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VOLUME:114 No.135, JUNE 7TH, 2017

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Dorsett denies hiding report

Ex-minister says PAHO document sent while out of office campaigning

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net FORMER Environment Minister Kenred Dorsett denied accusations yesterday that the former government sought to “suppress” a damning report from the Pan American Health Organisation, which classified the New Providence Landfill as an “urgent public health hazard” presenting a “chronic health risk” to residents.

Speaking to The Tribune, Mr Dorsett said the report was emailed to him at the height of the 2017 general

election season, a period in which he said he was not in office. As a result, he insisted that he did not see the report until after the Progressive Liberal Party suffered a brutal loss at the polls to the Free National Movement.

The former Cabinet minister said it was “nonsense” for anyone to claim that the defeated government had attempted to hide the report, adding that it was that administration that had asked PAHO to conduct an investigation in the wake of a March 5 fire at the landfill.

SEE PAGE SIX

FATHER GRIEVES FOR DROWNED GIRL AT CANDLELIGHT VIGIL

FORMER Progressive Liberal Party Cabinet minister George Smith urged the public to take a “fresh look” at PLP interim Leader Philip “Brave” Davis, suggesting that he is best suited to lead the party in the months ahead after a devastating loss at the polls last month.

He further suggested that PLP supporters should see Mr Davis as the best person

to lead following a convention.

However, Mr Smith said he is not advocating for the event to be held earlier than the time frame mandated in the PLP’s constitution, as the upcoming months should be used by Mr Davis to return the party to solid footing after Bahamians rejected his party in the May 10 general election.

The party’s constitution mandates that it hold a convention each year by November.

SEE PAGE SIX

BAHA Mar is targeting just a 25 per cent average occupancy rate for 2017, the Minister of Tourism revealed yesterday, amid questions about the Government’s $9m “equity contribution” to the project.

Dionisio D’Aguilar disclosed details of his recent discussions with Baha Mar’s principals as he slammed Bradley Roberts, the Progressive Liberal Party’s (PLP) chairman, for suggesting his directorship on the previous developer’s Board placed him in a “conflict of interest” position.

Calling on Roberts to “sit small”, Mr D’Aguilar said he was a “right-thinking, business-headed” Minister of Tourism who was simply meeting with the sector’s key stakeholders to understand their plans and concerns.

FULL STORY, SEE BUSINESS

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

A CANDLELIGHT vigil was held yesterday at Long Wharf Beach for seven-year-old Elnora Bullard who drowned during a family picnic at the beach on Labour Day. Elnora’s father, Livingston Bullard, is pictured with a candle at the vigil. See page two for more photographs.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

CUSTOMERS of Shell in Montagu have raised concerns over the quality of fuel being provided by the service station after several of their vehicles allegedly had severe mechanical issues following fuel purchases from the station over the weekend. However, despite the difficulties, customers had high praise for the way in which the station’s staff handled the problem.

According to reports received by The Tribune up to press time Tuesday, at least eight vehicles were damaged, allegedly as a result of a batch of fuel delivered to the service station Sunday morning.

SEE PAGE SIX

BOY STABBED IN FIGHT AT NO MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE PUT IN PLACE HIGH SCHOOL

FOR NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

AS National Health Insurance enters the second month in which primary healthcare services are provided to enrolled Bahamians, no formal management structure exists to manage the programme.

A National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA)

Covering The Bahamas for 40 years.

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

FUEL CONCERN AFTER ISSUES WITH VEHICLES

SMITH URGES ‘FRESH LOOK’ AT DAVIS FOR PLP LEADER

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

BAHA MAR SEEKS TO FILL JUST 25% OF ITS ROOMS

board has not yet been established.

It remains in limbo along with a decision on the establishment of a public insurer, the finalisation of NHI regulations and the release of a request for proposal for a company to provide IT services in connection with NHI. None of this has stopped representatives of the NHIA from entering into

contract arrangements with staff and medical providers, however, or from ensuring that primary healthcare services are provided to enrolled Bahamians, a fact that has caused some private sector stakeholders to question the propriety under which the NHIA is functioning as well as their role in the scheme.

SEE PAGE 11

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By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

A TEENAGE boy was taken to hospital for treatment of “minor wounds” after he was stabbed with a knife during an argument with another teenager at H O Nash Junior High School yesterday.

The incident took place shortly after noon.

SEE PAGE THREE

PAGE 2, Wednesday, June 7, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

A vigil for Elnora

A CANDLELIGHT vigil was held yesterday at Long Wharf Beach for seven-year-old Elnora Bullard who drowned at a family picnic at the beach on Labour Day. Family and friends who attended the vigil released balloons in her memory.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, June 7, 2017, PAGE 3

Auditor’s office to oversee probes of govt institutions

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net AUDITOR General Terrance Bastian confirmed yesterday that the Minnis administration has asked his office to oversee and direct the audits into government institutions and departments that are a major priority for the new administration.

It’s unclear what this means for the Minnis administration’s plans to conduct forensic audits into Urban Renewal, Bank of the Bahamas and the Bahamas Agricultural & Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) as Mr Bastian made it clear that he would not direct a forensic audit into any institution unless he had reason to do so.

“We will conduct regular audits,” he said. “A forensic audit is something that has a very specific meaning and purpose. Let’s say auditors come to The Tribune to do an audit and found something they suspect to be fraud. They would de-

termine if it is and if it they want to go to court then a forensic audit will be done.

“A forensic audit may not be necessary in all cases.

You might find something problematic and still decide not to do a forensic audit.

It all depends on the findings.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest said yesterday that his administration has a number of concerns about the aforementioned institutions and expects a deeper review of such concerns as the matters are investigated.

“The auditor general is tasked with coordinating that effort,” he said. “We expect that his audit plan will reveal situations that require deeper dive. Normally you would have a general audit that would bring information to the auditor and then they would do a deeper review. We would anticipate that in the normal scheme of things that would be happening.”

Under the Financial Administration and Audits

Act, the minister of finance could instruct “independent external auditors” to audit any public institution if he deems this fit.

“Nothing precludes us from (bringing on an external auditor) that but I think we want to utilise the expertise of the auditor general and supplement it as necessary,” Mr Turnquest said.

Given the independence of the Office of the Auditor General, Mr Bastian cannot be directed how to do his job by any government official.

“The new government has a policy,” Mr Bastian said. “Being an independent office, we have a choice in what we want to do. We know that’s necessary and we know what the country wants. We would determine, given our independence, whether a certain audit is viable and needs to be done at a certain time.”

Mr Bastian noted that some institutions, such as the Bank of the Bahamas and the National Insurance Board (NIB), have their own private auditors, there-

fore his office would not directly audit such institutions.

“I could determine whether to outsource the audit and we could choose the private company that will perform it,” he said.

Mr Bastian said he will hold the new government to its word concerning allocating the resources he needs to do his job.

Though the law requires that every government department and ministry be audited by his office each year, this has not happened because of the limited resources traditionally given to the Office of the Auditor General.

And while the Minnis administration has vowed to boost funding to this department, that office’s estimated funding for the upcoming fiscal year has not been boosted and is consistent with past allocations.

Mr Turnquest said yesterday that if necessary, some funding for Mr Bastian’s work may come from the Office of the Prime Minister.

TERRANCE BASTIAN

LOAD SHEDDING CARRIED OUT AFTER CABLE PROBLEM

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMAS Power and Light began load shedding yesterday morning after a “cable overloaded,” resulting in outages in western and central New Providence, according to Bahamas Electrical Workers Union President Paul Maynard.

In an interview with The Tribune, Mr Maynard said an “overloaded cable” around 10am on Tuesday caused the disruption, however he said the issue would

be resolved by 4pm.

“This is what happens when you are working with old machines and old equipment,” Mr Maynard said.

“The cables became overloaded and we had to load shed in order to fix the line. Once we put the new cable line in, which should happen in about 2 weeks, we should be fine. I can tell you the cables have been laid and tested and when they are in service this should not happen again.

Until then, we will repair the line and end the load shedding, which should be

done by 4pm today (Tuesday). But like I keep saying, the problem is the machines are old and we need new machines, until we have new machines we will have problems.”

