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VOLUME:114 No.134, JUNE 6TH, 2017

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SPORT: SHAUNAE MILLER-UIBO SETS NEW WORLD RECORD IN 200M

Landfill ‘urgent health hazard’

Report received but not released before election

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net THE New Providence Landfill has been classified as an “urgent public health hazard” presenting a “chronic health risk” to those operating in and around its vicinity, according to a report compiled by the Pan American Health Organisation/ World Health Organisation and submitted to the former Christie administration at the end of April.

Among the findings detailed in the nearly 30page report, Pan American Health Organisation/ World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) called for several short-term “inter-

ventions” to be used until long-term sustainable plans could be identified by the government.

According to the report, the “partially controlled nature” of the site has only pushed conditions closer toward biological threats.

The report read: “Considering that the landfill related exposure to hazardous substances could result in adverse health effects both, in-site and out-site, the authors of this report consider that the landfill is an urgent public health hazard.”

It continued: “Therefore, interventions to stop people from being exposed are needed in the short-term.”

SEE PAGE SEVEN

THREE KILLED OVER HOLIDAY WEEKEND

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was shot multiple times and killed yesterday afternoon in front of his home off Mackey Street - and another man died in hospital after a later shooting on Mackey Street and Wulff Road - bringing the total of murders over the holiday period to three.

The first killing yesterday took place shortly after 5pm Monday off Okra Hill Road.

SEE PAGE THREE

SEVEN-YEAR-OLD GIRL DROWNS AT LABOUR DAY FAMILY PICNIC

MINNIS: GOVT SEEKS SOLUTIONS IN BOTH SHORT AND LONG TERM

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net THE Minnis administration has announced plans to pursue the “deconstruction and proper engineering” of the New Providence Landfill in response to a 28-page report compiled by officials from the Pan-American and World Health Organisations earlier this year.

The government also

pledged to increase security and expand equipment for staff at the landfill.

In a statement accompanying the official release of that report late last week, the new FNM government laid out several initiatives it plans to pursue both in the short and long-term as it looks to remediate ongoing issues at the site.

SEE PAGE SEVEN

THE SCENE at Long Wharf Beach where the body of a missing girl was found in the water.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net FERNANDER Bullard, the mother of the seven-year-old girl who is believed to have drowned during a family picnic on Labour Day, said she is “overwhelmed with grief” at the loss of her baby, but finds comfort in knowing that her daughter “is now in the arms of the Lord.”

The body of Elnora Bullard was pulled from waters off Arawak Cay on Saturday, less than 24 hours after she was reported missing by family members.

The little girl, affectionately called “mama” was at a picnic on Long Wharf Beach with her mother’s relatives when she went missing between 6pm and 7pm Friday.

SEE PAGE TWO

ELNORA BULLARD

PRIVATISATION IS CONSIDERED FOR STATE-RUN ENTERPRISES

AMERICAN VISITOR DROWNS DURING DIVING EXPEDITION

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

DEPUTY Prime Minister K Peter Turnquest said the government will consider turning state owned enterprises or quasi-government corporations over to the private sector as a way of retiring debt because the subsidies provided to

them are exorbitant.

The 2017-2018 Budget includes $429m in funding for 25 state owned enterprises (SOEs) — $79m more than last year, Mr Turnquest, who is also the minister of finance, said on Wednesday.

He described the increase as “clearly unsustainable” moving forward.

SEE PAGE SIX

AN American visitor to The Bahamas drowned during a diving trip off New Providence on Monday, according to police.

The incident took place shortly before 11am.

Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Stephen Dean said the adult visitor

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was snorkeling with a group of persons on Pearl Island when he lost consciousness.

“He was taken on a boat and brought back to the shore where he was examined by a doctor and pronounced dead. We are actively investigating this incident. We are in communication with the owners of the island.”

SEE PAGE SIX

PAGE 2, Tuesday, June 6, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

POLICE officers at the scene at Long Wharf Beach where the body of a missing girl was found.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

SEVEN-YEAR-OLD GIRL DROWNS AT LABOUR DAY FAMILY PICNIC from page one

At first, family members thought Elnora had been abducted and sent out flyers and information on social media pleading with members of the pub-

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lic to assist in locating the young girl. Elnora’s father, Livingston Bullard, made an emotional plea begging her “kidnappers” to let his “baby girl” go and asked people to keep him and his family in their prayers.

Relatives also formed a search party to comb the areas near the beach as well as the water. Early Saturday morning, the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) as well as the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) joined in the search for the missing girl.

Tragically, shortly after 1pm, a volunteer and a RBDF officer saw a body floating in the water on the eastern end of Arawak Cay. The body was pulled to shore.

Police did not release the identity of the victim, but family members confirmed it was Elnora. She was pronounced dead on the scene.

In an emotional interview with The Tribune, Mrs Bullard said her family is “not doing well”, but she said “God doesn’t make mistakes” and she will never question “His authority.”

“She was a loving, perfect child,” Mrs Bullard said.

“She was always happy and always smiling. She was a little sassy at times but she was a darling. She would always tell people

she loved them. She could meet you today and she would say ‘Bye, I love you.’

Everyone loved her, she was just bubbly and loving. It is a hard time for us, but we got seven beautiful years with her, years I will always cherish.

“I was not there on the beach but I do not blame anyone. God knows what He is doing and He has the last say. What God does is perfectly done and now my baby is in the arms of the Lord. I will not question Him.” Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Stephen Dean sent a stern warning to parents and guardians of young children who plan on visiting the beach this summer.

“After an extensive search, this is not the ending we would normally want but I think there is now peace in the heart of the parents, but we will use this occasion to appeal to members of the public, particularly parents and guardians, this is the summer time, please watch your children and be responsible,” Senior ACP Dean said.

“The responsibility of your children is not the responsibility of the state, the police or anyone else, you cannot transfer that responsibility. It is an awesome one entrusted unto you and you must be sure you know where your child is at all times and that they are in the care of a responsible person.

“If your child is coming to the beach, come to the beach with your children.

Do not rest that in the hands of no one else. You come with them and you exercise care. Young children must be in your reach 24 – 7 at all times while at the beach. Young children are full of energy and they are excited, so please pay attention to your children, you must know if you come to these picnics with music and dance and drinks, you must do checks of your children.”

