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VOLUME:115 No.143, JUNE 19TH, 2018

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WOMAN: 2,000 SIGN PETITION SAYING NO TO VAT ON FEMININE PRODUCTS

THE REBEL FOUR FROM left, Frederick McAlpine MP (Pineridge), Vaughn Miller MP (Golden Isles), Travis Robinson MP (Grants Town), and Reece Chipman MP (Centreville)

No, no, no, no - FNM MPs split from party on VAT vote

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

Robinson came after they were warned that voting against any part of the budget package would create the expectation that they will resign their positions in government, in keeping with the Westminster system of governance.

Last night, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis would not say what would now happen to them.

When he wrapped up the debate earlier yesterday, he made an appeal for MPs to support the budget in its entirety.

Mr Robinson, the parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, told

FOUR Free National Movement members of Parliament joined the opposition in voting “no” to the bill that would increase value added tax from 7.5 percent to 12 percent last night.

They were Golden Isles MP Vaughn Miller, Pineridge MP Frederick McAlpine, Bain and Grants Town MP Travis Robinson and Centreville MP Reece Chipman.

The actions of Mr Miller, Mr McAlpine and Mr

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By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

IN his ardent defence of the government’s budget of “hope,” Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said his administration made several considerations concerning the value added tax increase but rested at 12 percent after ruling out 15 percent because it would be “too much pain” for Bahamians to bear.

He said the government also looked at doing nothing, along with increasing VAT to 10 percent, but none of these options was sufficient to tend to the present fiscal pressures.

TEXTING WHILE DRIVING TO BE MADE ILLEGAL

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday said the government will amend the law to clamp down on texting and driving.

He said the government will mandate that hands-free phone holders be used to clamp down on the activity. He also spoke of zero tolerance for

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday. illegal dumping and traffic infractions.

Dr Minnis also foreshadowed an increase in police stops for motorists

following the murder of businessman Noel Cartwright in his constituency.

The owner and operator of the Plantation Bar and Grill was sitting in his car in the bar’s parking lot when he was shot and killed early Sunday morning.

Dr Minnis told parliamentarians the West Bay Street restaurant was very near his home as he extended condolences to Mr Cartwright’s family.

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he does not have a government post from which to resign. He was previously fired as chairman of the Antiquities, Monuments and Museums Corporation.

He said he is not concerned that his actions might prevent him from getting a future appointment this term.

Meanwhile, Mr Miller, parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Social Services, said Dr Minnis’ comments earlier yesterday gave him no second thoughts regarding his decision to oppose the increase.

The Tribune after the vote: “I said everything I needed to say in my budget speech and I stand by every word of that.”

In his budget speech, Mr Robinson had lamented the impact an increased VAT would have on poor people in his struggling constituency.

Earlier, Mr McAlpine told the press he will not resign as chairman of the Hotel Corporation, adding that Dr Minnis is entitled to fire him if he wishes to do so.

For his part, Mr Chipman said he does not take threats lightly but noted

MINNIS: WE CONSIDERED 15% BUT IT WOULD BE TOO PAINFUL

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Facing a $400m fiscal gap and realising its credibility as disciplined and prudent fiscal managers was at stake, the government decided on the 12 percent VAT rate, the prime minister said.

Speaking of his personal position on this new budget, Dr Minnis said his conscience tells him the government is doing the right thing for the country and its people whom he loves with all his heart.

The VAT issue has been one of contention for the government with several of its backbenchers indicating they will vote against the amendment to SEE PAGE TWO

PAY A QUARTER OF BPL BILL TO BE RECONNECTED

By NATARIO MCKENZIE Tribune Business Reporter nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMAS Power & Light has agreed to a reconnection plan for 3,000 customers who remain disconnected, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said yesterday. To be reconnected, a customer must pay 25 percent of their balance.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

PAGE 2, Tuesday, June 19, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

Minnis: we considered 15% - but it would be too painful

from page one VAT legislation that will make the new 12 percent rate law.

In response, Dr Minnis suggested a vote against the budget would be a “no” vote to the things that would enhance the lives of citizens.

He said anyone who was absent from the vote, which took place last night, would be voting in opposition to the budget, adding the only members of Parliament who would be excused were those admitted to hospital or out of the country on government business.

Early in his contribution, Dr Minnis told the House Yamacraw MP Elsworth Johnson has been at home sick, but planned to return to the House just to vote in support of the budget.

Carmichael MP Desmond Bannister is away on government business in China, while Long Island MP Adrian Gibson is also on official business in London.

“The hard reality is that there are very few feasible options available, within the time frame required, to fully address a fiscal gap of that magnitude,” Dr Minnis said yesterday.

“We therefore came to the realisation, that an increase in the rate of VAT to 12 percent was the only viable and reliable option to allow us to deal with all of the fiscal pressures present, while also respecting the requirements of the fiscal responsibility law.

“Mr Speaker, I only want to point out that we would have looked at doing nothing and what impact it would have on our country.

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis speaking in the House of Assembly yesterday.

That was not an option. We would have destroyed our future generation.

“We would have looked at 10 percent and the result was still not good for the future generation.

The result may have been good for us but it was bad for the future. We looked at 15 and that was not an option. That is too much pain for anybody to bear and we looked at 12 and

we realised that there were some challenges even with 12 but we know how to overcome those challenges there for we rested at 12 so as to protect our future generations.”

Not making this decision would have rendered the country in a similar state to that of Barbados, Dr Minnis said, a country which has had to suspend debt payments and turn to

Photo: Terrel W Carey/Tribune Staff

international lenders for help.

“When we came to office we knew difficult choices had to be made,” he added.

“The PLP that was in office before us was the worst government since Majority Rule. The PLP way is for them and them alone. That party has no philosophy or ideology other than this: get the money.

“We do not want our country to spiral to crisis.

We do not want devaluation, where people lose the value of their savings and investments. We do not want to be forced by international lenders to fire thousands of public servants as a condition of debt restructuring. We do not want to have to slash public service wages by 10 percent as a condition of foreign emergency lenders.

“There are so many examples in our region of what happens when borrowing gets out of control.”

Before concluding his communication, Dr Minnis seemed to be speaking directly to those members of Parliament who indicated they would vote against the VAT increase tied to the 2018-2019 budget.

“This 2018-2019 budget is not about VAT, rather it is about our future as a people,” he said. “It is about our youth. It is about change, real change for the better.

“This is about retooling restructuring and modernising the public service to make it more efficient and responsive to Bahamian needs. We will bring about public sector reform. It’s about transforming the inner city through the Over-the-Hill initiative and programmes and making economic zones. I repeat it is not about VAT. “This budget, Mr Speaker, is giving our young people a new start through the self-starter programme which we

are moving from $50,000 increasing to $840,000.

This budget is about sending those four young ladies who excelled at university of the Bahamas to Cornell, Yale, Princeton and Harvard.

“If you want to sacrifice the future of this country vote ‘no’ to this budget. If you want a better country vote ‘yes’. This budget Mr Speaker is about opportunities for land ownership through the reasonable sale of service lots for young Bahamians.

It’s about allowing young people finishing the University of the Bahamas or other universities to purchase land in this country for $15,000, $20,000 with everything.

If you don’t want them to have that, vote ‘no’. If you want the young people in this country to own land and to have a better future vote ‘yes’.

“This budget is about creating an environment for young professionals, police, defence force, customs, immigration and correctional officers, nurses and teachers to start their new homes. If you want them not to have their own homes vote ‘no’.

“This budget is about education training for a modern and growing economy. It’s about changing the paradigm shift through affordable education thus providing free education for students desirous of attending BTVI this September and free education for Bahamian students attending the university of the Bahamas in September of next year.”

Dr Minnis also warned employers who hire illegal migrants they will be thrown into prison if caught, adding traffic violations will also be penalised.

The prime minster also said the government plans to build a new court complex and a multi-agency government complex.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, June 19, 2018, PAGE 3

Free university tuition plan if students meet criteria

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said in September 2019, the government will provide free tuition for students of the University of the Bahamas who meet certain entry requirements.

Observers quickly noted the government has long given scholarships to Bahamians who meet certain criteria, however last night Education Minister Jeffrey Lloyd said this assistance in the past has not covered the full cost of tuition while the government’s new initiative will.

Dr Minnis did not say

what the qualifications will be under the plan. He also announced during his budget speech yesterday that “qualifying students” from Family Islands will be given $500 per month as an accommodation allowance next year, because many of them cannot afford housing in New Providence.

Dr Minnis said: “I wish to announce at the outset that beginning in September 2019, all full-time Bahamian students who meet certain entry requirements will receive free tuition.

The details of these requirements will be announced.

Students will have to maintain a minimum GPA to maintain their grant. This

requirement will also be announced. This major investment in education will help scores of young people to realise their dreams as we build a more equitable society.”

The government of The Bahamas has funded the education thousands of Bahamians have received from UB through the National Bursary Scholar programme, established in 1978. Under the programme, people with five BGCSE grades of C and above, including math and English, can get the scholarship if they maintain a GPA of 3.0.

At a Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) press conference, Englerston

MP Glenys Hanna Martin suggested the tuition announcement is redundant.

“If you go on the (university website) right now, they will tell you (the qualifications). The prime minister indicated you have to qualify. That clearly means criteria.

But we already have that now.”

Responding to questions from Mrs Hanna Martin last night, Mr Lloyd clarified the plan.

He acknowledged the existing bursary given to those who meet academic requirements, but said it does not cover full costs of tuition.

“First of all there will be

no difference in qualifications, there will still be the (entry) requirement of five BGCSEs, (with a) C, at the present moment there is a provision in scholarships to the tune of about $17.3m . . . that provides what is known as a bursary scholarship, that is a $4,500 scholarship.

However the actual cost of tuition at University of the Bahamas is approximately $6,000, nor does it cover (certain other costs),” Mr Lloyd said. “(Under the new plan) that tuition of $6,000 will be covered.”

