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The Tribune

Volume:116 No.118, JUNE 14TH, 2019

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Another drive-by, a man falls fatally shot. We should all be shocked but today after so many killed it’s as if NO ONE CARES

THIS is the moment gunfire erupted on a quiet street on Wednesday evening – and yesterday it felt as if no one seemed to care another life had been taken.

Police didn’t even tell the media to begin with – a Tribune reporter was given a tip and called police to ask, who confirmed there had been a shooting and a man was taken to hospital.

In a police press release yesterday morning the murder was not even the top item on the list, third down behind another non-fatal shooting and a school fire in Andros.

The Tribune Comment

There has been no press conference, no word from senior officers.

Nothing from Travis Robinson, the MP in whose constituency the shooting took place.

Silence from the pastors, the church, community leaders.

Nothing from Minister of National Security Marvin Dames who started Wednesday telling us that killings often involve people who know one another rather

than happening randomly.

In essence he was saying we all really shouldn’t worry that much if we don’t hang around with people involved in these killings.

There was nothing from the Prime Minister’s office to reassure the public.

Nothing from the Opposition to ask questions or assure us they would do any better.

Have we really come to the point where a driveby killing is treated so

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

casually? A murder met with a shrug. Just another day. A man lies dead – and no one will speak for him.

Have we really come to the point where a driveby killing is treated so casually?

So, who cares that this happened? Who cares for the victim? Who cares that this takes place in our streets and is not met with outrage?

This must not become our new normal. A Bahamian man is dead. We should treat his death with the urgency it demands.

Full story - Page 2

DRIVE-BY KILLING

PAGE 2, Friday, June 14, 2019

THE TRIBUNE

Video shows how victim is shot as car passes by

By RIEL MAJOR Tribune Staff Reporter rmajor@tribunemedia.net DISTURBING surveillance video has emerged showing the last moments of a man before he was fatally wounded during a drive-by shooting on Dunmore Street on Wednesday night.

The 23-second video, which was widely shared on social media, opens with two men talking outside a convenience store around 8pm. A woman then walks over and takes a plate of food from one of the men before a young child is seen riding a bicycle in the background before moving out of frame.

Moments later a silver vehicle, identified by police as a Honda Fit, drives past.

As the car slows, two occupants brandish guns and open fire in the direction

of the three people. The woman and two men attempt to run to escape the hail of bullets, however it appears one man is injured. The gunmen then flee the scene.

The injured man was rushed to the hospital and was later pronounced dead, police said.

The Tribune understands the victim is 21-year-old Bradley Smith, however, his identity was not released by police.

This incident pushed the country’s murder rate to 38, according to The Tribune’s records.

This shooting came hours after another man was wounded in a separate incident. Police said shortly before 1pm on Wednesday, a man was standing outside a home on Key West Street when the occupants of a black Nissan Cube pulled up and opened fire in his direction,

injuring him before speeding away.

The victim was taken to hospital and is listed in stable condition.

Investigations are continuing.

In the wake of these incidents, local advocacy group Bahamas Against Crime called for new crime fighting strategies.

“In addition to many other crimes, this week has seen three murders to date,” BAC said in a statement. “A 21-year-old man shot and killed on Price Street in the Nassau Village area on Sunday, the other a security guard killed hours later while on the job at the Commonwealth Brewery plant on JFK Drive and a third, on Dunmore Street, Bain Town on Wednesday.

“Despite an announcement by National Security Minister Marvin Dames that murder is down 21

THE VICTIM, believed to be 21-year-old Bradley Smith percent, there is clearly so much more work to be done, and we must do it to ensure the nation is safe for generations to come.

“In that regard, BAC is calling upon the

government to devise a new strategy which greatly increases investment in the social sector.

This is particularly critical in areas commonly referred to as hot spots

by the authorities. BAC is prepared to assist the government in implementing this strategy, which will definitely bring about positive results.”

BAC Chairman Rev C B Moss said, “one of the most powerful assets available in the fight against crime remains unutilised”.

“BAC is convinced that the proper mobilisation and involvement of our mothers, wives, grandmothers, daughters, etc could have a significant impact on the present level of crime and violence in the country.

“Virtually, all else have failed. Perhaps it’s time for the women of The Bahamas to step up to the plate,” he added.

Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to call police at 919, 502-9991 or the Crime Stoppers hotline at 328TIPS (8477).

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, June 14, 2019, PAGE 3

Healthy eating on the menu for Sands NEW healthy items will soon be added to the country’s breadbasket item list, Minister of Health Dr Duane Sands said yesterday.

Spinach, broccoli, almonds and certain fruits will be on the new list, making them price controlled and VAT free.

“Mr Speaker, we will keep ‘da’ corn beef, for now at least,” Mr Sands said during his contribution to the 2019/2020 budget debate.

“However, as this new budget is heralded into effect, the Bahamian people will touch in their cupboards and feel in their wallets the work done over the last fiscal year to make healthier food options more affordable through a reimagined and less obesogenic breadbasket,” Dr Sands said.

“Specifically, Bahamians can look forward to spinach, broccoli, romaine lettuce,

apples, oranges, strawberries, beans, peas, almonds and so much more being not only vat-free, but price protected.

“Related to this issue Mr Speaker, my ministry is not satisfied to stop here. We have heard the noise in the market and identify with the cries across the length and breadth of the Bahamas that reduced duty, or dutyfree concessions on varied produce and food items are not transferring to the customer at the cash register. We will work with civil society, consumer protection, the grocers’ community and others to ensure this is remedied.”

Dr Sands did not say when the new breadbasket list will come into effect.

As of August 1, 2018, VAT was removed from all breadbasket items, except sugar.

Editorial View - Page 4

Michael Pintard: I won’t talk private strategy with FNMs working against the party

MARCO City MP Michael Pintard and, right, Pineridge MP Frederick McAlpine seen with PLP supporters at last week’s Labour Day march.

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net MARCO City MP Michael Pintard has drawn a clear line in the sand over his willingness to work with detractors, telling parliamentarians on Wednesday he won’t talk private strategy with a parliamentarian who was not committed his party’s mission.

His comments in the Upper House during his contribution to the budget debate were a clear shot at Pineridge MP Frederick McAlpine, whose strained relationship with the Free National Movement continues to fray at the seams.

Mr Pintard did not name Mr McAlpine during his speech but instead referenced his vocal opposition from within the party, and the Pineridge MP’s claims that he was being excluded from party meetings.

He suggested Mr McAlpine’s dissent was strategic.

“I can say living in GB it is untrue,” Mr Pintard, minister of agriculture, said, “every meeting held in GB that this organisation has, there isn’t a single MP that cannot attend. Let’s be real, I’m speaking for me.

I myself however am not going into a private caucus meeting talking about strategy for the transformation of people’s lives with someone who is not committed to the same mission - that is fundamentally different.

“So I want persons to be straight up and the truth is, I feel qualified to say what I’m saying because I have been the friend in the organisation who fought some folks in this room on their behalf.

“I’m not advocating expulsion,” he continued, “I think it would be strategically an error but I know one thing, I don’t intend to broadside persons, the leader of the opposition could tell you if I have something to say to you I have no difficulty. if you come for me I come for you… All I’m saying, at some point you have to follow the courage of your convictions.”

Mr McAlpine has been critical of party leader, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis on several issues. In particular, he voted against the increase of value added tax (VAT) which got him fired from his post as chairman of the Hotel Corporation in 2018.

In Grand Bahama, at the Sir Randol Fawkes Labour Day march last week, he was seen marching with PLP supporters, and was not with his FNM parliamentary colleagues, including Minister of State for Grand Bahama Senator Kwasi Thompson and MPs Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe and Iram Lewis.

Mr Pintard questioned why someone so disillusioned and disappointed with their party would not leave the fold, instead of criticising from within. He also wondered if such a person would have ulterior motives.

“What I cannot understand,” Mr Pintard said on Wednesday evening, “is why if you have irreconcilable differences not nearly as important as a family, where there appears to be no redeeming value, they’re not getting anything right - given 60 minutes plus five and I cannot find one thing to comment about them that is good. Why?

Why would I maintain that relationship?”

Mr Pintard said: “Why would I subject myself to painting the relationship - is it that there is strategic move?

That I’ve sought counsel and counsel has whispered to

me that this is not the time to make a move, that your message has greater currency inside. Because after all you posture yourself, I am one of you and so when I speak it’s the same traditional Bahamian refrain, that pretext to

a very bad situation - that’s my friend. And if I tell you this about my friend it gotta be true.

