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FINAL JUSTICE FOR BREANNA Women jailed for 28 years after young mum slain over a cellphone By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net THE remaining two women convicted of murdering teenage mother Breanna Mackey over three years ago were sentenced to 28 years in prison by a Supreme Court judge yesterday. Zaria Burrows, 24, and Dervinique Edwards, 24, were convicted last February after a 12-member jury found both guilty of the 19-year-old’s death in January 2018. Yesterday, Justice
Cheryl Grant-Thompson sentenced both women to 28 years in prison minus the time they spent on remand awaiting sentencing, which included a year and nine months for Burrows and two years and ten months for Edwards. They are the last of the six women who were convicted and subsequently sentenced with Mackey’s murder that fatal night. The incident was said to have transpired over a cell phone. SEE PAGE THREE
AUGUST TARGET FOR END OF RESTRICTIONS By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net
ATTORNEY General Carl Bethel said the Minnis administration wants to remove the COVID-19 emergency restrictions by
August but that doing so will depend on infection rates and the behaviour of residents. The latest emergency proclamation expires in August. SEE PAGE FOUR
ZARIA BURROWS, left, and Dervinique Edwards pictured outside court previously.
LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net
THE Court of Appeal’s affirmation of an historic Supreme Court ruling on citizenship rights means there is light at the end of the tunnel for some residents who have long sought to be recognised as citizens of The Bahamas and to benefit from that recognition,
one of five that sent him plaintiffs in on a long and the matter difficult prosaid yesterday. cess to secure Shannon citizenship. Rolle, 22, Born to an said he was unwed Baha12 years old mian father when he began and a Jamaiasking his can mother, SHANNON ROLLE mother why he said he he could not hopes that enjoy certain privileges like soon people like him will no other children, an inquiry longer endure the hurt of
not being able to travel or find a job because they lack a passport. “Some people turn into murderers and thieves when they find out how hard it is to get a passport when in this situation,” he said yesterday. “You can’t even get a McDonald’s job without a passport.” SEE PAGE FIVE
HALF-YEAR REVENUES $127M AHEAD OF PLAN
‘OFFICER’S MURDER WAS NOTHING TO DO WITH ME’
CABINET Minister Kwasi Thompson yesterday defended the Government’s forecasts for the upcoming fiscal year by revealing that its revenues exceeded projections by
ABLE Seaman Jevon Seymour denied threatening to shoot Petty Officer Percival Perpall after the marine refused to let him use the Royal Bahamas Defence Force’s satellite
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
almost $127m over the past six months. The Minister of State for Finance said there was an improving income trend since the tourism industry and wider economy began their re-opening in earnest in November 2020. FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS
By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net
Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper
phone to call his girlfriend while they were deployed on Ragged Island. Seymour is charged with the shooting death of PO Perpall, along with the attempted murders of Marine Seamen Calvin Hanna and Ellis Rahming. SEE PAGE SEVEN
PAGE 2, Wednesday, June 23, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
$6m gift to keep our waters safe By TANYA SMITHCARTWRIGHT tsmith-cartwright@ tribunemedia.net THE Royal Bahamas Defence Force received vessels and other gifts from the United States yesterday, collectively valued at just under $6m as a part of a continuing partnership to keep our waters safe. The latest in donated gifts from the US came in the form of biometric and communication equipment along with three interceptor vessels. On hand for the receiving of the gifts, Minister of National Security Marvin Dames told the US authorities present that the country in no way takes the relationship it has with America for granted. “Undoubtedly, today speaks to the continued commitment of the United States partnership with the government of The Bahamas to ensure mutual support and shared interests in maritime security,” Mr Dames said. “The ultimate goal is to effectively combat trans-national and local
criminal organisations, build on the collaboration of partner nations, and develop increased capacity within the RBDF. “Your service is an invaluable one that continues to secure an enviable relationship between our governments. The government of The Bahamas does not take this partnership for granted. As minister with responsibility for safety and security, I am pleased to note that this mutual respect and partnership is resulting in the continued advancement of the ‘enduring friendship programme.’” He spoke to previous gifts received from the US government. “At the outset, the partnership saw the donation of four, 43 foot Nor-tech-built interceptor vessels complete with crew training, preventative maintenance, and logistical support to the Bahamas government. “Additionally, there are bilateral agreements like the Comprehensive Maritime Agreement (CMA) that provides for RBDF’s officers and marines to
ONE of the vessels donated by the US.
US CHARGÉ d’Affairs Usha Pitts and Marvin Dames in attendance as the US Government gives the RBDF new vessels and communication equipment valued at just under $6m. Photos: Donovan McIntosh/Tribune Staff accept these donations on looking at unregulated fishexecute duties onboard the maritime domain. During his address, Mr behalf of our Prime Min- ing, stopping poachers and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) vessels, Dames broke down the ister and the people of our disrupting irregular migrathus expanding the reach cost of the most recent gifts nation, which includes: tion… stopping trafficking. Three safe boats valued at All of these issues that are of both the RBDF and the received yesterday. “Past experiences con- $3.3m; a Biometric Iden- your issues of course are Coast Guard, while increasing the resources of both tinue to prove that no single tity Management System also our issues. I’ve never agencies to combat illegal asset or equipment can ade- and communications equip- been to a country where quately contrast the threats ment, together valued at two militaries cooperated activities. so closely and had such “This was followed by and challenges in the 21st $2.6m.” US Charge d’Affaires a good relationship… a substantial donations in century,” he said. “Hence, 2015 when the defence today’s donations are part Usha Pitts made it clear positive relationship and force’s intelligence engage- of a broader multi-layered that the issues at sea are understanding our security ments with NORTHCOM security programme asset, shared by The Bahamas is your security and vice partners, namely Marine equipment acquisition, and and the US therefore the versa. relationship is a good and “So we are here celForces North (MAR- collaboration.” It is anticipated that the beneficial one. ebrating a long-lasting FORNORTH) and technologies “We are an archipelago partnership. We have this Special Operations improved Command North (SOC- with information sharing so of course the critical great biometrics equipment NORTH) acquired capability and the acquisi- security issue for The Baha- so the RBDF can separate techniques, tactics and tion of hi-tech intelligence mas is patrolling the sea,” the good guys from the bad procedures (or TTPs) equipment will improve she said. “I just wanted to guys, right there. You can equipment to aid in sen- joint maritime interdictions mention that we do have get a lot of information intelligence-driven shared water and shared from biometrics. And, of sitive site exploitation and security so this is just the course you have the comand biometric identity operations. “Today’s cutting edge latest in the partnership, munications equipment so capabilities.” He said these technolo- technologies and equip- but it’s a long partnership you can better coordinate gies provided the solution ment are valued at $5.9m, and all of this cooperation your operations. Then of course we have the three to the gaps in exploitation collectively. We are hum- is mutual. activities experienced in bled, and enthusiastically “When The Bahamas is interception vessels.”
COMMODORE: WE’RE MORE READY THAN EVER FOR HURRICANE SEASON By TANYA SMITHCARTWRIGHT tsmith-cartwright@ tribunemedia.net
THE Royal Bahamas Defence Force, having received a quantity of new equipment, is prepared more than ever before to take on the hurricane season, according to Commodore Raymond King. He spoke to journalists just after receiving donations from the government of the United States, valued at some $5.9 million. “We are prepared,” Commodore King said. “On assuming office here, I established a crisis risk along with our disaster unit, which I renamed the Disaster Risk Management Unit. “Those two units have been running training continuously prior to the season. Also we have been the recipient of a number of
disaster related equipment from the United States government. I must say everything that the Defence Force asks for to prepare it, we have graciously received. In terms of training, having the necessary equipment and being able to maintain it, we are far better prepared. “Our sister agency, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), they would have been the recipient of some $3 plus million worth of equipment from the United States. Essentially, that equipment will be made available to the Defence Force because we will more than likely be the first entity on the ground to respond in terms of humanitarian assistance or disaster relief. We are far better prepared now.” Addressing the items the US donated, he said the greatest assets for his Force
are relationships. He itemised the donated equipment and pointed out its usefulness to the operations of the RBDF. “We have been the recipients this morning of several critical pieces of equipment,” he continued. “There are three safe boats. Those safe boats will be used in our counter drug trafficking operations particularly for the Southeast Bahamas as well as migrant smuggling that is going on in the Northern Bahamas. “The communication equipment that enhances our capabilities in terms of being able to command and control our operations. When you have an operational sphere that is this aggregated, whereby we are decentralising through the Commonwealth of the Bahamas you must have effective communication in order to have command
and control over your operations. “The biometric equipment gives us an opportunity to validate persons who we interact with to determine if they are flagged, if they are wanted and if they have a criminal background. It helps us to determine who we should detain for a further (interview). The other aspect of it has to do with analysing the information on the person’s cell phone. So whenever persons are arrested, we will be able to go into that equipment to see who the organised persons are in the background.” Meanwhile, when asked about vaccine hesitancy on the Force, he said: “In terms of any potential of perceived hesitancy, there has been a softening. We had an uptick in a number of members who would have prevented themselves
to be vaccinated. We are waiting now on word from Dr Dahl-Regis and her team to come on board HMBS Coral Harbour, to hold a series of meetings and forums with the various ranks to hear what their concerns are and to try address those concerns. “Then we are going to set up here at Coral Harbour again as a vaccination centre. It’s regrettable that we are not going to be able to trace the uniform branches and classify them as an entity. The vaccine database is simply uniform branches. We have seen a significant uptick in members going forward to be vaccinated.” Sometime in midMay, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force confirmed that its vessel the HMBS Lawrence Major sustained “structural damage” when another motor vessel
collided with it in Suriname. Lawrence Major was there for repairs at the time. Commodore King said this boat is now enroute to the Bahamas and the matter is now being handled by the Attorney General’s Office. Although the matter seems to be under control, Commodore King had his concerns. “My concern as the commander of this Defence Force is that the extent of damage is not readily seen to the naked eye,” he noted. “What may happen years from now? It might be something as simple as a hairline crack. Once the ship gets under operating conditions, this may manifest. “We should still maintain some obligation from Tropical if some defect comes evident years from now. The legal teams made a proposal and it’s at the AG’s Office now.”
