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VOLUME:115 No.140, JUNE 14TH, 2018

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Web shop staff call for boycott

Workers say action will hit ministers ‘where it hurts’

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net WEB shop employees yesterday suggested a boycott of businesses or economic interests of Cabinet ministers as operators pledge to take their fight against an impending tax increase on their sector all the way to the Privy Council.

A boycott in protest of the tax hike’s projected impact on the industry was raised by an employee during a forum held by the Bahamas Gaming

Operators Association at the British Colonial Hilton.

The sector has warned government that the increase will result in some 2,000 job losses and the closure of more than 100 storefronts throughout the country.

“This is preparing to be a tough time,” said one employee, “and what we need to do I guess is figure out ways we can approach it from different directions.

Maybe we should go buy a scrubbing board, a tin tub, we got to hit them where it hurts.

SEE PAGE THREE

INSIDE

TV SHARK SURFACES AT ATLANTIS

EDUCATION Minister Jeff Lloyd proclaimed yesterday threats of an election loss will not impede the government from making “gutsy” decisions, insisting he would put saving the country ahead of risking defeat at the polls.

In a sometimes emotionally charged speech to Parliament, the South Beach MP addressed critics who have maintained the Minnis administration could lose political traction over its 2018-2019 budget,

which features a value added tax increase among other things.

Responding, Mr Lloyd said the country’s credit card has been “maxed out”, leaving the country in a “precarious state of disaster”.

Before insisting the country has “not a single cent to spare”, the minister revealed a handheld electronic “pocket book” showing a highlight video of his ministry’s plans moving forward. It also showcases a newly composed theme song “I Believe”.

SEE PAGE THREE

‘TIME FOR AN AMNESTY ON FIREARMS’

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net

IN the wake of the recent spate of violent crime, Bahamas Christian Council President Bishop Delton Fernander is calling for the return of a gun amnesty programme.

Through this initiative, which previously existed in various iterations, illegal weapons could be anonymously turned into designated pastors and churches.

The gun amnesty was in place temporarily during the last Christie administration.

Bishop Fernander also said this initiative was conducted in the past under former BCC President Simeon Hall.

SEE PAGE SIX

HANNA MARTIN ABSENCE SPARKS PARLIAMENT ROW

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

LLOYD: THREATS WON’T STOP US FROM DOING THE RIGHT THING

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

L SOUR CE

KEVIN HARRINGTON, from the hit TV series Shark Tank, speaking during the IL Cares Foundation seminar on entrepreneurship yesterday at the Atlantis Imperial Ballroom. See page 13 for more from the event, which also starred Daymond John, also from the show.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

A ROW erupted in the House of Assembly yesterday over the absence of Englerston MP Glenys Hanna Martin who, according to House Speaker Halson Moultrie, was scheduled to speak yesterday afternoon.

Mr Moultrie adjourned Parliament for a short time to await Mrs Hanna Martin’s arrival.

He said if she failed to show up she would forfeit her chance to speak in the budget debate unless the governing and opposition sides agreed to let her speak tomorrow.

Asked last night if such an agreement had been reached, Bamboo Town MP Renward Wells, leader of government business in the House, told The Tribune: “There was never any agreement for Glenys to speak (this) morning.”

SEE PAGE SIX

CALLS MADE FROM FRANK SMITH’S PHONE WHEN HE WAS IN CUSTODY

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

JUST over 30 calls were made by former PLP Senator Frank Smith’s cell phone to the virtual complainant in his bribery and extortion trial, but during the time the former was in police custody over

WWW.BURGERKING.BS

FRANK SMITH the allegations.

Evidence led by his attorney Damian Gomez, QC,

showed how despite Smith being in custody between July 19 and 21 of last year, some 31 calls were purportedly made from his cell phone to Barbara Hanna’s cell phone.

And almost one-third of those calls were made on July 19, the day he was initially taken into custody.

SEE PAGE SEVEN

/BURGERKINGNASSAU

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

DIANE PHILLIPS: A SLAP ON THE WRIST AND A WAKE-UP CALL

SEE PAGE EIGHT

PAGE 2, Thursday, June 14, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

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MINISTER of National Security Marvin Dames presented 49 laptops to outstanding primary school students at a ceremony at police headquarters yesterday.

Mr Dames told the students who were honoured yesterday to continue on the right path and make good choices in life.

“Choices are at the core of everything you do and will shape the very foundation of your lives,” Mr Dames told the youth.

“Every choice has a consequence, positive or negative. Your life will not just turn out to be perfect.

You are required to make right choices today and every day. Your presence

here today suggests that 49 of you have decided not to become educational truants.

“Your decisions will determine your destiny.

Recipients, your time in school will benefit you for a lifetime. Make receiving a quality education, your choice. Take ownership of your education and do not blame anyone, for your lack of success.

You are responsible for the education you receive; not your parents, your teachers, your peers. Your persistence in your educational pursuits has already yielded some success.

Allow today’s success to inspire you to attain even greater achievements.”

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THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, June 14, 2018, PAGE 3

Lloyd: threats won’t stop us from doing the right thing from page one

MINISTER of Education Jeff Lloyd.

The device was handed out to members of Parliament, senators and reporters.

This “pocket book” along with the production and editing of the video cost the ministry nearly $7,000 to produce, Mr Lloyd later told The Tribune.

“You cannot threaten me about no next election, let me just make sure you understand that,” Mr Lloyd said in the House of Assembly.

“You can’t threaten me.

And I don’t think you could threaten this side.

We didn’t come here to worry about no election.

Elections will take care of themselves.

“Us and our children and our grandchildren have to live here. We have nowhere to go.

“I would rather lose an election any day than to lose my Bahamas.

So, waste your time not threatening me about no election. I am here to rescue the Commonwealth of the Bahamas as I have been doing all my life,” Mr Lloyd said.

“They heard what I said.

You ain’t gonna hear nothing more from them (on the side opposite) for the next five years,” Mr Lloyd also said.

“Let me be clear, this side, we ain’t tired of politics. We are servants. We came to serve and lend to the benefit of the people our gifts talents and abilities. At any time the sovereign power of this country, which happens to be the people, can decide whether they want that service or not,” he said.

Earlier in his speech, Mr Lloyd said the country was vulnerable and susceptible to external shocks or to severe economic downturn.

He said the opposition party had struggled to justify the actions of the former Christie administration between 2012 and 2017.

“We have listened to the responses. We have listened to the commentary.

Nowhere have I heard from the side opposite or the armchair pundits elsewhere any credible refutation, any legitimate disproof of the precarious state financial state that this country is in, nowhere.

“Not one contrary viewpoint about the legacy debts of $360m. Not a single disputing word about our growing debt-to-GDP ratio.

Not a single contrast to the position taken by this government.”

Mr Lloyd also said: “The unpalatable, unpardonable, unvarnished truth is simply this: we have maxed out our credit card. We

have not a single cent to spare and the country is sitting at a precarious state of disaster from which if not some serious and gutsy decision is not made today, we are over that precipice from which there is no return.

“As the deputy prime minister said or is reported to have said in the newspaper, we are one (hurricane) away from disaster.

“I have lunch vendors in this country who provide lunch for our beautiful young people that haven’t been paid for months. Who are these lunch vendors?

They are our grandmothers and godmothers and aunts.

Some of them have been brought near to the point of financial ruin because they have had to go on month after month after month without being paid.

“I have contractors from last year June and July who worked last year, did school repairs. We managed to pay them in May of this year.

There is simply no money in the bank,” he said.

Mr Lloyd also announced free enrolment to the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI).

Web shop staff call for boycott from page one

“Capitalise on Superwash,” the employee continued. “Let’s go to those other washhouses, let them see how it feels.

This three weeks leave them alone, let them see how it hurts in their pocket.”

Superwash is owned by Tourism and Aviation Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar, whose portfolio also includes Bahamasair.

The suggestion was met by a rousing chorus with the names of other established businesses called out from the packed room.

“The reality is we were forced into this…there will be job cuts,” said Erica Laing, executive director of administration and finance at The Island Game, who assured workers any upcoming job cuts as a result of the government’s proposed sliding tax scale will be unbiased and based on performance.

“I don’t know about y’all, but I’m not cut out to be a housekeeper or a space cleaner. It isn’t about the classification of the job, it’s about what you are here and here cut out and qualified to do,” she said, pointing to her head and heart.

“I’m looking at you and I don’t see cashiers, I see customer service representatives. We are so much more than what they see and it’s time they realise that.”

Ms Laing’s remarks were likely a hit at comments made by Financial Secretary Marlon Johnson, who recently apologised after he came under fire for suggesting web shop workers who are laid off could seek out entry-level jobs at Baha Mar, such as in housekeeping.

In a side interview with The Tribune, Ms Laing said web shop workers represented a number of professionals ranging from accounting and finance, to compliance, design and computer programmers.

“We’re cashiers, we’re customer service representatives, we’re IT professionals, we’re human

resources professionals, marketing professionals, computer programming, we are so much more,” Ms Laing told this newspaper.