“So it’s either the counsel has been taken or endorsements are mitigating certain statements.”

PAGE 4, Friday, June 14, 2019

THE TRIBUNE

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Listening and changing for the better A WELCOME change is coming to the list of breadbasket items that will be VAT free – and Minister of Health Dr Duane Sands is to be applauded for listening.

Earlier this month, concerns were raised about price control during a forum hosted by Hands for Hunger.

The vice president of marketing and communications at AML Foods, Renea Bastian, went so far as to call it a failed and outdated policy.

One of the concerns raised was that the selection of breadbasket items wasn’t even healthy – with a lack of fruit and vegetables. So it is pleasing to see that the minister has listened – and fruit and vegetables will be added to the breadbasket.

“Bahamians can look forward to spinach, broccoli, romaine lettuce, apples, oranges, strawberries, beans, peas, almonds and so much more being not only VAT-free, but price protected,” he told Parliament yesterday.

He also promised to make sure that price concessions are carried through to the cash register at the store.

It is the poorest in our communities who will benefit most from such changes – and adding such options to the poorest of diets could make a real impact on the health of those who live in poverty, particularly.

Sometimes we talk about government actions not reaching those who need it most – but this is one step that, once implemented, will have an instant affect on those in poverty.

So well done, Dr Sands, for listening to concerns and implementing changes.

Even if one of the less healthy options is retained – as he quipped when saying “we will keep ‘da’ corn beef, for now at least”.

But we’d like to hold our greatest applause for elsewhere.

Hands for Hunger, in organising its annual forum, Food For Thought, provided the opportunity for such concerns to be raised – and as a result helped to change our community for the better.

That’s the very model of how citizens can play a part in improving their country – and we salute them for their work.

How long must we delay?

AS BOUQUETS are thrown in the direction of Dr Sands, so too it seems are brickbats. Or lawsuits, as it turned out yesterday.

He is going to be sued by a Rastafarian group protesting at the double standards being imposed on their religious community.

Which double standards? Well, they point to minors in the church being allowed to consume alcohol – communion wine – following their confirmation. Of course, it would be illegal to serve a child alcohol in a bar.

The Rastafarian group – the Bobo Ashanti – say they are criminalized over consumption of Indian hemp, a sacrament to them just as communion wine is a sacrament in Roman Catholic and Anglican churches. Dr Sands is perhaps an unfortunate target – the lawsuit could surely be as well directed

as the Minister for National Security for following the law. Or the Prime Minister himself.

How that matter will play out is of course a matter for the courts – but it does highlight again the lack of progress from the Marijuana Commission.

The commission had an April deadline to complete its work. April has come and gone. So has May. Dr Sands yesterday said the commission had been granted a three-month extension – and we hope it needs no further extensions.

This is a matter where The Bahamas is dragging its heels even as the rest of the world is forging ahead.

We’ve said it before – this week, even, after the president of the Caribbean Development Bank urged The Bahamas not to be left behind – the time has come for change. So let’s get on with it.

CA Smith will do us proud, even though he blurted out the news EDITOR, The Tribune LET me start off by saying that I see absolutely nothing wrong with the Honourable Cornelius Alvin Smith being appointed to the august position of Governor General of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Having ‘known’ CA for decades, at a distance, I have no doubt that as a seasoned former politician; member of parliament and the cabinet along with his stellar post political career as a diplomat, he will do the people of The Bahamas proud.

Yes, he may have been “out of order” for blurting out his upcoming appointment but we are all only human and in the exuberance of the moment we tend to say things that might be premature. Most of us are able to recall when the MP for South Andros gleefully shouted ‘Pleasant Free’ !!

He was hauled before the Supreme Court and obliged to issue an apology in open court for what might have been seen as ‘contempt of court’. So, I attach little weight to the gaffe by the incoming Governor General. How this could or

should affect his elevation is beyond the pale.

Again, with the appointment in short order of the Hon Brian Moree, QC, being appointed Chief Justice of our wonderful nation, I see nothing wrong with the same. Of course, I would have done the selection and appointment ‘differently’ but Moree is the epitome, in my view, of what a Chief Justice should bring to the substantive office. Brian, if I may, is a life long friend and back in the day, fellow law student. He has always been passionate about the law and is a brilliant jurist, par excellence.

Brian is a solid family man; a devout Christian, to my personal knowledge; information and belief. As the former Senior Partner and Head of Chambers at Messrs McKinney; Bancroft & Hughes, he lead that firm in becoming the premier law firm in the nation. Having served before as an Acting Justice of the Supreme Court and assorted financial regulatory bodies, under successive governments, Moree is ‘the man’ for these times. Mrs Vera Watkins, God bless her soul, is also a great woman of the law

and should be appropriately recognised for her stellar services to a grateful nation.

Relative to Acting Commissioner of Police, Paul Rolle, I also know him and predicted to him on one of my talk shows, years ago, that he was destined to be elevated to the top of the greasy pole as a police officer. I have always been partial to him and make no apologies about it. I would have preferred to have seen my friends Clayton Fernander; Ken Strachan and Emerick Seymour treated with a bit more respect and protocol, but that is now water under the bridge.

I would also like to see Dr Chaswell Hanna, the current Commandant at the Police Training Collage elevated to headquarters as an Assistant Commissioner as soon as a vacancy is available. In conclusion, the above appointments are good ones but, really, the government’s communications gurus need to go back to school. To God then, in all things, be the glory.

ORTLAND H BODIE, Jr Nassau June 9, 2019

Many thanks, Alicia, for your moving words on young men EDITOR, The Tribune I AM moved to thank Alicia Wallace for the column she wrote about the deaths of the two Bahamians Alrae Ramsey, my former colleague at the Foreign Office and Blair John, the St Mary’s Ph D student. Her piece in The Tribune 12 June was a rare foray into rationality over hocus pocus and nonsense that has cluttered the atmosphere since these two men died in tragic and inexplicable circumstances.

Once again, I personally and the PLP extend condolences to the families of these young men. We have reached out to all of the families.

The tragedy was made worse by the idle speculations which sought to turn a routine trip abroad by two friends into something else.

It was sickening.

Even my own expressions of grief were sought to be degraded by one of The Tribune’s commentators responding to The Tribune online by writing my name as if pronounced with a lisp

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net so as to cast aspersions by dog whistle not only on me but on the deceased.

I am yet alive and can defend myself.

However, these two men are dead. The dead cannot protect and defend their reputations. I have spoken to many of their contemporaries since the events in Turin and I have said to them one of the things I learned is that after your friends and loved ones are gone, you have a duty to protect their reputations because they cannot speak for themselves.

Beyond that, this is the time to say why Foreign Policy is so important. It is at marginal times like this that the relationships count.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was slow off the mark but ultimately got the message that in this era if the officials don’t provide information, the public will simply make it up.

It also shows that the PLP in its foreign affairs was right on the money about the need to engage overseas in spite of the FNM’S stupid banalities about overseas travel.

So I was glad that the opinion piece by Alicia Wallace captured that spirit of rationality. Thank you.

These two young men were brilliant, hard working, fun loving, normal young Bahamian men of their age and times, our finest sons, trying to make their way in the world, a world as we now see can be cruel and unkind. Bad things often happen to good people and the reasons are unavailable to mortal men and women.

Job in the Bible found that out. We carry on. Let us honour these men in death.

May they rest in peace.

SENATOR FRED MITCHELL Opposition Spokesman On Foreign Affairs Nassau June 13, 2019

Get things under control, Minister EDITOR, The Tribune THERE are Ministers who can’t go a day without being on the news. So often they appear, usually they talk absolute rubbish as one did last week. Upstaging more senior ministers is a no-no.

So Minister of National Security, you can’t arrest and break up the numerous gangs of persons smuggling guns, drugs, human traffic now but as with a miracle when The Bahamas version of the CIA starts up, miracles - we will be arresting

everybody even those probably who have not even started in a life of crime but are thinking about it.

This country is a small place - ain’t too difficult, Mr Minister, to get most things under reasonable control but please oh please don’t make an absolute idiot of the police or all security agencies by making such stupid statements. Sir, if the opening of the agencies does cause what you say then there is a real issue - why and why only with the establishing of the ‘spy

agency’ (that’s what the FNM called it prior to May 2017), then we are in serious problems.

Guns come from the US as President Trump told the Mexicans last week on their border do the same. Guns come solely from the US. Drugs - we all know they come from south of Cuba - ships, boats, planes come through a very small area deal with it.