Elnora’s family is holding a candle light vigil on Arawak Cay tonight at 8pm. Members of the public are invited to attend.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, June 6, 2017, PAGE 3

Davis names shadow cabinet

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net THE Official Opposition named its shadow cabinet over the weekend, with the party’s interim Leader Philip “Brave” Davis assuming shadow responsibilities for the portfolio of prime minister in addition to several other key areas.

In a press release, Mr Davis, MP for Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador, announced he would shadow urban development, Bahamas Power and Light, Bahamasair and the Ministry of Works on behalf of the party.

Last month, he took over the post of interim leader of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) after the party’s crushing defeat at the polls by the now governing Free National Movement.

The wipeout saw the party lose many of its strongholds, capturing only one seat in New Providence— Englerston— but none in Grand Bahama.

The FNM won 35 of the 39 House of Assembly seats.

Englerston MP Glenys Hanna Martin will serve as shadow minister for Social Services, transport, aviation, national security and

tourism.

Senator Fred Mitchell will assume shadow responsibilities for foreign affairs, labour, public service, immigration and trade.

Additionally, North Andros MP Picewell Forbes will serve as shadow minister for environment, housing, sports and culture, while Exuma and Ragged Island MP Chester Cooper will serve as health, National Health Insurance, Grand Bahama and education shadow minister.

Senator Clay Sweeting is shadow minister of agriculture, local government and marine resources.

Senator Jobeth Davis will

shadow the portfolios of the attorney general, legal affairs and youth.

Mr Davis also noted that inquiries on matters of public interest related to these portfolios and the views of the PLP on those portfolios should be referred to these individuals.

He also noted that the PLP’s shadow Cabinet will be supported by resource persons, many of whom will be former ministers in the government.

The release added: “The Leadership Council has asked all candidates in the general election of 2017 to remain engaged in the constituencies in which they

stood for office and to work with the local branches until the party has indicated after consultation with them the way forward.

“These candidates will continue to be a part of Leadership Council meetings. They are officially designated constituency caretakers.

“In the first instance then, residents of the various constituencies who wish to be engaged in the work of the PLP in their area should utilise the services of these constituency caretakers as a link to the party and the branch in the respective constituencies,” the statement concluded.

As of yesterday, plans for the party’s convention remained unknown.

To date, only former West End and Bimini MP Obie Wilchcombe has made known his intention to run for PLP chairman, the post expected to be vacated with the departure of Bradley Roberts.

The party’s constitution allows for a convention to be held once a year, with language that provides grounds for party elections to take place at the behest of the party’s National Council.

The party held its last convention at the end of January.

THREE KILLED OVER HOLIDAY WEEKEND from page one

The killing came a day after a man was found dead outside his home in Acklins early Sunday morning, hours after he was treated and released from the local clinic for multiple stab wounds.

And the later shooting on Mackey Street and Wulff Road took place at about 9pm last night, bringing the country’s murder count to 62 for the year, according to The Tribune’s records. Details of that incident were sketchy up to press time.

As for the first New Providence homicide, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Stephen Dean said police are unsure of the motive and have no suspects in custody at this time. He appealed to members of the public to come forward with information.

“What we do know is that gunshots were heard in this area by residents who called the police,” Senior ACP Dean said.

“When officers arrived on the scene, they met the lifeless body of a male with multiple gunshot wounds to the body. He was pronounced dead on the scene by the relevant agencies.

We are in the preliminary stages of our investigation and we have officers canvassing the area.

“At this time we have no suspects and no motive and we need your help. This is a populated area, someone must have seen something.

Someone must have some information. This is where trust in the police comes in.

We want you to reach out to us and whatever information you give us, we will keep it under wraps.”

Senior ACP Dean also assured members of the public that officers are always on the ground, doing what needs to be done to protect the public.

“We will continue to populate our streets with police,” he said.

“We have a number of operations going on right now, where a number of persons have been arrested. A number of things are happening and we want to reassure members of the public that their safety is of utmost importance to us and we will keep you safe.”

Meanwhile, the weekend incident marked the first homicide on Acklins this year.

Officer-in-charge of the Central Detective Unit, Chief Superintendent Solo-

A MAN was shot and killed outside of his home in off Okra Hill yesterday evening.

Photo: Terrel W. Carey/ Tribune Staff

mon Cash said police are still unsure if the Acklins victim died from his previous stab wounds or if he suffered “new injuries” after he left the clinic. Chief Supt Cash said the body of the victim was flown to the capital on Sunday and an autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death.

Chief Supt Cash said the victim was involved in an argument with a suspect early Saturday morning and then a second argument later in the evening which led to the suspect being hit with a bottle and the victim being stabbed. The suspect is in police custody in New Providence.

“Around 8.30pm on Saturday, two men were involved in a fight at Mason’s Bay, that led to one of them being hit with a bottle and the other one being stabbed with an object,” Chief Supt Cash said.

“The two men were taken to the local clinic where they were treated by the island’s doctor and later released. Then around 8.30am on Sunday, the man who was stabbed was found dead outside his home in Delectable Bay.” Police have not identified the victim, but The Tribune understands he is David Hanna.

Officers from CDU are in Acklins assisting local officers with the investigations.

Anyone with information on these homicides are asked to contact police at 911 or 919, the Central Detective Unit at 502-9991 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 328-TIPS. The investigations continue.

• A WOMAN is in po- dition is listed as critical,” lice custody after allegedly police said. “throwing a corrosive sub“The woman was later stance” on her husband, taken into custody.” leaving him in critical conPolice also reported dition in hospital. that a Brazilian man is in According to a report custody for having a large from police, the incident amount of counterfeit curoccurred shortly after 3pm rency. on Sunday, June 4.

The fake currency was The husband and wife seized on Monday. were arguing at their Shortly before 3pm, pohome at St Alban’s Drive lice acting on information when the woman allegedly went to a hotel located on threw the substance on her Paradise Island, where they spouse. arrested the Brazilian man “The victim was rushed after they found $4,000 in 2017 US currency in to hospital where Tuesday, his con-6th June counterfeit

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his possession. Investigations into all these incidents are ongoing.

