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The Tribune
Volume:114 No.142, JUNE 16TH, 2017
Weekend
THE PEOPLE’S PAPER: $1
WEEKEND: COUPLE TELL OF THEIR NEVER-ENDING LOVE
Tenant ‘owed airport’ $3m
FAULT CAUSES ISLAND-WIDE BLACKOUT
By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net
BAHAMAS Power and Light yesterday blamed Thursday’s island-wide outage on a “cable failure” and reassured customers that the utility provider would find “immediate solutions to this problem and longterm strategies to prevent a recurrence.” According to a statement on the company’s Facebook page, the power outage occurred just before 3pm and by 4pm, Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) said the company began restoration efforts. SEE PAGE SEVEN
Tourism Minister MINNIS WANTS GRAND BAHAMA TO BE alleges intervention ‘RENOWNED’ FOR DUTY-FREE SHOPPING by previous govt $156M OWED By TANEKA THOMPSON Tribune News Editor tmthompson@tribunemedia.net
A TENANT who operated five stores at the Lynden Pindling International Airport racked up a rental debt over five years of more than $3m under the Christie administration and was allowed to remain delinquent due to “direct intervention by the political directorate,” Tourism and Aviation Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar revealed in the House of Assembly last night. Even worse, he said, the tenant approached the Nassau Airport Development Company’s (NAD) board of directors two months before the general election
and was allowed to enter into an agreement to “write off” $1.2m of this debt on the condition that she give up one store and pay her balance. While outlining what he suggested was a personal favour extended to the tenant because she was wellconnected politically, Mr D’Aguilar questioned why the woman was not evicted from the airport despite five years of not paying rent. He explained that this was the reason NAD’s board was dismissed shortly after the Free National Movement won the May 10 general election. SEE PAGE SIX
IN STUDENT LOAN DEBTS
By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net WHILE saying the government’s campaign promise of tuition-free university to Bahamians will come “in time,” Education Minister Jeffrey Lloyd warned those owing the Education Loan Authority that they must pay up or face “grief” as he revealed that $156m is owed to the programme. To date, there have been 4,700 student loans issued for 26 disciplines with a default rate of 75 per cent. With the harsh reality of a Minnis administration operating with bare cupboards and the common theme of streamlining operations throughout the public sector during the 2017-2018 budget debate, Mr Lloyd issued a stern call to those who have been delinquent with payments. SEE PAGE SEVEN
SANDS SAYS MALFEASANCE AT HEALTH MINISTRY IS SICKENING By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net
AN investigation into “improper behaviour” has been launched at the Ministry of Health, according to Health Minister Dr Duane Sands who said the alleged malfeasance is “sickening”. In an interview with The Tribune, Dr Sands said the appropriate authorities are investigating the matter and
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he will advise the public, as soon as practicable, on the findings. Dr Sands did not reveal any additional information on the misconduct because he said he did not want to “prejudice the investigation”. “A new day has dawned for the operations and the business of health,” Dr Sands said in the House of Assembly on Wednesday evening. SEE PAGE SIX
MAN CHARGED WITH THEFT OF PI BOOZE PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis speaking to the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism association’s annual meeting at The Hilton yesterday. Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
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By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday detailed his administration’s tourism strategy, highlighted by plans to introduce several initiatives to re-energise Nassau and rebrand Grand Bahama as a “renowned duty-free shopping centre.” In an address at the Ba-
hamas Hotel and Tourism Association’s board of directors and membership association meeting, Dr Minnis committed his administration to a myriad of schemes and proposals he said were geared toward diversifying the nation’s tourism product. Referring to all of the multinational resorts, boutique hotels, fishing lodges, water sport operations and ground transportation com-
By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net
panies currently operating, Dr Minnis suggested that further diversification of these enterprises can increase the country’s overall profit margin. The Killarney MP insisted that this style of diversification will play a major role in the “master plan” his administration intends to roll out over the course of its term in office.
A MAN appeared in Magistrate’s Court yesterday accused of being the suspect behind the theft of more than $600 worth of alcohol from two Paradise Island businesses. Owen Richard Smith, 27, stood before Magistrate Derence Rolle-Davis facing two counts each of shop breaking and stealing, acts that were allegedly committed on June 13.
SEE PAGE 12
SEE PAGE SEVEN
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GODFREY Burnside and his team from the Department of Meteorology help to install the Aquinas College weather station. Photos: Aquinas College
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Weather station for college A NEWLY installed weather station at the Aquinas College campus is expected to enhance student learning, provide an additional avenue for public access to weather information and support the advancement of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education at the school. The successful installation of the station was the result of a collaborative effort between the Catholic Board of Education’s Facilities team; Dr Danny Davis, an Aquinas College alumni, parent and assistant professor in the Chemistry Department at the University of The Bahamas; along with Godfrey Burnside and his team from the Department of Meteorology.
The station is the second phase in the Aquinas College Air Monitoring Programme. It supplements the particulate matter monitoring system which was purchased and installed at the beginning of the 2016/17 school year. Dr Davis said: “When we started to analyse the data we realised that we needed wind speed and direction to effect a more complete interpretation of the particulate matter data. This deficiency was most apparent when we looked at the data from the March 5, 2017 dump fire.” Dr Davis added: “To assist with the interpretation of the particulate matter data, wind speed and direction data were obtained from the Department of Meteorology. We had to assume that the wind direction and speed recorded at the airport by the Department of Meteorology were the same as at Aquinas College, but this was not necessarily a true postulation.” The Air Monitoring Programme was implemented in response to landfill fires in the area, according to a press release from the school. Measurements taken at the school showed that air quality on campus returned to pre-fire normal levels one week after the most recent fire. The data assisted administrators in making informed decisions as to when it was safe for school to resume. “Weather affects many parts of our lives, from deciding what clothes to wear to our response to the threat of major weather events such as hurricanes and bush fires,” the school noted in its press release. “Issues of climate change - air pollution (from cars, buses, bush fires, etc), UV radiation, risk of flooding - are all linked to weather. As an island nation it is important for us to not only pay attention to weather during times of crisis but to understand
the daily impact weather has on us. The United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) asserts that becoming a weatherready nation ‘improves a nation’s readiness, responsiveness, and overall resilience against extreme weather, water, and climate events.’” The Aquinas College weather station gives students the unique opportunity to collect data in the field on weather conditions specific to central New Providence. “The Aquinas College Air Monitoring Programme is a model that can be implemented throughout the Bahamas,” said Mr Burnside. “The Department of Meteorology will be able to use the data from the Aquinas College weather station, particularly during the hurricane season.” The solar-powered weather station provides up-to-the-minute data reporting on wind speed, humidity, rainfall, ozone level, heat index and many other weather parameters. The information is transmitted wirelessly to an indoor console where it is stored and uploaded to the internet. The data from the weather station will be used to supplement geography and science classes, support the introduction of the NASA Globe programme to the school and aid the interpretation of particulate matter data from the existing monitoring station. “I am extremely pleased that the Aquinas College weather station has been installed,” said Reverend Patrick Christopher Pinder, archbishop of Nassau. “The recent commencement of the country’s hurricane season is an important reminder of the huge impact of weather on our lives. I wish to thank those who partnered with Aquinas College to install the weather station. It will be a great benefit to the school and the broader community.”
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, June 16, 2017, PAGE 3
Christie govt spent $30m on school properties not owned by the public By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net DURING its term, the Christie administration invested some $30m in school properties the government does not own and may “probably never own,” according to Education Minister Jeffrey Lloyd. He said $25.7m of that “involves a premises which previously housed the Seventh-Day Adventist Bahamas Academy on Wulff Road”. “About three years ago,
the previous government entered into an agreement with the Seventh-Day Adventists for the possible lease of the land to relocate BTVI,” Mr Lloyd said. “The proposed cost of such an act was pegged at $1m. Over time, things changed and the costs ballooned to $8m, scrapping the idea of a BTVI relocation and other ideas emerging. At this moment, the government is under contract for $25.7m, with an agreement to lease the said property for five years at a cost of $60,000 per annum. This is
a significant sore point. We must ask the question, who would have driven the decision making in that process?” Mr Lloyd said he is seeking permission from the government to have a “forensic, engineering and construction audit” take place for projects in his ministry to ensure Bahamians are getting value for their money. His revelation came in the House of Assembly yesterday, as the South Beach MP painted a dire picture of the state of the public educa-
tion system, including inadequate infrastructure and overstaffing in some areas. Mr Lloyd also said that at least seven public schools in The Bahamas need to be replaced, as he also condemned the overcrowded nature of some government schools. The schools that need to be replaced include Government High School, SC McPherson, CW Sawyer, RM Bailey, LW Young, Martin Town Primary School in Grand Bahama, and LN Coakley in Exuma. New schools are needed
throughout the country, Mr Lloyd said. In southwest New Providence, primary schools like Sadie Curtis, Garvin Tynes and Cleveland Eneas are “50 to 60 per cent overcrowded,” he said, as they have “nine hundred to 1,000 students when they are only built for 650”. Of the 270 buildings managed by the Ministry of Education, 173 are school properties. “It is no stretch to state that the physical plant of the Ministry of Education is in dire straits,” Mr Lloyd
said in the House of Assembly. Uriah McPhee and Stephen Dillet have proven particularly problematic over the years, with Mr Lloyd noting they suffer a “recurring nightmare of all kinds of maintenance issues which drain human and financial resources, and limit the capacity of the institution to do what it was built for.” “Almost on a routine basis, children at either Stephen Dillet or Uriah must be sent home for some reason of the buildings malfunctioning,” he said.