ABRAHAM MOSS Nassau June 9, 2019

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, June 14, 2019, PAGE 5

GUN VIOLENCE IS TOP CAUSE OF DEATH FOR MEN

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net

GUN violence has been the number one cause of death of Bahamian men for the last few years, Health Minister Dr Duane Sands said yesterday, as he outlined the crippling effects obesity and non-communicable diseases have had on the healthcare system.

He added the probability of men dying from gun and stabbingrelated injuries “far exceeds” their risk of dying from cancer or HIV/AIDs. Speaking during his budget communication yesterday in the House of Assembly, Dr Sands also announced the ministry’s intention to launch a “war” with non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Underscoring the “extremely high” rates of obesity in The Bahamas, Dr Sands added his ministry has been “considering the evidence supporting recommendations” for sin taxes

on sugar, tobacco, alcohol, and “other vices”. He said while taxes may not curb consumption, they do generate revenue to “address the challenges of unhealthy consumption”.

This is important as Dr Sands noted the prevalence of NCDs in The Bahamas means the country’s healthcare demands “outstrip our financial capacity to pay”.

The health minister also said the country’s poor food choices are not only contributing to “slow dietary suicide” but also said it is “quite possible” that the malnutrition of Bahamians is “also contributing” to the high rate of homicide.

While delivering his remarks, Dr Sands said in 2018, the average life expectancy of a Bahamian at birth was 75.7 years — 72.6 for men and 78.6 for women.

Noting the country is “one of the leaders in penetrating trauma due to gunshots and stabbings”, Dr Sands continued: “The probability of males dying from these types of injuries far exceeds the

risk of death from cancer or HIV/ AIDS in The Bahamas.”

He added in 2012, The Bahamas had the 11th highest global homicide rate. While murders dropped to their “lowest rate” in nine years in 2018, he added they remain the “single greatest cause of loss of productive years of life lost” in men.

“For the last few years, the number one cause of death of a Bahamian male has been a bullet,” Dr Sands said.

He added that for the fiscal year 2019/2020, his ministry will be directing resources and confirming private-public collaborations to study the “impact of nutrition in our young men and women”.

“Specifically, we see how our food choices are contributing to slow dietary suicide…obesity, hypertension, diabetes and cancer,” Dr Sands said. “It is quite possible that the malnutrition of our people is also contributing to the high rate of homicide.

“So... as we commit institutionalised suicide by diet... those

same foods may contribute to the increased propensity to violence and homicide.”

Dr Sands reported four out of five Bahamians are overweight and 49.2 percent are obese. He added studies have shown obese people are approximately 20 percent more likely to die from cardiovascular disease and have a higher chance of getting certain cancers, type 2 diabetes, renal failure and stroke.

“When we ask about the incidents of cancer in The Bahamas... our rates are already skewed simply because of our weight,” Dr Sands added.

Listing a series of troubling national statistics—including the fact that 132,741 Bahamians have an “abnormally high blood pressure” and there are over 600 persons on hemodialysis, at an annual cost of $25m— Dr Sands said due to these lifestyle-related issues, Bahamians are on average sicker than most and require more health services than most.

“Consequently, our healthcare

needs outstrip our financial capacity to pay ...and the financing gap must come from somewhere.

“We are paying an incredible toll because of our lifestyle choices... and that toll is paid not just in health care costs... but in a mounting pile of sick and dying Bahamians. Let me declare today…we are going to war with NCDs.” Acknowledging that the government has agreed not to introduce any new categories of taxes this fiscal year, Dr Sands said his ministry will still “thoroughly determine the potential impact of deliberate fiscal disincentives to unhealthy behaviours”.

“While 2019/2020 sugar taxes are not yet ready to be implemented...this ministry will aggressively study the world’s experience for an evidence-based recommendation.”

To fight the “NCD epidemic”, Dr Sands said $1.765m, an 18 percent increase in comparison to the previous fiscal year, has been allocated to complement targeted wellness initiatives.

PMH owed $700m in historic unpaid bills

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net PRINCESS Margaret Hospital is owed over $700m in unpaid bills accumulated over the last 30 years, Health Minister Dr Duane Sands said yesterday.

Speaking during his budget communication in the House of Assembly, Dr Sands also said that 86 percent of patients who use the Public Hospitals Authority do not pay for services.

To offset this, Dr Sands said last September, 20 PHA employees began a training course to become certified medical coders.

These participants will “populate a centralised billing and collections facility to collect the legally gazetted fees”, Dr Sands said.

These remarks came weeks after the health minster in an interview forecast “increased collection of gazetted fees” to meet healthcare demands - though he insisted no one is going to be denied care in health facilities.

The Minnis administration has earmarked $301,973,034.00 to the public health sector with $223,455,825 designated for the PHA and $58,517,209 allocated to the Ministry of Health and Department of Public Health, according to Dr Sands.

“With respect to revenue generation and collection

over the 2018/2019 period, the PHA’s projected collection of $13.9 million is in line with the previous year’s collections with a variance of about $1.3 million below target,” the health minister said.

“Eighty-six percent of patients that access PHA do not pay for services. Of those that have been billed... From 1988 to 2018, over 30 years, Bahamians have racked up unpaid bills at PMH of $782,596,050.27.”

Dr Sands added that the 2019/2020 budget will result in challenges in two areas of priority needs.

“Firstly, just over five million is required annually to cover the costs of staff that were required to operate the Princess Margaret Hospital’s Critical Care Block which remains unfunded dating back to its inception.

“Secondly, approximately $10.3 million is required in excess of the annual allocations to facilitate the additional amount required for drugs, medical and surgical supplies.

“In keeping with recent years, the projected expenditure for drugs and medical and surgical supplies amounts to over $31.4 million dollars, while the budget allocation was $21 million dollars, representing a shortfall of $10.4 million.

“Mr Speaker, I think you will agree that we must find a way to cover this shortfall

for the good of the country and all its citizens.”

Dr Sands said a year ago, 40 PHA employees participated in a 10-week introductory coding training programme. Of that group, in September 2018 the top 20 began the advanced one-year training course to become certified medical coders.

“These initiatives are geared towards increasing the number of medical coders in the public hospital system and are all critical steps towards improving the availability of the vital data required within our health system for growth, strengthening and reform,” he said.

“These individuals will populate a centralised billing and collections facility to collect the legally gazetted fees. Some, but not all these fees will be adjusted to reflect current day costs.

We have not yet completed the recruitment exercise for leadership in this area.

We have not yet agreed the final fee schedule. We do not yet have the private bed inventory to ramp up the adjustment of charges to insured patients carrying insurances paid for by the people of The Bahamas.

“But we shall begin applying the existing (historic) fee schedule effective immediately. If we have persons who can pay ...pay just the minimums that they are mandated to pay... we can dramatically improve

HEALTH Minister Dr Duane Sands yesterday said that 86 percent of patients who use the Public Hospitals Authority do not pay for services.

the services in our health system.

“Yes, we will have to adjust the fee schedule to be more reflective of the costs.

But we are not yet able to effectively bill and collect.

We expect to achieve this during this year.”

Dr Sands said overall, included in PHA’s short, medium, and long-term goals are initiatives to augment revenue collections, streamline operations, and reduce waste.

In this vein, one of PHA’s major objectives over the next five years is to transition to a “cost recovery model” where its dependency on the Public Treasury

is “appropriately reduced”.

“In the interim, significant revenue augmentation initiatives such as, but not limited to, real time billing, revenue leakage reduction, centralised collections management, and strengthening of insurance claims processing, are being undertaken,” Dr Sands said.

“Simultaneously, the PHA is pursuing significant cost reduction measures including outsourcing of appropriate services, consolidation and renegotiation of contracts, improved inventory management, continued transition to solar energy, telecommunications audit, optimisation of staff

scheduling, consolidation of group purchasing and other opportunities for maximisation of economies of scale.

Dr Sands also said of the financial issues that result in shortfalls in the annual budget -including the last fiscal year- is the expenditure on overtime, “which typically exceeds the approved allocation, with nursing coverage continuing to be the biggest challenge due primarily to the shortages of specialised nurses in the hospitals”.

He also cited contracts for medical services and laboratory supplies as other challenging budget items.

SUSPECTED SABOTAGE ATTACK DAMAGES AC AT HOSPITAL

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net

THE chilling and airconditioning systems at Princess Margaret Hospital have faced another setback with a recent suspected sabotage attack on two units, Health Minister Dr Duane Sands said yesterday.