Exuma and Ragged Island MP Chester Cooper then suggested the FNM was not fully living up to its campaign promise,

saying the tuition promise seemed to come with new stipulations.

In response, Mr Lloyd said come September 2019, “Once accepted to University of Bahamas, education is free.”

Earlier yesterday, Dr Minnis also said the government has offered a “good paying” position in government to the top four graduates of UB’s economics programme. After a year in the civil service, they will be given scholarships to study for a year at Ivy League institutions, he said.

Free tuition at UB was a key promise made by the Free National Movement during its election campaign.

PLP BLASTS ‘FLAT’ MINNIS DEFENCE OF TAX INCREASE

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

OPPOSITION members yesterday criticised Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ budget communication, calling the contribution “abysmally flat” and void of any understanding of the very same budgetary initiatives presented by Finance Minister K Peter Turnquest earlier this month.

In an ad hoc analysis of Dr Minnis’ presentation, Progressive Liberal Party Leader Philip “Brave” Davis, Deputy Leader Chester Cooper and Englerston MP Glenys Hanna-Martin all condemned the speech, calling it a poor attempt to justify “unconscionable” tax increases.

The trio insisted the government’s strategy to increase the rate of value added tax by 60 percent, while cutting the rates of several other revenue streams, runs contrary to all expert advice.

The group also demanded the government make public all the empirical data used to formulate its position.

For his part, Mr Davis said the communication represented an about-face from many of the campaign promises made by the Free National Movement ahead of the 2017 general election.

The Cat Island MP also insisted Dr Minnis, instead

of reassuring the Bahamian people over the growing concerns many of them have over the proposed hikes, opted to use his opportunity yesterday to berate the former administration for its past decisions.

“This is not about the PLP,” Mr Davis asserted.

“It is about the FNM and Dr Hubert Minnis’ lack of ability to govern. It is about the obstinacy and arrogance of this administration not to yield to the voices of reason that is now a crescendo from all aspects of the community.”

He added: “There has been no support for what they are doing. This budget oppresses the poor by unconscionably increasing VAT by 60 percent and provided no credible basis for doing so.

“This is borne out by all former ministers of finance who have all cast doubt on the approach of the FNM. The minister of finance has cast aspersions on all former ministers of finance by suggesting that they were all fiscally irresponsible and not transparent.”

He also said: “The prime minister’s attempt today in the House to justify the unconscionable and massive increase in taxes on the backs of ordinary Bahamians fell abysmally flat.

“It was most unimpressive and lacked a basic grasp of his own budgetary initiatives and what underlying economic principles informed such programmes.

NO, NO, NO, NO - FNM MPS SPLIT FROM PARTY ON VAT VOTE from page one He said there was nothing personal behind his choice, but it merely reflects his desire to serve his constituents.

Several people were absent from yesterday’s vote, including Central and South Abaco MP James Albury, Carmichael MP Desmond Bannister, South Andros MP Picewell Forbes, West End and Grand Bahama MP

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Pakeisha Edgecombe, Long Island MP Adrian Gibson, Central Grand Bahama MP Iram Lewis and Tall Pines MP Don Saunders.

Mr Bannister and Mr Gibson were both out of the country on government business.

All other MPs voted in favour of the bill, except the Speaker of the House who does not cast a vote.

The VAT amendment passed by a vote of 24 to seven.

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OPPOSITION leader Philip ‘Brave’ Davis in Parliament yesterday.

It represented a complete for the poor.

“This budget is a colossal about-face from his campaign promises recalling betrayal of the Bahamian that taxing is the lazy way people, that will lead to a double dip recession,” Mr out.

“This is not the people’s Davis said.

Referencing the former budget. This is not the administration’s people’s time,” Mr Davis Christie approach to the introducadded.

“The only fact is that tion of VAT, Mr Davis the Bahamian people will said the party respected be taxed more than they the views and advice of can bear. Twelve percent stakeholders.

He said once it was recVAT. A discriminatory tax against gaming operators. ognised that it was no The fixing of the econ- avoiding the need for the omy for the rich. His tax tax, the decision was made increases support givea- to get as many voices into ways for the rich. No news the discussion as possible.

Mr Davis insisted the for Grand Bahama to help them up off the ground and PLP “got it right” - 7.5 perthere are heavier burdens cent with no exceptions.

Photo: Terrel W Carey/Tribune Staff He said the party did those in his party that have not act as an “obstacle” to publicly rejected the VAT those wanting to offer their increase. advice.

Saying they did not want “We listened,” he said. to speak on the internal He warned the FNM that friction of the FNM, the trio its “experiment” was dis- said the push-back is due rupting the “comfort zone” in large part to the lack of Bahamians are now in with consultation on the budget.

VAT. The PLP again implored The PLP trio also scoffed the Minnis administration at Dr Minnis’ insistence to “stop being lazy,” insistthat those opposing his ing that there were many government’s budget are ways to secure the revenue against national develop- needed without higher ment and advancement. taxes.

The group asserted that In addition to the VAT the pressure to sell the increase, the government public on his budget has plans to introduce a new made the prime minister sliding tax scale for gaming weary, insisting that his houses, both set to take assertions were directed at effect on July 1.

PAGE 4, Tuesday, June 19, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

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Government must show vision and spending control THE government of The Bahamas is asking the Bahamian public, many of whom are barely able to make ends meet, to accept a very bitter pill, a nearly 40 percent increase in VAT from 7.5 percent to 12 percent.

We fully appreciate the need. The government is even more cash-strapped than the segment of the population that lives hand-to-mouth and day-to-day.

Successive governments have borrowed and wasted funds like drunken sailors and now we are being asked to pay the price. Borrowing was so out of control that in some years only a few countries in the world – Greece, Portugal, Japan, Italy among them –- exceeded our level of what we owed relative to our Gross Domestic Product (GDP), that is, the value of our economy. The World Bank and IMF set an acceptable rate to debt to Gross Domestic Product at 60 percent for fully developed nations and 40 percent for developing or emerging economies. In 2016, our debt-to-GDP was 67.8 percent and we were advised that we were in a “a very, very dark position”.

One year later, in September 2017, it rose to 90%. We owed $76bn when our entire economy is just over $8bn. In the five years between 2012 and 2017, government rang up another $2bn in outstanding balances. To service that debt, interest only without even reducing principal, means payments of $350m a year. Imagine what that money could do if it were available, build new schools, hospitals, but now we are borrowing another $70m for infrastructure improvements, including airports in Exuma and Eleuthera. We do not question the need for such improvements, but we seriously question the how and the timing. The country can ill afford to borrow and repay any more until the debt is whittled down and the debt service does not create a need to continually tax a people dealing with individual struggles in an anaemic economy.

Overspending is a particularly Bahamian cultural phenomenon. Bahamians are notoriously poor at saving – just like successive governments – and any increase in a consumer tax, which is what VAT is, is going to hurt the poorest among us who spend the greatest proportion of their salary or wages on goods and services.

But if the government wants the public to swallow a bitter pill, it needs to do two things. First, it must demonstrate in a clear and measurable way, how it will make us better. When we go to the doctor and she says, “Take this medicine. It won’t taste good, but you will see improvement in seven days,” we believe the doctor and we swallow that pill. Why?

Because the doctor examined us, looked at our symptoms and diagnosed our condition, then shared the information along with the prescription. Unfortunately, the current administration has said “Take this pill because if you don’t we could lose the nation,” which, by the way, we do not buy.

But it has not said, “Here is how the pill will make you better.” It has not shown us a way forward. It is desperate to collect for borrowing sins of the past and there have been many. Yet it has not presented any clear evidence of how it intends to grow the economy overall.

Before the government asks any Bahamian to swallow a 12 percent VAT, it must do two things. It must show restraint on its own part and it must show how it is going to grow the economy.

Whether through real property tax or other incentives, small to medium size businesses, developers, light industry manufacturers must be encouraged and must, above all and most importantly, not be discouraged from continuing to invest. There are a lot of serious rumblings in the marketplace that could cost hundreds, if not thousands, of jobs to be lost. We know of local business people talking about taking their money and ideas to other destinations because they worry about a nation with ever increasing taxation and no vision for economic recovery and growth.

It is not often that we quote the Bible in our editorial positions but this is one time we feel compelled to remind decision-makers who hold our future in their hands that Proverbs 29:18 in the King James Version, counselled that “Where there is no vision, the people perish, but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.”

We have seen incremental progress, especially in Grand Bahama where MP Kwasi Thompson has been working diligently. But we have yet to see a creative and carefully conceived vision for growth, only a grabbing for more money to service the bad habits of the past while those same bad habits continue unabated.

Where is the overall business model with a projected growth rate? Where is the National Development Plan that started under the PLP with the specific guidance of then Minister of Investments Khaalis Rolle and that has been nurtured with passion and determination by Dr Nicola Virgill-Rolle and her small, but impressive team?

Tell us, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis. Tell us, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance K Peter Turnquest. Give us a reason to believe there is restraint and there is a vision and then we can swallow the bitter pill of a slightly more acceptable VAT of 12 percent.

Road works praise EDITOR, The Tribune.

I WRITE in response to your Editorial on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 and endorse your commendation of the Ministry of Public Works for its recent road repaving works undertaken along Eastern Road, Culbert’s Hill and the western most end of the Tonique Williams Darling-Darling Highway/Harrold Rd. However, since The Tribune is a newspaper of record I thought it appropriate to record my surprise that in praising current road works The Tribune felt it necessary to criticise the work of an earlier administration.

Firstly, I note the obvious - to compare the repaving of three roadways to the infrastructural projects of the Ingraham administration is to compare apples and oranges. The road and infrastructure project undertaken under the Ingraham Administration was not a road repaving exercise but a major infrastructure redevelopment project affecting some 19 existing and new road corridors around New

Providence, the replacement of miles of corroded water mains and installation of new water mains to improve access to potable water to the general public, and the repair and replacement of telephone and electrical lines impacted by the project.