On the company’s Facebook page, Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) said “a system of disturbance resulted in an outage to a portion of our transmission network”.

The following areas were experiencing a disruption in their power supply yesterday: Market Street, north of Palmetto Avenue; East Street, north of Cordeaux

Avenue; portions of Wulff; portions of Grants Town; Hospital Lane; Huyler Street; portions of Thompson Blvd between Moss Road and Oakes Field Shopping Centre; portions of Big Pond; Blue Hill Road from Oxford Avenue South to Robinson Road; the eastern portion of Paradise Island, including Atlantis, Coral and Beach Towers, Riu and Comfort Suites.

“BPL technicians are feverishly working to restore power and apologises for any inconvenience caused,” the statement said.

Last month, Mr Maynard

said BPL is at a “critical stage” and if the company does not get new equipment immediately, the summer will be plagued with power outages.

He told The Tribune that the “engines are shot” and even with the added power from the rental engines, it will not be enough to stop the outages. However, he said, BPL workers are professional and will do all they can to ensure the outages are not long.

Mr Maynard’s comments last month came after a night of outages in New Providence. Some customers com-

plained about up to three outages in a 24-hour period.

Earlier this month, with the hot summer months approaching, BPL expressed “confidence” in its readiness to take on the peak period with its higher power generation capability.

BOY STABBED IN FIGHT AT H O NASH JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL ple times during a brawl at Government High School, which left two other students injured. That fight took place shortly after 11am on the school’s Yellow Elder Gardens campus.

The three teens were injured during the argument between dozens of children during the school’s first recess. Two of the boys were listed in stable condition while police said the other

CHINESE MAN DROWNS OFF CABLE BEACH 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.

Investigations continue.

termine how best we can minimise such incidents. We can tell you that these things do not originate in the schools; these things are a wider implication of what is happening in our communities.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 911 or 919, the Central Detective Unit at 502-9991 or Crime Stoppers at 328-TIPS.

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A MAN, believed to be a Chinese national, died after losing consciousness while swimming in waters in Cable Beach, police reported.

According to Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Stephen Dean, the incident reportedly occurred on Goodman’s Bay Beach, just east of Super Club Breezes.

Police had received the report of the incident just after 7pm.

The man was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead, police said.

This incident comes after an American tourist drowned during a diving trip off New Providence on Monday.

Senior ACP Dean said on Monday that the adult visitor was snorkeling with a group of persons near 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,” Senior ACP Dean said earlier this week.

“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.

Police also suspect that seven-year-old Elnora Bullard drowned during a Labour Day picnic with relatives.

The child’s body was pulled from waters off

victim was critically injured.

The school was immediately put on lock down while police processed the crime scene and spoke to witnesses.

At the time, Senior ACP Dean said: “It is unfortunate that this happened on the school’s campus. We do have officers that work the school premises and we will continue to review our strategies to de-

h

Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Stephen Dean said a male student is in police custody assisting them with the investigation.

“What we can confirm is there was an altercation between two male students at the school that led to one of them receiving minor stab wounds,” Senior ACP Dean said.

“The victim was taken to hospital for treatment. A male student is assisting police with this incident.”

Officer-in-charge of the Central Detective Unit, Superintendent Solomon Cash said the victim is a 15 year old and police suspect he was stabbed with a knife with a “small blade”.

In January, a teenage boy was left in critical condition after he was stabbed multi-

Lu nc

from page one

PAGE 4, Wednesday, June 7, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

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If Bahamians are so good...

A FRIEND of this newspaper recently took a cruise aboard one of the most elegant cruise ships to dock at Nassau.

What she saw as the ship made its way into Nassau harbour and when it docked made her embarrassed to be Bahamian, she admitted. The confession did not come easily and it was, she added, the first time she had felt that way since the early 1980’s when The Bahamas was humiliated by being caught red-handed, Colombian flag flying boldly over Norman’s Cay in the Exumas, the country tapped as the leading illicit drug transshipment point in the hemisphere.

While there is no comparison between a country run amok by providing cover for drug dealers and one that turns a blind eye to how it treats millions of visitors a year, there are similarities. What you ignore can hurt you even more than what you confront.

Some 3.7 million cruise passengers visited The Bahamas in 2016, making this the busiest country for cruise travel in the region, more than double the number of visitors to the next two busiest, US Virgin Islands with over 1.7 million and Cayman with 1.7 million. There is little we do to lure those passengers. Cruise lines pay for advertising and online sites vie for booking business. Cruise lines deliver passengers to our front door and, according to this latest report, we show them something that looks more like a back room in need of restoration than a living room ready for hospitality. Are we sending a message to nearly four million visitors a year that you are invited but not welcome? Are we showing them a taste of Nassau that leaves little appetite to return as stayover guests in resorts, lodges or airbnbs?

We were not on the cruise but her report was so detailed and compelling that we have decided to let her describe what she saw and experienced. Here is what she experienced in her own words.

It was the morning of June 2, Labour Day, and after several days at sea and at other ports, I was excited about docking in Nassau, strangely enough, even looking forward to finding a place for a good boiled fish on a holiday, not that we had not eaten enough aboard the ship.

Let’s not even talk about that. But the taste for a good boil quickly turned into a queasy sick feeling from the time we entered the harbour. On the port side was the lighthouse in need of a little TLC and some identifying signage, but not horrendous. To starboard, the first building to come into clear view closeup was an old metal warehouse, rusty from the roof down, crying out for a sanding and paint job and maybe lettering on the roof Welcome to Nassau, We’re happy you’re here, Or Welcome to Nassau, Founded 1670, or Welcome to The Bahamas, Birthplace of the New World. Imagine how many photos with that wording could have been posted and shared and the free advertising for The Bahamas. What would it take to paint one building?

Walking from the ship to get to Bay Street you are herded like cattle into and through Festival Place, but as that build-

ing has been closed and “under renovation” for two years or more (longer than it took to build the last phase of Atlantis), why are officials crowding everyone through it? Again, like getting to the front door by way of a garage. Signage that it is under renovation is on the other side. Look up and see the holes and rotten wood in the eaves, shudder and move on with the crowd, jostling and being jostled until you get to the centre for what I quickly dubbed the three h’s – hassling, harassing and hustling. One taxi driver wanted $50 for a ride down the road. His license should be pulled.

Some poor couple, not knowing better, will be taken for that ride and they will be one more family to cross Bahamas off their list of places they want to return to.

Thousands of people were lost, like a meandering tribe, looking in every direction, probably as relieved as we were to have escaped the unwanted approaches from tour bus and taxi drivers, but unlike us, lost as to where to go next.

We knew the hustlers were simply trying to make a living but the free-for-all was not something we experienced at any other port and it was unsettling to us, perhaps frightening to others.

Everywhere we looked, we could see room for improvement. It was written all over what was not there. There was no directional signage by the Churchill Building or Parliament Street (this way to Historic Nassau). No historical markers or plaques on historic buildings.

The tragedy is that Nassau has so much to offer it should be more than a port that is easy to get to, it should be a port the public wants to visit time and again, whether by ship, private yacht or air. Historic buildings, forts, dive sites, beaches, churches, sets where famous movies were made, luxury shops, Ardastra, the Botanical Gardens, the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, the crafts shops, cigar and chocolate factories and museum on West Hill Street, Fish Fry, Montagu Beach, Doongalik Studio, snorkeling, so much to see and do. Yet, none of that was mentioned in the port lecture, misleadingly called Highlights of Nassau but the overwhelming vast majority of which was devoted to the highlights of a particular diamond store.

So while official warnings have been issued cruise passengers about crime, as a cruise passenger and a Bahamian landing in my own home port, I can only say the bigger crime is that we do not have a clue how to show the world how beautiful our country and the Bahamian people really are. It is the crime of neglect. We are again reminded that what you ignore can have greater consequences than what you confront.

The good news is that this is one ship that can be righted with very little cost and just a whole fresh set of eyes and energy. We believe the government is up to the task but should involve new and experienced partners as well as trusted colleagues. It is time for the prescription lens on a very old pair of glasses to get a clearer view and 21st Century vision.