THE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, June 23, 2021, PAGE 3
from page one
was. Whatever contribution Breanna would have made to our society and to her family, the world will never know,” Justice GrantThompson told the court. She told the pair that serious offences involving young people are becoming too common in today’s society, later calling the 2018 killing “senseless”. Justice Grant-Thompson said such behaviour cannot be tolerated in today’s society and added that the sentences must send a strong message to the Bahamian public. As a result, both Burrows and Edwards were sentenced to 28 years at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. “This honourable court considers this sentence to be extremely lenient as it is much lower than the penalty of 35 years as proposed in Larry Raymond Jones as guidance for the courts in cases of this nature and indeed as recommended by the Crown,” the Supreme Court judge added. During yesterday’s hearing, Justice GrantThompson also noted that it was recommended that Burrows receive counselling after she attempted to commit suicide following her conviction and that management counselling was recommended for Edwards. To this, she said: “I agree with both helpful suggestions.”
Final justice for Breanna According to the facts read off by prosecutor Cephia Pinder-Moss during trial, sometime around 5.48pm on the date in question, the police control room was contacted about reports that a female was stabbed about the body in the Key West Street area off Cordeaux Avenue. A crew of police officers was dispatched to investigate. Upon their arrival, a female who was identified as the victim’s sister, Latisha Woodside, directed officers to a brown and white twostorey apartment complex on the eastern side of Key West Street. On the porch, just in front of door number nine, officers discovered a semiconscious female lying face down suffering from four stab wounds to the upper back and two stab wounds to the right arm. The woman, later identified as Mackey, a mother of one, was subsequently taken to the Princess Margaret Hospital where she died around 8.28pm. In April 2019, Justice Grant-Thompson sentenced the woman who did the actual stabbing, Thea Williams, to 25 years in prison in pursuance of a plea agreement her attorney reached with the Crown. At the time of her
ZARIA BURROWS, left, and Dervinique Edwards outside court previously. sentencing, Williams was further ordered to undergo one year of counselling, inclusive of anger management lessons and another year of probation upon completion of her sentence. During that same year, another woman whose name has been withheld because she was charged as a minor at the time, was sentenced to 12 years in prison in connection with Mackey’s murder. She was also ordered to serve one year’s probation
after completing her sentence. Meanwhile, Davanya Lawes, who pleaded guilty to causing harm to Mackey, was sentenced to two years in prison as part of a plea deal. On August 29, 2019, the woman who actually owned the phone at the heart of the controversy, and whose name has been withheld because she too was charged as a minor, was freed from prison. At the time,
Justice Grant-Thompson sentenced the woman to two years in prison as a part of a plea agreement she reached with the Crown. The sentence was ordered to run from the date of her incarceration, January 25, 2018. However, because prison terms are not calculated on a full calendar year, her time expired on May 25, 2020. Before sentencing Burrows and Edwards yesterday, Justice GrantThompson noted that
despite the evidence given at the trial, both continued to maintain their innocence, which she said showed a “lack of remorse”. She further reminded them of the roles they played that led to Mackey’s “unprovoked” death, insisting there can be no sympathy in the sentencing process. “Bree too had a young child at the time of her death which someone else must now raise and tell this young lady who her mother
KWASI: HARD DECISION TO INCREASE DEBT TO FUND ASSISTANCE By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net FINANCE State Minister Kwasi Thompson said the government made the “hard” decision to increase the country’s national debt over the short term in order to fund the assistance programmes needed to keep people afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic. He made the comment after telling the Senate the Minnis administration has doled out more than $280m in unemployment benefits and assistance up to the end of May. He also spoke about other assistance initiatives the government has implemented. “To disperse the desired level of assistance required us to make some hard decisions,” Mr Thompson said. “We could have chosen to provide only minimal assistance to households, businesses and the healthcare sector and maintain pre-crisis levels of debt. . .or we could have chosen to temporarily deviate from our debt plan to provide crisis-time levels of support to keep Bahamians afloat. We chose the latter. You know what, this was the
right decision to make. “We knew then that providing adequate support would increase our national debt over a short term period, but we knew it was a worthy sacrifice to take care of the Bahamian people in the midst of the crisis. “It was worth it to save the thousands of businesses. It was worth it to feed the thousands of households, it was worth it to put money directly in the hands of those who lost their jobs.” The Tribune previously reported that government debt remains on course to top $10 billion by the end of the next fiscal year due to the Minnis administration’s commitment to substantial deficit spending to help the country rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic. The deficit is projected to be $951.8m in the 2021/2022 fiscal year. Yesterday, Mr Thompson also said some critics have concerns about the government’s revenue projections — which is estimated to increase by about $588.3m — for the upcoming fiscal year. However, he said he wanted to put those concerns to rest, saying with the opening of the economy
in November 2020, the country experienced higher than expected or projected growth in revenue inflows from main tax categories such as VAT, customs and border taxes. He added that revenue for the five months ending November 2020 totaled only $530m, a contraction of 42.4 percent compared to the same period of the prior year. “But if we look at revenue for the last six months - the period of December 2020 to May 2021, preliminary data places revenue ahead of budget projections by 13.5 percent or $126.6m. “Revenue collection for the six months ending May 2021 is also ahead of actual revenue for the same period in the prior year by some $5.4m. “Obviously, we do not expect revenue inflows to compare to the pre-Dorian or pre-COVID levels, but as I have said, Madame President, we are trending in the right direction and well on track to meeting this fiscal year’s revenue estimates. “The momentum is building. The economy is on a good path and The Bahamas is coming back,” he said. Yesterday, he also said
TAX REFORM STUDY RESULTS ‘BY THE END OF THE YEAR’ THE government’s “indepth” study on tax reform should have produced preliminary results by the end of the year, Minister of State for Finance Kwasi Thompson said yesterday. He told the Senate that preliminary work on the study had begun with the work expected to be in full swing by September. “We will publish a white paper on the findings of the study and will ensure broad consultation and input from the public regarding the outcomes of the assessment,” he said. “We want to ensure that whatever significant changes we propose to the tax framework, that these changes are informed by reasoned and empirical analysis, and not simply the conjecture and posturing that too often gets attention when matters such as these are raised in the public domain. “At the end of the day, Madame President, we want to ensure that we reform our tax system in a way that supports even
greater opportunities for Bahamians to thrive in our country.” Earlier this month, Europe’s Group of Seven (G-7) finance ministers agreed on a minimum 15 percent global corporate tax rate. In response, the government stressed that it is The Bahamas’ “sovereign right” to determine the tax structure best suited for the country. Referring to the issue, Mr Thompson said the government continues to work with established and credible international financial centres to remind the international community that the country has been meeting, and will continue to meet all conventions and treaties to which it is a signatory. “We are a well regulated jurisdiction and we consistently operate within the parameters of all arrangements to identify and address persons who would attempt to use our jurisdiction to evade legal obligations anywhere,” he said.
“That said, we recognise that as the G7 seeks to make further changes to the global tax architecture, we cannot sit idly on the sidelines. We are participants in a global environment. We embrace the notion that, even in the midst of changes, there are always opportunities. “We have already begun the dialogue with the financial services sector to gain an understanding of how the proposed new global tax protocols may impact their business. At the same time as we contemplate tax reform, we are going to work with stakeholders to determine how best to position the changes in the global landscape to adjust both our tax systems and the portfolio of products on offer by our international financial institutions to ensure that we create more opportunities here in The Bahamas. I am pleased to say that industry partners have embraced this proactive approach. We will have much more to say on this in the coming months.”
the government set a plan when the COVID-19 pandemic began and delivered on that plan, not anticipating the impact the disease would have on society. “Madam President, through the end of May 2021, our government provided $284m in support for households by way of the NIB unemployment benefit programme and its unemployment assistance programme,” he said. He said from September 2019 to May 2021, these programmes assisted more than 86,000 people who were employed in tourism,
wholesale and retail and professional services. “So, Madame President, when I hear people say that the FNM didn’t do anything, it is absolute and complete nonsense,” he said. He said the Ministry of Social Services also provided support through its rental, food and clothing assistance programmes. “We provided, Madame President, $35.9m for the National Food Distribution Taskforce.” He said this supported more than 72,000 people. Mr Thompson also
touted the government’s investment in the Small Business Development Centre (SBDC) so that it could provide business continuity loans, grants and equity financing of $45m to over 1,020 businesses. He said of that total, 450 businesses received grants. “These are real businesses, with real Bahamian owners and real Bahamian employees who were able to survive the necessary shut-down of the domestic economy through our strategic support for the private sector,” Mr Thompson said.
