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VOLUME:116 No.115, JUNE 11TH, 2019

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PA GE S SPORT: ONE-POINT WIN FOR WARRIORS IN THRILLER

Autopsies reveal friends drowned But finding fails to silence questions over Turin deaths

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

INITIAL reports from the autopsies of Alrae Ramsey and Blair John have added another layer of questions to the mystery of the men’s deaths.

According to some Italian news outlets, results of the autopsies conducted yesterday confirm both men died as a result of drowning.

There were also wounds on one of them that suggested his body was dragged, other reports say.

John’s mother Cathleen Rahming told The Tribune

last week that he was a strong swimmer and fit.

His relatives, The Tribune was told, have rejected the autopsy findings and are waiting for CCTV evidence that could give better insight into the situation.

A source close to the matter told this newspaper that a third Bahamian was to meet both Ramsey and John in Italy, but he never made the trip due to an issue with a visa.

He allegedly booked the room at bed and breakfast, Via la Loggia 2 in Turin, where the men were staying.

SEE PAGE SEVEN

A PROMINENT Bahamian publishing company - which is in no way connected with The Tribune and its affiliates - is suing the government for $28.8m with interest to secure payment for the production of more than five million publications promoting and advertising The Bahamas.

Etienne Dupuch Jr Publications Limited, also known as Dupuch Publications, is

suing for $28,875,061, which it asserts is the amount due and owing to it for producing 1.7 million magazines, books and maps per year and circulating them throughout The Bahamas and in 11,000 hotel rooms at a price of $6.7m per year for three years.

Dupuch Publications alleges that the $28.8m it seeks is the end result of a breach of contract by Tourism and Aviation Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar and his ministry concerning an SEE PAGE SIX

FACE-TO-FACE

ADRIANNA BIDS TO BE NEXT STAR OF THE VOICE

SEE PAGE EIGHT

MARIJUANA: WE CAN’T BE LEFT BEHIND

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net MARIJUANA is an “industry that we should not turn our back on”, Caribbean Development Bank president Dr William Warren Smith has warned, adding it would be “foolhardy” for countries in the region not to capitalise on the opportunities the plant brings for the medical, agriculture and trade industries.

Describing the industry as “legitimate”, Dr Smith also expressed his belief that it is a “matter of time” before marijuana laws will change “across the region”.

SEE PAGE SIX

BRAVE: PLP NEEDS MORE WOMEN MPS

DUPUCH HITS GOVT WITH $28M WRIT OVER DEBT

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

HOME

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

A TRAGEDY REMEMBERED

THE TRAGEDY of last year’s Labour Day Parade was remembered at this year’s event at the weekend. Full story - Page 3 Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

THE Progressive Liberal Party’s 2022 slate will be composed of 30 percent to 40 percent women candidates, according to party leader, Philip “Brave” Davis.

The announcement came during a recent press conference in response to questions posed by reporters over the lack of female representation in Bahamian politics.

SEE PAGE 13

ROLLE BLASTS CORRUPTION CLAIMS

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

ACTING Deputy Commissioner of Police Paul Rolle has threatened to take action against Bitcoin millionaire John McAfee after he unleashed a tweet storm over the last few days, making damaging claims about corruption in the US government and Bahamian officials.

Mr Rolle yesterday denied the allegations made

PAUL Rolle and, right, McAfee about him on Twitter by Mr McAfee, who is described on international news sites as a “fugitive of the law” for

US tax evasion. During Mr McAfee’s Twitter rant, Mr Rolle and Royal Bahamas Defence Force Commodore Tellis Bethel were named.

While Commodore Bethel said yesterday he was aware of Mr McAfee’s accusations, he declined comment, telling The Tribune the matter has been referred to the police.

For his part, Mr Rolle said he planned to file a

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

SEE PAGE FIVE

PETER YOUNG NOT A BLEMISH AS TRUMP PULLS IT OFF

SEE PAGE TEN

PAGE 2, Tuesday, June 11, 2019

THE TRIBUNE

The five big winners at 100 JAMZ Secret Sound promotion

TOP: Agatha Gomes; Above, Crystal Jordan (left) and Welliyah Cargill; Below, Chenique Whylly; bottom: Allan Burrows.

FIVE lucky winners took home a combined $10,000 in cash prizes in the 100 JAMZ and The Beauty Shack’s “Secret Sound” contest powered by Stiletto’s Shoe Loft.

The contest concluded last week. During the promotion, the “Secret Sound” was played once per shift between 6am-10pm Monday through Friday, with listeners given the opportunity to call in to 100 JAMZ and guess the correct sound.

The jackpot started at $100 and increased by $100 per shift if there was no winner.

If there was a winner, the jackpot would reset to $100.

Crystal Jordan won $1,500; Welliyah Cargill won $500; Chenique Whylly won $300; Agatha Gomes won $6,500 and Allan Burrows won $1,200.

Ms Gomes, the largest winner of the contest stated, “What an awesome feeling, to finally get through and to solve that vexing question, ‘What was that sound?’ It was something

that everyone thought they knew.”

Ms Gomes correctly guessed the sound of “a sperm whale using echo location”, but described how it took several tries and help from an unexpected source to get the winning answer.

She added: “I was initially caller number 14 and my answer ‘toy monkey’ was incorrect. I tried again unsuccessfully with the answers, ‘cupboard opening’ and ‘golf balls’. My colleague and I made a pact to get the correct answer as she had tried ‘coin counter’ to her dismay. One morning, a student my colleague was transporting . . . [he] heard the sound and informed her that it was a sea creature. We were sceptical of this and of course turned to Google for clarification. Upon realising he was correct, we asked Malique how he knew this, and his reply was that he’s fond of watching National Geographic and sea creatures.

Big shout out to Malique for all his help.

“After realising we had the answer, now came the anxiety of being the tenth caller. I had the call number on speed dial and proceeded to try twice, with Special K in the morning and JJ in the afternoon. To no avail. I was unable to get through. My next chance was on Reality’s show and I heard the sound while on the beach and grabbed my phone to make the call. I was caller number five and I was about to hang up in a fury, but he said that I had the chance to guess.

I almost passed out from excitement but had to gather myself. He announced the jackpot of $6,500 and asked for the answer. I said, ‘Sperm whale clicking sonar echo location thingy’. Reality made me repeat the answer and yes, I said thingy. When he said that I was right, I screamed so much that my throat is still sore. Thank you 100 Jamz and thank you Malique. I hope he enjoys his share.”

100 JAMZ thanks to The Beauty Shack and Stiletto’s Shoe Loft for partnering on this promotion.

A tragedy remembered THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, June 11, 2019, PAGE 3

THE 2019 Randol Fawkes Labour Day and Junkanoo in Nassau and in Grand Bahama.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff and Vandyke Hepburn

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net KATHERINE Rodgers says her family has struggled to rewrite life a year after her loving and strong sister was tragically taken in an accident at last year’s Randol Fawkes Labour Day Parade.

The narrative is simply incomplete, she said, because Kathleen Rodgers’ laugh can no longer be heard, her smile never seen again and her outspoken nature gone forever.

Last year a truck mowed into a crowd causing the deaths of Rodgers, 51; 41-year-old Tabitha Haye; 48-year-old Tami Patrice Gibson and Dianna GrayFerguson, 55.

Eight people were also injured as a result.

“Honestly, it’s rough,” Ms Rodgers told The Tribune

on Thursday, the day before thousands of workers prepared to march in honour of employees’ rights in the country.

She said emotions were running wild.

“It’s not just dealing with one day. The Labour Day march is coming up and it’s just so much different emotions, you laugh then you cry. It’s a roller coaster of emotions.”

But there may have been a silver lining in the midst of tragedy, she said.

“Her death has brought us closer as a family. You now know not to take anyone for granted because you never know where death is or who it would take and so we just learn to appreciate everyone, tell them you love them.

“She was such a strong and outspoken person until it’s like a part of her is just coming out in each and every

one of us. When we see it we just laugh and say look how she came out in you.

“She was always the outspoken one. A lot of us just wouldn’t say anything but now we find ourselves just being outspoken and it’s just like she is here because we see her in each and every one of us.”

Kathleen Rodgers left behind two children, three grandchildren, three brothers and two sisters.

While the family is closer now than ever before, her sister said the road to healing and closure seems harder to attain.

Friday’s Labour Day Parade honoured the women.

Thousands in both New Providence and Grand Bahama honoured them with the theme “Four Fallen Sisters”. Wreaths were also laid near where the tragedy took place.

Among them were presidents of major unions, who told reporters this year’s events were significant, although sombre.

