07112018 NEWS

WEDNESDAY i’m lovin’ it!

HIGH 88ºF LOW 79ºF

The Tribune Established 1903

24/7 BREAKING NEWS ON TRIBUNE242.COM

Biggest And Best!

VOLUME:115 No.158, JULY 11TH, 2018

THE PEOPLE’S PAPER: $1

ALICIA WALLACE: WHY HAS MINNIS REALLY SHUFFLED HIS CABINET?

Christie backs marijuana move INDEPENDENCE? IT’S A PIECE OF CAKE

Former PM hopeful of change in law to offer treatment

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net WHILE indicating support for the legal use of medical marijuana, former Prime Minister Perry Christie said the government must understand the implications of withholding the drug from those who really need it for various health challenges.

Mr Christie, who has an adult son with autism, expressed optimism that cannabis might become a viable legal solution to the issues the condition

presents.

Asked if he would support any efforts by the Minnis administration to make marijuana available for medical use, the former Centreville MP said: “Clearly if in fact the research shows that it works for any kind of illness then there is absolutely no doubt that the people who are sick and who could be assisted by it deserve that kind of treatment. But without doubt I think everything we do has to be based (on research).”

SEE PAGE SEVEN

RASTAFARIAN communities in The Bahamas are calling for reparatory justice in the form of state recognition and inclusion as national discourse over marijuana law reform picks up steam.

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

oppression inflicted on Rastafarian communities due to their sacramental use of the plant.

The government has reportedly held talks with the Bobo Ashanti - formally known as the Ethiopia Africa Black International Congress (EABIC) - for the past three months concerning sacramental rights; however, confidence over the inclusion and equity stake of Rastafarians was not widespread.

SEE PAGE SEVEN

THE first recipients of the country’s National Honours were announced yesterday, with the top honour of the Order of National Hero awarded posthumously to Sir Lynden Pindling, Sir Roland Symonette, Sir Milo Butler and Sir Cecil Wallace-Whitfield.

The Order of the Nation was bestowed on 12 people, including: Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis; former Governors General Sir Orville Turnquest; Dame Ivy Dumont; Arthur Hanna; Sir Arthur Foulkes; and former Prime Ministers Hubert Ingraham and Perry Christie. It was awarded posthumously to Sir Milo; Sir Gerald Cash; Sir Henry Milton Taylor; Sir Clifford Darling and Sir Lynden. This honour can be bestowed on all persons who have been appointed governor general or elected prime minister.

SEE PAGE THREE

‘PUT UP THE FINES FOR POACHERS’

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net

WHILE new Agriculture and Marine Resources Minister Michael Pintard is calling for stricter penalties for poachers to be implemented, he stopped short of advocating for their vessels to be sunk.

In an interview with The Tribune yesterday, Mr Pintard suggested other avenues could be taken instead, such as harsher fines, imprisonment, and seizing the vessels.

SEE PAGE TEN

RASTAFARIANS SEEK RELIGIOUS RECOGNITION FOR DRUG USE

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

FIRST HEROES OF NATION NAMED IN NEW HONOURS

GOVERNOR General Dame Marguerite Pindling gives a piece of cake to Opposition Leader Philip ‘Brave’ Davis as Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis watches during a state reception at Government House in celebration of the 45th anniversary of Bahamian independence yesterday. See pages two and three for more photographs from the celebrations.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

SHANTY TOWN DEADLINE MOVED BACK

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

THE government has delayed its July 31 deadline for New Providence shanty town evictions to August 10 in an effort to ensure the process is not stopped by legal action, according to Labour Minister Dion Foulkes.

He spoke to reporters just before members of the government’s Shanty Town

Action Task Force delivered official eviction notices to the 11 shanty town communities around New Providence.

Addressing the change in deadline, Mr Foulkes, the chairman of the task force, said the government wanted to protect itself from the possibility of the process being hindered by legal action.

“The first notice we had to give . . .required a 14-day leave period,” he said.

“The attorney general gave us the advice on this, just in case it goes to court, we want to make sure that we cover all legal grounds and there is no possibility that what we are doing being stopped.”

The Minnis administration is seeking to completely eradicate shanty town communities throughout the country, a process that will start in the capital

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

SEE PAGE SIX

BISHOP: TAX WON’T LIFT THE NATION

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net BAHAMAS Christian Council President Bishop Delton Fernander is calling for the country to be led by “progressive innovation”, as opposed to regressive policies such as tax increases.