“To coin Sesame Street, we’re the people in your neighbourhood, and more than that we have buying power. Our girls spend money at various hair dressers, grocery stores, shops, so when you affect one job in the web industry, you are affecting so many other industries and so many other people.”

Island Luck Human Resources Director Shanette Rahming said: “It’s a hard decision, unfortunately our hands are tied.

It’s a decision, if the government stands on this proposed increase, the thought of knowing it will affect families as a whole, and not just families within the organisation.

“We have locations that are leased, those being closed down impacts the landlord. There’s Cable Bahamas, BTC, all of us will be impacted. We don’t know if the government has looked at it from that point.”

More than 100 industry employees attended the forum hosted by the BGOA to update workers on its fight against the proposed tax, and field suggestions on the way forward.

“We are doing everything humanly possible, we’re using all our recourse and ammunition to save your jobs and your livelihood,” said BGOA President Gershan Major.

“We are moving in deliberate manner to really see how we can resolve this,” he continued, “and there is no sleep for the weary and we’re doing our part to make sure we do everything humanly possible to fight for you. This is why we wanted to have this conversation. We do not have all the answers, I welcome your input.

“The government has the sovereign right to tax,” he continued, “we are not disputing that position.

“No government has the sovereign right to tax you into oblivion or decimate a sector or put a sector at such risk due to taxation that it causes harm to one’s

livelihood without due compensation.”

Yesterday, web shop executives flagged the philanthropic and social impact of the industry, most notably in providing access to continuing education for workers.

Earlier this year, the BGOA announced it would allocate $7.1 million to civic and corporate philanthropy, some $3m more than its statutory requirement.

Ms Laing said 60 percent of her staff was seeking to better themselves, and currently engaged in programmes ranging from anti-money laundering, compliance, accounting, and business to computer programming.

“I have others that did not have an opportunity coming out of school, and saying ‘how can I improve myself?’ So I have some staff doing their BGCSEs now and in the summer going into college prep,” she said.

Ms Laing said web shops employ a large number of single mothers, many of whom were the principle breadwinners in their family.

“The thing is,” she continued, “I think it’s almost impossible for the government to just make a decision just looking at data and statistics. We don’t want to be another statistic, we are so much more than what they see on paper.

“We’re members of our community, members of our church, we’re people that help various charities, we are entrepreneurs in the making some of us. We are young people that are seeking to better themselves by improving their education, which a lot of the web shops

pay for.

“If you’re studying something that is going to help you on your job it’s paid for, if you’re doing something else you can still get a staff loan at zero to three percent interest.

“We take care of our staff and we take care of the people in our community, so we’re so much more than what people are tossing around out there.”

At yesterday’s forum, Mr Major was asked by The Tribune whether operators had considered absorbing the net impact to their profit margins to retain staff.

He replied: “If you make $100 today and I say to you without doing anything to provide any input in how that earning of the $100 came about, and I say I’m going to take $20 from that before you pay anything, no I’ll just take $50 at the maximum.

“How would you categorise that? And that’s for you to think about, not for you to answer,” Mr Major continued, “because what the proposed tax increase suggests is a sliding scale at the minimum 20 percent of gross, 50 percent of gross, that means before any bonus pay out to those who participate as patrons, lease, salaries, light, utility and all other costs.

“So when you look at the net effect it’s far less than what should be reasonably considered and that’s our contention. You’re talking about a current position of 11 percent of your net gross revenue to 20, to 50 percent. That’s an 81 percent to over 350 percent increase.

“Now,” he asked the room, “anyone who thinks that’s reasonable raise your hand.”

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THE TRIBUNE

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Trump claims N Korea no longer a nuke threat WASHINGTON (AP) — America and the world can “sleep well tonight,” President Donald Trump declared on Wednesday, boasting that his summit with Kim Jong Un had ended any nuclear threat from North Korea though the meeting produced no details on how or when weapons might be eliminated or even reduced.

While Trump claimed a historic breakthrough at the most significant diplomatic event of his presidency, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, was more measured. He said the US wants North Korea to take “major” nuclear disarmament steps within the next two years — before the end of Trump’s first term in 2021.

Pompeo also cautioned that the US would resume “war games” with close ally South Korea if the North stops negotiating in good faith. The president had announced a halt in the drills after his meeting with Kim on Tuesday, a concession long sought by Pyongyang.

The summit in Singapore did mark a reduction in tensions — a sea change from last fall, when North Korea was conducting nuclear and missile tests and Trump and Kim were trading threats and insults that stoked fears of war.

Kim is now promising to work toward a denuclearised Korean Peninsula.

But the details of what is sure to be a complex and contentious process have yet to be settled.

Despite the uncertainties, Trump talked up the outcome of what was the first meeting between a US and North Korean leader in six decades of hostility.

The Korean War ended in 1953 without a peace treaty, leaving the two sides in a technical state of war.

“Just landed - a long trip, but everybody can now feel much safer than the day I took office,” Trump tweeted early Wednesday. “There is no longer a Nuclear Threat from North Korea.

Meeting with Kim Jong Un was an interesting and very positive experience.

North Korea has great potential for the future!”

Pompeo, who flew to Seoul to brief South Korean leaders, said the brief, four-point joint statement that emerged from the summit did not encapsulate all the progress the US and North Korea had made. He said negotiations would recommence “in the next week or so”.

He bristled at questions from reporters about the vague wording of the statement where North Korea “commits to work toward complete denuclearizstion of the Korean Peninsula” — a promise it has made several times before in the past 25 years and reneged on. Pompeo said Kim understands that “there will be in-depth verification” in any deal with the US. “We have big teams ready to go,” including experts from the US and other partners around the world, Pompeo said.

“We’re prepared to execute this once we’re in a position that we can actually get to a place where we can do it.”

While Trump was facing questions at home and among allies about whether he gave away too much in return for too little, North Korean state media heralded claims of a victorious meeting with the US president. Photos of Kim

standing side-by-side with Trump on the world stage were splashed across newspapers.

Trump’s own chest-thumping tweet seemed reminiscent of the “Mission Accomplished” banner flown behind President George W Bush in 2003 when he spoke aboard a Navy ship following the US invasion of Iraq. The words came back to haunt the administration, as the war dragged on throughout Bush’s presidency.

Trump’s claim that North Korea no longer poses a nuclear threat is questionable considering Pyongyang’s significant weapons arsenal.

Independent experts say the North could have enough fissile material for between about a dozen and 60 nuclear bombs. Last year, it tested long-range missiles that could reach the US mainland, although it remains unclear if it has mastered the technology to deliver a nuclear warhead that could re-enter the atmosphere and hit its target.

“Before taking office people were assuming that we were going to War with North Korea,” Trump tweeted.

“President (Barack) Obama said that North Korea was our biggest and most dangerous problem. No longer - sleep well tonight!”

Actually, concerns about North Korean missiles and nuclear weapons reached a peak last year, during Trump’s first year in office, as the North conducted more tests and Trump and Kim aimed ever more fiery rhetoric at each other.

Christopher Hill, chief US negotiator with North Korea in the George W Bush administration, suggested in an interview that it’s “a little premature” for Trump to say Kim is someone the US can trust.

“Kim Jong Un has proved to be a pretty ruthless leader in North Korea, and I’m not sure this sort of speed dating of a 45-minute one-on-one meeting ... would suggest that there’s nothing to be concerned about,” he said.

When asked Wednesday whether Trump was jumping the gun by declaring victory, White House counselor Kellyanne Conway told reporters: “This president wants North Korea to completely denuclearise so obviously that has to be complete, verifiable and irreversible.”

Freezing the regular military exercises with South Korea is a major concession to North Korea that has long claimed the drills were invasion preparations.

Trump’s announcement appeared to catch the Pentagon and officials in Seoul off guard, and some South Koreans were alarmed. Trump cast the decision as a cost-saving measure, but also called the exercises “inappropriate” while talks continue.

Pompeo said he was there when Trump talked about it with Kim, and the president “made very clear” that the condition for the freeze was that goodfaith talks be ongoing. He told reporters that if the US concludes they no longer are, the freeze “will no longer be in effect”.

“He was unambiguous about that,” Pompeo said.

Silence on renewables EDITOR, The Tribune.

REMEMBER pre-election, hard mouthed the FNM were, on renewable energy especially solar?

Where is it today? Silent as a house mouse.

Truth told BP&L is using a tender process, to replace the 80KW back-up generators, provided by Aggreko.

Quietly almost secretly the word was said, that participants may broader the scope of the tender, and provide a solution for long term.

This is how the Shell Americas 275 KW LNG fuel proposal won the day - but if you look at the Electricity Act, 2015, clearly it

has to be asked - has BP&L as is required by Law complied and has URCA as the Regulator of electricity received BP&L’s reason, why they wish to solely rely on 275 KW plant fueled by LNG, without any mention of any renewable energy source? BP&L are required to give this analysis.

The Shell Americas deal means that we in Nassau, will rely totally for the next 15 years plus, on the source whether or not LNG price goes down or up.

