ 15 percent gratuity was a part of the proposal, Mrs Burrows replied: “If you put zero per cent in the proposal, with no figure, what that mean? Zero per cent.

“In the food and beverage category, fine dining – zero per cent. Gourmet, zero per cent. Busing, zero per cent. Specialty, zero percent. Banqueting, zero per cent.”

Her comments came days after the overwhelming majority of hotel workers backing a strike during a Bahamas Hotel Catering and Allied Workers Union’s poll held on Thursday.

However, Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar yesterday said talk of a strike is currently “very premature”.

In an interview with The Tribune yesterday, Mr D’Aguilar stressed the importance of keeping calm and actually having negotiations, as he noted the “confusion” swirling around the dispute between the workers and Bahamas Hotel Employers Association (BHEA).

Mr D’Aguilar said it is “critical” that negotiations are successful, as the whole country relies on getting this right”.

“If word gets out that there is some sort of labour unrest and strife and people start to cancel their vacations then this is not good,” he added.

Labour Director John Pinder told The Tribune yesterday negotiation dates are set for the end of this month.

He added during Thursday’s strike poll, 98.9

percent of people voted in favour a strike.

The BHEA recently presented hotel workers with its proposed industrial agreement.

A viral video captured the angry reaction workers had to the proposal, with some burning the document during a recent meeting.

The proposal would eliminate the automatic 15 percent gratuity employees receive, it was previously reported. Workers’ holiday benefits would be adjusted; the Christmas bonus would be tied to a hotel’s performance and paid in January, not December. Ham and turkey gifts will no longer be guaranteed.

However, in response to questions placed, Atlantis President and Managing Director Audrey Oswell released a statement on Friday expressing concern about “misinformation that is circulating regarding a process of negotiations that has not yet begun”.

“One such example is that the industry has never suggested removing the 15 percent gratuity,” the statement continues, underscoring Atlantis has always “stood by” its employees, even during the “past six years when there was no contract”.

“Of course, we do not want a strike, but business will go as usual, regardless of how this plays out,” the statement concludes.

When contacted about the strike poll, Mr D’Aguilar said: “It’s very important that the negotiation process starts, is fully ventilated, and a conclusion determined before we even start talking about a strike. I think that talk of a strike at this stage is very premature.

“And given the fact that the employers are claiming negotiations haven’t even begun yet, while there may have been a back and forth on offers, there hasn’t been any negotiations.

“No one’s sat in a room and started a talk about what they can agree to and what they can’t agree to.”

Mr D’Aguilar noted the disparity “where the employees are saying that they’re talking about their 15 percent gratuity and then the employers are saying ‘that was never even an issue.’

“There seems to be a lot of confusion, and this can be rectified through negotiations. Negotiating through the press and trying to unnecessarily rally up emotions I think is not good.

“I’ve said it before:

everybody calm down, let’s get in a room, and everybody start negotiating.

This is too important not to fully ventilate this process.

Employees want to negotiate, the employers want to negotiate, or should want to negotiate. Everybody should want to negotiate.

Get in a room and negotiate. And let’s see what the issues are. I think there’s a lot of emotions involved here and it’s very important that the process of negotiations begins.”

Mr D’Aguilar said he “absolutely” has high hopes the outcome of negotiations, noting how reliant the economy is on the hotel sector - not just for direct employees but also taxi drivers, vendors, and other professions.

“And if word gets out that there is some sort of labour unrest and strife and people start to cancel their vacations then this is not good. So it’s critical that negotiations commence and I think we’re getting ahead of ourselves - you can’t conclude that there’s going to be a strike and you can determine whether there’s going to be a strike until you know what is agreed and not agreed.”

Mr D’Aguilar would not comment on whether

DIONISIO D’AGUILAR the hotel’s proposal was reasonable, but instead underscored calls for negotiations.

Mr Pinder expressed similar sentiments to The Tribune yesterday. “I’ve

spoken with management,” he said. “I have spoken with the union. I think they have some negotiating date settled for the 27th of this month, 27th of June. Now the problem is this: They have not negotiated anything on this.

“See, unions need to understand this: the employer can ask anything.

But you have to negotiate with them to determine whether you receive it or don’t receive it.”

Mr Pinder added there must be a conversation about the gratuity dispute. “Most of those persons are making minimum wage,” he added.

PAGE 4, Monday, June 3, 2019

THE TRIBUNE

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Let me sell you something, but it’s ok, you don’t have to pay SUPPOSE for a minute that you’re starting up a business. You go to the bank manager and pitch your business plan – you’re going to let people come into your business, use whatever services they need and when it comes to paying for them? Well, you’re not going to turn anyone away from your business, even if they say they can’t pay for what you’re selling.

How seriously do you think the bank manager would take your pitch? Why, you’d likely be laughed out of his office.

And yet that’s essentially Health Minister Dr Duane Sands’ proposal for paying for healthcare services provided at government facilities.

“The position of the Ministry of Health remains the same,” he said, “that if somebody is unable, those who are destitute, those who are struggling in order to make ends meet, nobody is going to be denied care in our facilities.”

That sounds all very laudable to reach out to care for the poor – but here’s the rub. How are hospital staff supposed to know? And if that’s the position of the government, what’s to stop any patient turning out their pockets when it comes to time to pay the bill? What’s to stop them shrugging and saying “Doctor, I can’t pay” and off out the door they go?

Dr Sands says it’s just the same as how people are mandated to pay real property tax – probably not the best example, Dr Sands, given how little of that seems to be collected. Indeed, in how many areas have we heard of people running up bills and government

not bothering to chase them down? The government too often makes rules then fails to enforce them.

Routinely, over the years, we have seen cookouts being held to raise money for those needing to pay healthcare costs – indeed, the arrival of National Health Insurance was touted as bringing an end to cookouts. Sometimes we are surprised by the individuals in need, who might be people we thought were wealthy. It goes to show that one cannot judge who can or cannot pay at face value. Sometimes those we think are financially well off are not, and vice versa.

So unless Dr Sands has plans he intends to wheel out to show us how patients’ ability to pay is going to be assessed, then it makes us worry that it’s going be run on the basis of taking patients at their word, and that opens the door to all kinds of difficult areas – imagine if you were going into election season what the temptation might be to say to collection agencies not to go pounding on people’s doors for the money they owe, lest it cost the government of the time their vote. Or to not bother pounding on the doors of the politically connected or favoured at all.

If an entrepreneur was to run their business this way, then they would pretty soon be out of business. Let’s have some more detail, Dr Sands, on how you will establish someone’s ability to pay – or else anyone can claim that when they go in to hospital, no matter what the size of their wallet.

Make sure the ban is enforced SPEAKING of ability to pay, people are having something of a rude awakening to the costs of eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastics and Styrofoam products.

One example – of plastic straws costing $2.99 for 500 while paper straws cost $30 for 600 – has distributors scratching their heads ahead of the ban on plastic coming up at the end of this year.

The goals of the ban are laudable – as can be seen any time you walk down a litter-strewn beach or, worse, see the effects of plastics on marine life.

But while businesses struggle to adjust to the increased costs the change will bring, we hope that government will make sure those efforts are not in vain.

Let’s hark back to another deadline – the end of 2017 was supposed to mark a deadline for private and public buildings

to provide full access for disabled persons.

Just last month, Peter Goudie, of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, told Tribune Business that there were simply no inspectors or regulations to ensure the private sector and public buildings comply with the Persons With Disabilities Equal Opportunity Act. If there’s no enforcement, there’s no need for compliance except out of the goodness of your heart – the same problem the healthcare system could face too, by the way, over its pay-if-you-can plan.

So there’d better be enforcement for the plastics ban – because if not, it’s the most diligent businesses who are properly planning now who will be hurt the most, and the cheap corner-cutters who will leave it to the last minute in the hope nobody bothers checking.

Belts will leave a mark but that is not abuse EDITOR, The Tribune I AM a Bahamian and proud of it. I am proud of the foundation upon which our country is built. These include being taught as a child to say “yes” and “no, sir”. This also includes knowing that cut hip comes when lines are crossed. I watch with amusement how so many parents of today want to become so “sophisticated” and forget from whence they have come.

Corporal punishment is not abuse. I work in the field of education and over many years I have found that the students who are beaten by parents are more decent and respectful than those who are not. The ones who

boldly state: “My mommy don’t beat me!” are the most disrespectful and vile students you will ever encounter. Adults of today who received corporal punishment often speak of how it made them better people.

Many of the parents who coddle their children end up having to go around the courts for them or find them dead in some unfortunate incident.

Bahamians, Let Us Keep Our Principles!! Do not try to become like America where children can be emancipated and call the police when parents try to discipline them. America is plagued with school shootings and many other vices because they have taken

God and Discipline out of the school.

Those parents who do not want their children to be disciplined at school should keep them at home. School requires discipline and no child should be above the rules that govern a school.

Discipline will leave a mark on the body. Let us not be naïve. Belts or cane will leave a mark but that is not abuse. Maybe if more students were trained or disciplined at home, the school would not have to step in.

An advocate for corporal punishment.