In his remarks during the country’s 45th independence celebrations at Clifford Park on Monday night, Bishop Fernander implored for the fight for a Bahamas “emancipated from segregation and colonial” precepts to continue, SEE PAGE FIVE

PAGE 2, Wednesday, July 11, 2018

What a Rush

THE TRIBUNE

SCENES from the Junkanoo rushout held on Bay Street in celebration of The Bahamas’ 45th year of Independence.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, July 11, 2018, PAGE 3

INDEPENDENCE MORNING

FIRST HEROES OF NATION NAMED IN NEW HONOURS from page one

“These contributions have been made in myriad areas including: comThe Order of the Baha- merce, public service, the mas, conferred on any arts, medicine, religion, citizen who has achieved community service, civil outstanding distinction and society and other areas of given exemplary service, national endeavours.” was awarded posthumously He also said: “A nation’s to Dame Doris Johnson wealth and well-being and Dr Myles Munroe. must equally be measured The Order of Distinc- by the quality of service, tion has three ranks and generosity of of membership: its people, in the companion, officer promotion of the and member. common good, and Persons who are in the fostering and given this order development, of are recognised for the talents of citiexemplary service zens and residents. provided to the “We are blessed country. to have so many Former Deputy Bahamians who Prime Minister have contributed Cynthia “Mother” to the common Pratt, Anita Bergood by rendernard and Tribune ing service toward publisher/editor the charitable, Eileen Carron were cultural, athletic, awarded the rank of artistic, political, companion. Officgovernmental, ers are Merceline commercial and Dahl-Regis; Dr social development Elwood Donaldson; of our country.

Lowell Mortimer; “In honouring Barry Rassin; those who served Sandra Dean Patwith distinction; we terson; and Patrick offer current and David Roberts, future generations while William fine examples of Sands received the national and comhonour of Member munity service.” of the Order of As reported Distinction. earlier this year, The final honour, Mark Holowesko, the Order of Merit, Lawrence Cartis given to any wright and Rev Bahamian citizen Dr Ranford Patwho has achieved terson received eminent national or the Companions international dis- FROM top, Sir of the Most Distinction in science, Lynden Pindling, tinguished Order education, public Sir Roland Sy- of St Michael service, the arts, monette, Sir Milo and St George literature or any Butler, and Sir (CMG), awarded other endeavour. Cecil Wallaceto those who have Reverend Sebas- Whitfield. given important tian Campbell and service in the ComPauline Davis-Thompson monwealth and foreign have been given the rank countries. of companion under this Antonius Roberts, Dr order; Monsignor Pres- Robin Roberts, Pastor Rex ton Moss and Rev Dr J Major and David ThompEmmette Weir were hon- son received the Most oured under the rank of Excellent Order of the Officer and Rev Ervin British Empire (MBE), an Clarke; Rev Dr Gary Curry; order of chivalry. and Rev Walter Hanchell Those appointed as were honoured as Members Members of the Most of the Order of Merit.

Excellent Order of the These awards will be British Empire for outpresented on National standing service to the Heroes Day, October 9. community include: Elma Queen’s Honours Garraway; Nancy Kelly; The recipients of the Nigel Lewis and Dr. Jona2018 Queen’s Honours, than Rodgers. who were first announced The British Empire in January, were honoured Medal recognises “meriduring a ceremony at Gov- torious civil or military ernment House on Monday. service.”

During the event, Dr The recipients of the Minnis congratulated BEM this year include: those who have received Ronnie Armbrister; Willis Queen’s Honours this year. Bain; Llewellyn Cart“These honours have wright; Kendal Culmer; been bestowed in recog- Elisha Miller and Quintin nition of the tremendous, Woodside. and stellar contributions, The Queen’s Police of these citizens to our Medal was awarded to national development over Commissioner of Police many decades,” Dr Minnis Anthony Ferguson has said. been awarded the QPM.

SCENES from the celebrations at Clifford Park early yesterday - with musical performances, demonstrations by the uniformed services, fireworks, a flagraising and more.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/ Tribune Staff

HUNDREDS TURN OUT IN INDEPENDENCE PARK

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

HUNDREDS celebrated the Bahamas’ 45th independence anniversary in Freeport at the Independence Park on Monday evening during an event that climaxed with the police Tattoo and a fireworks display around midnight.

Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest and

his wife, Sonia, were present, as well as Minister of State for Grand Bahama Kwasi Thompson and his wife, Tammy. Members of Parliament Pakesia ParkerEdgecombe, Rev Frederick McAlpine, Senate President Katherine Smith, and Senator Jasmine Turner Darius were also present.

Robert Lockhart, president of the Grand Bahama Christian Council - who spoke briefly on Monday evening – said the Bahamas has come

far as a nation by faith.

“We have come this far by faith,” he said. “In these last 45 years, we have seen advances in education, health, housing, national security, in our culture, sports, and industry.”

In addition to the major achievements, Pastor Lockhart also said the country has had some challenges over the years.

He noted that there had been the rise of violent crime, drug trafficking, drug

abuse, human smuggling, and gun racketeering.

“We also had challenges with devastating hurricanes, the rise of unemployment, and the increase of our national debt, which led to the increase of taxes and the cost of living in the Bahamas,” he said.

“Be not in despair, fellow Bahamians, because…God did not bring us this far to leave us,” Pastor Lockhart said. He urged Bahamians to continue to trust in God.

PAGE 4, Wednesday, July 11, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

The Tribune Limited NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI “Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”

LEON E. H. DUPUCH,

SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH,

jrolle@tribunemedia.net

Publisher/Editor 1903-1914 Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt .

Publisher/Editor 1919-1972 Contributing Editor 1972-1991

EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON,

C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B. Publisher/Editor 1972-

Published daily Monday to Friday

Shirley & Deveaux Streets, Nassau, Bahamas N3207 TELEPHONES

News & General Information Advertising Manager Circulation Department Nassau fax Freeport, Grand Bahama Freeport fax

(242) 322-1986 (242) 502-2394 (242) 502-2386 (242) 328-2398 (242)-352-6608 (242) 352-9348

WEBSITE, TWITTER & FACEBOOK www.tribune242.com

@tribune242

tribune news network

Fix the Real Property Tax debacle DONALD Trump wants a wall to keep foreigners out. The Bahamas didn’t have to build a wall. All the government had to do was create a high enough rate for real property tax for residences owner-occupied for less than six months of the year and they could not only effectively keep those who might have been interested in a second home from choosing The Bahamas, they could entice those already invested in second homes to pack up and leave.

Donald Trump was at least honest about keeping America for Americans (ignoring the fact that there are few native Americans living in America and everyone else came from somewhere else). The American president said his battle is not with foreigners but with those who try to enter the country illegally.

Our government’s battle seems to be with those who not only reside here part-time legally, but were lured to do so and paid handsomely for the privilege.

Yet with one single change in the 20182019 Budget, The Bahamas all but gave the boot to those high net worth individuals invited to make The Bahamas their second home by every successive government since 1992.

Maybe the change was not thoroughly thought through. Maybe the consequences were unintentional but it only took hours after the budget with the change in real property tax announcement that e-mails began to fly. While some said it must have been a mistake, others said they were putting their houses on the market immediately. One family’s property tax bill for an island they own was going to go from $50,000 to $400,000. The gentleman was willing to take a loss on the sale of his residence rather than incur a bill like that annually.

He could live anywhere and as much as he likes The Bahamas for the short weeks of the year he lives here, he does not enjoy it nearly half a million dollars’ worth for property tax every year.

The changes to real property tax in the budget were intended to raise additional revenue, a goal everyone understands.

But aiming the revenue gun at the wealthy does not force them to produce more money, it sends them running the other way if the increases are seen as too onerous, unjust or unreasonable.

In brief, here is what happened with property tax. There was an extension of breaks for those striving for their first home or a residence valued at $500,000 or less and that is a very good thing.

Home ownership builds empowerment, responsibility, stability and is an undervalued contributor to the overall economy. That is the good news part of the real estate section of the budget.

The concern lies in two other areas, the ability of developers to claim input on their VAT, which appears to be under re-consideration, which is also good. If they cannot claim back the VAT on materials used, the buyer ends up paying double taxation because there is VAT on components of the sale. There is also concern about what

impact the VAT increase which applies to legal fees and real estate commissions will have and whether by driving the already high closing costs up even higher that will affect market volume.

The Bahamas Real Estate Association (BREA) is concerned about anything that increases costs, particularly in a market that is just beginning to recover from both a global recession and contraction of bank lending. BREA is especially concerned – and rightly so – about the immediacy of the change, meaning it could impact contracts for sale and purchase that have already been signed with closings pending. The 700-member BREA is optimistic that it will meet with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest and the issue of pending sales will be amicably resolved.