Everywhere else the clever Utility Authorities, are insisting on a split of how electricity is generated - some conventional but at least 50 per cent renewable.

More than the pricing reason, but for cleaner air the renewable is far better as LNG gives off a high level of CO2, plus it can explode with dire consequences.

URCA as the Regulator, has to require BP&L to comply with the Law - give supportive reasons why they should approve the LNG proposal, and discount totally solar or some other cleaner, safer renewable energy fuel. URCA this is a test…the public must see the consulting documents of reference.

ABRAHAM MOSS, Nassau, June 10, 2018.

Bahamian hypocrisy EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE amount of outright hypocrisy and double standards that exists in this country we call the Commonwealth of The Bahamas is truly astonishing.

By now, you’ve probably heard of an allegedly gay pastor who was recently ordained in a local church.

The event was viewed by many Bahamians through social media, and in typical fashion, an overwhelming majority expressed shock, outrage, and disgust over the event, including an extremely aggravated young woman who interrupted the ceremony, loudly condemning both the pastor in question as well as the entire church, and had to be physically escorted out of the building by church staff.

It’s no secret that Bahamians hate, loathe, despise, and absolutely revile homosexuals. You hear it from the mouths of babes, with young school children screaming the age old phrase, “you like man!” at each other. You hear it in the dancehall reggae songs played ad nauseam in nightclubs and on jitneys, with the singers calling for “batty bwoys” and “chee chee men” - to be violently killed, with Bahamian

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net listeners gleefully singing along.

A few years ago, our homophobia was put on full display for the whole world to see when a LGBTQ cruise ship, hosted and sponsored by well known lesbian celebrity, Rosie O’Donnell, attempted to visit our country. The Bahamian populace was having none of it, and vehemently protested.

It was quite a spectacle, with hundreds of demonstrators waving placards with statements reading “IF YOU GAY, STAY AWAY!!”, “GAYS NOT WELCOME!!”, and “EVEN ANIMALS GET MORE SENSE!!”

And of course, our local pastors and prominent religious leaders were leading the fray, standing on the backs of pickup trucks and using megaphones to hurl holy condemnation at the “Sodomites”.

We Bahamians are so focused on what the “broke wristed” amongst us are doing, so worried about “sissies” infiltrating our world, that we either fail to acknowledge, or choose to ignore the many, many acts

of immorality and sexual depravity committed by “straight” people.

Where’s the outrage over the staggering cases of rape and abuse against women and children?

Where’s the outrage over reports of female tourists being attacked and sexually assaulted on our beaches?

Everyone’s “freaking out” over a gay pastor being ordained, where’s the outrage over a certain bishop, a convicted sex offender, who served only two years of a three year sentence of statutory rape of an under age girl (a slap on the wrist), being commissioned as senior pastor of a newly formed church, an event that was attended by the very same pastors who preach “hellfire and brimstone” against gays?

Apparently, being LGBTQ is a far, far worse sin than being a child rapist and sex offender. Or maybe it’s because the victim was female. We all know how most of the pastors, as well as a majority of their followers, feel about marital rape.

God may hate gays, but, He also hates hypocrites and false prophets.

INDEPENDENT THINKER Nassau,

Where is the BNT? EDITOR, The Tribune.

SEVERAL serious, potentially game-changing environmental issues have arisen during the short time the FNM has been in office.

People have complained about Oban, the plans for LNG and the fact that there is still no solution for the city landfill. My question is, through all of this, where is the Bahamas National Trust?

The BNT and its spokesperson, Eric Carey, seem to be silent on these very important issues and I can see no good reason why that should be the case.

True, they did raise concerns about the Oban deal, but then were very quick to praise the government

a few days later, following its empty promise to make sure the environment is respected. After signing a deal which said the developers would be allowed to proceed no matter what the results of an Environmental Impact Assessment revealed, these were clearly empty words from the Minnis Administration.

Many would say a watchdog organisation like the BNT should not roll over and play dead so easily.

Over the years, the Trust has been accused of being soft on governments, because they are partially government funded and want to protect that source of income at all costs.

Remember the Bell Island, Aga Kahn controversy?

Now, there is a plan to locate a liquefied natural gas facility at Clifton Pier, one of the most foul and polluted sectors of the country. Being not too far from several protected areas in the south west of New Providence, the failure to clean up Clifton is a direct threat to the BNT’s conservation interests. But instead of cleaning it up, the government wants to add yet another industrial plant.

This is clearly not in the best interests of the environment or the people who live in the area, but once again, the BNT is silent.

What exactly is going on?

RICARDO JOHNSON Nassau, June 13, 2018.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, June 14, 2018, PAGE 5

1,036

deported by govt in past year

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net ONE thousand and thirty-six immigrants, including 954 from Haiti, were repatriated from January to May this year, Minister of Immigration and Financial Services Brent Symonette said during his budget speech on Tuesday night.

He said $1.2m has been budgeted in the next fiscal year for repatriation exercises. Making this adequate will be a challenge given the number of deportations that may be required.

The Minnis administration has said it will build a detention centre on Inagua, a major entry point for undocumented immigrants, so people can be repatriated from that island rather than be brought to New Providence. The budget for the next fiscal year does not include provisions for constructing this centre, Mr Symonette noted.

Mr Symonette also said the best, if imprecise, information from his ministry indicates 13,032 permits were approved from July

2017 to May. These includes homeowner’s cards, permanent residency permits, permits to reside, residency spouse permits and work visas. It does not include short-term permits.

Highlighting numbers of some of the categories, he said permanent residency approvals were granted to 2,481 people: 1,012 residency spousal permits were granted and 9,095 work visas were granted.

Work visas have been approved for 417 Canadians, 199 Brazilians, 128 Swiss people, 149 Colombians, 105 Cubans, 258 Dominicans, 5,064 Haitians, 1,013 Americans, 191 Guyanese, 107 French and 360 English. He said 515 visas have been approved for Chinese nationals, although this number does not include those who work at The Pointe or Baha Mar. Mr Symonette stressed the administration’s commitment to joining the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and sought to dispel concerns from some that doing so will limit the country’s ability to halt the inward movement of foreigners to the country.

“The WTO does not

MINISTER of Immigration and Financial Services Brent Symonette. deal with immigration matters,” he said. “There’s no free movement of labour of Caribbean nationals in The Bahamas and the WTO will not just set up on Bay

TWO MEN FACE COURT OVER $160,000 DRUGS DISCOVERY

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

TWO men were arraigned in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday in connection with the seizure of over $160,000 worth of drugs in Exuma over the weekend.

Cable Beach residents Daymon Brown, 44, and 33-year-old Tony Burrows, stood before Deputy Chief Magistrate Subusola Swain charged in connection with the June 10 incident.

It is alleged that while at Waderick Wells Cay,

Exuma on the day in question, both men were found to be in possession of a quantity of marijuana with intent to supply those drugs to another.

It is further alleged that between June 7 and 10, the two conspired to possess the drugs in question with the intent to supply the same.

According to initial reports from police, shortly after 9am, officers along with park wardens of the Exuma Sea Park conducted a joint operation at Warderick Wells Cay, where they

recovered 168 pounds of suspected marijuana worth $168,000.

Two men were subsequently taken into custody in connection with the find.

Both Brown and Burrows pleaded not guilty to the charges and the matter was adjourned to September 18 for trial. Bail was denied and the two were remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services in the interim.

They have the right to apply to the Supreme Court for bail.

Street just like that. There will be no movement of people seeking permanent residency. Admittedly they allow temporary residency of foreign service providers

to perform services that are liberalised under the WTO application but the government of The Bahamas will still be empowered to determine the conditions

under which persons enter the country so we got to put that one to bed.”

The government hopes to accede to the WTO by December 2019.

PAGE 6, Thursday, June 14, 2018

ROBINSON SPEAKS OUT AGAINST VAT INCREASE

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net BAIN and Grants Town MP Travis Robinson, the youngest parliamentarian in the House of Assembly, said he cannot entirely support his party’s 2018-2019 budget, rejecting the 60 percent increase in value added tax.

“My people have grave concerns about their livelihoods, wellbeing and purchasing power,” he said in the House last night during the budget debate.

Throughout the speech he echoed many of the Free National Movement’s talking points about the budget, praising scholarships for the Bahamas Technical & Vocational Institute (BTVI), highlighting exemptions from VAT on bread-basket items and electricity bills up to $200 and emphasizing the need to correct the fiscal management the administration inherited.

But a 12 percent rate of VAT, he said, is too much for people in one of New Providence’s poorest constituencies to bear.

He also called for the Freedom of Information Act to come into force and for the Fiscal Responsibility Act to be enacted before any tax is increased.

“While a number of items highlighted in the budget communication are advantageous to the people of Bain and Grants Town, they were greatly overshadowed, and may even become completely unnoticeable, by the steep increase in Value Added Tax,” he said. “In the words of my constituents, the 60 percent increase in Value Added Tax was unexpected and certainly not a preference. None are as greatly affected as those living below the poverty line, many of whom reside in Bain and Grants Town. Too many people are struggling, today, to make ends meet, and too many have put their trust in this administration to ease the financial burden they endure, particularly after the introduction of Value Added Tax, to allow for their representative to accept the increase from 7.5 percent to 12 percent.”