CORPORAL PUNISHMENT Nassau May 31, 2019

An exemplary appointment EDITOR, The Tribune THE appointment of Ruth Bowe-Darville as a Justice of the Supreme Court has ruffled the feathers of the PLP which issued a statement protesting the appointment of the known FNM supporter and activist as an attempt by the FNM to politicise the courts.

That Ruth Bowe-Darville is eminently qualified for the post escapes them.

It also escapes them that the anachronistic retirement age for justices of the Supreme Court – 65 – remains in place only because of the ill-advised, politically motivated PLP campaign against amending the constitution to extend the retirement age of Justices to bring The Bahamas more in line with practices in most western democracies. In Canada the retirement age is 75; in the UK 70 and in the United States it is a lifetime appointment.

The PLP have the custom and habit of selective memory. When PLP supporters are appointed to the bench it is because of their experience and expertise.

When FNM’s are appointed according to the PLP, it is because of political patronage. It is time for the PLP to face reality.

Surely, they must be aware of the number of justices with PLP antecedents who were appointed to the bench either during an FNM administration or with the concurrence and support of the FNM. The appointment of

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net Justice Neville Adderley, a one-time PLP candidate for election, PLP Stalwart Councillor and the individual who moved the motion to expel Hubert Ingraham from the PLP went on to be appointed a Justice of the Supreme Court under an FNM Government and then to have his appointment extended by the constitutionally permitted two years with the concurrence of the FNM Government headed by the same Hubert Ingraham.

And he was appointed to the Court of Appeal by the same FNM Administration.

They must also acknowledge that Jeffrey Thompson, a one-time PLP Minister, was appointed a Supreme Court Justice under an FNM Government. Sir Burton Hall was appointed Chief Justice by an FNM Government - his mother was a PLP Senator.

As to other appointees to the Supreme Court with political antecedents Sir Cyril Fountain, Vera Watkins, Claire Hepburn, Sir Michael Barnett, Bernard Turner and more recently Diane Stewart all had close affiliation with the FNM. On the other side, Cheryl Grant, the wife of a former PLP cabinet minister, Roger Gomez the brother of a PLP cabinet minister, and Jon Isaacs and Renee Mackey, both with close association with the PLP,

were each appointed as Justices of the Supreme Court.

Each of these justices with either PLP or FNM antecedents, along with Justice Anita Allen, the wife of a former FNM Minister who subsequently switched his political alliance to the PLP, served on the Supreme Court bench with honour and distinction. They each epitomise in practice the sound counsel of a former Chief Justice of Australia, Murray Gleeson who opined as follows: “Some of our most respected judges were prominent in political life before appointment. But it means that once they accept judicial office, judges must disengage from political activity and must avoid conduct that could lead a fair minded person to distrust their ability to decide politically sensitive cases in a nonpartisan fashion” I fully believe that Ruth Bowe-Darville will similarly give exemplary service devoid of political influence as a Justice of the Supreme Court. Given her relative youth in terms of judicial administration, following her tenure in the Supreme Court she will be eligible for appointment to the Court of Appeal where the mandatory age of retirement is 70. This could translate to The Bahamas benefiting from some five years of exemplary service from a highly qualified and competent legal mind.

THE RECORDER Nassau May 31, 2019

This prostitutes the system EDITOR, The Tribune I AM a layman but I attended the constitutional conference in 1972. I have been around a little while and I have learned how proper attorneys general and judicial commissions work.

This is the first time an extension has been offered to a judge prior to the judiciary and the public having the chance to assess whether the person should have their term extended. We are swearing

in justices of the Supreme Court one day before they reach retirement age which means you are appointing someone knowing you have to give an extension without them proving themselves to be worthy. It is unthinkable and a great tragedy and that prostitutes the system.

The idea of giving judges extensions had to do with considering a judge who is performing well and whose work load and calendar has not been completed, so that person is given an extension

to complete the work load they had underway whilst having performed at a level that makes them worthy to have their contract be extended two years.

Yet here, before this person can be examined as a judge, she is given an extension to be sworn in as a judge one day before reaching mandatory retirement age? It’s a joke.

GEORGE SMITH Former cabinet minister Nassau, June 2, 2010

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, June 3, 2019, PAGE 5

Controversy as CA Smith revealed as the next Governor General from page one the role has not yet been formalised. Known as C A Smith, the longtime Free National Movement stalwart said in the video: “…As a teacher when I was in the classroom, one of the things that always insulted me was the fact that there was a saying that if you want to keep a secret from Bahamians, just put it in a book.

Obviously this secret was not put in a book because if it was none of you would have known about it.

“It is no secret that I tendered my resignation effective today to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and after midnight tonight will no longer be ambassador to six Central American countries. But the resignation was really more not of retirement but more a

transition. As a result of Her Majesty the Queen appointing me to be Governor General I found it necessary to have to resign in the position; I had to be transited to another position. The swearing-in will take place on the last Friday of June in Nassau. All of you will be receiving invitations to attend.

I understand and it’s not quite firm yet that we may be arranging for Bahamasair to put on a couple of flights, reduce the costs for one day so that my friends from Grand Bahama could be there.

It’s gonna be cheaper than going on your own.”

Progressive Liberal Party Leader Philip “Brave” Davis released a statement yesterday, saying Mr Smith broke “all protocols” with his statement.

“I was shocked out of my socks

to see the statement by former Ambassador C A Smith on video that he has been appointed by the Queen to be Governor General,” Mr Davis said. “This is a violation in my view of all protocols. These announcements must come from the Queen and normally do not come until the Queen has agreed that the now Governor General should emit office.

“This is another example of the loosening of standards under the FNM. Anything goes and our traditions and conventions are dispensed without so much as a by your leave.

“To make matters worse Mr Smith goes on to predict that the national airline is going on to make special arrangements for his swearing-in as Governor General.

Who will pay the price for those

from page one those who are destitute, those who are struggling in order to make ends meet, nobody is going to be denied care in our facilities.

“However, there are a number of persons who are indeed able to pay the gazetted fees, which are legally mandated. The same way that people are mandated to pay stamp tax, the same way they’re mandated to pay real property tax, et cetera, the law stipulates that you should pay for certain healthcare services.”

When asked if the ministry would be going after people who do not pay their bills, Dr Sands underscored it is important to treat this matter sensitively, particularly for those who cannot afford to pay. “It’s very different people who do not pay or will not pay. And if the law says that you should pay, that you should continue, then why not? We believe that if the law says that you should pay, and you can pay, then it is perfectly reasonable for us to insist that you pay.”

On Friday on the sidelines of the “World No Tobacco Day 2019” press conference Dr Sands also discussed the status of National Health Insurance.

“We continue to grow the primary care services and we will determine the appropriate time for

HEALTH Minister Dr Duane Sands

arrangements and does he now speak for Bahamasair? This is all quite incredible. It is a shocking breach of protocol and insulting to the present holder of the office.”

Mr Davis also said he was not consulted as leader of the Official Opposition. “I was not consulted or informed by the prime minister of any changes in the Office of Governor General. While there is no constitutional requirement to do so, given that the office is a national one which serves all of every stripe, I would have thought that courtesy and convention would suggest that the leader of the opposition be informed before a public statement is made.

“The prime minister spoke to me on Friday last when I objected to the extension of the

appointment tent of Ruth Bowe Darville as a judge, but he said not a word about the Governor General.”

Mr Smith entered politics in the 1970s and was a founding member of the Free National Movement.

He was elected to the Marco City constituency in 1982. He was re-elected in 1987 when his constituency’s name was changed to Pineridge. In total, he was elected four times from 1982 to 2002. He served as minister of education (1992-1995), minister of public safety and immigration (1995-1997) and minister of tourism (19972000) and minister of transport and local government (2000-2002).

Dame Marguerite Pindling was appointed Governor General on July 8, 2014 by the last Christie administration.

Patients who can afford fees to be targeted

expansion of the catastrophic component as promised,” he said.

Proposed NHI financing mechanisms include VAT levied on health insurance premiums; a reallocation from the existing Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) budget; and a so-called “sin tax” on sugary drinks.

Tribune Business revealed last month that NHI’s true cost was closer to a range between $200m to $236m, with the much-touted $100m-$130m price tag only covering “the government’s exposure” to the scheme.

Healthcare for the 206,000 people covered by the employer mandate will be financed through their annual $1,000 Standard Health Benefit (SHB) premium, NHI’s minimum level of care, which is to come from a combination of 1.5 percent of their annual gross salary and

employer contributions.

When asked about this 1.5 percent, Dr Sands said while proposals are being made, he underscored the deputy prime minister’s promise that there will be “no new taxes any time soon” — and certainly not this budget year.

Regarding whether there is a timeline for the implementation of the expanded proposal for NHI, Dr Sands said: “We now have almost 55,000 people who receive NHI benefits. We will continue to grow NHI. What we have said is we would wish to expand NHI services to include a menu of services, kidney failure services…so on and so forth, certain cancer or high-cost care services.

“In order to do that, you have to know how to pay for it. And we have not backed away from that commitment. We have been

attempting to manage many different things simultaneously. And so I believe that we will get this accomplished. If we don’t get it accomplished this year, then perhaps next year.

“There will be a significant effort to improve infrastructure across the public health system in order to prepare for the rollout of National Health Insurance, as well as squeezing more efficiency out of the health system,” he continued. “But, the Bahamian people have only a limited capacity for expenditure.”