Bahamas Union of Teachers president Belinda Wilson said the tragedy has forever changed labour movement celebrations.

She said: “This is a very sombre parade and I am honoured that we are able to just pause to honour our four fallen sisters and they’ve actually changed, I think, the mood and the modus operandi of the labour day parade going forward.

“But we just want to thank them posthumously for what they would have done for the labour movement and their unselfishness and so today we are going to honour and celebrate them.”

Darren Woods, Bahamas Hotel Catering and Allied

Workers Union president, added: “As we remember our fallen colleagues, it was unfortunate last year and also from our union we are also remembering our trustee who we lost on January 3 this year.

“So for us it’s kind of a fulfilment - a closure for the movement as a whole and just for us as a whole to recognise that some things happened and now we are paying respect to the persons who would have lost their lives tragically last year.”

Shortly after 10am on the date in question, participants in the annual Labour Day parade was walking

north on East Street in the vicinity of Shirley Street, when a green Ford F150 truck, which was a part of the parade, descended the hill towards Shirley Street.

The vehicle, which at the time reportedly had no driver, ran into a number of people who were a part of the parade, resulting in them receiving injuries. The vehicle came to a stop after hitting a Nissan vehicle, parked in a nearby parking lot.

Two people were pronounced dead at the scene, while 26 others were taken to hospital. Two women later died at the hospital, which was forced into mass casualty mode.

PAGE 4, Tuesday, June 11, 2019

THE TRIBUNE

The Tribune Limited NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI “Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”

LEON E. H. DUPUCH,

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jamaaltheartist@gmail.com

Publisher/Editor 1903-1914 Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt .

Publisher/Editor 1919-1972 Contributing Editor 1972-1991

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C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B. Publisher/Editor 1972-

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Break up the boys club WHEN you look at Parliament, you’d be forgiven for thinking it looks like a men’s club.

It is 37 years since Janet Bostwick – now Dame Janet – broke up the boysonly arrangement. She was the first female Member of Parliament, elected in 1982 and having been a Senator for five years before that. That’s a whole 12 years before current MP Travis Robinson was born.

Looking at the House now, it somehow doesn’t seem as if we’ve come very far since then.

There are just five women serving as MPs in Parliament today – out of 39.

For the FNM, there is Lanisha Rolle, Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe, Miriam Emmanuel and Shonel Ferguson, while on the PLP side sits Glenys Hanna Martin.

So it is welcome news that PLP leader Philip ‘Brave’ Davis has promised that his party’s slate of candidates for the next election will be 30 to 40 percent female.

And before one raises an eyebrow at that upper limit, he clarified to say that the amount could be 100 percent but it depends on those who make themselves available for selection.

This is a good start – though let’s

emphasise that word “start”. There remains a long way to go.

As it stands, The Bahamas is 147th out of 193 ountries for female representation at parliamentary level. But not only should we be looking at the number of women either sitting in Parliament or chosen as candidates – we should also be calling for those women who are elected to be appointed to senior roles.

Across in the FNM Cabinet, there is no woman in the senior posts for finance, education, national security, immigration, tourism, public works, health and so on. The solitary woman serving at Cabinet level for the FNM is Lanisha Rolle, who holds the Youth, Sports and Culture post.

Mr Davis also has a slightly easier time making that promise than his counterpart across the House – who has more sitting MPs who might wish to retain their seat for the next election. Nonetheless, his move is to be applauded – and we look forward to the candidates who will be offered a chance to follow in the footsteps of Dame Janet to take up a seat in the House.

If the next election is in 2022, that will mark a full 40 years since Dame Janet broke the mold. Surely we have waited long enough in following her lead.

The marijuana business A FEW years ago, you might have thought a bank president would be the last person you would expect to see cheering on the marijuana industry.

But Dr William Warren Smith, of the Caribbean Development Bank, is echoing what many others have been saying – don’t get left behind.

As laws around the world begin to change with regard to marijuana – sometimes decriminalisation, sometimes legalisation – The Bahamas looks increasingly like a stick in the mud.

Dr Smith says it is foolhardy for the region not to get in on the opportunities available – even saying the bank could fund research for the industry.

What has The Bahamas done about it so far? Well, it has formed the Bahamas National Commission on Marijuana – which hasn’t reported anything back yet.

We would also note that as well as the possible income that the industry could bring, there is also the benefit that could come from no longer locking up young men for a few ounces of the drug. A financial saving to the courts, a saving to the prison – and perhaps saving their lives from a path of crime with a record attached for a minor incident.

The time really has come for change – so let’s stop falling behind everyone else and lead.

Flying to a solution EDITOR, The Tribune THE Minister recently announced that the biggest drag on Bahamasir’s profit was the high and increasing price of fuel, which he cited as approaching $85 per barrel. Even allowing for a jet fuel premium, can management be so dim as to buy fuel at such a huge margin over the present West Texas Crude quote of about $54, in a flat or even declining trend? That price has come nowhere near $85 since briefly in 2017.

Of course the Minister is not responsible for the PLP’s rash decision to borrow US $120 million in 2016 to buy five new aircraft, which now must be paid off over seven years at an interest rate of 8.3% But he and his fellow FNM Cabinet members

certainly are responsible for doing nothing to end government ownership, which sucks a subsidy of about $20 million from our Treasury year after year.

While needing time and negotiating expertise to complete, the solution is obvious: 1. Strip out all Bahamasair’s long-term debt into a special purpose vehicle bearing government’s direct credit obligation (in effect, government is already responsible for Bahamasair debt).

2. Encourage our several competent privately owned airlines to form a consortium to take over and manage Bahamasair, providing services and operating routes as required by URCA in the public interest. The new owner could arrange consultancies or minority

interests with foreign groups, but would retain active Bahamian control.

3. This private sector entity would operate on strict commercial principles without employee featherbedding or favoritism . It would probably hire a considerable number of Bahamasair’s excellent pilots, air crew and ground staff, terminating others with adequate severance pay. It might even retain the Bahamasair name and logo, while emphasising “under new management”.

It is hard to see any public opposition to this “Bahamian” solution, but the initiative for it will have to be launched by government .

RICHARD COULSON Nassau June 8, 2019

Time to reform pension system EDITOR, The Tribune RIGHT thinking Bahamians everywhere should be calling for reform to our current pension system. While I agree with certain positions in government receiving pensions for a specific duration of national service, there has to be a limit on the amount of sources a person can tap into to receive pensions from the public treasury.

It is my view that only

a Prime Minister that has served at least eight years should be able to receive two pensions, one for the PM post and the other for being a Member of Parliament. No other person, be they a former government minister or their spouse should be allowed to draw more than one pension from the treasury for their lifetime, and if they are offered a pensionable post, the lesser paying pension should be withdrawn.

Can we please stop selecting people who are already collecting pensions from the government to pensionable positions that will allow them to reap even more benefits from the public purse on the backs of Bahamian taxpayers? It is a despicable act of political patronage that is an affront to struggling Bahamian taxpayers.

JB Nassau, June 5, 2019.

People who work hard are being prosecuted EDITOR, The Tribune THE government recently made changes to various tax laws, which included the criminalisation of non-payment of taxes.

This means that, in The Bahamas, you can now end up in prison for not paying, among others, Real Property Taxes.

Previously, this breach would have ended in administrative fines and penalties.

Now, we have the Minister of Finance and the Financial Secretary boasting that they will spend millions of dollars to assemble a team of ‘enforcers’ to track down those who may be delinquent, for whatever reason, and to go door-todoor searching for such delinquents. The justification for this is that there is almost $480 million dollars in RP Tax outstanding.

The Real Property Tax Act came into force in 1969.

Meaning that the $480 million of arrears (including interest and surcharges) to which they refer, have accumulated over fifty years.

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net In stark contrast to this mercenary approach that has been adopted, we have a government that recently legalised gambling for locals, and, in the process, did not confiscate a single dollar of illegal assets that were accumulated during the decades before, did not prosecute or imprison a single person involved in the illegal activity, did not bar a single one of the illegal operators from participating in the legalised gaming, and imposed only a nominal rate of taxation on the winnings of these operations. Moreover, all of this was done AGAINST the will of the people, as expressed in a national referendum on the subject. Then, to add salt to our wounds, after the new government announced their intention to increase the tax rate on these gambling operations, the operators refused to pay. And the response

of the government was to reverse course, reduce the proposed tax rate and forgive the first six months of the new tax. Even now, some of the operators continue to refuse to pay. And NONE of them has been hunted down, prosecuted, or threatened with imprisonment.

But the government wants to prosecute hardworking people, who struggled to build a home or build a small business because they are unable to pay property taxes on time?