It is said that none are so blind than those who will not see nor as deaf as those who will not listen. The road and infrastructure project undertaken during the second and third terms of the Ingrahamled Government were each preceded and accompanied by wide-ranging consultation with the public. Not only were the various stages of the project announced and reported on by the Minister responsible for Public Works, they were the subject of Town Meetings at which technical staff explained the work being undertaken.

The funding arrangements for the project were the subject of Parliamentary debate reported in the media.

Subsequently, the projects were extensively reported on by the then Prime Minister – at the launch and then re-launch ceremonies for

the projects, in reports in the House of Assembly and in televised National Addresses.

During Ingraham’s last term in office a special Public Relations Office was created at the Ministry of Public Works to provide information on the project and to respond to queries from the media.

At the time, the political climate would not admit to the critical need and importance of the infrastructure works and so the inconvenience reported in the media, on radio-talk shows and by persons opposed to the project won the day.

Today many of the same complainers of yore are the silent beneficiaries of the fact that New Providence has one of the most modern and efficient road network anywhere in the Caribbean.

Perhaps it is embarrassment that prevents them still from acknowledging their bias that contributed in no small measure to the political folly of the 2012 General Election.

NEW PROVIDENCE RESIDENT June 13, 2018

$200m yet $219 for workers EDITOR, The Tribune.

I BELIEVE that the main bone of contention that the Keep Ya Corned Beef We Marching protestors and rabble have with the Minnis administration is its proposed sliding scale tax on web shop operators.

Had the Free National Movement (FNM) government never come up with the tax hike proposal on gaming, the march on Rawson Square would have never occurred.

The plan to raise VAT at 60 percent was, in my opinion, a secondary matter to the overwhelming majority of protestors. I believe it was the Bahamas Gaming Operators Association (BGOA) which spearheaded the event.

The BGOA is sounding the alarm over the possible loss of 2,000 jobs in its sector.

According to the Minister of Tourism and Aviation Dionisio D’Aguilar, the seven web shop chains collectively made $200m in 2017. Five hundred million dollars passed through their hands that same year.

D’Aguilar further stated that the seven web shop bosses made $150m in salary and bonuses over the last three years. The 2,800 workforce that the BGOA

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net is purportedly fighting tooth and nail for collectively made $96m over that same period. I decided to do my own calculations and was not surprised to discover that that $96m, when divided between exactly 2,800 individuals, comes to a grand total of $219. That’s $9 more than the national minimum wage of $210. On the other hand, the $150m between the seven web shop bosses is $21,428,571.42. While I believe this figure is a gross underestimation of what BGOA bosses actually accumulated over the past three years, it is nonetheless impressive. It would mean that BGOA bosses earned $7,142,857 a year, while their workers made $11,388.

The gaping disparity between BGOA bosses and their workforce is pronounced. In fact, it reminds me of the scenario between Charles Dickens’ fictional characters Ebenezer Scrooge and Bob Cratchit in his A Christmas Carol novel. While Scrooge was filthy rich, his employee, Crachit, was dirt poor due to him being underpaid.

The figures listed above only confirms what I pointed out before in this newspaper about the demographic of the BGOA workforce. The overwhelming majority of web shop workers are young women.

Most educated and middleaged Bahamians would never consider working in web shops, as the salaries being offered are a pittance.

That is why I have chosen to classify web shop jobs as entry level jobs, which are really no different from low paying fast food eatery jobs.

With the rising cost of living, it is darn difficult to keep one’s head above the water on a $219 a week salary in this country.

Rather than protest the proposed sliding scale tax, the 2,800 workforce of the BGOA should have marched for higher wages and other benefits such as health, dental, life and vision insurance; as well as a retirement and pension plan. Even if the BGOA follows through with its threat to shed the jobs of 2,000 Bahamians, I believe that a robust economy is more than capable of absorbing these displaced workers.

KEVIN EVANS Freeport, GB June 17, 2018.

Jobs at risk EDITOR, The Tribune.

IT’S interesting to hear the current government talk about being concerned about the interests of Bahamians.

For instance, Minister of Finance and Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest in a radio interview mentioned that the tax increase is to sustain the Bahamian economy, but you need Bahamians working in order to sustain the

economy.

What the government is proposing is a direct threat to my livelihood and my kids’ future, so how is that in my best interest?

If my boss decides to close down several web shops, including where I’ve been working for the past three years, I will not only be out of a job, but without means to support my family.

Is Mr Turnquest going to pay for my children’s school

expenses? The tax breaks on bread basket items are barely hitting the surface of cuts are needed to sustain a family. Will the Prime Minister provide jobs to those that lose them as a result of their tax hike?

What are we, the employees of number houses, to do if we have to return to the unemployment lines?

ELENA HALL Nassau, June 18, 2018.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, June 19, 2018, PAGE 5

Cash prizes for Junkanoo and $1m culture fund

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net JUNKANOOERS will have their eyes fixed on a new cash prize for music when they head to Bay Street this year, according to Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, who also announced the allocation of $1m in cultural grants for Bahamian creatives.

Dr Minnis said the Prime Minister’s Best Music Award will be introduced for the 2018 Christmas parade, and creative grants will be administered by an independent “non-political” facility.

“We shall appoint a nonpolitical board to head a special fund to support the development of Bahamian artists, novelists, sculptors, filmmakers, playwrights

who are involved in projects of cultural significance,” Dr Minnis said.

“Although the government will seed the fund, the fund will be open to donations from any and all private donors.”

Applicants will be able to apply for small grants from $1,000 to $25,000 to support initiatives that will add to the cultural expression of the country, Dr Minnis said.

He stressed that no Bahamian artist will need to go to a politician to get a grant.

“These are to be substantive projects such as writing a book, producing a film or documentary, commissioning an art series, putting on a play, creating a performance space for musicians, poets, etc,” he continued.

“The fund will be a coinvestor in the projects and the grant recipients will be

required to fulfil the terms of their grant award.

“I repeat, Mr Speaker,” he added, “this will not be a matter of politics.

“No Bahamian artist will have to come to me or any politician to get a grant.

We shall put into the bylaws that the board is not to take instruction or guidance from any politician on any applicant.”

As for Junkanoo, special cash prizes will be awarded to the A & B categories for best music, with $10,000 for A groups and $5,000 for B groups in New Providence; and $5,000 for A groups and $2,000 B groups in Grand Bahama.

“The government is mindful of the long hours, rich talent and artistic abilities displayed by our Junkanooers,” Dr Minnis said.

A MEMBER of the Valley Boys during the New Year’s Day Junkanoo Parade. Cash prizes have been announced for Junkanoo.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

PLP DEPUTY LEADER DENIES SEEKING FNM CANDIDACY

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

EXUMA and Ragged Island MP Chester Cooper yesterday vehemently denied claims he applied for candidacy with the Free National Movement ahead of the 2017 general election.

The Progressive Liberal Party deputy leader was responding to comments made by Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis during his communication on the 2018-2019 budget, when he mocked Mr Cooper for his decision to join a failing PLP over the FNM. Addressing the claims during a press conference called by the PLP to respond to Dr Minnis’

communication in its entirety, Mr Cooper dismissed the claims as “fake news” and “FNM propaganda”.

“You know, if we hadn’t experience fake news becoming real, I wouldn’t even respond to it,” he told reporters. “It is not worthy of response.”

Nearing the midway point of his communication yesterday, Dr Minnis, in trying to expound on the PLP’s mismanagement of the revenue it earned after the introduction of value added tax in 2015, berated the senior brass of the former Christie administration.

It was at this point Mr Cooper could be heard defending the former government.

In a move to seemingly

silence Mr Cooper, Dr Minnis fired back: “The Christie PLP. The Christie/ Davis PLP left an annual financial hole of over hundreds of millions of dollars.

The Christie/Davis PLP; the Christie/Davis PLP, Chester not you, you was not there yet, you was sending your application to join the FNM. “Don’t forget,” he added.

“He double-crossed me, that’s why I must put a prime minister’s office in Exuma and spank him.”

The discussion, however, carried over to the afternoon period of yesterday’s parliamentary proceedings.

Mr Cooper said he, in the lead up to the 2017 general election, met and held discussions with several political organisations to

ROBERTS REJECTS NEED FOR TAX RISE

By FARRAH JOHNSON

FORMER Progressive Liberal Party Chairman Bradley Roberts has said he opposes tax raises in the government’s 2018-2019 budget.

Mr Roberts was referring to Financial Secretary Marlon Johnson’s claim that taxes must be increased to avoid a downgrade of the Bahamas’ sovereign credit ratings.

Refuting this argument, he stated the country’s recovery from hurricanes Joaquin and Matthew, as well as the opening of Baha Mar have “exceeded economic expectations”, proving the reasons for Moody’s low credit ratings “no longer exists”.

He also accused the government’s “three principal fiscal personalities” of contradicting each other.

Mr Roberts said he opposes the budget because of the government’s handling of the Revenue Enhancement Unit (REU) within the Ministry of Finance, which he said was collecting tens of millions in uncollected taxes per month.

“Independent consultants advised the PLP government that between $400m and $600m in uncollected taxes existed in the tax system but were being leaked because of systemic inefficiencies.

“The PLP aggressively went after those uncollected taxes. The REU was successful and international credit ratings agencies commended their work,” he said.

“Additionally, some 2,000 unregistered high end commercial properties were

identified and the PLP government gave the REU an additional mandate – to register and regularise these commercial properties to the tune of an additional $30m in the public coffers,” he added.

Mr Roberts also said the PLP government had determined that a VAT tax of 7.5 percent, in addition to major projects like

Baha Mar and The Pointe, would “satisfy the fiscal needs of the government,” as well as contribute to the further development of the economy.

He insisted there was “no need” for additional taxes or tax hikes, and stated he supports a “balanced approach” like the one previously employed by the PLP.

run for political office.