When asked if the National Health Insurance Authority’s proposal for funding NHI is off the table, Dr Sands said: “No, I don’t think so. I think it’s a matter of determining when is the appropriate time.

Timing is everything.”

Editorial View - Page 4

DOCTORS UNION CHIEF HITS BACK AT HEALTH MINISTER

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net BAHAMAS Doctors Union president Dr Melisande Bassett has hit out at Health Minister Dr Duane Sands over an ongoing labour dispute, saying regardless of whether junior doctors are only having their contracts slashed from three years to one year in “isolated incidents”, the matter contravenes the union’s industrial agreement.

In an interview with The Tribune yesterday, Dr Bassett also provided updates about the BDU’s consideration of a strike poll, saying the union has submitted all “necessary documents” to the Department of Labour.

The BDU, which represents junior doctors, held a press conference on this issue on Wednesday.

Dr Sands addressed the matter on Friday, telling reporters: “That’s not so.

There are isolated incidents where individuals may have an extension for one year or two years. There are some individuals that are kept on month to month, depending on the specific circumstances.

“And so, we have met.

Certainly we have discussed this situation and there are certainly occasions when it is impossible or not appropriate to extend or to renew a contract for more than a particular time.”

Regarding the threat of industrial action, Dr Sands said: “That’s unfortunate. And we have met

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DR MELISANDE BASSETT here at the ministry on this matter.”

He also said the number of people affected by this contract issue is “very low, very few” and added he intends to speak with the BDU president.

However, yesterday Dr Bassett said she has not heard from the minister as yet.

Regarding Dr Sands’ comment that this is happening in “isolated instances”, Dr Bassett replied: “Whether these are isolated instances or incidents, their implementation goes against our industrial agreement and is

a practice than cannot persist and must be properly explained.”

She added the union is aware of four physicians who had their contracts reduced thus far and is “gathering additional information”.

When asked whether the union is still eying a strike poll, Dr Bassett replied: “We have submitted the necessary documents to the Labour Department and await confirmation of the date.”

However, when contacted yesterday, Labour Director John Pinder said he was unaware of any grievance or trade dispute being filed at the Department of Labour by the BDU. “I have not seen any communication from the doctor’s union for a strike poll,” Mr Pinder said. “I don’t know if they have any grievance filed at the Department of Labour…

That [hasn’t] reached my desk.

“The law dispute is if you have a trade dispute filed at the Department of Labour, and that dispute has not

been conciliated, then you have the right to file for a strike poll.

“I don’t know what that could be. This new thing that came up had something to do, according to what I’m hearing [spoken] about in the press, has something to do with the

government putting doctors on one year contracts rather than the three-year contracts. But I don’t know if they filed a dispute on that.

“First of all, the doctor’s union president has to understand this: if the government is doing something

[in violation] of their industrial agreement then they need to file a trade dispute.

And then we will conciliate the dispute to say ‘well government you are wrong, you are in violation of these people’s agreement’…But I don’t know this to be the case.”

PAGE 6, Monday, June 3, 2019 from page one According to the Miami Herald, the charges include falsifying records, communicating with the US Coast Guard through a back channel, failing to give enough authority to the company’s environmental compliance officer, rushing to clean up ships ahead of visits by a court-appointed monitor and dumping plastic into Bahamian waters.

Carnival and federal prosecutors have reached a settlement agreement on the charges and Senior US District Judge Patricia Seitz is expected today to decide whether to accept the settlement or reject it and set a probation revocation hearing.

Ms Duncombe and two American environmentalists are hoping to intervene before the judge makes that decision.

Their emergency motion they filed last week says: “The criminal behaviour of Princess Cruise Lines LTD and its parent Carnival Corporation has caused significant harm to the environment and the individuals and communities that depend upon a clean environment for their livelihood and recreation. These victims encircle the United States, as Carnival’s activities span from Florida to Alaska, and from California to Maine.

“Victims of Carnival’s environmental crimes were not present or heard in proceedings resulting in the original plea agreement between the US government and Carnival, which may have contributed to the compromise being weaker than victims believe was necessary to bring about meaningful change in the corporate culture. The potential failure of the original plea agreement is aptly demonstrated by Carnival’s

THE TRIBUNE

US court to rule today on carnival ‘violations’ ongoing criminal violations of environmental laws, reflected in the reports of the court appointed monitor, the government’s efforts to revoke Carnival’s probation and ultimately the present proceedings.

This court should not consider another compromise between the government and Carnival without meaningful participation by the victims of Carnival’s environmental crimes.”

Ms Duncombe said in the motion: “Carnival Corporation makes me feel like a second-class citizen in my own country: someone whose health, livelihood and community are an easily ignored inconvenience for the multi-billion-dollar international corporation.”

The applicants are not seeking financial compensation but want more transparency in the case and for their views and perspectives to be considered.

Yesterday, Ms Duncombe told The Tribune the government has taken a far too hands-off approach to the issue.

“This company got caught,” she said. “My worry is what measures are the government considering? They talk about an Environmental Protection Act. You know how long one has been sitting around gathering dust? But if this was something that was necessary for the WTO or OECD, they’d be all over it. ‘Spy Bill’, the NIA, all these things being pushed

through but not environmental protection. This is not acceptable. They need to do something concrete about the situation.”

She was referring to the National Crime Intelligence Agency Bill, passed in the House of Assembly last week, and the Interception of Communications Act, passed in both Houses of Parliament last year.

Ms Duncombe pointed to a 1993 report in which Immigration Minister Brent Symonette, then a senator, called for a $1 million fine on cruise ship operations caught dumping waste in Bahamian waters.

“I’m calling on the now minister of immigration to say, ‘let’s do something about it,’” she said. “In 1993 he talked about fining cruise ships $1m for dumping so I’m saying, let’s do it, put proper procedures on board. How do we quantify the cost of the damage to the ocean when we don’t know what’s happening?”

Attorney General Carl Bethel has said an environmental protection law will come by the end of summer.

Ahead of a US judge’s decision about whether to reject Carnival’s settlement agreement with US federal prosecutors, the corporation filed letters of support from politicians, business associations and non-profit organisations.

According to the Miami Herald, the letters touted Carnival’s economic impact and charitable donations ahead of today’s hearing.

SAM DUNCOMBE, co-founder of reEarth.

MORE LOAD SHEDDING ANGERS BPL CUSTOMERS

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

LOAD shedding struck several parts of New Providence on Friday morning, drawing the anger of many consumers.

Cable Beach, Sir Lynden Pindling Estates, Pinewood, South Beach, Marshall Road, Lyford Cay, Williams Lane, Kemp Road and portions of Shirley Street were all affected by the power outages that happened in two-hour intervals.

According to Bahamas

Power and Light, this was the result of a mechanical failure of rental units at its Blue Hills Power Station.

Many turned to Facebook to blast BPL for the power failure, which they complained was far too frequent. “BPL you people and the company are hated more than anything on this earth,” one user commented. “We have gone from bad to worse with you being the worst.”

Another wrote: “I hope y’all experience mechanical failure during y’all billing process.”

“So what was the excuse for yesterday? We were off almost three hours yesterday morning, and now again this morning,” another comment read.

This load shedding came days after BPL’s chairman, Donovan Moxey, assured customers that the company was doing all it could to stabilise power generation in the country.

He said last week: “I would like to thank the Bahamian people for their level of patience and understanding with BPL given the challenges that we’ve recently faced with load shedding. We are doing everything that we can,

within our power, in order to get stable generation to our customers.

“We believe that with what we are doing strategically in the organisation, this is the first step in allowing us to achieve stable power at the lowest possible energy cost for all of our consumers.

“And so we at BPL are excited about the possibilities, we are excited about the next step and we are excited about bringing high quality electricity to the Bahamian people.”

He made the comments on Tuesday while announcing BPL intended to phase its way out of power

CHAIRMAN Donovan Moxey generation, shifting its focus primarily to transmission, distribution and customer service initiatives.

Tuesday also marked the utility provider’s official receipt of its seven new Wartsila multi-fuel engines.

Mr Moxey said the

acquisition represented the first step in BPL’s new strategy and strategic outlook, which he said centres on the refocusing of the entity.

He said a component of this new direction is BPL’s relationship with Shell North America, citing its arrangement to construct a 220-megawatt gas power plant in the coming years.

BPL’s new Wartsila engines, which will be installed at Clifton Pier as a part of a $95 million, 132-megawatt power station this summer, are equipped to run on LNG once the fuel source becomes available in the Bahamas within the next two years.

MONDAY, JUNE 3, 2019

THE STORIES BEHIND THE NEWS

Arrest, detention and deportation has H not worked for 70 years. It’s time to stop the insanity and try something else

By FREDERICK R M SMITH, QC

AITIANS aren’t coming to take over.

Those born in The Bahamas of Haitian parents, our Citizens in Waiting, are not either. They aren’t conspiring to steal our jobs, destroy our public services, or breed us out of existence.

They do not want to make The Bahamas a colony of Haiti.

Bahamians have heard such paranoid fables all of our lives. But 50, 60, 70 years later, it still hasn’t happened. What’s more, there isn’t any any evidence to suggest it ever will.

