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Delegates back me, says Minnis

Leader confident party will unify ahead of election

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Tribune Staff Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis has suggested that his “close and personal” relationship with the FNM’s more than 400 delegates places him in a position to, for a third time, be elected as head of the opposition party.

However, he skirted around the question of whether he would still work with the six members of Parliament who threatened to have him removed as leader of the Official Opposition in Parliament by way of a petition to Governor General Dame Marguerite if he did not convene a conclave to decide the date of

an early convention. “(If I remain leader) we will be focused on unifying the party and the country to take it in the right direction,” Dr Minnis insisted yesterday when he was pressed on the future of his relationship with the MPs following the three-day convention at the end of the month.

The Killarney MP seemed confident when asked of his support from delegates, as they are currently being courted in the lead up to the July 27 - 29 event. He said his work over the last four years has proven to FNMs with voting power in the convention that he has the ability to lead.

SEE PAGE SIX

FEARS EASE OVER FUNDING FOR FNM

MINNIS ‘NOT AFRAID’ OF ELECTION DEBATE

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Tribune Staff Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

THE Free National Movement has got over the financial hurdle relating to its upcoming national convention, with former Deputy Prime Minister Brent Symonette telling The Tribune supporters now seem amenable to donating money to the party.

He further downplayed the FNM’s reported financial issues, saying funding is always a challenge for political parties, especially while they are in opposition.

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THE Bahamas faces the prospect of a fresh credit rating downgrade within the next two months, after Moody’s, the Wall Street rating agency, announced on Friday that it was placing the country “on review” for a potential downgrade, due to both its unexpected economic contraction and further deterioration in the Government’s fiscal position.

Moody’s move appears to have been sparked by Prime Minister Perry Christie’s affirmation of official Department of Statistics data showing that the Bahamian economy contracted by 1.7 per cent in 2014, following a 0.5 per cent shrink in 2014.

This contrasted sharply with previous positive growth estimates by both the Government itself and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), prompting Moody’s to determine that The Bahamas is “unlikely” to hit its 1.5 per cent GDP growth potential in the short-term.

Moody’s pointed out that “debt accumulation” has continued to increase, with the Government consistently failing to hit its Budget projections, and the adequacy and effectiveness of its policy responses to The Bahamas’ problems.

FORMER ATHLETE DIES AFTER CRASH IN FREEPORT

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

SEE PAGE SIX

*

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

SEE PAGE FIVE

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Tribune Staff Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis said yesterday he is “not afraid” to publicly debate Prime Minister Perry Christie, but only after a general election is called.

His acceptance of this challenge is a turn around from his position in 2015.

At the time, Mr Christie implored students at the College of the Bahamas to invite him, Dr Minnis and Democratic National Alliance (DNA) Leader Branville McCartney to a public

SEE PAGE SIX

MOODY’S IN WARNING OVER CREDIT RATING DOWNGRADE

JAMAAL ROLLE, the Celebrity Artist, receiving his Icon Award on Saturday. Photo: Aaron Davis

By NICO SCAVELLA the award was a “long time Winfrey, Michael Jordan, Tribune Staff Reporter coming”, adding that being Prince Harry and many nscavella@tribunemedia.net recognised as a local icon others.

serves as “good encourageIn April, Mr Rolle reTRIBUNE cartoonist ment” for up and coming ceived a congratulatory Jamaal Rolle won a Baha- Bahamian artists. letter of gratitude from US mian Icon Award on SaturMr Rolle - aka The Ce- President Barack Obama day for his achievements in lebrity Artist - has forged for portraits he drew of fine arts, telling the news- a global reputation for his President Obama and his paper that his international lifelike portraits and de- wife, Michelle. acclaim cannot compare to pictions of various figures In 2014, he received a being “accepted by my fel- and personalities from all ringing endorsement of his low Bahamians”. over the world, including SEE PAGE EIGHT Mr Rolle said yesterday such personalities as Oprah

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ONE man is dead and another man is in hospital with serious injuries following a traffic accident on West Sunrise Highway early Saturday morning.

According to police, the incident occurred shortly before 1am involving a white 2007 Ford F-150 truck and a grey 2006 Nissan Sentra, which collided in the area of Sunrise Subdivision.

Both drivers were taken by ambulance to the Rand Memorial Hospital, where the driver of the Nissan was later pronounced dead by a doctor.

Police did not release the victims’ identities, however The Tribune understands the deceased is Nekeil Russell, said to be a former national team athlete.

Investigations are continuing into the accident.

Police have once again advised the public to slow down, buckle up and to drive with care and attention.

PAGE 2, Monday, July 4, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

SOCCER SUPERSTAR VISITS BAHAMAS LIONEL Messi, the world’s best footballer, is taking a family holiday in the Bahamas to get away from the pressures of a long season and the disappointment of another major defeat for his team, Argentina, after which he shocked the nation by announcing his retirement from international soccer.

Messi, 29, posed for photographs in Atlantis with fans on Thursday night - one of them Syam Kum Leo Msdian posting on Twitter - and was seen on a boat on the break with his partner Antonella Roccuzzo, and their sons Thiago and Mateo. Employees at Lynden Pindling International Airport reportedly also took their chance to be photographed with him when he arrived by private plane. He is staying at the One&Only Ocean Club, Paradise Island.

Messi’s decision to retire – which came immediately after Argentina lost the Copa America final on penalties to Chile for the second year running – remains a shock in Argentina, where hundreds of fans gathered in the rain on Saturday in Buenos Aires to ask the national team captain to reconsider his decision.

Support for the five times world footballer of the year has been overwhelming on social media with sports figures, artists and politicians urging him to return.

Billboards and signs across the city are also asking him to stay.

LIONEL MESSI, left, with fan Syam Kum Leo Msdian in Atlantis.

Messi, who moved to Barcelona at 13, has often faced criticism in Argentina because he has failed to deliver the country a major title – in contrast to his repeated club success at Barcelona.

However, Diego Maradona is urging fellow Argentines to leave Messi alone. In a radio interview, Maradona – who led Argentina to the World Cup in 1986 – also ridiculed people who have criticised Messi for missing his penalty in the shootout against Chile, questioning those who find fault with a soccer star’s play “without ever having touched a ball”.

“I consider Messi a winner,” said Maradona. Although he earlier joined in the chorus of Argentines calling on Messi to stay with the national squad, Maradona toned that down. “Let’s let Messi have his holidays,” he said. “From now on we have to build a unified idea and if Messi says ‘I don’t want more,’ we will have to present another team.”

The diminutive Messi, nicknamed La Pulga, the

Atomic Flea, is Argentina’s record goalscorer with 55 goals in 113 international appearances, but he has never led the country to a major title, losing three championship matches in the Copa America, and the 2014 World Cup final to Germany.

“That’s it, I’ve already tried enough,” Messi told the Argentine network TyC Sports after the loss to Chile on June 26. “It pains me more than anyone not being able to be a champion with Argentina, but that’s the way it is. It wasn’t meant to be, and unfortunately I leave without having achieved it.”

American actor and film producer, Leonardo DiCaprio - along with his new girlfriend Nina Agdal - are also vacationing in the Bahamas, arriving on Thursday at the exclusive Over Yonder Cay private resort island near Staniel Cay and Little Major Cay in the Exuma Cays. A room at the eco-resort rents for a $75,000 a night for a minimum seven-night stay.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, July 4, 2016, PAGE 3

EMBASSY CLOSES FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY

IN observance of the 240th anniversary of the independence of the United States of America, the United States Embassy in Nassau will be closed today.

Please be advised that the embassy will resume normal business operations on Tuesday, July 5 at 8am.

For any emergencies involving US citizens, please contact the US Citizens Services Unit of the US Embassy’s Consular Section via telephone: 242-322-1181.

General information on consular services, including procedures for obtaining or renewing a passport or visa, is available on the US Embassy’s website at http://nasFROM left, David Robinson, Gen Lori Robinson, Chargé d’Affaires Lisa Johnson, Prime Minister Perry sau.usembassy.gov.

• A Q&A with the US THE UNITED States Embassy Independence Party celChristie and Deputy Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis pictured at The United States Embassy Independence Party celebrating American independence.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff Chargé d’Affaires, see Insight ebrating American independence.

FNM leader blasts delays in payments from NIB

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis has criticised the government for the monthlong delays in National Insurance Board payments, claiming that the government’s failure to implement a back-up system at NIB has resulted in Bahamians “being cheated out of hundreds of thousands of dollars”.

Dr Minnis, in a statement released on Saturday, said the government’s decision to implement the NIB’s new $14m V3 administration system without ensuring that a back-up system was in place demonstrates a “major failure in leadership in the PLP government.”

The former minister of health questioned how officials in the Christie administration plan to remain the government “when they cannot even get the Baha-

mian people that need it the most their NIB cheques.”

Dr Minnis also criticised Prime Minister Perry Christie for failing to address the issue, charging that the nation’s leader ought to address the matter right away and “not when it is convenient for the prime minister.”

Dr Minnis’ statement came almost a month after NIB officials confirmed that delays in processing claims for both short-term and long-term benefits, as well as challenges in the transition process from the old IT platform to the new V3 system continue to persist.

Last month, NIB Director Rowena Bethel said the processing for short-term benefit payments is unlikely to be brought within board norms until mid-July, while problems with long-term benefit payments are expected to be resolved by the end of August.

About a week after her statements, Labour and National Insurance Minister Shane Gibson said NIB customers would be in receipt of their NIB payments “within acceptable time frames.”

“NIB started using a new administrative system over a month ago without any back-up and it is failing to pay the Bahamian people that need it the most, their money they need,” Dr Minnis said. “These are our most vulnerable people that are not getting paid by the failure of the PLP government and its leadership.

“The government decided to implement a new $14m system at NIB that has constantly failed to pay the Bahamian people for over a month now. Not only was the same system purchased by Milwaukee County in the United States for $2m less, but it took Milwaukee County four years to implement it

properly. So why then did they think it would be wise to implement the new system for NIB without having a back up?”

Dr Minnis said the matter is further concerning when “executives and leadership at NIB continue to receive their massive bonuses while the Bahamian people are not getting the money they desperately need.”

“It should come as no surprise that the PLP will make sure to take care of their supporters over the Bahamian people,” he added. “While the PLP leadership sits around wondering why crime is up under their government they are failing to pay the Bahamian people that need it the most.

“The prime minister has failed to address the issue so far after a month of nonpayments. The Bahamian people deserve answers today, not when it is convenient for the prime minister.”

“Staff at NIB are work-

ing seven days a week to try and get the Bahamian people paid but they can only do so much with a flawed system and no-back up system,” he added. “It is time for the PLP government to be held responsible for their failed leadership.

“How can the PLP be trusted to be in charge of the government for another five years when they cannot even get the Bahamian people that need it the most their NIB cheques?”

NIB has been engaged in the process of transitioning to a new IT platform for the past several years.

Phase one of the transitional process involved the rollout of the new NIB smart card, which was launched in May 2014. The completion of phase two, the “most complex of the phases,” was scheduled for the first week in April of this year.

In May, NIB officials said “transition issues” emanat-

ing from phase two had resulted in “regrettable inconvenience to a number of our valued customers.”