Time to resign EDITOR, The Tribune.

AFTER an election, political nominees to various positions in civil government are supposed to resign immediately, leaving it up to the incoming Government to decide their fate in that position.

Has the Ambassador to the US, High Commissioner to the UK, Canada, People’s Republic of China and CARICOM, been required to resign, or are they on the job still being paid? Perhaps no one understands custom and requirement.

From a news insert on ZNS, clearly the political appointee our Consul General, Miami is still on the job. No doubt he was a PLP

political nominee.

Well in the last months of the infamous PLP Government, so much was made of our developing Diplomatic Relations with Qatar - so much promise, but look at the top news today that Saudi Arabia, Egypt and UAE have all cancelled diplomatic relations with Qatar, because of their support to terrorism, ISIS and alQueada. This is well known but so is that a number of rich Saudis have been doing the same thing. Supporting the Assad regime in Syria who breach Human Rights daily.

Are we going to re-look at our relations with Qatar as a result - surely we should not be seen as recognizing a

country who sponsors terrorism?

A quick note on FINANCE - Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis was the Chair of The Finance Committee.

Very clearly, he did a useless job there, as surely he should have been on top of what is now exposed by Minister Peter Turnquest, as to our massive indebtness to borrow $750m. I suspect the good Doctor is fundamentally ill-equipped for the responsibility, as in Opposition he seemingly did not carry out his Constitutional duties. Should we be worried? I suppose so!

W. THOMPSON Nassau, June 5, 2017.

Hurricane is coming!

EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE stark reality is Bahamians do not take hurricanes seriously. The seriousness of the impending dangers sometimes do not hit us until we hear the wind blowing, the trees bending and the power is off.

After the wind gusts up to fifty plus miles per hour, we say, the hurricane must be coming this way. But by then it is too late to make any adjustments that would give ourselves a chance.

We even say, that we are not securing our property because the last time it did not come this way. We gamble, we procrastinate, we play games with our families lives, we risk our lives. Then we blame all and sundry for our foolishness.

Bahamians are a peculiar people!

June 1 is the beginning of the hurricane season. There is no reason to be surprised because it happens every year.

So why don’t we routinely prepare ourselves, no, we need to be reminded, we need to be spoon fed. We cannot see it is on us if we do make sure our families are protected.

We hold on to traditions and old habits that many times get us in a bit of trouble, cause us some unnecessary stress and make us uncomfortable. We reluctantly accept change and therefore get stuck doing things over and over that are not beneficial.

Last year, we experienced the wrath of a powerful hurricane. Matthew was relentless, wreaking havoc on many islands.

Some people, for the most part, did not heed the Met Office warnings. We said, that the hurricane was not coming this way, but Matthew came howling with a mighty show of force.

It caught us unprepared.

Insanity is doing things the same way, expecting a different result.

Instructions by the authorities, (NEMA) to evacuate fell on deaf ears. The system did not lend itself to mandatory evacuation, thus the hardships and terror experienced by many. The police, moving forward, should order mandatory evacuation.

This begs the question, why do we not take hurricanes seriously? Why do we always wait for the last min-

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net ute? Can some of the damage be avoided? Should we change the way we do things?

Why are we buying supplies when the winds have reached gale-force status.

I thought that the best way to counter some of the negative results is to offer my unwarranted advice, in an effort for all of us to at least give ourselves a fighting chance of surviving a hurricane, or minimising the damage.

This is the beginning of the hurricane season, let us quickly move into preparation mode.

We should start stocking up on the dry items such as canned goods that have no expiration dates now, while there is no pressure and supplies are in goodly numbers.

Batteries, lamps, first aid kits, transistor radios, search lights, etc., should be purchased now, because they will be cheaper and in great supply.

The sensible thing to do is to start doing the necessary renovations to your homes, fastening windows, doors, and getting rid of loose items that could pose a problem in high winds. Starting to secure your house now, will eliminate the chaotic activity such as crowded streets and potential catastrophe which usually are associated with hurricanes in The Bahamas.

The purchase of plywood and other items now will prevent the lack of supply and the risk of merchants price gouging and exploitation of desperate citizens who are in search of supplies.

Doing these things well in advance will give residents ample time to “batten up” before the weather conditions deteriorates.

Securing physical structures in high winds is not only dangerous but could be fatal.

The merchant should not be open and we should not want to be on the streets putting ourselves and everyone else in grave danger, after the last warning is given that all residents should be in and remain indoors.

Hurricane shelters must be identified, made ready and known to the public.

The public should be constantly reminded so that the locations become familiar.

This gives the potential

shelter occupants a full understanding of where they are going and how they are going to get there. If the residents adhere to the information disseminated, this will prevent them from increasing anxiety, rising blood pressure and from making unnecessary calls, clogging emergency telephone lines.

The hospital and clinics should start the necessary preparation with supplies and training for the uneventful. The organization, synchronization of information and coordination by NEMA must be methodical but timely, well in advance to avoid confusion.

The clinics that are in proximity to particular neighbourhoods should be identified and information and the public made aware. Most Bahamians do not know where these places are.

Constant reminders of shelters and clinics must begin far earlier than before, increasing the frequency as it comes closer to an impending hurricane.

The Red Cross plays an integral part. The role that is played is significant. The experience from the organisation is invaluable and should be front and centre in the planning stages.

Hurricanes are devastating! It destroys property and sometimes changes our lives forever. Apart from the physical structures, the mental and psychological scars sometimes last forever.

We cannot risk allowing personalities or egos to interfere with how serious we become with working together, pooling our knowledge and time and effort toward making us all safe. We could do better by genuinely offering ourselves to lending a helping hand either pre-hurricane or post-hurricane or both.

We found out that we help ourselves even more by listening to the authorities, carrying out the instructions, and when evacuations are suggested, it is not a choice it is a must.

Losing your life to save your house is simply asinine.

Finally we must be our brothers keeper, we must not only secures ourselves but our neighbours too.

Saving lives is paramount.

IVOINE W. INGRAHAM Nassau, June 6, 2017.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, June 7, 2017, PAGE 5

Activist seek amendments to Freedom of Information Act

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net ACTIVISTS are hoping the new government will pick up recommendations to amend the Freedom of Information Act as it undertakes a review of the legislation, some of which has already come into force.

Key suggestions from a caucus of more than a dozen civil society organisations were left on the cutting room floor by the former Progressive Liberal

Party administration, according to Organisation for Responsible Governance (ORG) Executive Director Matt Aubry, who hopes recommendations on the selection process of the information commissioner, and the scope of public authorities subject to the legislation, will get new life.

Part one and sections of part five and eight of the legislation were enacted on April 21, bringing the legislation into force, allowing for the appointment of an information commissioner, and repealing the

2012 FOIA. “There’s an opportunity to make revisions, for ORG and Citizens for a Better Bahamas, and other groups to push forward recommendations we had originally lobbied for,” he said.

“We want to see movement and that’s critical, we need to move forward expediently but also strategically and in doing so make sure Bahamians have every right to access information.

“Before 2012, there was no consultation, no real work. This process has been vetted, internationally

benchmarked, the work that has been done reflects the good amount of the public’s interests. I don’t think there is reason or need to start from scratch, just take that work and build on it.”

The previous Ingraham administration passed a FOIA shortly before the 2012 general election, however there was no date for enactment.

The incoming Christie administration overhauled the legislation, and conducted an extensive public consultation process; however, the bill

was only partially enacted ahead of the May 10 general election.

Yesterday, Mr Aubry acknowledged that there was a lengthy process ahead given the extensive training and infrastructure needed across the various government departments before it can begin processing information requests from the public.

The CSO collective includes Citizens for a Better Bahamas, Our Carmichael, The Organisation for Responsible Governance, We The People,

Save The Bays, The Abaco Chamber of Commerce, The Nassau Institute, reEarth, HeadKnowles Foundation, Grand Bahama Human Rights Association, Waterkeepers Bahamas, The Bahamas Press Club, The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers’ Confederation, It’s Our Turn, Young Marine Explorers, Civil Society Bahamas, The Bahamas Retailers Federation, The Coalition to Save Clifton, Rise Bahamas, Citizens for Justice and BREEF.