Have we gone mad?

And here is the final rub.

The gambling operators have been permitted to take home almost $250 million a year for themselves, while the government proposes to spend millions and persecute thousands of people to try to collect $480 million. In just two years, they would have this amount if they had nationalised gambling.

If there is justice, it will surely be meted out in 2022.

SHAYNE DAVIS Nassau June 5, 2019

We’re losing the silent revolution EDITOR, The Tribune

A note to our Government: eight out of 10 women in the maternity ward of the Princess Margaret Hospital are Haitian; this from a nurse who works there. 60% of the patients at the Government Clinic are Haitian; this from a nurse who works there.

40% of the children at Abaco Central are Haitian.

Similar number of children at Abaco Primary are Haitian. All the Haitian women in the Mud are holding a toddler by the hand,

carrying a child in the arms and pregnant with another one.

Are you too busy with politics to realise that there is a silent revolution happening in our country, and we’re losing?

We know a fine young Bahamian boy who is desperately looking for work and can’t find it….

I don’t have a problem with immigration, I have a problem with Illegal Immigration. Americans fought for their freedom and independence. Haitians should fight for theirs, not take ours.

CALL TO ACTION: The law that gives automatic citizenship to foreign nationals born in this country should be abolished immediately.

And all illegal foreign nationals who enter our hospitals to give birth should have, as part of their paperwork, an agreement to have their tubes tied. Sound tough?

Well, you’re paying for it.

ANONYMOUS Nassau June 5, 2019

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, June 11, 2019, PAGE 5

Police chief Rolle threatens legal action against Bitcoin tycoon McAfee ABOVE: John McAfee pictured in South Beach, Florida in 2012. Right: Royal Bahamas Defence Force Commodore Tellis Bethel; far right: Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Paul Rolle. from page one lawsuit as the tweets are potentially damaging to his reputation.

He further denied knowing Mr McAfee or having any dealings with institutions he named in the tweets. The tweets were also circulated on other platforms – WhatsApp and Facebook.

“It was brought to my attention last evening a series of WhatsApp messages from an individual making accusations about some payment to me,” Mr Rolle said in a statement released on Monday. “I wish to say categorically that I do not know these persons nor have had any dealings with them or the institution of which he or she spoke and have not received any monies from anybody in relations to any government contract.

“I have no dealing with contracts other than to investigate alleged corrupt acts by persons involved. I have no business relationship with Fidelity Bank and have no idea of what the person speaks. If the individual or any of the

institutions mentioned have information or evidence purporting to support their claims, I invite them to take it to the authorities.”

Mr Rolle, head of the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s Anti-Corruption Unit, further criticised those who use social media irresponsibly.

“I just wish to say that I am aware that media plays a constructive role in today’s society – from increasing public awareness to collecting views, information, and also the attitude of the people towards certain issues. I also understand that media can aid in promoting the right things at a right point in time or can make use of any situation to create disturbance around the people or in the country.

“The Bahamas constitution provides fundamental rights and freedoms but subject to respect for the rights and freedoms of others, to freedom, of expression. I do, however, have grave concerns for the misuse of social media by some who lack the moral fortitude to do right and ignore the rights of others and take pleasure in the use of the various mediums to malign

and defame the reputation and character of others.

“I wish to encourage every citizen and resident to strive to make responsible use of social media for good and abhor the destructive and divisive behaviours that have become so prevalent in our Bahamas. There are those who chose to use the media and social media to launch personal and insinuated attacks against me. Some of it by persons whom I held in high regards and some by those whom I don’t even know and by others whom I dare say don’t know me. This is most unfortunate.

“These latest allegations serve to demonstrate just how low some people would go just to make a point. We must as a people abhor the tribalism and cannibalism of each other.

I will be making formal complaints to the relevant agencies,” Mr Rolle said.

In his Twitter rant Mr McAfee also warned the US government to leave him alone or he will “f***ing bury” them. He claimed the US Department of Justice is compiling a bogus case against him for money laundering, racketeering and murder.

He tweeted: “From friends in the State Department: The DOJ trumped up charges against me for murder, money laundering and racketeering…A conspiracy is unfolding. Proof coming.”

“I’ve collected files on corruption in governments.

For the first time, I’m naming names and specifics. “…If I’m arrested or disappear, 31+ terabytes of incriminating data will be released to the press.”

John McAfee is a BritishAmerican businessman and programmer who founded

software company McAfee Associates in 1987 and ran it until 1994 when he resigned.

In January, he tweeted that he had not paid US taxes in eight years. He also announced at the time that he planned to run for the US presidency.

PAGE 6, Tuesday, June 11, 2019

THE TRIBUNE

Dupuch hits govt with $28m legal writ over debt from page one agreement his ministry entered into with the latter on or about November 26, 2014. Dupuch Publications is also seeking damages against Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest in particular for what has been claimed is “unlawful interference” in the contractual agreement between itself and Mr D’Aguilar and his ministry for the production of the publications in question.

Dupuch Publications alleges that Mr Turnquest induced, incited, procured, persuaded,

encouraged, facilitated, and advised Mr D’Aguilar to not only breach the contract, but to misrepresent to Parliament the nature of the contract and the time of his knowledge of the contract.

Furthermore, Dupuch Publications asserts that Mr Turnquest’s “unlawful interference” extends to his alleged refusal to pay it for the work done, which was in breach of the “fully performed contract” for the production of over 5.0-million publications.

Dupuch Publications is also seeking damages against Mr Turnquest claiming misfeasance of public office, as well as aggravated

DIONISIO D’AGUILAR, left, and his ministry, as well as Peter Turnquest, above, are listed as the defendants in the matter. Attorney General Carl Bethel, right, is also being sued in his representative capacity to the other three defendants.

and exemplary damages for misfeasance of public office. It is also seeking aggravated and exemplary damages against Mr D’Aguilar claiming breach of contract.

Dupuch Publications is also seeking an injunction or order restraining Messrs D’Aguilar and Turnquest, whether by themselves, their servants, agents or otherwise, from inducing or procuring breaches of or unlawfully interfering in the contract between itself and Mr D’Aguilar and the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation.

Dupuch Publications is also

seeking costs for the legal action, and such further or other relief as the court deems fit.

Accordingly, Mr D’Aguilar and his ministry, as well as Mr Turnquest are listed as the defendants in the matter. Attorney General Carl Bethel is also being sued in his representative capacity to the other three defendants.

According to the writ, filed May 31, the agreement was made on or about November 26, 2014 under Section 3 (e) of the Promotion of Tourism Act, 1963. It was made partly orally, partly in writing and partly by conduct and/or as a result of a course of dealing

between Dupuch Publications and the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation.

According to the writ, the agreement called for Dupuch Publications to produce 1.7m magazines, books and maps per year for three years that promoted and advertised the Bahamas, and to subsequently circulate those publications throughout The Bahamas and in 11,000 hotel guest rooms in Nassau, Cable Beach, Paradise Island, Freeport and Lucaya in Grand Bahama at a price of $6,700,000 per year.

The plaintiff is represented by Sears and Co.

MARIJUANA: WE CAN’T BE LEFT BEHIND, ARGUES BANK CHIEF from page one

Noting other countries the world over have already taken up this mantle, Dr Smith implored the region not to be “left behind”.

He also said he sees “no

reason” why the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) can’t be involved in funding academic research related to the industry.

Dr Smith made these comments during a press conference held on Thursday to close the 49th annual

Board of Governors Meeting of the CDB, held in Trinidad and Tobago.

When asked if marijuana should be totally decriminalised or legalised and whether the bank would be interested in financing marijuana-related businesses,

Dr Smith replied: “I think that medical marijuana and other aspects of the marijuana industry certainly are legitimate areas in which Caribbean countries, where the legislation has been passed, should become involved.

“I believe that it is only a matter of time before across the region, generally, that marijuana laws will change and it will create the basis for wider production and wider trade in these products. I think that is only a matter of time.”

The CDB president noted this is occurring in the United States and particularly in Canada, as the latter has passed “extensive legislation” surrounding the industry.

He also said Canadians are “already active” in the Caribbean, where they are investing in marijuanarelated products - and noted other countries are doing the same.

“I see no reason why ultimately the CDB cannot be involved in that type of work,” Dr Smith continued. “We can also be involved in financing research through the universities and other academic institutions.

“And there’s a tradition, a long-standing tradition, in virtually all of the Caribbean countries, of the use of marijuana, even when it was illegal.

“Now that it is becoming legal and there is more official recognition of the benefits that can be derived from the use of the marijuana plant, it is an industry that we should not turn our back on.”