At the time, NIB said the greatest impact was being felt by persons seeking disability benefit claims, along with customers seeking short-term benefit claims, such as maternity, sickness, injury and unemployment.

NIB also acknowledged challenges with “other benefit types,” however it said such issues “have been largely the exceptions.”

The issues encountered

by NIB encompassed both “technical matters and organisational culture adjustments.” At the time, NIB said some 30 per cent of its customer base was being negatively affected as a result.

According to a report in The Nassau Guardian last week, Ms Bethel’s threeyear contract with NIB, which expired on July 3, will not be renewed.

PM TO DISCUSS EFFECTS OF UK VOTE TO LEAVE EU ON CARIBBEAN

By ELCOTT COLEBY Bahamas Information Services

PRIME Minister Perry Christie led a delegation to Georgetown, Guyana on Sunday where he will attend the regular Inter-Sessional meetings of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean.

As expected, high on the agenda will be a discussion and action plan on the trade and general economic implications for CARICOM in the wake of the decision of the United Kingdom to leave the European Union on June 23 after 43 years.

As for CARICOM, it is widely believed that the CARIFORUM-EPA (Economic Partnership Agreement) with the European Union is likely to be affected in the long-term.

Another agenda item and critical issue facing the financial services sector and general economies of member states is the derisking issue and its impact

on locally owned banks that are losing their international partner clearing banks. This latest trend in the financial services sector will clearly affect international trade as many CARICOM countries have small, vulnerable and highly integrated economies, mostly with the industrialised world.

Government heads are expected to pause and formally pay tribute to the life and work of former Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Dr Patrick Manning, one of the champions of CARICOM and the Caribbean Common Market.

Dr Manning died on Saturday at the San Fernando General Hospital.

CARICOM heads will also officially welcome its two newest government heads – Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Michael Holness and Prime Minister of Saint Lucia Allen Chastanet – both of whom won general elections and formed new governments earlier this year.

Accompanying Mr Chris-

tie to Guyana are Foreign Affairs and Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell and CARICOM High Commissioner Picewell Forbes.

Philip Davis will act as prime minister and minister for foreign affairs and immigration.

The delegation is expected to return home late Wednesday night.

PAGE 4, Monday, July 4, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

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Chapter 11 gone but Beijing fails to deliver as promised ON FRIDAY in its Investors Services newsletter, Moody’s announced that the Bahamas’ Baa2 rating was now on review for a downgrade.

“The decision to place the ratings on review,” said the newsletter, “was prompted by the continuing rise in risks to the country’s medium-term economic prospects and to its fiscal strength, notwithstanding the government’s ongoing fiscal consolidation programme. The review will allow Moody’s to assess the likelihood that economic growth prospects will improve, debt metrics will stabilise and government policy will effectively address its macroeconomic and fiscal challenges.”

However, it continued, the “ review action indicates that the rating is likely to move down, and the change could be by one notch or more. Moody’s expects to complete the review within two months…

“The worsened economic performance,” said Moody’s, “is characterized by persistently high levels of unemployment, stagnant credit to the private sector and declining investment, in part explained by the indefinite opening of the Baha Mar mega resort. Additionally, structural constraints related to the energy sector and labour market negatively impact costs for the tourism sector, which accounts both directly and indirectly for about 50 per cent of GDP. Given that these conditions are likely to persist in 2016 and 2017, Moody’s considers that it is unlikely that The Bahamas will return to its potential growth rate of about 1.5 per cent in the short-term.”

Moody’s also noted that “although the government has been able to reduce its fiscal deficit by introducing a value-added tax in January 2015, debt accumulation has persisted, weakening The Bahamas’ fiscal strength relative to Baa-rated peers.

At low (-), The Bahamas’ fiscal strength is the lowest in the Baa rating category.”

The greatest crippling factor to our economy has been government’s interference in and bungling of the indefinite — if not permanent – closure of Baha Mar, thus destroying jobs and investment opportunities for many Bahamians.

Prime Minister Christie — despite the doubts of Bahamians— has insisted that what he is doing is in the best interest of this small country. Obviously, moving in lock-step with the Chinese, and against the developer who he had initially encouraged to make the Cable Beach investment, he felt he was on solid ground.

He did not anticipate the quicksand into which the Chinese were leading him. After all didn’t China – we say China, because it is Beijing dealing the cards, not an individual Chinese investor– that “assured” our government that it would finance and complete the $3.5 billion Baha Mar project if its Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection was removed. That was a year ago, with no agreement in sight — except, of course, the frequent assurances of our prime minister that all will be well in the end.

The latest from Mr Christie came on June 28 when he said his government will be invited at some point to begin consideration of what it has to do to facilitate construction permits and “whatever else”

China Construction America (CCA) needs in place to complete the unopened $3.5bn Baha Mar resort.

Meanwhile, Baha Mar loses value daily while China continues to negotiate.

After all, it was China that made the commitment to finance and complete Baha Mar as soon as Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection was removed. Does Mr Christie and Beijing need to be reminded that Chapter 11 was officially removed on September 15, 2015 with the signature of Judge Kevin Carey of the US Bankruptcy Court?

So what’s the hold up? Although Mr Christie has denied it, the rumour persists that China wants many concessions.

Bahamians would be justified in asking what these concessions are to reward – destroying our economy? Among those concessions — which Mr Christie has denied – China would like the Bahamas to grant economic citizenship in the Bahamas for 500 Chinese nationals. This is more than this government would dare do, especially after so many Bahamians who are entitled were denied citizenship by government’s recently bungled referendum. After all of this high handed behaviour by Beijing, many Bahamians would consider even one economic citizen one too many. So our advice to this government is stop before you begin.

Also questions should be asked of Deputy Prime Minister “Brave” Davis — if in fact he too claims to be on the side of the Bahamas — as to why he went to Panama to participate in the ribbon-cutting exercise to open CAC’s headquarters in Panama City. It was claimed that the ceremony was “to mark a new milestone in the company’s 30-year history of offering superior construction and real estate services in the Americas.”

According to the report from Panama Mr Davis was there not only to be among those who cut the ribbon for this expansion, but to acknowledge “CCA’s contribution to the Bahamian economy and commend CCA for its resourcefulness”.

How could he in all honesty have gone to Panama knowing what he had left behind in The Bahamas, but having gone made such statements when Baha Mar was closed and the whole controversy, which no one wanted exposed by a Chapter 11 court case in Delaware, was over CCA’s standard of workmanship and its failure to complete construction on time and on budget.

Recently, government hired a UK legal team to write a report to justify its handling of the Baha Mar tragedy. Among other things the report concluded that Mr Izmirlian had no realistic prospect for raising the $600m needed to complete and open Baha Mar. However, the team failed to acknowledge that two months ago Mr Christie had commented that Mr Izmirlian “comes from a family that isn’t short on money”. This suggests that he has the resources to complete.

Nor did they discover from Mr Izmirlian that the reason he was reluctant to invest his money was because he wanted CCA removed, and was unhappy about the terms and conditions the Chinese were seeking to impose on him to retain CCA to commplete the project.

Music beats bullying EDITOR, The Tribune.

I REALLY was stunned when I saw on the internet a little boy with autism bursting into tears in the rock concert of Coldplay when he listened to his favourite song. Amazingly the little one never before reacted in that way from an external stimulus.

This is only a small demonstration of the effect that music can reach and produce about emotions and human behaviour. Noting these impressive effects, there is a medical therapy called “music therapy”, which serves to treat illnesses such as depression or Down Syndrome.

In the same way that in

music, in dance there is a therapy called “dance therapy”, which consists in the stimulation of the senses and the emotions allowing to express our feelings toward the outside, expelling the bad emotions and preserving the good emotions, thus favouring the health.

Indeed, some persons, like the Spanish dancer David are not guilty and some young bands like the heavy metal band, Somas Cure, are worth mentioning because they help people like me, without asking anything in return; that’s the reason why I admire the people like them.

Therefore, to all the peo-

ple who think that these activities are unserviceable; I would like to say to them that they are wrong, because thanks to people like them, many people can overcome many problems. I must say, I managed to overcome the bullying thanks to people like them.

For that reason, to all those people who make it all possible helping people like me who suffered a long time from bullying; I would like to say them – a thousand thanks for everything!

There should be more people like you.

SERGI DFG Spain, June 29, 2016.

Time for change EDITOR, The Tribune.

SINCE the electorate’s rejection of Prime Minister Christie’s second referendum in two years, I have publicly stated that he should do the honourable thing and resign as Prime Minister of this country.

This nation, as a proud product of the Westminster System, is operated by a force of Conventions, which has been countries’ guiding principles for centuries. Any structure is only as good as the foundation upon which it rests. My friend and brother, the Hon Fred Mitchell acknowledged this much when he called for The Right Honourable Hubert Alexander Ingraham’s resignation after a rejected 2002 referendum.

At that time, Mr Mitchell stated: “A fellow can really play stupid when he wants to. That’s the continuous story of Hubert Ingraham.

He speaks out of one side of his mouth about integrity and commitment to the rules, but he breaks each and every rule whenever it suits his purpose. And that is the story with why he won’t resign. He knows that the conventions of the Constitution demand that when he and his government have lost an important vote like the five questions on the referendum he has in fact had a vote of no confidence made in his Government.

There is no choice but to resign.”

My brothers and sisters, history is now repeating itself. The Right Honourable Perry Gladstone Christie proposed two referenda under his current term in political office, which were soundly rejected by the electors. While, no doubt, there were many factors that figured into the electorate’s decision to vote against the proposals by the PM, one cannot successfully challenge that their disgust and distrust of and disappointment in the present Government and Mr Christie’s leadership have certainly played a prominent feature in their response.

I supported the proposed Bills. I believe in the fundamental equality of both sexes, and was disappointed that the measures did not gain the approval of the majority of the electors. I publicly encouraged voters not

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net to use the Referendum to “take out their frustration of the PLP” against their own best interests by voting against the Bills. Obviously, many did not heed my call.

So, it was clear to me that the results of this Referendum spoke eloquently of our people’s total lack of faith in this government and are disenchanted with the overused and underachieved promises issued by the Christie Administration.

Resultantly, Prime Minister Christie and his government no longer have a mandate to lead this country.

Following the British Prime Minister, David Cameron’s resignation, much public discourse has come about. Prime Minister Cameron said that the country’s vote to leave the European Union indicated that there is a need “for fresh leadership”. He said, “I will do everything I can as Prime Minister to steady the ship over the coming weeks and months but I do not think it would be right for me to try to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination. This is not a decision I’ve taken lightly but I do believe it’s in the national interest to have a period of stability and then the new leadership required.”

Many have taken to social media to debate why The Bahamas should or should not use David Cameron’s resignation following a failed referendum, as a model for The Bahamas.

But in the plainest sense, if these are the standards we hold ourselves to, how can we not, after two failed referenda. It is certainly in the national interest of this country for Prime Minister Christie to step down and allow a leader with the moral authority and mandate of the people, to steer this foundering ship.