311 HIRED BY EDUCATION MINISTRY IN SIX MONTHS BEFORE ELECTION By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net
THREE hundred and eleven people were hired by the Ministry of Education in the six months before the May 10 general election, Education Minister Jeff Lloyd revealed in the House of Assembly yesterday. He said there are departments in his ministry in which workers have “virtually nothing to do”. “What’s disturbing about this, is that the new hires did not submit or were not required to submit, to the ordinary hiring process of the public service,” he said. “As a consequence, these persons appear on the Ministry of Education’s pay sheet, but not on the public service pay sheet, creating serious challenges as far as budget,
MINISTER of Education Jeff Lloyd. have said their predecesexpectations, etc, goes. “In addition, there are a sors engaged in a number number of other contract of questionable activities workers who were hired prior to the election with in the last year, in some respect to contracts and instances doing tasks for hiring, creating the impreswhich persons presently sion that such a spur in preemployed can easily do, and election activities was ponot only that, paid more for litically motivated. Nonetheless, hiring in those tasks than when they were in their substantive the public service has not traditionally been a transpositions.” Thus far during the budg- parent process. The Public et debate, representatives of Service Commission, which the Minnis administration has a constitutional role in
the appointments of people to the public service, has no legal mandate to report its work to the public, unlike equivalent commissions in some countries which use the Westminster system like the United Kingdom. The person responsible for ensuring that accountable processes are adhered to when it comes to hiring is the minister responsible for the public service. As such, new ministers sometimes claim irregular hiring practices took place by those who preceded them. Brensil Rolle, minister of state for the public service and National Insurance, said last week that 6,500 people were hired to the public service by the Christie administration and the government’s payroll increased by $10m in the final five months of that administration.
Despite the hiring increases, Mr Lloyd said some departments in his ministry remain understaffed while some other departments are overstaffed. “We are overcrowded with janitors and janitresses and security or general workers,” he said. “I am advised that there are several departments within the ministry where people have virtually nothing to do.” The Ministry of Education and Department of Education have over 6,000 employees, Mr Lloyd said, 4,500 of whom belong to the department as administrators, teachers and support staff. The Ministry and Department of Education have been allocated $280,247,074 for the upcoming fiscal year, with 66 per cent of that going directly to personal emoluments, he said.
There is also $20m for renovations, upgrades, repairs and new buildings.
$200,000 BUDGETED FOR REVIEW OF NATIONAL CURRICULUM By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net
THE government has budgeted $200,000 this fiscal year for a comprehensive review of the country’s educational system, Education Minister Jeffrey Lloyd announced yesterday, as he painted a grim picture of the state of education, which he said is a “problem” based on “outdated” and “outmoded” methods. This review, he said, will span two years and look at the existing curriculum from pre-school to high school. While making his contribution to the 2017-2018 budget debate, Mr Lloyd said the Minnis administration could not allow a climate of academic failure and low graduation rates to continue as more than $300m is invested into education. “At the forefront of this reform is a review and revision of the curriculum,” he told Parliament yesterday. “The curriculum is an essential component which drives the educational system of a country. Each time there are changes or developments happening around the world, the school curricula are affected. Noteworthy is the fact that, it is through the curriculum that a country’s national identity is preserved. “Mr Speaker, it is the intention of my ministry through the Department of Education to aggressively embark upon a complete review of our existing curriculum, inclusive of pre-school through high school. “Two hundred thousand dollars from my ministry’s 2017-2018 budget allocation will be devoted to the commencement of the review and revision. The initial phase will take approximately two years.” The government also aims to end social promotion. “This government recognises that promoting students who do not meet academic standards, puts students at a disadvantage by advancing them to a grade for which they are not prepared,” Mr Lloyd said. “For many students, the ultimate consequence of the disastrous practice of social promotion is that they fall
so far behind that they leave school ill equipped for college or university and they often lack the skills to join the workforce. “A long-term goal of this government is the end of social promotion in the school system. We will work arduously toward providing the additional human and financial resources and classroom facilities to accommodate the students who are unable to advance in the system.” Mr Lloyd said he has also given a directive, that within 30 days, a concept paper on the creation of a division of technology in the Ministry of Education be presented to him so that it could be discussed with Cabinet. Tests The deficiencies prevalent in the existing system, Mr Lloyd told Parliament, has had bearing on the outcome of national examinations, specifically the Grade Level Assessment Test (GLAT), Bahama Junior Certificate (BJC) and the Bahamas General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) examinations and has impacted graduation rates from the past years. According to the education minister, in the country’s national exams, there have been dismal results at all levels. While the 2017 results of these exams have not yet been complete, in 2016, 5,428 third grade students across the Bahamas sat the GLAT exam in English and mathematics. In those subjects, less than 65 per cent of those who sat the exam got a grade of A-D and over 37 per cent failed, Mr Lloyd said. He added that at the sixth grade level 5,053 candidates registered to sit exams for four subjects, including English, math, science and social studies. Those grades
were even worse. Less than 60 per cent received grades A-D and a startling 40 per cent failed, he said. When it comes to the BJC examinations, in 2016, the results were not much different, Mr Lloyd said. “Mr Speaker, in BJC, 64.3 per cent of the grades awarded were in the A-D, 35.7 per cent, which means one out of every three failed. In 2016, a mere 20 per cent that is 2,240 candidates, achieved a minimum grade of D or higher in five or more BJC subjects, one out of every five. Regarding the BGCSE, he continued: “Although the total number of subjects offered were 27, the average number of subjects written per candidate was four, and in 2015 it was five. “English language, biology, mathematics and religious studies have remained the subjects of choice for the vast majority of candidates, for the past few years; note however, no subject has a 100 per cent subscription rate. “In 2016, a total of 1,459, or a mere 23 per cent of the candidates, obtained a minimum grade of D in at least five subjects. That is less than one in every four. “A total of 903 candidates received at least C in five or more subjects in 2016. In other words, 14 per cent of the candidates that registered to take the BGCSE examination received at least a C in five or more subjects. “Here’s why that is important, sir, you need at least five subjects with a C grade to go to the University of the Bahamas. In 2015, 65 per cent of the 5,400 students sitting English language failed, 75 per cent of the 5,200 sitting math failed (and) 2016 did not see a much better outcome,” Mr Lloyd said.
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PAGE 4, Friday, June 16, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
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Confusion and intrigue in British politics STUDENTS of British politics are normally taught that the nation’s well established electoral system of firstpast-the-post is straightforward and has stood the test of time in the Westminster model of parliamentary democracy. Candidates are elected on the single day of a General Election by a simple majority of votes in hundreds of constituencies established well in advance by an independent Boundaries Commission, and the political party with an overall majority of seats forms a government. Here at home, we are familiar with this system since it was bequeathed to us and many other former British territories at the time of Independence. Comparisons with practice in other countries, like France’s split presidential and parliamentary voting over a period of weeks and the electoral college system in the USA when a president can still win despite losing the popular vote, tend to reinforce the British belief in the effectiveness of their own procedures. Periodically, there is pressure for change to a system of proportional representation to allow the voice of minorities to be heard, but a referendum in 2011 on alternative voting methods resulted in reaffirmation of the status quo. Nonetheless, those students may now be confused following last week’s General Election in Britain. The outcome was a hung parliament in which no party secured an overall majority, and it has produced all manner of contradictions and variables that are anything but simple and straightforward. This is of interest here since our own election last month under the same Westminster form of government was conducted, on the whole, without any major problems and produced a clear winner. Going in to the election with an existing working majority of 17, Prime Minister Theresa May’s Conservative government won the most votes and the most seats – 318 against the opposition Labour Party’s 262 – but failed to gain the 326 seats required for an absolute majority over all other parties in a 650-seat House of Commons. So, she can either try to conduct business as a minority government or seek support from one of the smaller parties in order to create a working majority. She has chosen the latter in an alliance, falling short of a full coalition, with the Democratic Unionist Party in Northern Ireland which won 10 seats at the election. Thus, its support will bring her above the magic 326 level and she has already formed a new government. Although there are precedents for gov-
erning in this way, nobody can tell at this early stage how such an arrangement may turn out. Britain has gone, therefore, within a week from a position of political stability to a period of perilous uncertainty. Mrs May’s move to strengthen her hand with a projected larger majority in a snap election proved to be a terrible miscalculation. It seems that part of a sceptical and critical electorate was unhappy with her flawed manifesto – in particular, its controversial social policies – and resented her complacency and opportunism. All this apparently contributed to the resurgence of the Labour Party which was already offering inducements about increased public spending and other benefits in the knowledge that it would not win power and have to implement its promises. Since it is still the largest party, however, the Conservatives have the constitutional right to form a government, not least because Labour would anyway probably be unable to do so even if it joined forces with the smaller parties. Add to the mix the position of Sinn Fein, the Irish republican party in Northern Ireland opposed to the Democratic Unionists, which historically declines to sit at Westminster but this time with 7 seats may do so, and the arithmetic becomes more complicated – to the bewilderment, no doubt, of those students who were led to believe that the system was straightforward. Amidst the intrigue and deal-making in London which must surely now follow, we believe that there is generally a lesson yet again for politicians to guard against hubris and overconfidence and never to take the electorate for granted. The rise of populism and widespread dissatisfaction with the old establishment policies and practices, both in the US and Europe, ought to be a warning to the political class that should take serious note of this latest backlash against a sitting Tory government in the United Kingdom. At home, we have seen the demise of a corrupt and discredited PLP government which blatantly pursued its own ends while ignoring the concerns and demands of the Bahamian people. We have every confidence in the honesty and overall integrity of the new FNM government, but we nonetheless urge it once again to act at all times scrupulously in the interests of the whole country. If it fails to do so, it will pay the price at the next election. Perhaps, the example of political events in Britain will concentrate minds.
Pools at South Beach EDITOR, The Tribune.