With his statements, Mr Robinson joined parliamentarians for the Centerville, Pineridge and Golden Isles constituencies in breaking with his party to oppose the tax increase.

“While it is important for us to pay our debts to creditors, we must remember who we work for, and who is forced to foot the bill,” he said.

THE TRIBUNE

‘Time for an amnesty on firearms’

from page one “We’re calling again, communicating with the government (for) gun amnesty, that (we can) get some of these guns off the street, whether we’re getting them by finding them and locking up the persons, or by persons turning them in,” Bishop Fernander said yesterday.

“Because there are some… good parents out there, who will find weapons in their house, and need some place to turn them in, without divulging who they are.

“We’re going to volunteer some of our pastors and churches to be that place.

Where they can come and give guns in and we can turn (them) into the powers that be.”

Bishop Fernander added that he has personally had guns turned into him, and in turn gave those weapons to

the police.

The BCC president added that specific churches would be designated for this purpose, as opposed to having “everybody” receiving weapons.

Bishop Fernander said clearance would have to be received from the government before the initiative can begin again.

“This is just me putting forward that we’re willing to do that again,” he said.

Since June 5, there have been nine fatal shootings, including the killing of sevenyear-old Camron Cooper who was hit by a stray bullet just outside his home when he was on his way to school. On June 12, a shooting on Cox Street left one man dead and another in hospital.

Yesterday afternoon, police press liaison officer, Superintendent Shanta Knowles confirmed that the injured victim is still in critical condition.

In terms of the investigation,

BISHOP Delton Fernander

Supt Knowles said police have been working that area “all day.” She added that police are still asking for public assistance in the matter.

Bishop Fernander also called for community involvement in the fight against crime.

“Unless we step up and truly become our neighbour’s (keepers), this wave of crime will take us to a place where we will maybe become a police state where we will lack some of the liberties we have right now; if we don’t become more community minded, more involved in what’s going on in our society,” he said.

“Crime is a symptom of a bigger problem, and it’s through this engaging that we can maybe start combatting some of the social ills that we have.”

He said BCC is part of the National Crime Watch Programme, with one of the BCC’s vice-presidents sitting on the committee.

Bishop Fernander said he has seen “first-hand” that police have put out more manpower.

“But it is now time for us as a society, one of the things we hear, in particular the meeting I went to, is after events happen, people make mention: I saw this car pass three times, or it was suspicious in our neighbourhood,” he said.

“If we can get involved with the crime watch and send this information out before a robbery takes place, before murders take place, we can do a better job of helping the police and even policing our communities.”

The BCC president added that the council is praying for the families of crime victims.

To the public, he said: “We ought to be prayerful and cautious. Be aware of your surroundings, be aware of suspicious behaviour. And now is the time if you see something, say something.”

HANNA MARTIN ABSENCE SPARKS PARLIAMENT ROW from page one

Conflict between Mr Moultrie and Mrs Hanna Martin is not uncommon in the House and yesterday’s development seemed to set the stage for more controversy today.

Mr Moultrie said he had been given an “agreed list” indicating Mrs Hanna Martin was supposed to speak yesterday afternoon.

But he said he heard her proclaim from her seat during yesterday’s morning sitting that she would not be speaking then.

“The chair wants this matter resolved in a way where it doesn’t become an issue tomorrow,” he said yesterday. “While I don’t want it to be said that the chair is seeking to deny Englerston the opportunity to speak, it will be said but I want the record to reflect that the member for Englerston, based on the list that I have, is missing in action at this

ENGLERSTON MP Glenys Hanna Martin. time and that the chair is prepared to suspend the business of this House for ten minutes to give the member for Englerston the opportunity to present herself and to speak. “(During the morning session) the member shouted that she is not speaking today, that she is speaking 10am tomorrow (Thursday) and she wants to see anyone prevent that from happening,” he said.

“That is why I decided to address this matter this evening because tomorrow I am putting you on notice that if the chair is advised that there has not been some agreement, the member for Englerston would have forfeited her opportunity to speak today.”

In an interview with The Tribune last night, Mrs Hanna Martin said Mr Moultrie “misinterpreted her words”.

“The Speaker ought not to be referring to comments made from seats,” she said.

“The rules do not allow for that. It’s not part of the record but he did it to support his bias. His bias has been overt and has taken him out of the realm of professionalism as a Speaker.”

She added: “What I said to the member for Bamboo Town is he cannot tell me when to speak, we have to agree when to speak. The Speaker heard only a part of what I said, which is that you cannot tell me when I can speak.”

Mrs Hanna Martin said she told Mr Wells on Tuesday that she would speak today.

“He did not indicate any

objection to that,” she said, adding he came back on Wednesday and “somehow changed his mind”.

“I never saw any list, never agreed to any spot to speak on Wednesday,” she said. “I am very, very disappointed that the Speaker would make such a misrepresentation of what I said and it’s more of the same with him. Just the other day he quoted a proverb about quarrelsome women. I’m trying to figure out what is the meaning of these quotations about women that he is quoting in Parliament. He has shown a continuous bias against me as the member for Englerston and he did it again. It is becoming intolerable. I don’t recall anything like this in the history of our Parliament.

“What is happening is this is a government that does not want debate, that is dealing with a very controversial fiscal measure that is not resonating well with the Bahamian people.

That is the real issue. But I will not be silent. The people of Englerston will not be silent.”

Mrs Hanna Martin said the debate had been poorly managed, with many ministers “speaking on the back end” rather than earlier so opposition parliamentarians could respond to what they said.

“I will be going to the House to speak,” she said. “I have violated no rule. There is no rule they can point to to say I am not invited. It is not the Speaker’s jurisdiction to determine whether or not a member has a right to speak.”

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, June 14, 2018, PAGE 7

Calls made from Frank Smith’s phone when he was in custody from page one Six calls were made on July 20 and another 14 on July 21, 2017. Smith was released that evening.

There was no mention of a cell phone on Smith’s official detention record while he was in police custody.

Only a “black belt” was identified under the section that read “other property.”

Nothing was recorded under the “property” section of the form, according to Mr Gomez.

Additionally, a perusal of Smith’s call logs and the BTC phone bill of Mrs Hanna revealed that while the call logs purported to show a number of outgoing calls from Smith’s cell phone to Mrs Hanna, it was the other way around.

Conversely, Mrs Hanna’s phone bill showed that on numerous occasions dating back to January 2017, a number of outgoing calls were made from her phone number to Smith’s cell phone number.

Additionally, Mr Gomez noted that despite an officer’s report that claimed a phone call was made from a landline connected to Smith’s lending company, Pouland Limited, to Mrs Hanna’s cell number, there was no record of that call in the phone bill information concerning either number.

Mr Gomez said based on Mrs Hanna’s BTC phone bill, a total of 64 calls were made between the two, as opposed to the 106 purported to have been made in a police officer’s report.

And according to Mrs Hanna’s bill, she initiated some 59 phone calls to Mr Smith, as opposed to the five times he called her.

The information was revealed as Police Corporal Quarry Adderley took the stand.

According to Cpl Adderley, he was responsible for analysing the particulars of a call log concerning Smith’s cell phone number.

He said he was instructed to do so by an officer senior to him, Superintendent Johnson. He said he received the disc with the call logs from Supt Johnson on July 25, 2017 at 2pm.

After having done so, Cpl Adderley completed a report of his findings, dated August 3, 2017.

However, it was shown in court how the spreadsheet concerning both Smith’s and Mrs Hanna’s call logs were modified on August 4, 2017 at 1.18pm.

Cpl Adderley, when interrogated, said he did not modify the calls logs in question, and said he was surprised when he was informed of that fact, as he hadn’t noticed it before.

Prior to that, Mr Gomez walked Cpl Adderley through the contents of Smith’s call log, from as far back as January 8, 2017 to July 18 of that year.

And on various dates during that time period, the call log maintained a number of outgoing calls to Mrs Hanna’s cell phone number from that of Smith’s.

When Mr Gomez questioned Cpl Adderley if he would be surprised if Mrs Hanna’s BTC billing information showed that her cell phone was the originator of the phone calls between the two, the officer said “yes”.

After a short adjournment, Mr Gomez then walked Cpl Adderley through the contents of Mrs Hanna’s phone bill, which showed that from various dates from January 8, 2017, Mrs Hanna’s cell phone initiated the calls between the two.

In one instance, on July 18, 2017, the cell phone number attributed to Mrs

FRANK SMITH Hanna made a call to a landline said to be associated with Smith’s lending company.

Upon reaching the dates of July 19, 20, and 21, 2017, Mr Gomez tallied up the number of times Smith’s call log said outgoing calls were made from his phone to Mrs Hanna, resulting in 11, six and 14 respectively.

Mr Gomez then asked Cpl Adderley if he was present when Smith was arrested, to which the officer said no.

Mr Gomez then asked Cpl Adderley if it was

normal procedure for police to fill out a detention record for a person being detained at a police station, to which the officer said yes.