But Mr Christie is not alone in his liability to the Bahamian people. House Members of the Free National Movement, led by Dr. Hubert Minnis, Opposition Leader, also supported these proposals. They, too, should do the honourable thing and remove themselves as representatives of the people. Except for Mrs. Loretta Butler-Turner, they

provided a lackluster and un-enthusiastic encouragement to the voters during the referendum campaign to support the Bills they had endorsed in Parliament.

No wonder the ire of the Bahamian voter is not directed at Mr Christie and his Government alone. For Bahamians everywhere recognise that the pathetic state of Bahamian affairs is not the fault of the PLP alone. The disastrous failings of this society have led many people to be fatigued of politics and politicians in whom they reposed their trust over the past five decades. Thus, in my opinion, the vote in the referenda was not so much a rejection of the proposed Bills, but rather a statement by people that they are tired of their faith being manipulated, abused and oppressed by those who sought it.

They all must go.

We need a fresh start.

The electorate has spoken, not once, but twice, with a clear message that they want radical, transformational change in this “sweet and blessed country, the home of God’s elect”.

Like the beleaguered and lame-duck British PM, Mr. David Cameron, said recently about Opposition Leader, Jeremy Corbyn: “It might be in my party’s interest for him to sit there – he’s not in the national interest.”

I repeat the same here about our current political corps.

This nation is starving for a change. We have a country where no one pays a price for anything: ineptitude, failure,dishonesty, and the abject dereliction of duty. For too long people have come to believe that there is no consequence for the wasteful and disastrously unwise or incompetent decisions and behaviour made by anyone.

In my humble opinion, the inadequate, vision-less and indecisive leadership of this Great Country by Prime Minister Perry Gladstone Christie, and select members of FNM’s Parliamentary Caucus, led by Dr. Hubert Minnis, cannot be a part of that change, lest we citizens watch as this country plunge further down an undesirable path.

JEFFREY LLOYD Nassau, July 3, 2016.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, July 4, 2016, PAGE 5

HUNT FOR SUSPECTS AFTER ARMED ROBBERIES

Moody’s in warning over credit rating downgrade from page one

Of particular concern to The Bahamas and its economy, Moody’s warned that any potential downgrade could be “by one notch or more”. The country currently has a ‘Baa2’ rating, two notches away from being cut to so-called ‘junk’ status - a position where it will lose its existing investment grade status.

Moody’s announcement is more in line with Standard & Poor’s (S&P), which presently has the Bahamas one notch above ‘junk status’.

The country has until August to convince Moody’s otherwise, and is also in the

middle of the ‘six-24 month’ period set by S&P to determine whether it, too, will follow through on the “greater than one-in-three chance” of a Bahamas downgrade.

Loretta Butler-Turner, the Free National Movement MP for Long Island,

described the announced review and possible downgrade as “another disturbing sign of the catastrophic failure of leadership on the economy by the PLP, led

by Perry Christie, who has proven to be a spectacular failure as Prime Minister

and as Minister of Finance”.

She attributed the lack of growth in the economy, the unemployment level and “the daily suffering of scores of Bahamians” to “gross mismanagement” of the economy by the Progressive Liberal Party. “Our economic

woes are not mostly because of external factors. We are in a downward spiral because of the policy blunders and incompetence of the Christie administration,” she said in a statement. “A delusional prime minister kept painting a rosy picture as the economy worsened and dark clouds settled over the country’s future. In successive budgets the PLP government projected growth.

The Democratic National Alliance reacted to the Moody’s announcement with sadness, suggesting that from all indications an actual downgrade is very possible.

Full analysis, see Business

MAN WALKING NEAR MACKEY STREET IS SHOT DEAD

By SANCHESKA BROWN Tribune Staff Reporter sbrown@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was shot multiple times and killed Thursday night while walking in the Mackey Street area of Nassau.

The killing took place shortly after 10pm and brought the country’s murder count to 62 for the year, according to The Tribune’s records.

As of June 30, 2015, the country had recorded 74

homicides, meaning murders had decreased by 16 per cent. However by the end of 2015, the country saw a record-breaking 146 homicides.

Police said they received reports of gunshots being fired in the Wilton Street area Thursday night. When officers arrived at the scene they found the lifeless body of a man, lying on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds to the body.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police have not identified the victim but The Tribune understands he is Demario Smith, aka ‘Fat Cat’.

Anyone with information on this homicide is asked to contact police at 911 or 919, the Central Detective Unit at 502-9991 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 328-TIPS. During the budget debate in the House of Assembly last month, National Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage said crime was down 29 per cent compared to the same period last year.

He referred to statistics that showed overall crime had dropped from January 1 to June 14, 2016, compared to the same period last year.

The Bain Town & Grants Town MP stressed that the government will not be satisfied until a much more dramatic reduction in violent crime occurs even as he released statistics that indicated crime is trending downward.

Dr Nottage has sometimes been described as tone-deaf for how he dis-

cusses crime trends, struggling, some say, to tread the line between admitting that violent crime remains one of the country’s most significant problems and insisting that the ongoing strategies authorities are employing are having a positive affect on curbing crime levels.

He acknowledged, however, the fear many Bahamians have about crime and pledged to communicate more often with the public about police efforts to address the problem.

POLICE are searching for the suspects responsible for four separate armed robberies that occurred on Sunday.

In the first incident, shortly after midnight, a woman driving her black 2008 Kia Sportage, license plate number 200676, pulled up to a home at Echo Close off Turtle Drive, when two men armed with handguns stole her vehicle before speeding off.

In the second incident shortly after 12.30am, a man had just arrived at his home at Gulf Course Boulevard, when two men armed with handguns approached and robbed him of a large amount of cash, a man’s Breitling watch and two women’s Breitling watches before fleeing on foot.

Then shortly after 1.30am, a man was walking on McKinney Drive, when four men in a black car approached him and robbed him of a gold chain and an I-pad before speeding off.

In the final incident shortly after 3am, a man had just arrived at his home at Eastwood Estates, when two men armed with handguns approached and robbed him of his red 2011 Hyundai Tucson, license plate number 247141, a watch and a cell phone before speeding off.

Anyone with information on these crimes is asked to call police at 911, 919 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 328-TIPS.

THREE HELD AFTER MARIJUANA WORTH $100,000 SEIZED

By SANCHESKA BROWN Tribune Staff Reporter sbrown@tribunemedia.net

TWO WOMEN and one man are in police custody after they were discovered with nearly $100,000 worth of marijuana on Thursday afternoon.

According to reports, shortly after 2.30pm, a team of officers

from the Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) was on an operation in the Carmichael Road area when they conducted a search of a silver Nissan driven by an adult female.

During the search, officers discovered two suitcases each containing a large amount of marijuana.

The woman was taken into custody. Officers then took her to her home at Golden Isles Road,

where they conducted a search and found a shopping bag containing a quantity of marijuana.

An adult female and male were also arrested at the home. The estimated weight of the drugs is 92 pounds. Anyone with information is asked to contact police immediately.

This bust came four days after police seized $1.4m worth of marijuana following an early morning

MANHUNT UNDER WAY AFTER TWO HURT IN LATEST SHOOTINGS POLICE launched an island-wide manhunt for the gunmen who left a man and woman in hospital after two separate shooting incidents on Friday.

In the first incident, around 10pm, a woman was inside her Wilton Street home when someone fired several shots at the house and shot her. The woman was rushed to hospital where, at last report, she was in stable condition.

Then shortly after 10pm,

several gunmen shot at a white vehicle in the area of Blue Hill Road and Wellington Street that resulted in a man standing in the area being shot. The man was rushed to hospital where he was reported to be in stable condition.

Police also arrested a man on Saturday morning for drug possession. Shortly before 3am, officers from the Firearms Tracing and Investigation Unit were on routine patrol on Wulff Road and Quintine Alley, where they

conducted a search of the suspect and found a quantity of marijuana.

Anyone with relevant information is asked to call police at 911, 919 or Crime Stoppers at 328-TIPS.

operation in the quiet community of Pikkano Properties, off Tonique Williams Highway.

According to a preliminary report, DEU officers, acting on intelligence, went to a rental property at the rear of the community around 9.15am last Sunday where they found two Bahamian males with 1,389 pounds of marijuana at various stages of packaging.

Dennis Earnest, 41, and Dundas Munnings, 34, were charged on Tuesday with conspiracy to possess dangerous drugs with intent to supply and possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply. Munnings faced an additional count of the latter charge concerning a lesser amount of Indian hemp allegedly found in his possession.

They deny the charges.

PAGE 6, Monday, July 4, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

Delegates back me, says Minnis

from page one “I have spent the last four years travelling throughout the length and breadth of this country building a personal relationship with Bahamians in the Family Islands,” he told The Tribune.

“So when whomever are selected, they would know my views and they would know I preach that this is the people’s time and what my focuses are. I have focused heavily on ownership opportunities, land reform and the need to strengthen local government.

“Those on the islands would know I have said we need to stop being so Nassau centric and ensure students there are given their fair share of scholarships.

I have said this will happen in addition to giving them stipends and easier access to obtaining an education at the College of the Bahamas.”

He added: “They know me personally. My relationship with the delegates is a close one.”

Dr Minnis and FNM Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest will go head-to-head against Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner and Senator Duane Sands during the party’s upcoming

convention.

Dr Minnis has previously said he has no doubts that he will remain at the organisation’s helm. Mr Turnquest has also said he is not concerned about the challenge from the mortician and surgeon duo.

Last month, while making his contribution to the 2016/2017 budget debate, Dr Minnis stressed: “We are now preparing for a convention and I will enter as leader and I will emerge as leader of the Free National Movement.”

Former Deputy Prime Minister Brent Symonette has warned Dr Minnis that it would be a mistake for him to block the nominations of the “gang of six” MPs if he successfully defends his post.

In a previous interview with The Tribune, Mr Symonette said Dr Minnis should be careful with his campaign strategy of playing the “victim” as he emphasised the value of retaining experienced politicians.

He pointed out that the dissenting MPs represented the party’s brand in Parliament, adding that the days of a “one-man” platform have passed.

“I think Dr Minnis’ campaign so far has been about being a victim,” Mr Symon-

ette said on June 26. “He’s showing an ‘I’m from Bain Town’ type of approach.

There’s nothing wrong with that but if you look at public disclosures, he’s the richest FNM MP in Parliament.

You can’t claim that and live in a gated condominium that you own, you have to be very careful playing that issue.

“He’s saying the MPs have revolted against him; well the MPs have tried to talk this matter through for a long time and it hasn’t worked. You know what they say, there are three sides to every story.”

Mr Symonette added: “I think the days of the oneman (band) has passed and it is a team concept that the electorate wants to see. You see it around the world.

The Bahamas really needs to put forward a team that shows a good ability to govern.”

Dr Minnis’ stint as leader of the FNM has been marked by infighting.

Most recently, The Tribune exclusively reported on an email in which Central Grand Bahama MP Neko Grant was critical of Dr Minnis’ performance during the wrap up of the 2016/2017 budget debate.

He said the Killarney MP showed “no interest” in the

FNM leader Hubert Minnis. head-by-head exercise and seemed unprepared. The email was sent to the party leader and other members of the FNM. Mr Grant, leader of opposition business in the House, said he was sure Dr Minnis had not studied the budget and that his behaviour was “most disturbing” and “disrespectful”.