THE pools at South Beach have been closed for several years, and from its present appearance and according to comments made by the Defense Force officers that are stationed there they will not be opened for a long time. These pools have been there for more than forty years and havs always been appreciated by the residents in the South Beach community. It is a known fact that because the beaches at South Beach are not as nice as beaches in other areas of the island and the pools were used for family outings, same as the beaches. Life guards were always
on duty and the kids were taught how to swim. But over the years, especially during the last five, the pools have been neglected and allowed to fall into a state of disrepair. This is sad because what used to be the pride of the southern part of the island is now nothing but an eyesore. The summer is already here and I believe it is too late to get it up and running by the end of August. But I am appealing to the Minister of Sports and the Minister of Education to please make every effort to have the South Beach pools fixed as soon as possible. In addition to the pools being closed the corridor along East Street that leads to the pool is being
used as a dump, while it is hard to police the dumping I believe if signs were erected and maybe cameras installed they wo uld aid in being a deterrent to the law breakers. Minister Lloyd you inherited a constituency that was neglected by the former representatives of South Beach for the last decade and now the people have put their trust in you. We know that things will not change overnight, but we know that you will come through for us, we are behind you every step of the way. Our prayers are with you. Regards, ANTHONY PRATT Nassau, June 14, 2017.
Change since May 10? EDITOR, The Tribune. HAS anything changed since May 10, 2017? We have the same size Cabinet which we canno t afford. Opposition Chair o f Finance Committee, who when in Go vernment co uld no t control the never ending spending says: We will watch the FNM Budget. They did no t themselves, do yo u think they kno w ho w to ? Opposition aspirants? Anyone closely connected to Perry Christie might well retire no w and mo ve aside. If the PLP has any sense, their sole chance for 2020 is to appo int Chester Cooper as Leader. All the hanger-ons mo ve o ut o f the way. The list is very long, they been aro und long. NEMA…hurricane season already on us and they go to church whilst trees over-hang everywhere… damage from past storm
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net Joaquin and Matthew still remain to be completed. Did you see that line in Freeport of people trying to get things straight? I can see why Freeport went “red”. Pre-May 10, 2017, now PM Minnis critictized NEMA’s performance, but now praises them to heaven. Well blow me down! Budget…why did no t we hear:1. All pay scales for the coming 2 years are suspended (no pay raises). 2. Travel o f Ministers restricted to the bare minimum and ento urages do wn to (1). 3. Cancel and stop volunteering The Bahamas as a meeting place for glo bal organizations - CARICOM-inter-Go vernment gro ups. To day there are two such meetings taking
place, pro bably inherited. They cost us money and we ain’t go t it. 4. Budget o f all Ministries, no annual increases for the coming 3 years, unless already contracted. 5. Real Property Tax adopt a warning advice, then shame and collect system - no disco unts, we need every dime. 6. All those unnecessary Government lunches and seminars…do them over SKYPE and save a bundle. To the co-called Talk Show experts…get your house in order first, Balance the Budget…only then try to pay down on Debt. Let us forget trying to be Singapore, we ain’t got it, we ain’t Singapore anyway. Best advice think small - execute pro ject by project…step by step sadly. A chance to o vercome! W. THOMPSON, Nassau, June 12, 2017.
Refreshing difference EDITOR, The Tribune. I WAS pleasantly surprised this morning while driving out west and happened to pass the Prime Minister on the way to his office creeping along in the
morning traffic like the rest of us. Completely opposite to that previous one’s habit of speeding down the middle of the road preceded by two police outriders with sirens screaming to announce
his presence so everyone could pull on the side and exit their vehicle in time to genuflect. How refreshing. BACK SEAT DRIVER Nassau, June 15, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, June 16, 2017, PAGE 5
Sojourner Douglass College ‘was not a rogue agency’ FORMER deans of Sojourner Douglass College (SDC) yesterday insisted that the Nassau campus was not operating as a “rogue agency” but followed the directives of its Marylandbased administration at all times. SDC students of the satellite campus are seeking justice for stalled academic careers and financial losses, and accountability from both the tertiary institution and the government over the decision to continue registration and programme courses after international accreditation was revoked in 2015. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) revoked the school’s accreditation in 2014, citing the school’s financial struggles at the time, and denied SDC’s appeal of the revocation in June 2015. However, the satellite campus in Nassau continued to register and provide courses for students until mid-2016, when the offices were shuttered. The Tribune reached out to former Executive Directors Theresa Moxey-Ingraham, and Dr Kevin Rolle, both of whom sought to clarify their roles in view of accusations by angry students. According to Mrs MoxeyIngraham and Dr Rolle, the directive to keep the campus open was given by SDC President Dr Charles W Simmons and relied on the circumstance that the institution was registered with the Ministry of Education until 2019. “I understand the students and I understand their plight,” Mrs MoxeyIngraham said. “I guess they want to point the fingers at somebody, but they can’t point it at me. “The students wanted - and rightfully so - they wanted accreditation that came from an internation-
ally recognised institution. We said why don’t you finish at a local institution recognised by The Bahamas, we were really hopeful because the discussions gave us reason to be hopeful and then we decided these people are stringing us along. “All records collected were sent to Baltimore. We did not dispense funds, we had to deposit funds and anything we needed money for we had to request and the cheques would be forthcoming out of Baltimore. “We weren’t operating as a rogue agency,” Mrs Moxey-Ingraham said. “We were operating because we had our registration with the Bahamas Ministry of Education and we kept students abreast of what was happening. We kept trying to get an affiliation going with another institution so that the students’ studies wouldn’t be interrupted, also so that any credits that they gained in the year 2015/2016 could assist in their being able to move forward. “We kept students abreast of that,” she said. Mrs Moxey-Ingraham is a former Free National Movement senator, member of Parliament and Cabinet minister. She explained that students received administrative support to attend other institutions but acknowledged issues with the transference of credits obtained post 2015. One of the most promising routes, she said, were extensive discussions held with Bethune Cookman University, which indicated its willingness to partner with SDC. Despite a country visit from BCU officials, Mrs Moxey-Ingraham said the institution, and others, kept moving the goal post. Mrs Moxey-Ingraham said she recommended to the college’s executive in Baltimore for a name change, and floated the idea of Freedom College;
A LETTER from Dr Charles Simmons to then Minister of Education Jerome Fitzgerald. however, she said SDC gust 2016, when he arrived then Minister of Education President Dr Simmons said he found out that the offices Jerome Fitzgerald and rehe was not of the mind to had been shuttered the pre- turned to New York. vious month. As for SDC students, change the school’s name. “Baltimore was of the Dr Rolle said there was an She said she was in the Office of the Prime Minis- opinion that the campus arrangement to allow for ter awaiting a meeting with was still open,” he said. “I students to complete their former Prime Minister Perry actually live in New York, I degree at Cherub College Christie concerning the insti- flew down but when I came but many of them could tution’s challenges when she the campus was already not obtain transcripts from discovered that she had been closed and everybody told Sojourner-Douglass. “It would be unfair to call fired after reading a newspa- me it had been that way my name with SDC,” he per notice announcing the since July.” “I never took on the actu- told The Tribune, “because new Dean Dr Kevin Rolle. According to the Balti- al role of dean when I came it was a role that I never more Sun, SDC is currently down because there was took on. “I know that a lot of stuoffering online courses to nothing for me to do.” Dr Rolle explained that dents are angry and upset, Maryland students through a partnership with Bet- he has known Dr Simmons but I do believe that the hune-Cookman under the professionally for 20 years, staff of the Nassau campus name Global Education and was likely entrusted to it would only have been Service Inc. Courses re- take on the role temporar- logical for them to act on portedly started on May 15. ily because of his ownership instruction according to Dr For his part, Dr Rolle of another local institution, Simmons, he was expecting the Bahamas campus to told The Tribune that while Cherub College. He told The Tribune stay open at least until 2019. he was appointed as dean of In September 2016, Dr the Nassau campus in Au- that he had a meeting with
Simmons apologised for the “recent series of miscommunications” to students regarding their academic status. Dr Simmons pledged the college’s commitment to reconcile any issues regarding the academic progress of former Sojourner-Douglass students and for those students registered between July 2015 to July 2016. In the letter dated September 13, the SDC president advised students with outstanding balances to settle their accounts with the campus’ bursar Minesh Parekh. The Tribune contacted Dr Simmons by email yesterday but received no response up to press time. Attempts to contact the Nassau campus’ bursar Minesh Parekh were also unsuccessful up to press time.