He again denied claims he petitioned the FNM for candidacy.

This denial prompted Dr Minnis to “clarify” his earlier comments, restating the claim to suggest that he and Mr Cooper held talks on a possible stint with the FNM. “You did not send a formal

letter, but you and I were in discussions,” Dr Minnis said. “Three weeks later I was shocked when I saw you campaigning for the PLP.” In a retort, Mr Cooper then admitted to “speaking” to Dr Minnis, but insisted that those communications were in line with much of the discussions he had with

every other political party to ascertain their plans for moving the country forward.

“I would not deny speaking to the member of Killarney,” he said. “No application was made… whilst many parties and political organisations invited me to run for office, no application was made.”

PAGE 6, Tuesday, June 19, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

Texting while driving to be made illegal from page one “I want to inform the public that the police will be even more aggressive in stopping cars for inspection, verification, etc,” he said.

“We don’t want to hear any noise about ‘my good son.’ Your son is good when he arrives in your house but he starts his badness when he leaves.”

“Tough times call for tough measures.

“It is essential that we put an end to these criminals who are on our streets wreaking havoc within our society, which will have great impact on our economy.”

Three men were shot and killed over the weekend, with Cartwright’s death taking the country’s murder count to 51 for the year.

On Sunday, National Security Minister Marvin Dames

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis.

Photo: Terrel W Carey/Tribune Staff announced a series of new crime fighting strategies geared towards the blanket coverage of specific hotspot areas in New Providence.

He compared the 51 homicides

reported to the same period last year when there were 70 – representing a 27 percent decrease; however, he noted police could not take comfort in the statistics because people are still losing their lives.

Mr Dames pointed to the planned enrolment of some 105 new recruits; the roll out of a new crime reporting app; and an updated fleet of squad cars valued at $6.9m this budget cycle.

He said a full roll-out of Marco’s Alert is planned for this week.

During his communication yesterday, Dr Minnis also sent a strong warning to traffic violators and those who commit other infractions.

“I have spoken to the minister of national security and commissioner of police. We will not tolerate traffic violators. The police will aggressively be on

the roads arresting and bringing you forth to justice. The same goes for those who insult and damage our environment, those dumping experts they will be dealt with.”

Dr Minnis continued: “There is an abuse or misuse of cars on the side of the road with for sale signs. I have already informed the commissioner of police to put in the paper the warning, if those cars are not removed the police will have them towed away to the police compound, that is an illegal event and we will not tolerate it.

“Trucks driving our streets improperly protected, and littering as they continue their drive, spilling debris on our streets, the police will aggressively deal with you. For those young and old people, who use their cell phones and text, we will make amendments to the law. Phones must be in a fixed position, hands free.”

CONTRACTORS WHO DIDN’T FINISH GOVT WORK MAY BE PROSECUTED

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net SOME contractors who were paid up to $100,000 to construct government low cost houses in Abaco but did not finish the jobs could be “prosecuted” and at the very least placed on a “stop list” until the money is repaid, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said yesterday.

Dr Minnis, who is acting minister of works, said these contractors will be placed on the restricted list when he reports for duty at the Ministry of Works at 9am Wednesday.

Desmond Bannister, substantive works minister, is in Shanghai, China attending a ministerial conference.

The prime minister said while Mr Bannister is gone, the contractors’ names will be given to Minister of Housing Romauld Ferreira who will conduct a “thorough” investigation into the housing situation in Spring City, Abaco.

While Dr Minnis did not say how many homes remained incomplete, photographs he presented to Parliament depicted structures unsuitable for habitation.

Neither did the prime minister reveal the contractor’s names, telling seated Official Opposition members the names were “irrelevant” to him.

“I want to point out some of the problems we face with building homes,” the prime minister said as he wrapped up the 2018/2019 budget debate yesterday.

“In Spring City, a subdivision created by the government, contractors were paid for building homes. In some instances they have received up to $100,000 and only the retention money was withheld but they have received.”

He continued: “So, Mr Speaker, this government does not tolerate nonsense, this the people’s money and therefore those individuals, I am giving their names to the minister of housing so

that he can do a thorough investigation and I am also providing a copy to the minister of legal affairs.

“The idea is those individuals must be prosecuted. They will also be placed on the stop list doing the government’s job until our money is returned.

“I have a copy (of the list) here for the minister of works, but the minister of works is not here and I am told that I am acting minister of works and therefore I put the ministry on notice that at 9 o’clock on Wednesday I will be there in the capacity of acting minister of works to see those names and they will placed on the stop list. They will not do any government jobs until they’re completed.

“But I am sending out a notice to all those who believe they can receive government’s money and do not produce . . . That don’t happen anymore,” Dr Minnis said.

“You produce or you will be put on a stop list and you will never, until you pay the

money back, be given any government job.”

The government will also settle land matters concerning residents at Crossing Rocks, Abaco.

According to Dr Minnis issues there have persisted for years pertaining to the government regularising land for homeowners after they were forced to move due to the devastation left behind by Hurricane Floyd in 1999.

“As a result of that, the government had given them permission to build more inland and the government had promised that they would sell the land to them at rock bottom price (of) $1,000 giving them the opportunity to start their homes.

“Many individuals would have taken advantage of the situation because their homes had been destroyed on the coast and they subsequently had moved to the areas designated by the government.

“However, their land was never regularised.

So I want to assure those

individuals that before December their land would be regularised and the promise that was made to them at a price of $1,000 or in some instances $500 we would honour that commitment and therefore they could receive their land for $500.”

For those in New Providence, Andros, Abaco, Exuma and San Salvador interested in home ownership, the prime minister said the government wants to create a minimum of one subdivision per year over the next 10 years.

Apart from service lots in subdivisions being offered at a cost of less than $30,000 per lot, Dr Minnis said a percentage of the lots will be geared toward those 35 and younger because a large number of Bahamians fall in this age bracket.

This initiative is not only for those in the armed forces, as has been public perception he said, but for any Bahamian who is interested in home ownership.

MAN WOUNDED IN SHOOTING

A MAN is in hospital after he was shot outside a home in Garden Hills on Sunday night.

Police were told that shortly before 9pm two men were sitting in front of a yard on Daisy Lane off Beaumontia Avenue when they were approached by a man armed with a firearm who opened fire on them. The assailant hit one of them before running away.

The injured man was taken to hospital where he is listed in serious condition.

Meanwhile another man was injured after he was stabbed and robbed of his jewellery on Sunday evening.

Shortly after 6pm, a man was walking on Step Street in Fox Hill, when he was approached by two men, one armed with a knife, who robbed him before stabbing him and then running away. The injured man was taken to hospital where he is listed in serious but stable condition.

Police also seized a quantity of ammunition and dangerous drugs from the streets of New Providence on Sunday. Shortly after 5pm, officers from operational unit “Clamp Down” acting on information, conducted a search of a home and property at Penny Savings Bank Lane off Wulff Road and recovered 37 rounds of 9 millimetre ammunition and a quantity of what they suspected to be marijuana.

Three men were taken into custody in connection with this recovery and are expected to be formally charged later this week.

Investigations are continuing.

BOY DROWNS A BOY is suspected to have drowned while on a family outing at the beach at Arawak Cay yesterday, police said.

Police said the boy was at the beach along with a relative and other children. As the family was about to leave, it was discovered the child was missing.

After searching the beach, the boy was discovered unresponsive, lying face down at the water’s edge after 3pm.

Paramedics responded to the scene and took the child to hospital in critical condition; however, he was pronounced dead a short time later.

Investigations are ongoing.

accused killing Witness over in murder trial ‘had nfights of union with leader victim’s brother’ THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, June 19, 2018, PAGE 7

his injuries. SCAVELLA

By NICO the Pinders’ yard. Shortly who is the defence’s wit- scooter while he was standagistrate Forbes Tribune Staff Reporter after that, Mr Miller said ness, gave testimony that ing up talking to his friends, ccused pair that he heard about four or five concurred with Mr Miller’s, and tried to “sneak attack” d nscavella@tribunemedia.net not be allowed gunshots coming from the including Johnson’s appar- him with his scooter helmet. lea to the allegakey witness in the yard. ent involvement in the Javon Pinder said after theyTHE are formally murder trial in into the killing After that, Mr Miller said skirmish.

Miller tried to do so, the before a judge veteran trade unionist meofCourt. he told Rasta to stay with However, Javon Pinder two got into a wrestling reJohn then Pinder’s told that youngest son him for a little while, which maintained that the day match and went to the return to Maghad two physical altercathe other man agreed to. following the first fight, floor. He maintained that ourt onwith October tions the older brother However, Mr Miller said Mr Miller pulled up on his he did not get beaten up. e of would fastthe be deceased about one Rasta eventually left and the higher court. month before the incident went home, and he in turn ere further inin question, Supreme Court went inside his house. t they would have told.

After that, Mr Miller said ojurors were the Supreme before Justice the corner was filled with bailEvidence because the Bernard Turner showed police cars. As a result, he offences they witness Marco t how allow Crown the lower he said he waited until the Delano to Miller had two iscretion conmajority of them left before ant bail. with Javon Pinder fights he went and spoke with Mr heir to Pinder Jr’s priorremand to John Pinder and told him what ment of Correcdeath, the first of which he saw and knew. ices, Mr Bridgesaw Mr Miller threaten to Miller said days later essed reservakill his Javon Pinder, who in on the 30th, he was questhe arraignment turn pursued and shot at tioned by police, who investigation. him. came to his door making rds to my clients Meanwhile, inquiries about the murder. stody, both indi- Mr Pinder testified that Jamean Johnwere assaulted, Around 3.55pm on Sepson, the man threatened,” the standing trial tember 1, the witness said ged. for his younger brother’s he identified Johnson in an JAMEAN JOHNSON, pictured ent provided 24-YEAR-OLD 20-YEAR-OLD death, is hisanfriend and has Jamean Johnson. identification parade atDylan the Brown. nbeen Brown, be- to ten years, at a previous court appear- Central Detective Unit. forofeight “I will not presume to tell be remanded to prison and been brought ance. down and the offence, still out there,” ertain and place wouldandthuscharged.” have no While there, he said he stressed. the police how he to do their given the current situation e reason was no to indicaharm him his pool of blood.” was magalso shown number However, the chief job anda they will not pre- of murder and bail they may Mr or Bridgewater exit was followed family. saidwith the lawyer’s po- sume of vehicles, andtoidentified tell me how to do be up there for years,” the that even is istrate charged se, Mr Johnson pressed his beliefJohnson saidfamily while of abetting lawyer said. sition on the might mine.” the murderunknown Johnson’s red car as the ded Javon an alibiPinder that the per-matter was place “cool” victim with doMr The chief magistrate said also be Pinder, premature.vehicle in question.

