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PRAYING FOR A YES VOTE

Volume: 112 No.124

TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2016

PRICE – $1 (Family Islands $1.50) A PRAYER session in Rawson Square yesterday in support of the Yes campaign in today’s referendum.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/ Tribune Staff

REFERENDUM DAY IS HISTORY IN THE MAKING

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net IN a final push for support ahead of today’s historic constitutional referendum, the YES Bahamas campaign gathered in Rawson Square yesterday evening to pray that Bahamians will vote in favour of amendments that would expand gender equality in this country.

The event brought together a mixture of Bahamians, including Prime Minister Perry Christie who made a late appearance, and Bahamians wearing YES Bahamas t-shirts with the word “volunteer” written on the back, at least two of whom alleged to The Tribune that they were paid as much as $200 to attend the event and would not have been in attendance otherwise.

Pastors like Father James Palacious, archdeacon of administration for the Anglican Church, and YES Bahamas campaign Cochairs Sharon Wilson and Lynn Holowesko made impassioned pleas for Bahamians to use today’s vote to correct constitutional wrongs.

By night’s end, the crowd of about 100 lit candles, launched balloons into the air and held hands singing “Go Light Your World,” an emotional end to a mostly low-key event.

“On this day, June 6, 2016, (women) are not equal in our nation’s foundational, legal document, our Constitution,” Mrs Wilson said. “It is our hope and our prayer that this referendum will change that. It is our hope and our prayer that SEE PAGE THREE

‘NO’ CAMPAIGN CLAIMS VICTIMISATION MINNIS WON’T

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

SAVE Our Bahamas committee member Pastor Lyall Bethel claimed yesterday that the organisation was being “brutally victimised” on the eve of the gender equality referendum.

Mr Bethel outlined several initiatives that were allegedly sidelined by the government in favour of the vote ‘yes’ campaign.

He said the organisation had planned to hold a final prayer meeting in Rawson Square on Monday night, however, the venue had to be moved to Grace Community Church because the YES Bahamas campaign had secured permission from the Cabinet Office to use the public space.

Mr Bethel said a TV documentary was bumped from a ZNS broadcast, and a rebroadcast was promised but never re-

scheduled. He further alleged that Save Our Bahamas radio ads on ZNS were also cancelled on Saturday.

The gender equality referendum will be held today from 8am to 6pm.

Bill one seeks to give a Bahamian woman the same rights as a Bahamian man to pass on citizenship to her child born outside of The Bahamas.

SEE PAGE THREE

TRIBUNE TALLY SHEETS

• COUNT THE VOTES WITH OUR PULLOUT SPECIAL • WHERE TO VOTE? SEE PAGES 9-11

SAY HOW HE WILL VOTE

By SANCHESKA BROWN Tribune Staff Reporter sbrown@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday refused to reveal how he was voting in today’s equality referendum.

When asked by The Tribune if he was for or against the amendments to the Constitution, Dr Minnis said his vote is “private and confidential”.

Dr Minnis voted in favour of all four bills in Parliament when they were passed in March.

SEE PAGE FIVE

FNM CONVENTION RESULT WOMAN ACCUSED AS OVER ‘WILL HAVE TO BE ACCEPTED’ $1M GOES MISSING FROM COB

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

DISSATISFIED Free National Movement members will have no choice but to accept the outcome of the party’s national convention next month, FNM Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest said yesterday.

Mr Turnquest underscored that the party could

not afford any further discord so close to a general election.

He confirmed his plans to defend his post at the national convention in July.

“We are so close to election,” he said, “we can’t afford for any further division. There are those who are of the view that we needed to have this SEE PAGE SIX

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

A 39-YEAR-OLD woman was arraigned in Magistrate’s Court yesterday faced with 40 criminal charges for the alleged theft and subsequent laundering of hundreds of thousands of dollars while serving as an employee at The College of the Bahamas.

1PC. CHICKEN (Thigh, Leg or Wing) + Individual Fries + Biscuit + 16 oz. Pepsi

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

Chimeka Gibbs appeared before Magistrate Constance Delancy facing 20 counts of falsification of accounts, 16 counts of stealing by reason of employment, and four counts of laundering the proceeds of criminal conduct for her alleged actions between March 2008 and October 2015 as an employee at COB. SEE PAGE SEVEN

PAGE 2, Tuesday, June 7, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

FOLLOW THE VOTE WITH

The Tribune

YOU can follow polling for the historic Constitutional Referendum all day in The Tribune today, from where to cast your vote to recording the results as they come in.

The Tribune has today published a full guide to the polling divisions, places to vote and when the polls open and close in each constituency.

Then, once the results

start to be announced, you can fill in The Tribune’s tally sheets division-by-division and bill-by-bill to keep track of how the Yes and No votes are mounting for each of the four amendments.

During the day keep up to date with news, reports and photographs on our mobile friendly website www.tribune242.com.

AMONG attendees at last night’s Prayers for Our Sons and Daughters event in Rawson Square were Yes campaign co-chairs Sharon Wilson and Lynn Holowesko, centre.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

PRAYING FOR A YES VOTE

from page one

persons will quietly and in sobriety of all that it represents stop to think of their sister and their brothers as they go to the polls. It is our hope and prayer that…we would wake up to the fact that together we took a step forward for our country. It is our hope and prayer that together we will bring help, we will bring healing to so many families.”

Some of those attending the event were sympathetic to the arguments.

One man told The Tribune he will vote ‘yes’ to all the bills, adding that arguments about same-sex marriage, which have dominated debate about the fourth bill, will not sway him.

“Legally, the doors are always open for same-sex marriage,” he said.

“The vote doesn’t change that. The ultimate decision will be in London,” he added, referring to the Privy Council, the country’s final appellate court.

Another woman said she would vote ‘yes’ to the bills because she supports the government, describing herself as a “PLP for life.”

Yet the challenges the government are likely to face today could be gleaned from the reaction of some of the people who traversed Rawson Square as the YES Bahamas campaign held its prayer session.

One woman, Sheryl Rolle, 53, shouted “no” when approached by The Tribune before being asked a question about the referendum.

Echoing a sentiment expressed by many, she said she simply does not trust the government.

“They said they gon’ stop crime and give jobs to people and they ain’ do that yet,” she said. “Why should I believe them?”

Another woman engaged in a lengthy conversation about the bills with former PLP Senator Cheryl Bazard, a member of the YES Bahamas group, who attempted to persuade her

PRIME Minister Perry Christie at last night’s prayer meeting in Rawson Square ahead of the referendum today. to vote ‘yes’ to the amendFor his part, Father Palaments. cious said he hopes at least When approached by The some of the bills pass.

Tribune, she said she likely “The government is deepwon’t vote at all. ly unpopular,” he said. “Bill “I’ll never trust a lawyer,” four will certainly fail. But she said. the others have a chance.”

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, June 7, 2016, PAGE 3

SUPPORTERS of the Yes campaign saying prayers last night in Rawson Square ahead of today’s referendum.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

Save Our Bahamas falls short in fundraising bid

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net OFFICIALS from Save Our Bahamas said their campaign against the constitutional referendum did not raise “nearly” as much money as they wanted.

According to pastor and group spokesman Kevin Harris, while a final assessment of the campaign’s finances has not yet been made, the group suffered from the Christie administration’s decision not to give it access to public funds.

Sean McWeeney, chairman of the Constitutional Commission, told The Tribune weeks ago that the government should have given both sides of the referendum equal access to public funding, saying a failure to do so would be legally incorrect.

Although Senate President and head of the YES Bahamas campaign Sharon

Wilson later confirmed that the government funded the ‘yes’ campaign with public funds, sources high in the government confirmed to The Tribune that the Christie administration did not intend to give public funds to those promoting a ‘no’ campaign.

In the lead-up to the 2013 gambling referendum, Save Our Bahamas raised $100,000 to campaign against that vote. The group wanted to raise the same amount this year and had requested this sum from the government.

However, Mr Harris suggested the campaign didn’t even raise half that much.

“We had small donations from ordinary Bahamians but time was a big factor,” Mr Harris said yesterday.

“We had a lot more time in the gambling referendum to canvas. This very short time meant that without the support, the equal support from the Treasury, we

would’ve been at a severe disadvantage. In fact, I think the government used that as leverage against the vote ‘no’ campaign, knowing the shorter time would’ve put us at a disadvantage.”