LETTER SAYS GOVERNMENT DID NOT RECOGNISE COURSES THE Tribune obtained copies of formal communication between Theresa Moxey Ingraham and the Ministry of the Public Service in 2015, which indicated that courses from Sojourner Douglass College would not be accepted for government purposes. In a letter dated August 13, 2015, the ministry advised that its new policy required the institution to submit a current articulation agreement before the request for approval could be processed. In a follow-up letter on September 3, 2015 the ministry referred to its policy that states “should a local, international, or regional body lose its accreditation, this will result in the automatic revocation for government purposes of the local institution and all courses associated with that institution.” It further noted that the college’s accreditation expired on June 30, 2015, and as such the approval process would not proceed until accreditation by an ac-
cepted body was verified by the government. Yesterday, Mrs MoxeyIngraham explained that the Ministry of Public Service’ revocation was completely separate from the institution’s registration with the Ministry of Education. The government established the National Accreditation and Equivalency Council of The Bahamas (NAECOB) in August 2016. Under the previous environment, schools operating in the Bahamas were required to register with Ministry of Education but there were no intensive mechanisms in place to scrutinize or measure the quality and standards of education services. At the time, former Minister of Education Jerome Fitzgerald noted that many schools often claimed that they were registered and accredited by the ministry as a “marketing tactic” to boost credibility. NAECOB has the authority to accredit higher
education degree, diploma and certificate granting institutions as well as accredit tertiary, secondary, junior and primary schools. It could not be confirmed up to press time whether the NAECOB commission reviewed Sojourner Douglass College operations in The Bahamas. In a December 2015 memorandum sent to SDC administration, faculty, and students of the Bahamas campus, Mrs Moxey-Ingraham references arrangements with Fort Hays State University in Kansas to allow for graduating students to complete studies from their online course offerings and graduate from that accredited institution. She advised that the “longer-term idea” was to develop an articulation agreement with FHSU that would allow students to enroll in classes at Freedom College and then register with FHSU to complete their degrees online. The memo, dated December 7, states that she
was authorised to sign an articulation agreement with another institution, BCU, and that the circumstance meant the college would no longer pursue Freedom College but instead become the Bahamas campus for BCU. It noted that when classes resume in January, the college would open as BCU but keep their programmes, and encouraged students to settle their accounts in order to request transcripts and enroll in BCU. In her farewell notice to students in August 2016, Mrs Moxey-Ingraham outlined accreditation challenges and underscored that all the colleges approached indicated that they were unwilling to partner with SDC under its current name. She noted that negotiations with BCU were still active but progressing slowly, and in-
dicated the administration’s unwillingness to transition to a new name, and her subsequent removal. As for Freedom College, Mrs Moxey-Ingraham noted that an application was made to register as a tertiary institution offering associate and bachelor level degrees and certificate programmes. She explained that the model and teaching strategies would be similar to SDC, and hoped to start as early as October 2016. “We will gladly welcome any of you who may choose to continue your studies at Freedom College, as we are quite prepared to design study programs which will allow you to move forward and complete any programs you would have started.” Yesterday, Mrs MoxeyIngraham confirmed that
plans to pursue for Freedom College have been dropped.
PAGE 6, Friday, June 16, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
Tenant ‘owed airport’ $3m from page one
His remarks drew rebuke from Englerston MP Glenys Hanna Martin and Leader of the Official Opposition Philip “Brave” Davis. “In addition, Mr Deputy Speaker, you would have read in a local daily that this government upon assuming office sought fit to summarily dismiss the board at NAD because of its treatment of the amounts owed by a tenant in the LPIA,” the Free Town MP said. “Mr Deputy Speaker there is a large tenant who operated five stores in LPIA. How she got five stores in the first place is mind-boggling to me and reeks of an all for me baby policy adopted by someone, sometime ago. “Anyway, Mr Deputy Speaker, as soon as the government changed in 2012, this tenant stopped paying rent and by the end of December 2016 owed NAD $3.3m. I am told that every effort that was made by NAD to collect this money was rebuffed by direct intervention by the political directorate telling NAD to back off and stand down.” Objection This led Mrs Hanna Martin, who served as minister of transport and aviation in the last administration, to rise on a point of order. “Free Town is going to learn that five years is a long time,” Mrs Hanna Martin said. “The point of order is, I want the member, because I was the minister, I want him to tell this Parliament who he is speaking about when he says directives were given, I want him to say in this Parliament, he is saying the political directorate gave directions.” Mr D’Aguilar said he was not referring to Mrs Hanna Martin.
SIR Lynden Pindling International Airport. “You make sure, you indicate to this Parliament what you are saying,” Mrs Hanna Martin continued. “The member must indicate to this Parliament who he is talking about. I want him to put on the record and to prove and to establish who he is referring to.” Mr D’Aguilar continued with his contribution, saying: “Maybe someone can explain why this receivable was allowed to grow to such an enormous amount without this tenant...” However, he was interrupted by shouting from the Englerston MP. Mrs Hanna Martin then stood and asked: “What is going on in this Parliament man? Throwing as much mud, innuendo and slack talk as you want against Bahamians in this place or outside this place. I’m asking the member if he can be specific, he is saying that there
was political directives, I was the minister responsible and I am not going to allow that to stay on the record of this Parliament.” However, Deputy Speaker Don Saunders allowed the remarks to stay on the record. “The chair sees nothing wrong, no breach made by Free Town, the chair is going to allow Free Town to continue his contribution,” Mr Saunders said. Mr Davis also rose to his feet to object to scurrilous statements being made in the House that cast aspersions on people. However, the deputy speaker did not change his ruling, telling the Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador MP that he was just repeating what was said by Mrs Hanna Martin. ‘Favours’ “Maybe someone can explain why this receivable
was allowed to grow to such an enormous amount without this tenant being evicted,” Mr D’Aguilar continued. “I fear this is another case of connected people being granted special favours. Anyway, Mr (Deputy) Speaker, the story gets worse. The tenant fearing that the government may be changing, decided to approach the board of NAD and negotiated a deal where NAD would write off $1.2m of her receivables and allow her to pay the remaining balance over time if she would simply give up one store. The deal was signed on March 3, 2017, a mere two months before the general election and she is currently abiding by the terms of that agreement. “However, the $3.3m, they wrote off $1.2m, however this FNM government takes grave exception to this tenant because of well-
known connections being allowed to not pay her rent for five years and then having $1.2m of her outstanding rent simply written off by the board for no apparent reason. This board, in the view of this government, acted improperly, conveying and condoning special favours for persons who were not deserving of such and therefore they were summarily dismissed.” Mr D’Aguilar said the Minnis administration will investigate the agreement’s legality with the view of having it cancelled. He warned the tenant in question to stay current with her rent in the meantime. Mr D’Aguilar also spoke about concerns in the Ministry of Tourism, noting that one person was being paid $400,000 a year for “consulting services as it relates to cultural tourism.” “There is a contract with
this individual drawn up, although I have yet to see a signed copy, in October 2014 and that persons is being paid over $1m under that contract to consult on cultural tourism,” he said. Adding that this “smells fishy,” he said when asked what this person did for the $1m spent, senior tourism officials all agreed “that whatever he did produce, it was not in their professional opinion worth $1m.” He said the officials also agreed that the amount was “outrageous” and should not continue. “When asked to shed some light on who ordered that these payments be made, they either had no knowledge of the terms of the contract and those that did said the instructions to pay the outrageous amount came from the very top of the former administration,” Mr D’Aguilar said.
SANDS SAYS MALFEASANCE AT HEALTH MINISTRY IS SICKENING from page one
“We have already gotten evidence of improper behaviour in the Ministry of Health. It has been referred to the appropriate authority and at the appropriate time I will advise the public of the findings of those investigations. I invite the public if you know of any malfeasance in the Ministry of Health please let me or any of my senior officials know,” Dr Sands said.
When contacted yesterday about his earlier comments, Dr Sands said despite the government conducting investigations into several ministries with no results thus far, he has the political will to see this “to the end”. “It’s some really sickening stuff, but I think that we have been down this road before where the public, having suspected that there was a level of malfeasance and corruption, has been disappointed that no one
has ever been brought before the courts, or precious few people, and so the public has become numb,” he told The Tribune. “I think what is different this time is there is truly the political will to find the evidence and adhere to the rule of law, but at the same time eradicate that culture that says you can take liberties with the people’s money and get away with it.” Authorities are still investigating allegations of
theft at the Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation (BAIC) and Bahamas Power and Light (BPL). Several employees from BAIC were taken into custody nearly a month ago, including former Nassau Village MP Dion Smith, who was serving as executive chairman of the agency at the time. However, they were all released with no charges. A source close to the matter told The Tribune
that police suspected the employees of allegedly attempting to destroy files and remove evidence from BAIC that could possibly show funds were being misappropriated. However, nothing came of the allegations. Earlier this week, Assistant Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander said despite not making any arrests at BPL to date, “there is no doubt someone will be charged.” Last month, four BPL
employees were suspended and one person was terminated pending the outcome of the theft investigation. Employees were accused of “orchestrating an elaborate scheme” over the course of one year, that allegedly involved fake companies and forged cheques. Allegedly at least one bank employee was also involved in the alleged plot and is being investigated, a source told The Tribune.
LONG LINES FOR FLAMINGO GARDENS CLINIC RESTROOM By DANIELLE BARNES
AN angry resident has complained that one of the bathrooms at the Flamingo Gardens Clinic has not been in operation for some time, forcing men and women to share one bathroom, leading to long lines and frustration. “My pregnant wife said it’s a line to wait to use the restroom because men and women use the same re-
stroom,” the concerned citizen said. “She said her and a few other pregnant ladies were waiting to go in the restroom when a guy walked past them and went to the men’s urinal and (urinated) in front of them.” A clinical official spoke to The Tribune yesterday claiming that renovations at the clinic began just before the election. A sign was posted in the clinic on April 8 alerting
patients to the renovations in the women’s restroom. “We have been putting it off for years now. We just received the trailers today,” she said. The clinic official also spoke on the matter of athe same restroom saying: “When one bathroom is being worked on, patients have to share the other.” The clinic official is optimistic that this matter will be quickly resolved.