Dr Smith also pointed to the potential for diversification of a number of existing industries.

“And it is another opportunity for us to diversify our economies, it’s another way for us to diversify our agricultural sector, and also our agro-processing sector, and our medical industries,” he said.

“So I think it will be foolhardy not to do so. A country like Israel is very, very well-advanced in taking advantage of the many benefits of marijuana. There’s a lot we can learn from Israel and other countries like Canada as to

DR WILLIAM WARREN SMITH what can be done with that product. If we don’t do it, believe me, other countries are going to do it and we’ll be left behind.”

Regional countries where cannabis is legal in some form include Jamaica, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Antigua and Barbuda, the Cayman Islands.

The marijuana decriminalisation debate has been a hot-button issue in the Bahamas. Last month, Official Opposition Leader Philip “Brave” Davis confirmed his support for the decriminalisation of recreational marijuana and the expunction of the records of those who have been convicted of possessing small amounts of the drug.

Last July, a CARICOM committee released a report calling for the end of marijuana prohibition in the region. Also last year, Public Domain released a poll which said 71 percent of 998 Bahamian residents surveyed believed marijuana should be legalised for medicinal purposes, and all respondents ranked marijuana as the least harmful substance by comparison to tobacco, alcohol, and sugar, across the board.

The Bahamas National Commission on Marijuana (BNCM) was also formed to “codify” Bahamians’ view on “all things related to marijuana” and make recommendations to the government on all positions concerning the drug.

The group has yet to report on its findings.

Editorial View - Page 4

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, June 11, 2019, PAGE 7

Man shot dead in Nassau Village

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net POLICE are investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting death of a man in the Nassau Village community on Sunday night.

According to police reports, shortly before 9pm, a man was standing in front of a home on Price Street, when he was approached by a vehicle.

The vehicle’s occupants fired at him, hitting him in his body, before speeding off.

Paramedics were called and attempted to revive the victim, whose identity has not been released. They were unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Meanwhile, police are also investigating yesterday’s theft of an undisclosed amount of cash from the ATM of Commonwealth Bank on Prince Charles Drive.

Details were scant up to press time yesterday, but The Tribune understands police were tipped off about the robbery from Wemco Security concerning an alarm activation.

POLICE at the scene of a murder over the weekend.

Photo: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff The Tribune also understands that security guards reported seeing at least two men wearing masks fleeing the scene. It is unclear how much money was stolen.

Police also reported that a boy is in hospital after being beaten by a group of men – including by one armed with a shovel – last week. The attack

took place on Friday afternoon.

In a statement, police said: “According to reports, shortly after 2pm, a juvenile male was walking on Finlayson Street off Poinciana Drive, when he was approached by a group of men, one armed with a shovel, who beat him about the head and body causing Injuries, before running away.”

The injured teen was taken to hospital, where he is in serious condition. Officers are investigating the incident as grievous harm.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Central Detective Unit at 502-9991/2, Crime Stoppers at 328-TIPS (8477) or the nearest police station.

Autopsies reveal friends drowned from page one Italian authorities first pulled the remains of Ramsey from the Po River in Turin, Italy last Tuesday.

John’s corpse was recovered several hours after.

The developments came as Ellison Greenslade, high commissioner of The Bahamas to the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, has been dispatched to Italy to make further inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The former police commissioner arrived in Italy on Saturday.

According to Italian news outlet Torino Today, there was also confusion over the

men’s luggage. The translated article is below.

“Corpses Alraé Ramsey and Blair John both drowned, no signs of violence, corpses found in the river Po on 4 and 5 June 2019,” the Italian report read. “Both Alraé Ramsey and Blair John, the two Bahamians of 29 and 28 years whose bodies were fished out of the Po River on 4 and 5 June 2019, both died. These are the first findings of the autopsy performed by the coroner Paola Rapetti, charged by prosecutors Giulia Rizzo and Enzo Bucarelli, who coordinate the investigations carried out by the police team of the police on their disappearance.

“The wounds found on one of the two bodies are not fatal and could even be the result of body dragging.

Toxicological examinations are still in progress to establish whether the two had taken substances (poisons, alcohol, drugs) before ending up in the water.

“In the afternoon, the police also found their luggage. They had not been stolen but were simply in another locked room in the Via La Loggia bed & breakfast where the two had spent the last days of their lives.”

Another news agency Torino la Repubblica said of the suitcases: “The investigators of the police squad of the police station found

in a closed room of the bed & breakfast, in via La Loggia 2, where the two friends lodged all the suitcases that seemed to have disappeared.

“And they are doing all the investigations to understand why they were moved and who moved them.”

It also said: “The two lived for a long time away and the trip to Italy had been an opportunity to get together. There should have been three of them, with a reservation for four nights in a bed & breakfast near

the Lingotto, from 28 to 31 May. On June 1, Ramsey was supposed to return to Vienna - where he should have taken an exam - and the other to Canada, where he lived. A third friend who had booked and paid for the room with his credit card from Minnesota where he lives had changed plans and never showed up at the hotel. The Bahamian community does not believe in the incident hypothesis.”

However, another Italian news source claimed their suitcases were found a few

hundred metres away from the park in a trash bin.

Ramsey, a foreign service officer on study leave in Vienna, was reportedly in Turin on a break. He and his friend, John, were staying at a bed and breakfast establishment at Via la Loggia 2 in Turin.

John, a 28-year-old Saint Mary’s University graduate student, was there to attend a psychology conference.

The men both attended the same high school, Saint Augustine’s College in New Providence.

PAGE 8, Tuesday, June 11, 2019

THE TRIBUNE

Adrianna bidding to be the next star of The Voice W

HEN I got married on the beach last summer, a DJ and amplified instruments were out of the question. There were no electrical outlets nearby. It was an organic ceremony and I was in need of some organic sound. I had Michael Hoyte on steel pan, Gawain on saxophone, Anku Sa Ra on congo drums and vocalist Adrianna Munnings.

Adrianna had to rise to the occasion. She had to sing her heart out on a big, open beach space with about 100 guests, the sound of the ocean and instruments accompanying her at times. She performed beautifully. Her melodic voice carried in the wind and everyone could hear and enjoy. She sang songs like Maurette BrownClarke’s The One He Kept for Me as I walked up to meet my groom, and Anita Baker’s Sweet Love for our first dance, which we incorporated right into the ceremony. But this was only part of her magic. Before I even arrived, while the musicians were prepping, Adrianna was busy doing everything from helping with decorating to pinning boutonnières on the groom and his groomsmen. That speaks to her personality – a warm, kindhearted individual who loves to give.

The first time I met her, she had organised an exquisite night of love at St John’s College auditorium and had brought together about a dozen singers and entertainers for what turned out to be a fantastic night. The show was a great production and as I watched her perform, I knew Adrianna’s talent would take her far.

Now, two years later, Adrianna will have the opportunity to present her talent to people who could give her the opportunities she dreams of. Next month, Adrianna will be travelling to Atlanta to audition for a chance to perform on the popular talent television show, The Voice. The fourtime Emmy award-winning show features superstars

like John Legend, Kelly Clarkson, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton who coach undiscovered hopefuls in a fierce competition to discover who will be the next winning voice. Winners have gone on to have successful careers. Jamaican songstress Tessanne Chin won The Voice’s season five.

Adrianna believes it’s important to pave ways to success for yourself. “Well I’m proud to represent my country and I’m proud to be a citizen of The Bahamas,” she said. “I know that we think the government should do everything, but the Bible says ‘faith without works is dead’. We cannot sit around hoping things will happen; we have got to make things happen. That faith requires action and work.

“We have to stand even when we are misunderstood, judged, misused, criticised, rejected, or looked down upon. We have to make our own sunshine by the grace of God. As the saying goes, ‘mama may have, papa may have,

but God bless the child that has his own’. Never quit… a quitter never wins and a winner never quits. It doesn’t matter how long it takes, you have to be persistent, you have to be patient, you have to grow, you have to develop, and you must be passionate and focused.”

In preparation for her big audition day, Adrianna is eating healthy foods, exercising, sleeping well - and praying.

“I have been meditating on the word of God, reading up and just asking God for guidance and his protection and that I will be the light… that I get to the stage and that they will hear His voice through me and it would touch the soul,” she said.

She learned the power of prayer from her grandmother, Ethlyn Outten. She woke her grandchildren up at five or six in the morning for prayer sessions.

Each child would have the opportunity to pray. Adrianna remembers they were extensive prayers, where her grandmother would call the name of “everyone in

the world” she knew to get a blessing. This is typical in Family Island life.