The ‘no’ campaign had intended for its last public event ahead of the referendum to be held at Rawson Square yesterday evening as part of its weekly prayer service.

Cabinet office officials booked them for the event but later sent them a letter rescinding that permission, saying in a letter, according to Mr Harris, that the group had to be preempted for a “national reason.”

It turned out the reason was because the YES Bahamas campaign was booked to hold an event in Rawson Square yesterday evening instead.

Mr Harris said this added to the sense that the government is exercising its authority in unfair ways.

‘NO’ CAMPAIGN CLAIMS VICTIMISATION

from page one

Bill two would give a Bahamian woman the same right as a Bahamian man to pass on citizenship to her foreign husband, however this citizenship would not be automatic.

Bill three would give a Bahamian father the same right as a Bahamian mother to pass on citizenship to his child born out of wedlock, provided proof of paternity.

The final bill would make it unconstitutional to discriminate on the grounds of sex, meaning being male or female.

Save Our Bahamas is against the fourth constitutional amendment, and has encouraged Bahamians to vote their conscience on the remaining three bills. The group has fears the fourth bill could lead to same-sex marriage if successful.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Perry Christie made a final push for a ‘yes’ vote.

In a statement, he insisted that the idea of a “hidden agenda” involving the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community “is crazy.”

He also stressed that gay rights were “not on the ballot” adding that he hoped Bahamians would grow tired of the “paranoid” voices in this debate.

“The only question before the Bahamian people is whether as citizens of our nation, men and women should have equal rights,” Mr Christie’s statement said. “The first three bills would change the Constitution so that Bahamian men and women would have the right to share citizenship with their family members in the same way. The fourth bill would give both Bahamian men and women a new

SCHOOLS CLOSED FOR VOTE ALL government schools will be closed today as a result of the constitutional referendum as they will be used for polling stations, the Ministry of Education said.

The following private schools will also be closed on Tuesday: in New Providence - Prince William High School; St Francis Joseph Primary School, St Augustine’s College, Queen’s College, St John’s College, Aquinas College, St Anne’s School, Bahamas Academy and St Andrew’s.

In Grand Bahama, Bishop Michael Eldon School;

St Vincent de Paul Catholic School; Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic School; Sunland Baptist Academy; St Paul’s Methodist School; Tabernacle Baptist Academy and in Abaco St Francis de Sales Catholic School will be closed.

The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) also will be closed, however the College of The Bahamas will remain open for business and all classes will remain scheduled as usual.

All schools will resume on Wednesday at their normal hours.

right to be treated equally under our nation’s laws.”

Polls open at 8am today.

“That’s the kind of games they’ve been playing with this process,” he said.

The ‘no’ campaign had an event at Bahamas Faith Ministries (BFM) Sunday evening.

Mr Harris said it was widely successful, attracting hundreds as former Court of Appeal Justice Dame Joan Sawyer and Marco City MP Greg Moss spoke, among others.

“Dame Joan Sawyer has emerged as the face and the iconic figure in this campaign,” he said. “She spoke and they loved her. They respected her. It’s obvious the government has deep concern about her and her influence.”

The ‘no’ campaign spent yesterday doing “media rounds” before holding a final event at Grace Community Church last night.

Save Our Bahamas has urged voters not to support question four in the referendum.

BISHOP Ross Davis praying at the Yes campaign’s prayer event Tuesday, in Rawson Square last night.7th June 2016

"Remember, bald tires can not only blow out suddenly...they can also make for very dangerous experiences on wet, slippery roads!

Replace bad tires and have your wheels aligned as well."

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THE TRIBUNE

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Trump campaign wasting precious time, GOP critics say WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump is wasting precious time.

By now, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee was supposed to have stationed senior staff in battleground states, moderated his fiery message to attract new supporters and begun raking in big money.

Instead, he’s spending more time right now picking fights and settling scores than delivering a message that might help draw voters.

Five long weeks since he defeated his last remaining GOP rival, Republicans fear the New York billionaire has squandered his head start. As Democrat Hillary Clinton eyes her party’s nomination, Trump’s campaign has been roiled by infighting, his battleground strategy is lagging and his fundraising operation is barely off the ground.

“I am getting bad marks from certain pundits because I have a small campaign staff. But small is good, flexible, save money and number one!” Trump insisted Monday on Twitter.

Some would-be Republican supporters also fear his unwillingness to budge from a flame-throwing formula targeting immigrants and Muslims that worked so well in the GOP primary.

Case in point: Trump’s recent comments about the Mexican heritage of the judge presiding over a case against his now-defunct Trump University. The Republican businessman has refused to back down from his claim that the judge’s ethnic background creates a conflict of interest, drawing scorn from across the GOP as well as the legal community.

Republican South Dakota Sen. John Thune said Monday “it’s not a good place to be” for Republicans to have to repeatedly explain their presumptive nominee’s statements.

“There are I think conversations going on with the campaign, and hopefully that message is being clearly conveyed,” Thune said. “But yeah, he’s going to have to adapt. This is not working for him.

They were inappropriate comments.”

Trump also has been slow to adapt to other contours of an expansive general election. Since Texas Sen. Ted Cruz dropped out of the race last month, he has spent precious little time in the battleground states that will likely decide the election.

He has ignored Florida and Ohio, preferring to spend the bulk of the past two weeks in California — a state that hasn’t supported a Republican presidential candidate in nearly three decades.

The ongoing rivalry between aides loyal to Trump’s campaign manager Corey Lewandowski and to campaign chairman Paul Manafort appears to affect virtually all aspects of the campaign.

Two weeks ago, political director Rick Wiley was fired in the midst of a battleground hiring effort. While the campaign hoped to have senior staff in place across 15 states by June 1, the ex-political director did not finalize a single hire before leaving, according to an aide with direct knowledge of the hiring who was not authorised to speak publicly.

The positions remained unfilled as the factions pushed separate candidates to step in as Trump’s political director. Two campaign aides said Manafort appeared to win that battle, getting Trump to hire Jim Murphy, a Republican operative who was involved in Bob Dole’s failed presidential campaigns. The aides insisted on anonymity because they were not author-

ized to discuss the hiring.

But Murphy’s hiring was a surprise to others in Trump’s inner circle, underscoring the level of confusion.

“Never heard of him,” Hope Hicks, the only communications staffer on Trump’s payroll, wrote in an email Sunday night after The New York Times reported Murphy’s hire.

Lewandowski rejected the idea his candidate is wasting time, arguing that Trump has been delivering a message that appeals to everyone, with numerous trips planned in the coming weeks.

“I think what we’re talking about is jobs and security and bad trade deals,” Lewandowski said, describing the endof-May deadline as a false one. He said the campaign is constantly hiring and has state directors all over the country left over from the primary season.

After Clinton delivered a scathing foreign policy speech last week that doubled as a takedown of Trump’s qualifications to be commander in chief, Trump responded only with a tweet mocking her reliance on teleprompters — ignoring the former secretary of state’s record as the nation’s chief diplomat during intensifying international conflicts.

The dysfunction reached new heights Monday during a conference call, first reported by Bloomberg Politics, in which Trump instructed some of his most visible supporters to ignore talking points sent out by his own campaign and to continue focusing on the Trump University case and US District Court Judge Gonzalo Curiel, according to two people on the call.

The memo warned supporters not to speak about the case, because it concerned Trump’s business ventures. But Trump said he “absolutely wants us to talk about the case,” said one participant, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the person was not authorized to discuss a private call.

Barry Bennett, a Trump adviser who was also on the call, described the disagreement as a “communication breakdown”. He said Trump told his supporters his attacks against Curiel had “nothing to do with skin tone, it’s about his bad judicial work”.

Trump’s slow start with fundraising also has sparked widespread concern across the party.

Trump and the Republican National Committee spent weeks hashing out a money-raising plan after he became the presumptive nominee and stopped funding his White House bid largely with his own fortune.

Yet starting from scratch has been a slow process.

By comparison, Clinton and her top surrogates have hosted some 17 California fundraisers since May 1 alone.

It has taken Trump several weeks to get new large-scale events on the books — although five in Texas and New York are planned for the coming weeks — leaving some of his fundraisers scratching their heads about his lack of urgency.