THE TRIBUNE
$156m owed in student loan debts
from page one
“If you owe the government money, come and pay us. We’d be happy to accommodate whatever scheme designed to you,” the South Beach MP declared during his maiden address in the House of Assembly yesterday. “If you don’t and we got to come and get you, grief is your fate. “I leave that right there, Mr Speaker. Because we cannot afford to be out of pocket a hundred and fifty plus million dollars, can’t happen. We have a shortfall in the scholarship programme in our ministry. We have a shortfall in the capital budget programme in our ministry. We have a shortfall all around, which can easily be made up if people were to come and pay what they owe.” The huge sum of money owed dates back to the authority’s inception in 2001. However, when the Bank of The Bahamas cut ties with the loan programme later, the former Ingraham administration made a decision to discontinue operations in 2009 because of its high default rate, Mr Lloyd said. The minister questioned why it was that people simply do not want to pay the government what it is owed. “I remember, Mr Speaker, when I left to go to college, I think there was an agreement I had to sign that if I took the Bahamian people’s money I had to return home and spend those years that I went away or you had an option, pay back the people’s money. “Mr Speaker, by the time
AN automotive salesman was remanded to prison yesterday after he was accused of stealing more than $9,000 from two individuals. Rasheed Sanusi, 41, of Cowpen Road appeared before Magistrate Derence Rolle-Davis facing two counts of stealing by reason of service which were made contrary to Section 340(4)
MINISTER of Education Jerome Fitzgerald, Prime Minister Perry Christie, Deputy Prime Minister Philip Davis and FNM leader Dr Hubert Minnis at the University of The Bahamas Charter Day ceremony. The FNM has highlighted the amount of outstanding student loans. you rise and sit down, this We don’t emphasise loan applications from the pubissue will be addressed. If that has a corresponding ob- lic schools and the schools you are going to take our ligation called repayment. in the Family Islands. “Here is what that means, money you are going to pro“Number two, sir, there vide an investment return Mr Speaker. As you and I is a pervasive undesirabilspeak we are owed $156m ity of those who apply for on that money. “You know the Education- buckaroos. scholarships to want to go “That goes back to when to the University of The al Loan Authority, Mr Speaker? It is now basically been a it was established in 2001. Bahamas. collection agency. And I want Then the Bank of The Ba“Three, there is a recurto bring something to the at- hamas dropped out of it ring sharp increase in the and in August of 2009 due number of persons seeking tention our people.” He continued: “Today Mr to the high default rate the scholarship for universities Speaker, since it was first scheme was discontinued.” aboard. The minister said there started in 2001, there have “Number four, sir, a sigbeen 4,700 student loans were also challenges with nificant increase over the that were issued in 26 dis- scholarships in the country. years in the number of Ba“Mr Speaker, it is again hamians who are opting not ciplines. To date the default rate is 75 per cent. What in time the intention of this to return home even though does that mean? People government that all Baha- they are the beneficiaries of mians who qualify will go our scholarships, Bahamidon’t pay back. “It might be that we to the University of The ans taxes,” Mr Lloyd said. didn’t sell it properly. Some Bahamas, free tuition in of our people have this be- time. That is a commitment lief that because its govern- of this government.” He also said: “(We also ment’s money I don’t have have) plenty scholarship to pay it back. “It might be a problem that problems at this time, Mr we have with the narrative Speaker. “One, there are too few (and) with the presentation.
of the Penal Code. It is first alleged that he, between September 19, 2016 and November 18, 2016, stole $6,000 cash from Tony Hanna which he had custody of by reason of his service. It is then alleged that he stole $3,700 from Wilner Antoine on February 4. Sanusi elected to be tried in Magistrate’s Court on both matters and subsequently denied guilt to both accusations.
The magistrate asked the accused of his legal status to reside in The Bahamas and Sanusi said he had permanent residence. Due to the nature of the allegations and the recent amendment to the Bail Act, he was remanded to prison on the charges but advised of his right to seek a bail bond from the Supreme Court if he desired ahead of his August 8 trial date. Inspector Lakisia Moss is prosecuting the matters.
MAN CHARGED WITH THEFT OF PI BOOZE from page one
The shop breaking charges were made contrary to Section 362 of the Penal Code while the stealing charges were made contrary to Section 340(5) of the Penal Code. It is first alleged that he, on Tuesday, June 13, broke into the Seafire Steakhouse at Marina Village with the intent to steal. It is then alleged that he stole two bottles of Belvedere vodka, one bottle of Courvoisier VS, one bottle of Courvoisier XO, one bottle of Macollon Sienna and a bottle of Macollon Ruby together valued at $388.70 belonging to Seafire Steakhouse. It is also alleged that on the same day, he broke into the Bimini Road Restaurant at Marina Village and stole four bottles of Grey Goose vodka, four bottles of Absolut vodka, one bottle of Hennessy, one bottle of Johnny Walker (black label), four bottles of Tanqueray gin and one bottle of Jack Daniels together valued at $280.28. The alternative charge of receiving was also levied against him concerning the items taken from the Bimini Road Restaurant. Smith elected to stand trial in Magistrate’s Court and plead not guilty to all of the allegations. As the offence of stealing is no longer bailable due to recent amendments of
FAULT CAUSES ISLAND-WIDE BLACKOUT from page one
CAR SALESMAN DENIED BAIL OVER CLAIM HE STOLE MORE THAN $9,000 By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net
Friday, June 16, 2017, PAGE 7
the Bail Act, Smith was remanded to the Department of Correctional Services to await trial. However, he has the right to apply for bail in the Su-
preme Court. He returns to court for trial on August 21 for both matters. Inspector Lakisia Moss is the prosecutor.
“Bahamas Power and Light Company Limited has begun restorations in New Providence following an island-wide outage just before 3pm on Thursday, June 15,” the statement said. “Early indications show that a cable fault was responsible for the system failure; however, BPL will carry out a complete investigation once its system has stabilised. BPL apologises to its customers and assures them that it is working to find immediate solutions to this problem and long-term strategies to prevent a recurrence.” Scores of BPL customers expressed their anger and frustration on the islandwide outage on the company’s Facebook page. One customer wrote: “Please educate me why you are the only utility company (that) doesn’t reimburse for not receiving full service? Why? This is crap. I pay you guys in full every month and in the summer the power goes off frequently with no compensation. It is hot in case you didn’t realise. I have been hearing about these generators and equipment for years. It’s not hard to do better.” Another person wrote:
“Apology not accepted, too many inconveniences and inconsistencies with no compensation and/or reimbursements yet y’all quick to turn off a consumer’s power if their bill is over a hundred dollars. You really need to do better.” Last month, BPL expressed “confidence” in its readiness to take on the peak summer months with its higher power generation capability. At the time, BPL said while it expected the needed power generation this summer to peak at 255 megawatts, its current generation availability is over 345mw. This is 90mw higher than the demand expected this summer, BPL said. In addition, the electricity provider said transmission cables between Blue Hills Power Station and the Big Pond Sub-Station have been replaced and upgraded to improve the capacity and reliability of the transmission system. Pointing to the period from June through to September last year, in which BPL experienced challenges due to low generation availability and reliability, the company said recently it wanted to ensure the Bahamians would not suffer from the same issues this summer.
PAGE 8, Friday, June 16, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
A parting burden for the Treasury in V Alfred Gray’s old constituency
A
NOTHER week down under the new government, and yes, my eyes are still surveying the political landscape quite attentively. Slowly but surely you can see the wheels of the new administration beginning to turn, as they roll out their campaign plan, even if it’s not exactly what the FNM promised during the election campaign, and voters had expected post election. Is this a case of the FNM not being prepared to govern on day one, as most PLP spin doctors will have the masses believe? Or rather, a patient cerebral approach to solving the nation’s myriad of problems? The jury seems to still be out on this one!
blower’ Mr. Gray had one last curtain call, right before the last election. Apparently, according to The Minister of State for Public Service and National Insurance Brensil Rolle, revealed during his contribution, to the House during the budget debate, that the PLP added 6,500 persons to the already bloated civil service between 2012-2017. In the final months of their term, the Christie administration increased the government payroll by $10m. Hirings occurred in Acklins, which is a part of MICAL, former PLP MP Alfred Gray’s constituency. In fact according to Minister Rolle, forty-one persons were hired in Acklins, which is a part of the MICAL constituency. Comically one of the hirees’ job description What Really was to watch a police station Happened... as a security guard. Nonetheless, the FNM, in Hold up wait a minute? getting their plans into mo- Security guards for an armed, tion, are revealmanned police ing all the sordid Hold up wait station? details of the past This is right up administration, in a minute? there, with Gray order to keep the Security guards telling constituBahamian people ents “to go hide for an armed, abreast of what in a cave” as catethey are truly up manned police gory 4 hurricane against as an ad- station? barrelled down ministration. on the tiny island. Safe to say the Or the time he details of the past five years told displaced hurricane surunder the PLP government vivors to be grateful for all have left mouths aghast, what the government is doing tongues wagging and social for them. (Even if they were media buzzing. being housed in health hazard In all the political diatribe ‘Roach motels’). going back and forth, almost From my vantage point, lost in the shuffle, was one post election, another of last nugget of idiocy from, Gray’s infamous quotes fiperhaps the most featured MP nally came back to bite him in the history of this column, in the gluteus maximus, once and usually not for a job well and for all. done. V. Alfred Gray. “Once we get BahaMar According to a letter to open and create five to six the Editor, published in The thousand jobs, Bahamians Tribune, from ‘The Whistle- won’t care who the govern-
V ALFRED GRAY, the former Minister for Agriculture and Marine Resources. ment is.” Well it seems like the people really do care, they took your jobs and still voted you out. For all the times Mr. Gray had a laugh at the expense of the taxpayers, the voters in MICAL ensured the people had the last laugh, loudest and best. VAT EXEMPTIONS???? Not to be outdone, the FNM certainly made their comical contributions this week.
During the election campaign, I knew PM Dr Minnis couldn’t pronounce ‘bread basket items’ But I didn’t realise that he nor his team of advisors didn’t actually know what they were! How long has it been since his wife sent him on a “food store mission”? Because looking at some of the recent VAT exemptions, I’m concerned for some of my fellow Bahamians. For me, the exemptions work. I love salmon, and I’m a huge fan of Vladimir Putin
(sarcasm) so caviar is high on my list. I can enjoy these dishes way more often now, so I’m happy. Most of you don’t know this, but I’m an aviator at heart, so the VAT exemption on airplane parts is going to allow me to finally fix the Cessna in my backyard. I’ve needed parts for a couple of years now, and with the exemption I can now afford the parts, and will be airborne and flying high in short order. And finally, the VAT
Exemption on Bull Semen will also come in handy. (There’s only one usage for this product that I know of). So in case I ever want to impregnate some cows, I’m prepared. Now I propose VAT be added to “political Bull Manure.” That way some of these politicians will think twice before promising the electorate the world for their votes, knowing full well some of those promises will never be delivered.