People talk about ‘illegal’ Haitians overwhelming our education and healthcare systems, but not a single shred of evidence, no survey or social impact study, has ever been produced showing this to be true.

In fact, what evidence does exist suggests quite the opposite. A 2005 International Organisation for Migration report found that only 8.8 per cent of all school children in public schools were Haitian, and that Haitians constituted just over 11 per cent of hospital admissions in 2001.

And while the data may be a bit dated, Bahamians were already screaming 40 years ago that the country was overrun by Haitian migrants.

Then there is the Shanty Town Task Force Report, produced just last year, which showed that only six percent of the people living in these communities has any issue with their immigration status. Hardly an epidemic.

Better jobs for Bahamians Meanwhile, abundant research has shown that far from being a drain on the economy, unskilled migrant workers actually provide a huge boost to national productivity and growth.

When allowed to make money, they buy goods at local businesses, pay to use local services, and contribute taxes like duty, VAT and National Insurance into the treasury which can be used to improve healthcare, education and other public services.

Rather than taking away jobs, unskilled migrant workers actually create more, better paying jobs for locals. This is not rocket science - the greater the number of individuals earning money in a society, the more money gets spent, to the benefit of small and medium businesses primarily. And, the more money that flows into each of these businesses, the more they can expand and hire new people.

Generally speaking, Bahamians do not want to work as farmers, gardeners or housekeepers. We want high paying, highly skilled jobs that carry the chance of regular promotion. And it is precisely the low paid migrant labourer who frees up funds for the employer to create more positions of responsibility. Migrants will work for less than Bahamians, so businesses owners have more cash in hand to expand.

Bahamians, who have attended formal schooling for years and spoken English from birth, have a distinct advantage over unskilled migrants when it comes to these new jobs that require decision making and communication skills. Haitians are not

HAITIAN migrants boarding a bus to be transported to the Carmichael Road Detention Centre. taking our jobs, they are making the jobs we want possible!

This dynamic is the reason why in so many advanced, successful nations, menial jobs are largely done by migrant workers while locals are able to move up the wage ladder. Why on earth would we want to tie our own people to low paying, unskilled work when there is another, better way?

Irregular migration should not be a crime Yet Bahamian politicians refuse to let go of the stubborn, irrational mindset that all migrants and their children born in The Bahamas are criminals and therefore undeserving of an opportunity to earn money and make a better life. People do not migrate out of a desire to break another country’s laws, or because they want to take what belongs to others; they do it to flee the utter misery, appalling deprivation and terrifying violence of the place where they were born. Those born here have a right to stay and be citizens.

Not a single person leaves Haiti to face a dangerous sea voyage which they may not survive lightly. None of them did a thing to cause the circumstances they are escaping, and for many, there is no other recourse but to leave by any means possible. And children are not born presumed guilty and criminals!

The rest of the world is coming to recognise that irregular migration is a humanitarian crisis, not a crime. In 2016, UN Secretary General Ban Kimoon, pictured right, called for member countries to decriminalise irregular migration and regularise the status of undocumented migrants.

International Organisation on Migration

(IOM) Director General William Lacy Swing echoed this call, adding it was the surest way to defeat human trafficking. And December 2018, UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants Felipe González Morales affirmed that: “While irregular entry and stay may constitute administrative offences, they are not crimes per se against persons, property or national security.”

In addition, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has affirmed states should: “Ensure that it is not a criminal offence to leave, enter or stay in a country irregularly, given that border crossing and the management of residence and work permits are administrative issues. Any administrative sanctions applied to irregular entry should be proportionate, necessary and reasonable, and should never include the detention of children.”

Already in Europe, the judiciary has made significant steps towards the decriminalisation of all migration in order to take full account of fundamental rights enshrined in the Charter and the ECHR and the rule of law.

Even in America, where the political argument over irregular migration continues to rage, the first open advocates for decriminalisation are beginning to appear. The idea forms part of the platform of Julián Castro, a 2020 Democratic presidential hopeful and has also been supported by Congressional and Senatorial candidates.

Alternatives to detention It has been repeatedly shown detention does not deter undocumented migration. It is a continual drain on government resources. It poses a constant threat to a country’s

international reputation through allegations of inhuman conditions, abuse and lengthy detention periods.

It costs the public treasury in litigation. For these reasons - and due to a growing recognition that in all situations, human liberty should be the norm unless absolutely unavoidable - other countries are increasingly opting to introduce alternative solutions.

Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. Arrest, detention and deportation has not worked for 70 years. It’s time to stop the insanity and try something else! I don’t profess to know all the answers; but I do know that what we have been doing has not worked and has been absolutely inhumanely insane. We should stop and try to find other more humane solutions.

These can be anything from ankle bracelet monitoring or release on bond with sureties from friends or family members, to more sophisticated schemes. And as far as those born in The Bahamas is concerned, we should just pass a law that makes them automatically Bahamian or simply gives them the right to work based on their birth certificate. We don’t have to amend the constitution for that.

Today there is some form of alternative to detention in more than 60 countries around the world and many are extremely successful with compliance rates well above 90 percent and voluntary participation by migrants across the board.

For example: • Spain - Open reception centres for migrants with incentives to remain registered while being processed.

• Turkey - Freedom of movement for migrants with regular reporting duties • Chile - Temporary legal status granted to migrants with monitoring Ending the detention of irregular migrants and the inhumane hunting of those born in The Bahamas would fit with the various international covenants which The Bahamas has signed or become party to by its membership in the United Nations, like the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees; the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; and the Body of Principles for the Protection of All Persons under Any Form of Detention or Imprisonment.

Making a virtue out of necessity Migration is an historical and current reality. The Bahamas can’t opt out of being a place where people migrate in and out of.

Nearly everywhere in the world, migration flows have been increasing steadily for decades. According to the United Nations, more people live in a country other than their place of birth today than ever before.

Other countries have dealt with this reality by embracing the potential of these people for the benefit of society as a whole.

For example, in France in 1997 and 1998, immigrants who had been in the country for seven years or longer, or who had significant family ties in France, were granted legal status to live and work. In Spain in 2005, over 570,000 persons were regularised and given the right to work. In Italy in 2009, all migrants working as home nurses and caregivers were regularised.

Germany is currently crafting new laws to give wellintegrated irregular migrants already in employment a chance to remain in the country. In the US today, 750,000 people who arrived as children now have temporary legal status under the 2012 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and have renewable two-year work and residence permits.

It is inevitable people will come to The Bahamas from elsewhere, some of them in the approved manner, some of them otherwise. Some of them are just born here and we should embrace them as fellow citizens. If irregular migration should not be seen as a crime but rather an administrative

challenge, and if irregular migrants should therefore enjoy freedom of movement, and if injecting these people into the workforce will create more and better opportunities for Bahamians, then what are we waiting for?

The Bahamas should allow irregular migrants to live and work here while they sort out their status issues and contribute to growing the economy to the benefit of all of us. It is the only rational, commonsense solution to the huge waste of resources created by the “capture, detain, deport” approach, with its awful implications for human rights.

If a lack of “papers” is the issue, we can simply document and register all irregular migrants. It does not have to be permanent, but at least they will all be accounted for and our society’s near pathological obsession with documentation and control will be satisfied.

Until Fred Mitchell’s pogroms began in 2014, those born here never had a problem.There will no longer be a need for the Immigration Department to go hunting Haitians or people born in The Bahamas and terrorising people left, right and centre, including Bahamian citizens who are now regularly illegally stopped, questioned, and subjected to search, seizure. We no longer have freedom of movement in The Bahamas because of this immigration obsession with “documentation”.

And now, under the new Bill, it is proposed to give Immigration more Gestapolike illegal, unconstitutional powers to demand papers of every single person - not just those who might be actually suspected of an offence. The obsession with “documentation“ is costing all of us, Bahamians especially, their freedom. Everyone is now presumed guilty until they can prove their innocence!

Migrants will be eternally grateful, and they’ll enter the low wage bracket where they can be of maximum value to our economy, doing work that is so disagreeable to Bahamians that we currently bring in Filipinos, Chinese – and yes, thousands of Haitians – on work permits to do it.

It really is insane to deport Haitians who are already in the country or or those born here while bringing people in from Haiti. It seems to be all about the piece of paper.

Why not simply give those who are here the paper.

PAGE 8 MONDAY, JUNE 3, 2019

by Malcolm Strachan

W

HILE the banging on the tables in Parliament in commendation of the deputy prime minister’s 2019-2020 Budget Communication could not completely drown out the sounds of backs breaking all around the populace, many were relieved that no further taxes will be levied on the Bahamian people.

Still not yet able to fully appreciate Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest’s vision for the country’s finances, a large segment of society still feels the government is tone deaf to the plight of the Bahamian people.

Peter Turnquest is an accountant – a numbers guy. Next to the finance guys, they’re the most reviled in an organisation.

He is among those who spend most of their time telling those in the C-suite what they can’t afford to spend. However, while it doesn’t negate the difficulty the majority of Bahamian citizens experience day-today, some understanding as to what drives him should be given.

Nonetheless, a less aggressive approach would have given the Bahamian people some breathing room.