Mr Bridgewater acknowlnot believe ahecertain sons his tocli-murder it was not a guarantee that “As you are aware, in- a edged the court’s position, entsinare the culprits.

Miller at likely one point time, and it was About month prior to also known asvestigations “Fats,” and are usually on- but however, stressed that “It would unjust to aren’t so friendly any be edthey up on by pothe incident, Mrhis clients’ the accused men would be abetting unknown persons going even up to the start liberty was at stake for of- on remand for a long period the victim and his family to believe more. that the Miller said he got into an in theirpreattempts at killing of trial where new devel- fences they are adamant given that all bail applicathese individuals on is premature And the bring deterioraargument with the elder McCoy. tions are approved or rematurely and have the per- opments may occur,” the they did not commit. totion appease cer- friendship, of their According to Mrnoted.

Miller’s of the Pinder judge “Thesebrothers individuals will jected on their own merits. outlets have they son involved or committed

Mr Pinder suggested, testimony, he was sitting while visiting the Pinder came after the two fights on his front porch at his residence. Mr Miller, in his he had with the witness, home on Hillside Park off evidence, intimated that the first of which saw Mr Jean Street, “chilling out,” Javon Pinder was “jealous” Miller allegedly throw smoking and listening to of him for some unknown rocks in his direction – music when he observed a reason. heone prosecution’s cape the hit fight.

During the trial, the jury Blanco Bleach where he of which almost MrtwoMiller said Javon red Explorer stop statements on the from teen elected to denied stabbing Wil- heard collapsed, while his friends his mother, MargoHe Pinder.

Pinder went after him with side Wilson of the Pinders’ nt and indicated son or witnessing students resiwho witnessed followed behind.

This resulted in Mr Pinder beer bottles of a leading vacant uptwo ould rely on the being stabbed. dence in frontevents to WilThe and jury threw heard that the pursuing Mr aMiller in incident and lot. them at him. response, given to police The took place son’s stabbing, but could teenIngirl called 911 and hethey picked up for mediheshooting incident. at him.around 2pm on Prince to notMr be Miller, compelledMrbyMiller the said while waited According About a month later,Drive on and n had told police Charles graphic to give sworn helpittoatarrive, a rock and cal threw him. a friend he alives aboutprosecution two houses August he29, Pindervideo ontation and2016, cell phone of thefrom in- testimony in court.After that,ofMr Wilson called Miller saidout to the down the Pinder dJronwas December on social One of the girls told pobleeding teen with no reshot andcident killedwasbyspread he spun around only to see residence. utunknown said they assailants had media. lice that on the dayJohnson, in ques- who sponse. in his then punched The witness said two heir differences Twowhile teens – aged 17 and tion, she, the 18-year-old In the second statement Hillside Park home him in the face. out of the vehicle and he thought 15 – who were men got also on trial accused and his girlfriend police received from anothplaying video games with said Johnson from the front past his was older over. brotherforand the sevmurder—ofone Wilson, left Popeyes headingMr east.Miller er witness to the incident, therethe when the then argu-girlfriend the other owing day, after changed their senger pleas seat two andThe accused wasn’t walked teen’s eral other male friends. ment started, from the back passenger xams, he and his weeks ago. ahead with a group of pertold but policesaid thathe on the way his seat pleaded out of nowhere.

Mrafter leavere Pinder walking Jr, on whom The 17-year-old sons whilewho she andcame his girlto their Wendy’s behind the driver, brother seatedto murder, Miller said ing he subsequently arles Drivesaid and was not guilty butin friend followed behind.

Popeyes, the 18-yearremained the vehicle. five feet from hatjustWilson and away admitted guilt to the two lessermen,She toldhad policeran shearound no- old up with his theaccused cornermet into The who wasinshot e him, walking the several chargetimes of manslaughter. commotion at theyard.

17-year-old cousin who was another hoodies He over ticed theira heads, ction was on received a sentence Superwash an 11th student at and he pronounced dead MrandMiller saidgrade that’s wentoftonine the empty lot laundromat on ite the years after the judge took noticed a fight between their school. at side the of scene.

Kerrigan when theJohnson’s vehicle the side of Mr Pinder’s account time spent accused and Wilson. accused, McCoy was alsointo shot.

He hisyard up. The Johnson was the witthe pulled e was point,rushed he said on remand the factand that wentSheover ran towards the area ness told police, handed his to hospital byand gate.

Javon uck in the back he pleaded to man- where they weredriving, fightingwhile cousin the Pinder knife when they ambulance and treated for guiltyMr was passenger seat.

Miller said when he who and the hood of slaughter. and saw a teen, she in wit-theboth then went to opposite his injuries. elder sides Pinder brother saw 15-yearthat, he nessed got up andgivenThe was pulled. When Meanwhile, the being a knife of the street.

Jr’s mother said not then they stuck hisShe head andshortly his ace Pinder to face with old pleaded guilty by the light. accused when said afterturned offtohis porch heard murder, the shots, handPopout ofwards the window and her boynt,when he saidshe Wilson but admitted werethat, walking she noticed Shortlyat- after Mr from whichknuckles. she initially thought h brass tempting to cause harm.

He a man eyes,known run to in and stab friend, the y’a’ll accused, and said,Wil“This how I catch Miller said came “fire was crackers,” ged thatfrom Wilson given a sentence of as six“Rasta” son twice in the before Wilson “throwing punches p**** n***** sleeping.” the area came to back to punch him at the the fleeing towards at said each when other he but it apshe noticed her months oldest to sonbe served Mr Miller him because latter owed Fox Hill. efended Simpson Penn Centre for She then saw Wilson peared accused) was and thehimself other boys running saw arun gun, he broke(the off runhim $23. ning away es- Boys. across the street towards losing.” from theto room that was Mr Miller said he was ning, after which shots were shot up and towards her. consequently able to fired in his direction.

However, she noticed observe the left side of He said he did not report that her youngest son was the driver’s face, saying he the incident to the police. not among them.

However, he said the recognised the driver as She said she then went to “Debo,” which is Johnson’s night after he got shot at, the room where they were nickname. he met with Javon Pinder, all playing video games Mr Miller said shortly who was hanging out with a moments earlier, only to after Rasta gave him the bunch of other guys, fought and uninhabited rida findexperienced her youngest child had $23, he asked the man if him, and beat him up. problems while “lying in a been shot and Meanwhile, Javon Pinder, he saw anybody entering

GUILTY OF SCHOOLBOY’S MANSLAUGHTER

ASHES IRPORT

ot and his male were not inthe aircraft damage to the g and the pro-

il Aviation Deis investigating t.

S HOME

ndition is not vestigations are

It was at this time that the cousin ran up to and stabbed Adonai, according to the girlfriend.

The teen girl told police that she watched the victim run across the road to Blanco Bleach but did not know where the accused and his cousin went.

When she crossed the road as well, she saw Wilson on the ground bleeding heavily.

She and a group of persons remained there until police came.

An amendment to the Evidence Act in 2012 gave judges the discretion to allow the statements of witnesses who are dead, cannot be found, or are too sick to testify into evidence.

However, this action meant that the 18-year-old accused, and Mr Ducille, were unable to cross-examine the witnesses to verify the contents of the statements.

Kristan Stubbs and Bradford McKenzie prosecuted the case.

Based on questions posed to him by Crown attorney Pintard, Javon Pinder said he did in fact shoot at Miller.

The matter continues.

David Cash represents the accused. Stephanie Pintard leads the prosecution in the matter.

PAGE 8, Tuesday, June 19, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

Funeral Service For

Tabitha Charlene Claudia Bethel-Haye, 41 of Pine Yard Road, Seabreeze will be held on Thursday, June 21st, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at Mount Tabor Church, Willow Tree Avenue & Mount Tabor Drive, Pinewood Gardens. Officiating will be His Grace, The Rt. Reverend Neil C. Ellis, assisted by Pastor Delton Ellis, Rev. Javon Neily and other Ministers of Religion.

Interment will follow in Woodlawn Gardens Cemetery, Soldier Road.