READERS RESPOND TO MINNIS PLEDGE ON CROWN LAND READERS on tribune242.com have been debating Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ pledge to take back Crown land from people who are using it for purposes outside the “original intent”. TalRussell had this to say: “Comrade Rt Honourable Prime Minister, I’ll believe you’re serious after you take back the people’s Crown lands, said be worth $1.5 billion from Baha Mar, the some 16 private islands signed over to hotels and cruise ship companies plus the 150 private islands, signed over to foreigners and locals alike . . . and, we
must take back our beaches from all, who have grown to treat them likes they is they private properties. PM, under the conditions the original agreement of lands that Baha Mar sits on - neither Izmirlian, or the Chinese, have fulfilled their land obligations to the ‘It’s the People’s Time’ government.” Publius was critical of the prime minister: “All
Dr Minnis has been doing since his party was elected is touring government offices as though he is a foreign head of state, holding photo ops and making often impractical or unenforceable proclamations off the top of his head that he thinks will make him look good in the eyes of people. He is behaving as though he is still on the campaign trail and that he does not understand election season is over.” BahamaPundit said: “I’m beginning to get a little uneasy about everything Minnis says. I’m beginning to wonder whether anything he says he will do will actu-
ally happen.” There was this from Sheeprunner12: “If Minnis is serious about being transparent he will publish maps of every Bahamian island, showing WHERE the available Crown land is located, and WHO has Crown land leases on each island and for what purpose . . . IT’S THE PEOPLES TIME!!!!!!!” Health Minister Dr Duane Sands’ claim that the former Christie administration left more than $25m in unpaid bills for medical equipment, rent, drugs and salaries at the Ministry of Health and the Public Hospital’s Au-
thority prompted Well_mudda_take_sic to ask: “Why doesn’t Sands just stop all of his whining and tell us what he’s doing (or intends to do) to determine which contracts are fraudulent in nature either because of ‘padding’ or little or no value received or to be received by the Bahamian people?!” To which DDK replied with: “Dr Sands was not whining in his well-delivered address. He was apprising the people of initial findings of investigations into the Ministry of Health to date. Surely you do not want him to tip his hand to the alleged perpetrators?” And there was this from
Birdiestrachan: “Doc Sands, just you go ahead and pay those bills – you are the Government. If the PLP had won they would have to pay. You are just talking in the hope that you will look good. Stop the complaints and do your job.” In The Tribune’s latest online poll, we asked readers if they agreed with the government’s decision to disband the National Intelligence Agency. At the time of going to press, 89 per cent of readers were in favour of the move. The poll is still open, so don’t miss your chance to vote and join the debate on tribune242.com.
THE TRIBUNE
Concern over compacting at landfill site By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net AN environmental activist has raised concerns over the alleged stoppage of the compacting of waste material deposited at the New Providence Landfill, charging that such inaction leaves the site “vulnerable” to yet another massive fire. Heather Carey, spokesperson for Raising Awareness about the Bahamas Landfill (RABL), claimed the Department of Environmental Health Services (DEHS) had not compacted nor covered the waste material dumped at the site recently, despite consistently doing so in the lead-up to the general election. However, DEHS director Melanie McKenzie denied the claims, insisting that compacting continues on a daily basis at the Harold Road site. However, she explained that what is compacted daily is “residential waste” and not construction and demolition (C&D) waste, the latter of which she said is stored on a portion of the site. “The C&D is an assortment of say old fridges, old stoves, which we try to take out and take somewhere else,” Ms McKenzie said. “Mattresses, all those things like that, wood waste from your house, concrete, that’s never compacted. What we try to do with that is we try to take items out of that. So when you come onto the site or if they look on the site they may see mounds, but those mounds are C&D mounds and they’re not compacted
in the same way household garbage is compacted. “We would try to separate out of that, which takes a long period of time, things that can be shredded or mulched. So you wouldn’t expect to see old furniture compacted. That’s what they’re probably talking about.” When questioned further on the department’s plans to deal with the accumulation of C&D material, Ms McKenzie said: “The mattress doesn’t go anywhere. We don’t have any way to recycle mattresses. They’re just on site at the C&D. Now I’m sure plans are being made to recycle most of what we get in but at this moment those things aren’t addressed, they’re just stored.” She added: “As you would know the government is looking at a comprehensive plan for the site. That includes everything, recycling, composting, all of the integrated measures that make up solid waste management.” Nonetheless, Ms Carey told The Tribune that RABL understands the government’s intent to address the matter in the long-term, but insisted that certain short-term measures can be taken to better tackle the issues surrounding the beleaguered site. “…Yes, like everybody else of course we all want the remediation,” Ms Carey said. “We believe 100 per cent that that’s going to happen. We like all the proposals that the minister of environment and the minister of health have put forward. We think they’re
all on the right track. “Our concern, what people need to understand is that in the immediate future is the fact that from what we can tell and the reports that we’ve had and from us going out there (Wednesday), is that what should be done on the most basic minimum requirement of dump management in order to prevent fires. “While they’re trying to figure everything else out, they need to be compacting and covering at the end of every single day,” she continued. “That way the scavengers can’t get access to it, the birds can’t come in and spread diseases. So that’s our concern because at the moment we still are the watchdogs for the community.” The city dump has been plagued with recurring fires for years, with a fire that started on March 5 considered as the worst to hit the site. Renew Bahamas was engaged by the government in 2014 to manage the landfill and help address the matter. However, Renew Bahamas pulled out of that deal last year claiming low profitability. It had previously been seeking to renegotiate its management contract and associated financial terms with the former Christie administration, having revealed to Tribune Business that it had been incurring continuous, heavy losses. Last month, former Minister of Environment and Housing Kenred Dorsett confirmed that two bids had been submitted for the landfill’s management and remediation.
Friday, June 16, 2017, PAGE 9
‘The Bahamas’ own street philosopher’
PAGE 10, Friday, June 16, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
Unity to be the focus of GB Independence events By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net MINISTER of State for Grand Bahama Kwasi Thompson announced plans for this year’s 44th independence celebrations in Grand Bahama, emphasising that the focus of the festivities will be about uniting all Bahamians. The theme this year is: “Toward the Rising Sun:
One God, One People, One Bahamas.” There will be celebrations held in Freeport, as well as East and West Grand Bahama. “Let me emphasise that these celebrations are indeed focusing on the things that unite us as Bahamians, be it our food, our dress, our dance, our music, our culture,” Mr Thompson said. “And as such, it matters not whether you are black
or white, rich or poor … whatever religion. And yes, it doesn’t matter whatever political party you belong to. The point here is that we are celebrating our independence at the things that bind us together as a people,” he stressed. The minister said that several events are planned leading up to Independence Day on July 10. Mr Thompson said a key feature of this year’s cel-
ebration is National Pride Day when persons will be invited throughout Grand Bahama to pause for about five minutes at 9 am. He said that they are asking all radio stations on the island to play the national anthem. Also, special assemblies will be held at the Harold DeGregory Complex, the Administrator’s Office in East Grand Bahama, and the Administrator’s Office in Eight Mile Rock.
At all locations, the flags will be hoisted by members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and the Royal Bahamas Police Force, and the Defence Force Rangers. Mr Thompson is encouraging all residents to dress in independence t-shirts or national colours, and businesses to decorate their buildings and erect the Bahamian flag. “The flag is one symbol which we all must rally (be-
hind). The colours symbolise the image and aspirations of the people of the Bahamas. The design reflects aspects of the natural environment – sun, sand, and sea, and the economic and social development,” he said. Mr Thompson said officials also want radio stations to play Bahamian music throughout the day in a show of what it means to be Bahamian.
FROM ITALY TO FREEPORT DIRECT BY CHARTER AIRLINE By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net SOME 1,400 European passengers will travel to Grand Bahama this summer with the return of the Italian charter Alpitour, which commenced direct flights from Milan to Freeport on Thursday. The programme will run 12 weeks, bringing between 100 and 120 passengers per
week aboard a B767-300 aircraft for a seven-day stay at the Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach Resort. The 8-hour flight arrived at the Grand Bahama International Airport at 2.45pm, with 123 passengers. Betty Bethel, director of tourism in Freeport, was on hand to welcome the guests, and was pleased about the return of Alpitour and tour operator Villaggi Bravo. “We are happy to have
them back,” Ms Bethel said during a press conference at the airport. “We are pleased to have at least 1,400 guests over the next 12 weeks visit directly from Milan, Italy.” With hotel room inventory still soft on Grand Bahama, Ms Bethel indicated that the return of the Italian charter is something that officials look forward to. “It means we have an opportunity to maintain that
THE VIVA Wyndyham Fortuna Beach resort, where Italian guests will be headed for a seven-day stay. programme that resumed last year. Viva Fortuna delivered an excellent product, and Villaggi Bravo was very pleased that they increased their capacity this year, and it gives us an abil-
YOUR
ity to sustain the summer programme while (we are) still soft in terms of our inventory of hotels.” Ms Bethel noted that the tour operator has a 90 per cent familiarity with the
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marketplace in Italy, and so they are looking to capture the four markets there. The Bahamas Tourist Office in Italy works in close collaboration with Alpitour and Villaggi Bravo to maintain the partnership and continue to grow the programme. “Hopefully, next year we also want to expand not just to increase capacity, but for a longer stay. So we are anticipating perhaps a May start up going through the end of August,” said Ms Bethel. Cristina Cazzani at the Bahamas Tourist Office in Italy said the charter flight from Italy first started in 1992 when the hotel was called Club Fortuna. “We have sent lots of Italians in the summer through charters with different tour operators, and in 2011 we started with Alpitour,” she said. Simona Reale, the manager of Brand Villaggi Bravo, said they are happy to be in Freeport again. “We experienced great success last summer in terms of the number of passengers and the satisfaction of the guests,” she said. Ms Reale said Villaggi Bravo launched a major promotion in Italy, reaching six million through radio and social networks such as Facebook and Instagram.