Acknowledging that additional security measures will have to be implemented to prevent such incidents from occurring again, Dr Sands regretted that the public health sector will have to “divert resources for protection” - also referring to the recent IT attack that the Public Hospitals Authority faced.

Speaking during his budget communication in the House of Assembly, Dr Sands also addressed the issue of chronic bed

shortages at the country’s three public hospitals. Dr Sands said a tender has been issued for replacement hospital beds as well as 75 additional beds.

“Mr Speaker, when I wrote this contribution, I was going to say that we have had no further problems with the chilling and air conditioning systems at the Critical Care Block at the Princess Margaret Hospital, but I spoke too soon,” Dr Sands said in Parliament.

“Two days ago, we had a serious challenge that may - may - be reflective of sabotage. However, I am pleased to report that we should soon have definitive replacement of two of the major chillers and it is expected that we will have no further challenges with the associated air condition systems in this building.”

Dr Sands clarified this incident in an interview with The Tribune following House proceedings.

When asked what led to the suspicion of sabotage, Dr Sands replied: “Well, on inspection of the units, there were some things out of place that could not be explained just by wear and tear. Obviously, this is subject to an ongoing investigation but the findings, at least with the initial investigation, seems to suggest that this may have been more than just an act of nature.”

He added one major chiller was completely out of commission while another was badly malfunctioning.

Regarding whether any measures will be put in place to prevent this from happening in the future, Dr Sands said, “I believe we

have no choice. Certainly it’s a sad day when the assets of a public institution that cares for the people of the country finds itself under the possibility of such an attack. (PMH), the (PHA) would have recently suffered a major attack on its IT system. And we have still not fully recovered from that. We have seen these types of things for various reasons in the past and its unfortunate when you have to divert resources for protection. We anticipate that the additional firewalls and other software to protect our IT system could be in seven figures.

“When we now start to look at what we may have to do in order to segregate even more access to wires, grids, and so on and so forth for a simple air-conditioning cooling system…those are funds that could be used for

medication, could be used of dressings, can be used for other things directly related to healthcare.”

Dr Sands declined to speculate on whether the perpetrators are PMH staff and the possible repercussions they would face should this be the case.

“We are committed to doing a thorough investigation,” he underscored.

“Once that investigation is completed, let the chips fall as they may.”

During his address, Dr Sands also described the limited bed capacity in the nation’s public hospitals as a “major concern”.

“All three public hospitals have a combined inpatient complement of 1,010 beds.

This is juxtaposed against the need to accommodate in excess of 21,000 admissions annually, totaling (270,000) annual patient days. This

situation is felt most acutely by patients seeking care at the Princess Margaret Hospital. As part of a broader initiative to address the longstanding issue of chronic bed shortages, PMH along with the other PHA institutions issued a tender for replacement hospital beds.”

These areas include medical/surgical, ICU, behavioral health, birthing and bariatric beds, as well as paediatric cribs and patient stretchers in May 2019.

“It is anticipated that the short turnaround time for this tender, along with an expedient procurement process, will result in the new beds being installed within the hospital in a few short months.”

Dr Sands later told The Tribune 75 beds will be added.

PAGE 6, Friday, June 14, 2019

THE TRIBUNE

McCartney calls for citizenship at birth

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net FORMER Minister of State for Immigration Branville McCartney has suggested children born to foreign parents should be allowed to apply for citizenship at birth as a solution to the country’s immigration challenges.

Mr McCartney also said the constitutional entitlement to citizenship for this group was mandatory, and not restricted to simply a right to apply for consideration.

Both the sitting government and the previous administration have firmly disputed this interpretation, with successive immigration ministers insisting the constitution only provides the right to apply, not to be granted citizenship, for people born in The Bahamas to non-Bahamian parents.

Article 7 of the constitution reads: “A person born in the Bahamas after 9th July 1973 neither of whose parents is a citizen of the Bahamas shall be entitled, upon making application on his attaining the age of 18 years or within 12 months thereafter in such manner as may be prescribed, to be registered as a citizen of the Bahamas.”

The application is subject to exceptions or qualifications set out in public policy or interests of national security, and an applicant must first renounce his citizenship of any other country - if applicable - before being registered.

Earlier this week, Mr McCartney said: “The article in the constitution is mandatory, the word shall is mandatory, it doesn’t say may. However, it’s only mandatory based on the prerequisite - an application, you have to apply and

FORMER Minister of State for Immigration Branville McCartney a lot of the circumstances that we have today, many persons have not applied on their 18th birthday or within 12 months during that period. And that causes a number of concerns, you have to apply. If you don’t apply how do you get your citizenship.”

Mr McCartney was

discussing challenges related to statelessness in the context of the country’s constitution and immigration laws as a guest on the talk show “Paradigm Shift” with Michelle Malcolm. Ms Malcolm, under the theme “Stateless by Design”, hosted a broad discussion on contributing factors

to longstanding immigration challenges that ranged from the large number of people living in the country without documentation and the business of illegal immigration.

Mr McCartney was joined by activist Louby Georges and C Allen Johnson, a tech consultant commonly

known by his radio persona, “Critical Thinker”.

For his part, Mr Johnson underscored the chaos surrounding immigration has generated a multi-billion dollar economy that required astute leadership to effect change.

Mr McCartney continued: “You make the application

and it goes to Cabinet and the Cabinet will make a decision. Now once Cabinet is satisfied that the application is legitimate, then really they are directed to give citizenship. My understanding though, my feelings when I was there was that if these criteria apply when you’re 18, then they ought to apply at birth - what’s the difference?

“That would solve a lot of problems you have today because you have a number of people…they have this right. So if you are born here after 1973, you have a right to citizenship at the age of 18 once you make the application - that’s how it works.

“The problem we have, we have persons who don’t make the application and of course there are circumstances where the application was made and there are concerns or questions regarding the application. In that article under the constitution it also speaks that the application must be done in the prescribed form. The prescribed form is where you may have some difficulties, who were your parents, what documentation they may have, but quite frankly it doesn’t matter.”

Mr McCartney added: “If they are born here and you’ve shown that they are born here, then the constitution mandates once the application is made that they become a citizen.”

The former Bamboo Town MP reiterated his position on opening up the country to foreign business, but noted the country had still not strengthened laws to protect the country’s borders and discourage people from entering illegally and exploiting the country’s laws.

Funeral Service For

Funeral Service For SAMUEL ALFREDO THOMPSON, 51 of Pembroke Pine, Miami, Fl., will be held on Saturday, June 15th, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Barnabas Anglican Church, Baillou Hill and Wulff Road. Officiating will be Canon Basil Tynes. Interment will follow in Lakeview Memorial Gardens, John F. Kennedy Drive and Gladstone Road.

Left to mourn and cherish his memories are his wife: Clarabell Thompson; daughters: Shalencia Thompson Ibeji (Chukwunyere), Samantha Thompson; granddaughter: Chloe Ibeji; father: Reginald Taylor (Pamela); brothers: O’Brian Thompson (Joey), Jermaine Thompson (Felice), Haywood Thompson; sister: Tamika Fowler; Uncles: David Thompson, Henry Cooper, Learnicks Gibson; Aunts: Geraldine Marret, Pearline Barth-Genova (Thomas), Janet Rolle, Roslyn, Ruby Ferguson; Nieces: Jeval, Krystal, Amanda, Kimberly, Tiffany, Jerniah and Janisha; Nephews: Jermaine Jr., Deandue, Timone and Torrey; Cousins: Maggie Banton (Christopher), Maxine Thompson (Barry Scott Sr.), Chearron Marrett, Mosetta and Mosine Ferguson, Tennile and David Thompson Jr, Thamile, Theran and Kristen Rolle, Gemetreya, Travis, Sanaa, Javon, Christanese, Barry Jr, Nysa, Mo’nique, Jaden, Teandro, Maranique; Brothers-in-law: Brandford Henfield (Sherry), Joseph Gardiner, Joshua Gardiner, Llewelyn Gardiner (Rose); Sisters-inlaw: Victoria Dean-Forbes (James), Laurine Roberts (Harry), Felice Thompson; Other relatives and close friends including Marjorie and Emily Bastian, Sean, Ian and Ernie Green, Melvern, Sheila Bastian, Pauline, Lynden Ricky Bastian, Nathanial Bastian (Francis), Zebedee Bastian (Lee), Paul Bastian (Lucille) Deborah Minus-Saunders, Jeanie Minus, Kendolyn Dean, Portia Bowe(Adrian), Alvarez and Vijay Williams, Isis and Auther Roberts, Natalka and Steven Greenslade and family, Natasha Lewis, Brandford Henfield Jr., Omar, Jermaine, Jermel, Renee, Shonnell Huyler (Bruno), Lakia Bain(John), Lewell Gardiner Jr., Fabian Thurston and family(Florida), Sonia-Cox Hamilton and family, Michael Jones and family, Michael Ferguson and family(Florida), Ibeji family (Florida), Ilene Singletary and family(Florida), David Diaz and family(Florida), Warren Cartwright and family (Florida & Eleuthera), Deborah Cartwright, Ingrid Bethune, Ilsa Evans, Theresa Rolle, Pauline Grant, James and Skylar Wolf (Florida), Paul Ascott, Bassie and Deres Tihal, Yanick and Sonny Bodkin. The Northwest Baptist Church Family (Florida), St Augustine’s Class Of 1984, Bahamas Hotel Training Class of 1987, Dr. Michael Cusnir and team at Mt Sinai Medical Center Cancer Institute, Staff of Mount Sinai Hospital and Memorial Hospital System. Director Angela Gordon and staff Aventura Hospital and other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.