But the changes with the greatest impact are the removal of a $50,000 a year cap on real property tax and an increase from 1% to 2% (above the $500,000 level) for all property that falls under a category called “other,” meaning it is not owner-occupied for six months of the year. That is the equivalent of charging commercial real property tax, a financial penalty for someone who spends less than six months of the year in residence.

The triple whammy of requiring 6-month residency to avoid a tax hike from 1% to 2% of the value of the property and removing the cap is the equivalent of our keep out wall for high net worth individuals. If the feeling was “They’re rich, we need the money and they can afford it,” prevailed, it reflected a dismal understanding of the market.

Wealthy individuals can go anywhere.

They do not want rules changed in the middle of the game nor do they want to feel they are being taken advantage of.

They also watch their money and invest where it makes sense. The Bahamas has a lot of competition, including our number one competitor, Florida, which is inviting residents of means to the state and offering incentives plus far more reliable and extensive services.

Someone who has a $10 million property and paid $50,000 last year and spends six weeks here this year is not going to want to write a cheque for nearly $200,000 because the government says he or she is rich. E-mails are already flying fast and furious with people threatening to sell before the market is flooded. This is serious business that the decision-makers could simply not have thought through. And it is one more example of why consultation on individual policies is so important.

Most high net worth individuals who own in The Bahamas do not spend six months in the country, yet their economic contributions are significant.

They spend handsomely when they are here and even when they are not and they demand little in the way of services from government. This debacle must be fixed before the country’s reputation is endangered and there is no telling how long it will take to get it back.

Give a pet a home EDITOR. The Tribune.

THE Bahamas Humane Society has lots of beautiful dogs and cats, puppies and kittens looking for homes.

As always, spring is the time that many unwanted litters are brought to our doorstep for surrender, and summer brings a time when people do not want the bother or the expense, of boarding their dogs, so they give them up at the shelter, when they come home there are plenty more dogs out there, meanwhile …. There are animals faced with no homes.

We have a limited amount of space, and we cannot bear the idea of

putting animals to sleep because there are too many, so we have decided to have a complementary adoption programme…

Dogs and cats, kittens and puppies can go to good homes free of charge – this is the best time to adopt when your kids are home from school, they can bond with the new family member. These animals will have had their shots and will have been spayed and neutered.

Dogs make the best security alarms; cats get rid of rats and unwanted visitors… They are far more reliable. I invite the public to take advantage of our free adoptions going on

NOW at the shelter…..

Come and visit us and let our adoption team help you choose the perfect pet.

Call 323-5138 for more information, adoption hours are 11- 4 weekdays and 10 -4 on Saturday.

We have all sorts of cross breeds, large and small, ready to move to your home and provide you with companionship and security.

It is the best time ever to adopt a dog or cat, please step up and give a fellow Bahamian a chance during Independence week.

KIM ARANHA President of the Bahamas Humane Society Nassau.

Hypocrisy of PLP over VAT EDITOR, The Tribune.

COMMENTS regarding VAT being increased from 7.5 percent to 12 percent, made by the leader and several members of Her Majesty’s loyal opposition as well as various, former government members unceremoniously dispatched from office just over 12 months ago under a cloud and shroud of mismanagement, incompetence and greed, can best be described as abhorrent, contemptible, detestable, despicable, hypocritical, insincere, repugnant and reprehensible.

Prior to expounding on my reasons for describing opposition and former PLP government members’ comments thusly, it is to be noted that, concomitant with the increase in VAT, Custom’s duty is being significantly reduced or eliminated on some 200 plus items, VAT is being eliminated on electricity bills below $200 and it is being eliminated on a goodly number of bread-basket items that typically account for a significant portion of purchases by those who

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net would ordinarily be most negatively impacted by the VAT increase.

Based on discussions with a cross section of individuals, notwithstanding the VAT increase, some will likely experience a reduction in their total expenditures, others will probably not experience any noticeable change in their expenditures while a select group, principally those best positioned to ameliorate the increase, will experience the increase.

In fact, I share the view, already postulated by some, that the government’s revenue intake arising from the increase in VAT will fall short of expectations.