Mr Grant’s attack on Dr Minnis also comes weeks after the “gang of six” MPs, including Mr Grant, wrote a letter to the party’s Central Council outlining Dr Minnis’ weaknesses as a leader.

St Anne’s MP Hubert Chipman, Montagu MP Richard Lightbourn, North Eleuthera MP Theo Neilly,

Mr Grant, Mrs Butler-Turner, and Fort Charlotte MP Andre Rollins were dubbed the “gang of six” after they threatened to have Dr Minnis removed as leader of the opposition in Parliament.

Both Mr Grant and Mr Lightbourn last week said they support Mrs ButlerTurner and Senator Sands in the leadership race.

creating an “internal mess”.

“The whole thing is a mess,” one FNM insider told this newspaper. “People are still split. Some are refusing to give money others are saying they will organise the funding. It really is in a state of flux.”

However, Mr Symonette said by all indicators, the party will be ready to head into the convention slated for July 27 to 29. “We have worked through the funding issues. So the outstanding matters have all been worked out,” Mr Symonette said when he was contacted for comment yesterday.

Asked if funding issues of this kind were commonplace, Mr Symonette contended that this is normally the case for political parties in opposition.

“Funding for any political party is always a challenge.

For us, many of our normal backers have passed on. This and the fact that we are in a position which is opposed to the government created issues. A big one was the economy. Businesses aren’t doing as well and so people weren’t giving because they didn’t have the disposable income they would have under normal circumstances.

“Fundraising is difficult even in the best of times and people will find any reason not to give.”

He added: “I am sure there are lots of rumours going around but we are finding that people seem to be amenable to giving so the convention is on and we will be ready for the end of the month.”

Last week, The Tribune reported that the FNM was said to be struggling to find the money needed to host

the convention amid a debate over who is responsible for finding the funds.

Former FNM Cabinet minister Tennyson Wells was among those who sided with Dr Minnis. He told The Tribune that those who fought for an early convention should find the funds to host it.

Others, like Mr Symonette, said that the responsibility lies with the party’s leader. It’s not clear how much next month’s convention will cost.

However, last week former Deputy Prime Minister Frank Watson placed the cost at no less than $300,000.

Meanwhile, Mr Symonette last week said the hotel rooms will cost about $100,000 and additional money will be required for paraphernalia, advertising and media, among other things.

FEARS EASE OVER FUNDING FOR FNM from page one

In this Bahamaland, you should build on...

C-Commitment U-Unity R-Reliability R-Responsibility E-Equality N-Never Failing T-Truth L-Love...and then Y-You’ll build a safe and stronger nation

~Betty Taylor ~

Original Author

Happy Independence Day

The former St Anne’s MP said this issue, as well as the fact that many of the FNM’s key financial backers have died, and the country’s current economic recession created an environment where funding was not as easy to come by.

While speculation has continued that financial backers have opted not to give to the party because of discontent with the performance of FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis, Mr Symonette dismissed this saying “people will find every reason not to give.”

However, despite the financial turnaround, a party insider has said the money problems have continued to fuel an ongoing row over who should fund the convention,

MINNIS ‘NOT AFRAID’ OF ELECTION DEBATE

from page one

debate to determine who of the three has a better grasp of national issues. Last year, Dr Minnis said he had no interest in a public debate, contending that he was “by far more interested in” defeating Mr Christie in a

general election.

Yesterday the Killarney MP, who has been heavily criticised as being a poor orator incapable of speaking on his feet, said that while he was open to the idea, he saw it as nothing more than the prime minister attempting to “deflect” from the issues that heavily

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affect Bahamians.

Last week, the prime minister said political leaders must be mandated to demonstrate whether they have the capacity to manage a country, adding that the country had reached a level of sophistication that warrants public debates.

“I am not afraid of Christie and a debate,” Dr Minnis said when he was contacted by The Tribune. “Call a general election and let’s rock and roll. He knows that there are procedures to follow.

“But I see this as Christie deflecting from the issues that are seriously causing hurt and pain among Bahamians. He must be made to answer those types of questions. At this point in time I am only concerned about that, the hurt, pain and the losses Bahamians suffer.

“He must answer the questions pertaining to why people don’t trust him and the government and the hundreds of questions waiting to be answered on the House of Assembly floor.”

Last Wednesday during the launch of the InterAmerican Development Bank’s Vision 2040 two-

day seminar, Mr Christie hinted at his support of a debate.

He said: “So you find that it is difficult to get whoever is the leader of the opposition to stand on the same platform as me and then openly discuss and debate where we are going.

“It has been difficult, has not been a part of our culture and the country has not seen it necessary to bring that about,” he added.

Mr Christie made similar comments in 2015 during a speech at the College of the Bahamas’ School of Journalism, when he told students present that he would be open to a debate between himself, Dr Minnis and Mr McCartney.

“Bring Minnis here, bring Branville here, Christie here and say ‘tell us what you believe in,’ and make your judgment. Ask questions, see who has a command of the country, who understands where the country ought to be going and who could speak to those issues,” Mr Christie said at the time.

Mr McCartney subsequently accepted the challenge and also offered to sponsor the event.

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insight@tribunemedia.net

THE STORIES BEHIND THE NEWS

Q& A

Lisa Johnson

US Charge d’Affaires, US Embassy, Bahamas

Lisa Johnson marked two years as the US Charge d’Affaires in Nassau last week and today her country celebrates its 240th anniversary of Independence. The Tribune’s Chief Reporter, Ava Turnquest, asked her about her country’s views of Bahamian issues, from the gender equality referendum and the continued ambassadorial vacancy to crime, government accountability and Chinese investment.

Q: An Ambassador has not been appointed for the Bahamas since Nicole Avant ended her mission in 2011. Can you speak to the vacancy and whether this is an indication of the low priority of the diplomatic relationship between the two countries?

As you know, in February 2014, President Obama nominated Cassandra Butts to be the next Ambassador to The Bahamas.

She was an exemplary public servant and, sadly, passed away unexpectedly prior to having the opportunity to serve here in The Bahamas. This was a great loss for both the United States and The Bahamas.

It is quite unfortunate that The Bahamas has been without an Ambassador for some time now.

I can assure you that this has nothing to do with the strength or priority of our bilateral relationship. It has been entirely a function of US domestic politics.

And now, from a practical standpoint, Cassandra Butts’ untimely passing likely means that the next Ambassador will not arrive until sometime in the new US administration.

Q: When does your term end? What initiatives do you consider to be most significant during your term in the Bahamas, and what insight can you share on your experience?

Are there any items on the agenda that are still outstanding?

American diplomats in The Bahamas generally serve for a period of three years, and I have already been here for two.

Time really does fly. I have enjoyed my time getting to know The Bahamas and Bahamians, and look forward to meeting many new New Orleans Pelicans and Connecticut Sun fans throughout The Bahamas as a result of Buddy Hield and Jonquel Jones’ success.

Congratulations to both of them!

Like every other US Embassy in the world, our highest priority in Nassau is the safety of American citizens. I would like to recognise the men and women of the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) for the job they do every day to keep Bahamians, Americans and others safe. They have a tough and dangerous job, and it seems to be getting tougher and more dangerous all the time. We don’t say it enough, but the Embassy appreciates their efforts.

Our work with Bahamian partners such as the RBPF

On energy

“Bahamas Power and Light will need time and resources to repair or replace its infrastructure, consider new technologies or alternative fuels, and invest in the people and equipment it needs to respond to customer issues and power outages.”

LISA Johnson (fourth from right), the US Charge d’Affaires, US Embassy, Nassau, with the Governor General and senior members of the government.

On the referendum

“This was a missed opportunity to put Bahamian women and men on an equal legal footing and to bring the Bahamas into compliance with its international commitments” to help make The Bahamas a safer place remains a highlight of serving in Nassau for me. The United States provides about $2 million each year in assistance to The Bahamas as part of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, which we use to help Bahamian officials such as the police get the training and equipment they need to do their job effectively.

In recent years, this has included four new fast interceptor boats for the RBPF, training for the RBPF SWAT team, K-9s and other methods to detect contraband at the prison, and training and equipment for the Royal Bahamas Defense Force.

It also includes workshops and equipment to help the courts become more effective and efficient, as well as funding to help address the root causes of crime though youth empowerment programs and substance abuse counselling and education.

There is still more work to do, but I am proud of the difference we are making.

We’ve also made progress in other areas. The Bahamas is the first country in the Caribbean region to achieve a Tier I ranking in the State Department’s annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report, meaning that The Bahamas is assessed as fully complying with the minimum standards for preventing trafficking, prosecuting traffickers, and protecting victims.

This is an enormous achievement that would not have been possible without political will from the top of the Bahamian government and the tireless efforts of the Bahamas TIP Task Force and Committee. Ministry of National Security Deputy Permanent Secretary Karen Rigby deserves special mention. She was honoured by Secretary of State Kerry on June 30 as one of nine 2016 TIP Heroes worldwide for her work in leading The Bahamas’ TIP Task Force and Committee.

The Bahamas also deserves much credit for its decision last year to declare an additional 10 per cent of its marine environment as protected areas. We’re now very interested in exploring how we can help with the problem of enforcement, particularly when it comes to illegal fishing. In this regard, we are talking to the government about signing on to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation’s Port State Measures Agreement, which commits parties to establish and enforce robust measures to prevent illegally-caught fish from entering national and international markets through their ports.

We’ve also invited The

Bahamas to join Sea Scout, an Obama Administration initiative that Secretary Kerry launched in October, 2015, to combat illegal fishing using existing and emerging technologies, enhanced co-ordination and information sharing, and capacity building. The Port State Measures Agreement and Sea Scout both will be major deliverables at the third Our Ocean Conference that Secretary Kerry will host in September. We are hopeful that The Bahamas will agree to join both prior to the conference.

Finally, we remain very interested in energy reform and increased use of renewable sources of energy.

We understand from the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers’ Confederation that the reliability and costs of energy is the single biggest impediment to investment in The Bahamas. Of course, this hinders US investment in The Bahamas, but it also harms Bahamian companies and everyone who lives here.

We will continue to advocate for forward movement on energy reform and improvements in the reliability and affordability of electricity, while recognising that Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) will need time and resources to repair or replace its infrastructure, consider new technologies or alternative fuels, and invest in the people and equipment it needs to respond to customer issues and power outages. We also are going to continue to encourage The Bahamas to make better use of renewable sources of energy, both in

New Providence and the Family Islands. Renewables increasingly are the fuel of the future, and adding them to the energy generation mix of The Bahamas just makes sense economically and environmentally.

Q: Are there any concerns over the current state of crime? Do you feel as though there could be greater US partnership on crime, or is the current level sufficient?

We do have concerns about the current state of crime in The Bahamas.

My colleagues and I live here, and we are responsible for the protection of the millions of Americans that visit or reside in The Bahamas annually. As I’ve said before, the crime statistics are frightening, and the issue does need to be addressed more effectively before it starts affecting the Bahamian tourism market.