PAGE 4, Wednesday, June 23, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
August target for end of restrictions from page one form the view that the emergency persists, the Governor General is always free at any time to issue a new proclamation even during the course of the expired term of the existing proclamation. Once he does so, then both Houses (of Parliament) will be summoned to meet within five days of the issuance of such a proclamation. “The mere fact that the House (of Assembly) has adjourned beyond the expiration date (of the emergency proclamation)
does not prevent the Governor General in his discretion should he feel that the emergency persists, to issue a new proclamation, summon the houses and allow them to debate whether or not to extend the proclamation. Such a proclamation would last for 14 days absent a decision by the houses to extend the proclamation. “As it is right now, the government has indicated a view that we could look toward the August period for the removal of emergency powers and that is certainly the aim. Everything depends on how we behave ourselves as a
people. If we don’t behave ourselves and the infections go out of control, then the Governor General may have a view as to what is needed to protect the people but it is always best for people to err on the side of caution and to protect themselves and so I call on Bahamians first of all to embrace the vaccination programme where possible and secondly where it isn’t possible to take every step necessary to protect yourself from contagion because the coronavirus is still here and is still moving throughout society. We hope that through the self-discipline
of the Bahamian people we will continue to be able to manage and as you see bring down rates of infection which is currently going on.” The Governor General’s role in the Bahamas is generally seen as ceremonial and he would not issue a new emergency proclamation unless directed to by the Minnis administration. According to the latest statistics, at least 25,047 people in The Bahamas are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 while about 80,000 people have received at least one dose. The figures do not include the
down there when other correctional facilities around the world are challenged by this pandemic. We are sitting pretty well.” Asked about a recent incident that brought national security into question, Mr Dames could not comment as he had not yet received a briefing from Commissioner of Police Paul Rolle. On Monday, a series of rapid gunshots could be heard near the South Street Magistrate’s Court Complex. At the time, police were taking multiple suspects to court to face murder charges. Police ordered a large crowd to assemble onto South Street in preparation for the suspects’ arrival. The crowd spilled into the court grounds as police started to walk the suspects from the Nassau Street Police Station. It is suspected that someone from that crowd fired gunshots into the air in the vicinity of Nassau Street and it sent the crowd into a frenzy. “I will await the full briefing from the Commissioner (of Police),” Mr Dames said. “I don’t know the full circumstances and what needs to happen. I will wait to hear from the commissioner.” During the handover of gifts, US Chargé d’Affaires Usha Pitts mentioned that she had seen a building on the RBDF base where movies were shot.
The building in its unfinished form has been located at the front of the base for many years, incomplete, but used for various things. Asked what will eventually happen to it, Mr Dames did not have an answer for that but could only say that the building is being used. “I don’t know,” he said. “We’re not there yet but I can say this: it’s very useful for the RBDF. They utilise that building for a lot of what they do, like their training and everything else. We are working to ensure that they are properly accommodated. As you know, the commodore and his executive team would have taken up location at the Ministry of National Security, which is their headquarters now. “As you look around (Coral Harbour Base) you can see a new building is up. So we are working to ensure that the RBDF and all of our law enforcement agencies are properly equipped and housed.” Questioned on the number of COVID cases within the RBDF, he gave a good report. “Things are going extremely well,” he said. “The numbers have continued to trend down. I don’t have a count now, but these agencies are doing extremely well and it is not a problem where it is impacting the operations. I don’t know if they have any cases right now.”
MINISTER of National Security Marvin Dames yesterday at a presentation by the US to the RBDF of new vessels and communication equipment. Photo: Donovan McIntosh/Tribune Staff
DAMES: I DON’T KNOW WHEN PRISONERS WILL RECEIVE VACCINATIONS By TANYA SMITHCARTWRIGHT tsmith-cartwright@ tribunemedia.net
NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames admitted yesterday he did not know when the vaccine roll out would take place at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services, but gave good news regarding low numbers of infections at an armed force agency. He spoke just after disembarking a RBDF vessel that arrived as part of several gifts donated by the United States government to the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, collectively valued just under $6m. The gifts included biometric and communication equipment and three vessels. Although he had no date for the roll out of vaccinations at the correctional facility, he commended Commissioner Charles Murphy for keeping the number of infections at minimum. “I don’t have the answer to that,” he said. “I know that it (vaccines) will come and there is a line up. The good thing is that since this pandemic started at the beginning of last year, we would have had two cases involving inmates and both of them (the transmission) took place outside of the confines of the prison. “So it speaks to the work that Commissioner Murphy and his officers are doing
TOTAL DEATHS
NEWLY CONFIRMED CASES MONDAY 15 CASES
RECENTLY CONFIRMED DEATHS
12,379 244 NEW PROVIDENCE SAN SALVADOR
104,418 SAVALETA MINNIS, 91 of Wilson Tract, East St. and formerly of Clarence Town, Long Island, died at her daughter’s residence on Sunday, 20th June 2021. She is survived by her Daughters: Helen Arnett, Sandra Williams, Susan George, Betty Taylor, Christine Hanna, and Clementra McCoy (Grand Daughter); Sons: Rodney Deveaux, Theophilus and Stephen Russell; Sisters: Beatrice and Phyllis Taylor; Brothers: Thaddeus Minnis and Samuel Taylor; and a host of other relatives and friends. Cremation will take place.
COVID-19 variants of concern are in the Bahamas. “As I always said to Bahamians,” Mr Wells said, “the beautiful thing about vaccines is we know right now there are about five variants of concern. There are two from India, one from the UK, one from South Africa, one from Brazil, but in all those circumstances the vaccines that we do have have been proven extremely effective against all variants, but we are still awaiting those results and we’re also looking to send results perhaps even to the CDC to speed up that process.”
TOTAL CASES
TOTAL TESTS
Death Notice for
more than 2,000 people who received their vaccination outside the Bahamas. Health Minister Renward Wells said yesterday that COVID-19 infection rates are on the decline, a fact he attributed to increased vaccinations. “You would remember that I did say that as the Bahamian people become more vaccinated that we anticipate and expected that the COVID numbers would start to go down because that is what has been seen globally in other countries,” he said. Meanwhile, officials are still waiting to find out if
• A 93-YEAR-OLD MAN FROM NEW PROVIDENCE.
13 2
HOSPITALISED
34
CASES IN ICU
3
RECOVERED
11,356
93-YEAR-OLD IS LATEST COVID VICTIM A 93-YEAR-OLD New Providence man is the country’s latest COVID-19 death, according to the Ministry of Health. The patient died on June 19, pushing the nation’s confirmed COVID-19 death toll to 244. The Ministry of Health said 29 other deaths are under investigation.
Meanwhile, 15 new COVID-19 cases were recorded on Monday, June 21. Thirteen of those cases are in New Providence while two are in San Salvador. The country now has 12,379 confirmed cases. However only 694 cases are active. At last report, 34 people were in hospital with the virus.
THE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, June 23, 2021, PAGE 5
‘Citizenship to stay same until Privy Council ruling’ By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net FORMER Attorney General Sean McWeeney says despite the Court of Appeal’s affirmation of a landmark Supreme Court ruling on citizenship, the status quo will prevail until the Privy Council has ruled on the matter. In a three to two decision, the Court of Appeal on Monday affirmed Justice Ian Winder’s ruling that children born in The Bahamas are automatically citizens if either parent is a Bahamian. In particular, the ruling says, children born out of wedlock to Bahamian fathers are automatically citizens, even if their mother is non-Bahamian. Attorney Wayne Munroe, who represented the applicants in the Supreme Court, said on Monday the appellate court’s ruling is now the law of the land, therefore people who fit into the category should begin applying for passports and voter’s cards. However, Mr McWeeney, QC, head of the Constitutional Commission established by the previous administration, said for practical reasons the status quo will be maintained until a final ruling is made. “The jury is still out there,” he said. “Given that there is a split decision of a full panel of the Court of Appeal, it’s a case that cries out for an appeal to the Privy Council. That is almost inevitable. Until that happens and until the judgement of the Privy Council is released, it means the effect of the jury is still out and the status quo is maintained. “Nobody should go rushing off to the Ministry of National Security. The legal journey is nearly complete but there’s still one more leg of the race to be run, namely the Privy Council.
By next year this time probably even before then, you would have a definitive ruling.” Mr McWeeney said the idea that the status quo will be maintained is based on practical considerations, not legal principles.
“Nobody wants to assume that this is a definitive legal position on the basis that certain rights can be recognised when that legal ball is still up in the air,” he said. “What happens if the Privy Council comes down six months from now and
says the majority got it wrong? I don’t think it’s a kind of case where someone can steal a march on. The practical reality is the government won’t deal with anything on the basis of the Court of Appeal’s position. Whether that’s
the legal thing to do is another question, but no government is going to change their policies based on what they understand to be a decision of a court that will be appealed to the highest court under the Constitution.” It remains unclear how many people can be affected by the ruling if it stands. While Mr Munroe estimates that tens of thousands of people are likely to fall into this category, Mr McWeeney said his Constitutional Commission unsuccessfully tried to get reliable information on the matter. “We tried very hard to get that information and that is a very important question,” he said. “Frankly, knowing the way the Privy Council operates, while there is a veneer of concern about only the technical issues, they will want to know how many people are affected by this and how big is this constituency. That affects how you approach these legal questions even if they’ll never admit it. When we were in session, we made numerous efforts to get the information. Anything the government says about it would be fairly anecdotal.” Mr McWeeney said Justice Winder’s decision and that of majority judges who heard the case are in line with what the Constitutional Commission concluded in its 2013 report. However, he said, even the commission was divided on the matter. “I’m not surprised that you have this split,” he said. “It mirrors the internal division we had on the commission as well. There was a very spirited debate.” Meanwhile, Attorney General Carl Bethel elaborated on his plans to appeal the ruling ahead of a Cabinet meeting yesterday. “The issue of who is entitled to be Bahamian, like
“I’m a citizen now, but I went through the ropes dealing with the situation to get my citizenship,” he said. His younger siblings, Lavaughn Rolle, 21, and Casshonya Rolle, 20, are also plaintiffs in the case and have not received Bahamian citizenship yet. “My sister is now in the same position I was in,” Mr Rolle said. “It’s more difficult for her because they said she needs a Jamaican passport before getting a Bahamian passport when in actuality she has never travelled to Jamaica. She can’t open a bank account and she can’t get a driver’s licence. It’s a painful situation for her.” Reflecting on the difficulty he experienced trying
to get citizenship, Mr Rolle said the Department of Immigration once lost his documents and required him to reapply. He said when he was younger, he hired a lawyer who advised him to get adopted by his father so he can get Bahamian citizenship that way, a common route for people in his predicament. “I gave the lawyer some of the $1,500 she requested and on my 18th birthday she called me and said there’s nothing she can do because I’m 18 now,” he said. “I asked about the funds I gave her and she said lawyer fees are nonrefundable. Then I went to another lawyer, who was very helpful. Along the way
I even paid about $1,500 to a justice of the peace who said he would help me out with paperwork and stuff. After I gave him my money, I ain’t heard from him again. A lot of JPs giving people empty promises in relation to this and that’s another thing you have to deal with.” One of Mr Rolle’s aunts recommended Mr Munroe to him. “Mr Munroe told me I was the perfect candidate to go through this stuff,” he said. “He charged me $300 total but that wasn’t his fee, it was to get birth certificates and copies of key documents for our application process. In actuality, I’ve paid him nothing thus far and I think he’s the
lawyer that’s helped me the most.” Mr Munroe has been seeking to challenge the longstanding interpretation of an unwed Bahamian man’s ability to pass on his citizenship to children born to non-Bahamian mothers for years. He lost a previous case in 2009 when former Chief Justice Sir Burton Hall upheld the traditional interpretation of Article 6 of the Constitution. Because the son of his client was given legal status, his father did not proceed with the case to the Court of Appeal. “I had a lot of faith in Mr Munroe,” Mr Rolle said. “I did research on him and I noticed he doesn’t lose a lot of cases. I told my
FORMER Attorney General Sean McWeeney.