MORTIMER: BUDGET FAVOURS RICH NOT THE SMALL MAN

By DANIELLE BARNES

DEMOCRATIC National Alliance Deputy Leader Chris Mortimer criticised the government’s 2017-2018 Budget in a press release, saying it “favours the rich but does very little for the small man”.

Mr Mortimer said the Free National Movement (FNM) administration retreated from many of its initial campaign promises and commitments, which leaves him and the DNA questioning the plans the new government has for the Bahamian people.

“The FNM has backed away from its pledge to reduce value added tax (VAT) on core items and services,” Mr Mortimer noted. “Similarly they have also backed away from their inner-city tax initiative which was supposed to be a hallmark of their government.”

Mr Mortimer also questioned the FNM administration’s promise of “no new taxes” in the upcoming fiscal year.

“We are left to wonder if Minister Turnquest’s declaration of ‘no new taxes’ was true and sincere. At the rate at which the FNM has backed away from central themes of their 2017 campaign, we are not prepared to believe that the FNM administration will not back away from their promises of

DNA Deputy Leader Chris Mortimer and party chairman Andrew Wilson. ‘no new taxes’ or little else it has proposed to do.”

Mr Mortimer also denounced the FNM’s plan to borrow more than $720m — which covers a period of two fiscal cycles — saying that it is utterly “unbelievable and unthinkable”.

The DNA believes that it is too soon and too much to borrow for the 2017-2018 fiscal year.

“The conventional wisdom is that if you borrow

that much in advance on the expectation of expenditure, without even presenting a budget slimming programme to go along with it, you will run the risk of spending that much you forecasted to borrow and we will be back to higher debt for the foreseeable future.”

Mr Mortimer said that there are still unanswered questions on the magnitude of this borrowing.

He asked: “Where will

the money come from to finance this debt? Will the VAT rate be increased?”

The DNA also projects that the final deficit for the 2016-2017 budget will exceed $500m.

“We hope that the new minister does not transfer the accounting cost of the 2016-2017’s debt into the new 2017-2018 fiscal year,” Mr Mortimer added.

Mr Mortimer also said the narrative between the FNM and Progressive Lib-

eral Party is ominously similar.

“Both of them have exploded the country’s debt.

“This is the budget for the rich and not the small man, or the inner city,” he said.

Mr Mortimer concluded that the DNA is prepared to hold the government’s feet to the fire and to the promises which they made to the Bahamian people.

Last week, Minister of Finance K Peter Turnquest

GOVERNMENT SAYS SOCIAL MEDIA MESSAGE ON BORCO REFINERY WAS ‘POLITICAL MISCHIEF’

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

Organisation (WHO) conThe report was made ducted an environmental public and tabled in the and health risk assessment House of Assembly by forof the Lewis Yard and Pin- mer Minister of Grand Ba der’s Point areas in Decem- hama Dr Michael Darville.

THE government has as- ber 2014 through November “As a result, the former sured the residents of Pin- 2015, at the request of the government consented to a der’s Point and Lewis Yard Christie administration. further assessment and inin Grand Bahama that it is The Ministry for Grand stallation of a monitoring committed to ensuring their Bahama then began initial system. In April of 2017, the safety and well being. It consultations with stake- former government received has branded an “erroneous holders: the Pinder’s Point a progress report of the message” circulating there Lewis Yard Environmental monitoring system and draft as “political mischief”.

Committee, the Grand Ba- report of the further assessA message was posted hama Port Authority and ment. These reports were in the Grand Bahama the Department of Envi- not made public at the time,” Environmental Associa- ronmental Health Services. Tuesday’s statement noted. tion Whatsapp chat group The 2015 PAHO/WHO “These reports which the claiming that a final safety report assessed that dur- present government met in assessment report con- ing the monitoring period office are receiving urgent ducted under the former and based on air and water and immediate attention.

Christie administration was sampling, no evidence was “The public and particucompleted and forwarded found of harmful chemical larly those residents who are to new Minister of State exposure on a day-to-day affected should note that for Grand Bahama Kwasi basis in the affected residu- this government is commitThompson. al areas under review. ted and has acted in an open, The individual who sent the message, identified only as JB, further claimed that the report recommends that the government relocate all Confidence Insurance the residents living in the Bahamas Agency Ltd. vicinity of the BORCO refinery away from the oil storage facility. will be The Office of the Prime Minister in Grand Bahama issued a press statement in response to the message on Tuesday.

“The government wishes to respond to the erroneous message which has been circulating on social media about the residents of PinFriday, June 9th, 2017 der’s Point and Lewis Yard.

It is unfortunate that someSorry for any one would seek to do political mischief particularly inconvenience caused. with an issue that affects the lives and livelihood of these residents,” the statement read.

The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and World Health

CLOSED for our annual FUN DAY

transparent and responsible manner with the report at the New Providence Landfill and will continue this policy with respect to the residents of Pinder’s Point and Lewis Yard.”

In the PAHO/WHO report, two recommendations were made to the government: the installation of e-

noses to monitor air quality, which have been installed in the affected areas. The second was to conduct a safety risk assessment of the communities near the industrial plant. The Antea Group of the Netherlands had been contracted under the previous administration to conduct that study.

announced the government’s tax relief measures which feature the elimination or reduction of import duties on clothing, accessories and on a number of food, beverage, personal care, car parts and accessories, including those needed by those who are disabled.

However, what was missing from Mr Turnquest’s budget communication was the FNM’s election campaign promise to eliminate VAT on breadbasket items and other areas.

When questioned about this, the East Grand Bahama MP told reporters that this pledge could not be delivered immediately because of the overspending and unpaid bills left behind by the Christie administration, calling it a “trade off”.

“Literally two days ago, we had to say let’s be conservative, before we go giving out concessions, let’s be sure we have the house covered,” Mr Turnquest told reporters last Wednesday.

Mr Turnquest also told the House of Assembly during his budget communication that the current fiscal year is “far bleaker” than anyone could have imagined as the Christie administration left “the cupboard bare”.

PAGE 6, Wednesday, June 7, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

Dorsett denies hiding report from page one

Mr Dorsett said the report didn’t reveal anything new and it was now up to the Minnis administration to act on the chronic landfill problems.

The report, submitted at the end of April to the former Christie administration from PAHO/World Health Organisation (WHO), called for several short-term “interventions” to be used until long-term sustainable plans could be identified by the government.

Mr Dorsett spoke at the request of The Tribune shortly after a press statement was released by Picewell Forbes, shadow minister for the environment and North Andros MP, addressing the matter.

That statement sought to drive home a message that the former minister with responsibility for the landfill was not asleep at the wheel on this challenge.

“It is a report requested by the former administration and the public was advised in early April that the report was being prepared,” the statement from Mr Forbes noted. “As governments are continuous it is the obligation of the current administration to release it and they have done that.

“The site has major challenges, which were acknowledged by the former administration and the request for proposal advanced by the PLP administration addressed all of the hazards and charted a path for remediation of the landfill, deconstruction, new engineered cells, a materials recycling facility, proper processing of all waste streams, the construction of a water

feature between the landfill, Jubilee and Victoria Gardens, air and water quality monitoring technologies, gas extraction technologies and the use of solar membranes to cover historic cells no longer in use to generate clean renewable energy.”

The statement continued: “That process identified a preferred bidder being the Bahamas consortium represented by the Bahamian financial group, Providence Advisors.

“We trust that the new administration will enter into negotiations with the preferred bidder and allow the remediation and operation plan prepared by the Bahamian engineering firm Caribbean Coastal Systems, led

by Carlos Palacious and its international consultant Dr Tarek Abichou and approved by the Department of Environmental Health Services to be advanced. Significant work has been done, there is no need to stop or cancel that process, duplicate efforts or waste time or money.

“Governments are continuous, the plan is laid out and the new government should not deprive the Bahamian group from being able to negotiate terms with the government to enable them to solve this long standing issue in the best of interests of the Bahamian people.”

The landfill report said 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.”

The report noted that “at least seven” waste 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.

As a result of that March 5 fire, 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 quality; 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.