PAGE 4, Tuesday, June 6, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

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FNM must coax the country back to fiscal health OBVIOUSLY many PLP leaders have still not grasped the message Bahamians sent them on May 10. Having suffered the worst defeat of any political party in the history of this country, these arrogant politicians still seem to be tone deaf.

Bahamians jumped for joy when the FNM vowed that if they won the general election they would audit every government department before trying to move forward. They also promised that anyone found wanting in any government corporation or department that was entrusted with the public’s money would feel the full weight of the law.

So what was ‘Brave” Davis, one of only four PLP returned to the 39-member House, talking about when he demanded an explanation from the new prime minister as to why four National Insurance Executives were given letters asking them to take a paid vacation while their offices were being audited.

No fuss, no bother, just go quietly with no loss of pay until the all clear signal is given. No one has been accused of anything. But — forgetting the PLP’s hamfisted handling of National Insurance staff when it took office in 2012 with one case still pending in the courts – Mr Davis seemed clearly insensitive to the situation.

If no explanation is given for their unrequested vacation, he declared, he can only conclude that this is “rank victimisation, discrimination and intimidation.” How interesting. Now what would he call the PLP’s decision during the Pindling regime to divide this country by playing “Roots” before every general election, and making it clear that God gave this country only to the PLP? Anyone outside of that orbit had to keep their mouths shut and plod on. On May 10, Bahamians spoke out — they wanted the same justice for all. Bahamians, regardless of their station in life, want to be treated as equals before the law. Those stealing at the top are to be treated in the same manner as those stealing at the bottom. So far no one has been found guilty of anything, and so all those with clean hands can enjoy their vacation with a clear conscience.

And then there is PLP chairman Bradley Roberts, who has completely lost touch with his people.

Mr Roberts maintains that to send

top level NIB staff home while their department is being audited is to promote “political tribalism and divisiveness through political witch hunts and is clearly not the way to build a country.

“Tribalism,” declared Mr Roberts, “only promotes partisanship that is, very strong feelings of political and social loyalty and not the accountability, transparency and public trust he claims he wants to build.” How interesting. It has certainly taken Mr Roberts a long time to grasp this message that many Bahamians have been preaching for years.

Mr Roberts then made an interesting comparison. He said that when Bahamas Power and Light reported $2m of their funds missing, no employee was arrested and detained by police and no senior executive was sent home pending the outcome of the investigation. That is true. There has been silence - complete silence ever since. This is what Bahamians resent.

Not only is there $2m missing from Bahamas Power and Light, but $48m is said to be missing from Road Traffic; $23.8m is unaccounted for at the Mortgage Relief fund; $85m from BAMSI, $10m from Social Services and $25m from Urban Renewal. After each announcement, total silence. The PLP seems to forget that these missing funds are the taxes of hard working Bahamians, who expected an explanation from the PLP government under whose watch this came.

It is now for the FNM government, which has announced that it will have to borrow more than $722m to cover inherited bills in addition to costs associated with administering the country. According to Finance Minister Peter Turnquest the current fiscal year is “far bleaker” than anyone could have imagined. The Christie administration, he said, has left “the cupboard bare.” It was almost the same when the Pindling era came to a close with Sir Lynden admitting that his government had lost touch with the people. There was major unemployment and bills were left in the Treasury unpaid.

And so we would advise Messrs Davis and Roberts to “sit small” and try to digest the message sent to them on May 10. In the meantime, the new government has to try to account for missing funds and coax the country back to fiscal health.

Poor choices by PLP for the Senate EDITOR, The Tribune

THE Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) was decimated during the general elections last month. No one, inclusive of me, could have predicted such a landslide wipeout. Yes, there were some, like me, who had a gut feeling that the hated former Prime Minister would have led us PLPs straight down the garden path. There are many reasons for the debacle, but there is no more compelling excuse than the unpopularity of PGC and the overt evidence of corruption by many within the Gold Rush Administration.

We are now led by the Hon Philip “Brave” Davis (PLP-Cat Island) who managed to retain his constituency. Save and except for three other seats the PLP has now been reduced to a rump opposition. I am not impressed with the senate picks made by Brave.

There was nothing bold or new about at least two of the appointments in the form of politically challenged individuals. Messrs Darville and Mitchell are spent forces and it is doubt-

ful that either of them will ever be elected again in this life time. What more are they able to bring to the table or to assist in the rebuilding and rebranding of the vanquished PLP? Absolutely nothing that is quantifiable.

I really could care less about PGC as he did not appear, in the last year of his reign, to give a rat’s foot about the unwashed masses here in New Providence and the rest of The Bahamas. In fact, he gave us the ‘bird’ while a rocket scientist cum Queen’s Counsel slapped his voluminous buttocks and crowed: “When they go low, we go lower”.... so was it done and said unto them who demonstrated contempt for the electorate.

Christie will receive his pension for the rest of his natural life. After his demise, if his wife were to outlive him, she will collect half of that for the rest of her life. The rest of you PLPs will have to continue to eke out a miserable living.

The dreams of tens of thousands of Bahamians who supported the PLP and hitched their economic

and career paths on the sustainability of the PLP were shattered by the outcome of the general elections. The bulk of the rejected PLP candidates all declared that they were millionaires with assorted business interests.

It is not likely that any of them will hurt from a financial point of view. Truly, they believed in themselves as opposed to unwashed Bahamians.

“Brave” has his work cut out for him but I fear that the task will be almost insurmountable, if not impossible. He has to move swiftly to shape the PLP into what he considers to be a fighting machine. He has never been liked by the elites in the PLP. They see him as being too short; too black and, for sure, too confident of himself. Already, despite being almost wiped out, there are factions within the PLP who are plotting to wrest the helm of the party from him. This does not bode well for the way forward. To God then, in all things, be the glory.

ORTLAND H. BODIE JR. Nassau, June 4, 2017.

Shuffle them up, Minnis EDITOR, The Tribune THE swearing in ceremony for the Cabinet ministers was a jubilant occasion.

Many Bahamians are optimistic that there will be change.

Prime Minister Minnis’ speech reinforced this belief but there was one moment that I felt demonstrated our desire for change.

The crowd applauded and cheered when he stated that he will shuffle Permanent Secretaries. I too applauded and cheered in front of my television but wondered if the audience and I were ecstatic for the same reason.