the fundamental rights and classes of the Constitution, is a very fundamental matter,” he said. “And this matter would’ve ended up before the Privy Council irrespective of who would have won in the Court of Appeal. Had the other side lost, they would’ve taken it and I’m sure the Bahamian people would not accept any judgement on a matter that doesn’t come from the highest court in the land which is the Privy Council, so it is the government’s intention to appeal the matter. “This is very fundamental. It’s a simple question really, which is to prevail? We acknowledge the original intent of the founders of the Constitution or whether the contemporary concepts or norms ought to prevail over original intent. You must bear in mind that not only is this a question of original intent, but it’s also a question of national intent. There were two referenda on this issue, each of which as far as the Bahamian people are concerned, definitively resolved the issue and so we have to see what the highest court has to say on the matter. “I express no point of view. It has always been the intent of the Attorney General’s Office to merely have the law clarified by the highest court in the land. Whatever adjustments would have to be made to domestic law would have to be made.” Meanwhile Immigration Minister Elsworth Johnson could not say how his department will react to people who apply for passports because of the ruling. “Persons can do, as long as it falls within the ambit of the law, they can do anything,” he said. “And so if persons feel as if that’s what they want to do, that’s it. I haven’t properly gone through the decision. I haven’t taken advice from the Attorney General.”
sister it was too difficult to get the Jamaican passport so let’s go with this process instead. I was scared because I didn’t know if it was the right decision. I’m the oldest so I have to make people feel there is light at the end of the tunnel.” Since getting citizenship, Mr Rolle said he has started his own business. “It’s as if there’s nothing you can do without a passport and over the years it gets a bit more difficult,” he said. “From a young age I knew this was an extremely important document. I used to play volleyball. Let’s say the whole school is going to take a trip outside the country – I couldn’t do so because I didn’t have a passport.”
LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL from page one
In a three-to-two decision, the Court of Appeal on Monday affirmed Supreme Court Justice Ian Winder’s ruling that children born out of wedlock in the Bahamas to Bahamian fathers are automatically citizens, regardless of the nationality of the mother. Attorney General Carl Bethel has said his office will appeal the ruling. Nonetheless, Mr Rolle is happy, even though he secured Bahamian citizenship last year by going through the normal citizenship-application process while his case continued to make its way through the Supreme Court.
‘PROSPECTS BRIGHT FOR GB’ By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
KWASI Thompson, State Minister for Grand Bahama, said the prospects are bright for Grand Bahama and he believes Royal Caribbean International’s home porting initiative is a tremendous “game-changer” for the island. “I have never been more hopeful or optimistic about the future of Grand Bahama as I am today,” he said last week during the homeport inaugural voyage of Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas at Freeport Harbour. The cruise brought 1,068 passengers, and a crew of 918 last Friday to Grand Bahama. The ship will bring 13,000 visitors to the island over the next three months. The vessel also will be provisioning in Grand Bahama
for food supplies and fuel. “The prospects of Grand Bahama are indeed bright,” Mr Thompson said. “I want to thank the RC Group and also Russell Benford; they have been great partners to us in the Bahamas.” Mr Thompson recalled how a few days after Hurricane Dorian, RC immediately redirected one of their vessels to Grand Bahama and brought 20,000 meals for residents. He also indicated that RC also expressed interest in partnering with the government when it bought the Grand Lucayan in Grand Bahama. “We (the government) said we wanted a partner who is going to transform the tourism product in GB. They came forward with the ITM Group and presented us with a tremendous opportunity to change the entire landscape of tourism in GB,” Mr Thompson said. “And, they have been
tremendous partners for us. They have now come forward with home porting and that is a tremendous game-changer.” The senator believes that RC’s home porting programme could serve to attract other cruises to consider home porting in The Bahamas. He is looking for RC to permanently set up a home porting project in The Bahamas. He stressed that Bahamians must be prepared and ready to demonstrate they are capable of providing top-quality services and products. “That means we must be on our A-game, and… to show RC and show all those cruises who are interested in home porting that we know how to do home porting in The Bahamas, and we would make sure to accommodate you, so you have an easy decision to make,” he said.
PAGE 6, Wednesday, June 23, 2021
The Tribune Limited NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI “Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”
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Global herd immunity still out of reach IN the race between infection and injection, injection has lost. Public health experts estimate that approximately 70 percent of the world’s 7.9 billion people must be fully vaccinated to end the COVID-19 pandemic. As of June 21, 2021, 10.04 percent of the global population had been fully vaccinated, nearly all of them in rich countries. Only 0.9 percent of people in lowincome countries have received at least one dose. I am a scholar of global health who specialises in health care inequities. Using a data set on vaccine distribution compiled by the Global Health Innovation Center’s Launch and Scale Speedometer at Duke University in the United States, I analysed what the global vaccine access gap means for the world.
A global health crisis
Supply is not the main reason some countries are able to vaccinate their populations while others experience severe disease outbreaks – distribution is. Many rich countries pursued a strategy of overbuying COVID-19 vaccine doses in advance. My analyses demonstrate that the US, for example, has procured 1.2 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses, or 3.7 doses per person. Canada has ordered 381 million doses; every Canadian could be vaccinated five times over with the two doses needed. Overall, countries representing just one-seventh of the world’s population had reserved more than half of all vaccines available by June 2021. That has made it very difficult for the remaining countries to procure doses, either directly or through COVAX, the global initiative created to enable low- to middle-income countries equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines. Benin, for example, has obtained about 203,000 doses of China’s Sinovac vaccine – enough to fully vaccinate one percent of its population. Honduras, relying mainly on AstraZeneca, has procured approximately 1.4 million doses. That will fully vaccinate seven percent of its population. In these “vaccine deserts,” even front-line health workers aren’t yet inocculated. Haiti has received about 461,500 COVID-19 vaccine doses by donations and is grappling with a serious outbreak. Even COVAX’s goal – for lowerincome countries to “receive enough doses to vaccinate up to 20 percent of their population” – would not get COVID-19 transmission under control in those places.
The cost of not cooperating
Last year, researchers at Northeastern University modeled two vaccine rollout strategies. Their numerical simulations found that 61% of deaths worldwide would have been averted if countries cooperated to implement an equitable global vaccine distribution plan, compared with only 33% if high-income countries got the vaccines first. Put briefly, when countries cooperate, COVID-19 deaths drop by approximately in half. Vaccine access is inequitable within countries, too – especially in countries where severe inequality already exists. In Latin America, for example, a disproportionate number of the tiny minority of people who’ve been vaccinated are elites: political leaders, business tycoons and those with the means to travel abroad to get vaccinated. This entrenches wider health and social inequities. The result, for now, is two separate and unequal societies in which only the wealthy are protected from a devastating disease that continues to ravage those who are not able to access the vaccine.
A repeat of AIDS missteps?
This is a familiar story from the HIV era. In the 1990s, the development of effective antiretroviral drugs for HIV/
AIDS saved millions of lives in highincome countries. However, about 90% of the global poor who were living with HIV had no access to these lifesaving drugs. Concerned about undercutting their markets in high-income countries, the pharmaceutical companies that produced antiretrovirals, such as Burroughs Wellcome, adopted internationally consistent prices. Azidothymidine, the first drug to fight HIV, cost about US$8,000 a year – over $19,000 in today’s dollars. That effectively placed effective HIV/AIDS drugs out of reach for people in poor nations – including countries in sub-Saharan Africa, the epidemic’s epicenter. By the year 2000, 22 million people in sub-Saharan Africa were living with HIV, and AIDS was the region’s leading cause of death. The crisis over inequitable access to AIDS treatment began dominating international news headlines, and the rich world’s obligation to respond became too great to ignore. “History will surely judge us harshly if we do not respond with all the energy and resources that we can bring to bear in the fight against HIV/AIDS,” said South African President Nelson Mandela in 2004. Pharmaceutical companies began donating antiretrovirals to countries in need and allowing local businesses to manufacture generic versions, providing bulk, low-cost access for highly affected poor countries. New global institutions like the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria were created to finance health programs in poor countries. Pressured by grassroots activism, the United States and other highincome countries also spent billions of dollars to research, develop and distribute affordable HIV treatments worldwide.