I return to my reasoning for having described the opposition’s comments as I have done. The PLP’s rationale for introducing VAT, at an all-inclusive rate of 7.5 percent, was to stabilise and begin paying down the country’s debt. Instead, debt ballooned. The fact that debt ballooned would

lead to two reasonable conclusions: (a) the 7.5 percent VAT figure was inadequate to address the intended purpose, in which case the increase is justified, QED (Quod Erat Demonstrandum) or (b) the “cookie jar” was greedily and mercilessly attacked. I invite the PLP to purposefully and eruditely consider options (a) and (b) and to choose wisely.

Any attempt to muddy the waters, to seek to confound, confuse, complicate and obfuscate the issue by claims of hurricane restoration efforts is easily, readily and clearly dismissible given the fact that most households that experienced hurricane damage still had their roofs covered in bright blue tarps when the PLP were perfunctorily dismissed from office. Very recently, a large percentage of the blue tarps have begun disappearing suggesting that hurricane restoration efforts are finally being earnestly and comprehensively addressed.

MICHAEL R MOSS Freeport, Grand Bahama, July 9, 2018.

Taxation honesty EDITOR, The Tribune.

WE live in a funny country. We are so immune to irony that even our news reporters don’t call it out when a man accused by the Department of Customs of underpaying duties can appear in the newspaper calling for more consequences for fiscal irresponsibility among civil servants and elected officials. That the failure to pay one’s taxes is one of the more common issues impeding fiscal performance seems not to occur to many of us.

Of course, the issue that

Robert Myers and his fellow self-styled “governance reformers” always seem to skirt, avoid or miss is that, in a country that collects a mere 18 percent of GDP in revenues annually (the world average is upward of 30 percent, even in such socialist beacons as Thatcherite Britain and Reagan’s USA), “fiscal woes” are inevitable if you expect normal outcomes in terms of national development. To blame all of our fiscal pressures on supposed wastage or theft is therefore either dishonest or ignorant (not to mention hypocritical, in this case!).

Until the highest income

groups begin contributing their fair share to the national treasury (via taxes on personal and corporate income), we will always have unnecessary difficulty running this country in line with the legitimate expectations of its people. And we will continue having one of the most unequal societies in the region.

Mr Myers’ ‘governance reformers’ would do well to concentrate their minds on finding solutions to that.

They won’t.

ANDREW ALLEN Nassau, July 6, 2018.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, July 11, 2018, PAGE 5

POLICE HUNT AFTER ARMED ROBBERIES

BISHOP Delton Fernander

Bishop: tax won’t lift the nation from page one even referring to the controversial firing of three Free National Movement members of Parliament from their government appointments for voting against the value added tax increase.

“Past leaders of our Commonwealth were men and women who walked by faith and not by sight,” Mr Fernander said, listing a number of Bahamian patriots, ranging from Dame Doris Johnson to Sir Lynden Pindling to Arthur Hanna.

“They sought to be innovative and progressive depending on the ingenuity of the Bahamian people rather than being degrading and regressive.

We cannot tax our way into a better tomorrow; we must innovate and elevate our natural resources and people.”

Mr Fernander has previously criticised the value added tax hike. The increase from 7.5 percent

VAT to 12 percent was announced on May 30 and went into effect on July 1.

On June 5, Mr Fernander specifically called for Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis to remember his own critiques of the tax while in opposition and to reconsider the increase.

“We might get the desired result in terms of reduced deficits but we might have a frustrated citizenry,” Mr Fernander said at the time.

“You must keep the economy growing and expanding in a way that makes life palatable for those of us in our society. If you wipe out all your debt and people can’t eat today, it doesn’t accomplish what you intended.”

Mr Fernander echoed these sentiments on Monday night, saying, “We must innovate in ways that are progressive and not oppressive to the poor and middle class who can ill afford it.

“These are the very people that are needed to build this country. We cannot destroy the middle

class and expect for our country to thrive.”

Instead, Mr Fernander said creative, technological based solutions should be found.

Forty-five years after independence, the BCC president called for the country to abandon colonial systems and hinted at the need to shift from the Westminster system.

“We should have left in the water the colonial system that causes our elected members of Parliament to be fired for representing the very people that sent them there,” he said.

The relevance of the Westminster system in the country has been a source of debate in recent weeks, after Dr Minnis revoked the government appointments of three Free National Movement members of Parliament who voted no to the VAT increase.

When asked by reporters about the firings on June 20, Dr Minnis said: “As prime minister I have a responsibility, we are a

democratic society and we practice the Westminster system of Parliament procedure, and I have certain obligations and I will ensure that I adhere to my obligation.”