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, June 16, 2017, PAGE 11
Organisations call for implementation of Freedom of Information Act in full A GROUP of civil society organisations (CSOs) and private industry groups is pressing the new administration to highlight the amendment and full enactment of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). In a press release issued yesterday, the group urged the government to look to the timely enactment of FOIA but also to take the opportunity to make revisions that strengthen it. The groups are a part of a caucus of CSOs and private industry groups representing over 100,000 Bahamians who comprised the central advocacy engine that pressed for amendments to the Freedom of Information Bill, aiming for legislation that better empowered the people and held govern-
ment officials and departments accountable. “We appreciate the fact that the present administration has made the FOIA a priority,” said Terry Miller, president of Civil Society Bahamas. “Civil society has invested an incredible amount of time advancing the principles of freedom of information and a FOIA that would ensure true transparency and accountability on the part of those to whom we have entrusted the administration of our national affairs. While past administrations have promised, and the former administration passed, an improved version of a bill, today there is an opportunity to make critical amendments that would better uphold the rights of
the people and advance the principles of democracy.” The Christie administration passed a FOIA in its last term however the legislation is not fully enacted. The civil society groups noted that four crucial recommendations to the bill were not incorporated. “The selection process for the information commissioner in the (act) is politically appointed,” the press release noted. “To avoid partisan influence, the group recommends that the position be selected by a committee involving government, opposition, and members of civil society. “The bill does not provide sufficient access to information about entities that receive substantial public funding, particu-
larly non-statutory bodies. (The CSOs) recommend the definition of ‘public authorities’ within the bill be expanded to include all bodies ‘owned, controlled or substantially financed by the government from public funds’ such as the BEST Commission. “Time limits outlined in the bill favour the government and can act as deterrents for those seeking information. We recommend that wait time for responses and the 30-year period for information to be declassified be shortened. “Records of government deliberative processes are not included in the (act). Opinions, advice or recommendations ministers of Cabinet or committees therein use to make deci-
sions should be fully disclosed.” Lemarque Campbell, chairman of Citizen’s for a Better Bahamas, said: “Though we are led to understand the instruments to appoint the information commissioner are already enacted, we believe that a precedent for a more open and balanced process can be set through the creation of a multi-sector, multipartisan selection committee. The information commissioner would serve as an arbiter between the people and the government in disputes over information requests. We must avoid even the appearance of bias for this person to be successful in their role.” The group also called
on the new administration to see civil society as a resource. “We think that it is important as the government moves forward on FOIA that they work in tandem with civil society,” said Matt Aubry, executive director of The Organisation for Responsible Governance. “Collectively, our groups have conducted a great amount of research, benchmarking, and public consultation on this topic and bring a wealth of knowledge and the people’s best interests to the table. Furthermore, as the bill is rolled out post enactment it will be a large undertaking, a great deal of public education will be required and we are natural allies to that effort.”
Cat Island Sailing Club Cat Island Sailing Club. - The upcoming 61st annual Cat Island Regatta is slated for August 4-7 in New Bight, Cat Island. Peter Christie and Godfrey Kelly made a donation to the regatta. The regatta will feature top A, B, and C Class Sailing Sloops in the country. Entertainment will be provided by D Mac, Veronica Bishop, Wendi Lewis, Dyson Knight, Ebony, Lassie Doh Boys and the Defence Force Pop Band. The regatta was founded in 1956 by Godfrey Kelly and the late Harold G. Christie, in Knowles Cat Island. T his year, the regatta will be held in honour of Ezekiel ‘Z eke’ Taylor.
Wolf Kayaking Club Bahamas Wolf Kayaking Club Bahamas. - Wolf Kayaking Club Bahamas (WKCB) will be conducting a Summer Youth Kayaking Clinic on Saturday, July 1, 2017. WKCB is an active kayaking club that provides proper kayaking lessons, skills assessments and training provided under the guidance of the American Canoe Association (ACA) and British Canoeing. WKCB teaches the fundamentals of kayaking with the purpose of expanding the sport through knowledge, proper training and water safety. The Summer Youth Kayaking Clinics will be an annual series and is an important part of their Youth Development Program. The clinic will involve a full day immersion in learning the fundamental skills of kayaking and water safety, along with team building exercises. The course is part of the Paddle Smart Curriculum of the American Canoe Association and will be conducted by Randy “Wolf” Albury, a certified ACA Level 1 Kayaking Instructor. The Summer Youth Kayaking Clinic will be held on Saturday, 1st July, 2017 at Lake Cunningham. Registration deadline is June 26th with a cost of $50 per person. Please call WKCB at 455-9771 or 535-8287 or email at wkcb242@gmail. com for further information.
JOIN THE CLUB
OUR Clubs and Societies page is a chance for you to share your group’s activities with our readers. To feature on our Clubs and Societies page, submit your report to clubs@ tribunemedia.net, with “Clubs Page” written in the subject line. For more information about the page, contact Stephen Hunt on 5022373 or 447-3565.
FROM left, vice president Marcian Mortimer, president Pat Strachan, Donor Peter Christie, Katherine Elza - (Godfrey Kelly’s granddaughter) and race committee chair Maxwell Burrows as a donation is made to the Cat Island Regatta.
FINAL NOTICE Pursuant to the provisions of Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, 2000, notice is hereby given that:RBA ARCHITEKTUR UND BERATUNG GMBH has been dissolved and struck off the Register pursuant to Certificate of Dissolution issued by the Registrar General on 28TH, FEBRUARY 2017.
Dillon Dean LIQUIDATOR
FINAL NOTICE Pursuant to the provisions of Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, 2000, notice is hereby given that:PROPERTY CONCEPTUAL DESIGN S.A. has been dissolved and struck off the Register pursuant to Certificate of Dissolution issued by the Registrar General on 28TH, FEBRUARY 2017.
Dillon Dean LIQUIDATOR FINAL NOTICE Pursuant to the provisions of Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, 2000, notice is hereby given that:KOH AEO SERVICES LTD. has been dissolved and struck off the Register pursuant to Certificate of Dissolution issued by the Registrar General on 28TH, FEBRUARY 2017.
Dillon Dean LIQUIDATOR
Funeral Service For
Mrs. Beryl Christine Demeritte, 70
a resident of Hopkins Drive, Coral Harbour & formerly of New Bight, Cat Island, will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church, Robinson & Claridge Roads, on Saturday, 17th June, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. Officiating will be Father Glen C. Nixon, assisted by Deacon D’Arcy Rahming. Interment follows in Woodlawn Gardens, Soldier Road.
Left to cherish her memories is her husband and partner of 52 years: Darville Edmond (Joe) Demeritte; Two Daughters: Margo Demeritte and McQuella Fernander; Five Sons: Christopher, Andrew, Cepeda, Mandoza and Moreno Demeritte; Fifteen Grandchildren: Cepetra, Laquisha, Kwentique, Cierra and Cepeda Jr., Devonte, Andrew Jr., Andrewnique, Ashanti, Andre, Johnathan, Aden Demeritte, Ron Jr., Zion and Carmello Fernander; Two Great Grandchildren: Nariah Demeritte and Deshawn Johnson; Two Daughters-inlaw: Regina and Rain Demeritte; One Son-in-law: Ron Fernander Sr.; Three Sisters-in-law: Iris Patsy Demeritte-Ingraham, Victoria Demeritte and Bernice Wilson; One Brother-in-law: Rodger Demeritte; Numerous Nieces and Nephews including: Tyika, Edward Jr., Edwardo, Shatara and Talice Wilson, Demetrius Bain and Shantell Outten, George, Phillip and Hugo Ingraham, Sergio Demeritte and Iris Deton; Grand Nieces and Nephews: Vashtinique, Mario Jr., Edwanique Wilson, Edward III, Terrell, Shaquawn, Zachariah, Evan Coakley, Deangelo and Donavon Rolle Jr.; One God Child: Vanessa Johnson; Numerous Cousins including: Lillian Wilson, Elizabeth Allen, Sarah Hepburn, Cleothila Brown, Paula Thurston, Tanico and Dereck Hunter, Paula Stafford, Nathaniel, James, Michael, Anthony and Kendall Wilson, Lorriane and Willamae Flowers and Helen Knowles, Jocelyn, Hazel, Roy, Wilton, Lawrence and Ophelia Hepburn, Allison, Whitney and George Moss, Maybell Rolle, Catherine Hepburn, Patrice Rolle, Esthermae Sherman-Jolly and Family; Other Relatives and Friends: Jane Bodie, Aisha Gilbert & Family, Carrington McIntosh, Ali Bain & Family, Norman Porttinger & Family, The Rose Family, Rudolph ‘Skipper’ Fowler & Family, Dollymae Scott & Family, Jeanie Dorsette & Family, The Rolle & Thurston Family of Soldier Rd., Mr. & Mrs. George Fernander & Family, Carmen McPhee & Family, Edna Jones & Family, Eleanor Burrows & Family, Betty Cartwright-Rolle & Family, Muriel Edwards, Maria Davis, Mizpah Strapp & Family, Brenda Davis & Family, Michelle Dames & Family, Larry Demeritte & Family, The Red Land Acres Family, The staff at PMH Female Surgical Ward #2, Dr. Gertrude Holder, Dr. Chin & Medical Team, Dr. Michael Darville, Dr. Josey and Dr. Beveton Moxey. The Holy Family Catholic Church Members, First Baptist Church Family, Carmichael Road Union Baptist Church Family and Hillside Missionary Baptist Church Family. Friends may pay their last respects at Demeritte’s Funeral Home, Market Street, from 12-6:00 p.m. on Friday & on Saturday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until service time.