A dose of global cooperation
It took over a decade after the development of antiretrovirals, and millions of unnecessary deaths, for rich countries to make those lifesaving medicines universally available. Fifteen months into the current pandemic, wealthy, highly vaccinated countries are starting to assume some responsibility for boosting global vaccination rates. Leaders of the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, European Union and Japan recently pledged to donate a total of 1 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses to poorer countries. It is not yet clear how their plan to “vaccinate the world” by the end of 2022 will be implemented and whether recipient countries will receive enough doses to fully vaccinate enough people to control viral spread. And the late 2022 goal will not save people in the developing world who are dying of COVID-19 in record numbers now, from Brazil to India. The HIV/AIDS epidemic shows that ending the coronavirus pandemic will require, first, prioritizing access to COVID-19 vaccines on the global political agenda. Then wealthy nations will need to work with other countries to build their vaccine manufacturing infrastructure, scaling up production worldwide. Finally, poorer countries need more money to fund their public health systems and purchase vaccines. Wealthy countries and groups like the G-7 can provide that funding. These actions benefit rich countries, too. As long as the world has unvaccinated populations, COVID19 will continue to spread and mutate. Additional variants will emerge. As a May 2021 UNICEF statement put it: “In our interdependent world no one is safe until everyone is safe.” By Maria De Jesus, American University School of International Service Originally published on www.theconversation.com
Be who you is EDITOR, The Tribune.
THE sad state of affairs in the northern Bahamas relating to the lagging rebuilding effort almost two year post-Dorian has prompted this letter, along with virtually attending a UNESCO regional seminar last week on “Sustainable Urban Development: Tools for its implementation through heritage and creativity in Latin American and the Caribbean.” I asked a question at the seminar about the importance of protecting and honouring one’s heritage by using traditional building methods in light of the recurring dangers associated with climate change, as well as the recent huge price increases in imported building supplies, particularly wood. Here we are in hurricane season with grim storm predictions once again, and yet Bahamians are still living in tents whilst the hundreds of thousands of dollars invested in ridiculous domes and building supplies lie idle and exposed to the elements! What a disgraceful and unconscionable state of affairs! I have asked questions of the powers that be – particularly since inquiring minds wish to know who came up with the “bright” idea of spending all the people’s money on
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net a doomed domes solution! Obviously, due diligence was not followed when adding up the figures in the significant lines of expenditure, nor was thinking the situation through to a logical conclusion! Now there is talk of insufficient funds after the fact, while supplies rot and the people suffer! I also wrote some time ago about the importance of respecting and honouring the wisdom of our ancestors by bringing the amazing clapboard house back into focus as the traditional dwelling model of the country that it is; protecting, developing and replanting our local pine forests in order to use pine trees as a building resource for a burgeoning sustainable home grown industry; and educating and training persons in the traditional clapboard, as well as the native stone tabby building techniques of our ancestors. These noble endeavours would not only bring much needed jobs and skills to bear, but will also make us proud of our heritage and self sufficient in these essential community building areas with the ability to erect strong, sustainable, and economical shelters for ourselves that
are perfectly suited to our climate and our needs! Had such a basic project been properly designed, financed, and implemented years ago, we would have been in a much better position than we are today. Let me ask you, the readers: how many of you would regard living in a clapboard house embarrassing, and/ or a social demotion? What have we become, Bahamians, when we shame to ‘be who we is’? Therein lies some of the enormous barriers to development in this modern day Bahamas – the loss of knowledge and appreciation of our culture, and our misguided adherence to the falsehoods of superficial social status. We are so intent on ‘being who we ain’t’ that we cannot even recognize and embrace the ‘true true’ treasures of our past. Our ancestors ‘slaved’ to make the best of the little that they had in order to learn how best to shelter, clothe, and nourish generations of proud Bahamians. They were a strong, hardworking, creative, and inventive community of people whom we should be emulating respectfully today - rather than being, and being led by, a cadre of lazy, clueless, cowering copycats! Be who you is! PAM BURNSIDE Nassau, June 22, 2021.
Heritage sites EDITOR, The Tribune. MUCH has been said and no doubt will be said about a group of Bahamians seeking a contract from the FNM administration to manage some of our cultural and heritage sites. The current chairman of the FNM, Charles Culmer, has rightfully admitted that he is a part of such grouping along with others, inclusive of FNM and PLP supporters, et al. Such sites would include the forts; the Queen’s Staircase and other sites. I see absolutely nothing wrong with this in principle and would go further to say that such a public/private sector initiative, under any administration and regardless of partisan politics is long overdue. Historically no government has ever successfully managed or operated such sites. The last one would have been when the late Dame Doris Johnson held many years ago. Who can forget the Sound & Lights experiences at Fort Charlotte? My position as a business person is that certain cultural and heritage sites here in New Providence in particular would be better managed and operated as ‘for profit’ ventures with a
P/P initiative without the political baggage and notorious governmental input. Any grouping that would wish to do any such projects/ventures should just approach the government of the day, especially the one in power now with general elections just around the corner. For instance the suggested sky bridge connecting Arawak Cay to Fort Charlotte would be an innovate P/P venture plus it would be a local and touristic attraction. Headed over to Fort Charlotte any administration should consider allowing the private construction of a National Heroes Park featuring life sized all of the founders and movers and shakers of this nation from way back then without political interference with manicured gardens. An affordable fee would apply. The government of the day gets 30 percent; the private sector consortium 50 percent and 20 percent deposited into a Sovereign Fund. How simpler can it get? A gift shop; a restaurant and bar; a cultural stage for regular events and lecturers by experts and even ordinary people; demonstrations of how to make bush tea, etc... indeed the
sky would be the limit. I congratulate Charles Culmer on being frank with the public and upfront. I also congratulate the esteemed and focused leader of the New PLP along with Glenys Hanna Martin on raising the questions about the cultural and heritage sites. No, let me make it clear, I am Not an FNM but I critique, I congratulate from a non partisan way. From what I know about brother Culmer, et al, he is a decent God-fearing man who will not engage in anything that even looks suspicious. My other friends are all the same. It would be in the best interest of the PM and the administration to simply move on with this proposed contact or is it a done deal. Culmer did say that his group has expended funds and borrowed monies. Did they and if so why borrow or spend funds unless and until one has an executed agreement? Whatever the case is let’s do a P/P with the cultural and heritage sites ensuring that due process and transparency are in play. ORTLAND H BODIE, Jr Nassau, June 22 2021.
THE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, June 23, 2021, PAGE 7
‘Officer’s murder was nothing to do with me’ from page one Police said the Royal Bahamas Defence Force officer was fatally shot when an assailant opened fire on the three men while they were on duty at Government House around 2.30 on the morning in question Seymour has maintained his innocence. A day after the prosecution closed its case, Seymour chose to go into the witness box to give evidence under oath. During his testimony, he said around 11pm on April 27, 2019, he left his home to attend a Valley Boys Junkanoo party at the Farm. He said when he got there, he met “numerous” civilians as well as officers from the police and defence forces in attendance. He said it was a “celebration all night” and people were “drinking and smoking cigars.” He also said he had a WhatsApp status video of himself “chilling and enjoying” himself at the Farm around 1.30am on the morning in question. Seymour claimed he left the Junkanoo party around 2.30am with his co-worker Marine Seaman Percentie to head to a soca concert at Breezes resort. He said he ended up seeing two of his co-workers in a skybox at the event and joined them for a “few more drinks.” The court was told that the accused left the concert around 3.15am. He also claimed he had “another video” of him leaving with a Bahamian entertainer around that time. Seymour said he then travelled east towards Goodman’s Bay, before riding downtown past Commonwealth Bank and a night club and making his way towards the Wulff Road traffic light. The accused said after he dropped his co-worker home, he continued onto Robinson Road and made his way to his own residence. When he was crossexamined by prosecutor Terry Archer, Seymour said he was familiar with the running of the military’s policies and procedures. When asked, he also said he was familiar with beretta firearms because they were the standard weapon of the military police. Seymour said he had known Perpall for “many years” and acknowledged going on assignment to
Ragged Island with him and Marine Seamen Storr and Butler in March 2019. When Mr Archer asked the accused if he agreed that Ragged Island was destitute at the time, the accused said only “defence force officers and a few people” were on the island. He also agreed that the phone system on the island was down for some time, which resulted in the RBDF issuing a satellite phone to the officers. Mr Archer then suggested the satellite phone prompted the first disagreement between Seymour and Perpall. “You wanted to use the phone to call your girlfriend (but) Perpall told you the cell was for government business or emergencies only,” Mr Archer asked. “No sir,” Seymour replied. When asked if he threatened to shoot Perpall, he also said “no” and denied police travelling to Ragged Island to investigate the incident afterwards. “So the following morning you happen to get (a) hook in your finger,” Mr Archer asked. “Yesn sir,” Seymour replied. Mr Archer then suggested the accused just wanted to “get off the island where Perpall was,” but he denied this. Yesterday, Seymour also said he only spent two weeks in Ragged Island. He also acknowledged the fact that he was declared absent without leave (AWOL). However, he claimed the “charge did not come from Perpall.” He also said he and the petty officer were “supposed to go to court on May 9 for the charges brought against” him. “You became enraged because Perpall refused to back up your story,” Mr Archer then suggested. “Negative,” Seymour replied. Still, Mr Archer stated that if Seymour was absent for about two weeks prior then took another two weeks off, it would add up to almost a month. He also noted if the accused had been convicted of the AWOL charge, he would have to forfeit a month’s salary of almost $3,000. Nevertheless, Seymour insisted Perpall “never denied him any time off.” “Faced with all these things in addition to the previous incident with Perpall in Ragged
OVERSTAY BY TEN YEARS? PAY $3,000 OR GO TO JAIL By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net
A HAITIAN man who overstayed his welcome in the country for over a decade must pay $3,000 to avoid spending six months behind bars. Meanwhile a Jamaican man who was caught residing in the country after the expiration of the time granted him to remain was fined $1,500. Immigration officers arrested Jacques Aurellus on June 9, while conducting routine checks in the Carmichael area. The court was told that officers found the accused when they approached a dwelling in nearby bushes. They said when they questioned Aurellus about his status, he produced an expired work visa dated September 2009. The prosecution said the accused was then arrested and taken to the Carmichael Detention Centre for further processing. During his interview with officials there, he claimed he had several work permits with the most recent one being the one he gave them before his detention. The prosecution said system checks revealed Aurellus neglected to renew his status which
resulted in him overstaying his time by 12 years, eight months and 22 days. During his hearing before Senior Magistrate Carolyn Vogt-Evans, he pleaded guilty. He was subsequently fined $3,000 or in default, six months at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. Meanwhile, Hytan Ellis was charged with overstaying after he remained in the country 14 days after his travel visa expired. The court was told that Ellis was arrested by police officers on June 14 and was detained at the Elizabeth Estates Police Station for immigration purposes. The prosecution said immigration officials later collected Ellis and took him to the Carmichael Detention Centre to question him. There it was discovered that Ellis had travelled to the country by airplane, but had failed to apply for an extension after his travel visa expired. After he admitted overstaying, he was fined $1,500 or three months behind bars. Magistrate Vogt-Evans said once the fines were paid, both men would be handed over to the Department of Immigration for deportation back to their home countries.