Cpl Adderley also confirmed that it is normal police practice to make a note of whatever items an individual has in their possession upon their arrest.

However, the officer said it is not police practice to allow detainees to keep cell phones while being held in the cell.

When asked by Mr Gomez if he would be surprised if Smith was the one

who made those 31 calls during July 19-21, 2017, while he was under arrest, Cpl Adderley said “yes”.

Cpl Adderley, based on the information contained in Mrs Hanna’s billing information, also agreed that there is a discrepancy between the call logs analysed and her phone statements.

Cpl Adderley also agreed with Mr Gomez’s suggestion that had he had sight of Mrs Hanna’s phone bill summary during the time he was analysing the call logs, he would have been

prompted to ask further questions.

The officer also accepted that if he was privy to that information, his results would be fundamentally different.

Smith is facing 15 criminal charges concerning his alleged solicitation of $65,000 in bribes from a woman he is said to have assisted in getting a contract from the Public Hospitals Authority. He is currently out on $50,000 bail.

Smith pleaded not guilty to all the allegations during his arraignment last July.

PAGE 8, Thursday, June 14, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

ONE of the closed businesses downtown on East Bay Street.

Photo: Terrel W Carey/Tribune staff

A slap on the wrist and a wake-up call S

HAME on me. I am a Bahamian citizen and I am sitting by and watching history crumble before my very eyes.

Sure, I worry about it, but do I do anything other than worry or talk or try to get others to care? No, just like you, I expect someone else to do something about it. I’ll be glad to help, to raise funds, to fix up a building, to get architects on board, if need be, who are committed to historic

By Diane Phillips

preservation. I can round up civic organisations and friends. We can clean and fix up and paint and plant.

But right now, I am just worried and I do nothing so

shame on me.

Take the green building on East Bay Street with the falling down front parapet.

Located just west of the beach soccer stadium within

a few hundred feet of the bridge to Paradise Island and Potter’s Cay where every day hundreds of cars pass, it sits there staring at us, glaring at us, daring us. Its condition threatens us. At what moment will the thousand-pound-plus parapet being held up by a single column finally relinquish its determination to dangle?

The decay is palpable and so is the potential. That single building is a prime example of neglect on prime real estate. Shame on me for not doing anything.

And why don’t I? Because I don’t think anyone will let me. Challenge me and I will run with it along with boards I serve on like the Historic Bahamas Foundation that has talented, passionate council members who care about our history and the buildings that house so much of it.

I know that this neglected, abandoned, crumbling green building was once the Bahamas headquarters of Pan Am, the first airline to service The Bahamas. It now belongs to the government which seconded the northern section of the property to the Royal Bahamas Defence Force. Here is the irony. The Defence Force, which maintains its side spotlessly, not a stain on the long white wall or a piece of trash showing in the fenced parking lot, has a sign posted in the weeds outside the building in front with the RBDF name, logo and tagline: Guard our Heritage.

So much of our history is threatened by abandonment and neglect. On Sunday, I went to Blackbeard’s Tower, or what is left of it. You can still read the letters high on the interior stone circular wall where the Bahamas Development Board in the 1950s recognised the significance of it as a tourist attraction and engraved an abbreviated account of the days of Edward Teach, the pirate known as Blackbeard. He allegedly built the tower as a lookout to watch for vessels coming into and out of Nassau harbour in order to gauge safe passage for his ships, small by today’s standards, out of the protective arms of Fox Hill Creek. Today, expensive sportsfishing and recreational powerboats line the bulkheads of the creek that piracy nurtured. But at least that part of the story is cared for. This was the second time I had been to the tower in recent months and wanted to cry for the state it is in. Wooden steps that once led to the highest point are torn from their foundation, strewn and laying sideways and bent, trapped by the sides in what

would otherwise be mid-air Abaco. The romance of 15 feet above the ground. its presence draws visitors Getting into the tower is from around the globe. not impossible, but it is not Every sailboat that comes easy. The bush is high, the to The Bahamas has to path overgrown. There is be photographed with the a small for sale sign by the candy-striped lighthouse side. I only hope that is for in the background. There the lot next door. isn’t a soul in the area that There are commercial can’t tell you the history and non-commercial pos- of the lighthouse or try to sibilities for many of our get you to contribute to its historic sites. Architect and refurbishment, operation or brilliant Junkanoo body maintenance. And volunpainter Monty Knowles teers keep the history going once submitted plans for an knowing they are part of the outdoor dining experience effort to ensure the survival including in-the-ground fire of the last hand-cranked pits in an area near Fort kerosene powered lightMontagu. The interior of house in the world while the fort would not be used everywhere else lighthouses but the fort are automated. itself would The other be the cen- ‘Shame on me lighthouse, that trepiece of a for failing to neglected on casual, fresh organise marches at the western food and fish tip of Paradise restaurant. It or groups or Island, should made all the campaigns to save be the famous sense in the the remnants of one. It does, world with after all, mark the fish ven- the rich history the entrance dors right next of this gateway to to the busiest door. Guests the New World. cruise harbour could stroll in the region. the fish stalls, No one else can Shame select what claim that title on me. And they wanted and yet we do shame on us. to eat, watch All of us for it as it was not see the sign letting that being cleaned, anywhere. Why precariously filleted, pre- do we not have dangling parapared and pet on the Pan cooked a short it painted in big Am buildwalking dis- bold letters on ing remind us tance away, that we forgot the roof of the fresh on the to mark our fire in front of old Customs history.

We them. Imagine warehouse at forgot that the sunsets, the very airthe selfies and Prince George line that was Facebook and Wharf?’ the first to Instagram fly across the posts. two oceans, Shame on me for fail- the Atlantic and Pacific, ing to organise marches the first to put passengers or groups or campaigns to in jets, the only airline to save the remnants of the have luxury flying boats, rich history of this gate- that Pan Am was the same way to the New World. No airline that delivered one else can claim that title our first visitors from the and yet we do not see the US, changing our world sign anywhere. Why do we forever. We forget that not have it painted in big the airline’s founder and bold letters on the roof president, Juan Trippe, of the old Customs ware- an aviation pioneer and house at Prince George entrepreneur who transWharf where thousands of formed the industry, also cruise passengers enter- transformed Eleuthera by ing Nassau harbour would opening it to the rich and see it every day? Welcome famous who sought perto Nassau, Gateway to the fection in beaches, warm New World. So simple. So waters and privacy in why not? equal parts. Eleutherans I believe the answer to remember Juan Trippe why not lies in the fact that and his wife with fondness we treat our history as if it and admiration to this day. were an academic subject What will happen when rather than the nexus of those who are alive today economic potential. are no longer around to Successive governments tell the story of The Bahahave sidestepped our sites mas back in the day? If we and our story as though do not preserve its story they could be dealt with through our monuments, after all the important work plaques, sites and beautiwas done. I recently shared fully preserved buildings the tale of two lighthouses, it will be gone forever. one that is bathed in com- We cannot reclaim that munity spirit, the other, which is lost. If we do not neglected. The lighthouse begin to show our past the that lights up a community respect the future requires has helped unite the com- of it, then shame on me and munity of Elbow Cay in shame on us.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, June 14, 2018, PAGE 9

Money for nothing as vendor paid $7,000 to move tyres fails to complete the job

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net A VENDOR contracted to remove used tyres from the Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation received payment for the work, but did not complete the job, Golden Gates MP Michael Foulkes said yesterday.

According to the MP, who is also BAIC chairman, the work was not started.

Nonetheless the company received three separate cheques totaling $6,900.

While he agreed the money paid was not significant, Mr Foulkes said it was a testament of the manner in which the former government ran the affairs of the country.

“We continue to discover fiscal abuses and a gross lack of accountability and transparency by the former government which has put BAIC in dire financial straits,” Mr Foulkes said yesterday during his budget contribution.

“For example, Mr Speaker, during the last administration, while the amount involved is not significant, it speaks to the way they governed.

“A person was asked to remove tyres from BAIC

property, the headquarters.

He was given a BAIC cheque as an instalment or mobilisation but did not remove one – not a single tyre from the BAIC property.

“In spite of this, the same person was given a second BAIC cheque again, knowing full well that he received the first one and did absolutely nothing for it. Still no tyres were removed.

“Incredibly less than a month before the general election, April last year, this same person was given a third BAIC cheque and from that day to this day, he has still not removed a single tyre from BAIC’s property.”

He continued: “In total the person was paid as I said in the beginning it’s not a large amount - $6,900 by three BAIC cheques. Mr Speaker this is not right.

“He did absolutely nothing to earn the $6,900 and they pretend that they do not understand why we have to increase taxes.”

Mr Foulkes also confirmed BAIC has started to pay off its delinquent National Insurance Board contributions.

Earlier this year he revealed outstanding debts standing at $3m - including $1m owed to the National Insurance Board (NIB).

IDENTITY OF HANGED MAN REVEALED BYy DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net ALTHOUGH police have not officially released the name of the man found dead at a home in West End earlier this week, The Tribune understands the victim is Adrian Huyler.