Minister of Health Dr Duane Sands and Minister of Environment and Housing Romauld Ferreira have outlined short and longterm plans for the landfill in the wake of the report.

FORMER Environment Minister Kenred Dorsett.

SMITH URGES ‘FRESH LOOK’ AT DAVIS FOR PLP LEADER from page one

In the last few weeks, it has been rumoured that Englerston MP Glenys Hanna Martin is expected to challenge Mr Davis for the post whenever the convention is held. Last week she downplayed speculation over her intentions after a local tabloid reported that she was preparing to launch a bid to

lead the party.

The party has not yet announced when the next convention will be held.

Mr Smith said: “I think Alfred Sears (former PLP leadership contender) would be a very formidable candidate. The problem is he is not in the House of Assembly and that is a real problem.

“I think that Hanna Martin is well intentioned, but I

don’t know how serious she is.”

He added: “When I think of Philip Davis I think that the public has to take a fresh look at him and I encourage the public to do it.

“These are things I know about him. He is a man noted for his family values.

He is a man of faith. He is a decent human being. He is a listener and that’s what

this party needs. We need to listen to our supporters.

We need a man and a team of people to listen to what the people want.

“Philip Davis has also shown in many endeavours that he is creative and above all he is a patriot.

“I see those characteristics being used by him to bring a good grouping together. We need to do away with those days where the

leader’s voice is the end all.”

Mr Davis has told The Tribune he intends to run for the top post of the opposition party during the next convention.

The Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador MP said the expected convention, once scheduled, would help the party in its attempts at “resolving election issues.”

The PLP held its last convention on January 24-26.

At the close of the threeday event, former Prime Minister Perry Christie won with 1,264 votes to 169 for Alfred Sears in a leadership race.

Days after the PLP’s loss, Mr Christie resigned as leader of the PLP. Mr Davis, former PLP deputy leader, was immediately elevated to interim party leader, as mandated in the PLP’s constitution.

FUEL CONCERN AFTER ISSUES WITH VEHICLES

from page one

When contacted for comment on the problem Tuesday, operators of the service station referred this newspaper to Sol Petroleum Bahamas, its fuel provider.

Attempts to get clarification from the company were unsuccessful, with The Tribune being informed that any public statement on the incident would have to come from the office’s media relations department.

However, those inquiries were also unsuccessful.

Of the eight customers interviewed, all claimed to have purchased gasoline from the station between 8.30am and 9am Sunday.

Each of the eight customers reported issues shortly after leaving the station; either engine sputters followed by a complete shutdown or a reduction of speed culminating with the car shutting down.

While reports of resulting damage varied, the customers who spoke to The Tribune had high praise for the service station and its staff for how they handled the problem. One longtime customer affected by Sunday’s incident told The Tribune that she could not “badmouth” the establishment because the operators and staff there did everything possible to “make good of a bad situation.”

Asking not to be identified by name, the “undeterred” customer stated: “It would be easy to cast blame in a situation like this, and while I am not happy with what happened with my car, the station stepped up and assisted once it was recognised that the issue was on its end.”

Noting that repairs had

already started on her car, she added: “I was reimbursed for both my gas and my tow expenses almost immediately and my repair bill was due into their representatives today. Now while I have not received payment as of yet for those repairs, the station’s handling of the situation was commendable in the moment.”

These sentiments were echoed in several interviews carried out by The Tribune on Tuesday.

Another customer who said she purchased gas after the station received its fuel shipment Sunday morning, said after her initial anger subsided, she came to a level of understanding with the reasoning provided by the station.

“Once I calmed down it all started to make sense. I saw the tanker make the delivery and once I got back to the station with my complaint, many of the cars that got served after me were there,” she said. “...They told us their initial findings, assisted us and ensured that we received the level of help that anyone would want in a situation like that.

“There was a lot of anger early on, but like I said, once cooler heads prevailed I think everyone recognised that the issue existed with that one particular fuel delivery and not the station itself.”

No customer contacted

by The Tribune said they had plans to boycott the service station as a result of the incident.

In the coming days, all eight of the customers contacted by this newspaper said they have plans to deliver their respective mechanic bills to the service station to be reimbursed.

PAGE 8, Wednesday, June 7, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

The PLP is being held back by the same old guard A

FTER thanking Perry Christie, the Progressive Liberal Party and his erstwhile constituents in Fort Charlotte for their support, Alfred Sears attempted to define “the way forward” for his party and the country.

In his first post-election commentary last week, Mr Sears claimed it is the FNM, rather than the PLP, which today seeks to implement a “progressive and liberal political and social agenda”.

He said many of the reforms promised in the FNM’s recent Throne Speech had been proposed before by the PLP, as well as by Mr Sears himself in his recent bid to replace Mr Christie as PLP leader.

Mr Sears called on the party to “rebuild and rebrand” itself, arguing that it had to provide a real vision for the future rather than just act as a forceful opposition.

He said the party had to commit itself to honest governance, sustainable development, equal opportunity, and protection of our civil rights and freedoms.

“Over the past 44 years, the perception of the PLP has shifted to a party more aligned with foreign interests over Bahamians, a lack of national vision, weak leadership, corruption and scandals,” Mr Sears said.

But the problem is that the party remains under the control of a geriatric mafia - men who were large and in charge from the time I started my first job in the early 1970s. They continue to pull the strings, despite being badly out of touch with modern realities.

Shortly before the May 10 general election, former

ALFRED Sears greeted by Jerome Fitzgerald at the PLP convention - where he was soundly beaten in the race for party leadership by then Prime Minister Perry Christie.

Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff predicted a PLP win. has given no indication so these promises are met, he “I see no reason why we far of falling on his sword, will have moved the counshouldn’t take 30 seats,” but it is hard to believe that try forward for the first time Mr Davis said smugly. And financial backers will want in decades. Bahamians may according to Mr Smith, to continue the third party even regain some optimism although the vote might project—especially since and hope for the future. be closer, “the PLP will both Hubert Ingraham and Tit for Tat - At our Exemerge victorious.”

Perry Christie have now left pense These the scene for The recent political draforecasts re- ‘The party remains good. ma over the government’s quired us to The other fiscal deficit is an almost exaccept that under the control big question act replay of what happened the PLP had of a geriatric mafia - is whether when the PLP replaced the not lost any men who were large Dr Minnis FNM five years ago. significant and his new During his presentation Deputy Prime Minister Pindling Cabinet minister and in charge from Cabinet will of the 2012-2013 budget, Philip Davis and retired George Smith both glibly support over its disas- the time I started be able to then Prime Minister Perry trous five- my first job in the actually fol- Christie said the former Inyear term—a low through graham government’s poli100% FLEXIBLE No. 1 Top 10 stretch by early 1970s. They on the raft of cies had left the country in 100% ONLINE in the UK UK University any measure. continue to pull reforms they a “dire” fiscal position with 100% RELEVANT for Value-added (Graduate Employability) In the end, the strings, despite have prom- the deficit and debt levels the PLP won ised in order much worse than anticibarely 37 per being badly out of to transform pated. cent of the touch with modern our governIn fact, he projected a vote and held ance and $504m deficit for 2011-2012, realities.’ onto just four rescue public and a $550m deficit for the seats in Parfinances.

2012-2013 fiscal year. liament - the worst electoral We have all heard before “It has become clear to result in modern Bahamian the preening rhetoric that us that the previous adminhistory. follows political victories. istration has severely conAnd that was in the face It is the same every five strained our room to maof a credible third party years. But once tempers noeuvre,” Mr Christie said threat, combined with settle down, hard decisions back then. months of destructive in- have to be made in order to “We have been left with fighting among FNMs. achieve progress. This can sizable, ongoing commitThe election result was affect various interests and ments and a legacy of consignificant for the PLP, if present major obstacles in tracts entered into in the somewhat less so for the terms of public sector fund- final days of the former adFNM. It would indicate to ing and capacity. ministration.” most observers that the parThe We March activist Michael Halkitis, former ty should turn to (relatively) movement was a novel fac- minister of state for finance, fresh leaders like Alfred tor in the last election. And castigated the Ingraham Exceptional value — earn an accredited UK MBA or MBM for under US$10,000 • Can be Sears. there are high hopes that administration for “reckBut since May 10, the new leaders like Ranard less” spending, particularly completed in 18 months • Specialisations: Banking, Entrepreneurship, Events, Finance, usual suspects (like Fred Henfield will hold the new during the last months of its Health Management, Hospitality & Tourism, HRM, Info. Systems New, Leadership & Mitchell and Bradley Rob- government’s feet to the term. erts) have weighed in with fire.