ABLE Seaman Jevon Seymour at an earlier court appearance. He further denied enterIsland (caused) you to get enraged,” Mr Archer ing the guardroom and stated. “A week after shooting PO Perpall “again Perpall returned, he was and again” or attempting to “eliminate” the other two dead.” “Has nothing to do with witnesses. “You fired at Hanna and me,” Seymour replied. The accused also insisted Rahming because they were that he and PO Perpall there, but your objective “never had a problem” and when you got there was to he had “no reason” to go to kill Perpall; they were casuGovernment House on the alties of war,” Mr Archer suggested. morning in question.
“Me and Perpall don’t have a problem,” Seymour responded. Yesterday, Alexstine Daxon also took the stand. The Valley Boys event coordinator said she was the person at the gate distributing tickets and wristbands at the Junkanoo party on the eve of PO Perpall’s death. Mrs Daxon claimed she saw Seymour,
a drummer for the group, at the party “sitting on a bench with a couple of fellows and smoking a cigar”. She also said he was one of the last persons to leave and stated she “wouldn’t lie and go to hell for no one”. Mrs Daxon said there was also camera footage to show all of the people who were at the party. The case continues today.
PAGE 8, Wednesday, June 23, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
There’s so much to see and do right on our doorstep SUMMER is officially here, students have time off from school and adults are taking vacation. Travel may seem too complicated and be too expensive right now, so we have to think about how we can make the most of this time here at home. There is more to do than most of us realise, likely because our days our packed with too many errands and obligations in addition to employment. When we have time off and set fun as the goal for the day, even the most ordinary outings can be enjoyable.
SEE OUR PARKS
When is the last time you visited a national park? For many of us, The Retreat on Village Road is a place to go once per year for Jollification. While Jollification is fun, we are usually so taken in by the booths, products, people, music and
By Alicia Wallace
activities that we don’t pay much attention to the setting. Treat yourself to some time at The Retreat. Follow the paths, identify the trees and flowers, look out for birds, take great selfies and sit down for a much needed break when you’ve covered everything. Be sure take water with you and stay hydrated. The Primeval Forest National Park seems to have been one of the best kept secrets until recently. It is a 7.5 acre hardwood forest with sinkholes and limestone caverns that are up to 30 feet deep. The
relatively undisturbed part of New Providence is one you have to see to believe it exists. It is one of the only places you can find the backland coppice that was once plentiful on New Providence. Located in the southwestern part of the island near Albany, the Primeval Forest is open on Saturdays from 9am to 4pm. Bonefish Pond National Park is 1,235 acres of wetland with a 600-foot boardwalk that makes it easy to see the mangrove, see schools of bonefish, and catch sight of over 50 bird
Funeral Service For Rolly Pinder, 75
of West Street, New Providence and formerly of Bimini who died on Monday, May 31, 2021 will be held on Thursday, June 24, 2021, 10:00 a.m. at Evangelic Assembly Church of God in Christ on Blue Hill Road and Fleming Street, New Providence. Officiating will be Fr. Patrick V. Smith assisted by other members of the gospel. Interment will follow in Old Trail Cemetery, Old Trail Road, New Providence, The Bahamas.
His memory will always be treasured in the hearts of his loving wife: Barbara Bowe-Pinder; children: Theresa Pinder, Godfrey Pinder, Clarence Pinder, Ann Marie and Byron Turner; grandchildren: Brenae and Tenaja Bailey, Dina Dorshica, Godfrey, Treyvon, Christian, Tydarrius, Aden Pinder, Deahj Grant, Treveneke Young, and Antonair Duncombe; sister: Judy Pinder; sisters-in-law: Rennia Balfour and Naomi Bowe; brothers-in-law: James Balfour, Carl Curry, Philip Bowe and Earl Bowe; step children: Tony, Kirklyn, Carla, Carlton, Suelynn, Dave, Silvan and Stacey; step grandchildren: Livingston, Lakishna, LaCarldra, Mario Jr., Leshanthia, Lasheano, Dominique, Ahmad, Lashante, Moniqua, Rekisha, Silvania, Silvan Jr., Selia, Durward, Sujahri, Denzel, Donovan, Allen, Dayvon, Fredrick, Carlrita, Charlize, Cordero, Dave Jr. and Lendisha; nieces: Indianna Stuart and Isdora Johnson; nephew: Glenroy Stuart; niece-in-law: Nora Jane; grandnieces: Jannette, Ruby, Jeannen, Samantha, Joanna, Ronneish, Lavelda, Auri and Sintra; grandnephews: Lorenzo, Ricardo, Donnavan, Geno, Gjay, Gio, Cruz and Johnathan; step nieces: Susan, Darnell, Rochelle, Kim and Charlene; step nephews: Noel, Lance and Delvin; other relatives and friends: Reverend Patrick Smith and the entire Evangelic Assembly Church Family, Naomi and family, Aneta Neely and family, the Louis family, the Ferguson family, Milly and family, Sean & Tanya Stevens and family, the Peter Street Dominoes Crew, DD and family, Percy Vola Francis, the Saxons Superstars family, Old Timers Softball League at Grants Town, Bertha and family, Genenie and family, the Deveaux family, Markia and family, Allanese Taylor and family, Harvey & Latoya Quashie, Reggie Deveaux and family, Iva Johnson and family, Donna Fisher and family, Sonia Russell and family, Sara Bowe and family, Thia Robinson and family, Prince Bastian, Marvin Henfield, Joe McPhee, Joseph Jones, Nicola Sands and family, Ann Stubbs and family, Ali and family, West Street family and friends, Tina Deveaux and family and Mae Liquor Store Crew of McCullough Corner. Viewing will be held Evangelic Assembly Church of God in Christ on Blue Hill Road and Fleming Street, New Providence on Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Arrangements by Vaughn O. Jones Memorial Center Mt. Royal Avenue & Talbot Street, New Providence, The Bahamas.
species like clapper rails. There are even areas where you can step into the water when the tide is low. When the tide is high, you can kayak and snorkel. Bonefish National Park is open on Saturdays from 9am to 4pm and admission is currently free.
BEACH FUN
We are surrounded by some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Most of us drive past them far more often than we stop to enjoy them. Make this time to check out the beaches you pass all the time and to discover some that you have never seen or have not seen in years. Remember to stay hydrated, wear sunblock (yes, Black people need protection from the sun too), take a bag for trash, and carry it away with you when you leave. There are beaches for you if you like full sun, and there are beaches for you if you like time in thee shade. There are some with rocks if you’re not a fan of sand, and there are lots of sandy beaches. Try your hand at make a sandcastle. Take a ball and get playful. Get in the water for a full body workout, a relaxing float, or a simple cool down.
A SEARCH FOR THE BEST…
What do you like? Conchy conch fritters, seafood boil, guava duff, burgers, ice cream? Are you a big fan of outdoor dining? Its your family always look for new, interesting takes on traditional Bahamian food? Turn it into a summer-long adventure. It can be exciting to spend the week looking at reviews, asking around, and being attentive as you drive around so you can spot new places, then try one of them every Friday. By the end of the summer, you should have a list of places with your favourites dishes or elements, what worked and what didn’t work, which ones you would try again, and the ones that stood out and won you over. You can do this with multiple items and categories. Best lemonade, friendliest staff, most family-friendly, biggest beer
mugs, best karaoke performances, and the list goes on. Chart your own course.
COMMUNITY PARKS
Have you been on a basketball court lately? Practice your layups, teach someone to dribble, and play some one-on-one. Get competitive and find your skills with a game of Around the World, making consecutive shots from different spots around the court. Take sidewalk chalk with you and find a good space for hopscotch, big games of hangman, and creating group chalk murals. See how many indoor activities you can take outside. Pack a picnic lunch, colouring books, novels, good music, a deck of cards, and whatever else you can think of. It doesn’t have to be expensive to get your family out of the house and having fun together.