According to police, shortly after 4pm on Monday, a 45-year-old man was found hanging from the roof of a home. Police are awaiting the results of an autopsy to determine the

cause of death.

In other news, a 19-yearold man was arrested on Tuesday after he was allegedly found in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

According to police, shortly after 10pm, officers of the Rapid Response Unit executed a search warrant at an apartment on Bass Lane where they discovered a black .380 pistol with a magazine containing six rounds of .380 ammunition.

A male occupant of the home was arrested.

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THE TRIBUNE

MARCH LEADER DISMISSES CONCERN ABOUT PLP SUPPORT A13MAIN

THE TRIBUNE

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net

OPERATION Sovereign Bahamas Director Adrian Francis yesterday dispelled the idea that the Progressive Liberal Party’s

support of today’s demonstration means that OSB is no longer apolitical.

During a press conference yesterday, Mr Francis discussed the role of political parties in the march and the reasons for the demonstration.

Monday, February 26, 2018, PAGE 13

ZNS TALK SHOW HOST CLAIMS VICTIMISATION AND PLANS TO SUE

The group is angry about Minnis administration, the the government’s plans to Oban Energies deal and increase value added tax other issues. from 7.5 percent to 12 perAccording to a PLP cent on July 1. official, some t-shirts for According to Mr Fran- the march were being cis, By today’s march is “Ialso a todistributed headKHRISNA RUSSELL have spoken a top While hefrom admittedPLP that Deputy Chief Reporter attorney,” Mr Francis told some of what he said on demonstration against theon Friday, quarters from last week. krussell@tribunemedia.net The Tribune “so the show may have rubbed I do believe that it is a type certain people the wrong lack of transparency the I believe “I way,am notmaintained concerned AFTER his ZNS radio of by victimisation.

Mr Francis talk show was cancelled last that the way they han- he never said anything whether or not it’s week, host Adrian Francis dled my terminationabout could scurrilous. said he intends to file a law- affect future employment Mr Francis said he perceived as political,” Mr suit against the station for for me and as a result of it believed his show ended the manner in which he was I decided to file a Francis lawsuit due tosaid a combination of when asked handled, insisting this could against them.” victimisation, disdain over affect future employment Mr Francis said he his choice subject matter about the ofimpression this prospects. believes the show had not and discussions with certain The radio show only started to take creates. root officials.

“National Access” abruptly in the community, but that He was previously a talk “Soshow many ended Wednesday after ten various current affairs host on Guardian persons months on air, Mr Francis topics – immigration and Radio. have asked that question claimed, alleging a ZNS natural resources – were Attempts to reach an offiexecutive attempted to beginning to make the sta- cial at ZNS for comment — ‘Adrian, are you an “censor” his commentary. tion “panic”. were unsuccessful. operative of the PLP?’ “On Facebook the other day I had to answer by saying the PLP don’t fund me, I does eat tea and bread.

“I believe that We March (a group which marched before the general election) would have had persons in it from all across the political divide… I believe (Free National Movement supporters) are going to be on this march.

“But I also believe that not because a political party would have received t-shirts, means that it’s actually been bamboozled or hoodwinked or (held) hostage by them.

“All that means is that Bahamians, whether you’re PLP, FNM, Independent, (a Democratic National Alliance supporter) or whomever else, these are persons who are just concerned about the direction of the country, especially the economic direction of the country.”

ADRIAN FRANCIS We Rise Bahamas Leader Cordero Armbrister, whoseADRIAN group FRANCIS is also a part of the march, echoed these sentiments to The Tribune.

“We can’t depend on the opposition itself to literally speak for us. We the Bahamian people have to speak.

So if the opposition wants to somehow use us as their political gain, I wouldn’t say it’s going to happen,” he said.

“But if they’re only supporting us for their political gain, then that’s on them.

But we are doing it for the Bahamian people at large.

We are doing it for each and every one of us.”

When asked about the march’s stance on the VAT hike, Mr Francis stated that OSB does not support the increase.

“No nations ever become great by taxing its people,” he said.

Instead Mr Francis called for the government to leave its strategy of “taxing and borrowing,” and instead generate revenue through “vision.”

“Money comes out of

vision, money comes out of ideas. If there are no ideas, if there is no vision, then at the end of the day there is no money. And so the question I ask all of the politicians constantly is, ‘where will the new money come from?’” he said.

Another major issue is the lack of transparency of the Minnis administration, Mr Francis said, as he criticised the lack of consultation with the public regarding the VAT hike.

“How do you speak to transparency in your campaign, and everything what you’ve done seems to be secretive? We don’t know what the reasons are, but all we want for the most part… to understand that we want to be a part of the democratic process.”

Mr Francis added that the march is also focused on highlighting the importance of the sovereignty of the nation and ensuring that people have access to natural resources.

“And the reason why (the Bahamian people) are marching is because…for the most part is, if the gates don’t come down…you’re going to see people taking the gates down by force.

And I think we are right there.”

The march will begin at the Southern Recreational Grounds and lead through Baillou Hill Road and onto Bay Street. People will begin assembling at 8am and the march is scheduled to begin at 9am.

WRECKAGE seen in a video that circulated on social media.

MAN IN HOSPITAL AFTER SHOOTING

WRECKAGE IS FROM CRASH PLANE

from page one

According to Mr Major, the wreckage will be taken to the United States where additional analysis will be conducted by the Department of Civil Aviation’s Air Accident Investigation Department with assistance from specialists provided by the aircraft and engine manufacturers and the National Transportation

Safety Board.

He also noted that all the aircraft’s major components and parts were recovered.

The video referred to by Mr Major showed the outline of some kind of craft in the water, as onlookers observed.

The user who posted the video to Facebook said: “They said only five per cent of the plane that went down in North Andros was found, but

yesterday locals went to site and found the whole plane and the engines. They also found human bones. If one of y’all family members was on this plane, this plane would have been up out of the water.”

Since the crash, it has been revealed that the pilot lacked the required licences to charter flights.

Investigators also believe weather may have played a role in the crash.

A MAN is in hospital was taken to hospital and is Police are also appealing after he was shot yesterday listed in stable condition. to members of the public morning during an arguPolice are also asking for for any information they ment with another man in the public’s help in locating may have that can assist in the Cowpen Road area.

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THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, June 14, 2018, PAGE 11

New society helps increase number of blood donations

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net THERE has been an increase in blood donation and the creation of the first ever blood donors registry on Grand Bahama since the establishment of the new Blood Donors Society of Grand Bahama last June.

To continue to raise awareness on the importance of giving blood, Lededra Ferguson-Marche, president of BDSGB, announced that the group would be observing and celebrating World Blood

YOUR

Donor Day today.

Under the theme, “Be There for Someone Else Give Blood, Share Life,” Mrs Marche said the committee will celebrate and thank its heroes who selflessly donate blood and save lives, as well as those who have joined the blood donors registry.

“We want to raise the awareness that it starts with all of us; we can help patients suffering from life-threatening conditions live longer, and with a higher quality of life,” she stated.

In observance of World

Blood Donor Day, persons are asked to wear red today and donate blood by coming to the Rand Memorial Hospital lab between noon and 4pm.

Dr Paul Ward, medical chief of staff at the Grand Bahama Health Services/ RMH, commended the committee for raising awareness of the importance of giving blood through the promotion of the event.

“As a surgeon, I appreciate fully the importance of having blood available, particularly for life or death emergencies,” he said.

He noted that while Grand Bahama has a tiny population and a small hospital, doctors do see a lot of clinical scenarios that require blood.

“There are road traffic accidents, and persons come in, and they require blood, and this could make a difference between life and death. Blood donation and having blood at the hospital is extremely important for us, and we really… hope the public will see the importance of partnering with the health care system to be blood donors and

assist us with our blood procurement at the hospital,” Dr Ward said.

He encouraged those with rare Rh-negative blood to come and donate blood that can assist in saving lives.

Lab technician Maria McIntosh, the committee event coordinator, said giving blood is a simple process and persons interested in donating blood should hydrate themselves and eat a full meal at least 45 minutes before coming to the lab.

She also noted that

persons with tattoos or those who are on medication could also give blood, depending on several factors.

She explained that persons who have gotten a tattoo within less than a one year; have had surgery; or have travelled to a country known to have malaria in one year are deferred from giving blood.

Persons interested in giving blood may do so from Monday through Friday between the hours of 10am - 6.30pm at the hospital lab.

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Isn’t Your Health Worth It?

LOOKING FOR A GREAT PLACE TO WORK IN HEALTHCARE?

Then join the Doctors Hospital team!

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LOOKING FOR A GREAT PLACE TO WORK IN HEALTHCARE?

Then join the Doctors Hospital team!

EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN

SECURITY OFFICER

POSITION SUMMARY

POSITION SUMMARY

• Respond to emergency situations and display a high level of competence

• Provide a presence of authority at the hospital and its satellite offices

• Assist with various procedures such as wound care, cervical immobilization, splint or cast application, and placement and removal of intravenous access

• Ensure the protection of life, property, information, and the institution’s reputation

• Perform specimen collection (e.g. venous blood, urine and sputum samples)

• Conduct patrols of the hospital and satellite offices

• Document patient care performed, including vital signs and bedside care observations

• Respond to emergency situations at the hospital

• Safely drive the ambulance

• Investigates incidents in a timely manner and write a detailed report when incidents occur

• Assist with the delivery of excellent patient care

• Ability to solve problems that fall within security parameters

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES • Ability to work under pressure • Focused and mature

• Assist in the event of internal or external disasters and take precautionary measures to address same • Greet and interact with internal and external customers in a professional manner

• High level of professionalism

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Able to demonstrate empathy, accountability and excellence in providing health care services

• Ability to solve problems independently

QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION • High school diploma • Emergency Medical Technician Course

”

• Ability to act as a deterrent to crime • Strong communication (written and verbal) and excellent interpersonal skills • Able to demonstrate a keen sense of awareness during work hours • High energy and professional

• Registered with National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians

QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION

• 1-2 years work experience

• High School Diploma (mandatory) & 2 BGCSEs

• Computer literate

• 2 years work experience • Computer literate

APPLICATION DEADLINE: FRIDAY, JUNE 15TH, 2018 PLEASE SUBMIT RESUME TO: hr@doctorshosp.com WITH SUBJECT LINE: Emergency Medical Technician

APPLICATION DEADLINE: FRIDAY, JUNE 15TH, 2018 PLEASE SUBMIT RESUME TO: hr@doctorshosp.com WITH SUBJECT LINE: Security Officer

Doctors Hospital I P.O. Box N-3018 I Nassau, Bahamas Fax us at: (242) 302-4738 I Email: hr@doctorshosp.com I Website: www.doctorshosp.com

Doctors Hospital I P.O. Box N-3018 I Nassau, Bahamas Fax us at: (242) 302-4738 I Email: hr@doctorshosp.com I Website: www.doctorshosp.com

PAGE 12, Thursday, June 14, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

YOUR CHANCE TO SEE INSIDE THE $4.5M HAWKSBILL HALL

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE University of the Bahamas’ northern campus is holding an open house for the public to view the newly built $4.5m Hawksbill Hall, which will be available for occupancy in the Fall of 2018.

The open house is from June 18 to 29 between 10am to 4pm daily at the UB north campus in East Grand Bahama.

Dr Ian Strachan, vice president of UB North, said that all interested persons are invited to come to see the facility, which is a viable alternative for housing for those students from Grand

Bahama and the Family Islands.

“We are very excited to have this opportunity,” he said on Wednesday during a press conference and walkthrough at Hawksbill Hall with the local media.

Dr Theo Cooper, dean of students, said the facility consists of 14 suites, comprising a total of 28 double occupancy rooms and 28 single occupancy rooms, as well as two handicappedaccessible rooms.

He said the amenities include a full-service cafeteria, a 24-hour computer lab, a student recreation room with 64-inch television, lounge and dining areas, a fitness room, and coin laundry facility.

HAWKSBILL Hall in Grand Bahama.

Vivian McIntosh, hall director, said in addition to housing, there will be social events such as a movie night, karaoke,

barbeque nights, and seminars on time management, study skills, and conflict resolution.

She said the facility offers a stable and safe environment for all residents. Ms McIntosh believes her experience as a guidance counsellor would be beneficial to help students deal with various issues.

Dr Strachan believes that Hawksbill Hall offers the best value for money, and said there are hundreds on the waiting list for the dorm facility at the campus in New Providence.

He said that room rates start at $500 per term for double occupancy which works out to $125 per month and $800 per semester for single occupancy.

Additionally, there are two meal plans which are mandatory at $720 per term, or $1,080.

Dr Strachan said that at the lower end, the cost per month for a student works out to $305 for a double occupancy room with two meals per day, compared to

the average rent of $450 for studio or efficiency apartment in New Providence, excluding meals and other incidentals.

“We feel the rates are competitive and parents in the Family Islands who send their kids to New Providence would find it is better for them at Hawksbill Hall,” he said.

Dr Strachan noted that there are a number of programmes offered to completion at the north campus in Grand Bahama.

He also said that persons could start their programmes in Grand Bahama and complete up to 50 percent of their courses before moving to New Providence.

“We are looking to increase our programmes and adding new faculty every semester. We are now looking to offer the bio-chem degree which will help 30 students of not having to go to New Providence – that is a big success for us.

“UB North is growing,

and we want the whole Bahamas to know we are a viable alternative,” Dr Strachan said.

He said the goal is to make a public request by the end of summer for a shopping plaza on campus.

“We are hoping to offer a number of services, not just for students but to the surrounding community because there is no place to buy dry goods or a gas station within proximity,” he said.

He said they are hoping to provide a joint venture opportunity for investors to provide a restaurant, service station, and other amenities.

“We have 500 students and close to 50 employees, and in the adjacent neighbourhoods, there are no laundry, clinic, convenience store, restaurant. We believe these are the things we can offer on our campus and are looking for investors to develop something like that on campus over the next two years,” he said.

Career Opportunity Scotiabank (Bahamas) Limited is seeking the services of a

Client Relationship Manager, Dual Role for its Corporate & Commercial Banking Center Position Summary: The Client Relationship Manager – mid market is responsible for contributing to the profitable growth and quality of the Bank’s Commercial portfolio in the mid-market segment focusing on the marketing to new and existing clients through cross-sell, up-sell, and retention of existing commercial customers. This includes meeting financial objectives related to the profitable growth and retention of your individual assigned portfolio. He/she conducts sales planning and fulfills the execution of services for existing customer base. Incumbent has primary responsibility for analysis and completion of credit applications for diverse industry segments by using standardized products and processes.

Key Accountabilities for this role: • Ensures all aspects of assigned relationships receive ongoing attention, as required to maintain, improve, grow and retain the relationship.

• Contributes to the profitable development of Commercial Credit business.

• Promotes the development and profitable growth of the commercial banking portfolio according to agreed upon growth objectives.

• Ensures accurate communication of the terms and conditions of an authorization effective and timely implementation of same.

• Ensures ongoing quality of the assigned credit portfolio through control and administration of the specific conditions and reporting requirements as specified in individual authorizations are adhered to.

• Safeguards the Bank’s assets and liabilities.

• Executes the Branch Compliance responsibilities as reflected in the Branch Services and Procedures Manual.

Functional Competencies: • • • • •

Good networking and interpersonal skills Good communication skills (oral and written) Good relationship management skills Experienced credit skills Strong knowledge of Bank’s commercial lending and deposit products and services, and customer profitability model.

• Strong sales/closing skills • Good level of computer skills.

• Thorough knowledge of relationship building and teamwork skills

Educational Requirements: • External education and/or licensing prerequisites: Graduate Degree in Business, Finance or Economics or work experience equivalence.

• Other training requirements as determined by the Bank from time to time with particular emphasis on Corporate & Commercial Banking.

Qualified candidates should submit curriculum vitae via email to: hrbahamas@scotiabank.com on or before June 18th, 2018.

Note: Only persons short-listed for an interview will be contacted.

Trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia, used under licence (where applicable).

®

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, June 14, 2018, PAGE 13

FORMER Prime Minister Perry Christie at the event.

Learning to swim with the sharks THE IL Cares Foundation hosted its second OWN Talks Limitless seminar yesterday at the Atlantis Imperial Ballroom - with two TV sharks as the stars of the show.

The free seminar featured two of the sharks from the hit series Shark Tank.

Kevin Harrington is the creator of As Seen on TV and is an “Original Shark�.

Daymond John is the co-founder of Fubu

and is currently featured on the show.

The pair brought both their knowledge and experience from years of starting businesses and reviewing plans as hopefuls pitched their ideas in hopes of getting funding for their concepts during Shark Tank.

The event aimed to encourage Bahamian entrepreneurs looking to take their own steps in business.

DAYMOND JOHNSON, from the hit TV series Shark Tank.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

CAVES VILLAGE Premium Office Space for Lease 1,081 sq.ft. 2 open plan areas, conference, reception, kitchenette, bathroom and IT closet. $4,233.92 pm inc. CAM + VAT 1,056 sq.ft. 4 offices, conference room, reception, kitchenette and bathroom, IT closet. $3,696.00 pm. Inc. CAM + VAT 850 sq.ft. 3 offices, conference room, reception, kitchenette and bathroom, IT closet. $2,975.00 pm. Inc. CAM + VAT

SEBAS BASTIAN, of Island Luck, on stage.

Contact Mr. Simon Chappell on 327 1575 or 477-7610 Email: simon@cavesvillage.com

PAGE 14, Thursday, June 14, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

FROM left, Gabriella Suighi, CBC marketing manager – activations; Mona Moss, CBC marketing team; with finalists Rayvonne Bethel; Elizabeth Innis; Dereka Moultrie; Evletta Johnson; Edward Burrows; Mr Russell, Cable Beach Quality Supermarket manager; Nikia Wells, CBC marketing manager – communications; and Valentino Johnson, CBC marketing team.