Terry Sullivan, Marco Rubio’s former campaign manager, suggested Trump’s greatest challenge is his inability to craft a message that appeals to voters beyond his loyal base.

“Trump is a political one-trick pony.

He can really excite his base by doing the same trick over and over, but after the rest of the voters have seen it for the 73rd time, they’re still not amused,” he said.

By Jill Colvin, Steve Peoples and Julie Bykowicz of the Associated Press

Time to vote for our children

EDITOR, The Tribune.

IT is estimated that 60 per cent of students who leave their home for college or university abroad do not return home.

After raising our sons and daughters and spending so much time on their upbringing and money on their education – both in terms of private and public

funding for tuition, including scholarships - should we not be encouraging them to return to help build our country?

What is there to come home to if men and women are denied equal treatment under the Constitution?

Let’s put aside the fear mongering that has no legal foundation and vote YES

four times for our sons and daughters and our grandchildren.

Let’s walk as ONE BAHAMAS, Forward, Upward, Onward and Together.

Let’s bring our children home.

A PARENT Nassau, June 6, 2016.

Facing up to the ‘what ifs’ EDITOR, The Tribune.

PLEASE allow me space in your paper to share the following views.

You know what really bothers me about my people...everybody wants to be taken care of but nobody wants to do what is required; no one wants to work hard and sacrifice...our parents and grandparents always taught us to whom much is given much is required; but it’s as if that mantra no longer has any teeth; we are not at all convinced about it. From relationships to referendums; everybody wants the benefit, nobody wants the burden.

This is truly upsetting to me. We need to get it together people. As a country we have to be progressive and move forward. We cannot be afraid of what may come. Imagine if our forefathers were afraid to bring about Majority Rule or Independence. Imagine if women were afraid to seek the right to vote. Imagine if Pompey was afraid to fight for his freedom or if all abolitionists nestled in their fears “what if black people revolt after they are free” “what if they kill all the white people”- seems ludicrous doesn’t it....

My answer to “what ifs”

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net fellow Bahamians is to face it! front on! and deal with it.

I am truly tired of people in this country being afraid.

Afraid to think for themselves; afraid of innovation, afraid of different. If you do not like something or disagree with it; then say so. 1.

Have logical reasoning and rationale behind it; 2. make your point respectfully; 3. then move on to improve the status quo by offering a legitimate and reasonable alternative.

These elements are often missing from any public discourse in this country....no logic... no respect... no alternative that will work for the majority and best move this country forward not backward. A lot of what is presented is based on emotion, fear; rhetoric and does nothing but stagnate this country which is part of a global community.

As part of the global village we will not always agree with worldwide trends nor does our value system have to align with such views; but as a country that will not submit to such pressures we better have the competencies to validate our stance;

the support to root our arguments; the human resource/capacity to compete at such levels beginning with the youngest Bahamian to those who represent the state. Our electorate and decisions made by the people of this country must reflect an intelligent democracy that can make reasoned decisions and be accountable for the same.

In the final analysis if we are being very honest, every decision has a benefit and burden; every action a reaction or consequence; we have to stop being afraid and ignorant about bearing burdens and dealing with consequences. Burying our heads in the proverbial sand because we only want benefits; and we wrongly conclude that no change means only past benefits would continue, is illogical. In taking this ill-fated approach we miss out in growth; new age thought; more benefits.

Vote YES today and start re-tooling your mind to address what you are afraid of if the bill passes and every Bahamian marries a foreigner (note the sarcasm in my voice re: every Bahamian marrying a foreigner).

GAYLE Nassau, June 6, 2016.

Denying our own people EDITOR, The Tribune.

PLEASE forgive me if the following analogy on the present Constitution is incorrect.

A Bahamian man of several generations has one child, a daughter. She falls in love with a foreigner who is denied a work permit.

Because she wants a strong family life for herself, husband and children, as God intended, she must leave with him. In other words is exiled from the country of her birth.

Fast forward. The couple have one child, a girl. The

daughter of the Bahamian dies. He grows old and infirm and wishes his one relative, his grand-daughter, to come and look after him in his old age. In order to do so, she must work to earn money to look after him.

However, she cannot because she is not a Bahamian. He dies alone.

So you say, why does he not leave to live his final years with her. But he has never travelled abroad.

His life, his friends are here, he knows no other.

And to you, the selfappointed pastors, when

you pray for guidance on how to vote, do you say “forgive me Lord for voting no even though I may be destroying family lives which are acceptable in your sight.”

And to you Dame Joan and all other “no-sayers” who say none of this affects me therefore I will vote no.

Somehow this makes me think of the biblical story of the person “who passed by on the other side”.

INTERESTED SPECTATOR Nassau, June 6, 2016.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, June 7, 2016, PAGE 5

A YES vote supporter snaps a selfie with Prime Minister Perry Christie at yesterday’s Prayers for Our Sons & Daughters event held in Rawson Square.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/ Tribune Staff

DNA leader swayed

by Dame Joan’s view

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net DEMOCRATIC National Alliance Leader Branville McCartney yesterday said his perspective on the constitutional referendum bills have evolved in the months leading up to the vote, thanks in part to the arguments laid out by former Court of Appeal President Dame Joan Sawyer.

Dame Joan has previously said she does not see the need for the referendum, which she has called a “waste of time,” stating that the government could make the changes contained in the first three bills by acts of Parliament.

“Over the course of the past several weeks and months I, like the entire citizenry have watched with interest as the various arguments for and against

the four amendments,” he said in a statement.

“Over that time, my own thoughts and opinions on this particular issue have evolved. While I have long maintained my opposition to bill number four, I have also publicly said that I previously saw no real problem with the first three bills.

“The arguments laid out by the likes of brilliant legal minds such as Dame Joan Sawyer have changed my perspective. The former president of the Court of Appeal laid out a convincing and well thought out legal and moral argument.

“Sadly, at the hands of the members of the ‘yes’ vote committee and its supporters, Dame Joan, like other vocal opponents of the bills have been publicly castigated and shamed for their opinions.”

He also blasted the YES Bahamas campaign for

wrongly using his photo in its social media campaign, a move he called dangerous, irresponsible and blatant misrepresentation.

Mr McCartney suggested that organisers have “lost or abandoned” their moral compass as the unauthorised use of his photo showcased the group’s total lack of respect for dissenters.

He said he hoped today’s historic vote is conducted in a fair manner, free of political interference and manipulation.

“For the vote yes group to use my image to promote their agenda without first consulting with me on the issue or even bothering to inquire about my current leanings on the bills shows a total lack of respect for dissenting views and opinions and that in itself is dangerous to the country’s democracy.

“If this government funded group cannot act respon-

sibly on a matter as simple as social media posting, then I am very concerned about the way (today’s) vote will unfold.

“Based on this administration’s corrupt reputation, its misrepresentation to the Bahamian public on the last referendum/opinion poll, its change of position on the 2002 referendum . . . I can only hope that (Tuesday’s) vote will be fair and free of any and all levels of political interference and manipulation.”

According to Mr McCartney, his photo went viral after it was posted on Facebook as part of the “I’m voting yes” campaign. The photo was taken down after Mr McCartney requested its removal and a statement acknowledging the error.

Mr McCartney said the request was honoured but it did not negate the level of irresponsibility or the lack of respect that the govern-

MINNIS WON’T SAY HOW HE WILL VOTE

from page one

In an interview with The Tribune in February, Dr Minnis also said the FNM fully backs the referendum adding: “I am for all four of the bills.”

However, since the vote passed in the House in Assembly, Dr Minnis has been less clear about his position.

“I told the people to vote their conscience so I do not want anyone trying to put anything on me that I didn’t say, or lie or incriminate me,” Dr Minnis said on Monday.

“I said on July 14, ‘I want you to listen to all the issues and ensure you are educated and understand

because you are voting for your future and the future of your children. Be knowledgeable and vote your conscience.’ I said ‘yes’ in Parliament to allow the vote to go to the people. I have not voted yet, I will vote the same time as the people.”

In 2012, Dr Minnis told The Nassau Guardian that the FNM would support the referendum to end gender discrimination.

At that time Dr Minnis criticised the Progressive Liberal Party for opposing and campaigning against the constitutional changes ahead of the failed referendum in 2002, which was brought by the Ingraham administration.