Since returning home from completing my master’s degree last year, I have had serious challenges with senior officials within the ministry that I am employed.

Prior to my return, I wrote a letter to my Permanent Secretary (PS) asking to be transferred to another ministry. I felt that this ministry was better suited for my qualification. Surprisingly, she responded by saying the transfer would be considered once I was completed. So, I returned home ready to go back to work.

But I continuously called and wrote letters to follow up on the request.

Unfortunately, I got no indication of where and when to report to work.

Eventually, the director from my ministry wrote a letter to me that said no consideration could be given until I resumed the

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net duties of my current profession. Finally, I returned to work.

I had hoped that this would have speeded up the transfer process. Instead, I have been working for five months and have yet to be paid.

I’ve written to my PS and have even met with her and the former Minister to determine when I’ll be paid.

Of course, they gave me a date but that date has come and gone without any payment.

To add insult to injury, despite writing letters and calling to follow up, no official has reached out to me.

I was not offered a salary advance. I was not offered vouchers. I was not offered anything.

Fed up with the lack of concern from my Ministry, I stopped going to work and devoted my energy to getting this resolved.

Interestingly enough, I’ve had family members plead with me to return to work to avoid having my salary cut.

They seem more concerned about me being punished even though my basic rights have been ignored.

I’m sharing this matter for one reason. It seems that rules, order and common courtesy do not apply to Permanent Secretaries, Directors and Human Resource personnel.

Based on the Bahamas

Government’s website, a request for transfer is sent from the PS to the Ministry of Public Service.

To my knowledge, my request that I made initially a year ago hasn’t made it there yet.

Furthermore, I’m often reminded by older public servants that my salary is guaranteed and I just have to be reinstated to the Public Service.

I always respond by asking how long that process is supposed to take.

Would this be acceptable if I was working for a private company?

One would think that after letters and calls at least one senior official could offer a definitive response, even if it is via email. I’m assuming they do have email addresses and internet access.

So, I wonder how many persons in that audience, in particular young Bahamians like me, have received similar treatment in their government job.

How many others are afraid of being cut when they seek to fight for what is right?

How many others feel punished for desiring to pursue higher education?

I admire the Prime Minister’s desire to revamp the Public Service by shuffling Permanent Secretaries but I feel that more has to be done.

If getting cut is my punishment, what is theirs?

THE FRUSTRATED BUT DEDICATED PUBLIC SERVANT May 18, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, June 6, 2017, PAGE 5

MAN JAILED FOR POSSESSION OF AK47 AND AMMUNITION

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was sentenced to two five-year terms for possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of ammunition.

Jachris Black, 22, pleaded guilty to the two charges when he appeared in Magistrate’s Court Thursday with his 53-year-old mother, Julianne Black.

According to police reports, a team of officers from the Elizabeth Estates Police Station, acting on information, went to their home with a warrant to search the premises.

Once in the home, officers were directed to the bedroom of Jachris Black, where they discovered an AK47 assault rifle and a detached magazine loaded with 28 rounds in a hamper.

Officers arrested both

occupants of the home and charged the pair with possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of ammunition.

When mother and son appeared in court Thursday, Ms Black was assisted by police officers when she indicated that she could not breathe.

As the arraignment proceeded, she briefly fainted resulting in the clearing of the courtroom so that she could be taken care of.

Once the proceedings resumed, Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt scolded Mr Black for his actions.

Recalling the details of the entire case as presented by the prosecution, Chief Magistrate Ferguson-Pratt said the matter could not be taken lightly because of the escalating nature of gun violence in the country.

As she noted the accused’s prior crimes, an assault charge from 2016,

Chief Magistrate FergusonPratt told him that his actions stood as proof that he had not learned any valuable lessons from his earlier brush with the law.

She added that this most recent offence proved to be the most extreme in nature and the most disheartening because of the precarious position in which it had placed his mother.

She told the accused: “You pulled your mother

with you, caused her unnecessary pain and anguish.”

Chief Magistrate Ferguson-Pratt added: “She had to bear shame and embarrassment.”

Black was subsequently sentenced to two five-year terms to run concurrently and was ordered to publicly apologise in court to his mother.

Ms Black, after accepting her son’s apology, was acquitted on both charges and released.

Bahamas alarm at US withdrawal from Paris climate change deal THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed The Bahamas’ concern regarding the announced withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Agreement on climate change.

The ministry noted that The Bahamas remains “committed” to the climate accord.

“While each nation must determine its own course on international matters, the prospect of the effects of climate change are particularly significant for low-lying, coastal, small island developing states (SIDS) such as The Bahamas, the very existence of which stands to be adversely impacted by climate change and global warming,” a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted.

“The Bahamas remains committed to the Paris Agreement which was signed by 195 parties and ratified by 146 countries plus the European Union, and its aspiration to reduce risk to economies and lives everywhere, and to build a secure and sustainable world.

“The Bahamas will continue to work with its partners in the context of the Paris Agreement, as well as its neighbours in the United States in ongoing efforts to mitigate the long-term effects of global weather on states in the region,” the statement also noted.

Last Thursday, US President Donald Trump announced he was withdrawing America from the Paris Agreement, which some critics see as a blow to the worldwide effort to counter global warming.

“We’re getting out,” Mr Trump said Thursday at the White House. “And we will start to renegotiate and we’ll see if there’s a better deal. If we can, great. If we can’t, that’s fine.”

The decision was widely denounced by American politicians, pundits and leaders from around the world.

Former US President Barack Obama also criticised the move.

“The nations that remain in the Paris Agreement will be the nations that reap the benefits in jobs and industries created,” Mr Obama noted in a statement. “I believe the United States of

PRESIDENT Donald Trump speaks about the US role in the Paris climate change accord on Thursday, June 1, in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington.

Photo: Andrew Harnik/AP America should be at the ecology of many coastal ber states for a significant associated with the ongo- stronger programmes of adfront of the pack. But even states and territories. It period as our infrastruc- ing climate change negotia- aptation would have to be in the absence of American has been projected that re- ture, built environment, tions is that even if the goal implemented,” Mr Christie leadership; even as this ad- sponding to these factors settlements and economic to limit global warming to said at the time. ministration joins a small can have particularly disas- well-being are concentrated 1.5 or 2°(degrees Celsius) America joined Nicarahandful of nations that re- trous consequences, caus- in coastal areas prone to is achieved, the Caribbean gua and Syria as the only will experience severe ad- nations that did not sign the ject the future; I’m confi- ing a perpetual recession in flooding and inundation.