When we consider some of the realities experienced by the Bahamian people shown to us in the survey

by Central Bank, 50 percent of Bahamians earning less than $30,000 annually is quite concerning. Particularly considering our nation is the fourth most expensive place to live in the world according to a 2019 study

by CEO World Magazine.

Even more disconcerting is we seem to be climbing on this list of countries known for having the highest costs of living.

Business Insider had The Bahamas ranked fifth on its cost of living assessment in 2018.

Sadly, none of this should come as a surprise as the Minnis administration made it quite clear during their inaugural Budget Communication how dismal the fiscal state of the country was. Proceeding with austerity measures that saw budgets being slashed, contracts not being renewed for local businesses and government employees being let go in droves, the stage was set for harder times.

It was not the land of ‘milk and honey’ we thought the Minnis administration would be leading us to upon

INSIGHT

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

A balanced budget doesn’t mean a lot when there’s no food on the table PETER Turnquest addressing the House of Assembly last week.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

assuming office – at least not yet. They told the people it would become much more difficult before things got better. However, while some predicted what would be on the horizon, there was no way to truly be prepared when it actually happened In last year’s Budget, Mr Turnquest said: “This is a landmark Budget. Indeed, it is arguably the most transformative Budget in the history of our nation.

It is a Budget about finally

putting an end to past practices of fiscal mismanagement and, instead, adopting an approach to the management of the fiscal affairs of the nation in the manner that they should be managed, that is, in a responsible, transparent and accountable way.”

As if he was budgeting his personal household finances and with seemingly little regard for how low and middle income Bahamians would survive,

Turnquest fastened the government’s belt so tight that it nearly cut off circulation in the economy.

This much was indicated by the government falling short of its GDP growth projection for 2018. Rather than the promising 2.2 percent increase originally forecast, the economy only grew marginally by 1.6 percent.

The revenue expected as a result of the increase in VAT from 7.5 percent to

12 percent, as well as the increase in gaming taxes is coming at a slower pace than thought.

Last week, Mr Turnquest revealed government revenue will come in at $2.4bn – some $238m lower than expected. He is, however, especially excited about the government’s reduction of the deficit by $400m against the $661m left by the former administration.

With the resulting deficit in the current budget year expected to be about $229m or 1.8 percent of GDP, the deputy prime minister is gushing at this historic achievement.

However, for many Bahamians, they aren’t in a celebratory mood. They’re hungry. They’re unemployed and in despair.

Though sparing the citizenry another bombshell in this year’s presentation, he didn’t necessarily say enough to lift the people’s spirits.

A year later, still stricken with a towering unemployment rate, the nation’s capital – the most populous island - has been the most hobbled. At the epicentre of the country’s joblessness, New Providence sits as the standard-bearer with an alarming 3.4 percent unemployment rate increase since the Minnis administration came to office. One can easily understand why there is little fanfare for the deputy prime minister and minister of finance’s conquest to cut down the deficit and balance the budget.

While people struggle to feed their families and make ends meet, they can hardly consider the longterm benefits of having a balanced budget, let alone praise the government for duty reductions on pencils, furniture and appliances.

The government - Mr Turnquest in particular - holds charge over the country’s finances and will surely be challenged on the government’s fiscal performance last year, as well as what is being projected for the 12 months.

There already has been little relent from opposition forces characterising this budget as an abject failure.

Dubbed “a tale of epic failure” by Deputy Opposition Leader Chester Cooper and a “slap in the face” by DNA leader Arinthia Komolafe, Mr Turnquest should have his hands full defending the 2019/20 budget.

Fortunately for the government, there are many within the electorate who are still satisfied with juvenile barbs and the government’s penchant to discredit the opposition on its previous performance.

However, that won’t provide the Bahamian people with the clarity we desire that should come from a meaningful debate.

This year will be pivotal for the government. Amazingly, the resilience of the Bahamian people has still left the government with some understanding and support for its approach to handling the “people’s money”. However, we can say with certainty that if there are no signs of an economic rebound and more Bahamians being employed throughout the country, the door will be left wide open for the PLP heading into the thick of campaign season.

And they will have no shortage of ammunition.

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EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

E

DWARD Seaga was a great Jamaican patriot well deserving of the many tributes which have been paid to him concerning his devoted service to his country. But, he was not a regionalist and his tenure as Prime Minister of Jamaica, from 1980 to 1989, contributed to the deceleration of the regional integration process.

In January 2015, he said of the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM) that “It became the syndrome of sleep. It has no economic value whatsoever. It just keeps putting forward new directions to grow, but nothing happens.”

Seaga measured CARICOM’s usefulness through a single prism which could roughly be described as the trade benefits it brought to Jamaica. As Trinidad and Tobago became the dominant exporter of goods to all CARICOM countries because of its oil subsidies, challenging Jamaican manufacturers in their own domestic market, Seaga saw little usefulness for Jamaica in CARICOM. In a 2016 newspaper article, he declared: “Jamaica, as a misfit, has no role to play and, accordingly, should play a selected role like The Bahamas in CARICOM.” In other words, Jamaica should leave the Common Market aspect of CARICOM and participate only in the Community dimension such as functional cooperation.

Seaga did recognise a foreign policy opportunity in CARICOM if it could serve the interests of Jamaica as he saw it. That was why in 1982 when a CARICOM Heads of Government conference was proposed by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda to end a seven-year hiatus when no conference could be held, he leapt at the opportunity to host it in Jamaica.

As background, Seaga was the first head of government, globally, to be invited to the White House in January 1981 when Ronald Reagan became President of the United States. Two years before in March 1979, the New Jewel Movement, led by Maurice Bishop, had seized power in a bloodless coup in Grenada, and had drawn close to Cuba – a matter of grave concern to the US administration. Reagan is reported by the New York Times to have said to Seaga, at a White House reception, that he was concerned over ‘‘instability being inflicted on some countries’’ in the region by outside political forces. It was a precursor of things to come.

Seaga described the leadership of the region at the time as “largely a

INSIGHT

MONDAY, JUNE 2, 2019 PAGE 9

An enigmatic patriot who walked with kings but kept the common touch

FORMER Jamaican Prime Minister Edward Seaga leaves a polling station after voting in the general election, in Kingston, Jamaica in 2002.

legacy of the original leaders which all came from a Labour Party background in England and a socialist background in general… they saw the building up that was taking place in Grenada and expected the radical left in Grenada to be able to get its way.”

Therefore, when, in 1982, V.C. Bird, as a veteran Caribbean integrationist and leader of the then newest independent CARICOM country, called for an end to the seven-year period of no Heads of Government Conference and proposed hosting a meeting in Antigua, Seaga offered Jamaica instead.

Bird readily agreed, seeing more value in holding the meeting than bickering over its venue.

At the November 1982 meeting, held at the Americana Hotel in Ocho Rios, Seaga sought to convince fellow leaders to expel Grenada from CARICOM, citing “the right of a people to change a government in elections free and fair and free from fear”. His efforts failed.

The assembled leaders were unconvinced of the wisdom of expelling a member state and were doubly persuaded by the argument of V.C.

Bird - one of the original signatories to CARIFTA in 1965 and a stalwart of the West Indian Federation that no Caribbean people should be excluded from the community.

It was the implosion of the Grenada government in 1983, including the assassination of Maurice Bishop, that provided Seaga with the opportunity to galvanize already willing leaders in Barbados and the OECS countries to support him in backing a US invasion of Grenada on a contrived invitation from the Governor-General, Sir Paul Scoon.

In the event, there was never any doubt in Seaga’s mind that his principal role in the Grenada invasion was anything but the right thing to do. He recalled afterwards that in Grenada, “there were five million rounds of ammunition – that’s one for every man, woman and child in the entire English-speaking Caribbean. There were a large number of assault rifles, field camps, a field kitchen, a field hospital, etc.” As he saw it: “They were preparing to provoke attacks in other Caribbean Commonwealth countries.”

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The Caribbean integration project – the strength in unity – that it brings to every Caribbean country, depends on the leadership it is given. At times of committed leadership, regional integration has blossomed; in other times of lukewarm or disinterested guidance it has stalled and even reversed. Seaga had all the qualities of leadership that could have driven CARICOM to greater heights, but he saw Jamaica’s destiny in a greater alliance elsewhere and he pursued that objective diligently.

His lukewarm attitude to regional integration should not detract from the role he played on the wider international stage in causes that were vital to racial equality, social justice and economic improvement. He played a particularly important role in weakening the Apartheid regime in South Africa which should never be forgotten. After trade sanctions failed to shake the

Apartheid regime because of sanctions busting and secretive deals, it was he who proposed an attack on the rand (the South African currency). Learning from the calamitous effect on Jamaica of the loss of value of its currency, he advised that “once the rand started to fall in value, all that had been built up over the decades by the elite of South Africa would start to fall with it. Trade would be dislocated because South African goods would be cheaper for exports, but far more expensive for imports, and a dislocation of trade and investment would result in adverse movement of the exchange rate. This, they couldn’t deal with.”

He was right. The subsequent assault on the rand had its effect and played a role in forcing the Apartheid regime to negotiate its own demise.

On a personal note, I got to know Edward Seaga

through a mutual friend, the late and dear Derek Mahfood, and I enjoyed several conversations with him characterised always with respect, notwithstanding disagreement.