“I don’t think it was right to walk on the backs of women just to achieve your own goal, a woman deserves better than that.

I think they deserve the complete respect in our society for what they have done and what they continue to do today...I would encourage all Bahamians to vote for equality for women. I can assure you the FNM will not oppose equality for women,” Dr Minnis said in that earlier interview.

Meanwhile, Dr Minnis said Monday that FNM members would be at all of the polls throughout the country to ensure the voting process is “fair and transparent”.

And this bucket certainly does include the very loud few in the global LGBT movement who seek to impose their way of life on others under the pretense of the rest of us (the 98+% of us) discriminating against them. The vast majority of Bahamians (both men and women) should not have to give up any of their rights, freedoms and beliefs, nor compromise in any way their way of life, simply because a small few in our society falsely accuse them of being somehow discriminatory. I, along with the other 98+% of Bahamians, have rights too!”

Watcher wondered: “I guess if the ‘No’ votes win Christie will just ignore the results, same as he did with the numbers referendum?”

To which Newcitizen replied: “We can only hope.”

There was this from Truetruebahamian: “This is supposed to be non political. I see yellow shirts, which, by the very fact that

they are on the front page, adds the unwanted political factor. Even though I will be voting yes on all four, some people will vote no by the mere fact that they are responding against the political colours being shown.

It would be very counter productive should political colours be worn at the voting stations.”

And SP asked: “As unpopular as PGC is across the board, why would he think the result of this referendum would return a different result than any of his other many failures?

PLP 2012 ‘Bahamians First’ slogan obviously was just a deceitful slogan for PGC & crew of pirates, however, Bahamians believed, took it to heart, and were crushed underfoot by this government more than at any other time in living memory.

General consensus is the electorate will unanimously reject all four bills with a resounding 4 to 1 ‘No’ vote and send a clear and concise message of displeasure with this cloak and dagger, smoke and mirrors, deceitful, untrustworthy PLP administration.”

• Don’t miss your chance to join the debate on tribune242.com.

READERS GIVE THEIR VIEWS AS VOTERS GO TO THE POLLS

AFTER Prime Minister Perry Christie urged voters to support Tuesday’s referendum, readers gave their reaction on tribune242. com.

ThisIsOurs asked: “Why don’t they let people vote in peace already??? If you hold a referendum so I can voice my opinion, then don’t tell me how I should vote or make me feel guilty for voting either way.

Enough already. And for God’s sake don’t show up in any vote X shirts outside the polls watching people.”

Well_mudda_take_sic was against the bills: “For the record, I will be voting a resounding ‘No!’ to all four of the bills in tomorrow’s referendum. Like most Bahamians I am only intolerant of others who seek to impinge on my rights, my freedoms and my way of life as a Bahamian. This bucket obviously does not include the vast majority of Bahamian men or Bahamian women, but it does include the many thousands of foreigners who are willing to sell their loyalty to the PLP (or FNM for that matter) in exchange for our government (with its hidden agenda) granting them Bahamian citizenship or permanent resident status.

ment has cultivated on this issue.

“In just a few hours,” he said, “Bahamians will head to the polls in what will undoubtedly be one of the most historic votes in the country’s history. Not only does this vote have widespread legislative implications but it also holds great significance for the country’s moral compass as well.

“Sadly, it appears that members of the vote yes campaign have either lost or abandoned their moral compass, instead stooping to any and all possible tactics to sway the voting public.”

Last week, less than 50 per cent of eligible persons voted in the referendum’s advance poll in New Providence. The vote takes place today.

PAGE 6, Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Sands ‘not sure’ if he will bid for deputy leader role

By SANCHESKA BROWN Tribune Staff Reporter sbrown@tribunemedia.net

NEWLY appointed FNM Senator Dr Duane Sands, approached to run for deputy leader of the Free National Movement, said he is “not sure” what he will do.

In an interview with The Tribune, Dr Sands said the FNM’s convention is “do or die” and he wants to make sure running for any position “is what is best for his political career.”

Dr Sands ran for the deputy leader post at the FNM’s last convention in 2014, but lost to Peter Turnquest.

The FNM announced last week that it would hold a “full convention” on July 27 - 29 at the Melià resort.

The decision was made during an executive meeting called on Thursday night to quell discord among the party’s parliamentary caucus.

“I have made no decision yes or no,” he said. “The

convention date was just announced a couple days ago and I have not had an opportunity to sit down and determine what role I will play in the convention.

“People have asked me to run but I have made no decision, there is seven plus weeks to go. I ran for deputy leader before and appreciated the support notwithstanding the outcome but I have to decide whether it is the right thing to do for me. This is a do or die situation for the party, but you are going to see people holding things to their chest for a while. Remember Peter Turnquest did not announce he was running the last time until a few days before. People are taking this very seriously and are going to give it their all. We need this convention to put everything behind us and to focus on winning the country.

We do not need distractions so we will get through this and spend the better part of the year providing people with a viable, reasonable al-

ternative to the PLP.” Nearly two weeks ago, six of the FNM’s ten MPs gave Dr Minnis an ultimatum: call an early convention or they would write to Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling to have him constitutionally removed as leader of the Official Opposition in Parliament.

Dr Minnis has downplayed the threat, telling The Tribune last Monday that he “has never felt so good” and is not concerned about the “noise in the market.”

However, last Thursday a seemingly despondent Dr Minnis shunned reporters on his way out of the FNM’s Mackey Street headquarters.

When asked if the decision to hold an early convention would end persisting infighting throughout the ranks of the FNM, the Killarney MP flashed a smile, squeezed through a crowd of party supporters and left the meeting hall.

THE TRIBUNE

CONSULTANT Surgeon PHA Dr Duane Sands.

FNM CONVENTION RESULT ‘WILL HAVE TO BE ACCEPTED’

from page one

convention to settle the leadership issues, well the

same thing was said about the last convention.”

He added: “Be that as it may, we’re so close to election now that we have no

choice, so hopefully all those who are dissatisfied will find a way to resolve issues.”

The party has an-

nounced a “full convention” scheduled for July 27 - 29 at the Melià resort.

The new date, roughly four months ahead of the

pre-established November date, was confirmed during an executive meeting last week to quell discord among the party’s parliamentary caucus.

This came after six of the FNM’s 10 MPs gave party leader Dr Hubert Minnis an ultimatum: call an early convention or they would write to Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling to have him constitutionally removed as leader of the Official Opposition in Parliament.

The six FNM parliamentary members at the centre of the latest push to oust Dr Minnis as leader were St Anne’s MP Hubert Chipman, Montagu MP Richard Lightbourn, North Eleuthera MP Theo Neilly, Central Grand Bahama MP Neko Grant, Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner and Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins.

To support their bid, the

parliamentary caucus issued a scathing assessment of Dr Minnis in a memorandum to the party’s council.

That memo described Dr Minnis’ perceived flaws, including his failure to take command of the party “at almost every turn” despite their repeated efforts to support him.

Dr Minnis has downplayed the threat, telling The Tribune last week that he “has never felt so good” and is not concerned about the “noise in the market”.

At the party’s last convention in November 2014, Dr Minnis successfully defended his post against former Deputy Leader Mrs Butler Turner by a resounding margin.

Mr Turnquest won the party’s deputy leader post by more than 100 votes, beating out both former FNM Chairman Darron Cash and former Senator Dr Duane Sands.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, June 7, 2016, PAGE 7

Pair face court after claims of death threats

CHIMEKA Gibbs was charged with 40 counts of falsification of accounts, stealing by means of employment, and money laundering.

Photo: Tim Clarke/Tribune Staff

JEVON RICHARDSON TAYLOR, left, and Andrew Scott, who are both accused of making death threats.

TWO men were arThe alleged threats were forces. It is also alleged raigned in Magistrate’s seen on a video that was cir- that the two men made Court yesterday for alleg- culated on social media last death threats against Chiedly making death threats. week. nese nationals.

The accused men, The Crown alleges that The men were not given 37-year-old Andrew Scott between May 1 and June bail and were placed on reand 30-year-old Jevon 1, the two men allegedly mand at the Department of Richardson Taylor, denied made death threats toward Correctional Services until the charges yesterday. the police and defence July 18.