“The region’s challenge verse impacts for which Paris Agreement. dent that our states, cities, each of the Caricom memand businesses will step up.”

In May 2015, then Prime Minister Perry Christie told Parliament that with 80 per cent of The Bahamas’ land mass within one metre of sea level, climate change was a growing threat.

REACH RAFFLE WINNERS 2017 “Our situation is rendered especially urgent in the face of information that ocean acidification, sea surface temperatures and sea levels are already rising,” he said.

“These processes, particularly sea-level rise, will therefore irreversibly change the geography and

BAHAMAS STAFF IN LONDON UNHARMED BY TERROR ATTACK THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that The Bahamas High Commission in London has confirmed that staff at the commission, The Bahamas Maritime Authority and The Bahamas Tourist Office in London are all accounted for and unaffected by the latest security incidents where a van ploughed into a crowd and where a stabbing occurred in a busy London market.

The incidents have been described as “terrorist attacks”.

A Bahamas foreign af-

fairs spokesman noted in a press release: “Head office is constantly vigilant in such situations, but thankfully, we can report that Bahamians posted in our overseas offices in London are safe.”

Assailants killed seven people and wounded 48 others by “ramming a vehicle into a crowd on London Bridge and then stabbing people in nearby Borough Market,” according to CNN. The three attackers were shot and killed by London police.

THREE MONTHS IN SANDILANDS FOR INDECENT EXPOSURE GUILT A 46-YEAR-OLD Grand Bahama man, convicted of indecent exposure on Thursday in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court, was sentenced to three months at the Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre.

Tyrone Davis, also known as “Butler,” of no fixed address was arraigned on June 1 before Magistrate Charl-

ton Smith in Court Two on three counts of indecent exposure. The matters are in connection with incidents reported to police between April and May 2017 in the areas of the Mall Drive and RND Plaza.

He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three months on each count to run concurrently.

PAGE 6, Tuesday, June 6, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

Privatisation considered for state-run enterprises DEPUTY Prime Minister Peter Turnquest. from page one “We will also seek to reduce these subsidies to an irreducible minimum and apply a very rigid test on future requests for financial subsidies to ensure that more money is available to finance the operations of the government,” Mr Turnquest said during his presentation of the 2017-2018 Budget in the House of Assembly Wednesday.

Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff

“This budget includes funding in the amount of $429m for 25 SOEs, quasigovernment corporations is $79m more than last year, primarily because of the introduction of National Health Insurance.

“As this is clearly unsustainable, this administration will develop concrete action plans to transform these enterprises either into viable, efficient and selfsufficient entities.”

Some of the more prominent SOEs in the country include Bahamasair Holdings Ltd, Bank of The Bahamas, Bahamas Power and Light Ltd, Water and Sewerage Corporation, the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas (ZNS), Nassau Flight Services and the Hotel Corporation of The Bahamas.

The Minnis administration projects borrowing more than $722m to cover inherited outstanding bills along with the costs associated with running the country moving forward. This

covers a period of two fiscal terms.

He said the government came to this conclusion after discovering the current fiscal year is “far bleaker” than anyone could have imagined as the Christie administration left “the cupboard bare.”

The deputy prime minister explained that $400m is needed to satisfy expenditure for the past year, while $322,462,707m will be borrowed for the 20172018 Budget, amounting to a whopping $722,462,707m.

Describing the new administration’s position as “difficult” because it has to grapple with an “historically high burden” of government debt, Mr Turnquest said to continue on this track is “destructive.”

Therefore, he said the government will have to run a ship that is fiscally prudent with an agenda of change aimed at eliminating the deficit to return the debt level to more sustainable levels.

AMERICAN VISITOR DROWNS DURING DIVING EXPEDITION

from page one

“It was a regular snorkeling trip, people go to Pearl Island on a daily basis. We will get to the bottom of it to determine what happened,” he said.

Senior ACP Dean urged Bahamians and visitors to be “careful” when swimming in deep water.

“We will use these holiday times to talk to our people, that person who is in waters who (is) swimming, please exercise extreme care and caution that if you are going into the water, if you are going swimming that you had something eat to ensure you are well equipped and physically fit for these type of exercises.”

It is recommended that people wait at least 30 minutes to one hour after eating before swimming.

“We still have to appeal to parents, please ensure your children are in your view at all times,” Senior ACP Dean said.

“Adults if you cannot swim please do not go into deep waters. Please be very careful.”

An autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death.

Meanwhile, police are also investigating the circumstances surrounding a shark attack that left an American woman in serious condition in hospital on Friday.

According to reports, shortly before noon, the woman was snorkelling in waters near Athol Island when the shark attacked her. She was taken to hospital where she is in serious condition.

Investigations are continuing.

MAN HELD AFTER GUN FIND

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net A 25-YEAR-OLD Bimini man was arrested on Friday after he was allegedly caught with a loaded firearm in his possession.

According to police reports, the arrest was made shortly after 1pm while officers on routine patrol on King’s Highway searched a male and discovered a .22 Smith and Wesson pistol with 11 rounds of ammunition in his possession.

The man, a resident of Bailey Town, was taken into custody. He is expected to be formally charged in Magistrate’s Court today.

Meanwhile, Abaco police also arrested three men in two separate incidents for possession of illegal firearms and ammunition on Saturday.

The first incident occurred around 2am when officers searched a man and allegedly found a .9mm pistol with two rounds of .9mm ammunition.

A short time later, officers stopped the occupants of a white truck in the area of the government complex on Don McKay Boulevard.

During a search, a .40 pistol with eight .40 rounds of ammunition was recovered from the truck, and two males were subsequently taken into custody.

FOUR HUNTED AFTER SHOOTING POLICE are seeking the public’s help in locating four men responsible for a shooting incident that left a man detained in hospital on Friday.

According to a police report, around 10pm a man was involved in an alter-

cation with four men on Young Street when one them shot him. The four men then fled on foot. The victim was transported to hospital where he is detained in stable condition.