These comments are alInnovation, Logistics & Supply Chain Management, Marketing & Sales, Media, Project the usual angry and unAs Mr Henfield said right most identical to the critirepentant rhetoric - com- after the election: “Now cisms made by current FiManagement • Option to earn both an MBA and MBM in under 24 months pletely overlooking the slap that we’ve eliminated the nance Minister K Peter down from voters.

PLP, who laughed at our list Turnquest in his budget The Edinburgh MSc HRM (SHRM Recognised) And the old guard PLP of issues when they were the address to Parliament last fixer Mr Davis has taken government, We March will week.

Doctorate in Business MSc Data Science over as both party leader issue an updated list to Dr Referring to five years of and leader in the House. Hubert Minnis. Our role is mismanagement and poor Administration (DBA) MSc Construction Project If he is not dislodged at a to be a pressure group - and governance by the previous Regional workshops conducted Management (RICS and ICE accredited) forthcoming convention (an the opposition if the four administration, Mr Turnunlikely event), it will mean PLPs can’t be effective.” quest said: “(The) high

by Edinburgh Faculty the PLP won’t get the overHe later accepted a Sen- level of outstanding payahaul it needs to regain the ate post from Prime Min- bles is directly responsible electorate’s trust. ister Minnis on the justifi- for the government seek• BA Business Management (Top-up) That does not count the cation that Dr Minnis had ing emergency funding (of FREE ini 4 party out, however. It will promised far-reaching re- $400 million) to meet the • BA Business & Enterprise (Top-up) dM a iP ) Apple ions apply remain a large and power- forms. obligations of the 2016it (Cond • BA Sales Management (Top-up) ful organisation, and its These promises include 2017 budget. influence will recover over auditing government de“The fiscal situation is far Final Year Entry to holders of Associate Degree and/or Diploma time. Whether the party partments, empowering bleaker than we could have Specialisms: Marketing, Finance and HRM learns from its mistakes, re- civil society, expanding ever imagined. Our predetires the geriatrics, and cre- local government, setting cessors have left us with a ates a new internal culture term limits, establishing an cupboard that is bare.” is the big question. ombudsman, and addressIt seems that our imagiMeanwhile, the Demo- ing campaign finance and nations are so elastic that cratic National Alliance official corruption, among they expand every five years Wednesday 14th June, 6.30-8pm is conducting its own self- other things. to incorporate ever more examination following utter Dr Minnis is more of a public spending and debt.

Exuma Island Room failure at the polls. Party technocrat than a politiThe main difference this British Colonial Hilton, Nassau Leader Bran McCartney cian. And if even some of time around is that we are email info@SEIdegrees.com for reservation not dealing with another Ingraham administration.

The new Minnis government is mostly a fresh slate.

It will be interesting to see if that translates into the actual application of the fiscal responsibility, anti-corruption and accountability policies that are promised.

APPLY NOW FOR SEPTEMBER 2017 INTAKE

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To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394

• What do you think?

Send comments to lsmith@ tribunemedia.net or visit www.bahamapundit.com.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, June 7, 2017, PAGE 9

TECHTALK

A NEW VOICE FOR SIRI, A NEW NAME FOR MAC APPLE unveiled new hardware, including a Siri-powered speaker, and previewed upcoming iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch features as the company’s Worldwide Developers Conference kicked off Monday.

Here are the highlights: SIRI-POWERED SPEAKER AN internet-connected speaker called HomePod is coming in December for about $350. The speaker is similar to cheaper devices from Amazon and Google.

Apple says it’s giving more emphasis to sound quality, not just smarts. Jan Dawson, chief analyst with Jackdaw Research, says the price is good for a high-end audio device. Besides playing music, Apple’s Siri digital assistant will also respond to requests for information and other help around the house.

A NEW, SMARTER SIRI WITH an upcoming software update for iPhones and iPads, Siri will learn your habits based on what articles you might be reading, for instance. Or if someone texts you about owing money, it will ask if you want to pay using Apple Pay. Google already tries to be proactive with its Assistant on Android phones and Google Home speaker.

Siri, meanwhile, is getting a new voice. Or make that new voices, with a male version of Siri is getting a refresh, too.

And Apple Watch is bringing Siri front and centre. The smartwatch promises to learn about your routines to figure out what information to display. That could include a reminder to make a call or a flight reservation.

ABOUT YOUR PRIVACY APPLE says its Safari browser on the Mac will try to guard your privacy by identifying and blocking data files that track you as you move from website to website. Another Safari feature will stop video from automatically playing on websites. The features are part of the Mac software update this fall, to be called High Sierra. The cur-

PHIL SCHILLER, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing, introduces the HomePod speaker at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference Monday in San Jose, Calif. (AP) brighter displays and graphics capabilities, which Apple says makes the Mac a great platform for developing virtual-reality experiences.

So far, interest in VR has been strongest among gamers, developers and hardware makers rather than everyday users. Apple’s entry into the market could change that.

CRAIG FEDERIGHI, Apple’s senior vice president of software engineering, speaks about High Sierra operating software. (AP) rent version is just Sierra.

As for HomePod, Apple says that while the speaker’s always listening, nothing will be sent to Apple’s servers until you say, “Hey, Siri.” The protection is similar to what Google Home and Amazon’s Echo speakers already offer. Even then, Apple says it won’t know who you are — it’ll just get an anonymous ID to help process a response.

A DIFFERENT REALITY APPLE is trying to make augmented reality a reality with new tools for iPhones and iPads. Augmented reality is the blending of the physical and virtual worlds. In one demo, Apple executive Craig Federighi pointed a camera at a table on stage and added a virtual coffee cup and a lamp on the real table. Although Apple is late to the game, CCS Insight analyst Geoff Blaber says the new tools come “as the technology hits an inflection point.”

Apple’s new iMacs are getting

NEW HARDWARE APPLE is introducing a 10.5inch iPad Pro in an attempt to revive interest in its once hot-selling line of tablets. That size offers room for a full-size keyboard, something the 9.7 inch model couldn’t. Yet it isn’t as bulky as the 12.9-inch model. The new iPad starts at $649 and will start shipping next week.

Apple also unveiled new Macs, addressing complaints that Apple has let its Mac lineup languish in favour of its better-selling products, namely the iPhone. New iMacs and MacBook laptops start shipping Monday. Apple also unveiled the high-end iMac Pro coming in December starting at about $5,000.

UPDATES FOR THE IPHONE AND IPAD WITH the next version of the iOS system for mobile devices, messages will sync in the cloud.

Only the most recent messages will be kept on the device to save storage space.

For photos, Apple is replacing JPEGs with a new format meant to reduce file sizes. Although the for-

APPLE’s Greg Joswiak speaks about the iPad Pro during the announcement of new products. (AP) mat is not exclusive to Apple, it’s not yet clear how well the photos will work with non-Apple software and devices, which mostly use JPEG. Apple will also have new tools for organising photos and creating sharable videos.

Apple is also bringing the ability to pay someone back through its payment service, Apple Pay, much as PayPal and other services already do. Before, Apple Pay transactions could be done only with businesses and institutions.

Apple Maps will get lane guidance for highways and floor plans for indoor malls and airports.

Google Maps already does both.

And Apple will have a new “do not disturb” mode for driving. The phone will block most notifications to reduce temptations behind the wheel.

The free software, iOS 11, is expected in September, when Apple typically releases new iPhones.

Associated Press

TOYOTA WORKING ON ‘FLYING CAR’ PROJECT TOYOTA Motor Corp. is working on a “flying car.”

A startup backed by the Japanese automaker has developed a test model that engineers hope will eventually develop into a tiny car with a driver who’ll be able to light the Olympic torch in the 2020 Tokyo games. For now, however, the project is a concoction of aluminum framing and eight propellers that barely gets off the ground and crashes after several seconds.