Viewing will be held in the Celestial Suite at Restview Memorial Mortuary and Crematorium Ltd., Robinson and Soldier Roads on Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and at the church on Saturday from 11:30 a.m. until service time.

John Rudolph Griffin, 80 Affectionately called “Johnny”

of Eneas Street, Bain Town and formerly of Current, Eleuthera who died at his residence on Saturday, 1st June, 2019. The service will be held on Tuesday, 18th June, 2019 at 11:00a.m. at The Current Methodist Church in Current, Eleuthera. Rev. Carla Culmer assisted by Brother Luther Kemp and Rev. Derek Eldon will officiate. Interment will follow in the Current Cemetery, Eleuthera.

He is survived by his Sisters: Barbara Andrews, Carol Roberts, Madge Pryke & Joanne Roberts; Brothers: Kingsley Griffin & Alfred Griffin; Sister-in-Law: Maria Griffin; Brother-in-Law: Lester Roberts; Nieces: Rochelle Roberts, Raquel Neilly, Heather Coleby, Christina Turner, Rachel Sweeting, Audra Neely, Nikole Griffin-Zeiger, Alexis Griffin, Charlotte Pryke & Cheyanne Roberts; Nephews: Gary Thompson, Roger Griffin, Ron Griffin, Eric Griffin, Alan Pryke & Jordan Griffin; Great Grand Nieces: Madison Knowles, Kelsie Neely, Brielle Zeiger, Brianna Zeiger & Bryn Turner; Great Grand Nephews: Brian Thompson, Christopher Thompson, Kristian Neely, Deniro Neely, Tushar Coleby, Evan Sweeting, Lorenzo Neilly, Teagan Coleby, Tyler Zeiger & Brecken Turner; Numerous other relatives and friends including his caregiver: Jennet & her family & his former employer (predeceased) Sir Roland Symonette & Lady Symonette, and the Hon. Brent Symonette & Mr. Craig Symonette & their families.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by The New Commonwealth Funeral Home on Independence Drive.

Viewing will be on Monday, 17th June, 2019 from 9:30a.m. to 2:00p.m. and again in Current, Eleuthera on Tuesday, 18th June, 2019 from 9:00am until service time.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, June 14, 2019, PAGE 7

MINISTER of State for Grand Bahama Kwasi Thompson and Senator Jasmin Darius, chairperson of the Grand Bahama Independence Celebrations Committee, announce plans for the 46th annual Independence Celebration in Grand Bahama at the Office of the Prime Minister in Freeport.

PM to attend Grand Bahama independence celebrations

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net MINISTER of State for Grand Bahama Kwasi Thompson announced that Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis will travel to the island for the 46th annual independence celebrations in Freeport slated for July 8.

He said that it would be the first time that the prime minister and his Cabinet will attend the cultural extravaganza at the Independence Park, Coral Road.

Mr Thompson said that moving this year’s celebration on Grand Bahama to July 8 will allow the island to be at the centre of the country for the first time on that day.

“It will be live on television and the internet, and we are very excited that for the first time Grand

Bahama really will be the highlight as we usually have to compete with New Providence on July 9. But this year we will have front stage in the Bahamas on July 8,” he said.

The national theme is, “United We Stand Bahamas...Together We Can!” Senator Jasmin Darius, chairperson of the Independence Celebration Committee in Grand Bahama, said this year’s theme reflects the importance of unity.

She noted that another major event that Bahamians are expected to participate in is National Pride Day/ Flag Day on Friday, July 5.

Mrs Darius stated that special assemblies will take place at three locations on Grand Bahama: the Harold DeGregory Complex in Freeport, the Government Park in High Rock, and the Administrator’s Office in

Eight Mile Rock, with the raising of the flag at 10am.

She said that radio stations are invited to play the national anthem at that time.

“We need to appreciate that the flag is our symbol of national unity and strength and it is good that we pause to recognise and respect the most obvious symbol of our national identity,” said Mrs Darius.

Additionally, she noted that major events will also take place in Sweeting’s Cay and West End. The celebrations kick off on Sunday, June 30 at 3pm with church services at New Mt Oliver Baptist Church in Holmes Rock and St Michael’s Anglican Church in Sweeting’s Cay. A church service will also be held on Monday, July 1 at Emmanuel Baptist Disciple Centre in High Rock at 7pm; and on Sunday, July 7,

at Life Community Church on Polaris Drive, Caravel Beach.

On July 10, a Junkanoo rush out will be held at Bayshore Road in West End at 3am. A family fun day will be held in East Grand Bahama at the Coconut Festival site in Pelican Point at noon and similar events at Sweeting’s Cay.

In Freeport, at 7pm persons are invited to Taino Beach for the start of Goombay Summer celebrations.

On Saturday, July 13, the celebration moves into Hunters, and Williams/ Russell Town beginning at 3pm with a ‘Wall of Fame’ celebration, saluting outstanding residents

past and present in those settlements.

On Saturday, July 27, the celebrations will close out at the Cultural Village in Eight Mile Rock where a cultural extravaganza will take place. There will also be a West Grand Bahama sporting event and awards presentation at Jones Town Park at 4pm.

PAGE 8, Friday, June 14, 2019

A

FEW weeks back in this column, I wrote about the state of Illinois innovative Bill 1483 regarding legalising and decriminalising recreational marijuana use, for adults over 21 years of age.

Bill 1483 has many beneficial components that could be implemented in the construction of our legislation, concerning this very sensitive topic in our society.

ILLINOIS NUMBER 11: A little more than a week ago, the Illinois Legislature overwhelmingly voted in favour of House Bill 1438, which is a measure that will legalise recreational marijuana throughout the state of Illinois by Jan 1, 2020.

The bill allows adults aged 21 and over to purchase and possess up to 30 grams of cannabis, with nonresidents allowed to possess up to half the amount of state residents.

As with the other 10 states (and Washington, DC) to have given the green light to adult-use marijuana, an excise tax will be imposed on sales.

According to the bill, an excise tax of 10% will be imposed on products containing less than 35% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive cannabinoid that gets a user high, with a considerably higher tax of 25% on products with higher doses of THC, such as concentrates.

This doesn’t include state and local taxes that are added onto retail sales in the state. (So VAT is in play here too).

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, a Democrat, expects that this tax will generate $170 million in 2020, which will partially help the state meet its numerous underfunded obligations.

(Marijuana taxes in The Bahamas could become a productive revenue source).

CLEAN SLATE : In addition, HB 1438 contains a provision to help expunge marijuana offences for persons convicted of possessing a small amount of the drug that were not associated with violence.

(Rastas throughout Bahamaland would rejoice.)

According to ABC News, this could lead to 770,000 Illinois residents having their convictions expunged.

Although no timeline was laid out as to when Gov. Pritzker would sign the bill into law as of midweek, he has expressed support for the legislation and does

THE TRIBUNE

If it’s good enough for Her Majesty, it’s good enough for us

intend to sign it.

This means it’s a mere formality that Illinois is set to become the 11th recreationally legal state.

WHO’S NEXT ?

Next up to bat in my opinion, would be New Jersey and New York, both of which have advanced legislation to legalise adultuse marijuana.

Unfortunately, both states may have to wait until 2020 before they get their chance at redemption.

In March, New Jersey looked like a near-shoe in to legalise, with Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy and state lawmakers seemingly coming to an agreement on excise tax rates after protracted debates. However, talks abruptly fell apart

after Republican lawmakers in the state failed to support the legislation, and in-party squabbling among Democrats over social aspects of the bill, left the bill dead in the water.