His significant and defining contributions to making Jamaica a great nation, to music and musicians in Jamaica and to the development and recognition of Jamaican culture have all been well documented and rightly recalled at his passing.

I relate one story that gives an insight to his humanity. On October 31, 1981, the eve of Antigua and Barbuda’s independence, he attended a party at my home where other Caribbean leaders were present. He had noted that my wife, Susan, and I had a helper, Josephine - a Rastafarian lady when Rastas were accorded little regard in Antigua; a situation well-known to Seaga.

Before he left the party, he asked to meet her. He went into the kitchen, took his pin of the Jamaican flag from his lapel, and fastened it on the dress of a bedazzled and dewy-eyed Josephine.

Mr Seaga was a tough leader, but he was also a caring man. He walked with kings and kept a common touch.

The writer is Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda to the United States and the Organisation of American States. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London and at Massey College in the University of Toronto. The views expressed are entirely his own. Responses and previous commentaries: www. sirronaldsanders.com

PAGE 10 MONDAY, JUNE 3, 2019

INSIGHT

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

Now it’s time to give back JARED SYMONETTE, left, and Mitthayo Barry, right, receiving their awards at the University of The Bahamas.

E3SPORTS

Friday, September 30, 2016, PAGE 3

GAIN AN EDGE A NATIONAL DIALOGUE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

“I WANT to give back to my country,” said Jared Symonette, top Accounting graduate of the University of The Bahamas (UB) and Governor General awardee.

Jared was one of the 600 plus students from various islands and academic disciplines, who comprised the 2019 graduating class of UB. For each graduate, as the page turned and a new chapter of life has begun, they leave their alma mater with a sense of purpose. The path each takes may

be different; for some, it will be unconventional, but the end goal hoped for is to make a difference in the lives of others at home or abroad.

Jared, DIALOGUE a father-of-two admitted A NATIONAL ON HIGHER EDUCATION that he endured many trials but was determined to succeed and set the best example for his children. Always good with numbers, the field of accounting was the right fit for him.

“There were challenges, but through perseverance I was able to overcome,” said Jared, who was a full-time student while working to provide for his family.

“My kids are a big motivator for me, so I could always provide for them and be a beacon. I give all honour and glory to God and thank so many others who helped me along the way.”

GAIN AN EDGE

Jared who also majored in Spanish received two additional awards: the Ernst & Young Award for Accounting and Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants Award for Accounting.

Now a UB graduate, Jared aspires to earn the Certified Public Accountant designation, join a public accounting firm and eventually work in government.

“I believe the best way we can help our country is by striving to do our best and give back,” he said.

Meanwhile, award recipient and North Eleuthera native, Mitthayo Barry, B.Ed. Primary Certification: Special Education, wants to go forward by becoming a teacher and a role model for young men needing encouragement.

“I know what love and care can actually do for a person so I decided that I want to catch students at the foundational stage so that I can mold them into what

I believe a perfect gentleman should be coming in to junior high school,” he said.

“I had teachers that cared for me all the way up to high school so I want to do the same.”

Mitthayo intends remaining in Nassau to begin teaching.

“I want to remain here because this is where I feel I need to be.

Being a male, I want to positively influence the young guys here who need support. Growing up on the island, it was very small but here in Nassau I feel as though I can impact more students,” he said.

Whether in the classroom or crunching numbers UB graduates Mitthayo and Jared have begun writing their new chapter fully grounded, focused and prepared to give back to their country.

Don’t be a target - if you are a senior, keep safe SENIOR citizens continue to be the fastest growing segment of our population and that makes them a prime target for con artists and thieves.

One of the best ways to take an active part in crime prevention is to become more alert and aware of what is going on around you. Crimes against senior citizens can be reduced

by following some simple measures like locking your doors, watching out for your neighbours and keeping your personal information secure.

Seniors are often targets as criminals focus on their vulnerabilities. It is important to remember you can avoid becoming the victim of an illegal scheme or scam by simply refusing to participate.

Protect Yourself and Your Home We all need and want a feeling of security in the safety of our homes.

Your home should be a safe haven. Most burglaries occur during daylight hours and many intruders gain access through open or poorly secured doors and windows.

Here are some precautions you can take to keep you and your home safe. * Install solid, easy-touse locks on your doors and windows, including sliders and garage. * Use deadbolt locks on all the doors. * Do not hide extra keys under the doormats or in planters, etc. leave an extra set with a neighbour or friend. Install a peephole and make sure you use it. * Never open the door to strangers. If a stranger asks to use your phone, offer to make the call for them. * Ask service technicians or care providers you do not know for ID before you open the door. * Trim trees and shrubs to eliminate hiding places. * Keep your home well lit at night, inside and out. * Draw the curtains and blinds at night. * Engrave your valuables.

Do not use your Social Security number and list their serial numbers and description.

KITCHEN SAFETY * Keep floors clean and uncluttered. * Illuminate work areas. * Mark “on” and “off” positions on appliances clearly and with bright colours.

* Store sharp knives in a rack. * Use a kettle with an automatic shut-off. * Store heavier objects at waist level. * Store hazardous items separate from food. * Avoid wearing long, loose clothing when cooking over the stove. * Make sure food is rotated regularly and check expiration dates.

DRUG SAFETY * Review your medicines frequently with your doctor or pharmacist and when you take new medication. * Make sure medicines are clearly labeled. * Read medicine labels in good light to ensure you have the right medicine and always take the correct dose. * Dispose of any old or used medicines.

• Never borrow prescription drugs from others.

• Check with your doctor or pharmacist before you mix alcohol and your drugs.

• Have medication dispensed in a bubble pack or convenient dispenser.

• Check with your doctor or pharmacist before mixing non-prescription drugs and prescription drugs.

Protect Yourself in the Community As our population ages and the number of senior citizens continues to increase, seniors have more opportunities to participate in civic groups, health programmes, travel activities and entertainment.

Use these tips to increase your personal security in the community. * Do your activities in pairs, have a companion for shopping, walking, etc. * Carry a small purse or bag, not one with a strap that can easily be cut or grabbed. * Carry your purse close to your body. * Do not carry credit cards you do not need or large amounts of cash. Contact your bank about free direct deposit of your government cheque. Criminals are keenly aware of when government cheques arrive.

* When taking public transportation sit near the driver or close to an exit. * If possible, ask the driver to watch until you are safely in the house. * Always keep the doors and windows locked in your car. * Do not leave your purse or packages on the seat beside you, put them on the floor or in your trunk. * Travel well lit streets and plan your route. Be aware of your surroundings. * When returning to your car check the front and back seats before entering. * Never pick up hitchhikers.

Protect Yourself against Fraud and Scams Seniors are often targets as criminals focus on their vulnerabilities.

Here are some guidelines to help ensure the safety of your assets. * Never give out your Social Security, credit card or bank account numbers. * Destroy personal information on documents before discarding them, use a shredder if possible * Do not fall for things that sound too good to be true money, vacations, sweepstakes prizes, health cures, or low risk/high yield investment schemes. * Do not agree to any home improvement or sales contract until you verify the existence and reputation of the business. Be sure all contractors you hire are licensed, bonded and insured. * Have a lawyer or someone you trust examine any document before you sign it. * Do not give money to a charitable organisation until you verify its legitimacy. * Never send cash in the mail, or allow anyone to pick up a cheque at your home.

LET US CREATE SAFER COMMUNITIES Visit the Royal Bahamas Police Force website at royalbahamaspolice.org or Facebook page at facebook. com/rbpforce for latest news, crime reports and additional crime prevention tips

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, June 3, 2019, PAGE 11

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

A MAN’S half-century sentence for murdering another man who was dancing with his girlfriend in a sports bar in Grand Bahama five years ago has been upheld by the Court of Appeal.

Yvener Philome lost his bid at appealing his 50-year sentence for murdering Leonardo “Yellow” Pierre at the Sony Sports Bar in March 2014.

According to the Crown’s case, on March 30, 2014, at approximately 10.30pm, Pierre and his girlfriend Gina Lubin were dancing inside Sony’s Sports Bar, also known as the Boom Boom Room in the Gardens Villas area in Freeport when a gunman shot Pierre in the back of his head.

When Pierre fell face down on the ground, the gunman stood over him and fired several more shots into his body.

Ms Lubin testified that she heard one gunshot and asked him Pierre if he had heard the same. When he did not answer her, she turned around to face him, at which point he fell face down on the ground.

She said she was two feet away from the gunman as he stood over Pierre and fired shots into his body. She also

50-year murder sentence for nightclub shooting upheld by appeal court said when the shooter was done, she took out her cell phone to call the police, but when she realised the shooter was looking at her, she put her phone back in her pocket.

The gunman then left.

He had nothing covering his face.

On April 4, 2014, Ms Lubin attended an identification parade where she picked out Philome as the shooter. Philome was then informed he was positively identified as the gunman. He said nothing in response.

Edgar Mark Ferguson, who was in the sports bar when the shooting occurred, also testified that on the night in question, after he heard a gunshot, he looked around the bar and saw Philome standing over Pierre with a gun in his

POLICE QUIZ SCHOOL OFFICIAL AFTER BEATING COMPLAINT

A SAINT Augustine College school official was questioned and later released by police in connection with a complaint over the beating of a seventh grade student last week.