The investigation is ongoing.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, June 6, 2017, PAGE 7

Landfill ‘urgent health hazard’ from page one

The report noted that “at least seven” waster sources were identified at the landfill: municipal or urban solid waste; cruise ship waste; green waste; medical waste; marine litter; e-waste and hazardous waste.

Citing concerns that ranged from surveillance of human health to emergency response and community engagement, the report which was made public by the new Minnis administration last week noted contaminants from varying waste sources had already grown to alarming levels and needed immediate attention.

The damning report was carried out in the wake of a March 5 fire reported at the landfill.

As a result of that massive blaze, residents in Jubilee Gardens and surrounding areas were forced to evacuate their homes after the community was blanketed by thick, black hazardous smoke.

PAHO officials in their report raised concerns primarily over air qual-

ity; particles in dust before, during and after the March 5 fire; affects on the soil in the area in and around the landfill and quality of water sources in direct proximity.

Of water sources, the report noted that freshwater resources in the country are “finite and vulnerable,” remarking that the ground water is “vulnerable to contamination from surface sources such as the landfill”.

The report raised specific concern for residents in communities near the landfill using well water.

As it relates to air quality,

the report centred its presentation around the findings of an air quality study carried out by Dr Danny Davis, assistant professor of chemistry, environmental and life sciences and director of institutional strengthening at the University of The Bahamas.

That study, initially presented in part to the press in late March, showed a substantial reduction in air quality on days when smoke is in the area - in one case 71 times worse than on clear days.

Concluded results sub-

mitted as a part of the report showed that even up to a week after the March 5 fire, concentrations identified by the study were still higher than background concentration - meaning that the air quality had not improved in and around the dumpsite for more than a week after the blaze.

The report read: “The amount of particle matter detected during the fire by Dr Davis would lead one to conclude that there would be an increase in the number of individuals that were assisted in emergency medical services with respiratory symptoms but this has so far not been reported by the Ministry of Health.”

It continued: “The staff clinics did however state that more patients had been seen with respiratory symptoms in the days following the fire, leading the team to conclude that further investigation of the surveillance data should be carried out.”

Despite being to a lesser degree, concerns were also raised over what if any amount of exposure to the dust and soil associated with the landfill could mean

noting that continued disposal of oil at the site had ruined one of the property’s three lagoons and limited the remaining two.

The report stated: “This facility urgently needs attention and remediation.

In order to do such remediation, it is the opinion of the team that the facility will need to be temporarily closed in to remove all the oil and solid matter from the lagoon one and two and the vegetation from lagoon three.”

The report added: “Drying fields will need to be created and the lining of the lagoons checked for damage before use can start again. An alternative for disposal of oil is needed.”

The revelation comes as the new Minnis administration has decided to make the report compiled for and presented to the former Christie administration public.

On March 8, three days after a major fire forced residents of Jubilee Gardens from their homes, the Ministry of the Environment and Housing received an offer of assistance from PAHO/WHO. A team of experts arrived in New Providence to assist with investigating the potential levels of exposure to the affected residents, schools and businesses.

The team of experts visited the landfill during April

4 to 7 and a preliminary report was received by the ministry on April 28.

As a part of its investigation of the landfill, the team was also asked to look into complaints at the septage and sludge handling facility, which is adjacent to the New Providence Landfill.

The facility was constructed in 1996 as a three lagoon system; one anaerobic lagoon, a facultative lagoon and maturation pond.

The design also included drying fields in which the solids from the lagoons should be extracted and dried from time to time to assure proper functioning of the system.

The first lagoon was designed to receive sludge

A WORKER in a protective mask at a dump fire earlier this year.

for residents.

The report noted on soil: “For children this is an important media, as children can ingest as much as 500mg of soil per day. Chemicals can be found in soil. Important, however, is that many of the children’s settings, such as recreational areas and backyards, are covered with grass. The adherence of chemicals to grass is a factor that decreases the bio-availability of some chemicals.”

With respect to dust the report added: “Two sources of dust are important for this report - soil from the landfill and the particle matter in air originated during fires in the landfill.

Dust can be found indoors (household dust) or outdoors (backyards or street dust). Taking into account the small size of dust particles, it has been shown that they can be inhaled or ingested orally (in children hand to mouth). Many chemicals such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), brominated compounds and metals can travel adhered to dust particles.”

The report urged the Christie administration to extinguish the then ongoing fires at the landfill and recommended that the administration implement a landfill gas management and monitoring programme, while also clearing and adequately storing more flammable products such as tyres, plastics and wood.

Additionally there were calls for more stringent regulations for land use around the landfill, calling specifically for fire and green space buffers of up to 1,000 metres between the landfill site and residential areas.

The city dump has been plagued with recurring fires for several years. Renew Bahamas was engaged by the government in 2014 to manage the landfill and help address the matter, however the company ended its services in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew last October.

The government subsequently took over management of the landfill, with responsibility for day-to-day management being given to the Department of Environmental Health Services.

from emptied septic tanks and other septage and sewage.

However, according to the team’s findings, trucks coming into the facility have adopted the practice of emptying sewage into both lagoon one and lagoon two.

Furthermore, as there is no longer proper separation at the site, in several instances over the last few years oil has been disposed of into the lagoons.

The report added that the disposal of oil is evident at the facility, noting that there are now “thick black solid layers” atop lagoons one and two which have prohibited the lagoons from functioning as designed.

The report stated that lagoon three is now “totally overgrown” and is also not functioning.

The report continued: “No drying fields were ever constructed as designed and therefore the lagoons have never been dredged to remove the solid matter.”

The Minnis administration, in a statement that accompanied its release of the PAHO/WHO report, said it would look to remediate the septage and sludge handling facility that is located next to the landfill to ensure proper functioning as a part of its long-term goals related environmental health services.

The facility was originally constructed in 1996.

CALL TO CLOSE SEPTAGE AND SLUDGE HANDLING FACILITY

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

THE government has been urged to close the New Providence septage and sludge handling facility until adequate repairs and adjustments can be made at the property, this as a part of recommendations put forward by the Pan American Health Organisation/ World Health Organisation in a report on the New Providence Landfill.