Toyota has invested 42.5 million yen ($386,000) in startup Cartivator Resource Management to work on “Sky Drive .” At a test flight Saturday in the city where the automaker is based, the gadgetry, about the size of a car and loaded with batteries and sensors, blew up

a lot of sand and made a lot of noise.

It managed to get up as high as eye level for several seconds before tilting and falling to the ground.

Basketballs attached to its bottom served as cushions.

After several attempts, the endeavor had to be canceled after one of the covers got detached from the frame and broke, damaging the propellers.

The goal of Cartivator’s is to deliver a seamless transition from driving to flight, like the world of “Back to the Future,” said the project’s leader Tsubasa Nakamura.

“I always loved planes and cars. And my longtime dream was to have a personal vehicle that can fly and go many places,” he told The

Associated Press.

The group is now working on a better design with the money from Toyota with the plan to have the first manned flight in 2019. No one has ridden on Sky Drive yet, or any drone, as that would be too dangerous.

Still, dabbling in businesses other than cars is Toyota’s trademark. In recent years, it has been aggressively venturing into robotics and artificial intelligence, investing a billion dollars in a research and development company in Silicon Valley.

It’s also working in Japan on using robotics to help the sick walk. It also just announced a five-year $35 million investment in its research centre in Ann Arbor, Michigan, for autonomous and connected vehicle tech-

TSUBASA NAKAMURA, project leader of Cartivator, third from left, watches the flight of the test model of the flying car on a former school ground in Toyota, central Japan. (AP) nologies.

The idea that each generation must take up challenges is part of Toyota’s roots, said auto analyst Takaki Nakanishi.

President Akio Toyoda’s great-grandfather Sakichi Toyoda started out developing the loom and then its automated improvements from the 1890s, before the company became an automaker.

More recently, Toyota sees software and services as central to the auto industry, as cars become connected, start driving themselves and turn into lifestyle digital tools, Nakanishi said.

As Toyota gets into the business of ecological vehicles, such as hybrids, electric cars and fuel cells, it’s turning into an energy company as well.

•RIDE-HAILING company Lyft is forming a research partnership with self-driving vehicle startup nuTonomy.

The companies will research how passengers book and route a selfdriving car and how they interact with it.

Boston-based nuTonomy has been testing self-driving taxis in Singapore since last summer.

It’s also testing selfdriving cars in Boston.

It plans to launch a self-driving ride-hailing service in Singapore next year.

San Francisco-based Lyft operates in 300 cities.

It has also partnered with General Motors Co. to research autonomous ride-hailing.

Lyft said Tuesday that its work with each partner is unique.

• GOOGLE is spearheading an educational campaign to teach preteen children how to protect themselves from scams, predators and other trouble.

The programme announced Tuesday is called “Be Internet Awesome.” Google coordinated the curriculum with several online safety groups, including the Family Online Safety Institute, the Internet Keep Safe Coalition and Connect Safely.

The lessons are tailored for kids ranging from eight to 12 years old, a time when many of today’s children are getting their own smartphones and other devices that connect to the internet.

To make the experience more fun, Google and its partners developed a game called “Interland” to help teach children about the ins and outs of online safety.

Google is encouraging teachers to use elements of its programme in their classrooms, too.

• ALPHABET’S stock on Monday surpassed the $1,000 mark for the first time, less than a week after Amazon’s shares reached the same milestone.

Google’s parent is among the few companies that have been reluctant to split their stock.

Those splits make a company’s stock more affordable and generate brokerage fees.

But companies like online retail juggernaut Amazon and Alphabet have chosen to reward its long-term investors.

Shares of Alphabet Inc., which is based in Mountain View, California, gained $7.76 to close at $1,003.88.

PAGE 10, Wednesday, June 7, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

MAN ACCUSED WITH MURDER OVER STABBING OF 16-YEAR-OLD BOY

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A 19-YEAR-OLD man was charged with murder in the Eight Mile Rock Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday in

connection with the stabbing death of a 16-year-old male resident of the community.

Anthony Dames, of Beaconsfield, Freeport, appeared before Magistrate Gwendolyn Claude on the charge of murder. He was

not required to enter a plea the charge.

The matter is in relation to the stabbing death on May 29 of 16-year-old Rudolph Livingston of Pinedale, Eight Mile Rock.

The prosecution indicated that it was expected

to proceed with the matter by way of a voluntary bill indictment. The matter was adjourned to September 7 for trial.

Dames was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDCS) until his trial.

Meanwhile in Freeport, a 23-year-old male resident of West Grand Bahama was charged with armed robbery.

Isaiah Walkine, of Holmes Rock, appeared before Magistrate Charlton Smith in Court Two in connection with an armed robbery inci-

dent that occurred on May 26. He was not required to enter a plea to the charge and the matter was adjourned to August 1 for a preliminary inquiry.

Walkine was remanded to the BDCS in New Providence.

Candidate who left council post to run again for local government

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net CHERVITA Campbell, the former chief councillor who stepped down from her post in 2015 from the City of Freeport Council, is again offering herself as a candidate in the local government elections set for June 22.

Putting the past behind her, Ms Campbell said she is ready to move forward, but also wanted to bring “light and clarity” about her demitting the post.

In a statement issued to The Tribune, she explained that her removal came as result of a breach of proto-

col, and did not involve any malfeasance. She admits that her action was a “mistake”.

In 2015, Ms Campbell was accused of fraudulent contract bidding and was pressured by council members to step down pending the outcome of a police investigation into the matter. She denied the allegations but later left after continuous pressure from council members, and remained an active council member in good standing.

“I wish to unequivocally state that I was asked to step down as chief councillor, not because of any malfeasance, but a breach

of protocol,” she said in her statement.

“This mistake of the protocol was then exploited for selfish political ambitions of some and wider partisan political design of others which became clear for all to see in the recent general elections.

“Proof that there was no malfeasance on my part is the fact that I remained as an active and voting member of the Freeport City Council after demitting the chair,” said Ms Campbell.

There are three local government districts in Grand Bahama: West Grand Bahama, East Grand Bahama and the City of Freeport.

The Freeport District has four townships, which consist of a total of nine seats.

Central Grand Bahama, East Grand Bahama and Pineridge each have two seats, and Marco City has three positions, where Ms Campbell is vying to be elected.

As an active council member, Ms Campbell said that she continued to serve and perform her duties.

She listed several accomplishments she was able to achieve before and after her stepping down from the top post, which included her attendance at the Caribbean Association of Local Government Authorities (CALGA) event in October

2016 representing the Bahamas, and being elected as secretary of CALGA for the year 2016 to present.

In her capacity as secretary of the CALGA, Ms Campbell said that she is actively seeking to have the Caribbean Urban Forum (CUF) choose Grand Bahama as its next meeting site.

Ms Campbell noted that she had made contributions through her participation in consultation for local government reform and the strategies for the introduction of local government to New Providence.

In Grand Bahama, Ms Campbell re-introduced the summer employee pro-

gramme after a six-year absence in Freeport; implemented a special needs summer camp for children; and oversaw the upgrade of the electrical system at the Independence Park among other things.

Ms Campbell claimed that no major projects have been undertaken or executed by the Freeport City Council since her departure as the chief councillor.

She said it is important that individuals seeking to serve the people of Freeport do so irrespective of their political affiliations.

Ms Campbell also thanked members of the public for their support and words of encouragement.

NOMINATION DAY FOR CANDIDATES VYING FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT SEATS

FLANKED by her mother and members of her team, candidate Tammi Mitchell (seated right) accepts her nomination papers from Cecil Thompson during nomination day for local government candidates in Freeport.

Photos: Vandyke Hepburn/BIS

ADMINISTRATOR for the City of Freeport Preston Cunningham (standing, with shades) on Tuesday, June 6, oversaw the nomination of a number of candidates for the upcoming local government elections set for June 22.

CANDIDATES looking to throw their names in the hat to become local government representatives in Grand Bahama nominated themselves for the posts yesterday.