SUSPECTED DRUG DEALER HELD AFTER CHASE A SUSPECTED drug dealer was on the run from police in New Providence last night after a high-speed chase across the island ended on West Bay Street in a crash and the seizure of 200 pounds of marijuana.

Edward Godfrey Johnson, 46, of Faith Gardens and Sidney Street, eluded police after crashing his Ford F350 truck into a sea wall near Caves Village shortly after 7pm.

West Bay Street was closed off for some time and traffic diverted as police tried to catch Johnson, who fled on foot and escaped capture. Police consider him to be armed and dangerous and advise the

EDWARD GODFREY JOHNSON public not to approach him.

According to reports, officers from the Western Division were on routine patrol when they spotted a suspicious maroon truck being driven at high speed

by Johnson on JFK Drive.

The officers pursued the

truck and ordered the suspect to stop but he refused and continued driving at high speed. The suspect then drove to the West Bay Street area, where he crashed into a sea wall and fled on foot. The officers gave chase but were unable to catch him.

However, a search of the truck uncovered several large bags containing just over 200 pounds of marijuana along with a pump action shotgun.

Police have asked the public to contact them (anonymously) with any information at 919 or Crime Stoppers at 328 TIPS (8477) (New Providence) or 1 242 300 8477 (Family Islands).

‘DANGEROUS’ MAN HUNTED POLICE last night issued a wanted notice for a man in connection with an incident of grievous harm.

Stephen Bullard, aged 31, is described as extremely dangerous - and police said he should be approached with caution.

His last known address was at 4 Queen’s Cove, Grand Bahama.

He is 6ft 2in, 210lbs and is described as having a

muscular build, dark brown skin and brown eyes. He is a labourer, who was born in Freeport.

If anyone has any information, they are urged to contact police in Grand Bahama on 911, 373-1112, 352-9774/5, 350-3106-12 or Crime Stopers on 352-1919.

Police can also be contacted in Nassau on 3944541, 394-4540, 328-8411, 322-2561, 502-9998 or 919.

STEPHEN BULLARD

POLICE SEARCH FOR ROBBERY SUSPECTS

POLICE are seeking the public’s help in locating several suspects responsible for three separate armed robberies that occurred on Sunday.

In the first incident, shortly after 1pm a man was about to make a deposit at a local bank in Palmdale, when another man armed with a handgun approached and robbed him of an undetermined amount of cash before fleeing in a white four-door Toyota Tercell being driven by another male.

Then shortly after 11pm, a woman was driving in Monastery Park in her

black 2014 Honda Accord, vehicle license number 314319, when three men in a white Honda Civic vehicle forced her to stop. Two of the men armed with handguns approached her and robbed her of her vehicle before speeding off.

In the final incident, shortly after 11.30pm a man was standing in front of his home at Bellot Road off McKinney Drive, when another man armed with a handgun approached him and robbed him of his cell phone before fleeing the area on foot.

Police also said officers from the Drug Enforce-

ment Unit seized an illegal handgun off the streets of New Providence on Monday.

Around 1am, officers from the Drug Enforcement Unit were on routine patrol in the area of Fleming and West Streets when they saw two men walking who aroused their suspicion. The men on seeing the officers fled on foot into nearby bushes. The officers gave chase but were unable to catch them. The officers searched the area and recovered a handgun that they had thrown to the ground.

Investigations continue.

WOMAN ARRESTED AFTER COCAINE FIND

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A 26-YEAR-OLD woman was arrested at Freeport Harbour on Sunday after she was allegedly discovered with suspected cocaine

strapped to her body.

Grand Bahama Police reported that a 27-year-old man was also subsequently arrested in connection with the matter.

According to reports, the woman was discovered with a quantity of suspected co-

caine shortly after 5pm while at the security check point.

Drug Enforcement Unit officers went to the woman’s home with a search warrant and allegedly discovered a .380 pistol, with a magazine containing two live rounds of ammunition, there.

WOMAN ACCUSED AS OVER $1M GOES MISSING FROM COB

from page one

It is alleged that Gibbs stole over $500,000 worth of funds from COB by reason of her employment at the institution. It is also alleged that she falsified numerous COB direct deposit files, the result of which purported to show that she was

entitled to over $200,000 in salary payments.

It is also alleged that she laundered over $800,000 worth of funds to various local bank accounts – FirstCaribbean, Commonwealth Bank, RBC Finco and Scotiabank – between 2008 and 2015. According to court documents, Gibbs served as both a senior clerk and a

human resources assistant at the institution.

Gibbs was not required to enter a plea for the charges.

Bail was not granted and she was put on remand at the Department of Correctional Services.

The matter was adjourned to August 4 for the service of a voluntary bill of indictment.

PAGE 8, Tuesday, June 7, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

Sex and race equality - or inequality? That is the question

By NICOLE BURROWS

B

AHAMAS Public Services Union leader John Pinder made comments recently on a radio talk show about the ‘Gender Equality’ Referendum.

I don’t like the concept of unions or the way they operate in The Bahamas. It could just be my imagination, but they appear to be comprised predominantly of unambitious people content with average and happy for the be-all and end-all of their work to culminate in holding a cup or bottle of liquor and grinding on each other in the streets when a loud speaker goes off. The only other time you see them come together is when they want more money.

So very rarely, if ever, do I agree with them - unions and their leaders - whenever I listen to them, so I don’t. But, by accident, I heard Pinder’s comments the other day and have decided to accept the fact that I agree with him and his estimation of what the people

feel about today’s referendum.

In a nutshell, things were going fairly okay vis-a-vis referendum education, better than it was for sure, until the YES vote campaign started.

As far as I’m concerned, the Bahamas government has hijacked its own campaign for a favourable outcome, by tainting said campaign with extreme bias.

The YES campaign has been too little, and perhaps too late, and an education campaign it is/was not.

Maybe it’s me, maybe it’s inherited, but I cannot stand feeling like I’m being pressed into a direction, a belief, a decision, when there are other directions, beliefs, and decisions I can make with the same amount of rationale.

I’m the kind of person for whom the YES vote profile pictures popping up on Facebook yesterday and today will have no effect/impact. I understand it shows a preference, maybe even solidarity, but for some people who

‘

A YES vote supporter at the Prayers for Our Sons & Daughters event in Rawson Square last night. Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff do use their brains it actually has the opposite effect.

It’s off-putting. I will be less

likely to vote YES when I see a picture of you telling me (persuading me, suggesting to me) to vote YES than I would be if you didn’t post that. Or, am I mistaken and there is another reason for doing this other than to persuade? Some might think I’m just rebellious, but what it is is that I detest coercion.

And I know many who display this photo are my family, friends and colleagues, but I’m just compelled to tell it like I see it about the politics of Facebook … which leads me nicely into the concept of the Facebook democracy.

Facebook gives every person with a computer or smartphone a voice in cyberworld. But how closely does cyberworld approximate the real world? How closely should it?

It’s great that people who may not have been heard or ‘had a say’ now can be heard or do ‘have a say’, but I fear it also leads to a diluted intelligence … in effect, people just spitting out thoughts and words to be heard, not because they make any kind of sense.

Out of this Facebook democracy has grown unusual support for a person like Donald Trump.

Would Trump have gotten this far in his bid for the US presidency, if it was 1996 and not 2016? I mean, without the benefit of modern technology, the internet, social media? Whereas in 1996 he couldn’t scrape the bottom of the intellectual barrel, he can in 2016, and raise up the extra support when it or they make(s) absolutely no sense.

I’m not saying Donald Trump is completely wrong about everything he says, nor am I saying he has no right to have an opinion.

But now that he - and everyone else on Facebook - has an opinion and a wide open platform to unleash it, who, what is best for the people being led?

In all honesty, do you get the feeling that Trump is the bringer of harmony and equality?

His recent possession of an African-American at one of his rallies has made many people blink twice.

To them, it sounded like Trump transported himself to the early/mid 1800s, where he might have been praised for a comment like “my African-American”. Though I’m sure other words would have been used back then. Did Trump mean harm by his choice of words? I don’t know … I think he’s just a buffoon, and that’s his buffoon language. He is no orator. He’s callous, and he already told you, he doesn’t give a damn what you think about him. But some people see more sinister threads there. Which leaves them asking the question, how on earth can Trump make America

After all this time, women born with female genitalia are battling to have the same rights and privileges as men born with male genitalia. That’s what today’s referendum should be about - levelling that playing field. And in any way the Bahamian man is not regarded as equal he should be made to be. That is also what today’s referendum should be about.