Ready, steady, SHOP!

A FINALIST takes part in a shopping spree courtesy of the Caribbean Bottling Company.

Career Opportunity Scotia Wealth Management is seeking the services of a

Manager Fiduciary Investment Services Position Summary: A key member of Fiduciary Investment Services which: a.) reviews the portfolios of asset holding structures involving trusts, foundations, insurance, companies, agencies and private funds created by high net worth individuals, and the enterprise groups that they control, and; b.) Tracks the performance of portfolios of relationships where responsibility for investment decision making is outside of International Wealth

Key Accountabilities for this role: • • •

• •

Understand the nature of the investment relationship.

Where IWS has overall responsibility, manage on a continuous basis portfolios within established firm guidelines.

Recommend an appropriate asset mix model, review and propose outside investment managers, and approved securities that fulfill objectives, regularly monitoring the portfolio to ensure it is meeting objectives against benchmarks, and rebalancing as appropriate.

Work with Relationship Managers to ensure that all investment strategies, policies and principles are applied appropriately and that a communication plan for each relationship is developed and followed.

Meet Regulatory Compliance, Anti-Money Laundering/Anti-Terrorist Financing and Bank Policies and procedures for Customer transactions.

Educational/Competency Requirements: Musts: • An understanding of financial markets and investments.

• University Degree (with courses in Economics, Accounting and Finance); Enrolment in the CFA program; CSC; Series 7 or equivalent designation • Minimum 3 years direct experience with investment vehicles and interaction with beneficiaries, beneficial owners, and principles. This understanding must include expertise in investment returns, potential risks and structuring portfolios, • Understanding of financial analysis, portfolio structuring.

• Global market perspective.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Client driven, deeply customer focused and results driven • Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) is a plus.

Qualified candidates should submit C.V. via email to: hrbahamas@scotiabank.com on or before June 18th, 2018. Please note that only those individuals short-listed for an interview will be contacted.

™Trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia, used under licence (where applicable).

FIVE lucky finalists each won a three minute shopping spree, courtesy of the Caribbean Bottling Company.

Elizabeth Innis, Evletta Johnson, Dereka Moultrie, Edward Burrows and Rayvonne Bethel were all chosen, via a random draw, and were given the chance to collect as many grocery items as they could in a three minute period.

“Who hasn’t dreamt of walking into a supermarket and being able to fill their carts with whatever they wanted, for free?” asked Nikia Wells, CBC marketing manager of communications. “We aimed to create a fun contest for customers that was easy to enter. By simply purchasing our new Minute Maid Fruit Coolers, each of our five finalists was able to

walk away with the shopping experience of their dreams.”

During the shopping spree, which took place on June 9 at the Quality Supermarket Cable Beach location, the five shoppers were able to race through the store’s aisles to collect whatever items they wanted. Many of the finalists were stunned and elated when they received the initial call letting them know that they had won the chance to take part.

“I was speechless,” said Ms Johnson. “That call was so unexpected. I didn’t know what to say. But, I was overjoyed to be able to take part.”

Another finalist, Ms Moultrie, said, “There is truly power in the tongue.

When I submitted my receipt into the entry box, I said I will be a finalist. I said it out loud, and here I am today.”

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, June 14, 2018, PAGE 15

THE NORTH Eleuthera community meeting held by the Bahamas Protected team.

COMMUNITIES ASKED FOR VIEWS ON PROTECTED MARINE AREAS SINCE 2016, the Bahamas Protected team and representatives from key government agencies have reached out to Family Island communities for input on marine areas proposed for protection, as well as areas community members think should have protection.

The team recently led lively community meetings in Spanish Wells, followed by meetings on mainland North Eleuthera, Harbour Island and Barraterre, Exuma.

Residents provided input on proposed areas, verified species that live in or move through these areas and expressed concerns about the need for effective management of existing and proposed areas.

Prior to the North Eleuthera community meetings, the team visited South Andros and South Abaco to gather input on proposed areas. As the consultation phase of the Bahamas Protected project wraps up, the final community meeting is planned for today in New Providence. The New Providence community meeting will be held from 6pm to 9pm tonight at the Harry C Moore Library Auditorium at the University of The Bahamas. The public is encouraged to come out and share their feedback on areas being proposed for protection and to

learn about the Bahamian Marine Protected Area Network expansion.

“Some people, initially when they hear the word (protection) they get cautious, but this meeting has been a good meeting in dispelling a lot of the myths that are associated with what is allowed in protected areas,” said Ricky Mackey, North Eleuthera member of Parliament, while attending the Harbour Island meeting. “A lot of the questions that I asked tonight were questions that are put to me as the member of Parliament by fishermen and residents of North Eleuthera. I’m glad and enlightened by a lot of the things that I’ve learned this evening and so that information will be imparted to the constituents of this area.”

Eleuthera resident and former fisherman James Munroe expressed his support for protecting the industry.

“It’s important to protect our marine environment so that we can have a substantial amount of fish in our country and that there can be fish for me and for other generations to come,” he said.

With vibrant fishing communities in North Eleuthera, including Spanish Wells, concerns were expressed that some proposed areas are in the

same place as existing fishing grounds. Fishers also explained problems they’ve faced with illegal fishing by foreign poachers and locals, and shared their desire to work with management agencies to properly manage these areas.

To ensure that his community’s concerns are heard, Robert Roberts, chief councilor for Spanish Wells, intends to gather further information from his community and pass that information on to the Bahamas Protected team.

“We’re going to set up and go around and get everyone’s opinion on the island, as many as we can and we’ll send you that opinion,” said Mr Roberts.

“How these areas will be managed has come up at many of the meetings that we’ve had,” noted Bahamas National Trust’s (BNT) Conservation Planner Lashanti Jupp. “We want to ensure that existing and proposed marine protected areas that get assigned to BNT are effectively managed and we are getting better at working with communities to do just that.

“This project is also exploring ways to improve management of protected areas by creating management plans for some existing areas, piloting the concept of communities lending greater support via co-management and

determining ways of getting greater levels of funding to support consistent management,” said Marcia Musgrove, policy advisor at The Nature Conservancy’s Bahamas Office.

Casuarina McKinneyLambert, executive director of BREEF, also drew attention to the benefits of MPAs, and particularly that higher levels of protection result in more fish that eventually move out of protected areas to replenish fish stocks in surrounding areas and support our commercial fisheries.

Bahamas Protected is a joint effort between The Nature Conservancy, the Bahamas National Trust, and Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF) in collaboration with key government agencies and other national stakeholders, with major funding support from Oceans 5.

With about 13 million acres (10 percent) of the Bahamas marine environment being declared a protected area, there is still much to do to reach the 20 percent protection goal by 2020.

Follow the Bahamas Protected Facebook page for more information (@242protected), and sign and share the petition if you want to get involved in protecting The Bahamas for today and the future.

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PAGE 16, Thursday, June 14, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

POLICE PROBE ABUSE OF STAN LEE

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles police are investigating reports of elder abuse against Stan Lee that come amid a struggle over the life and fortune of the 95-year-old Marvel Comics mogul, court documents showed yesterday.

The investigation was revealed in a restraining order granted against Keya Morgan, who in recent months has been acting as Lee’s business manager.

Morgan has inserted himself into the life of the Lee, according to the order. The filing accuses Morgan, 42, of taking advantage of Lee’s impaired hearing, vision and judgment, moving Lee from his long-time family home and preventing family and associates from contacting him.

Morgan was arrested on Monday for allegedly filing a false police report by calling 911 and saying burglars were in his house when in fact two detectives and a social worker were conducting a welfare check on Lee.

A RACCOON scurries up the side of the UBS Tower in St Paul, Minnesota, on Tuesday.

Photo: Evan Frost/Minnesota Public Radio via AP

The raccoon that dared MINNEAPOLIS Associated Press A RACCOON that became an internet sensation by scaling a 25-storey office tower in downtown St Paul was safely trapped Wednesday and released back into the wild.

The raccoon looked a bit bedraggled but healthy after it was caught before dawn atop the UBS Plaza.

Technicians took the caged raccoon down a freight elevator to a truck, according to Wildlife Management Services, which provides animal control services for

St Paul.

“It’s definitely a healthy raccoon. It’s in good condition. It’s eating normally,” said Christina Valdivia, the company’s general manager, who accompanied the technicians to the rooftop.

The raccoon’s adventures caused a stir on social media as it scaled the tower Tuesday, with many Twitter users voicing concern for its safety or joking about the drama as its seemingly death-defying climb was livestreamed by several broadcasters. Valdivia said her mother-in-law saw it on the news in Chile.

The animal made it to the roof early yesterday, where traps baited with cat food were waiting. The raccoon, a female, was released later in the day and scampered into a wooded area on private property near the Twin Cities suburb of Shakopee.

Minnesota Public Radio, which broke the story and closely followed the raccoon’s climb from its headquarters less than a block away, branded the animal #mprraccoon.

Initial speculation was that the raccoon climbed to a lower part of the building in search of bird eggs.