This is an urgent problem, but not something that is going to be solved overnight. Law enforcement has an obvious role to play,

On crime

“The crime statistics are frightening and the issue does need to be addressed more effectively. This is an urgent problem, but not something that is going to be solved overnight”

but crime is an issue that has to be addressed using a “whole of government” approach. The Bahamas needs an effective police force and an effective judicial system, but it also needs to tackle the root causes of crime, things like the breakdown of social and family structures, poor education leading to low employability, and lack of economic opportunities, especially for young people. That will take time, but it will pay large dividends over the long run.

As I said earlier, the United States partners with The Bahamas on virtually all aspects of crime prevention. Operation Bahamas Turks and Caicos (OPBAT) is the gold standard for international law enforcement partnerships, with Bahamian and American law enforcement officials working closely together to detect and deter trafficking in narcotics and other illegal items.

We’ve also heard clearly the concerns about guns from the United States being used to commit crimes in The Bahamas.

In response, the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms has created an investigative unit in Florida focused on gun trafficking to The Bahamas and other Caribbean nations. We also now have a full-time ATF Special Agent assigned to our Embassy in Nassau to co-ordinate arms trafficking investigations with Bahamian authorities. This new partnership is in its early stages, but has already taken guns off the streets in The Bahamas and led to arrests and prosecutions in both The Bahamas and in the United States. These successes will grow as our cooperation on gun trafficking continues to develop and deepen.

See PG2

PAGE 2 MONDAY, JULY 4, 2016

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net PHOTO/Shawn Hanna

Q&A with Lisa Johnson From PG1 Q: What are some observations on the gender equality referendum and its failed outcome?

Gender equality has been, and remains, a top strategic priority for the United States, and for President Obama personally. The President’s National Security Strategy recognises that countries that respect the rights of women and girls are more prosperous, more stable, and more secure. Since taking office, President Obama has expanded paid sick days and equal pay for more families, created more opportunities for women small business owners, and passed legislation covering women’s preventative care and saying that women cannot be charged more for health insurance just because they are women.

The President also recognises that while we have seen enormous progress on women’s rights in our own lifetimes, we must continue to keep fighting because there are still battles that need to be won.

Some of those battles are right here in The Bahamas.

The Embassy respects the Bahamian public’s decision on June 7. However, this was a missed opportunity to put Bahamian women and men on an equal legal footing and to bring The Bahamas into compliance with its international commitments, including under the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). We are committed to continue to work with the Bahamian government, civil society, and other partners to encourage the further advancement of women in all aspects of Bahamian society.

Speaking of partners, I’d like to congratulate Ms Marion Bethel on her recent election to the CEDAW Committee. This is an accomplishment both for her personally and for

“This has nothing to do with the strength or priority of our bilateral relationship”

On the Chinese

“We want to see a level playing field on which decisions are made based on what makes business sense”

tion. We also reviewed the legislation ourselves. It’s not perfect - no bill is - but we generally found it to be inclusive and providing specific details regarding access to public records, exemptions that may apply, and a process that applicants may utilize to remedy instances of non-compliance.

The Bahamas as a whole, as she will work over her four-year term to promote equal rights for women both around the world and here at home. We wish her the best of luck and look forward to working with her in this new capacity.

Q: What is the Embassy’s position on increased Chinese investment in The Bahamas, and has the Baha Mar debacle had an impact on American investors?

Q: The government has not made any changes to strengthen public procurement and increase transparency and accountability. What is the Embassy’s position on this?

The challenges faced in The Bahamas with regards to corruption and government transparency are not unique to The Bahamas.

Every country and every government in the world face similar issues, including the United States.

There is a growing recognition that we all need to promote more accountability and transparency. Now more than ever, citizens in the Western Hemisphere and around the world are making it clear that corruption and a lack of transparency are not going to be tolerated. As Secretary Kerry told the Council of the Americas in May, corruption robs the future of a country by not just stealing money from citizens, but also by stealing their trust in government.

I have been heartened to see over the last several months that the conversation on transparency also has started in The Bahamas. For example, Citizens for a Better Bahamas recently became a Transparency International (TI) National Contact, which is a step towards becoming a

On the ambassador

CHARGÉ d’Affaires Lisa Johnson pictured giving remarks at the United States Embassy Independence Party on Friday night.

On corruption

“I have been heartened to see over the last several months that the conversation on transparency also has started in the Bahamas”

full-fledged TI Chapter.

It is important to note that this discussion is not just being carried out by civil society. In his April State of the Nation Report, Prime Minister Christie recognised that transparency is not just about letting citizens know what their government is up to, but also about making it easier for them to get business done with the government. We understand that the forthcoming National Development Plan will address the need for greater transparency and making it easier for Bahamians to access their government.

This seems to us to be a step in the right direction, particularly since the National Development Plan is

being developed under the direction of a non-partisan Steering Committee and in consultation with an expansive set of stakeholders from around the country, which we hope will ensure that it enjoys broad support and endures from one administration to the next.

I also have to say that the Embassy is pleased to see the government taking steps to move forward with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). This has been a long time coming, but is an important step forward in the public’s ability to hold their elected representatives accountable. We’ve been pleased to see the robust public discussion that has taken place on the draft legisla-

The United States does not object to Chinese investment in The Bahamas or in any other country.

What we want to see is a level playing field on which decisions are made based on what makes business sense. We are convinced that when that happens, US companies can compete successfully against anybody in the world.

It also goes without saying that the United States remains The Bahamas’ largest economic partner. American economic activity in The Bahamas is vast, particularly when you consider not only the US companies that do business in The Bahamas every day, but all of the partnerships, exchanges and other relationships that exist between Bahamian and American business. We expect this to continue, and even expand.

The Embassy has had no involvement in Baha Mar, which at its heart is a private development and a legal dispute. There are, of course, US companies and citizens that have been impacted by the issues involving Baha Mar over the past year. Some Americans expecting to work at Baha Mar have had to make other arrangements and some US companies are included among Baha Mar’s unsecured creditors.

MONDAY, JULY 4, 2016 PAGE 3

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

Promises, promises The PLP needs to deliver on its 2012 charter for governance before the next election, Tribune Chief Reporter Ava Turnquest says

T

HE Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) blustered into power on May 7, 2012, on a gargantuan catch-all platform that pandered to the hearts and minds of Bahamians across the country.

The campaign was a sweet one that climaxed with the release of “A Charter for Governance” just two weeks before the vote, and left 48.6 per cent of the electorate shuddering from the gold rush.

There is no shame in admitting you were swept up by the party’s rhetoric and sporty paraphernalia. The PLP had a strong plan, and it was expertly packaged.

Four years later, many are referring to that charter as a Trojan horse. However, the party’s embattled term has been closer to the RMS Titanic - the ill-fated vessel on whose legacy one of the most iconic romantic tragedies was staged. The major tenets of the PLP’s charter centred around a redirection of the status quo across every sector: economic policies to uplift the poor and middle class; anti-crime initiatives and interventions in the criminal justice system; the revitalisation of agriculture, tourism, creative, and cultural industries; modernising education and the public service; and a build-out of the Family Islands. It was an aggressive mandate that underscored under each objective the creation of a long-term collective testament in the form of National Development Plan: Vision 2030.

This thrust has since been re-branded as Vision 2040, and has completed its first diagnostic phase with the release of the sobering State of The Nation report.

According to officials, the first draft of the “solutions and strategy” based document has been completed.

Dr Nicola Virgil-Rolle, a lead official, said the report “takes a long-term look with short, medium and long-term goals of the key solutions. It’s a solutionsbased document, a strategybased document, which has as its logical framework a set of goals, and then a set of strategies under each of those goals under four key areas, namely the economy, governance, social policy and the environment.”

She added: “It’s going to be a document which is very action-oriented, where the average person can look at it and tick off something to say that it was done.”

Just as many Bahamians will do in the lead up to the 2017 general elections, now that the final budget communication has been read.

Make no mistake: this government has tacked down a number of its promised initiatives across the various sectors. One of them is its commitment to protecting pensions through the Employees Pension Fund Protection Act and the newly-passed Pension Amendment Bill 2016. Unfortunately, as pointed out by Opposition MPs Loretta Butler-Turner and Hubert Chipman, the timely bills fall flat in the face of uninspiring unemployment numbers and a rising poverty line.

This is because no matter how great the RMS Titanic was, how gleaming and majestic, it will always be defined by the formidable iceberg that sent it to its icy grave. For the PLP, its iceberg - at sea level - appears to be Baha Mar, but looking beneath that hulking blemish on the Cable Beach seascape reveals a cracked foundation of unfulfilled and perhaps unattainable promises on mortgage relief and crime.

OVER all of the PLP’s term of office looms the spectre of Baha Mar - but there are other concerns, for example the lengthy delay in providing support to Creative Nassau as it seeks to bolster creative industries, including Junkanoo.

Running a government by the exchange; and define is a thankless job, as Na- a policy whereby people in tional Security Minister Dr the straw industry can make Bernard Nottage can surely written recommendations attest to. No drug bust, for a family member or emhigh conviction rate or an- ployee to take over their ti-crime initiative can out- stall in the market upon weigh the social currency their demise or retirement. lost when a life is taken, and “All citizens of the Baup to last hamas, night, there through ‘For the PLP, its iceberg have been formal and 62 mur- - at sea level - appears informal ders for the to be Baha Mar, but education, year. While will fully looking beneath crime figunderstand ures are that hulking blemish and apprenot entirely on the Cable Beach ciate our comprised culture and of murder, seascape reveals a the heritit was the cracked foundation age of our murder rate of unfulfilled and language, upon which music, exthe PLP perhaps unattainable pressions, laid out promises on mortgage food, relitheir elec- relief and crime.’ gion, and tion cammyths,” the paign and 2012 PLP it is the murder rate that Charter for Governance will define their effective- states. ness on promises to combat “We will also work with crime and assuage the fear the creative industry to enof crime. sure that Bahamian culture Second only to the fear of becomes a major factor in losing one’s life, is the fear economic development, of losing one’s livelihood working towards the goal and, as is the case for thousands of Bahamians, the fear of losing their home.

To this end, the government has now allocated $20m in what is intended to be a four-year mortgage relief scheme - a second and last ditch effort after the first programme failed miserably. While the Christie administration believes this new plan could assist upwards of 1,000 delinquent borrowers, it is estimated that the actual need is four times greater than the plan’s capacity.

Whether too big or too small, each of us must hold up our end of the bargain and collect on every promise.

Especially those made to the creative and cultural industries. Among those that remain unfulfilled include: revisit and redesign the National Centre for the Performing Arts into a fully functional, proper performing arts centre; and establish a Bahamian Arts Council for the funding of the arts and cultural events.

The PLP also pledged to establish a music secretariat to work closely with The Bahamas Musicians Union to build an archival library of Bahamian music and to institute an associated recording studio for the use and promotion of Bahamian musical talent; and to create a Junkanoo season over a 12-day period ending with the New Year’s Day Parade. In the straw industry, they pledged to facilitate the establishment of a co-operative to create a straw exchange which will purchase for resale all plaits that meet the standard set

that by 2030 the number of visitors who come to The Bahamas because of arts and culture will rival those who come primarily because of our beaches and sea.”