Cherished memories will always linger in the hearts of her parents: R/Sgt.11 Claudius Shirleymae Bethel; husband: Stephen; daughters: Payton and Paige; adopted daughters: Janeisha, Jarelle, Janette; adopted sons: Jario & Nathan; Siblings: Juliette & Labon Morley, Candida & PC 1450 Trevion Simms, Cpl. 259 Duane & Keranique Bethel, Fiona & Teaco Brown and Alexander Bethel; Adopted siblings: R/Insp. Michael & Keva Roberts, Clement Penn, Vanessa Arthur, Mark and Shenae Davis, Keisa and Zhivargo Rolle, Alecita Colebrooke, Janice McFall, Mertalia, Gilder & Navardo Farrington, Meredith Newbold, Darrin Morley; God Children: Ocavio Rolle, Ally Ferguson, Aneja & Keven Davis; Mother-in-law: Mrs. Daphne Haye; Brother-in-law: Tindale Haye; Sisters-in-law: Judy’Ann & Sharon Haye; Aunts: Florence Scavella, Cheryl Johnson, Sheila Arthur, Maryanne & Mary Farrington, Elder Lorna Kemp, Cena & Pamela Stubbs, Charlene Harris, Audrey Farrington, Paula Rolle, Bessie Dean, Mena Ranger, Sylvia, Donna & Hessiemae Bethel, Kett Kemp, Polly Miller, Venesha, Malcolm & Vernie Russell; Uncles: Rev’s Eric Johnson & Lambert Farrington, Mervin Munroe, Samuel Arthur, Shakespare & Rodney Farrington, Deacon Luther Kemp, Alfred & Abraham Stubbs, Sideny Kemp Sr., Edward Miller, Gilbert Kemp, Keith Russell & Horatio Malcolm; Nephews: Julian, Lamont, Trey, Trevion Jr, Javier, Mikeo, Teandre, Shamar, Leron, Keven, Jaeson, Joel, Julien, Aldale, Jordan, Andrew Jr, Alex, Shane and Donovan Jr.; Nieces: Nikita, Nikisha, Ternisha, Kiara, Kirknell, Alexia, Tre’sor, Acahanté, Navaeh, Nyema, ReSadé, ReSanté, Aneja, Kayja, Zaniqua, Makayva, Tremesha, Breonna, Shandie, Shaniya, Alexis, Andrea, Ashley, Taranique and Deonna; Cousins: Leroy & Claudina Kelly and Family, Toro & Majorie Rolle & Family, Elaine Davis & family, Lyden & Valarie Davis & Family, Marvin & Dawn Stubbs & Family, Brenda, Kenny & Ruth McPhee, Joann, Joranda & Gidget, Pastors Patrick, Patsy Johnson, Geraldine & Carmetta Deam, Shandrea Campbell, Andrew & Linda Kemp, Suzette & Theresa Kemp, Pastors Martin & Sharnette, Ministers Jermaine & Keyshan, Tina, Stephanie & Andrew Kemp, Lawrence Clarke, Mr & Mrs. Donovan Miller, Krisha, Banhan, Cesserine White, Insp. Kellin Munroe, Matthew & Jessie Carey, Charlene Neely & Family, Albert & Margaret Ingraham, David & Alice Nottage, Shervane Bethel, Ricardra Marshall, Suzette Scavella, Audrea Clarke, Robert Jr & Kennedy Scavella, Rev. Carl Pinder, Rev. Delbert & Violet Bethel and Family, the descendants of the late George Johnson, the descendants of the late Bertha Kemp, the descendants of the late Agnes Farrington, Rev. Kathrina Durham & Family, Clement & Elsaida Penn, Millie & Joanne Culmer, Tanya Scavella and Mena Ferguson; Other friends including: His Grace, The Rt. Rev. Neil C. Ellis & Lady Ellis, The St. Stephen’s Baptist Church Family, The Harvest Time Tabernacle Church Family, The Media Dept (MTC), Cheryl Smith, Lorraine Knowles, Elyanna Mackey, Demetria Severe, Redell Butler, the president and members of the Financial Services Union, Pastors Kenneth Romer & Stephanie Chisholm, Shawn Mackey and the staff of Sharon L. Morley Chapel Miami, Fl., The One Family Junkanoo Cooperation, the staff of the Hatchet Bay Clinic, The R.B.P.F Eleuthera Division, the families of St. Augustine’s College and St. Cecelia’s respectively, the president and members of the Bahamas Financial Services Union and the entire congregation of Mt. Tabor Church as well as the settlement of Hatchet Bay and many others too numerous to mention.

The body will repose in the Blessed Redeemer Chapel at Ferguson’s Funeral Directors, 7th Terrace Collins Avenue, on Wednesday from 10:00 am - 5: 00 p.m. and at the church on Thursday from 12:00 noon until service

To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394

A LARGE group of post office workers at a previous protest outside the House of Assembly about conditions at the Post Office.

Photo: Tribune Staff/Shawn Hanna

MOULD, NO GENERATOR AND NO AIR CONDITIONING AT GENERAL POST OFFICE

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net

WORKERS at the East Hill Street General Post Office protested yesterday because of no air-conditioning and the presence of mould in the facility, Bahamas Public Services Union President Kimsley Ferguson said.

The demonstration, which involved about 60 workers, started yesterday morning.

When asked how long the protest will go on, Mr Ferguson said that would be decided today.

Working conditions at the General Post Office have long been a source of contention between BPSU and the government.

This latest issue stems from electrical problems in the building.

“There has recently been a challenge with the fact that the post office has been running off a generator… for over a month,” Mr Ferguson told The Tribune.

The generator itself does not always work, he added.

“And so when the generator doesn’t come on, there’s no light in the post office. And (so) the workers cannot go in.”

According to Mr Ferguson, even when the

generator functions, it only has the ability to provide the building with light.

“It doesn’t have the capacity to engage the airconditioning system. And so it’s excruciatingly hot in the building.

“From they started using the generator, the air-conditioning has not been on,” he said.

The air-conditioner unit at the General Post Office was replaced on December 11, 2017. Transport and Local Government Minister Frankie Campbell confirmed this to reporters on December 12.

Mr Ferguson also called for the health issues workers have experienced due to the presence of mould in the building to be classified as “industrial accidents”.

“Also, at the same time, the challenge that we would have had with mould is it building up,” Mr Ferguson said.

“That’s accumulating all over again. And persons are getting sick in the building. And so we would have taken a position that we are not going into the building.

We’ve been trying to get an update on the position for the new location.

“My concern is persons are getting ill, and it’s a result of their working environment.

“And so once persons are getting ill, those ailments should be treated as industrial accidents, because they arise (due to) person’s employment.

“And so we would have made an appeal to the minister of public service to see how we can assist staff members who need to see doctors because of respiratory issues, that some specific physicians are set aside so persons see these doctors and be properly looked after.”

Mr Ferguson said it has been difficult for BPSU leaders to get a “seat at the table” regarding

involvement in the move of the post office to a new location.

During his budget address last week, Mr Campbell apologised for the persistent problems at the East Hill Street building and announced that this facility will be imploded after the office has been moved.

The new General Post Office will be a multimillion dollar building on Gladstone Road, located at the site of the old Phil’s grocery store.

“The good news for the public and the postal staff is that the General Post Office is now in possession of the keys to its new premises,” Mr Campbell said last week.

“Efforts are underway to transform the building into a modernised, expanded postal facility, to the tune of an excess of $4m.”

The new facility will have expanded express mail services, automated counter services, and expanded postal parcel services.

However, Mr Ferguson said this is old news.

“We continue to get the same story…regarding the building, that they now have physical possession of the building,” he said yesterday.

“That’s the same update that we have been receiving now for more than a month, two months.

“We need a little something more than that so that persons can be aware of or be satisfied that there’s some progress being made, and that at some point, they would be relieved from the present state that they’re working in.”

Mr Ferguson added that union leaders have been “left out” of these discussions.

Mr Ferguson said workers do not know how much longer they will be working in the East Hill Street building.

JOB VACANCY Board Operator / Remote Technician Job Description: Broadcast Engineers are responsible for ensuring that radio broadcasts remain crystal clear while they are on the air. These individuals prevent white noise from occurring by adjusting the broadcast signals. Broadcast Engineers will also need to be able to repair the system and update the software as necessary.

Duties include: Performing activities in the radio studio and control room to ensure technical quality of audio for programs originating in the studio, from remote pickup points.

To set up and ensure technical quality for remote broadcasts. Works with operations on remote field productions - setting up, ensuring technical quality, breaking down and troubleshooting cables and switchers.

email:

radiojob2016@gmail.com

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, June 19, 2018, PAGE 9

My father, the hero W

HEN I was 14 years old, I had the opportunity to participate in the filming of a Hollywood movie right here in Nassau. Gerard Depardieu was the main actor – a French father who took his daughter, played by Katherine Heigl, on vacation to The Bahamas. Gerard was jolly and friendly. I interacted with him quite a bit because I was Katherine’s stand-in.

Whenever she was having hair or makeup done; or they needed someone to read her lines as they filmed him; or when they needed someone to sit or stand where she would be in the next scene to get the lighting right, I would fill in.

Katherine and I were about the same size at the time.

Gerard was easy to work with, and I could tell that he enjoyed his experience in beautiful Bahamas for the filming of “My Father, The Hero”.

In the movie, their relationship took the course that many can attest to – a child with a mind of her own and a doting father.

As I penned this edition of Face to Face, I saw how similar my relationship with my own father is to this story line.

Fathers play an important role in the lives of their children. Fathers are the heroes. When you are a child, your father seems larger than life. He seems invincible, and you believe that he has the answers to all the questions you have.

As you grow up, you begin to realise that there are lots of things you must do on your own. You begin to focus on your own life, family and career. But what this Father’s day showed me is that we must take the time out to interview our parents, without emotions attached, and have a face to face with them objectively. Learn to understand them from a different point of view. I became the journalist and not the daughter – just for a moment. In the process, I discovered a fascinating man – one of the most intriguing people I have ever interviewed.

He is deserving of an even longer, more in-depth interview in the future.

There was so much to tell that he could write a book.

The interview only lightly scraped the surface of the life of a multi-talented man with a big heart for humanity. If you were to consider taking on the challenge to objectively interview your parents about their lives, their viewpoints, their passions, and their outlook on life, you may be missing a great opportunity to learn more about yourself.

When I was a little girl, I remember that my dad, Allan Freeman Ingraham Jr, was always fixing things.

If anything went wrong, he would take the mechanism apart until he understood how it worked and then put it back together again… and voilá! He worked at the Resorts International, Paradise Island and then the Lucayan Hotel in Freeport as the slot manager in the casino; so I had the chance to watch him take apart countless slot machines and somehow repair them all, while continuing his duties of managing staff.

Although he did not live with my mother, sister and I, he consistently showed up on important occasions and would serve as a source of inspiration.