You have to decide if it is.’ great again if he doesn’t espouse the concepts of equality and harmony … and maybe still thinks he can own a human?

M

any people compare equality of the sexes, presumably the focus of today’s referendum, as being just as important as equality of the races. I agree with this, except to say that up until now, you couldn’t change your sex. And after now, you still can’t change your race, though some paleskinned people in a tanning booth would like to try, and so would some darkskinned people wearing skin bleaching creams.

Are the two things - sex and race - comparable anymore? That is, equality of the sexes and equality of the races? Is the concept of equality clear … when you can no longer identify what you’re dealing with? These are some of the concerns we have to face again and again and no one seems wiser about them after all this time.

After all this time, women born with female genitalia are battling to have the same rights and privileges as men born with male genitalia. That’s what today’s referendum should be about - levelling that playing field.

And in any way the Bahamian man is not regarded as equal, he should be made to be. That is also what today’s referendum should be about. You have to decide if it is. And if you think it is, you have to decide what’s right and acceptable to you. Maybe if they called it equal rights for equal people, civil rights, or a human rights referendum, as opposed to gender equality referendum, we would have gotten further, sooner, with this effort at achieving a balance of rights. But confusion prevails even now as you go to the polls.

Think of this as you do, in keeping with the similarities that should be between equal rights of the sexes and equal rights of the races: people are still arguing about who is black enough

to be called black in The Bahamas and in America.

Black people don’t agree on who is black enough to be black, and in this disagreement they create another form of racial prejudice, one no referendum can alleviate.

Some of you may be aware that there is a black American educator doing good for the sake of humankind, raising awareness about poverty and inequality of the races based on class and economics, raising the bar on education for underprivileged young black Americans, men in particular, and on the comment wall of his fundraising campaign is an argument by black people about Harry Belafonte and Eartha Kitt and their children not being black enough to be called black. And they’ve pulled mixed race President Obama into the mix, too, analysing his blackness. His wife Michelle is black because she looks dark-skinned enough to be black, her younger daughter is, too, because she looks like her mother, but not her older daughter because she’s got more of the white gene from her father’s white mother.

Where are we going, people? Why is this still a thing? How did we get here from the 1960s? Is this what Martin Luther King was fighting for? For people of direct African descent to further divide themselves on the basis of what others already used to divide them? Surely not.

You know what my dream is? That all the ‘races’ of the world would blend so well and so quickly that the entire population of the earth becomes ethnically ambiguous and no one knows who is what and it no longer matters because they can’t tell anyway and the lines of ‘race’ are forever blurred.

Then maybe the ignorance will finally begin to abate.

But never mind that for now - you’re still voting on equality of the sexes.

Send email to nburrows@ tribunemedia.net

PAGE 12, Tuesday, June 7, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

BAHAMIAN PIONEER EARNS DEGREE AT NAVAL SCHOOL

A VETERAN Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) officer has become the first Bahamian to obtain an academic degree from the United States Naval Postgraduate School (NPS).

Acting Lieutenant Commander Darren Henfield completed a Master of Arts degree in Security Studies and was the recipient of the coveted Kiwanis Outstanding International Student Award presented to an international student chosen from among peers for academic standing, achievement and involvement in community affairs.

A 1979 graduate of Abaco Central High School, Ag/Lt/Cdr Henfield is an almost 35-year veteran of the Force, serving 17 years as an enlisted marine and nearly 18 years as a commissioned officer. He is also a duly qualified Counsel and Attorney-at-Law. Prior to going abroad, he served nearly three years as an assistant counsel in the Office of the Attorney-General.

He has been assistant to the technical officer of the

recent Constitution Commission.

Ag/Lt/Cdr Henfield has served in every major area of the RBDF, including operations, administration, headquarters and training over the years.

He currently serves as the Force Inspectorate Officer at Defence Force Headquarters. His past assignments and appointments include serving as a commissioned officer in several billets aboard HMBS Nassau, performing the duties of Regulating Petty Officer in the Administration Department, and serving as a Training Instructor in the Training Department. Ag/ Lt/Cdr Henfield has also served as the Administration Staff Officer (S1) for the CARICOM (Caribbean Community) battalion during the 2002 Exercise Tradewinds, and marks his participation in the 1994 United Nations Mission to Haiti among the high points of his service life.

The senior career officer and his wife of nearly 31

REAR Admiral Richard Snyder (left) presents Acting Lieutenant Commander Darren Henfield with his degree during a courtesy call on Captain Tellis Bethel with Lieutenant Commander Patrick Davis, Senior Defense Attache at the US Embassy, Nassau, watching on (right).

Photo: Marine Seaman Kyle Smith years, Deidre, have three sons and one granddaughter.

In paying a courtesy call on the Acting RBDF Commander, Captain Tellis Bethel, at the Defence Force Headquarters, the Director of Strategy, Policy and Plans at the United States Northern Command (NORTHCOM) and the North American Aerospace Defense Command

(NORAD), Rear Admiral Richard Snyder presented Ag/Lt/Cdr Henfield with his degree.

The school’s Master of Arts in Security Studies programme was spread over a five quarter period, and included the production of an in-depth research paper coupled with the requirement to pass a number of diverse courses.

The first Bahamian to ob-

tain an academic degree from the institution, Ag/ Lt/Cdr Henfield’s thesis entitled ‘Making the National Security Council ‘Better in The Bahamas’ to Resolve Illegal Migration’, examines the perennial national security issues of the Bahamas and offers recommendations on addressing the current concerns over unabated illegal immigration from Haiti.

The course was made available under the US International Military Education and Training (IMET) Program. This programme has made numerous training courses and programmes available to Officers and Marines of the RBDF over the years and is funded by the American State Department through the United States Embassy in Nassau.

Teaching union speaks out against former president

By NICO SCAVELLA “credence” by the media if Tribune Staff Reporter and when she seeks to make nscavella@tribunemedia.net public pronouncements on

behalf of or in reference BAHAMAS Union of to the BUT and its interTeachers Acting President nal affairs. To that end, Mr Zane Lightbourne yester- Lightbourne also said there day said the union takes is “no back and forth” be“grave exception” to certain tween the union’s executive media outlets that allow committee and Mrs Wilsuspended BUT President son’s prospective leadership Belinda Wilson “speak on team. behalf of the union”.

Mr Lightbourne’s comMr Lightbourne said as ments come after recent a “suspended officer,” Mrs public statements by Mrs Wilson LCF-Career has “no power” Wilson in reference Opportunity 2016-FINALWEB2.pdf 1 5/31/16 to 1:20the PM within the BUT and as such union’s upcoming elecshould not be given any tions, which she had re-

cently sought an injunction against so that her name, along with two others, can be put on the ballot.

In one televised report last week, Mrs Wilson called for “all of our members” throughout the country to “come out and vote for the other 11 candidates that we have that’s on the ‘A-Team,’” the name for the group of individuals that make up her prospective leadership team.

“As a suspended person or suspended officer, Mrs Wilson has no power with-

in the Bahamas Union of Teachers,” he said.

“And for the media or any source to give credence to her or to allow her to speak on behalf of the union or as an official word as to what is happening to the union, the BUT takes grave exception to that. We want the facts to be known.

“As an organisation we have integrity, we have character and we have a responsibility as a credible organisation that is sanctioned by the Bahamas government and Labour Department.”

Meanwhile, BUT Secretary General John Musgrove said a forensic audit of the union’s Grand Bahama building completed by Baker Tilly International has revealed a number of

alleged “overpayments” in connection with the construction of the BUT’s $1.3m building in Grand Bahama.

He said the union’s executive committee is “committed” to retrieving “all outstanding funds.”

“The acting treasurer’s report will be presented at the 69th (annual general meeting) to highlight additional internal audit findings of grave concern,” Mr Musgrove said. “Members can be assured that the executive committee is mandated and committed to doing all in its powers to uphold the objects of the union and ‘protect the organisation from extravagance and misappropriation.’”

In 2014, Mrs Wilson and BUT Treasurer Lorraine Knowles were suspended

amid allegations from the union’s executive committee that more than $1.1m from the union’s pension and savings account was wrongfully spent.