In a letter to the Editor last month, Creative Nassau President Pam Burnside lashed out at the government for disadvantaging efforts to bolster creative industries. In December, 2014, the city of Nassau was accepted into the UNESCO Creative Cities Network as a Creative City of Crafts and Folk Arts, based on our unique Bahamian Straw and Junkanoo traditions. The designation came after six long years of hard work by Creative Nassau, an organisation founded in 2008 by creative professionals. At that time, lawyers submitted an application to the Registrar General’s Department for the incorporation of a non-profit organisation to be known as “Creative Nassau”.

“So here it is, June 2016 a year and a half later,” Mrs Burnside wrote, “and Crea-

tive Nassau is still waiting for its incorporation papers and Business License!

Needless to say, we find this mind boggling, frustrating and totally unacceptable!

“Because our papers had not been processed, last summer Creative Nassau lost a five-figure grant that would have positively impacted the lives of 60 students in an amazing cultural after school programme we designed! Another summer is now upon us and we are still in limbo!”

She continued: “If this is the government’s often touted plan for encouraging entrepreneurship, innovation and creative economic enterprises, having boldly signed up at the 2015 CELAC Conference in Havana as chair for “the development of entrepreneurship and creative industries”, then we cry ‘shame on you’!”

Each ballot cast for the PLP in 2012 represents a social contract between the Christie administration and the electorate. The terms of agreement were heavily re-

searched, set out in a Charter for Governance, and then aggressively marketed in a strategic campaign that targeted vulnerable communities and preyed on their fears, hopes and aspirations. In the lead up to the 2012 general elections, the PLP did its homework and crafted a charter that still rings true for a disenchanted electorate four years later.

With less than a year left, we mush demand a strong finish. We must demand that the government embody the same fervour, the same data-driven focus that propelled the party into power, in actualising its rhetoric. The time to demand it is now, not in protest at the polls in 2017, which will ultimately engender a new social contract, a farther goal post. Through the eyes of the young faces used to brand the 2012 election campaign, as Bahamians we are owed this much.

Comments and responses to aturnquest@ tribunemedia.net

PAGE 4 MONDAY, JULY 4, 2016

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

THIS WEEK IN

Today Insight - Lisa Johnson, the US Charge d’Affaires in Nassau, gives her country’s views of the Bahamas, from crime to the gender referendum and the continuing absence of an ambassador.

Business - Moody’s has The Bahamas under review again and may downgrade the country’s credit rating, Neil Hartnell reports.

Sports - The Bahamas win the Caribbean Island swimming championships in their

home pool. Renaldo Dorsett reports.

Plus the latest properties for sale and rent in the Home Buyers’ Guide Tuesday

The Tribune

Wednesday

Tribune Tech - a weekly look at what’s new in the world of technology Plus Larry Smith’s forthright Tough Call column Thursday

Woman and Health - weekly advice on taking care of your mind and body and women making waves in The Bahamas.

Obituaries and Religion, a weekly review.

Plus comment from Nicole Burrows and sporting mischief and mayhem by Inigo “Naughty” Zenicazelaya.

Young Man’s View - trenchant opinion from Adrian Gibson on the hot topics in the country.

‘On da Hook’, a weekly look at fishing in The Bahamas.

Friday

A celebration of 43 years of Independence - a special supplement in The Tribune.

Weekend - a 28-page section devoted to the best in arts, music, fashion, food, books, entertainment, gardening, animal matters, fitness, history and interviews.

Plus A Comic’s View - Naughty’s unique take on the week in The Bahamas.

Saturday The Tribune’s Top 5: a special video review of the week’s top stories by Khrisna Virgil on www.tribune242.com.

Sports - The Finish Line, a look at the local sports scene, by Brent Stubbs.

Every day in The Tribune, news, business, sports and Classifieds Trader.

Plus breaking news and updates on your mobile-friendly tribune242.com

Many losers and no real winners in Brexit T

HE result of the British referendum to leave the European Union (EU) has already left a trail of culprits, victims and intended and unintended consequences. Its primary outcome is grave uncertainty within Britain, within the EU and for other countries and regions that do business with both.

The entire episode is a calamity, built less on any insurmountable issues between Britain and its 27 partner-countries in the EU, and more on the narrow objectives of a few British politicians who sought to advance their own ambitions by preying on nationalist sentiment, racial bigotry and even nostalgia for past glories of Britain as a dominant power in the world.

David Cameron, the British Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader, believed that the “Remain” vote would win and, in the process, he would bury Boris Johnson, his anticipated challenger for the leadership of the party and the country.

Trying to placate the ‘Brexiteers’ in his own party, Cameron did not campaign hard enough, nor was he effective in demolishing the two main lies on which the ‘Brexit’ campaign was based: the EU is responsible for destructive immigration into Britain by unwanted foreigners; and that, once out of the EU, the government would be able to pump £350 million per week on the flagging National

World View

By SIR RONALD SANDERS Health system. As it turned It was not a deal that met out, Cameron lost and will the ‘Brexiteer’ standards of surrender the party leader- his close ally, Michael Gove, ship and the post of Prime the present Justice MinisMinister in September. ter. In the age-old tradition But, clear loser such as of the Conservative party’s Cameron is, the expected capacity to assassinate their rise of Boris Johnson did own, Gove announced that not only fail to happen, he he had “come, reluctantly, has now been cast out of to the conclusion that Boris any leadership considera- cannot provide the leadertion. He is another loser. It ship or build the team for seems that, the task faced with “Amid boos and ahead”. the frighten- heckling, Nigel The knife ing prospect was well of a dis- Farage, leader of and truly the right-wing membered in JohnBritain (as United Kingdom son’s back.

Scotland Gove duly once again Independence announced prepares to Party, was asked that he leave, this contemptuously would run time with far for the leadgreater cer- by the European ership. tainty); the Commission As if turimmediate moil the president, Jean-Claude rulinginConloss of confidence in the Juncker, ‘Why are you servative British econ- still here?’” party is not omy by the enough, the business community; and main opposition Labour the reality that he would not Party is also racked by interbe able to coerce the EU nal strife. Members of the into accepting a relation- shadow Cabinet resigned, ship with Britain on British calling for its leader, Jeremy terms, he backpedalled on Corbyn, to stand-down. He the kind of deal into which has adamantly refused to he would lead Britain. do so. But he is holding a bomb with a short fuse. He too will be blown into history shortly. In his case, only as a footnote. There will be no narrative of greatness in the main text.

All of this leaves Britain rather rudderless until

EUROPEAN Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, right, greets UKIP leader Nigel Farage at the European Parliament in Brussels on Tuesday, June 28.

September, when the Con- to begin the negotiations servative Party will choose for Britain’s exit from the a new leader and foist that EU? To do so, the Britperson on the British peo- ish government has either ple who would not have to formally advise the EU voted for him or her - never Council, in writing, of its a good thing for a sustain- decision to withdraw or able premiership. And it is make an announcement in to that person that the task the Council. From that mowill fall of deciding when ment, the clock starts tickand how Britain will fol- ing for British withdrawal, low the will of the 52 per which must be concluded cent majority who voted to within two years unless exleave the EU. That person tended unanimously by the also has to figure out how to EU Council - something deal with the anger, bitter- that is unlikely to happen. ness and frustration of the This means that coun48 per cent who don’t want tries, such as those in the to leave, and whose position Caribbean Community now seems to be shared by (CARICOM), have two the expressed remorse of years in which to prepare those who, astoundingly, for two separate sets of now claim that they were structured relationships duped by the ‘Brexiteers’, one with the remaining 27 including Nigel Farage, the members of the EU, and the leader of the right-wing other with Britain.

United Kingdom IndeThere is floating around on pendence Party, who was social media - and even some contemptuously received speculation in the mainby the EU Parliament when stream press - that Britain he dared to show up to give might choose not to trigger them a lecture on Britain’s Article 50, and opt simply to departure. prolong consultations with Amid boos and heckling, the EU, until the governFarage was asked by the Eu- ment announces that it is not ropean Commission presi- in Britain’s interest to leave. dent, Jean-Claude Juncker, That is a thought held by the “Why are you still here?” most wishful of thinkers; it is But the most important in everyone’s interest that it thing is: when will the new should perish immediately; British Prime Minister trig- and that focus be placed on ger Article 50 of the Lisbon the real prospect of Britain Treaty which is required ending its relationship with the EU in its present form.

This idea was born from Cameron’s announcement that he will now handover starting the Article 50 process to his successor, even though he had repeatedly said during the ‘Brexit’ campaign that, if the “Leave” faction won, he would trigger it immediately.

Incidentally, Article 50 activates the process of dismantling Britain’s relation-

ship with the EU; not negotiating a new one. The Article only obliges the EU to take “account of any future relationship”, which obviously cannot be the existing one.

In any event, the British cannot ignore the referendum result which was specifically called for the electorate to decide whether they want to remain in, or leave, the EU. Article 50 has to be triggered shortly after the election of a new Conservative Party leader in September. If the choice of leader is the zealous ‘Brexiteer’, Michael Gove, then it will have to happen at once or Gove will lose political credibility and standing with his own base. Should it be any of the others, the pace will be more measured, but the process will have to begin nonetheless.

Fortunately, despite the enthusiasm to do so on the part of many of the EU member governments, only the government seeking to withdraw can trigger Article 50. So, the start of the process is left to the British government, but the EU is anxious to end the uncertainty of Britain’s precise relationship with it in the future. So is the business sector and the financial services community in the UK and the EU. So, too, is MERCOSUR, the Latin American trading group, that was on schedule to conclude negotiations for a free trade agreement by the end of this year. In the meantime, the British economy has begun to suffer with a knock-on effect for many, including the Caribbean.

It all seems so unnecessarily painful and unproductive - the British are in a pickle of their own making. Many lost, no one really won.

Sir Ronald Sanders is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States and the Organisation of American States. He previously served as Ambassador to the European Union and the World Trade Organisation and as High Commissioner to the UK. The views expressed are his own. Responses and previous commentaries: www. sirronaldsanders.com.

Sail Master/Coach

NEEDED • Male or female.

• Must be a qualified sailor with extensive racing experience • Qualified to coach junior sailing program • Boats are Optimists and Sunfish/Laser (16 boats) and Brenta 30’s (4boats) • Good people motivator/social coordinator • Base salary $45,000.00 per year Please send resume to: vshippingbahamas@gmail.com

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, July 4, 2016, PAGE 7

BAHAMIAN HONOURED FOR WORK IN THE FIGHT AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING A BAHAMIAN official has been honoured by the US State Department for efforts in the global fight against human trafficking.

Karen Rigby, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, was named a Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report Hero for her work as Chair of the government’s Trafficking in Persons InterMinistry Committee (TIP Committee) and advisory

role in Bahamian defence and law enforcement agencies on policy and administrative matters.

This year’s TIP report was released on Thursday, with US Secretary of State John Kerry honouring nine men and women as the 2016 TIP Report Heroes.

“In her position, Ms Rigby advises Bahamian defence and law enforcement agencies on policy and administrative matters, and chairs

the government’s Trafficking in Persons Inter-Ministry Committee (TIP Committee),” read a statement from the US Embassy on Friday.

“Under Ms Rigby’s leadership as Chair, The Bahamas’ TIP Committee has become a cohesive force in the battle against human trafficking.