Adrianna was born and bred in Mastic Point, Andros to parents Carolyn Forbes and Earnest Munnings. She first attended Mastic Point Primary school before she moved to Nassau and attended Stephen Dillett and CW Sawyer Primary. For high school, Adrianna returned to Andros and attended North Andros High School.

For senior high, she was back in Nassau and graduated at CC Sweeting Senior High.

Altogether, this allowed for great exposure to both environments.

As a child, she loved to write and she loved helping others. Elders noted her caring nature, always wanting to help someone feel better or cheer someone up. Eventually when Adrianna found her talent, she was able to help and heal through her voice.

Her uncle, Bishop Wilbert Rolle, had a ZNS radio gospel show called Hour of Redemption. At the age of seven, Adrianna made her first appearance on the show. Since then, Adrianna has never stopped singing.

She participated in church and school choirs, honing her talent along the way.

Today, her talents have expanded to include designing clothing and jewellery and baking.

In 2007, Sonia Brown, a

LEFT: Adrianna’s mother Carolyn Forbes and sister Antonique; top right: Adrianna playing keyboard and singing for a television appearance.

mother agent introduced Adrianna to Craig Baldwin, a scout from the US who was a part of the Launch Showcase. After watching Adrianna perform, he gave her a call back. Later that year, she was on her way to Nashville, Tennessee on her very first trip overseas. She did not sign a contract but in retrospect, Adrianna says “nothing happens before the fullness of its time”.

One of her fondest signing memories happened in the 1990s during the opening of the Atlantis Resort.

She was singing in the Atlantis choir and she had the opportunity to share the stage with greats like Michael Jackson, Donnie McClurkin, and Bebe and Cece Winans.

“I sang His Eye is on the Sparrow and I remember Bebe Winans coming up to me and holding my hand,” Adrianna shares.

“He said, ‘This girl can sing!’ Oprah filmed her show live from Atlantis.

It was just huge. I enjoyed every moment.”

Her career in hospitality continued at Sandals Royal Bahamian hotel as a room attendant. There, Adrianna went the extra mile by singing to the guests. If they were checking in, she would write a warm welcome card and if they were leaving, she would write another card wishing them all the best.

“I love to put a smile on people’s faces,” says Adrianna, “and I love when my music helps to bring joy, deliverance and healing to the heart, mind and soul.”

Adrianna has a plethora of songs that she has written and is working on producing. As she prepares to audition for The Voice, she looks back on a long history of competing. In 2009, she was the first female runner-up in Bahamian Idol produced

by Cedric Munnings. She was the winner at Fam Fest 2014 after a sing-off. She also won a contest named Island Star produced by Akeem Hanchell. She has participated in a number of other song competitions and has won some of them, including national song competitions. She has also hosted successful events of her own called Adrianna Munnings & Friends.

She merits mentors like Chris Fox, Eva McCartney, and Keith and Allison Rolle for pushing her in her singing career. She is also thankful for support from producers like Todd Marshall, Lamont Sweeting, and Orval and Aldo Stubbs. She travelled to the USA with Fox and was able to record her song Sweet Love, Pure Love, True Love. She also travelled to Detroit, Michigan and recorded her song, Don’t Give Up on Your Dreams.

That’s exactly what Adrianna is doing now as she prepares for The Voice.

Family is also high on Adrianna’s priority list. She is close with her siblings Anissa, Antonique, Calvin and Eanest Jr. She also raises her nephew Cameron as if he were her own son.

She is committed to her church, Jubilee Christian Ministries and enjoys praise and worship there.

“I am an overcomer,” Adrianna says. “There is greatness inside of me. I am unique and special and I want to make a difference in the lives of others.”

Search Adrianna Munnings on Youtube to watch her perform. For bookings, connect with her on Facebook, by email: soulofawoman78@yahoo.com or call 556-2091.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, June 11, 2019, PAGE 9

BAHAMASAIR TO SPEND $9.3M ON MAINTENANCE

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMASAIR will use $9.3m of its total budget in the new fiscal year on heavy maintenance to its planes and another $1m to move the airline’s headquarters to a building complex on Blake Road.

According to Tourism and Aviation Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar, the former administration’s plan to purchase five new ATR aircraft at a cost

of $120m to avoid exorbitant maintenance failed, leaving the national flag carrier now strapped with loans that can no longer be extended.

As a result, the government had to increase the airline’s allocation. In the previous fiscal year, Bahamasair received $13.4m - however for the approaching year, it will receive $22.4m.

“The greatest challenge to Bahamasair meeting its financial targets is the rising cost of fuel,” the minister

said during his contribution to the 2019/2020 budget debate last Thursday.

“The company spent $11.8m on fuel in 2017 and $18m on fuel in 2019. As tensions rise between the United States and China and Iran, this will negatively impact Bahamasair’s fuel costs as oil prices have recently risen to $85 a barrel when the experts were predicting that oil prices would be in the low $70s for most of 2019.”

He continued: “On April 25, 2016, Bahamasair

borrowed $120m - mostly in US dollars - at 8.3 percent to purchase the five new ATR aircraft, buy some parts, and pay off some old loans. The dream was that these new aircraft would reduce maintenance costs so much so that Bahamasair would be able to generate sufficient additional cash flow to service these loans.

“Needless to say, that was another one of those PLP dreams that never materialised and now that these loans have to be paid off over the next seven

years - no more extensions on principal repayments allowed - you will see a $9m increase in the budget allocation for Bahamasair going from $13.4m this year to $22.4m for next year.

“This $9m increase will be used to make principal repayments of $6m plus help mitigate some of the annual interest costs which will total approximately $9.5m for this year and next year.”

“Bahamasair plans to spend almost $12m on capital projects in the 2019/20

budget year. Almost 80 percent or $9.3m of that total will be spent on heavy maintenance and engine overhauls, but $1m is planned to facilitate the move of the company’s headquarters from its current location, which is a 50-year-old building still reeling from damages inflicted when Hurricane Matthew struck in October 2016, to a building complex on Blake Road, formerly used by Doctors Hospital,” Mr D’Aguilar said.

D’Aguilar gets tough with illegal charters

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net TOURISM and Aviation Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar said several “anti-hacking” measures have been enforced by the Bahamas Civil Aviation Authority to ensure pilots follow regulations.

Illegal charters, Mr D’Aguilar said, have remained a vexing problem for the authority.

However, officials hope to at least curtail the occurrence with the new measures.

“The authority has moved to end the practice of illegal air charter operations within Bahamian airspace,” the minster told parliamentarians on Thursday during his contribution to the 2019/2020 Budget debate.

“It has diligently implemented anti-hacking

initiatives through increased airport surveillance; launched public awareness campaigns to highlight the risks of travelling on illegal aircraft charters; proposed reforms to the civil aviation laws governing private pilots and general aviation operations; and pushed for strict enforcement of civil and criminal proceedings against illegal charter operators.

“Those involved in this nefarious activity have been encouraged to regularise their affairs through the authority and become properly licenced pilots and charter operators. In that regard, the authority has streamlined its certification process for obtaining the single pilot air operators certificate and has hosted several industry meetings to encourage prospective pilots to certify their activities properly.

“Additionally, the

authority has recently introduced new regulations, which will require additional screening of all persons gaining access to the secured areas of the General Aviation section. Further, all Bahamian persons holding foreign-issued licences will be required to have those licences converted to licences issued by the authority for the sole purpose of increased surveillance of the persons involved.”

He added: “The authority will increase enforcement activities and will aggressively pursue criminal and or civil penalties against all persons committing any activity that is not in compliance with regulatory requirements.

“Those persons who chose to remain unregulated, are engaging in criminal activities. Further, persons facilitating these activities also share culpability.”

ILLEGAL charters have remained a vexing problem for the authority, says D’Aguilar The beginning of 2018 was marred by the tragic crash of a private aircraft during a flight from San Andros Airport to Nassau’s International Airport. It resulted in the death of all six occupants, including the pilot.

The investigation into this crash revealed that the pilot was conducting an illegal charter at the time, as neither he nor the aircraft, which was registered in the United States, were duly licenced by the Bahamas Civil Aviation Authority to conduct commercial

aircraft operations within the Bahamas.

Therefore, the carriage of the persons on board, which the investigation determined was for hire, was illegal under the Bahamas civil aviation laws, Mr D’Aguilar said.

He said the investigation also revealed that this aircraft had been operating in the country without notice to the authority, as required by general regulations governing civil aviation activities.

“This most unfortunate accident and the findings

of the investigation were a stark reminder that more work must be done to combat the decades-old practice of illegal aircraft charters.