In his remarks, Mr Fernander also called for more national unity and a return to God. While applauding how much the country has accomplished in the last 45 years, Mr Fernander also

reminded the nation not to get too comfortable.

“Though we have come a mighty long way do not for a moment think that we have arrived.

“There are many rivers left to cross and many mountains left to climb in the development of this archipelagic nation. The faith that has brought us this far is the same faith that we need right now.”

POLICE have appealed to the public for assistance after several armed robberies in a 24-hour period in the capital.

According to reports, shortly before 10am on Sunday, an armed man entered a T-shirt shop on Bay and Frederick Streets where he demanded cash.

A struggle between the robber and the shop’s cashier followed. He was able to push the woman to the ground and run from the store. Police said nothing was taken.

Police said the second incident happened shortly after 2pm on Sunday. A woman was sitting in her blue 2006 Mercedes Benz, licence plate #AH4920, on Podoleo Street when she was approached by a man with a firearm who pulled her from the vehicle before he got into it with another man and sped away.

Police said the vehicle was discovered with extensive damage a short time later on Hospital Lane south of Poinciana Drive.

A third incident happened early Monday morning, police said.

According to reports, shortly before 1am, a man was in the parking lot of the Mall at Marathon and about to get into his silver coloured 2006 Honda Accord car, licence #AK8718, when he was approached by two armed men who demanded the keys to his vehicle, before getting into it and speeding off.

Anyone with information is asked to call 328-TIPS in Nassau and 1-242-300-8447 in the Family Islands.

PAGE 6, Wednesday, July 11, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

Residents: We still can’t leave

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

DESPITE an extension to the government’s eviction deadline for shanty town residents in New Providence, many of them said on Monday they are still not in a position to vacate their homes and adhere to the new date.

Residents now have until August 10 to vacate their shanty town homes.

The government’s initial deadline was July 31.

After government workers used a staple gun to attach a notice onto the exterior wall of her home just before 10am on Monday, Rose St Fleur said she thought she had followed all the steps presented to her late last month.

“They came weeks before. They asked for the plan. I gave them all we had,” she told The Tribune as held a young baby in one arm and motioned to her mother with the other.

“We have a plan for this house,” she said repeatedly to a Ministry of Works official.

“I took (the) plan to the man and he said they will write a number on the wall.

See, number right here, five, the number is five. We don’t need the paper, we carried the plan.”

A creole translator attached to the government’s Shanty Town Action Task Force walked over, and in trying to broker peace, asked: “Creole, do

OFFICIAL government shanty town notices being handed out and stapled to homes yesterday. Photo: Terrel W Carey/Tribune Staff you speak creole?”

A conversation followed in creole, only to be broken

by Ms St Fleur with the phrase, “August 10? They want who gone by August 10?”

The translator responded: “The government. The government wants all of you gone by August 10. That is the plan.”

Ms St Fleur responded: “We can’t go. We have nowhere to go. We have a disabled person in here and we can’t go anywhere else.”

She later told this newspaper her brother is 25-years-old and autistic.

“I live here with my mother, father, kids and my brother,” she said. “We are trying. But money is little and we can’t move. This is all we have and they can’t

tear it down. This is all we have.”

Still shocked by the eviction notice stapled to the front of her house, Ms St Fleur ripped it from the wall, looked it over and took off through the back of her home.

She ran to a neighbour’s house to let him know, however, that neighbour was also alerted by the loud thuds of a staple gun.

The two shared a conversation.

She then motioned to The Tribune and said: “Is this real? Is the government doing this for real?”

A few properties south, Evan Innocent, a young teenager struggling to cope with the recent loss of his grandfather, issued a plea of his own.

Holding back tears,

he told reporters that the news of the planned eviction process has devastated his already grieving family.

The teen said his grandfather, who suffered a stroke last month, died in hospital last Friday, leaving the family with a home he constructed.

“My mommy just invest in the house, “ he told reporters. “The roof just do. My mommy just spent money on the house.”

According to Evan, the family has worked over the last few years to modernise the home.

Electricity, running water and a newly constructed roof are just the latest in upgrades he said the family struggled to incorporate.

“I was here from I born,” the teen said. “When I born

I meet this house here. My grammy had 18 years in Nassau.

“My granddaddy had way more. We done invest so much. We just get current.

We just do the water.