“During her tenure, the TIP Committee developed victim protection protocols and a National Action Plan that have been showcased

in the region as examples of best practices.

“Her dedication and unceasing efforts have been instrumental in bringing together and energising all sectors of the Bahamian government to achieve a coordinated strategy to combat trafficking in persons.”

The Bahamas maintained its tier one standing in the latest report, fully meeting minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking.

KAREN RIGBY, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security.

New customs rules ‘to clamp down on gun smuggling’

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunmedia.net

NEW customs regulations could clamp down on illegal smuggling of items like guns, State Minister for Finance Michael Halkitis said on Friday.

Some in the business community have expressed concern over the recent amendments to the Customs Management Act, which came into force on July 1 and put greater responsibility on freight companies to ensure that their manifests are accurate.

Because of the amendments, cargo operators will be subjected to a $5,000 per item fine for every prohibited or restricted good found on board.

A fine equivalent to 25 per cent of the value will also be incurred for every item not declared prior to landing in Nassau.

Cargo planes must submit their C7 general declaration forms to customs, detailing all freight items they are bringing, one hour before touching down in

The Bahamas and shippers must provide their manifest and loading list “at least 12 hours” before their shipment lands in The Bahamas.

Submitting such forms in a timely fashion will require a processing fee of $75, but those who submit their C7s in less than the time allotted prior to their arrival in The Bahamas will be subjected to a $2,500 charge.

“They have to make sure their manifests are accurate when leaving,” Mr Halkitis said, adding that the government has no intention of revisiting the amendments and no discussions are ongoing with stakeholder groups about the matter.

“We are seeking to close loopholes that facilitate fraud and smuggling of contraband including guns ...

Last minute changes facilitate fraud and smuggling,” he added. “Those who comply with the law have nothing to worry about.”

Although some have argued that the regulations will reduce the ease of doing business in the country, closing customs loopholes has long been seen as an av-

enue to clamp down on the illegal smuggling of guns into the country.

American-based air cargo companies are said to be considering withdrawing from The Bahamas market because of the impact of the new regulations. They claim that the cost of freight will go up “tremendously” unless the regulations are reversed.

Businesses in The Bahamas fear that a boycott by the freight operators will lead to difficulties in getting goods to customers in good time.

In January, National Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage said inspections processes at the country’s borders are currently too weak to successfully handle the problem.

His statement came after he admitted that progress on the matter would not come through legislative changes in the United States where more than 95 per cent of illegal guns in The Bahamas originate. “(We have to insist) that our customs officers really rummage people’s vessels when they come in,” Dr

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Nottage said earlier this year. “They have a lot of weapons on these boats.”

Nonetheless, in an interview with Tribune Business

last month, Michael Maura, Arawak Port Development Company (APD) chief executive, said customs officials indicated that they

would be “reasonable” with its new powers and would not impose sweeping sanctions for infractions that were not the shipper’s fault.

JOB OPPORTUNITY

SENIOR CASE OFFICER - TECHNICAL ABOUT THE COMPANY: The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (“URCA”) of The Bahamas came into effect on 1 August 2009 as the converged regulator for the Electronic Communications Sector (ECS) – covering broadcasting, radio spectrum and electronic communications.

On January 28, 2016 URCA became the regulator of the Electricity Sector (ES) in The Bahamas. The new sector was added to URCA’s responsibilities with the passing of the Electricity Act 2015 (EA) and the URCA (Amendment) Act 2015 on December 31, 2015.

URCA is further strengthening its capacity and is seeking to employ a suitably qualified individual to fill the post of Senior Case officer - Technical in the Utilities and Energy department with the requisite competencies and experience. The position will be based in The Bahamas and will report to the Director of Utilities and Energy.

While the primary responsibilities will relate to regulation within the Electricity Sector and other utilities sectors SENIOR CASE OFFICER - TECHNICAL CORE DUTIES: • Analyze/monitor/evaluate the technical and operational performance of Electricity Sector and assess whether the regulated entities are compliant with regulatory conditions set out in the licences and relevant regulatory legislation.

• Assist URCA in ensuring that long term and investment plans are developed to provide adequate service levels • Develop standards for utility operations • Keep abreast of developments in renewable energy and energy efficiency in order to advise on the implementation of regulatory mechanisms to promote the sustainable implementation of these technologies in the Bahamas • Keep abreast with technological advancement in order to advice on impact on the regulatory framework • Monitors/evaluates the technical performance of the Utilities • Provides Technical advice and support • Maintains Records and provide Reports • Undertake any other related duties which may be assigned from time to time • Supervise staff as assigned • Provide assistance and training to develop regulatory expertise of case officers and engineers • Provide assistance in the technical regulation of other sectors regulated

by URCA as required by the Director of Utilities and Energy and other executive members from time to time.

QUALIFICATIONS, COMPETENCIES & EXPERIENCE • Master Degree in Engineering (electrical, mechanical, energy) • Professional Engineering registration in The Bahamas • A minimum of seven to ten (7-10) years progressive experience in utilities

operation, engineering and/or planning functions • Experience in electric utility regulation would be a distinct advantage • Experience/knowledge of renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency programmes will be a distinct advantage • Some commercial knowledge, including a demonstrable understanding of accounting and financial issues and economic analysis • Outstanding leadership skills in the areas of planning, organizing, coordinating and controlling, etc.

• Demonstrated outstanding analytical and research capabilities.

• Strong theoretical and practical appreciation of critical regulatory issues • Excellent strategic thinking, analytical, technical report writing skills • Excellent inter-personal skills • Demonstrated ability to interact professionally with senior industry and government personnel • Knowledge of the URCA Act, other relevant Acts and government policies relating to the regulated sectors • Working knowledge of international utility regulatory bodies • Excellent computer skills, with competency in software for power system planning, least cost development and economic dispatch of Plants and

proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point REMUNERATION & DEADLINE: URCA is a performance driven organization and offers a competitive and attractive remuneration and benefits package along with opportunities for further training and career experience. For an expanded version of the requirements of the role and more information about URCA, please visit our website: www.urcabahamas.bs INTERESTED?

Interested applicants should email their resume to: hr@urcabahamas.bs Applications should be received on or before July 8, 2016. URCA thanks all applicants for their interest but only applicants who have been short-listed and have the qualifications and experience will be contacted.

PAGE 8, Monday, July 4, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

Walking to support resident left struggling to breathe

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

CHESAPEAKE residents participated in a walkathon in support of the Wilchcombe family and to heighten awareness of the environmental and health concerns in the Grand Bahama subdivision which they believe are related to a nearby sewerage plant.

Michael Wilchcombe, a local resident, died on June 5 after being rushed to hospital with breathing problems. Residents were wearing t-shirts with a photo of Mr Wilchcombe on the front as they walked.

The walkathon started at 7am on Saturday, near the entrance of the sewerage plant, which is operated by the Grand Bahama Utility Company.

While there is no evidence that the plant has contributed in any way to Mr Wilchcombe’s death, residents strongly believe that it is the source of ongoing foul odours in the area which are making them sick.

Shuffel Hepburn, a long time resident, said walkers attended a prayer service at 6.15am before the event.

“We wanted to pray … because we need the hand of God to aid us in fixing

RESIDENTS during the walkathon to raise awareness of concerns over sewerage fumes. and resolving this (ongoing) problem in our community, and to pray for the Wilchcombe family because we feel their pain as they mourn the loss of their (loved one),” he said.

Mr Hepburn said residents want to keep the issue in the public’s eye. “What surprised me this morning was that … there was no odour in the area. I saw four vehicles at the sewerage plant around 5.45am and the wind was from the south east and we would not

normally smell an odour when it is blowing from the southeast. It tells me that they can control the odour at this plant if they would spend the money for the manpower because there is was no significant odour detected, just a bit on the northwest side.”

Betty Bethel, director of the Ministry of Tourism in Freeport, also supported Saturday’s walkathon. “I am a part of the community and there is an environmental concern, and

the only way you can bring attention to things of this nature where there are governing agencies in place we need to send a message, but a united message; and so that’s what this walkathon is all about. We had several people in the community who have fallen ill and we just simply want to rule out some things that may, or may not have played a role in that.”

Central Church of God Pastor Stephen Dean said that several of the residents

are members of the church and he felt the need to support their cause. “The community has been enduring odours for quite some time and a sewerage plant is located there. This morning we prayed for the community, and we pray that this walkathon will heighten awareness of what is happening in this area,” he said.

Sandra Gow, a resident, believes that a sewerage plant should not have been built in a residential neighbourhood. “When the wind blows the smell is all over (in this neighbourhood) they can do better. They should put this plant in a place where nobody lives,” she said.

Officials at the Utility Company have claimed that the odour is coming from a nearby pond, but residents do not agree. The plant handles raw sewerage from the hotels on the Lucaya strip, including the Grand Lucayan Resort properties and Memories Resort.

“It’s not the pond; you know difference between a pond scent and sewerage,” said Tupence Wilchcombe, the wife of Mr Wilchcombe.

The family’s home is located nearest the plant.

“If it is a pond then do us a favour and fill it in and get rid of it, then we will see if the problem is resolved. I

don’t think people should have to endure this settling (odour) in their homes. I have been here five years and it is really awful. I feel they should do something about it, and the best thing is to relocate it.”

Jackie Smith, an elderly resident who also lives near the plant, said although she was not able to participate in the walkathon, she felt it was important to come out and show her support.

“For what I have been going through, I needed to be out here for my husband and myself - I can’t breathe,” Mrs Smith, who claims that her husband passed away last year after being rushed to hospital with breathing problems, said no one from the company has come to speak with her. “I was told that there was going to be a shopping mall here … and that’s the shopping mall I got,” she said, pointing in the direction of the sewerage plant. “I am very disappointed that no one has ever come to check on what I am saying.”

It is claimed that residents have been experiencing various illnesses, including the flu, breathing/ respiratory problems and eye irritations. “I think the plant should be moved, something has to be done,” Mrs Smith said.

TRIBUNE CARTOONIST IS NAMED AN ICON from page one

portrait work from former US presidential candidate John McCain for the portraits he drew of Mr McCain and his wife Cindy.

And in 2013, Mr Rolle received praise from Hollywood star Mark Wahlberg while the latter was a guest on the US morning TV show “Live with Kelly and Mike”.

Mr Rolle suggested that winning the Bahamian Icon award was the proverbial icing on the cake.

“I’ve been embraced and acknowledged by international and famous people like Oprah, Prince Harry; my work has been acknowledged by Pope Francis, actors, people from all over the world, and just recently, President Obama,” Mr Rolle said. “But nothing makes me more proud than being congratulated and accepted my fellow Bahamians.

“I think particularly dur-

ing this independence time, I’m so patriotic as a Bahamian - I wear my Bahamian pin when I travel, I proudly say I’m from the Bahamas when people ask me where I’m from. So it’s a good feeling. I think those other accomplishments from all over the world cannot compare.

“Because that’s one of the hardest things to accomplish – being accepted by your own people. Usually you have to go away to be accepted. But it feels good.”

Mr Rolle said he has already received praise for his award from numerous people and dignitaries, including Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe, former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham and Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner.