In New York, social issues held up inclusion of recreational cannabis legislation in the state’s budget, which was due at the beginning of April.

Both states are good candidates to advance legislation in 2020 that could lead to recreational legalisation.

If no other states winding up legalising recreational weed in 2019, then all eyes in 2020 will likely turn to Arizona and/or Florida -- and not for vacation purposes.

Arizona voted unsuccessfully back in 2016, with the

measure narrowly failing by about two percentage points.

However, the image of marijuana has improved nationwide over the past couple of years, and the second time has been the charm in a number of states, including California and Oregon, where initial legalisation efforts failed.

The Arizona Marijuana Legalization Initiative, which will require close to 238,000 signatures of residents to get on the 2020 ballot, looks like it has a reasonably good chance of passing in November 2020, assuming everything goes to plan.

The Florida medical marijuana industry has been such an overwhelming success that it seems only logical to see a recreational marijuana measure make its way to the ballot by November 2020.

Florida remains a bigger long shot than Arizona, but powerful cannabis support groups have focused on legalising adult-use weed in Florida, in 2020.

Florida has the potential to become the largest projected revenue-producing state.

No matter which state follows in the footsteps of Illinois, the fact remains that marijuana is a budding industry that rightly has the attention of opportunistic investors.

(I understand certain opportunistic Bahamian investors, are ‘chomping at the bit’ to legally get in the ‘weed’ game).

HEALING NATION:

OF

A

Just as I promote the decriminalisation and legalisation of marijuana for adults over 21, I also want to keep the conversation open regarding medical marijuana and the positive results from its usage.

Despite all the negative noise in the market, from all the talking heads, (especially Bahamian talk radio contributors) in relation to the legalisation and decriminalisation of marijuana, and its usage medicinally, France is taking steps towards the legalisation of medical marijuana.

The Canadian Senate voted by a large majority to approve the use of

experimental medical cannabis for two years, which should make it available to 300,000 to one million patients, according to advocacy groups.

The French agency that is overseeing the programme has identified cancer, some types of epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and palliative care as potential qualifying health conditions that would allow doctors to prescribe the medicine through the plan. Also on the list is chronic pain that is unresponsive to other kinds of treatment. As a matter of fact, doctors have been advised that the recommendation of medical cannabis is to be regarded as a last resort in the treatment of health problems. (We can’t cut off the major pharmaceutical companies, they need their revenue also).

AND DON’T FORGET THE CHURCH : The Church of England, which sits atop the international Anglican communion, and is led by Queen Elizabeth II herself, is changing the rules of its $10.5 billion investment fund to allow for investments in medical cannabis.

Let that sink in.

So if it’s good enough for Her Majesty, it’s good enough for us!

Excuse me, PM Minnis, can you and the FNM stop politicking with the marijuana, and pass it along, with its myriad of benefits, financially, medicinally and socially.

THE TRIBUNE

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net LEGAL action from the Rastafarian community may speed up the government’s track on cannabis reform as one group has announced plans to sue for religious use.

The Bobo Ashanti - formally known as the Ethiopia Africa Black International Congress (EABIC) - have given the government 10 days to indicate a willingness to grant a licence for the cultivation, possession and supply of Indian hemp or face a lawsuit on the grounds that a refusal breaches their constitutional right to religious freedom.

The letter argues that Roman Catholic and Anglican churches are allowed to give alcohol to confirmed minors as a religious sacrament while Rastafarians are criminalised.

“The consumption of Indian hemp is a sacrament in the Livity (the religion/ creed) of Rastafari,” a letter from the group read.

“The Dangerous Drugs Act confers on you the responsibility of control of Indian hemp and the other dangerous drugs specified in the act.

“Article 22 of the constitution of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas guarantees to Rastafari the right not only to enjoy freedom of conscience but also the right ‘to manifest and propagate his religion or belief in worship, teaching practice and observance,’” it continued.

Friday, June 14, 2019, PAGE 9

Rastafarians plan to sue for religious use of marijuana “In The Bahamas, (Rastafarians) are subject to arrest and prosecution for cultivating, possessing and supplying Indian hemp to other (Rastafarians).

“The Roman Catholic and Anglican churches are permitted to give alcohol to confirmed minors as a part of their sacrament of the Eucharist. The act does not prohibit the cultivation, possession and supply of Indian hemp rather it subjects the cultivation, possession and supply of Indian hemp to permission by you in accordance with the law which would include the act and the constitution.”

Dr Sands addressed the letter during his budget contribution as he reiterated his call for the country to wait for the position paper from the Marijuana Commission.

The health minister maintained the government’s position that it would not consider the issuance of “multiple licences” under the Dangerous Drugs Act during this consultative period as it would circumvent the work of the commission.

The commission has been granted a three-month extension to complete its work after missing its April deadline.

In the House of Assembly yesterday, Dr Sands remarked the entire country “seems to have struck up a love affair with marijuana”.

Dr Sands said: “Just this week, I was served notice of a group intending to sue me as minister to force the liberalisation of the existing legislation as a constitutional matter.

“I support legal, civil

NEW SCHOOL FOR INAGUA WITH OTHERS TO FOLLOW

By KATHRYN CAMPBELL Bahamas Information Services

INAGUA is set to get a new school in the upcoming year and plans are on the drawing board for the construction of new schools in Gregory Town, Eleuthera and George Town, Exuma.

Jeffrey Lloyd, minister of education, in his contribution to the ongoing budget debate made the announcements as he presented an overview of his portfolio in the House of Assembly.

Mr Lloyd said the aim of the Ministry of Education is to meet the educational demands of a growing population and in this regard in 2018 two new primary schools—Rum Cay Primary School and San Salvador Primary School—have been constructed.

Mr Lloyd told parliamentarians the ministry has also

acknowledged and acted on the need to enhance and expand educational facilities to better meet the demands of students.

“In so doing, in 2018, we have completed expansion projects on CH Reeves Junior High School, North Eleuthera High School, Claridge Primary School, Eva Hilton Primary School, and AF Adderley Junior High School. These expansions would have included new classrooms, computer and science labs, and art rooms. All work is expected to be completed by August of this year,” he said.

Aware of the significance of creating and maintaining an environment conducive to effective teaching and learning, Mr Lloyd relayed his ministry’s plans for ongoing capital projects in this regard.

Schools currently undergoing works include: Holmes Rock Junior High

SCHOOL BUILDING DAMAGED BY FIRE POLICE on Andros are investigating a fire which damaged part of a school building on Wednesday.

According to a police report, shortly after 4pm, Andros police officers were on patrol in the area of the Huntley G Christie High School, Queen’s Highway, Nichols Town, when they discovered the centre block of classrooms on fire. Officers and volunteers from the community extinguished the fire,

which damaged four single storey classrooms.

No one was injured during the incident.

The school managed to remain open and students were able to complete their final exams.

Fire Services officers from New Providence will travel to Andros to continue investigations. The Ministry of Education has also opened an investigation into the cause of the fire.

HUNT FOR MISSING GIRL

POLICE are asking for assistance in their search for a missing girl. Alicia Jervis, aged 14, was last seen by relatives on May 30. Anyone with information as to her whereabouts is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 328-TIPS, the Central Detective Unit at 502-9991/2 or 911/919.

School, with an anticipated completion date of January 2020; Lowe Sound Primary School, with an anticipated completion date of January 2020; Staniel Cay All-Age School, with a projected completion date of December 2019; and the Eva Hilton Sporting Complex.

Mr Lloyd remarked that during the upcoming summer months numerous structural repairs will be carried out at various schools in New Providence estimated at a cost of $12,650,000.

The schools include: CR Walker High School, DW Davis Junior High School, HO Nash Junior High School, CW Sawyer Primary School, Government High School, SC McPherson Junior High School, CI Gibson Senior High School, CH Reeves Junior High School, and LW Young Junior High School.

methods of advocacy for change,” he continued.

“It is possible that the commission may recommend changes in the classification of plants from the cannabis family and that we may adjust the legal framework.”

Dr Sands said: “Ultimately the Cabinet will consider the recommendations and opinions of the public and the advice of the commission and any changes will be legislated. That is how democracies work.”

The Rastafarian group is represented by prominent QC Wayne Munroe, who

told The Tribune Dr Sands acknowledged receipt of the letter on June 5. Last year April, The Tribune reported on the Rastafarian community’s campaign for reparatory justice in the form of state recognition and inclusion.