“Industry stakeholders and other national agencies are engaged in a collaborative effort to enact additional legislation and regulations, impose stricter enforcement actions, increase successful prosecutions of the offending pilots, and implement new initiatives to educate travellers and pilots about the risks of illegal air charters,” he said.

PAGE 10, Tuesday, June 11, 2019

S

INCE it is unusual for the US mainstream media to carry much news about Britain on a regular basis, I am always on the lookout for items from across the pond that might be of interest to readers of this column.

This week I need to have had no such concerns. President Trump’s state visit to Britain, as well as his attendance at the D-Day 75th anniversary commemorations to pay tribute to the thousands who gave their lives during the Normandy landings and beyond, received comprehensive US and British press coverage – and, in such circumstances, that was perhaps unsurprising given almost everything he does or says is considered newsworthy.

Many in the media were doubtless looking for drama surrounding the visit and were ready to pounce on any expected gaffes.

If so, they will have been disappointed since, to the relief of the organisers, the whole trip went off almost without a hitch and with no great shocks despite his customary straight talking and a string of presidential tweets having a go at various unfortunates who had displeased him in one way or another. These included hurling insults at the Mayor of London and calling the opposition Labour Party leader a ‘negative force’.

He also took an opportunity to comment that Brexit was needed for Britain to have its own identity and he was enthusiastic about a US/UK trade agreement, promising a ‘phenomenal’ deal, while talking as well about British domestic politics during conversations

THE TRIBUNE

Forget the blimp, Trump pulled this off without a blemish The Peter Young column with contenders for the Tory leadership following the resignation of Prime Minister Theresa May whom he praised warmly.

Surprisingly, the threatened public protests against his presence on a state visit seemed to be more low-key than anticipated despite the grotesque Trump baby blimp flown over Parliament Square.

So, overall the three-day visit - including some limited discussion of policy issues and attendance at

a D-Day commemorative event in Portsmouth in southern England as one of the places from which the Normandy invasion was launched - was considered a success. Nonetheless, it might be interesting to look briefly at the some of the after-effects.

As an unconventional and flawed figure with a combative personality who, in the opinion of many, is unfit to be US president and leader of the free world, Mr Trump was bound to attract criticism before and during his visit because, as everyone knows, he is a divisive and controversial figure who provokes fierce reactions. Some people in Britain regarded it as a disgrace to roll out - literally - the red carpet for him with a full ceremonial welcome including marching bands and 21-gun salutes together with a grand state banquet at Buckingham Palace followed by other high profile events. Others, however, maintained The Queen’s invitation was as much about the office of the presidency as the current incumbent and that it was appropriate to receive the representative of Britain’s oldest ally and to nurture

PRESIDENT Donald Trump talks to Queen Elizabeth during the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace last week. the famous special relationship with all due pomp and pageantry.

In his own direct and irreverent way, Mr Trump boasted about having connected well with The Queen, calling her a ‘spectacular and incredible woman’. Some American observers described her as Britain’s secret weapon who is seen as embodying an elegance and grace of a bygone era and who appears to be one of the few people who can inspire awe in him because of her experience, longevity and acquaintance with so many of his predecessors.

For her part, Her Majesty reminded him of the

significance of post-war international institutions and the rules-based world order and stressed the importance of multilateralism and co-operation in safeguarding the hardwon peace. This was a vital message to a leader who always puts America first; for example, as well as pulling out of the Paris climate change agreement and the Iran nuclear deal he is at odds with the UK over its dealings with the Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei which the Americans consider is too close to the Chinese state. There are also fears he could even undermine NATO, on which Europe’s security

depends, if other member states do not pay their fair share.

The Queen also emphasised the crucial role of the transatlantic alliance that will be even more important to Britain post-Brexit.

The evidence is clear that it is in the nation’s strong interest, with a shared history and common values, to continue to nurture the special relationship with the US. Thus, it is good news that Mr Trump has reaffirmed the importance of what he himself has described as the ‘extraordinary alliance’ between the two countries.

Since his return home, some commentators in the US are suggesting the more he travels abroad the better he understands how valuable America’s traditional alliances are for global peace together with the importance of protecting the liberal world order.

Maybe that is wishful thinking, but I believe his state visit to Britain should have been widely welcomed. It is good for Britain to do business, in the broadest sense, with a possible two-term US president who at least seems to have the nation’s best interests at heart.

While the D-Day anniversary is over, we must never forget the sacrifice

PEOPLE on Omaha beach, Normandy last week, where an American flag is planted.

IN THIS column two weeks ago, I wrote about the lead-up to the D-Day commemorations on June 6. I need to follow up today by mentioning the extremely well organised and successful events that have just taken place - in addition to the Portsmouth gathering in England, the mixture of commemorations and celebrations in France both on the Normandy beaches and at the Allies’ military cemeteries nearby. The presence of large numbers of bemedalled veterans took pride of place, with most now in their nineties and some looking in remarkably good health for their advanced years. But Mr Trump also deserves credit for his speech at the American cemetery at Omaha Beach where the majority of US forces landed as well as at Utah Beach.

While the fighting in all sectors was fierce, resulting in more than 4,000 troops being killed, the battle on Omaha Beach was considered to be the deadliest with US casualties extremely heavy in the face of stiff and unrelenting German resistance firing from clifftops.

It is hard for new generations to comprehend the sheer terror of young

men pitched in to this sort of appalling conflict – ordinary soldiers frightened and seasick forced to jump out of landing craft in to cold water in the face of a barrage of machine gun bullets. As the cynics say, politicians start the wars that ordinary people have to finish.

There were, of course, major ceremonies attended by so many British, Canadian and French veterans at the other beaches along the Normandy coast codenamed Gold, Juno and Sword. But, in the context of the President’s visit to Europe, I found it particularly interesting to watch his Omaha Beach speech.

Despite accusations that he lacks the dignity and gravitas needed for high office, this speech was exceptionally good both in terms of content and delivery and was apparently well received by all concerned. He is at his best in such situations and it was a remarkable performance which earned praise even from his most ferocious critics.

Behind it all, however, while this significant anniversary of the D-Day landings is over, the dreadful destruction and the sacrifice of so many lives must surely never be forgotten.

Boris off the hook

I WROTE last week about what appeared to me to be the farce of a leading British politician - and the current favourite to succeed Theresa May as Prime Minister - being forced to face a court summons on a charge of misconduct in a public office. Displaying a disturbing lack of proportion and good sense, a district judge sitting in Westminster Magistrates Court had ruled Boris Johnson should answer charges, brought in a private prosecution, over a claim that he had lied by saying the UK government gave the European Union the equivalent of $450 million per week as a membership fee when the figure was significantly lower after the annual EU rebate.

Having commented that, whatever the facts, this should never have developed into a criminal case because it amounted to an assault on free speech, I hoped the judge’s decision

BORIS JOHNSON would be overturned. Lo and behold, that is exactly what has now happened.

After Mr Johnson mounted an immediate legal challenge on the grounds the case was politically motivated and vexatious, two High Court judges took just five minutes to rule the summons was unlawful and therefore quashed it. They said they would provide their reasoning at a later date.

In my view, it was utterly idiotic from the start to try to prosecute him for

supposedly misleading people on the campaign trail when canvassing, in advance of the 2016 EU referendum, in favour of leaving the bloc.

Politicians lie constantly and the validity of the figures was anyway always a matter of debate.

This case now seems so absurd that it is not worth worrying about further.

But the original decision that Mr Johnson should be hauled before a court remains a serious matter because it amounts to an ill-advised incursion by the judiciary into the political arena and an attack on free speech.

In undeveloped democracies the law can be used to stop free speech. If that can even be attempted in a well-ordered and historic democracy like Britain, it is a potentially dangerous development and it could happen in other countries.

The people need to be on their guard.

THE TRIBUNE

By RIEL MAJOR Tribune Staff Reporter rmajor@tribunemedia.net ADVOCATES and survivors marched to Rawson Square on Thursday morning to protest against child molestation, incest and sexual abuse in The Bahamas.

Labelled “March for Justice”, protesters started at Clifford Park chanting “enough is enough” and “silence no more” in solidarity as they descended on parliament shortly after 11am.

The group included women, men and children – some of whom were victims of sexual abuse.

They waved signs, which read, “We want justice for our children”, “Parents and Guardians we must be accountable”, “Mothers open your mouth, be heard for your children”, and “No bail for child molesters”.

Prophetess Rosie Reckley, march organiser, said they want the lawmakers to change the age of sexual consent and for the MARCO law to come into effect.