BACK IN THE DAY
yourself, and why you may want to accept something you have always wanted to change or change something too many people before you decided to accept. Enjoy learning about the past and see all the ways it is still with us now.
FARMERS MARKETS
Here’s a good reason to wake up and get out early on a Saturday morning. Farmers markets are great places to get locally grown produce at great prices. Find out who is growing what, and learn about the seasons and processes. Most farmers markets have much more than fruit and vegetables. There are locally-made teas, breads, pastries, and even candles, plants, jewellery, and art. While there, you can usually get a light meal and refreshing beverage while chatting with new and old friends. You may even want to challenge yourself to cook with a new ingredient or challenge friends and family to a cook-off, getting creative with a selection of locally-grown produce. Have fun with it!
The oral tradition should not be lost. Spend some time with your parents and grandparents, listening to the stories their parents and grandparents told them. When did you last hear a B’Booky and B’Rabby When was the last time story? Do you know what a you visited an art gallery? chickcharney looks like? At the National Art GalWhat is lery of The coconut jimmy, Bahamas on and how do ‘Treat yourself West and West you make it? to some time Hill Streets, Which bush at The Retreat. you can see tea is best for Floating Rib this or that? Follow the paths, and Inherit Which straw identify the trees the Earth until plait is from and flowers, look August 15 which island? and Medicine Why was your out for birds, & Memory: great-grandtake great selfies Public Health mother so in The Bahaand sit down for miserable? mas until Work on a much needed October 21. that family break when An all-woman tree. Find out exhibition about popu- you’ve covered curated by lar businesses everything.’ Natalie Willis, that used to Floating Rib occupy buildings we know “displays dramatic works for something else now. of art by creatively powerCompare the versions ful and Bahamian women.” you get of the same story It features work by from two or three different Margot Bethel, April Bey, people. Finally understand Kendra Frorup, Tamika why that family member Galanis, Anina Major, Jodi refuses to get rid of that Minnis, Khia Poitier, Tifseemingly useless object. fany Smith, and Averia Discover things about Wright. Inherit the Earth is Lynn Parotti’s solo show depicting “our inheritance under colonizer-capitalist greed, exhaustion and exploitation”. Medicine & Memory: Public Health in The Bahamas includes work by Jacob Frank Coonley, Tyrone Ferguson, Leanne Russell and Nettica “Nettie” Symonette and looks at healing and medicine practices in Bahamian history. Its accompanying online show is accessible at nagb.org.bs. The contemporary Sixty 2 Sixty Art Gallery on Bay Street, owned by artist June Collie, represents emerging and established artists. The current exhibition is Ashely Cooper’s “Dear Diary, During the Pandemic, I… and the gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 11am to 5pm.
ART GALLERIES
THE TRIBUNE
Wednesday, June 23, 2021, PAGE 9
CLASSROOM HELPS WORKERS LEARN VIRTUAL REALITY
TECHTALK AI-POWERED MAYFLOWER, BESET WITH GLITCH, RETURNS TO ENGLAND
By JAKE GOODRICK Gillette News Record
GILLETTE, Wyo. (AP) — It took a few minutes to get used to. The classroom full of city of Gillette workers, not students, sat in desks facing the front of the Gillette College Technical Education Center classroom, but they also were faced in all different directions, looking almost like landlocked scuba divers. Unable to see each other but immersed in virtual reality, they smiled, spun and flailed their arms. Although they work in various city departments, they were virtually taken to a coal mine by the black virtual reality headsets strapped to their heads. VR goggles protruded from their faces but inside their minds, they experienced what it’s like to stand in a coal mine from the seat of a classroom chair, the Gillette News Record reports. The blind spot training program that Gillette College Mine Safety and Health Administration Instructor Nick Ullrich walked the city workers through recently is the first of what he hopes becomes many training and teaching programmes that can use the college’s new VR classroom. The room is outfitted with 20 virtual reality headsets, each one dangling above a black one-person desk and connected to an intricate network that Ullrich said is more akin to technology at Disney World than a junior college. “It is technology, so there’s so much going on with it
CITY of Gillette worker CJ Ellis looks around inside of a piece of work equipment from the comfort of a Gillette College classroom while participating in a safety exercise done in virtual reality in Gillette, Wyo. (Mike Moore/Gillette News Record via AP) right now,” Ullrich said. “I do feel that there’s a shift that’s happening in it from gaming to a training type tool. There are lots of places that are starting to recognise that it’s a great way to train. I feel the shift in that.” For now, the MSHA program at Gillette College plans to use it as part of the 24-hour safety training programme. During classroom time, those wearing the headsets can do their blindspot training through virtual reality, simulating what it’s like to stand next to a 12-foot tire and step into a towering piece of machinery. But long-term, there are endless virtual possibilities for not just the college, but the rest of the community. “We’re going to try and go out and help other parts of industry, not just the mining world,” he said. BUILDING THE ROOM Ullrich is admittedly not a stereotypical computer guy. After working as a coal miner for 10 years then transitioning into workplace safety, he leaves a lot of the most technical programming aspects to Jacob Claytor, who engineered the blind spot training programme and
worked the computer syncing all of the VR headsets during the demonstration last week. “It’s actually extraordinarily new to everybody,” Ullrich said. “The people
CITY of Gillette worker Eric Weltmer smiles while interacting with a VR goggles in Gillette, Wyo. (Mike Moore/ Gillette News Record via AP) that we had come and put the tracking device in have never done a classroom like this one. They’ve done stuff for Disney World, but as far as a classroom tool, there’s really nothing like it.” While teaching his federal Mine Safety and Health Administration classes, the VR capabilities allow new miners — some of whom may have never actually
stepped foot in a mine — to experience the size and scale of their new workplace, with none of the attached dangers or inconveniences. The primary programme Ullrich uses now is for blind spotting training. In the tutorial, users strap on the goggles, grab a motion controller in each hand and transport virtually to a mine. “A lot of places are starting to see the benefits of using it in a training type atmosphere,” Ullrich said. The city of Gillette Safety Committee test drove the technology last week and were wowed. Although they were smiling and excited through the demonstration, they were there for practical purposes. There are many training possibilities that VR can facilitate, and last week’s test run caused some lightbulbs to go off in the city workers’ minds. Randy Milliron, Gillette’s safety manager, said that CDL inspection is one of the benefits that came to his mind. Before someone gets a CDL, he or she has to master a walk around inspection that he said is often what trips them up during the test. But with VR, they could
do a virtual walk-through dozens of times without wasting an instructor’s time or taking the equipment or vehicle out of use. “Well, if you put the person in virtual reality, they can do that inspection 100 times in one of our vehicles,” he said. “They’ve seen a virtual reality version, they’ve seen our truck. So, their confidence level is higher and their comfort level will be higher.” When he brought the idea to the city’s safety committee, he said the other members started reeling off ideas for how VR could be used. Confined space entry, fall protection, forklift training and even more specific training purposes for the various city divisions were all named as possible uses of VR for the city. Utilities Services Coordinator Billy Houch first introduced VR to the safety committee with his own athome rig. After experiencing the capabilities for the new VR room firsthand, he recognised the possibilities for it in the future. “Any department can benefit in some way,” Houch said.
NJ MONEY AIMS TO MAKE ATLANTIC CITY THE NATIONAL ESPORTS HUB By WAYNE PARRY ASSOCIATED PRESS ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey is investing $200,000 in a centre to help Atlantic City and the state become a national hub for the billion-dollar competitive video game industry, known as esports. The New Jersey Economic Development Authority and Stockton University on Tuesday signed an agreement to establish an esports Innovation Center at the university’s Atlantic City campus. The authority will provide staff support for the Innovation Center, which will also include leaders in the esports industry. It was the latest manifestation of New Jersey’s interest in being not only a player but a leader in the fastgrowing esports industry. Newzoo, a research firm that tracks the industry, projects it will generate $1.08 billion in global revenue this year, an increase of 14.5% over last year. “I was shocked when I saw the numbers,” said Brian Sabina, the authority’s chief economic growth officer. “It’s the fastest-growing college sport in America. Nearly 500
IN this photo from 2017, players gather in teams to play Gears of War at Caesars Atlantic City during the Gears Pro Circuit Atlantic City Open esports event in Atlantic City, N.J. (Michael Ein/The Press of Atlantic City via AP, File) million people tune in to watch esports events.” The centre is designed to create new academic and workforce development opportunities, and support local economic development. It plans to identify industry-wide technology development opportunities, and plans to host “hack-a-thons” and similar coding challenges focused on creating innovative solutions.
It plans to work with private sector companies and other colleges and universities to develop programs teaching the most in-demand skills in the esports industry, will host industry events, and will support esports-related research at New Jersey academic institutions. Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver, a Democrat, marveled at the technology involved in esports.
“Just the ability to beat someone on the other side of the globe,” she said. “It is the future.” Harvey Kesselman, Stockton’s president, said his university sees an opportunity to lead “in this field that we know is going to explode.” Stockton already has a successful competitive esports programme for students. Officials said the industry involves far more than young people playing video games against each other. There is constant software development, ever-evolving video streaming technology, data analysis and other technical work, all of which the center wants to encourage to happen in Atlantic City and New Jersey. The authority said esports companies including G3 esports, Amazon’s Twitch streaming service, esports Entertainment Group, and Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment have either made or are planning significant investments in the state. And people bet on the games, too. Esports is categorically approved for wagering in New Jersey, although the state Division of Gaming Enforcement has to examine and approve individual events.