Death Notice For Deacon Samuel John Brown, 65 a resident of Wild Guava Avenue & formerly of Kemp’s Bay, Andros, died at his residence on 9th June, 2017. He is survived by his wife: Sheila Brown; 5 sons: Garreth Smith, Alexis, Marvin, Jermaine & Ryan Brown; 4 daughters: Tabitha, Tiffany, Alicia & Audra; 8 sisters: Maureen, Arebella, Lucille, Joanna, Cleomie, Verona, Sandra and Endelyn; 4 Brothers: Simeon, Leslie, Carlton & James & a host of other relatives & friends.
PAGE 12, Friday, June 16, 2017
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Minnis wants Grand Bahama to be ‘renowned’ for duty-free shopping from page one Alluding to the setbacks and shortfalls brought on by Baha Mar over the last two years, Dr Minnis said his administration’s plan will look to strengthen the links between foreign direct investment and home-grown businesses, instead of hinging opportunities primarily on the backs of the former. Dr Minnis went on to pitch what he called an “incentive framework for entrepreneurs,” a system he said would facilitate local and international access to capital, encourage joint ventures among private interest; facilitate the improvement of business advisory and encourage the cultivation of tools to stimulate Bahamian entrepreneurship in tourism. He said it was time for bold thoughts on how Bahamians could own or be involved in multiple dimensions of tourism. “Twenty-first century travellers seek more than the proverbial sun, sand and sea. They travel in search of unique and authentic experiences. Ours is a richly textured culture, our history, music, food, dance, art, craft and our folkways are distinctly different. We must fully capitalise on our culture and heritage to add a more vibrant visitor experience,” stated Dr Minnis. He later added that the formation of joint ventures will be a central approach to the execution of projects, inclusive of the restoration and maintenance of historic sites and the designation of
THE BAHAMAS Hotel and Tourism Association annual meeting at The Hilton celebrating 60 years of service. iconic locations. Of these sites, Dr Minnis specified Clifton Heritage National Park in New Providence, Mount Alvernia in Cat Island and the Columbus Monument in San Salvador and plantation ruins on other islands. Dr Minnis said the country is “nowhere near” monetising the number of cruise ship passengers coming to The Bahamas, and as
POSTPONED
Funeral Service For
Joseph Wilson Wolfe, 79
that was scheduled for Friday, 16th June, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. has been POSTPONED. Funeral arrangements will be announce at a later date.
A Memorial Service
Benjamin Anthony Myers, 26
such, he said he views these “heritage experiences” as a prime avenue for expansion. “My government is committed to completing the National Museum of The Bahamas for the benefit of Bahamians primarily, but also as a heritage experience for tourists. Cruise passengers throughout the world visit museums. Imagine if New Providence can provide more of these experiences,” Dr Minnis said. Among his recommendations for initiatives in New Providence Thursday, Dr Minnis called for the refurbishment of Festival Place, the creation of a native food market in the Over-the-Hill community, the construction of a maritime museum at the Lowell J Mortimer Maritime Institute and the development of heritage and eco-tours throughout the country through the use of signage, on par with the Blue Plaque system used in the United Kingdom. “I suggest that we develop the Aqua Plaque, which can be used as a heritage marker in The Bahamas. Bahamian designer Carla Whittingham has already designed a prototype, which is cast in appropriate material for our climate. The Aqua Plaque should be utilised with other signage to note the significance of the heritage site in question and to recall noted Bahamians associated with the site.” Dr Minnis said he plans to direct the Ministry of
of Youth, Sports and Culture to collaborate on making the scheme a reality as soon as possible. Of the proposed native food market, Dr Minnis said that the market’s physical structure would be adorned with Bahamian art and will act as a major economic empowerment and revitalisation project for that community. “Our native food market will welcome scores of Bahamians and tourists. It will provide business opportunities and allow many Bahamians to sell their goods and products. The native food market will have a variety of foods and products for sale from ice cream to potato and cassava bread, tamarind sauce, local teas and other Bahamian treats.” Lastly, of the refurbishment of Festival Place, the prime minister said plans are in place to convert the welcome centre into a commercial and recreational space conducive to retail and restaurant businesses. He added that the move would help to re-energise the city of Nassau and provide more engaging interactions for cruise passengers and more economic opportunities for Bahamians. Dr Minnis’ roughly 30-minute address Thursday spoke primarily to rebuild the brand identity of Grand Bahama, while incentivising investments on that island. The Killarney MP said it is the goal of his administration to make the island of
FINAL NOTICE Pursuant to the provisions of Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, 2000, notice is hereby given that:SAVONA GROUP S.A. has been dissolved and struck off the Register pursuant to Certificate of Dissolution issued by the Registrar General on 23rd, MARCH 2017.
of Casuarina Point, Marsh Harbour, Abaco, The Bahamas, who died on Sunday, 11th June, 2017, will be held at Odl Fort Bay Club, Old Fort Bay, Nassau, on Saturday, 17th June, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. He is survived by his parents, Debra Ann Myers Sands and Anthony David Myers; brother, Taylor Adam Myers; sisters, Alyson Jean Myers and Megan Gayle Myers; grandparents, Michael Manfred Myers and Pattie Myers; step father Robert Dallen Sands; uncle; Robert Manfred Myers; aunt, Patricia Adele Bethel; special freind, Katie Horton and many other relatives and close friends including, Brian Symonette and Greg Franco. Arrangements Kemp’s Funeral Home Limited.
Dillon Dean LIQUIDATOR Tourism and the Ministry
Grand Bahama a renowned
Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
DR Hubert Minnis pictured greeting guests following his address. duty-free shopping centre for residents and millions of visitors from around the world. Dr Minnis said the government is prepared to rollout a “workable plan” for tourism in Grand Bahama that would position the city of Freeport and the district of Lucaya as a maritime, sports and wellness destination; East Grand Bahama as an eco-tourism mecca and West Grand Bahama as a site for culture. Dr Minnis also spoke of how his government would look to facilitate the economic empowerment of the Family Islands through grants of Crown land, assistance with technical and marketing support and particular tax exemptions for specified periods. He said his administration intended to invest in the modernisation of Family Island infrastructure with the goal of providing clean potable water, good roads, modern airports and docks and will incentivise locally owned airlines to establish local hubs for inter-island transportation through strategic partnerships. Additionally, he said the government will actively seek to increase travel from both traditional and nontraditional airlift markets. In the long-term, Dr Minnis said his government will work towards introducing legislation to make it attractive for international filmmakers to produce cinematic productions at a fraction
of the cost comparable to other leading off-site film locations. He also called for the registration of hospitality products such as vacation rental homes, which are currently operating outside of regulations, to “level the playing field” and ensure national standards of safety and quality. Dr Minnis said his government will also look to build linkage between agriculture and tourism, focusing efforts at Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute on the production of select products for local and export markets; privatise produce exchange, provide land, supplies, equipment and business services to Bahamian farmers to support the industry. The government also plans to introduce tax incentives and concessions to encourage Bahamian farmers and farming cooperatives throughout the country to promote sustained production and packaging initiatives and to ensure the continuous supply of quality products. Additionally, Dr Minnis said his administration intends to augment the resources of tourism police to ensure the safety and security of visitors, noting that it would be the only way tourism could survive. The Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association meeting was held at the Hilton Hotel.
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, June 16, 2017, PAGE 13
COMMODORE Tellis Bethel inspecting the Rangers Platoon at the Coral Harbour Base on June 10, 2017. A total of 408 students from four other Family Islands graduated into the program recently.
Young people taking up the Rangers challenge IT was a celebration of the achievements of brilliant young people as 408 Royal Bahamas Defence Force Rangers, both male and female took the challenge to set the standard of excellence in discipline, dedication and determination. They all were successful in being officially inducted into the Rangers programme over the past several weeks. The installation ceremony for the nation’s builders took place on several Family Islands. On the island of Abaco, 31 students graduated from the programme. From Grand Bahama, 80 students completed the programme and 38 students from North Andros were successful. The final ceremony took place in New Providence on Saturday June 10 at the RBDF’s Coral Harbour Base, where 259 students including nine from the Berry Islands graduated. All of these promising youths have internalised the core values of the Rangers programme. They have also committed themselves to becoming productive citizens of the Bahamas and are determined to positively influence the lives of their peers and fellow youths.
COMMODORE Tellis Bethel bringing remarks at the Defence Force Rangers graduation ceremony at the Huntley Christie High School, North Andros on June 10, 2017. RBDF Commodore of establishing the Rangers Tellis A Bethel said: “They Leadership Academy. can do even greater to make Successful Rangers gradthe world a better place. uates in North Andros were “They have tremendous presented with gifts from potential, but it just needs the Bahamas Telecommuto be channeled in a more nications Company, which positive way. The Rangers is a corporate sponsor for programme certainly offers the RBDF. the platform to do that.” The ceremony consisted Rangers Director Lieu- of a drill display by the tenant Delvonne Dun- Rangers drill team, a fitcombe is currently charged ness and martial arts diswith driving the strategic vi- play and a physical fitness sion for youth development segment by some of the called “Operation Regen- RBDF Rangers. The cereration”. emony culminated with This is intended to trans- presentation of awards and form the Rangers programme certificates for academic into the Rangers National achievement and leadership Youth Service with the hopes recognition to the students.
ANNJOELEANA Darville from the Berry Islands receiving the Minister of National Security Award from Commodore Tellis Bethel.
PAGE 14, Friday, June 16, 2017
THE TRIBUNE