She said: “Unfortunately Nassau [doesn’t] understand the significance of what we are dealing with and continues to let the abuse go on. Our children have been molested.

We are here standing and marching for past abusers, present and those who are still being molested in our homes, schools, court rooms, church and so that’s why we are here.”

“We are going forward for law makers to change the laws of this land. We were out all morning soliciting signatures because we don’t only want to march.

We have a petition for the MARCO law to come into effect and for the law makers to stop pandering and playing games with that law.

She added: “Also so we can get the law changed from 16 to 18; if you are only allowed to vote at the age of 18 why are you allowed to [give] sexual consent at the age of 16 and the older men for years have preyed on this with

Tuesday, June 11, 2019, PAGE 11

Group marches to stop child abuse

ADVOCATES march to protest against child molestation and sexual abuse school children. Enough is enough and somebody has to stand up. This is the beginning of saying enough is enough; this is too much abuse.”

Minister Elaine Hindsey, another organiser, said they plan to visit all the islands of The Bahamas to spread their cause.

“This effort is not going to end here. We started in Freeport, we’re doing it in Nassau then we’re taking it to Bimini, Abaco and all of the family islands. We need

somebody to be speaking out on behalf of the children and we refuse to be silent. I’m a woman and I am someone who is responsible for counselling a lot of abused women,” she said.

“Women who have been [abused] for years and not only that I’m a mother and a grandmother so I’m fighting for the rights of my children and grandchildren.”

One protester, Varnetta Prosper, said she marched to represent children who are crying out for justice.

Photos: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff

She said: “The children cannot defend themselves and so it’s our responsibility as parents and guardians to stand up for them. When things go wrong, we are to speak up and help them and not to stand off or turn a blind eye to what is happening in their lives.”

Another protester, William Laing, said he was a victim of sexual abuse and as a result faced a lot of traumatizing experiences in his life.

Mr Laing said: “Anything

I can do to fight for righteousness really because a lot of traumatic children that has led to what is happening in our country today.

Anything I can do to fight for righteousness to support that…that’s what I’m for. I was a victim and as a result I went through a lot of traumatic experiences in my life with drugs and crime that stemmed from me being molested.”

Protester, Cindy Godet, said she’s a survivor and activist for childhood

molestation. “I care about this issue, this is an epidemic in our country and too many have been silent for too long and we have fostered a culture of silence in this country that needs to stop so however I can lend my voice to ensure that the culture of silence comes to an end I’ll do that,” she said.

Melissa Thompson, protester, said children are the future and we must do all we can to protect them.

She said: “I am a survivor of sexual abuse and I use that word survivor very strongly because I survived it and I’m against it. We are here just to march and stand for [the children] to give them a voice because those who went through it when they were under age didn’t have a voice.

“I’m also for the healing of those who already went through it and I realize that silence is the killer. Silence gives the predator more power it gives the problem more power so us speaking up and saying silence no more we are bringing awareness to this country just to push the country further because the children are our future.”

PAGE 12, Tuesday, June 11, 2019

THE TRIBUNE

$4m payouts at G Lucayan

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net MANAGERS at the Grand Lucayan resort received more than $4m in voluntary separation payouts on Thursday, ending long and bitter negotiations between the union and the government.

The payout started at 9am at the Manor House, where only workers were

allowed to enter to collect their cheques.

Obie Ferguson, president of the Bahamas Hotel Managerial Association, was in Freeport and described the payout as a “very significant gift” for workers at Grand Lucayan.

“Today is a very special day for the worker of the Grand Lucayan,” he said. “We paid them some $4 million as a separation package. We think

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it is very significant and beneficial.

“This is one of the most significant gifts you can give to workers, particularly at this time. And so, workers are happy with the $4m gift; the union is happy because we have been successful in negotiating with the government, and we must give the minister of tourism and his executive and board members credit for seeing the wisdom in bringing this matter to resolution.”

Mr Ferguson also commended Kirk Russell, first vice president of the BHMA, and other representatives whom he said played a major role as well in the outcome.

He indicated that they were able to successfully reach a settlement in excess of $4 million compared to the initial offer of $2.7m.

He stated that a number of the union’s members would still be employed until the hotel closed.

“At the end of that exercise they would also get a payout package for that as well,” he added.

“I want to thank the

prime minister for his involvement in making it possible to cause the matter to be resolved, either by him or by the minister of tourism - the minister was very effective in his contributions in making this a success.”

The Grand Lucayan is in the process of being sold. In March, a letter of intent was signed between government and Royal Caribbean International and ITM Group to purchase the 217-acre property and redevelop the Freeport Harbour.

This is expected to help spur a turnaround for Grand Bahama’s beleaguered economy. An initial investment of $195m, which includes $65m for the purchase of the hotel, has been earmarked for the first phase of the development which will take place over a 24-month period. It is estimated that some 2,000 jobs would be created in the first phase.

With the redevelopment of the harbour, it is expected that an additional two million cruise passengers will be brought annually to the island.

THE GRAND Lucayan is in the process of being sold.

BAHAMIANS IN QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS SEVERAL Bahamians were named to the 2019 Queen’s Birthday Honours List for exemplary services to The Bahamas, Government House has announced.

Among the honorees are Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Paul Rolle, who received the Queen’s Police Medal for exceptional contribution to the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

Frederick Asa Hazlewood received the honour of Knight Commander, Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG) for services to business; Pastor Paul Adlai Scavella received the honour of companion, Order of St Michael and St George for services to religion and community; while Godfrey Brian Thomas received the honour of Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to business.

Those who received the

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honour of Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) include James Randolph Bain, for services to business; Kingsley Livingstone Black, for services to education and labour; Dr Christian Elizabeth Darville, for services to medicine and business; Julieth Naomi Minnis, for services to health; Hugh Allison O’Brien, for services to the community; and Olvin Peter Rees, for services to business.

The honour of British Empire Medal (BEM) went to Brian Berkley Brown, for services to the community; Nesbitt Alphonso Higgins, for services to politics; Robert John Roberts, for services to the community; Reverend Dr Ifill Earlin Russell, for services to religion; Daniel Olander Sumner, for services to sports; and Reverend Dr James Samuel Sweeting, for services to civics and religion.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, June 11, 2019, PAGE 13

Brave: PLP needs more women MPs from page one

Mr Davis, in conceding the enrolment of women in politics has long been “dismal”, said more steps needed to be taken to improve the number of women elected to Parliament.

“Our approach for the next election is to ensure that we have the appropriate number of women representing the Progressive Liberal Party as candidates,” he said.

When asked to further clarify his position, Mr Davis added: “Well, the appropriate amount can be 100 percent. But, it is those who make themselves available.”

In line with that, he said the party was looking at crafting a slate that features 30 percent to 40 percent women.

He continued: “We are not going to run them because they are female and do that gender a disfavour just to run someone because they are female.

We want to have candidates who are good and those who are willing to serve and willing to do

what is necessary to uplift the Bahamian people in a manner and in accordance to our philosophies.”

The Bahamas ranks 147 out of 193 countries on the International Parliamentary Union’s percentage list for women representation in Parliament.

Of the 39 members of Parliament elected in 2017, only five members were female - Sea Breeze MP Lanisha Rolle, West End and Bimini MP Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe, MICAL MP Miriam Emmanuel, Fox Hill MP Shonel Ferguson and Englerston MP Glenys Hanna Martin.

These women represent 12.8 percent of persons elected to the House of Assembly.

The International Parliamentary Union’s percentage list also

noted the seven women appointed to the Senate.

Their appointments equate to 43.8 percent.

These percentages were noted by Social Services Minister Frankie Campbell last October in his address to the United Nation’s committee on the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in Geneva, Switzerland.

Mr Campbell in his address noted that while female representation in politics was low, women held the majority of senior leadership positions in nearly every other public sector.

Mr Campbell pointed out that in the public service, 78 percent of directors, 31 percent of Family Island administrators, nine percent of chief councillors and 65 percent of permanent secretaries and secretaries to the Cabinet are women.

“Women have excelled in many other fields, including the arts, sports and in traditionally male dominated fields,” Mr Campbell said.

The PLP is set to hold its next convention on July 25-26 at the Melia resort.

FRANKIE CAMPBELL

Editorial View - Page 4

MORE steps needed to be taken to improve the number of women in Parliament, says Davis.

PAGE 14, Tuesday, June 11, 2019

THE TRIBUNE

AT LEAST 95 DIE IN MALI RAID

US CANNOT EXPECT TO STAY SAFE, WARNS IRAN TEHRAN, Iran Associated Press IRAN’S foreign minister warned the US yesterday that it “cannot expect to stay safe” after launching what he described as an economic war against Tehran, taking a hard-line stance amid a visit by Germany’s top diplomat seeking to defuse tensions.