At that time, the government had reportedly held talks with the Bobo Ashanti for several months concerning sacramental rights.

Priests canvassed by The Tribune said they expected the government to follow Jamaica and Antigua, whose leaders have issued formal apologies for the

longstanding oppression inflicted on Rastafarian communities due to their sacramental use of the plant. However, confidence over the inclusion and equity stake of Rastafarians was not widespread at the time.

An overriding concern among faith leaders was that the community be placed at the forefront of national discussions on marijuana law reform and commerce as it has led agitation over liberalisation of the plant for decades.

Editorial View - Page 4

PAGE 10, Friday, June 14, 2019

THE TRIBUNE

Honestly, I’m all in a pickle IT’S possible that I slept through the last decade but highly unlikely so how else do I account for the fact that until Friday I never heard of the world’s fastest growing sport? Wonder if you have.

It’s called pickleball. Not a very auspicious name for something that is suddenly at the top of the popularity charts. All over Florida, pickleball enthusiasts, who are obviously well-organised, have commandeered hard surface tennis courts and transformed sections of them into pickleball courts.

They painted their court lines through the heart of no man’s land and beyond the service line, breaking the back half of any court they’ve abducted into something that resembles one of those games that kids take on a car ride with Parcheesi on a chess board.

New lines in different colours overwhelm existing lines.

Playing tennis, or attempting to play tennis on a pickleball court is

like seeing double twice.

The problem is it’s hard to play two games at one time so whichever one you choose triggers second thoughts about the value of sharing.

What is pickleball?

Here’s a pretty accurate description: “Imagine playing tennis on a badminton court with ping pong paddles and a whiffle ball.“ What, you couldn’t just settle for any one of the four sports, you had to toss them all in a leisure time blender and come out with the athletic version of a green drink?

Actually, that’s how pickleball got is start. The history of it (yes, there really is a history – and now

Whatever you do, don’t miss Rocketman

ROCKETMAN, the rocky road and stomach-churning roller coaster ride of one of the greatest musical geniuses of all time, Elton John, is a must-see movie for anyone who can handle the honesty.

The film begins with a scene of Sir Elton as he enters

a university) the history of it is that a Congressman from Washington State named Joel Pritchard and a few friends - Bill Bell and Barney McCallum (now pickleball heroes on the order of what Vince Lombardi is to football or Billie Jean King to tennis) - had just finished a round of golf.

When they returned to the Bainbridge Island house where spouses and children were waiting with nothing to do, they decided to improvise. They found ping pong paddles in the garage, someone erected a badminton net and the rest is, as they say, the history.

That was in 1965. In 1972, a corporation was formed and by 1976, the

first pickleball tournament was held. Not surprisingly, the sport was largely confined to the far northwest until suddenly it wasn’t.

Now it’s all over like measles or flu, fully organised with rules, regulations, levels, ladders and tournaments. Since the first video was published in 2013, online coverage has exploded. One site says pickleball is less a sport and more a way of life.

Another says it’s addictive.

All agree it’s great for Phys Ed programmes because it’s a space saver (court is 20’ by 44’, tennis courts are 78’ x 27’) and great for seniors because it gets them up and moving when tennis becomes too hard.

With hundreds of thousands of people now pickleballers, pickleball parties everywhere and more than 75 courts popping up or being commandeered every month, those of us who still struggle to play a game of tennis are in a real pickle. How did it happen overnight?

rehab, still dressed in one of his outrageous costumes, still longing for another snort of cocaine or the swig of a bottle of whisky or anything to numb the pain of what he really longed for from the time he was a child, another human’s love.

Watching the movie you wonder how Elton John would accept the brutal nakedness of his desperation, the tragedy of his begging his father for the hug that never came, the recognition that the man he thought was his true love was a whore in a thousand dollar suit.

As the film, filled with the magic of his performances and the singularity of his talent, the credits roll. Elton John served as executive producer. He has been clean for 28 years and happily married to David for 20. He has stopped touring to give the sons they adopted the love he never had as a child. He may go back on tour one day but until then, savour the cinematic perfection that is Rocketman.

We should call time on Mr Bald HE SAT in the booth behind us, his back to my back, my husband afforded a view of his fully bald head, the kind that only comes with the aid of a barber who dislikes hair. I did not have a view, only sound, the sound of his voice on a conference call on his cell phone, blaring out it ‘on speaker’ the whole time we attempted to have a late breakfast in one of our favourite delis in Florida.

In between savouring bites of chopped chicken liver, I could

hear “NO, I told him No. Put her on.” Second caller conferences in woman, third voice: “That is NOT the way it is going to work. You SAW the agreement.” First man, the bald one. “We are friends.”

“That’s what I am trying to tell you, but the (undecipherable) is the (more undecipherable)” and on and on it went until he must have finished his eggs served with a dollop of inconsideration and a dose of just plain bad manners. We

could only celebrate his departure with a sigh from our table that must have been heard across the din of the deli.

Manners matter. Maybe Mr Bald (and overweight) did not care that we overheard his conversation - but we cared. Just wonder what someone like that is like when it comes to helping an elderly person across a street or sharing food with someone who looks like they had not eaten for too long?

Maybe I already know the answer.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, June 14, 2019, PAGE 11

SOCIETY LEADS CALL FOR MANY MORE BLOOD DONORS

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net AS countries around the world celebrate World Blood Donor’s Day today, a “Drip Drip Challenge” is being hosted by the Blood Donors Society of Grand Bahama on Saturday to encourage voluntary blood donations and to raise awareness of the need for regular donation.

Lededra Marche, president of the Blood Donor’s Society, said the event will take place at the Rand Memorial Hospital’s training centre from 11am to 3pm, and that trophies will be awarded to the individual and group which brings in the most blood donors.

Residents, businesses, organisations and churches are encouraged to participate and support this very important initiative.

“This is our first ever ‘Drip Drip Challenge’, and we want to raise awareness for the need for the donation of blood in the community, and make it fun,” Ms Marche said.

Ms Marche said there are two categories under the

challenge: the individual category where persons can bring in as many people as they wish as donors, including family members or a group category is which open to churches, the business community and other organisations.

Entry forms are available at The Freeport News, Kiss FM 97, at the Rand Memorial Hospital, and also can be downloaded from the GB Blood Donors website.

Dr Catherine Adderley, vice president of the GB Blood Donors Society, said that the World Health Organisation designated June 14 as World Blood Donors Day in 2005, with the purpose of highlighting the importance of voluntary blood donation.

She noted said that with a population such as Grand Bahama’s, it is important that there is an adequate supply of blood available.

“A lot of people do not realise that blood is disposable so their donation today in a month’s time would have to be replaced because it has an expiration date, and we really need a viable pool of willing donors on a continuous basis to

maintain our blood supply, and also to assist in time of need,” she said.

She is encouraging persons to support the event and become member of their blood donor registry.

Dr Mandy Pedican, medical advisor of the Blood Donors Society of Grand Bahama, said when persons come to the hospital lab they will have to fill out a questionnaire as part of the interview screening process.

“We want to make sure our donors are safe and able to donate. We want to encourage persons to have a good meal prior to coming in, nothing too fatty, but a nice healthy meal about 45 minutes to an hour before coming in to donate,” she said.

Dr Pedican said donating is a comfortable process and there are well trained individuals who it a positive experience.

She stated that donating blood can save the lives of three persons. “It is a gift that does not cost you anything to give, and your body replaces it within a few days,” she explained.

“It is an inexpensive way to give, but it such a priceless commodity.”

177 MIGRANTS AND BOAT SEIZED IN JOINT OPERATION

By RIEL MAJOR Tribune Staff Reporter rmajor@tribunemedia.net

A JOINT operation between two Royal Bahamas Defence Force patrol crafts, Operation Bahamas Turks and Caicos (OPBAT), the Unites States Coast Guard, and a USCG aircraft resulted in the arrest of 177 migrants and the seizure of a Haitian motorized vessel on Wednesday afternoon.

In a press statement, the RBDF stated the United States Coast Guard sent information to the RBDF Operations Command Centre about

a suspicious vessel seen earlier that day. “The motorised vessel was monitored by OPBAT helicopters as USCG Cutter Venturous, along with defence (force) patrol craft HMBS Durward Knowles and P-128, proceeded to the area to intercept the vessel. The two RBDF patrol crafts were on patrol in the southern Bahamas at the time,” the statement read.

“The Haitian vessel with 177 migrants on board was subsequently intercepted by USCG Cutter Venturous, assisted by P-128 and HMBS Durward Knowles approximately

30 miles south of Inagua around 6.30pm Wednesday evening.”