Still, Mr Rolle said while the award is a stellar accomplishment, what makes it all the more special is that he received it for excelling in his passion.

“I just did art because I

love it,” Mr Rolle said. “I love to make people feel good and just to see the joy on people’s faces when they see my art work. To see me become a celebrity to celebrities, people who I look up to and I’m a fan of, to see them become fans of me, it’s a really good feeling.

“So I don’t have to get an award for doing these things. I just did it because it’s what I love to do. The awards and the shiny stuff, the recognition, I’m not really a flashy person so it doesn’t really matter that much. But at the same time I appreciate it.”

Mr Rolle has been The Tribune’s daily cartoonist for the last six years and his cartoons appear on the editorial page (four).

The Bahamian Icon Awards was launched in 2013 and recognises Bahamians who have excelled in various fields.

The list of winners and more photographs in tomorrow’s Tribune

MARSH HARBOUR AIRPORT TO BE RENAMED AN official renaming ceremony for the Marsh Harbour Airport to the Leonard M Thompson International Airport will be held Thursday in Marsh Harbour, Abaco.

The event will form a part of the official 43rd anniversary of independence celebrations.

The airport is among the busiest in The Bahamas and it is of critical importance to the economy of Abaco and to the nation, Minister of Transport and Aviation Glenys Hanna Martin said in a press release.

The airport facility has been recently redeveloped at a cost of over $30m.

It is a state-of-the-art aer-

odrome with a unique array of Bahamian shops and restaurants. The government is now finalising a technical cooperation agreement with Vantage Airport Group, current mangers of LPIA, to enhance the management and operational efficiency of this airport facility, the press release said.

Captain Leonard Thompson was born in Hope Town, Abaco, on June 17, 1917, and joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1939. He flew 25 combat missions which ended when his bomber aircraft was shot down over Hamburg, Germany in 1944, leading to his capture and detention at Stalag Luft III Camp just

east of Berlin, until he was freed by Russian troops.

His post-war involvement in civil aviation, business and politics further distinguished what had already been an outstanding career.

He served as a member of Parliament from 1949 1967.

“We therefore consider July 7 to be a proud day in the history of the Bahamas and in particular to the people of Abaco,” Mrs Hanna Martin said.

“The redevelopment of this airport is part of a larger national exercise for the redevelopment of airports nationwide and the modernisation of the aviation sector.”

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, July 4, 2016, PAGE 9

Taking pride in our nation

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net NATIONAL celebrations to commemorate the country’s 43rd anniversary of independence started on Friday with National Pride Day festivities, which climaxed with a spirited and cultured flag raising ceremony.

Scores of Bahamians filled historic Rawson Square in downtown Nassau to witness the hoisting of the national flag by Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling, who implored Bahamians to use the 43rd anniversary as an opportunity to reflect on the journey the country has made since it became independent in 1973.

She noted that The Bahamas has taken monumental steps toward realising the nation’s true potential.

“In order to continue to build our nation, all of us must have the positive determination to move ahead, the will to be an effective part of nation-building, and a sense of shared initiatives,” she said. “Everyone of us has a vital role to play in our continuation as a sovereign nation and there

A PERFORMER at the National Pride Day event in Rawson Square.

can be no better way to start than by demonstrating unity of purpose and a firm commitment to excellence in all we do.”

Dame Marguerite said there were many challenges and difficulties which confront The Bahamas. As a result, she said it will take the full determination of each Bahamian to maintain the peace and good order of society, urging them to unite to celebrate as a country and seize this opportunity to be a part of the answer and not a part of the problem.

The theme of this year’s independence celebrations is “Honouring Our People’s Excellence”.

In addition to the flag raising ceremony, officials commemorated National Pride Day with other festivities including performances of Junkanoo and rake ‘n’ scrape along with many other cultural expressions.

According to Ian Poitier, director of the Independence Committee, festivities will continue throughout the month. Other events on the calendar include the Beat Retreat yesterday at 5.30pm in Rawson Square, as well as separate ceremonies to celebrate the country’s cultural and sporting legends, on July 5 and 14 respectively.

The traditional Clifford Park events will begin on Saturday, July 9, at 8pm with an ecumenical service and culminates with the flag raising at midnight.

On the evening of Sunday, July 10, there will be a state reception at Government House and at midnight heading into Monday, July 11, the day the public holiday will be observed, is the People’s Love and Unity Rush on Bay Street.

Last year the government spent $1.1m on the celebrations. Officials have said they plan to spend less this year.

Staying safe during hurricane season

Police advice

By CORPORAL MAKELLE PINDER

DURING this hurricane season in The Bahamas, it is important that adequate preparations are made to minimise loss of life and property.

Remember that hurricane preparation only takes a little time to accomplish; for this reason the Royal Bahamas Police Force National Crime Prevention Office provides safety tips that can assist in preparedness.

Pre-season preparation • Make sure your home meets building codes for withstanding hurricanes and that it has storm shutters.

• Have proper tools, supplies and a first aid kit.

• Have plenty of batteries and flashlights.

• Always have plenty of non-perishable foods on hand.

• Properly secure important documents such as bank account documents and insurance policy documents.

• You will need to carry cash.

When a Watch or Warning is issued • Leave low lying areas.

• Protect windows with plywood boards or storm shutters.

• Secure outside objects.

• Make sure you have plenty of fuel and water.

• Have several days supply of food and water for each family member.

• If called to evacuate, do so immediately.

Before the storm • Be ready to put your plan and preparation into action.

• You will need a batterypowered or self-powered radio to follow the news updates • Pay attention to local weather reports on radio, television or the internet.

• Have your house board-

ed up or have storm shutters in place.

• Have plenty of food and water.

• Make sure all your tools, supplies and first aid kit are available for use.

• Have a secure room available.

During the storm • Stay in a secured room.

• Stay away from windows.

• Do not use the phone or candles.

• Monitor weather.

• Have supplies on hand.

• Remain indoors when the eye moves over your area because the storm will resume shortly.

• You should stay away from the glass doors and windows.

• Keep the curtains and the blinds closed.

• Only use 911 or 919 in case of a true emergency as they will be flood with calls from people who are in danger or injured.

After the storm • Make sure that all is definitely clear outside and the storm has completely passed before going out.

• Report downed power lines and stay away from them.

• Use stored water and food.

• Be patient. Things will take a while before they get back to normal.

If applied, the safety tips provided can minimise your chances of becoming a victim and a loss of property.

If you need further information about hurricane safety contact the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on (242) 322-6081/5 or fax (242) 3265456.

And if you see or hear about a crime call the police emergency at ‘919’ or Crime Stoppers at 328-tips (New Providence), 1-3008476 (Family Islands).

SOME of the youngsters at the National Pride Day event held in Rawson Square.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

Beat

PAGE 10, Monday, July 4, 2016

Retreat THE BEAT Retreat was held in Rawson Square yesterday, including music from the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and the Departmet of Corrections. Crowds lined the route to watch the bands perform in the traditional annual event, also watched by dignitaries including the Governor General, Dame Marguerite Pindling.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

JOB OPPORTUNITY

SENIOR CASE OFFICER - ECONOMICS ABOUT THE COMPANY: The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (“URCA”) of The Bahamas came into effect on 1 August 2009 as the converged regulator for the Electronic Communications Sector (ECS) – covering broadcasting, radio spectrum and electronic communications.

On January 28, 2016 URCA became the regulator of the Electricity Sector (ES) in The Bahamas. The new sector was added to URCA’s responsibilities with the passing of the Electricity Act 2015 (EA) and the URCA (Amendment) Act 2015 on December 31, 2015.

URCA is further strengthening its capacity and is seeking to employ a suitably qualified individual to fill the post of Senior Case Officer, Economics in the Utilities and Energy department with the requisite competencies and experience. The position will be based in The Bahamas and will report to the Director of Utilities and Energy.

SENIOR CASE OFFICER - ECONOMICS CORE DUTIES: • Analyze/monitor/evaluate the financial, economic and operational performance of utilities in the Electricity Sector and assess whether the utilities are likely to meet economic regulation conditions set out in their licences and relevant regulatory measures • Research best practices in utilities regulation and recommend policy • Lead the assessment of the development plans for the electricity sector • Develop and monitor standards for the electricity industry • Assist URCA in ensuring that the operation of the sector is fair and

transparent and that Plants are utilized in the most efficient and cost effective manner • Assist in the development of the regulatory framework for and take the lead in implementing economic regulation of the Electricity sector • Assist in enforcement of regulations and licence conditions • Evaluate rate applications for Electricity • Any other relevant duties which may be assigned from time to time • Work in close liaison with URCA team members in the performance of various regulatory activities • Research, develop and maintain awareness of best practices in utility regulation analysis and disseminate findings to staff • Make recommendations on the optimal development plan for the electricity sector • Make recommendations to on standards for the efficient performance of the electricity sector • Monitor the financial and operational performance of the electricity market

to ensure that objectives are realized and efficiency maintained • Prepare and submit periodic reports as required and assist in ensuring that the Annual Report is completed on time in accordance with established procedure • Perform the detailed work for the economic regulation of the Electricity market and provide advice and support • Monitor international utility input costs and prices to consumers, particularly in countries having similar economic conditions to The Bahamas • Supervise staff as assigned • Provide assistance and training to develop regulatory expertise of case officers • Provide assistance in the economic regulation of other sectors regulated

by URCA as required by the Director of Utilities and Energy and other executive members from time to time QUALIFICATIONS, COMPETENCIES & EXPERIENCE • Master degree in Economics, Engineering or Regulation • A minimum of Eight (8) years post-graduate experience with at least five (5) years of experience working in utility regulation either with company or regulatory agency with increasing responsibilities and demonstrated technical competencies • Outstanding leadership skills in the areas of planning, organizing, coordinating and controlling, etc.

• Demonstrated outstanding analytical and research capabilities • Demonstrated understanding of the financial, and economic/ technical factors underpinning the performance of all Utilities, but in particular Electricity, in order to develop pricing models • Strong theoretical and practical appreciation of critical regulatory issues • Good strategic thinking, analytical, technical report writing skills • Demonstrated ability to interact professionally with senior industry and government personnel • Knowledge of the URCA Act, other relevant Acts and government policies relating to the regulated sectors • Working knowledge of international utility regulatory bodies • Computer literacy with proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point and data base tools REMUNERATION & DEADLINE: URCA is a performance driven organization and offers a competitive and attractive remuneration and benefits package along with opportunities for further training and career experience. For an expanded version of the requirements of the role and more information about URCA, please visit our website: www.urcabahamas.bs INTERESTED?

Interested applicants should email their resume to: hr@urcabahamas.bs

Applications should be received on or before July 8, 2016. URCA thanks all applicants for their interest but only applicants who have been short-listed and have the qualifications and experience will be contacted.

THE TRIBUNE

THE TRIBUNE

Celebrate Independence Get your pullout guide to Independence events free in this Friday’s Tribune

NEW MAPLE SAUSAGE BREAKFAST SANDWICH COMBO Wake up to the sweet taste of maple.

| www.dunkinbahamas.com

Monday, July 4, 2016, PAGE 11