Candidates representing every constituency on the island showed up to various nomination centres throughout the island, hoping to secure sufficient

Memorial Service for PATRIARCH RICHMOND BOSTWICK, 89 of Hospital Lane and formally of Ragged Island, will be held on Thursday, June 8th, 2017 at the Restview Memorial Mortuary Chapel at 10.00 am. Officiating will be Rev. Melvin Grant. Interment will follow in Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery.

Loving memories will forever remain in the hearts of his Daughters: Bernadette Bostwick-Clayborne, Carol Bostwick-Knowles and Keva Williams; Son-in-Laws: Keith Clayborne, Anthony Knowles and Georg Williams; Grandsons: Kishon Clayborne, Kendall Clayborne, Kendrick Clayborne, Kyle Clayborne, Anthony Jr. Knowles, Amarri Knowles and Alix Knowles, Leon, Deon and Deangelo Williams; Great grandchildren: Sebastian Clayborne, Kjerstin Clayborne, Kanaan Clayborne, Sophia Clayborne, Karolin Clayborne, Alan Knowles, Dyllian Knowles, Aden Knowles, Athen Knowles and Alec Knowles; Sisters: Cleopatra Nixon and Mizpha Higgins; Nieces: Dorette Nixon Sweeting, Calilasta Austin Johnson, Stephanie Armbrister, Cherry Williams, Jackie Adderley, Michelle McKenzie, Patricia Newry, Ann Bain, Telesine Adderley, Dianne Austin- Williams and Donette Archer-Williamson; Nephews: Stephen Adderley, Raymond Farquharson, Reginald “Billy” Austin and Marcian Nixon; Other relatives and friends: Mr. Willie Weeks (Best friend), the Hospital Lane Crew, Sands Family, Orlando Family, Nicholls Family and Marshall Family and other relatives and friends.

THERE WILL BE NO PUBLIC VIEWING. Persons wishing to sign the book of condolences may do so at Restview Memorial Mortuary and Crematorium Limited, Robinson and Soldier Roads on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until service concludes.

votes on June 22 to get a seat at the table and represent their respective constituencies.

Administrator of Freeport Preston Cunningham said while he was not in a position to say exactly how many persons were nominating early on Tuesday morning, “a whole lot of people are expected to come forward to be nomi-

nated.”

Local government started in June 1996 and the Local Government Act provides for elections to take place once every three years.

“The polls will be taken on the 22nd of this month, and at the end of the poll, there will be a declaration in respect to who the winners are,” Mr Cunningham said.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, June 7, 2017, PAGE 11

No management structure put in place for national health insurance scheme from page one The Christie administration took the view that the National Health Insurance Act gives the minister responsible for the NHIA broad power to steer the direction of the institution, despite the mandate for a board.

It’s not clear how the new administration views this.

Health Minister Dr Duane Sands said yesterday that this will be examined by the Office of the Attorney General.

Nonetheless, he shared the concern of stakeholders over the lack of a formal structure managing NHI. “There is no legal authority for the NHI Secretariat to be doing what they are doing,” he said.

“You have to question the legitimacy of anything that has transpired in the absence of the enabling structure.”

According to the NHI Act, the board of the NHIA is the governing body of the authority and is empowered to appoint a managing director as chief executive of the NHIA as well as other officials and staff.

In the absence of a board to execute this function, Dr Delon Brennan, project manager at the NHI Secretariat, is functioning in the role of acting managing director of the NHIA, The Tribune understands.

He does not formally have that role, however, because he has not signed a contract relating to it, this newspaper was told.

Likewise, other figures, including the legal advisor and financial controller, have also not entered into contracts with the NHIA. They are, however, employed through the NHI Secretariat.

In the meantime, low-

er-level workers of the NHIA have been engaged on short-term contracts that will be ratified once the NHIA board is established.

The intention had been for the NHIA board to be established after the universal healthcare (UHC) steering committee and stakeholder advisory council were disbanded.

It was expected that some members from the advisory committee would have transitioned onto the NHIA board once the NHI Act came into force and the board was established.

But after the May 10 election, this plan was put in limbo.

“Recommendations were sought from the private sector for members of the board,” said Emanuel Komolafe, president of the Bahamas Insurance Association (BIA). “A number of representatives are supposed to be on that board but that board has not been established. Even though the Act is enforced, what is the formal constitution of the NHIA in terms of the establishment of a board of directors and subsequent to that the engagement of a management team and staff? It’s about proper governance of the entity.

You’re getting into agreements with service providers but under which authority? And in the absence of a fully functional managing team, a board, a public insurer, registered health administrators, and regulations for NHI, we in the insurance industry are not clear what model is being used for NHI.” Although regulations for NHI were expected to be released months ago, they never were.

The delay could be prolonged now following the change in the governing administration, a source familiar with the matter

suggested to The Tribune, as officials must now align NHI with the priorities of the Minnis administration and its focus on providing catastrophic care coverage to Bahamians.

The absence of regulations is seen by some stakeholders as a hindrance to the involvement of some potential regulated health administrators (insurance companies) and medical providers.

Despite concerns about the management structure of NHI, Dr Sands said the Minnis administration has

no plans to halt NHI. “Given the fact that people participated in good faith in the process based on information they received from the government, notwithstanding the challenges, we have to set them right,” he said.

He said the predicament the government now finds itself in is due to the Christie administration’s decision to go ahead with its NHI plans close to the general election, knowing that a number of key decisions would have to be made after the vote.

MINISTER of Health Dr Duane Sands touring Princess Margaret Hospital.

Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff

PAGE 12, Wednesday, June 7, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

STUDENTS COMPETE IN KARATE COMPETITION COURTESY OF BTC SMOKEY’S Karate School has been offering martial arts training to Bahamians for over 15 years.

BTC has donated funds to enable karate students to compete in the 44th Annual US Open ISKA (International Sport Karate Association) Championships.

The event will take place in Orlando next month.

“I want to thank BTC for their continued support of Smokey’s Karate School and helping us to excel in martial arts. We have been taking part in this competition for many years now and BTC has been there for us every step of the way,”

said Ronald Martin, master at Smokey’s Karate School.

The funds will assist with defraying travel and accommodation expenses for those students that face financial challenges.

Manager for public relations Indira Collie said: “Mr Martin has invested much of his life, not just teaching his students the art of karate, but also mentoring them to become responsible citizens. We are proud to support his programme, he is definitely a part of the BTC family and we wish the kids best of luck as they compete next month.”

MATTHEW MOXEY, BTC PR Intern and Master Ronald “Smokey” Martin.

Latest murder victims are identified

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

POLICE have officially identified the three men who were killed over the holiday period in three separate incidents in New Providence and Acklins.

Police said Zachary Williams, 34; David Alexander Hanna, 47; and Livingston Mychal Rolle, 46 were the three men killed between Sunday morning and Monday night, pushing the murder count to 62 for the year, according to The Tribune’s records.

According to police, Rolle was killed shortly after 5pm on Monday off Okra Hill Road. Williams was killed after a shooting on Mackey Street and Wulff Road around 9pm that same day.

At the time, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Stephen Dean said police were unsure of the motive and had no suspects in custody in connection with the first homicide. De-

THE SCENE off Okra Hill after Livingston Mychal Rolle was shot dead on Monday.

Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff tails of the latter incident who was found dead out- cal clinic for multiple stab dent Solomon Cash said Hanna was involved in an were also sketchy at the side his home in Acklins wounds. early Sunday morning, Officer-in-charge of the argument with a suspect time.

Meanwhile, Hanna was hours after he was treated Central Detective Unit early Saturday morning at identified as the individual and released from the lo- (CDU), Chief Superinten- Mason’s Bay and then a

second argument later in the evening which led to the suspect being hit with a bottle and Hanna being stabbed.

Hanna was later found dead outside his home in Delectable Bay at around 8.30am on Sunday, Chief Supt Cash said.

A suspect is in police custody in New Providence in reference to this matter.

On Monday, Chief Supt Cash said police were unsure if Hanna died from his previous stab wounds or if he suffered “new injuries” after he left the clinic. He said Hanna’s body was flown to the capital and that an autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death.

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, CDU at 502-9991 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 328TIPS.

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