This was confirmed by Superintendent Shanta Knowles yesterday, who said she expected to get an update on the matter today.

Last week, The Tribune reported how a father took to Facebook in anger after his son was punished by the official at the private Catholic school.

Ian Mills shared a now deleted photo of his son’s bruised buttocks on Tuesday evening, alleging that his child was beaten that day for “clowning and talking in class”.

“So I’m trying my hardest to keep my cool,” Mr Mills wrote, “this is how my son, a 7th grader at SAC, came home just now. Spoke to the principal and she asked

me what I wanted her to say to the dean!

“Asked me to come into school in the morning. I already said 15 prayers for the Lord to please take this anger out of me cause I know me. MY children.”

The post continued: “This what he got for clowning and talking in class. I don’t even beat my children! And this how he’s coming home black and blue. I told them I’m going to put it on Facebook. This is crazy, I told him he was joking when he told me he got beating and was falling on the ground hoping that he would stop beating him.”

The use of corporal punishment in public schools has been discouraged in recent years, with Education Minister Jeffrey Lloyd stating that children should only be beaten in schools if all other options have been exhausted, and in the most egregious of circumstances.

ARMED THIEF STEALS CAR

POLICE are looking for a car thief who robbed a woman outside a Garden Hills home on Friday night.

According to a police report, the incident occurred shortly after 11pm when a woman was sitting in her vehicle in the driveway of a home in Garden Hills. She was approached by an armed man, who came from the passenger side of a black Toyota Passo.

The man demanded the keys to white Honda CRV, licence number AF6344, got into it and both vehicles sped away. Investigations are ongoing.

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hand and that he subsequently heard other shots ring out. He said on the following morning, sometime between 5 and 5.30, he saw Philome in bushes in the back of his residence when he was on his way to work.

Mr Ferguson said that at about 7am, he received a phone call from Philome, who asked him where he was. Mr Ferguson said he told Philome he was at work, but he didn’t want him to call him anymore and hung up the phone.

Between 30 minutes to an hour later Mr Ferguson said police came to his place of employment and took him into custody.

He said he was questioned in reference to the incident and that he told the police that Philome was the shooter and that he had last seen Philome in bushes

in the back of his residence.

Mr Ferguson then took the officers to the bush where he claimed he had last seen Philome. Upon searching the area, officers discovered a black and grey coloured 40 Ruger pistol and a magazine next to it.

The Crown was able to establish through the evidence of two firearm examiners it was the same weapon used in the shooting.

Another individual, Avery Lightbourne, also testified that on the night in question, he had gone to work at around 10pm and left shortly afterwards to visit his girlfriend at the Bonanza Bar. On the way there, he said, he gave Philome a lift in his 2002 White Ford Ranger and that when they arrived at “The Ghetto,” he watched as Philome jumped out of

the truck before he in turn jumped out and left his keys in the truck.

Mr Lightbourne then went inside and fell asleep.

However, he was later wakened by someone who told him his truck was missing.

He walked straight to the police station to report the vehicle stolen.

At about 7am on March 31, 2014, officers arrested Philome when he came out of the same set of bushes near his home where Mr Ferguson claimed to have seen him.

The truck Lightbourne had reported missing was also found in the vicinity of the same bushes.

On April 4, 2014, at about 6pm, police conducted a confrontation between Philome and Mr Ferguson and both maintained the other shot Pierre.

Philome, meanwhile,

gave sworn evidence at the trial in which he denied involvement in Pierre’s murder and simultaneously accused Mr Ferguson of shooting the deceased.

According to the ruling, Philome’s evidence largely mirrored what he had told the police both in his record of interview and at the confrontation.

Philome was arraigned in the Supreme Court on one count of murder on June 22, 2015. He pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Crown called 17 witnesses in support of its case against Philome, who, following the close of the Crown’s case, gave sworn evidence, but called no witnesses.

Philome was convicted of murder on June 30, 2015. He was sentenced to 50 years for the crime on October 15, 2015.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, June 3, 2019, PAGE 13

‘PLASTICS BAN WILL INCREASE OUR BUSINESS COSTS’

By RIEL MAJOR Tribune Staff Reporter rmajor@tribunemedia.net

LOCAL distributors have expressed fears that the upcoming 2020 ban on single-use plastics and Styrofoam will result in a decline of customers purchasing disposable food packaging items.

Cleo Sweeting, of Variety Disposable Products, said a lot of customers “are raising their eyebrows” at the higher cost of the eco-friendly alternative products.

Ms Sweeting said: “We have already started switching over with the compostable. (However the increase in cost) is going to affect us because obviously the prices are going to go up and we don’t know how the consumers are going

to be purchasing. Plastic straws are cheap; $2.99 for 500 versus a paper straw they have to pay for about $30 for 600.”

One distributor, who preferred to be unnamed, said customers purchasing the alternative products have noticed the price hike. “(Yes, it will negatively affect my business) because people don’t want to pay more for anything. But it is what it is and it’s good for the environment, so people just have to decide they have to spend money on things that they need. The cost of living in this country continues to go up anyway. It’s good for the environment but unfortunately the alternatives are also to create eco-friendly alternatives which does cost more.”

The distributor explained: “Plastic and

Styrofoam are very cheap oil-based products, whereas these biodegradable and eco-friendly containers are made of a different material that cost more because it’s not mainstream marketing at the moment.

“How are you supposed to sell 99 cents breakfast when your container cost about 99 cents? Consumers haven’t been complaining and are happy that we have the alternatives but obviously they’re not happy that it’s a bit more than the cheap Styrofoam.”

Last year, Environment and Housing Minister Romauld Ferreira officially announced his ministry’s initiative to ban single-use plastics and Styrofoam in the country by January 1, 2020. In terms of the impact on businesses that rely on the use of plastic bags and

NEMA’S MESSAGE: GET READY FOR HURRICANES

By RIEL MAJOR Tribune Staff Reporter rmajor@tribunemedia.net

THE National Emergency Management Agency has urged Bahamians to be aware of their level of preparedness as international forecasters officially announced projections for the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season.

Hurricane forecasters are predicting an average of nine to 15 named storms, of which four to eight are expected to intensify to hurricane strength, with a chance of two to four becoming major storms - category three or higher.

Last Friday, Director of the Bahamas’ Meteorology Department Trevor Basden presented the forecast from information published by the Colorado

State University (CSL).

The hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30.

Mr Basden said: “For the last 11 years, we have had eight named storms in May so again it just takes one tropical cyclone to affect an area and that is devastation enough ... again we are advising the general public to be prepared.

“We will be able to give very precise indications of hail, tornadoes, water spouts, any severe weather, whether thunder, lightning and the like so at the end of this project we will have state-of-the-art coverage of any weather system in the Bahamas.”

Captain Stephen Russell, NEMA director, said the agency’s aim is to ensure that the entire country is prepared to respond to any form

of man-made or natural disasters. He said: “Our theme for this year is be prepared, Bahamas. The islands of the Bahamas have been impacted with seven major systems over the past 20 years. We probably had as much as 15 or more major systems of hurricanes that impacted the archipelago.”

Chrystal Glinton, NEMA deputy permanent secretary, stressed the importance of being prepared. She said: “From the 17th through the 29th, we are going into the schools - primary schools, in particular. We are going to distribute preparedness material because we realised that from the cradle to the grave once we inform children, they will ensure that their parents are reminded to be prepared.”

Styrofoam, as well as local distributors of these products, the ministry believes this will ultimately be a “win-win” situation.

With grocery stores bringing in an estimated 26 million plastic bags a year, the ban is predicted to

help businesses save money while also giving local “creatives” the opportunity to help develop alternatives.

Mr Ferreira said last year this is why the ban is a “great opportunity for the creation of jobs,” specifically calling out to

artists, straw vendors, and creatives.

He invited them to “redesign the traditional crocus sack bags and add some Androsia and a dash of our native straw”.

Editorial View - Page 4

PAGE 14, Monday, June 3, 2019

THE TRIBUNE

FIVE INJURED IN VENICE AS CRUISE SHIP SLAMS INTO TOURIST BOAT VENICE, Italy Associated Press

A TOWERING, out-of-control cruise ship rammed into a dock and a tourist riverboat on a busy Venice canal yesterday morning, injuring five people, officials said.

The collision sparked new calls for placing restrictions on cruise ships in the famed city.

The crash happened on the Giudecca Canal, a major thoroughfare that leads to St. Mark’s Square in the northeastern Italian city. The MSC Opera cruise ship, apparently unable to stop, blared its horn as it slammed into

the much smaller River Countess boat and the dock as dozens of people ran away in panic. In videos of the crash, people were seen rushing to disembark from the moored riverboat over a short gangplank, and at least two people were left caught on the walkway as the vessel was dislodged from the pier.

Elisabetta Pasqualin was watering plants on her terrace when she heard warning sirens and stepped out to see the crash. “There was this huge ship in a diagonal position in the Giudecca Canal, with a tugboat near which seemed like it couldn’t do anything,” she said.

THE MSC Opera cruise ship moored in Venice yesterday.

She described the ship “advancing slowly but inevitably towards the dock.” She said “the bow of the ship crashed hard into the bank with its massive weight crushing a big piece of it. Sirens were wailing loudly; it was a very dramatic scene.”