His parents were no less heroes to me. His father,

Allan Ingraham Sr, was a well-respected taxidriver and was active in politics. His mother, Sylvia Ingraham (nee Thurston) worked in the hotel industry for a great part of her adult life and she would sew, tend to her garden, and perform any task around the house practically by herself. She must have had her hands full with the young Allan – a boy with heightened curiosity and boundless energy who loved to explore and go on adventures.

Allan attended St Johns Baptist Cathedral Primary School, better known as Mother Donaldson school, where he met his first and lifelong friend, Ed Smith.

Later on in life, the two of them would make Bahamian sporting history. Ed Smith (my godfather) would become the first Bahamian to be drafted to the

Face to Face

By FELICITY INGRAHAM

to see me. I walked over to him he said, ‘Good game, son’. I said thank you. He asked me, ‘Have you ever thought of playing pro football? I said, no sir. He said, ‘What would you do If you had the chance? Before I could answer, head of the Bahamas American Football Association (BAFA) Jeff Williams walked over and he was introduced to the coach for the Washington Redskins, George Allen. I was shaking then because I had no idea who I was talking to at the time.”

BAFA pointed out that their best player in the league was

Godwin National Blyden, Football and so League both my (NFL) father where we and Blyden would be were invited assigned to

by Coach Allen the Denver to participate in a Broncos after free agent camp that attending Colorado College. My father also Allen was holding to find joined the NFL at that time some gems for his team for and he played for the Wash- the next season. They went ington Redskins, pictured. to the tryout camp in HernHe was the first Bahamian don, Virginia, and my father to play in the NFL as a free was selected as one of six to agent and one of the first to continue on – 436 men tried join the league this way in out for the team.

He then went on to parits entire history. ticipate in the spring camp “Free agency was not heard about at the time,” in Carlysle, Pennsylvania Allan explained, “The where he was one of 15 league would select players athletes selected out of 75. who were graduating from The first pre-season game was in Anapolis, Maryland, college.”

In 1972, the Super Bowl where he won the game showdown was between ball as the best defensive the Miami Dolphins and player. Eventually, he was the Washington Redskins, released, not for his lack of with the former becoming ability to play the game, but the victor. Because both because without any high teams made it to the Super school or college training in Bowl, they were set to get the sport, he was unfamiliar last picks during drafting with the technicalities and season. Allan explained the audibles – instructions that the teams that did not shouted to linebackers that required fare well in the intense NFL would ‘I was at Western knowledge of usually have Preparatory when the game and first picks, the ability to attracting the I watched an split best of the col- older friend Oscar make decisions. legiate to their On July 9, team, which Munroe assemble 1973, as the would help to a radio. I was so country was create an even fascinated by it gearing up to playing field that I hounded him celebrate its in the league. most momenAfter that every day until tous occasion 1972 game, he showed me the followRedskins ing morning, how to construct coach George The Tribune Allen brought the apparatus.’ featured my his wife and father on its children here entire back page with the to The Bahamas for vacation. He asked his taxi title: “Allan Ingraham Will driver to stay with him and Be Doing His Thing for The his family throughout the Bahamas on July 10”. That night and take them wher- article by Gladstone Thursever they needed to go. But ton describes a 24-year-old the driver insisted that he six-foot six-inch, 225 pound would return a half hour Bahamian linebacker who earlier than their dinner was excited to represent his would be over if he could country in Washington, DC just catch a piece pf an all- while those at home would star football game being witness the Bahamian flag held that night. Little did being raised on Clifford the driver know that he was Park for the very first time.

Allan grew up in the catering to a Super Bowl coach. He settled his family Nassau Street area with in for dinner and actually many other great athletes, went with the driver to including Cynthia “Mother” Pratt, Ed Armbrister who watch the game.

“In the first half of the would go on to play progame, he saw me play,” fessional baseball for the country, and Randy RodgAllan recalls.

“He told the driver at ers. He has never stopped half-time that he wanted being an athlete, even to

ALL-star Bahamian team visiting the University of Minnesota (from left) Allan Ingraham, Michael “Sweet Bells” Thompson, Osborne “Goose” Lockhart and Elijah McSweeny and, above right, my father and I at age five.

this day. I recall that he used to play basketball with the legendary Cougars, he was an avid rugby player, and he participated in race walking marathons throughout the United States. He also keeps a close relationship with the Redskins, attending events and meeting with other NFL colleagues from back in the day and even new athletes from Olympians to NBA stars.

But his love for electronics also never wavered.

When the government of the day wanted to ban the implementation of satellites in the country, Allan took a stand. In Ed Field’s former column “The Reporter’s Notebook”, he interviews Allan on satellite technology and the future of local television. Interviewing him in his capacity as a former ZNS and BatelCo engineer who had studied at Lenkurt Electric in Redwood, California, Fields calls him one of the first to recognize the impact and potential for satellite communications in The Bahamas. All of my father’s predictions came true – predictions that today seem commonplace as communication is now at our fingertips. But that wasn’t always so, and my father was the first to install a residential satellite at a home on the Eastern Road. He credits Garret “Tiger” Finlayson for contributing to his education in electronics when he served as his employee.

“As a BatelCo employee, I was selected to build by hand a 150 watt transmitter which was gifted to BASRA,” he added.

“This was much to the delight of then (BASRA) president Ben Astarita. On

ALLAN INGRAHAM, father and stepfather to Alana, Felicity, Arian, Ara Theo, Alisa, Kye, Hughie, Allan III and Alanis. firing up the device, he was able to link distances never before achieved in the country by talking to Great Harbour Cay, Andros and Eleuthera.”

He was just eight years old when he fell in love with electronics: “I was at Western Preparatory (Quarry Mission School) when I watched an older friend Oscar Munroe (elder brother of Dr Myles Munroe) assemble a radio.

I was so fascinated by it that I hounded him every day until he showed me how to construct the apparatus. I went home to try to collect parts – a red head match box, a baby’s safety pin, a hand wound coil, a cat’s whisker, and the only thing technical used was a headphone. It wasn’t long after that, I found out that a silicone diode rectifier was more robust and could do a better job than the cat’s whisker. The rectifier was discovered from a cat’s whisker because it was found out that you could put a voltage on one side of the whisker it would oscillate but never come back the other way - only going

in one direction. That was the beginning of what all our electronics are today.”

Beyond the athletics and electronics is a man with a great love for humanity.

Throughout his life, he was involved in several events where he was responsible for saving a life. He rescued several friends from drowning, including Phillip Chipman, Brian Wilson, Greg Robinson of Base Road Bar, and Herbie Edgecombe of the Falcons band. In another incident, a chef from Paradise Island crashed his Hillman Minx wagon on Kemp Road. My father stuck his thumb into this man’s side to save him from losing too much blood until the ambulance arrived, with technicians thanking him for his heroics.

It seemed 1973 is just as important a year for the country as it is for me – as my mother was crowned Miss Bahamas this year and my father also represented the country abroad. So, as the world over celebrated fathers, I did the same, but learned so much more about myself and the legacy I come from in the process.

PAGE 10, Tuesday, June 19, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

A new era as Blake Road facility becomes Doctors Hospital West DOCTORS Hospital Health System has announced the restructuring and renaming of its outpatient services facility on Blake Road.

Effective July 6, Bahamas Medical Centre will begin operating under the name Doctors Hospital West.

“As part of the restructuring, elective surgeries will resume in the operating theatre starting next month.

Local urologists will offer

brachytherapy for the treatment of prostate cancer.

Additionally, the company looks forward to working with other physician partners to offer other procedures in an even more discreet setting,” the hospital noted.

Comprehensive rehabilitation services including aquatic therapy will continue to be offered at Doctors Hospital West.

“In order to better

provide inpatients with the advanced wound care and healing benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, the HBOT chamber is moving to Doctors Hospital on Collins Avenue.

“Lab and Imaging will continue to be offered at Doctors Hospital West as well as the successful fecal microbiota transplant programme and stem cell programmes.

Doctors Hospital plans

to add a number of innovative services including an interventional pain clinic and restorative medicine at Doctors Hospital West.”

The hospital said following a thorough audit of the business model and performance, the decision has been made to redirect all patients requiring urgent or emergency care to its 24-hour Emergency Room at Doctors Hospital on

Collins Avenue.

In order to ensure that those who live and work in the west have fast access to the private hospital’s emergency services, Doctors Hospital will enhance its operations to accommodate dispatching an ambulance from Doctors Hospital West. To request a Doctors Hospital ambulance, call 302-4747.

CEO Charles Sealy said: “We anticipate that some people will still arrive at our Blake Road facility doors seeking urgent care, so processes will be in place to ensure that urgent cases can

be assisted until they can be transported to Collins Avenue.”

The facility’s private tenants Dr Kathryn DeSouza, physiatrist; Dr Kenneth Kemp, podiatrist; Dr Renee Peet Iferenta, dentist; the hearLIFE Clinic, StemCell Bahamas and Sandy’s Café – will continue to occupy space in Doctors Hospital West.

All of these changes will take place effective Friday, July 6 and at that time, the operating hours at Doctors Hospital West will be revised to weekdays from 9am-5pm.

FROM left, Denise Mortimer (National Executive Director); Raynessia Watkins (GGYA Volunteer, South Andros High School); Jerome Forbes (District Superintendent South Andros and Mangrove Cay, GGYA Coordinator South Andros and Mangrove Cay); Sheena Duncombe (Principal, South Andros High School); Zebadee Rolle (Chief Councillor, South Andros District); Cheryl Ingraham (Unit Leader, South Andros High School) and Susan Glinton (GGYA Management Council PR Executive) and students.

SOUTH ANDROS RECEIVES ITS FIRST GGYA AWARDS

By TOSHEENA ROBINSON-BLAIR

GN 2041

ALTHOUGH she lived only 3.5 miles away in Kemp’s Bay, it took Cassidy Rolle 16 years to visit Black Point, South Andros.