“I don’t feel comfortable with it at all,” he told reporters when asked how he felt about the government’s eviction deadline.

“How my grammy old, that is too much thinking for her, “ he added. “She can’t move in no apartment right now. Be patient with us. My grammy crying every day. I can’t stop her from crying, what she have on her chest she have to get out. I just have to be here for her.”

The teen said the family, in the midst of planning his grandfather’s funeral has held open discussions on options.

On the list is relocating to the United States.

However, he said his grandmother’s lack of a visa has hindered that process.

He told reporters if the government is serious with its eviction plans, he and members of his family will be homeless and broke.

According to government statistics, some 500 residents are believed to remain in shanty towns set for demolition in the capital.

A government survey was conducted in ten of the 11 New Providence shanty towns over a four-week period earlier this year.

The populations of the communities were reported as: Montgomery Avenue, 115 residents; Allen Drive; 28 residents; Bellot Road; 10; Golden Gates Road, 291 residents; Lazaretto Road, 56 residents; Cowpen Road (west), 165 residents; Bacardi Road east, 39 residents, and west, 96 residents; and Lumumba Lane, 160 residents.

The report also included 27 residents who participated, but were not categorised by location.

Initially residents were given the opportunity to show legal documents granting them a right to occupy their respective properties. That marked the first step in the government’s eviction process.

Monday’s eviction notice served as step two.

In the coming weeks, the government intends to complete demolition of all 11 of the shanty town communities identified in New Providence.

SHANTY TOWN DEADLINE MOVED BACK from page one

and end July 31, 2019, with the complete demolition of The Mudd and Pigeon Peas communities in Marsh Harbour, Abaco.

In late June, members of the Shanty Town Action Task Force travelled to the 11 shanty town communities in New Providence, serving notices to residents which required them to provide

the government with legal documents for the land they now occupy.

The government, at the time of the move, said the step was the first in a three-part process. Monday’s notice action marked

step two.

“The purpose of our exercise here this morning is to give the final notice to all the residents in all the shanty towns, that they have 28 days from today to move,” Mr Foulkes said outside of the Carmichael Road Police Station.

“Notices will be given in person and notices will also be attached to every dwelling homes in the shanty towns. Two weeks ago, we gave a notice that basically said if you have right to live in any of the residences that you are living in, go to the Ministry of Works, Control Building Division, and present your legal right to be there.”

He continued: “Nine persons have come forward and presented building permit numbers that they had the right to build their residence. Some ten persons have also applied for building permits.

“All of that now is in obedience,” he added. “We have put a stop to that process and there will be no new building permits issued for any construction in any of the shanty towns in New Providence.”

Mr Foulkes said the government, through various entities, would investigate the circumstances that allowed shanty town residents to acquire building permits.

According to Mr Foulkes, all the properties being used, with the exception of one, is constituted as Crown land leased by the government to Bahamians for the purpose of farming.

Nonetheless, he added: “This will be the final notice. The deadline has changed. The deadline is now August the 10, it is no longer July 31.”

This change comes as 50 families have joined together to launch legal action to block the

government’s first round of shanty town evictions.

Shanty town residents primarily from the Golden Isles and Bacardi Road area - are represented by human rights group Rights Bahamas (RB), which has canvased communities across New Providence in recent weeks and expects to file the legal action this week.

RB legal director and its former president Fred Smith said the number of families that have signed on to bring class action through a general constitutional motion is likely to swell.

Responding to the move, Mr Foulkes asserted that all residents of the Bahamas have the right to seek justice through the legal system.

However, he said he was confident the government was acting within the confines of the law.

“We live in a democratic society,” he told members of the press. “The courts are available to all residents of the Bahamas. The attorney general represents all ministers and the attorney general will be representing us, if that happens.”

Mr Foulkes said as it now stands, investigations are now underway to determine how these properties were sub-leased and rented out, despite them being Crown land to be used for farming.

He added of the building permits issued to various residents: “Cabinet is going to have to make a decision with respect to that, but there were no occupancy certificates issued to anybody.”

When asked if the government expects any additional resistance moving forward, Mr Foulkes said while he doesn’t anticipate any push-back, the government remains prepared and resolute in its actions.

“We have the full co-operation of the Bahamian-Haitian leadership; both the United HaitianBahamian leadership and a group called OATH Organisation to Assist and Teach Haitian - and also the Pastor’s League.