When the cruise ship rammed the riverboat, she said the smaller vessel looked like it was “made of plastic or paper” rather than steel.

Local officials said five women aboard the riverboat were injured.

They said one was released immediately from a hospital, while four others were advised to remain under medical care for a few days.

POMPEO: US SET FOR IRAN TALKS WITH NO PRECONDITIONS

FAMED CHEF LEAH CHASE DIES AT 96 NEW ORLEANS Associated Press

SWITZERLAND Associated Press

LEGENDARY New Orleans chef Leah Chase Chase, who fed generations of New Orleanians and tourists alike at Dooky Chase’s restaurant, died at the weekend. She was 96.

She transformed the restaurant from a sandwich shop where black patrons could buy lottery tickets to a refined restaurant where tourists, athletes, musicians — and even presidents — of all races dined.

Chase’s determination propelled her from to a celebrated chef who authored cookbooks, appeared on cooking shows and fed civil rights greats such as Thurgood Marshall and Martin Luther King Jr.

US SECRETARY of State Mike Pompeo said yesterday that the Trump administration is ready for unconditional discussions with Iran in an effort to ease rising tensions that have sparked fears of conflict. But the United States will not relent in trying to pressure the Islamic Republic to change its behavior in the Middle East, America’s top diplomat said.

Pompeo repeated longstanding US accusations that Iran is bent on destabilizing the region, but he also held out the possibility of talks as President Donald Trump has suggested. Trump himself had raised the idea of talks “without preconditions” in July 2018, although that was well before tensions had reached their current point.

In the 11 months since then, the US has imposed crippling sanctions on Iran, first in November and then again last month, targeting the most lucrative sectors of its economy. The action has drawn Iran’s ire and strong words of threatened retaliation.

Iran’s president, Hassan Rouhani, said the US must return to the historic 2015 nuclear deal, which Trump withdrew from in May 2018. He was quoted by Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency as saying that if the U.S. “realises that the way it chose was incorrect, then we can sit at the negotiating table and solve any problem.”

While the latest offer may not pan out, Pompeo made it during a visit to Switzerland, the country that long has represented American interests in Iran, as part of a European trip aimed at assuring wary leaders that the U.S. is not eager for war.

“We’re prepared to engage in a conversation with no preconditions,” Pompeo said. “We’re ready to sit down with them, but the American effort to fundamentally reverse the malign activity of this Islamic Republic, this revolutionary force, is going to continue.”

LEAH Chase preparing lunch at her restaurant in New Orleans in 2009.

Trump heads to a Europe in turmoil WASHINGTON Associated Press LIKE a bull who keeps returning to the china shop, President Donald Trump is headed back to Europe, where on previous visits he has strained historic friendships and insulted his hosts. This time, he faces an ally in turmoil and a global call to renew democratic pacts.

The agenda for Trump’s weeklong journey is both ceremonial and official: a state visit and an audience with Queen Elizabeth II in London, D-Day commemoration ceremonies on both sides of the English Channel and his first presidential visit to Ireland, which will include a stay at his coastal golf club.

But the president will arrive at a precarious moment, as he faces

PRESIDENT Trump and first lady Melania board Air Force One last night. a fresh round of impeachment fervour back home and uncertainty on the other side of the Atlantic.

British Prime Minister Theresa May will step down days after Trump visits and French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to use the 75th anniversary of the

World War II battle that turned the tide in Europe to call for strengthening the multinational ties the US president has frayed.

Trump is to arrive in London today for a two-day whirlwind of pomp, circumstance and protests, including meetings with the royal family and an extravagant state dinner at Buckingham Palace. He is likely to be shadowed by demonstrators, who during his visit to England last summer flooded the streets and flew an inflatable balloon depicting the president as a baby.

A year ago, Trump played the ungracious guest, blasting May in an interview just hours before Air Force One touched down in England. He has done it again, this time sparing May but praising her rival, prime ministerial hopeful Boris

Johnson, just before she steps down as head of the Conservative Party on Friday for failing to secure a Brexit deal.

“I think Boris would do a very good job. I think he would be excellent,” Trump said. “I like him. I have always liked him. I don’t know that he is going to be chosen, but I think he is a very good guy, a very talented person.”

The centerpiece of the president’s visit will be two days to mark the D-Day anniversary, likely the last significant commemoration most veterans of the battle will see.

The anniversary events will begin in England, where the invasion was launched, and then move to Normandy, France, where Allied forces began to recapture Western Europe from the Nazis.

NANDA DEVI: HOPES FADING FOR EIGHT MISSING CLIMBERS LUCKNOW, India Associated Press

RESCUERS were yestertday continuing their search for eight mountaineers who went missing while attempting to scale a peak near India’s second-highest mountain, Nanda Devi.

The team, led by British climber Martin Moran, began its ascent

on May 13 of the previously unclimbed and unnamed peak on Nanda Devi East at 6,477 metres, according to Moran Mountain, Moran’s Scotland-based company.

The team includes four Britons, two Americans, an Australian and an Indian liaison officer.

Vijay Kumar Jogdande, a civil administrator in northern India’s Uttarakhand state, said four

other members of the expedition team who had stayed back at the second base camp were brought down yesterday. The four-member team, all British nationals, was led by 44-year old Mark Thomas. The other three members were Zachary Quain, 32, Kate Armstone, 39 and Ian Wade, 45.

Amit Chowdhary, spokesman for the Indian

Mountaineering Foundation, said the missing climbers’ location was known up to May 26. He said they had been in radio contact with the other four expedition team members.

Chowdhary said when the Thomas-led team was no longer receiving radio updates from the other expedition team, Thomas went to look for the missing

climbers the next day. “There was a trail of the climbers there and the trail ended in an avalanche.

There was evidence of a very large avalanche,” Chowdhary cited Thomas as having said.

The mountaineers were supposed to return to the base camp on Friday but when they failed to return, an alert was sounded and a rescue operation was launched.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, June 3, 2019, PAGE 15

Pair facing attempted murder charges

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

TWO Freeport residents were arraigned on attempted murder charges on Friday in the Eight Mile Rock Magistrate’s Court.

Jeffrey Musgrove, 45, of Coral Gardens, and Delvandre Butler, 23, of Inagua Avenue, appeared before Magistrate Gwen Claude.

They were not required to enter a plea to the charge of attempted murder, which is in connection with a shooting incident that occurred on May 25.

The case was adjourned to August 7 for a preliminary inquiry. Bail was denied and the two were remanded in custody at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services in New Providence.

SIX ORDERED TO REPAY $30,000 AFTER FRAUD

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

FIVE women and a man were ordered to pay back the $30,000 they collectively defrauded a local lending institution out of two years ago by using fake Department of Education employment letters.

Carl Fisher III; Vandissa Rolle; Ericka Gibson; Trene Leadon; Reniqua Bowe; and Melissa Evans were each ordered to pay back the $5,000 they defrauded Easy Terms Limited out of in June 2017.

Failure to do so by December 3 would result in a $2,500 fine along with a one year prison sentence, Magistrate Ambrose Armbrister ordered. Failure to pay the fine would result in an extra six months in prison.

The six were also ordered to perform a collective 480 hours of community service—80 hours each—at a place to be named by the Department of Rehabilitative Services. Failure to comply with that order would result in a $500 fine, and failure to pay the fine would result in a six month prison sentence.

They were also put on six months’ probation, during which time they must keep the peace and be of good behaviour. A $500 fine along with an eight month custodial sentence is the alternative. If the fine is not paid, four months will be tacked onto that sentence.

This came after all six pleaded guilty to uttering and consequently being in possession of forged Department of Education employee letters, which they each then used to defraud Easy Terms of $5,000.

Two other woman, Shanti Moxey and Shakera Youte, were also charged with the same offences, but the

prosecutor, Sergeant Kendrick Bauld, withdrew the charges after receiving letters indicating their respective debts had been settled.

The two were consequently discharged by the magistrate.

According to the facts of the case read by Sgt Bauld, Easy Payday, a subsidiary of Easy Terms, is a business engaged in providing loans to government employees that are serviced through salary deductions.

He said that sometime between May and June 2017, all eight people presented employment letters from the Department of Education (DOE), attached with an official stamp, as well as other relevant documents, to Easy Payday for a loan application. As a result, they each ended up receiving $5,000 First Caribbean International Bank (FCIB) cheques in their respective names.

At some point, Dellareece Symonette, a senior assistant secretary at the DOE, got a call from a woman identified as Ms Knowles over her suspicions that fraudulent activities were taking place at the bank’s Thompson Boulevard branch.

Ms Knowles subsequently faxed Ms Symonette the names of the eight persons to determine if they were in fact employed with the ministry or Department of Education. Ms Symonette subsequently made a check and confirmed Fisher, Rolle, Gibson, Bowe, Evans, Moxey and Youte were not MOE or DOE employees.

Leadon was found to have been a newly applied contract worker, but would not have been eligible for a loan.

As a result, they were all arrested, cautioned and interviewed. They each admitted to the crimes and were consequently charged.

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ACCUSED: Jeffrey Musgrove and Delvandre Butler.

Photo: Vandyke Hepburn