PLYMOUTH, England (AP) — The Mayflower had a few false starts before its trailblazing sea voyage to America more than 400 years ago. Now, its artificial intelligencepowered namesake is having some glitches of its own. A sleek robotic trimaran retracing the 1620 journey of the famous English vessel had to turn back Friday to fix a mechanical problem. Nonprofit marine research organisation ProMare, which worked with IBM to build the autonomous ship, said it made the decision to return to base “to investigate and fix a minor mechanical issue” but hopes to be back on the trans-Atlantic journey as soon as possible. With no humans on board the ship, there’s no one to make repairs while it’s at sea. Piloted by artificial intelligence technology, the 50-foot (15-metre) Mayflower Autonomous Ship began its trip early Tuesday, departing from Plymouth, England, and spending some time off the Isles of Scilly before it headed for deeper waters. It was supposed to take up to three weeks to reach Provincetown on Cape Cod before making its way to Plymouth, Massachusetts. If successful, it would be the largest autonomous vessel to cross the Atlantic. There is some historical precedent for the malfunction: The original Mayflower that carried Pilgrim settlers to New England was supposed to set sail in the summer of 1620 but twice turned back to England because of a leaking problem affecting its sister ship, the Speedwell.
THE TOP iPHONE APPS ON APP STORE TOP PAID iPHONE APPS: 1. Minecraft, Mojang 2. Heads Up!, Warner Bros. 3. HotSchedules, HotSchedules 4. Incredibox, So Far So Good 5. Bloons TD 6, Ninja Kiwi 6. Procreate Pocket, Savage Interactive Pty Ltd 7. Geometry Dash, RobTop Games AB 8. Plague Inc., Ndemic Creations 9. Monopoly, Marmalade Game Studio 10. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, Rockstar Games
PAGE 10, Wednesday, June 23, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
SENATE Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky, talks to reporters before a test vote on the For the People Act yesterday.
Photo: J Scott Applewhite/AP
Voting rights bill blocked WASHINGTON Associated Press THE Democrats’ sweeping attempt to rewrite US election and voting law suffered a major setback in the Senate yesterday, blocked by a filibuster wall of Republican opposition to what would be the largest overhaul of the electoral system in a generation. The vote leaves the Democrats with no clear path forward, though President Joe Biden declared, “This fight is far from over.” The bill, known as the For the People Act, would touch on virtually every aspect of how elections are conducted, striking down hurdles to voting that advocates view as the Civil Rights fight of the era, while also curbing the influence of money in politics and limiting partisan influence over the drawing of congressional districts. But many in the GOP say the measure represents instead a breathtaking federal infringement on states’ authority to conduct their own elections without fraud — and is meant to ultimately benefit Democrats. It failed on a 50-50 vote after Republicans, some of whom derided the bill as the “Screw the People Act,” denied Democrats the 60 votes needed to begin debate under Senate rules. Vice President
Kamala Harris, the first Black woman to hold her office, presided over the chamber as the bill failed to break past that filibuster barrier. Biden praised Senate Democrats for standing together “against the ongoing assault of voter suppression that represents a Jim Crow era in the 21st Century.” In a statement from the White House, he said that in their actions, though unsuccessful on Tuesday, they “took the next step forward in this continuous struggle.” The rejection forces Democrats to reckon with what comes next for their top legislative priority in a narrowly divided Senate. They’ve touted the measure as a powerful counterweight to scores of proposals advancing in GOP-controlled statehouses making it more difficult to vote. “Once again, the Senate Republican minority has launched a partisan blockade of a pressing issue,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said from the chamber floor. He vowed that the vote was the “starting gun” and not the last time voting rights would be up for debate. Whatever Democrats decide, they will likely be confronted with the same challenge they faced Tuesday when minority
Republicans used the filibuster — the same tool that Democrats employed during Donald Trump’s presidency — to block consideration of the bill. Republicans showed no sign of yielding. Republican leader Mitch McConnell called the bill a “a solution looking for a problem” and vowed to “put an end to it.” Texas Sen. Ted Cruz dismissed it as “partisan legislation, written by elected Democrats, designed to keep elected Democrats in office”. And, more graphically, Sen Shelley Moore Capito called the bill “a despicable, disingenuous attempt to strip states of their constitutional right to administer elections” that “should never come close to reaching the president’s desk”. Pressure has been mounting on Democrats to change Senate rules or watch their priorities languish. A group of moderate Democratic senators, however, including Sens Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema, have ruled that out, denying the votes needed to make a filibuster change. Biden has vowed what the White House calls the “fight of his presidency” over ensuring Americans’ access to voting. But without changes to Senate rules, key planks of his agenda,
including the voting bill, appear stalled. Sen Raphael Warnock, a Georgia Democrat and senior pastor at the Atlanta church Martin Luther King Jr. once led, called minority Republicans’ willingness to prevent debate on the voting bill a “dereliction” of duty. “What could be more hypocritical and cynical than invoking minority rights in the Senate as a pretext for preventing debate about how to preserve minority rights in the society,” Warnock said during a floor speech yesterday. The changes being enacted in many Republican states are decried by voting rights advocates who argue the restrictions will make it more difficult for people to cast ballots, particularly minority residents who tend to support Democrats. Republicans, cheered on by Trump, talk instead about fighting potential voting fraud and say the Democrats’ concerns are wildly overblown. As the Senate discussion churns, more changes could be coming to the bill. Democrats want to protect against intimidation at the polls in the aftermath of the 2020 election. They propose enhancing penalties for those who would threaten or intimidate election workers and creating a “buffer zone” between
election workers and poll watchers, among other possible changes. They also want to limit the ability of state officials to remove local election officials. Georgia Republicans passed a law earlier this year that gives the GOP-dominated Legislature greater influence over a state board that regulates elections and empowers it to remove local election officials deemed to be underperforming. But Democrats have divisions of their own. Until Tuesday, it wasn’t even clear that they would be united on the vote to bring the bill up for debate. Manchin, a moderate from West Virginia, announced earlier this month that he couldn’t support the bill because it lacked Republican support. Manchin flipped his vote to a “yes” after Democrats agreed to consider his revised version. His proposal was endorsed by former President Barack Obama and called a “step forward” by Biden’s administration. Manchin has proposed adding provisions for a national voter ID requirement, which is anathema to many Democrats, and dropping a proposed public financing of campaigns. Those changes did little, however, to garner the bipartisan support
Manchin was hoping for. Senate Republicans said they would likely reject any legislation that expands the federal government’s role in elections. McConnell dismissed Manchin’s version as “equally unacceptable”. Sen Lisa Murkowski, a moderate Alaska Republican, said some aspects of the Democratic bill were laudable and she supports other voting rights legislation, like a reinstatement of the Voting Rights Act struck down by the Supreme Court in 2013. But, ultimately, she said the “sprawling” bill amounted to “a one-sizefits-all mandate coming out of Washington D.C.” that “in many cases doesn’t work.” Months in the making, Tuesday’s showdown had taken on fresh urgency as Trump continues to challenge the outcome of the 2020 election and new limits move ahead in Republicanled states. State officials who certified the results of the 2020 election have dismissed Trump’s claims of voter fraud, and judges across the country have thrown out multiple lawsuits filed by Trump and his allies. Trump’s own attorney general said there was no evidence of widespread fraud that would change the outcome.
PELOSI ‘POISED’ TO CREATE CAPITOL RIOT COMMITTEE WASHINGTON Associated Press HOUSE Speaker Nancy Pelosi is signaling that she is poised to create a new committee to investigate the January 6 insurrection at the Capitol, pushing closer to a partisan investigation of the attack after Senate Republicans blocked an independent probe. A person familiar with the matter said after a meeting with Democrats that Pelosi had told her colleagues she would create a select panel. The person spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the private remarks. But Pelosi later denied that, telling reporters, “No, I did not make that announcement.” The new committee would come after the Senate voted earlier this month to block legislation to form a bipartisan, independent
commission investigating the attack by former President Donald Trump’s supporters. Pelosi said afterward that the House would step up investigations of the riot, in which a violent mob overran police, broke into the building and hunted for lawmakers to try to stop the certification of Joe Biden’s election victory. A new select committee would put majority Democrats in charge of the investigation. More than three dozen Republicans in the House and seven Senate Republicans said they wanted to avoid a partisan probe, and they supported the legislation to form a commission, which would have been modeled after a similar panel that investigated the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Still, those numbers weren’t strong enough to overcome GOP opposition in the Senate, where support from 1O Republicans
is needed to pass most bills if all Democrats vote yes. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer has said he may hold a second vote after the legislation failed to advance last month, but there’s no indication that Democrats can win the necessary support from three additional Republicans. Pelosi said earlier this month the House “can’t wait any longer” and would proceed with a probe. She said that she was considering a select committee or having an existing committee conduct the investigation. Many Republicans have made clear that they want to move on from the January 6 attack, brushing aside unanswered questions, including how the government and law enforcement missed intelligence leading up to the rioting and the role of Trump before and during the insurrection.
IN this January 6, 2021, photo, police hold off supporters of Donald Trump who tried to break through a police barrier at the Capitol in Washington. Photo: Julio Cortez/AP Some Republicans have Republicans voted against Trump supporters who died gone so far as to downplay giving medals of honour to of medical emergencies and the violence, with one sug- Capitol Police and Metro- two police officers who died gesting the rioters looked politan Police to thank them by suicide in the days that like tourists and another for their service that day. followed. A third officer, insisting a woman, Ashli Dozens of those officers Capitol Police Officer Babbitt, who was shot and suffered injuries, including Brian Sicknick, collapsed killed that day while trying chemical burns, brain inju- and later died after engagto break into the House ries and broken bones. ing with the protesters, but Seven people died during a medical examiner deterchamber through a window and after the rioting, includ- mined he died of natural was “executed”. Last week, 21 ing Babbitt, three other causes.