As a part of a report on the effects of that massive March 5 fire at the landfill, PAHO/WHO implored the former administration to remediate the septage and sludge handling facility,

MINNIS: GOVT SEEKS SOLUTIONS IN BOTH SHORT AND LONG TERM from page one

A joint statement by Health Minister Dr Duane Sands and Environment Minister Romauld Ferreira noted that in an effort to be transparent, the new government made a decision to release the preliminary PAHO/ WHO report, which the former administration “received but did not release.”

The ministers said the document has now been released “so that the Bahamian people are aware of the environmental and health implications from the recent landfill fire.”

The statement indicated that the government, among other things, will look to develop a communications programme in consultation with the community and conduct awareness meetings with affected individuals and communities to understand the environmental and health implications of exposure from the landfill so that they can comply with the required standardised health checks.

Additionally, the government has announced plans to resume training by the Department of Environmental Health Services (DEHS) of workers at the landfill and include refresher courses.

Workers at the landfill were previously trained in handling hazardous waste and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) under the Solid Waste Management Project.

It was also revealed that the government would enhance security at the landfill, as it looks to provide the resources necessary to have pay loaders and protective equipment for first responders to fight fires that may occur in the future and to reduce the likelihood of future fires.

It was also noted that the government would study the model of the landfill in Grand Bahama and other dumpsites to devise a feasible plan for the New Providence Landfill. Once this

plan has been agreed, a new request for proposal for the management of the landfill will be issued, the statement said.

Among its medium-term goals, the government said it would move to develop emergency plans in consultation with the communities to respond to events and a national communication campaign to discourage the use of private wells with the assistance of the Water and Sewerage Corporation.

With respect to its longterm plans at the landfill, the government’s release noted plans to remediate the septage and sludge handling facility that is located next to the landfill to ensure proper functioning and install ambient air monitoring to better assess the impact on the environment and human health.

Also mentioned among the government’s long-term initiatives are plans to develop policies and regulations for non-recyclable, non-decomposable and hazardous waste and pursue the deconstruction and proper engineering of the entire landfill.

The release stated: “Residents of the neighbouring communities, including a representative sample of school-aged children, will receive regularly scheduled medical checkups.

The health team will work with the Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) to ensure water safety and no contamination of the water source.”

The release added: “The monitoring team of the Department of Public Health responded in the aftermath of the (March) fire to the immediate concerns at the Flamingo Gardens and South Beach Clinics. These clinics will remain the primary facilities for the management of health issues related to the landfill fire.

“The main health concern was the result of smoke inhalation with respiratory difficulties that resolved in a short period of time. All other medical conditions,

including chronic noncommunicable diseases, non-traumatic injuries were treated appropriately at the clinic.

“No one who was referred required hospitalisation. We wish to inform the public that the Ministry of Health is working closely with the Ministry of the Environment and Housing and other government agencies to monitor the effects of the landfill on the health of our communities.

“The Ministry of Health and the Department of Public Health will continue to monitor the health situation in the neighbouring communities for any possible effects related to the landfill. We have already noted respiratory difficulties and have screened individuals for skin reactions and the possible ill effects of water borne illnesses.”

The statement concluded: “The government will continue to work with all affected persons to ensure that all efforts are made to address the landfill matter and no stone will be left unturned to mitigate the ongoing challenges.”

PAHO/WHO in its report classified the New Providence landfill as an “urgent public health hazard” and called for several “short-term” initiatives to help stabilise conditions at the site.

A team of experts visited the landfill during the period April 4 to 7, 2017.

A preliminary report was received at the Ministry of Environment on April 28, 2017—about two weeks before the general election— according to the statement.

However, the former Christie administration did not release the report and it is unclear why.

The report was prepared after a massive fire at the landfill, which started on March 5 and lasted approximately three weeks.

The blaze caused the evacuation of residents of Jubilee and Victoria Gardens and the closure of several schools and businesses.

PAGE 8, Tuesday, June 6, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

DEPUTY Prime Minister Peter Turnquest speaking on Labour Day.

PLP Senator Fred Mitchell among the marchers.

MARCHERS out on Labour Day in Grand Bahama.

Photos: Vandyke Hepburn/BIS

Marching in solidarity on streets of Grand Bahama

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net WORKERS on Grand Bahama participated in the annual Sir Randol Fawkes Labour Day March on Friday in Freeport, marking the culmination of a week of activities in observance of Labour Day. This year, both umbrella unions — National Congress of Trade Unions Bahamas and the Trade Union Congress — marched together in solidarity from the Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT) Building on Pioneer’s Way to the Bahamas Public Services Union Hall on West Atlantic Drive.

The theme this year was: “Decent Work For Decent Pay.” Deputy Prime Minister

K Peter Turnquest, along with Free National Movement (FNM) MPs for Grand Bahama, including Iram Lewis, Michael Pintard, and Fredrick McAlpine marched in support of workers.

Union leaders, including Quinton Laroda, area vice president of BUT, Rudy Stubbs, of the Bahamas Customs Immigration Allied Workers Union, Michelle Dorsett of the Commonwealth Union of Hotel Services and Allied Workers Union, and Lionel Morley of the Longshoreman Union brought brief remarks.

They expressed concerns about the unemployment situation in Grand Bahama, the issuance of work permits to foreigners for job positions that can be filled by Bahamians, and

the labour conditions at the Grand Lucayan Resort.

Mr Laroda said that the primary concern in Grand Bahama is the high unemployment.

“Unemployment is in the high double digits and workers have been struggling for some time,” he said.

“We are going to support any initiative that would increase employment on the island, but there are concerns about work permits and how some employers have taken advantage of the system and are bringing persons to do jobs that Bahamians can do.

“Putting Bahamians first was the slogan from the last time, and now ‘It’s The People’s Time’ (is) the winning slogan. And if that is what we are really about we must ensure that our Bahamian

people get what they are entitled to,” he said.

Ms Dorsett spoke about the plight of employees at the Grand Lucayan Resort and stressed the importance of negotiations for a new industrial agreement.

Meanwhile, Mr Turnquest said that unfortunately contributions of workers are often overlooked.

“Today is your day, and we are here to celebrate you, it is not politician’s day - it is workers day,” he said.

He congratulated veteran labour leaders Frances Friend and Rudolph Stubbs for their contribution to the labour movement. Both were recognised and honoured at the Night of Labour Banquet held on June 1 in Freeport.