In January 2015, Mrs Wilson had her suspension overturned by a three member appeals committee, who said it found no evidence of wrongdoing on the part of the president as was alleged.

In March of that year, however, Mrs Wilson and Mrs Knowles were again served with another suspension for “blatant violations” of the union’s constitution.

Mrs Wilson was later suspended “indefinitely” pending the results of a police investigation into alleged violations of union procedures.

The BUT will hold its election on June 9.

BAHAMAS National Trust Executive Director Eric Carey and Marine Science Officer Agnessa Lundy with Des Greyling, the skipper of Aqua Cat, which is supporting the BNT.

DIVE GROUP BACKS BNT INITIATIVE

FOR THE second year in a row Aqua Cat - a Nassau-based, live-aboard dive service - is supporting the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) Dive Tag Initiative, which lets divers buy a souvenir tag for their equipment to help fund national parks.

Aqua Cat, a 102-foot catamaran that carries up to 30 passengers on weekly dive cruises to the Exumas, is one of a fleet of live-aboard vessels owned by Bruce

Purdy. The BNT dive tags are included in the Aqua Cat cruise package.

The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is a top destination for Aqua Cat, which supports the park with annual donations. This year the vessel’s operator donated three video cameras with waterproof housings to the BNT for ecological monitoring activities.

“Aqua Cat’s corporate mission is to help protect the tourism product that

we all rely on,” said Captain Des Greyling. “And we want to deepen our partnership with the BNT by offering our support whenever it’s needed.”

The BNT manages 32 national parks around the country, many with marine components. This is a costly responsibility and the dive tag programme is one way to help finance research, education, maintenance and enforcement programmes.

PASSPORT OFFICE TO BE CLOSED TOMORROW

THE Passport Office will be closed on Wednesday until noon to allow for “urgent repairs to the electrical

system,” according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration.

The ministry apolo-

gised for the inconvenience and said it would give a further update as soon as possible.

THE TRIBUNE

Health concern over foul odours

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net CHESAPEAKE residents battling the ongoing noxious odours in their community are devastated by the sudden passing of a fellow resident who is believed to have died of a respiratory illness over the weekend.

While there is no evidence that the illness or the man’s death might be directly linked to a nearby sewage plant in Chesapeake, the residents believe it has been the cause of the foul odours in the area since 2001.

They are fearful for their own health and feel that prolonged exposure to airborne bacteria and toxic chemicals used to treat the waste is making them sick.

Michael Wilchcombe, a Chesapeake resident, died in hospital after being hospitalised on Sunday in the critical care unit due to breathing problems.

Mr Wilchcombe, who lives nearest the plant, had contracted pneumonia. He spoke with The Tribune last Friday before his death.

And there are other residents in the area who are also reportedly experiencing health issues.

“This is a hard blow,” said Shuffel Hepburn, a resident of Chesapeake since 2000.

“I received a call that my neighbour Michael Wilchcombe is again in hospital with breathing problems… and that he was in very bad shape.”

Mr Hepburn said that he has now moved out of his home in Chesapeake due to the ongoing health concerns in the area.

Last Friday, The Tribune contacted Mr Wilchcombe before his death when he had expressed concerns about the “very unpleasant odours.”

“I was not aware of the (sewage) plant being in the back there when I bought my property and built my building, or I wouldn’t have gotten it,” he said.

His property is about 200 to 250ft away from the sewage plant, which is operated by the Grand Bahama Utility Company. The facility handles all the raw sewage

and wastewater from the hotels in the Lucaya strip, including the Grand Lucayan Resort and Memories Resort.

The Tribune attempted to contact Ezeikel Hall, operations manager at the sewage plant, however he did not return messages left for him.

Mr Wilchcombe had lived in Chesapeake since 2010.

“When the wind is (blowing) in my direction we get this sewage or septic tank smell in the area, and they want to say it is due to a pond in the back there,” he said on Friday. “Trust me, it is not a pond odour at all; if you ever smell when someone opens their septic tank - that is the odour we get, not a bilgy or stale water smell.”

“It is not everyday but when it happens, it is very unpleasant and lingers in the house for a day or maybe even days.”

Mr Wilchcombe said that he was a healthy person until recently.

“I recently had a bout with pneumonia. I cannot contribute it directly to that (the plant) because I know prior to me being diagnosed I had gotten wet in the rain two days back to back. But, however, it (the illness) has been lingering longer than it should have. Again, I can’t honestly say I can contribute it to that. Normally I have been a healthy person, and this is my first real bout with a long ailment.”

When he purchased the lot, he said he was never informed about the nearby sewage plant.

“I did not know it was 250ft from my back yard,” said Mr Wilchcombe. “I was not aware until I started to experience these odours and that’s when I became aware that this plant was so close to where I live.”

“My understanding is that it (the plant) should not have been put in this residential area.”

Residents of Chesapeake have been complaining about the continuing smell, which allegedly has also affected some residents as far as Pink Pearl Drive and the upscale gated community of Fortune Cay. The Tribune visited the home of Chesapeake resi-

dent Jackie Smith last Friday sometime after 11am and there was an odour in the vicinity.

The elderly woman lives very near the plant, which can be seen from her backyard. She claims that she and her husband have been hospitalised too for breathing problems, since they moved in the area around 2006.

“The smell is terrible. I have to keep my windows shut. And there are some tiny black bugs coming from in the back that are attacking my eyes.”

Mrs Smith claimed that she too was never told about a sewage plant before purchasing the property and was only told that a shopping mall was being built.

“No one told me that they would be putting the plant here. At nights the odour is bad,” she said.

Meanwhile Mr Hepburn said that some residents are afraid to speak out publicly. He said that he finally has decided to move, but is unhappy about leaving his home.

“If I find someone to rent it, I have to tell them there is a sewage plant over there; and if someone comes to buy it I have to inform them as well. I have been here 16 years and the plant has been here 15 of those years. I would like for it to move. I like living here; we don’t have any crime and we don’t have neighbour issues and it is a nice place to live, other than the smell,” he said, adding that he was sick a few times last year.

An odour meter has been installed in the area. One is located just outside Mr Hepburn’s home.

Principal Michael Lowery of Lucaya International School, which is located in the Chesapeake Subdivision, said the odours have got worse in intensity and frequency this year.

When contacted, he said the odour is prevalent usually between 6.30am and 7.30am but starts to dissipate around 8am.

“I have been here four years I feel this year it is getting worse than it was last year. The intensity of the odour and frequency is more intense than last year.”

Tuesday, June 7, 2016, PAGE 13

‘The Bahamas’ own street philosopher’

INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN WEBSITE

TERNEILLE Burrows, independent candidate for the Elizabeth constituency, has launched the official website for her campaign.

The site received over 2,600 views from 39 different countries within the first 48 hours of being launched.

The official link can be found at www.burrowsforelizabeth.com.

The website is designed to give a closer look at Ms Burrows’ personal commitment, her campaign agenda as well as her social and political initiatives and aspirations. The comprehensive format of the site further presents an unveiling picture of the candidate as it delves into her biography, political platforms, social concerns, civic philosophies and even her social media feed.

TERNEILLE BURROWS, pictured last week.

The site also paints a views on political matters broad picture of what we and petitions she has startcan expect of Ms Burrows ed, such as calling for the tabling of Marco’s Law — a as a future political leader.

Details provided show child protection law — to sufficient evidence and doc- demanding governmental umentation of the tremen- accountability and transdous strides the independ- parency.

It paints a bold, tenacious ent has already made in our communities and nation at and even inspirational picture of the promising canlarge.

The site outlines her didate.

MUSICIANS PAY TRIBUTE TO ‘EXTRAORDINARY’ BASSIST MICHAEL WILCHCOMBE

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net THE Grand Bahama Entertainers Musician and Artists Association has expressed sadness over the loss of bassist Michael Wilchcombe, who died in hospital over the weekend in Grand Bahama.

Nat Cambridge, president of the GBEMAA, described Mr Wilchcombe as an extraordinary bassist who made an indelible mark in the entertainment industry in Grand Bahama.

Mr Cambridge said that Mr Wilchcombe will be remembered in the hearts

and minds of persons in the Grand Bahama community.