According to the press release, the illegal immigrants will be repatriated to Haiti by the USCG Cutter and the migrant vessel was destroyed. “Due to the safety of life at sea concerns, the unsanitary and unseaworthy status of the migrant vessel, all of the migrants were transferred to the United States Coast Guard Cutter,” the statement added.

“HMBS Durward Knowles is commanded by Lieutenant Commander Omarv Saunders and P-128 is coxswained

by Petty Officer Ronnie Neymour.”

ALLEGED ACID ATTACK WOMAN NEEDS TIME TO SUBMIT COSTS

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

A 41-YEAR-OLD MAN accused of causing dangerous harm to a woman on whom he allegedly dumped acid in November, yesterday had his case stood down to July 30 to allow his victim the time needed to have her medical expenses submitted to the court.

Christopher Rahming is

charged with dumping acid on Appolonia Lightfoot, 31, as she sat at a bus stop on John F Kennedy Drive last November.

The court is seeking to have Rahming’s alleged victim compile a list of medical expenses incurred as a result of cosmetic procedures undertaken since the attack.

The Tribune understands that the expenses will be used to determine the amount of damages

NON REPAYMENT OF DEBT IS TANTAMOUNT TO THEFT

THE news that the Ministry of Education is seeking to garnish the wages of civil servants who have failed to repay the Education Loan Authority sparked a lively reaction among readers on tribune242.com.

HonestTruth was in favour of the move: “Great news! I support this initiative 300%. It is a ridiculous mindset amongst our people that we can take money and not pay it back, that foolishness needs to stop.”

DDK said: “Now we’re talking sense! Non repayment of legitimate debt is tantamount to theft.”

Sheeprunner12 asked: “Did Pindling, WallaceWhitfield and Hanna not send Bahamians away for higher training with the end goal to bond those students to Government for improving the system?

Those students are still running the public sector today.

“Now that Ingraham and the FNM’s ‘freebie’

scheme to win the 2002 has backfired on the Treasury, this 2019 reincarnation of the FNM want to garnish wages????? SMH.” And after the Bahamas Taxicab Union expressed frustration over government failure to remedy an issue which has now left 30-40 drivers out of work, Moncurcool posted this: “So the government is to blame for people who were renting out three taxi plates, taking it back from the people they rented it to, since the government is trying to clean up the industry? Really?

“One problem that needs to be fixed is that there are for starters WAY TOO MANY taxis in this country for its size. It is over subscribed.”

Rahming will have to pay Lightfoot. The prosecution maintains that Rahming threw a corrosive substance on Lightfoot, causing her injuries.

Lightfoot was treated at hospital for her injuries and later discharged.

Rahming remains unrepresented in the matter.

He appeared before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson Pratt.

‘The Bahamas’ own street philosopher’

PAGE 12, Friday, June 14, 2019

THE TRIBUNE

AN OIL tanker is on fire in the sea of Oman yesterday.

Two oil tankers near the strategic Strait of Hormuz were reportedly attacked, an assault that left one ablaze and adrift as sailors were evacuated from both vessels and the U.S. Navy rushed to assist amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran.

JOHNSON LEADS IN RACE TO BE NEXT UK PM LONDON Associated Press

US blames Iran for attack on oil tankers DUBAI, United Arab Emirates Associated Press TWO oil tankers came under a suspected attack yesterday near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, with one of them set ablaze, and the US blamed Iran in what it called a campaign of “escalating tensions” in a region crucial to global energy supplies.

The US Navy rushed to assist the stricken vessels in the Gulf of Oman off the coast of Iran. The ships’ operators offered no immediate explanation on who or what caused the damage against the Norwegian-owned MT Front Altair and the Japanese-owned Kokuka Courageous. Each was loaded with petroleum products, and the Front Altair burned for hours, sending up a column of thick, black smoke.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the US assessment of Iran’s involvement was based in part on intelligence as well as the expertise needed for the operation. It was also based on recent incidents in the region that the US also blamed on Iran, including the use of limpet mines to attack four oil tankers off the nearby Emirati port of Fujairah and the bombing of an oil pipeline in Saudi Arabia by Iranian-backed fighters in May, he said.

“Taken as a whole these unprovoked attacks present a clear threat to international peace and security, a blatant assault on the freedom of navigation and an unacceptable campaign of escalating tension by Iran,” Pompeo said. He provided no evidence, gave no specifics about any plans and took no questions.

At the United Nations, the United States asked for closed Security Council consultations on the tanker incidents later yesterday.

Iran denied being involved in the attacks last month and its foreign minister called the timing of yesterday’s incidents suspicious, given that Japanese Prime Minister

Shinzo Abe was meeting Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran.

Pompeo, pictured right, noted that Abe had asked Iran to enter into talks with Washington but Tehran “rejected” the overture.

“The supreme leader’s government then insulted Japan by attacking a Japanese-owned oil tanker just outside Iranian waters, threatening the lives of the entire crew, creating a maritime emergency,” Pompeo added.

Iran previously used mines against oil tankers in 1987 and 1988 in the “Tanker War,” which saw the U.S. Navy escort ships through

the region. Regardless of who is responsible, the price of a barrel of benchmark Brent crude spiked as much as 4% immediately after the attack, showing how critical the region remains to the global economy.

“The shipping industry views this as an escalation of the situation, and we are just about as close to a conflict without there being an actual armed conflict, so the tensions are very high,” said Jakob P. Larsen, head of maritime security for BIMCO, the largest international association representing ship owners.

The suspected attacks occurred at dawn about 40 kilometers off the southern coast of Iran.

BORIS Johnson took a commanding lead yesterday in the contest to become Britain’s next prime minister, winning by far the largest share of support in the first round of voting

by Conservative Party lawmakers.

Johnson, a former foreign secretary and leading Brexit campaigner, secured 114 of the 313 votes cast by Conservatives in the House of Commons, a ballot that reduced the field of candidates from 10 to seven . His successor as foreign secretary, Jeremy Hunt, trailed with 43 votes, followed by Environment Secretary Michael Gove with 37.

The result exceeded the expectations of Johnson’s team and makes him almost certain to be among the final two candidates who will be put to a vote of 160,000 party members nationwide. The winner will become both the new Conservative Party leader and Britain’s next prime minister.

Johnson thanked supporters and tweeted: “I am delighted to win the first ballot, but we have a long way to go.”

Three candidates were eliminated. Lawmakers Esther McVey, Mark Harper and Andrea Leadsom all failed to reach the threshold of 17 votes needed to get to the next round.

The contest is dominated by the issue of Britain’s stalled departure from the European Union, with all the contenders promising to succeed where departing Prime Minister Theresa May failed and lead the country out of the bloc.

May quit as party leader last week after failing to secure Parliament’s backing for her Brexit divorce deal.

Britain’s EU departure was originally due to take place on March 29, but has been delayed to Oct. 31 because of the political deadlock in London.

Johnson vowed Wednesday that as prime minister he would “get Brexit done,” either by renegotiating May’s rejected Brexit deal or by leaving the EU on Oct. 31 without an agreement.

PERFECTLY PRESERVED HEAD OF ICE AGE WOLF FOUND IN SIBERIA

MOSCOW Associated Press RUSSIAN scientists have found the furry head of an Ice Age wolf perfectly preserved in the Siberian permafrost.

The head of a wolf, which died 40,000 years ago, was discovered in the Russian Arctic region of Yakutia.

Valery Plotnikov, a researcher at the Russian Academy of Sciences, said the animal belonged to

an ancient subspecies of wolf that lived at the same time as the mammoths and became extinct alongside them. Scientists said it was an adult, about 25% bigger than today’s wolves, but did not say whether it was male or female.

Plotnikov called the discovery unique because scientists previously only had found wolf skulls without tissues or fur, while this head has ears, a tongue and a perfectly preserved brain.

FATHER SENTENCED TO DEATH FOR KILLING HIS FIVE CHILDREN

COLUMBIA Associated Press

A SOUTH Carolina father was sentenced to death yesterday for killing his five children with his own hands. After they were dead, he drove around with their bodies for nine days before dumping them in garbage bags on the side of an Alabama dirt road.

Timothy Jones Jr. showed no emotion as the jury delivered the verdict after less than two hours of deliberation. They also could have sentenced him to life without parole.

Jones is the second person to be sent to South Carolina’s death row in five years. The state has not executed anyone since 2011 and lacks the drugs to carry out lethal injection.