“I remember going to high school here, me and Frances Friend and she was fearless then, and from

what I see today she still is fearless.

“The contributions that she has made to BUT and the trade union movement as a whole in here and in The Bahamas is worthy of note, and we honour her,” he said.

Mrs Friend has been involved in the labour movement since 1972. She served as area vice president of BUT for Grand Bahama and the northern Bahamas for many years and relocated to Eleuthera in 2008.

Meanwhile, Mr Turnquest also acknowledged Mr Stubbs for his contributions.

“He is one of those people who has been in the front taking tremendous risks to his career pushing on for his members and workers on Grand Bahama, and he is deserving of the honour,” he said.

The deputy prime minister said that the FNM was

elected to office because of the workers of the country.

“You said to us politicians that enough is enough. It isn’t about politics as usual, it is not about government as usual, it is about ensuring that our government and representatives enact policies and put regulations in place that protect us the workers and citizens of this country,” he said.

“We represent a paradigm change in the way government looks at its citizens. We recognise that we work for you, that we must be accountable and transparent to you. And so this new administration is focused on fiscal responsibility, good governance, and ensuring that laws and regulations are in place to protect ordinary citizens throughout this country.”

Mr Turnquest also encouraged Bahamians to hold the government accountable.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, June 6, 2017, PAGE 9

MINISTER PAYS TRIBUTE TO TRADE UNIONIST ALEXANDER THOMPSON LABOUR Minister Dion Foulkes has expressed sadness over the death of trade unionist Alexander Thompson.

Mr Thompson died last week after a long illness.

“Mr Thompson was a trade unionist of great distinction, having served in

numerous capacities as an executive officer of the Bahamas Hotel Catering and Allied Workers Union including trustee, treasurer and vice president,” a statement from Senator Foulkes said.

“After entering the tourism sector in 1954 as a bell-

boy at the Lighthouse Beach Hotel in Fresh Creek, Andros, Mr Thompson always conducted himself as a professional and took pride in serving his guests.

“He is credited as the longest serving vice president of the Bahamas Hotel Catering and Allied Work-

ers Union (BHCAWU) and was extensively trained in industrial relations, contract negotiations and dispute resolution.”

Senator Foulkes said Mr Thompson was a “personal friend” who “fought tirelessly” for Bahamian workers.

“I wish to extend, on behalf of my wife Emma, and the entire management and staff of the Ministry of Labour my sincere condolences to the family of the late Alexander Thompson and the executives of BHCAWU and the executives of the Trade Union Con-

SCENES from the Sir Randol Fawkes Labour Day March over the holiday weekend. For more photographs, see pages 14 and 15 in our second section.

gress (TUC).

“Our country has lost a great fighter for workers’ rights and a true nation builder,” Senator Foulkes said.

Mr Thompson retired in 2002, however he was often called upon for advice on labour matters.

Photos: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff

ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS We would like to advise that Mr. Lyrone Burrows, is no longer with the Group of Companies, effective May 30th, 2017.

Mr. Burrows joined Family Guardian in 2002 and in 2007 became Vice President, Investments when he spearheaded the launch of FamGuard’s wealth management subsidiaries, FG Capital Markets and FG Financial. In 2014, Mr. Burrows was promoted to President of Family Guardian Insurance & FamGuard Corporation.

The Board of Directors thanks Mr. Burrows for the significant contributions he has made to the Group over the past 15 years and we wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

Sincerely, L. Edgar Moxey Chairman & CEO FamGuard Corporation Limited is the parent holding company of Family Guardian Insurance Company Limited, FG Insurance Agents & Brokers Limited, FG Capital Markets Limited and FG Financial Limited.

NASSAU I FREEPORT I ABACO I ELEUTHERA I EXUMA I www.famguardbahamas.com

Having a Stroke? is the place to go

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PAGE 10, Tuesday, June 6, 2017

MP says thank you to Fox Hill

THE TRIBUNE

FOX Hill MP Shonel Ferguson pictured on the slide with a few of the children in the Fox Hill community at a thank you celebration she hosted on Eastwood Park following her election victory in the constituency.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

GN-1902

GOVERNMENT NOTICE MINISTRY OF NATIONAL SECURITY, PARLIAMENTARY REGISTRATION DEPARTMENT

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, June 6, 2017, PAGE 11

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PAGE 12, Tuesday, June 6, 2017

BAHAMIAN AUTHOR IN BOOK SIGNING AT LOGOS

T) (INCL. VA

9 PIECE CHICKEN • 1 Keel • 2 Thighs • 2 Ribs • 2 Legs • 2 Wings

THE TRIBUNE

LOGOS Bookstore in the Harbour Bay Shopping Plaza will host Bahamian author Amanda Diedrick for a book signing on Saturday from 11am to 2pm.

Ms Diedrick, a descendant of Hope Town founder Wyannie Malone, as well as rumoured pirate Matthew Lowe, is the author of a newly released coffee table book, “Those Who Stayed – The Tale of the Hardy Few Who Built Green Turtle Cay”.

The book tells of the Lucayans, Eleutheran Adventurers, Loyalists and others who, over centuries, sought safety and refuge on Green Turtle and the surrounding cays. The full-colour, 185page book includes 200 historic images of Green Turtle Cay, two dozen oil paintings by Bahamian artist and historian Alton Lowe and several first-hand accounts of 20th century Abaco life.

“So much of Green Turtle Cay’s past isn’t immediately obvious,” said Ms Diedrick.

“You’d never know, for example, that there was once a large Lucayan village near Bita Bay, on the island’s east coast. Or that pirates like Calico Jack Rackham, Anne Bonny and Mary

AMANDA DIEDRICK Read hid out in Black and White Sounds.

Or that in the late 1800s, the cay’s population was four times what it is now and New Plymouth’s streets were lined with large, elegant homes. There was a dance hall, a theatre and even an orchestra. It’s difficult to reconcile all of this with the quaint, low-key town we know today.

“It’s amazing how many orders we’ve received from the United States, Canada and even Europe,” said Ms Diedrick. “Some folks have

roots in Abaco. Others just love The Bahamas and want to learn more about our history.”

For more information about the book or author, visit www.thosewhostayed. com.