“Mike was always willing to share his talents and knowledge with everyone that would ask, he exemplified what a great lover and patriot of the music industry should be,” he said in a press statement released on Monday.

“A charter member of the Grand Bahama Entertainers Musicians and Artists Association, Mike was one who was always willing to support measures and initiatives that sought to better the lives and working conditions of Grand Bahama artists and

musicians and volunteered ideas, skills and talents to that end.”

“The Grand Bahama community has lost a giant of a man and an amazing musician,” he said expressing condolences to Mr Wilchcombe’s family and friend on behalf of the members of the GBEMAA, Grand Bahamian entertainers as well as supporters of live entertainment throughout the island.

He added: “Though Mike may be gone, he will remain a bright shining star in the entertainment community and shall not be forgotten for his contributions and his great big heart.”

YOUR

CHOICE FOR THE FAMILY WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/JOYFM1019

PAGE 14, Tuesday, June 7, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

DEPUTY Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis pictured with the winning straw vendors from the Bay Street Mile Walkathon. The vendors held a walkathon from which all proceeds will be given to three organisations - the Sir Victor Sassoon Heart Foundation, REACH and Urban Renewal. Participants included Ezekiel Pratt, Sherly Newman, Erlande Elizor (Ellen), Therez Eneas, Peter Sherman, Kayla Ferguson, Clementina Deveaux, Mrs Wilson and Mrs Eneas.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

STRAW VENDORS HELP GOOD CAUSES

DEPUTY Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis presents a donation to Linda LaFleur of the Sir Victor Sassoon Bahamas Heart Foundation.

KEVIN SIMMONS, chairman of the Straw Market Authority, speaking at the award presentation yesterday.

Clinton becomes first woman to become presumptive nominee for presidential race SAN FRANCISCO Associated Press FACING elimination, Bernie Sanders vowed Monday to win primaries in California and beyond even as Hillary Clinton secured the commitments of enough delegates to become the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee.

Campaigning in San Francisco, Sanders declined to speculate to reporters about what a poor showing in Tuesday’s primaries might mean to his presidential campaign. “Let me just talk to you after the primary here in California where we hope to win. Let’s assess where we are after tomorrow,” he said.

Hours later, at an evening rally at Crissy Field in the Presidio, Sanders steered clear of reports from The Associated Press and multiple television networks that Clinton had reached the 2,383 delegates needed to become the presumptive Democratic nominee. She has 1,812 pledged delegates won in primaries and caucuses, and the support of

HEAVY rains from Tropical Storm Colin hit north Florida and southern Georgia yesterday, knocking out power in some areas and flooding roads on the Gulf coast.

Residents filled sandbags, schools closed early and graduation ceremonies were postponed as Governor Rick Scott declared a state of emergency.

The National Hurricane Center said Colin marked the earliest that a third named storm has ever formed in the Atlantic basin.

Colin’s maximum sustained winds yesterday were near 50mph with the fore-

HILLARY CLINTON 571 superdelegates.

California’s primary and Sanders spokesman Mi- urged the senator to conchael Briggs said Clinton’s tinue on despite the prosupport was dependent nouncements. “We’re going upon superdelegates who to keep fighting until the last could still change their vote is counted,” said Krisminds between now and the ten Elliott, a Sanders’ supJuly convention. porter from San Francisco He said the campaign’s who attended the rally. job is to convince the superSaid another attendee, delegates that the Vermont Patrick Bryant of San Fransenator is “by far the strong- cisco: “It’s what bookies est candidate against Don- do. They call fights before ald Trump.” He said calling they’re over.” the Democratic contest beSanders’ tone was more fore superdelegates formally subdued before reporters vote at the convention was a after saying over the week“rush to judgment”. end that the Democratic Sanders’ supporters ex- convention would be conpressed disappointment that tested if no one wins the the calls were made before nomination based solely

on delegates awarded in the primaries and caucuses. Sanders also faced new questions about the future of his campaign amid reports that President Barack Obama was readying an endorsement of Clinton.

Sanders and Clinton are competing in contests in six states on Tuesday, headlined by California, the nation’s largest state, offering 475 pledged delegates.

Clinton, a former New York senator, is heavily favored in Tuesday’s New Jersey primary and winning a share of the state’s 142 pledged delegates would likely put her over the top.

Obama, who bested Clinton in 2008 during her first bid for the Democratic nomination, is preparing to formally endorse her and start aggressively making the case against Trump. White House officials said the announcement could come within days, although not before Tuesday’s elections.

Obama called Sanders on Sunday as he campaigned in California, a Democrat familiar with the call told The Associated Press. The

person spoke on condition of anonymity because the person was not authorized to discuss the private conversation, and would not reveal any details about it.

Asked by reporters in San Francisco if he had talked to Obama, Sanders demurred. “I have spoken to President Obama many, many times about many issues, and I really think it’s not appropriate to talk about my discussions with the president,” he said. “I try to keep that private.”

Sanders, a self-described democratic socialist, who has won 20 states and pushed the heavily favored Clinton for the nomination, has outlined plans to influence the party platform and try to persuade superdelegates that he would fare better than Clinton against presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump.

Sanders has previously said that Clinton should not be deemed the party’s nominee because she would be relying on superdelegates — party officials and elected leaders — who do not actually vote until the Demo-

TROPICAL STORM COLIN HITS US COASTLINE cast of some slow strengthening possible during the next two days. While rains pelted the region, the storm was centred about 190 miles west-northwest of Tampa and was moving northnortheast at 23mph.

The centre of the storm was expected to make landfall near the Big Bend area of Florida last night, move across the Florida peninsula into Georgia and then move along or just off the South Carolina coast before heading out to sea.

Schools in at least one Florida Gulf Coast county were dismissed early yesterday, and two high school graduations in the Tampa

Bay area were postponed due to the storms, with both ceremonies being moved to Wednesday night and Thursday. Winds from Colin also closed the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Tampa.

Farther north at Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge roads were flooded and businesses sent people home early, said Andrew Gude, manager of the refuge for the US Fish and Wildlife Service. “We’re taking chain saws home so we can cut our way out of our neighbourhoods and cut our way back into work tomorrow,” Mr Gude said.

About 7,600 people were without power in the Tam-

pa Bay area. Duke Energy said Monday afternoon it had 3,600 customers without electricity, while Tampa Electric Company said on its website that 4,022 people were experiencing outages.

In Jacksonville on Florida’s Atlantic coast, about 2,300 customers were without power as heavy rains hit the area lyesterday afternoon, according to the Jacksonville Energy Authority.

Colin is expected to produce rainfall of three to six inches, and forecasters said up to eight inches are possible across north Florida, southeastern Georgia and coastal areas of the Carolinas during today.

Forecasters also described Colin as a lopsided storm, with tropical stormforce winds extending up to 185 miles east of its centre.

A tropical storm warning was also in effect for the entire Georgia coast and the lower South Carolina coast.

Meanwhile, Gov Scott postponed a scheduled political meeting with presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump in New York to remain in the state capital to monitor the weather. He warned residents not to simply look at the centre of the storm, saying the heaviest rain will be to the east and west of it.

cratic National Convention.

But he did not make that case to reporters Monday, instead focusing on Tuesday’s outcome. Rallying supporters at City College of San Francisco’s Mission Center, Sanders said Clinton’s voters were more reliable and he would need a large turnout among recently registered voters, independents and young people.

While Clinton has been in the driver’s seat for the nomination for weeks, a victory by the front-runner in California would give Sanders much less leverage as he seeks to sway superdelegates.

Sanders has campaigned intensively in California for more than two weeks straight, blanketing the state with rallies and events in 34 cities aimed at talking directly to thousands of voters at a time.

He capped the day with a concert rally featuring singer Dave Matthews and then was traveling to Los Angeles on Tuesday for the primary. Sanders said he would return home to Vermont on Wednesday.

“I want everyone to be safe. I’ve talked to utilities and sheriff’s departments, but residents have to do their part,” Gov Scott said.

Colin was expected to pass the Georgia coast before dawn today, said Dennis Jones, director of the Chatham County Emergency Management Agency, adding that flash floods appeared to pose the greatest threat, with the worst flood potential expected late today.

The National Hurricane Center said Colin marked the earliest that a third named storm has ever formed in the Atlantic basin.

Associated Press