A stern-faced Mohammad Javad Zarif offered a series of threats over the ongoing tensions gripping the Persian Gulf. The crisis takes root in President Donald Trump’s decision over a year ago to withdraw America

from Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. Trump also reinstated tough sanctions on Iran, targeting its oil sector. “Mr Trump himself has announced that the US has launched an economic war against Iran,” Zarif said. “The only solution for reducing tensions in this region is stopping that economic war.”

Zarif also warned: “Whoever starts a war with us will not be the one who finishes it.”

Zarif’s ramped up rhetoric marked a sharp departure for the US-educated diplomat and signals that Iran is taking a harder line toward the West.

His public threats, which came during a joint news conference with German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, were striking because Zarif was the one who helped secure the nuclear deal, alongside the relatively moderate President Hassan Rouhani. For his part, Maas insisted his country and other European nations want to find a way to salvage the deal, which saw Iran limit its enrichment of uranium in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions.

But he acknowledged there were limits.

“We won’t be able to do miracles, but we are trying as best as we can to do prevent its failure,” Maas said.

BAMAKO, Mali Associated Press

MOHAMMAD JAVAD ZARIF

Helicopter crashes on roof of NYC skyscraper NEW YORK Associated Press A HELICOPTER crashed on the roof of a rain-shrouded midtown Manhattan skyscraper yesterday, killing the pilot and briefly triggering memories of 9/11, after an erratic trip across some of the nation’s most restricted airspace.

Authorities said they did not suspect terrorism.

The crash near Times Square and Trump Tower shook the 750-foot AXA Equitable building, sparked a fire, and forced office workers to flee on elevators and down stairs, witnesses and officials said.

The pilot was the only person aboard, and there were no other reports of injuries, authorities said.

It was not immediately clear what caused the crash, or why the Agusta A109E was flying in a driving downpour with low cloud cover and in the tightly controlled airspace of midtown Manhattan. A flight restriction in effect since President Donald Trump took office bans aircraft from flying below 3,000 feet within a 1-mile radius of Trump Tower, which is less than a half-mile from the crash site.

“There’s something mysterious here,” Mayor Bill de Blasio told CNN, saying officials were scrutinizing video of a “very erratic” flight and authorities needed to find out more about the pilot at the time he decided to take off.

The pilot, identified by his employer as Tim McCormack, was a former fire chief in upstate Clinton,

ASSAILANTS raided a central Mali village early yesterday, killing at least 95 people in the latest massacre in a growing ethnic conflict that has been enflamed by Islamic extremists, government officials said.

Nineteen people were missing after the ethnic Dogon village of Sobame Da was attacked around 3am. Homes were burned and animals slaughtered, the government said.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility, though tensions have been high since a Dogon militia was accused of carrying out a massacre in an ethnic Peuhl village in March that left at least 157 dead. It was the conflict’s deadliest attack yet.

Mali has long battled Islamic extremism in its far north, with a French-led military intervention dispersing jihadists from the region’s major towns.

TWO-DAY STRIKE CAUSES CHAOS IN HAITI CAPITAL PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti Associated Press

FIREFIGHTERS respond to the scene where a helicopter crashlanded on the roof of a midtown Manhattan skyscraper. Left: Damage caused by the crash. Inset: pilot Tim McCormack.

New York. With 15 years of experience flying helicopters and single-engine airplanes, he was certified as a flight instructor last year, according to Federal Aviation Administration records.

The East Clinton Volunteer Fire Department posted on Facebook that McCormack’s “technical knowledge and ability to command an emergency were exceptional.”

The 19-year-old helicopter was linked to a real estate company founded

by Italian-born investor

Daniele Bodini, according to FAA records.

The helicopter went down about 11 minutes after taking off from a heliport along the East River, a little more than a mile away. Police Commissioner James O’Neill said it may have been returning to its home airport in Linden, New Jersey.

The director at Linden Municipal Airport, Paul Dudley, described McCormack as “a highly seasoned” and “very well regarded” pilot who was a regular at the airfield.

OPPOSITION leaders in Haiti have launched a two-day strike that has paralysed the country’s capital as protesters demand the resignation of President Jovenel Moise amid corruption allegations.

Schools, businesses and government offices were shuttered yesterday as groups of protesters blocked roads and set piles of tires ablaze across Portau-Prince. Some protesters burned cars belonging to a local radio station and accused the news media of working for the government.

Public transportation was suspended, and officials postponed a Parliament session.

The strike comes one day after thousands of protesters clashed with police, with two people reported killed and five injured. Protesters demanding further investigation into the fate of funds that resulted from subsidized oil shipments from Venezuela under the Petrocaribe programme.

TEN CANDIDATES IN THE RACE TO BECOME UK PM LONDON Associated Press

LEADING lawmakers from Britain’s governing party battled over Brexit as the contest to become the next Conservative prime minister officially kicked off yesterday with the declaration of 10 candidates for the top job.

The choice of who will replace Prime Minister Theresa May affects all Britons, but will be made only by members of the Conservative Party.

After the 5 pm close of nominations, party officials announced the names of the 10 lawmakers who are running, including former Cabinet minister Boris Johnson, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt and Environment Secretary Michael Gove. An 11th, Sam Gyimah, withdrew because he was unable to secure the support of eight colleagues as required by party rules.

The winner will face the challenge of breaking Britain’s impasse over Brexit, an issue that has bedeviled politicians and ultimately defeated Theresa May. Many of the candidates have been campaigning unofficially for weeks, laying out policies on everything from policing to tax, and facing questions about past drug use. But the overriding issue in the contest is Brexit.

“Our failure to deliver Brexit has put our country and party in grave peril,”

CANDIDATE Michael Gove Hunt said as he officially launched his campaign.

“Without Brexit there will be no Conservative government and maybe no Conservative Party.”

The candidates divide into those, including Hunt and Gove, who say they will prioritise finding a divorce deal that’s acceptable both to the EU and to Parliament, and hard-core Brexit backers such as Johnson who say the UK must leave on the scheduled date of October 31, with or without a deal.

Gove, one of the frontrunners, is trying to limit fallout from his admission of long-ago cocaine use, which brought allegations that the former justice secretary — who oversaw a system that sends drug users to prison — is a hypocrite.

“I’ve acknowledged that I made a mistake,” Gove said, adding that as justice secretary he was a reformer who sought to rehabilitate prisoners and “take broken lives and put them back together.”

The 10 who want to be PM - See Business

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, June 11, 2019, PAGE 15

MOTORCYCLIST DIES AFTER HEAD-ON CRASH

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A MOTORCYCLIST was fatally injured and two other people sustained minor injuries in a traffic accident on Abaco, police reported.

The victim, a 35-yearold male, was riding a red and black Honda motorcycle shortly after 6am on Thursday, June 6, on Forrest Drive when he was involved in a head-on

collision with a black Mazda. According to Assistant Superintendent of Police Terecita Pinder, the motorcyclist died at the scene, while the driver and passenger in the Mazda, both residents of Marsh Harbour, were taken to the Marsh Harbour Medical Centre with non-life threatening injuries.

ASP Pinder said officers of the Traffic Division in Grand Bahama have travelled to Abaco to assist with the investigation.

TWO TEENAGE GIRLS AMONG MISSING THREE POLICE are seeking help in locating three missing persons, including two teenage girls. Among the missing are Kania Pierre, 14, of Watlins Street. She is describes as being 5’4”- 5’6” tall, slim built with a brown complexion. Troyanna Williams, 17, years of Pride Estates was last seen on Thursday, June 6. She is described as being 5’6”-5’8” tall, slim built with a brown complexion.

Police are also looking for Gary Smith, 41, of Ludlow Street. He is 5’6”5’10”, with a medium build and a dark brown complexion. He was reported missing on June 2.

Anyone knowing their whereabouts is asked to contact the Central Detective Unit at 502-9991, Crime Stoppers at 328TIPS (8477) or the nearest police station.

FIRE RIPS THROUGH BAMSI BUILDING

A FIRE ripped through a building operated by the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) on Thursday night.

In a statement, BAMSI said: “The management team was alerted on Thursday, at approximately 10.30pm, to a fire in the upper floors of the Levy Building, East Bay Street, Nassau, where the institute’s

distribution centre operates from. The fire department had earlier been alerted and responded immediately with four fire trucks to the scene.

“The blaze was quickly contained and subsequently extinguished. There was no damage to the distribution centre which occupies the ground floor of the building, and as a result, the sale of fresh produce will continue as usual.”