“I’ve lived in Andros all my life and had never explored Black Point until a hiking expedition with the Governor General’s Youth Award took me there. It was a new experience,” said the South Andros High twelfth grader who received her Bronze Award from the internationally recognised programme on May 24.

GGYA creates opportunities for young people to develop skills, get physically active, give service and experience adventure.

The latter comes during the two-day, one-night adventurous journey (hiking expedition) where Bronze participants walk a minimum of 15 miles.

“The programme provided an opportunity for participants to investigate different landscapes during practice and qualifying hikes. During the adventurous journey they gained

a better understanding of where they live,” said Jerome Forbes, the Ministry of Education’s district superintendent for schools in South Andros and Mangrove Cay and GGYA’s district coordinator.

Ms Rolle, a front-runner for valedictorian in her 2018 graduating class, was among ten students from South Andros to receive an Award from the world’s leading youth achievement programme, which build’s skills in teens and young adults to equip them for life and work.

Rolle, who is off to the University of The Bahamas in the autumn, said: “The group wasn’t as cooperative as I would like so I had to take the lead to show them what to do and ultimately get the job done,” she said.

“Overall the experience was a great one.”

Award recipients include: Alvanique Bean, Aaliyah Brown, Shyante Brown, Ethan Gibson, Alayah Godet, Beyonce Robinson, Cassidy Rolle, Joshua Rolle, Roderick Simmons, Brenton Taylor, and Jamel Thomas.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, June 19, 2018, PAGE 11

PREPARING FOR THE WORST BY TRAINING TO BE THE BEST

THE ROYAL Bahamas Defence Force held a training drill yesterday where they improvised an explosion at the National Sports Stadium as a part of the Tradewinds 2018 International Military Training Exercise, including volunteers acting as casualties in the operation.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

PAGE 12, Tuesday, June 19, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

IN this photo provided by US Customs and Border Protection, people who have been taken into custody related to cases of illegal entry into the United States, sit in one of the cages at a facility in McAllen, Texas, on Sunday.

FUNERAL SERVICE FOR

Cynthia Louise Rolle née Buchanan, 87 of Coral Road, Cable Beach, will be held on Friday, June 22nd, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady’s of the Holy Soul Roman Catholic Church, Deveaux Street. Officiating will be Fr. Glenn Nixon, assisted by other ministers of the Clergy. Interment will follow in Lakeview Memorial Gardens, John F. Kennedy Drive.

Left to cherish the memory of Cynthia Louise Buchanan Rolle are her children: Olga & Alonzo Butler, Janet Lewis, Kenneth & Lynette Lewis, Dorothy & Frank Hanna, Barry & Claudette Rolle, Andrea Rolle, Sharlene & Henry Starnes, Renee & Everette Armbrister, Margot & Basil Barnett, Craig & Pamela Rolle, Cheryl & Julius Terrell; adopted sons: Lawerence & Bloneva Rolle, Jimmy Rolle; grandchildren: LaTanya Devaney, Tio & Tara Devaney, Gina Mullen, Dina & Victor Roberts, Diedre & Darvin Cartwright, Stacy Davis, Kenya, Zia & Keenan Lewis, Frank & Jessica Hanna, Nicola Smith, Devon Rolle, Robin Russell, Teran Bethel, Morgan Barnett, Basil & Sabina Barnett, Mia & Jaron Harvey, Craig Rolle, Julius Terrell & Raven Rolle; great grandchildren: Jaylin, Tristan, T’arrh, Aiden, Aaron, Hailee, Johnathan, Cassidy, Camden, Yohanan, Nathan, Travon, Jonaah and Basil; sisters: Norma Stubbs, Betty Charlton, Roslyn Armbrister, Agnes McKenzie, Alfreda Russell, Orlean & Kathleen Buchanan; brothers: Ernest Pinnock, Joseph Jr., Ralph & Everette Buchanan; nieces and nephews: June, Brenda, Eunecka, Sharon, Yvonne, Hope, Vernice, Nicola, Eloise, Sherry, Sabria, Sharanda, Desmona, Trivia, Michelle, Ernestine, Philip, Roland, Johnny, Mark, Dino, Jarrette, Sgt 2562 Gino Stubbs, Sgt 1647 Charles Charlton, Orthnell, Ernest Jr., Leon, Alfred, Joeann, Marie, Carnette, Adriana, Lorenzo, Melissa, Natasha, Alfredo, Clyphane, Pauline, Esther, Davina, Andrew, Omar, Everette, Kevin, Alexis, Julie, Julian, Joseph, Shawn, Elizabeth, Sharell, Tanya, Edward & Sherman; cousins: Katie, Ben and David Thurston, Jackie Dean, John, Charles & Joseph Fines, Brenda Taylor, Brenelda Bodie, Janet King, Margaret Jones and Sandra Johnson; numerous other relatives and friends: Alfreda Gaitor-Cox, Constance Missick, Daisy McPhee, Christine Higgs, David Wallace, Clarence Wallace, Maureen Wallace, Horward Rolle, Winston Gaitor, Isiah Cornish, Tanya Maycock, Shenique Maycock, Alonzo Butler Jr., Sabrina Martin, Lesley Albury, Sean Thompson, Dale & Avon Bethel, Ella Lewis, Roslyn Rolle, Patricia Whitfield, Valdrine Williams, Elaine Williams, Sandea Miller, Rolen Goffe, The Our Lady of the Holy Souls Roman Catholic Church Family especially members of the Choir and Ladies Auxiliary, Leonie Buchanan, Dorothy Buchanan, Pastor John C. Wallace, Elsie Looney, Dr. Delton Farquharson, Patricia Ferguson, Ingrid Simon, Judy Major, Daphany Richerson, Philip Durham, Barry Bethel and Family, Beryl Barnett and Family including; Ann, Michael, Camille, Arthur, Carolyn, Catherine, Russell, Beryl & Charles, Beryl, Shirley Nelson, The Staff of Bahamas Medical & Surgical Supplies Limited including; Brenton, T’Shera, Tamika & Phylicia, Jewel Terrell and Family, Heather Hazarian, The Freedom Farm Baseball Moms including A. Forbes, Bailey Memorial Gardens, Star of David Memorial Gardens of North Lauderdale, Fl.; Ccaregivers: Dr. Indira Grimes, Quality Nursing Care Service especially; Jennifer, Nyoka, Deandrea, Nancy, Haysalah, Terianna, Micheala, Brickel, Philippa, Angela & Tamara, Terrell Major and Enrique of Major Changes Rehab, Doctors & Nurses of Doctors Hospital’s ER & ICU and other too numerous to mention.

Friends may pay their last respects at Bethel Brothers Morticians #44 Nassau Street on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until service time.

RECORDING OF CHILDREN IN TEARS ADDS TO OUTRAGE OVER US POLICY BROWNSVILLE, Texas Associated Press

AN audio recording that appears to capture the heartbreaking voices of small Spanish-speaking children crying out for their parents at a US immigration facility took centre stage yesterday in the growing uproar over the Trump administration’s policy of separating immigrant children from their parents.

“Papa! Papa!” one child is heard weeping in the audio file that was first reported by the nonprofit ProPublica and later provide to The Associated Press.

Human rights attorney Jennifer Harbury said she received the tape from a whistleblower and told ProPublica it was recorded in the last week. She did not provide details about where exactly it was recorded.

Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen said she had not heard the audio but said children taken into custody by the government are being treated humanely. She said the government has high standards for detention centers and the children are well cared for, stressing that Congress needs to plug loopholes in the law so families can stay together.

The audio surfaced as politicians and advocates flocked to the US-Mexico border to visit US immigration detention centres and turn up the pressure on the Trump administration.

And the backlash over the policy widened. The Mormon church said it is “deeply troubled” by the separation of families

at the border and urged national leaders to find compassionate solutions.

Massachusetts Gov Charlie Baker, a Republican, reversed a decision to send a National Guard helicopter from his state to the Mexican border to assist in a deployment, citing the administration’s “cruel and inhumane” policy.

At the border, an estimated 80 people pleaded guilty Monday to immigration charges, including some who asked the judge questions such as “What’s going to happen to my daughter?” and “What will happen to my son?”

Attorneys at the hearings said the immigrants had brought two dozen boys and girls with them to the US, and the judge replied that he didn’t know what would happen to their children.

Several groups of lawmakers toured a nearby facility in Brownsville, Texas, that houses hundreds of immigrant children.

Democratic Rep Ben Ray Lujan of New Mexico said the location was a former hospital converted into living quarters for children, with rooms divided by age group. There was even a small room for infants, complete with two high chairs, where two baby boys wore matching rugby style shirts with orange and white stripes.

Another group of lawmakers on Sunday visited an old warehouse in McAllen, Texas, where hundreds of children are being held in cages created by metal fencing. One cage held 20 youngsters.

More than 1,100 people

were inside the large, dark facility, which is divided into separate wings for unaccompanied children, adults on their own, and mothers and fathers with children.

In Texas’ Rio Grande Valley, the busiest corridor for people trying to enter the US, Border Patrol officials say they must crack down on migrants and separate adults from children as a deterrent to others trying to get into the US illegally.

“When you exempt a group of people from the law ... that creates a draw,” said Manuel Padilla, the Border Patrol’s chief agent there.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, speaking to reporters during a tour of San Diego immigration detention facilities with Rep Juan Vargas and other House Democrats, said family separation is a “heartbreaking, barbarian issue that could be changed in a moment by the president of the United States rescinding his action”.

“It so challenges the conscience of our country that it must be changed and must be changed immediately,” she said during a news conference at a San Diego terminal that is connected to the airport in Tijuana, Mexico, by a bridge.

US Sen Ted Cruz of Texas announced late Monday that he was introducing emergency legislation intended to keep immigrant families together.

“All Americans are rightly horrified by the images we are seeing on the news, children in tears pulled away from their mothers and fathers,” Cruz said. “This must stop.”