“We also consulted Rights Bahamas, the SeventhDay Adventist Church, the Catholic Church, the Methodist Church, the Anglican Church and the Christian Council, we’ve met with them twice. So, we do not anticipate that there will be any holdouts in this,” he added.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, July 11, 2018, PAGE 7

SANDS DISAPPOINTED AT ‘BIAS’ IN REPORT

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

HEALTH Minister Dr Duane Sands yesterday attacked the scientific credibility of CARICOM’s report on marijuana, expressing disappointment over its methodology and “intrinsic bias”.

Dr Sands’ critique follows Bishop Simeon Hall’s suggestion that opposition to calls for medical marijuana and an end to prohibition came from special interest groups in the medical community.

Bishop Hall was part of CARICOM’s Regional Marijuana Commission (RMC), which studied issues related to marijuana prohibition for the past two years.

The pastor backed the recently released regional report, stating he was convinced the plant was criminalised in the 1930s to protect the interest of liquor merchants following the end of America’s prohibition of alcohol.

Yesterday, Dr Sands said he personally believed marijuana should be liberalised for both medicinal and recreational use but could not ignore the lack of scientific

data in the report.

“The methodology is suspect,” Dr Sands said. “I’m trying to be as progressive as I can but as I read this paper, I hear some implicit or intrinsic bias coming out that these are persons who want this outcome. It’s as if I write a paper solely to support my position so, notwithstanding the fact there is clearly an appetite for change, I look at this paper and see that this could be a problem.

“Look at the methods, what you come to realise is the methodology used is unfortunately a bit suspect, that doesn’t mean I will change my approach or how I feel about this. But I have to encourage the (Ministry of Health) technical team to look at this because of the implications for policy,” he continued. “There is very little science in this paper, where is the data?”

Bishop Hall suggested the push for regulated use of marijuana represented a call to return to natural, non-synthetic medicine, in a press statement on Monday.

“This call is being made to the annoyance of some doctors, pharmacists and insurance companies,” his statement read.

“The statistics I have studied as a member of the CARICOM Commission on marijuana over the last two years, clearly show that this ‘herb’ which grows on every island nation in this region has medicinal value and can be used as raw material for other positive purposes.”

Bishop Hall implored the government to engage in its own study on the issue, particularly medical marijuana, with a view to help the “least – the lost and the left out.”

His statement continued: “The analysis of the comprehensive information gathered, indicates that the current legal regime for cannabis characterised as it is by prohibition and draconian criminal penalties is ineffective, incongruous, obsolete and unjust.

Cannabis/marijuana is a victimless crime. Persons using this herb can end up with harsher penalties than those convicted of serious victim-based crimes.

“Without question, there is a clear public opinion in favour of legal reform to existing laws on cannabis and the removal of prohibition.”

The CARICOM Commission was tasked to

the Grenadines, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, Suriname, Montserrat, St Kitts & Nevis, Belize and the Bahamas.

Dominica’s consultation was cancelled due to Hurricane Maria’s passage; Trinidad could not accommodate within the time period; and there was no response from St Lucia.

Jamaica had already amended its marijuana laws, and subsequently was not prioritised due to funding constraints.

The commission noted there were time and budgetary constraints for conducting national surveys, so public town hall meetings were utilised for open discussion and clarification of issues where such necessity arose. It acknowledged views expressed at public forums did not necessarily reflect the opinions of the entire population; however, stated this shortcoming was supplemented by focus groups and an online survey, and questionnaires for regional police.

“A challenge arises with the reliability of focus groups, town hall meetings and social media surveys, that is, whether the same results would be obtained under the same

circumstances if repeated at a different time,” the report read. “All three methods lack specificity to national populations. Further, given the illegal status of marijuana it was difficult to ascertain accurate use patterns from the adult population and they are likely to be under-reported.

“The commission is, however, satisfied that it was able to harness wide and representative views on legal policy on cannabis/ marijuana in the region, which adequately informs this report,” the document notes.

For his part, Dr Sands said he was particularly disappointed that some of CARICOM’s largest member states were not canvassed, such as Jamaica, Trinidad, or Antigua. A petition seeking to legalise cannabis with over 9,500 signatures from Trinidad and Tobago was received, according to the report.

Dr Sands said notwithstanding those countries have already made strides towards liberalisation, their data was still critical to validating assumptions.

“How do we now say this is representative of CARICOM?” Dr Sands questioned.

CHRISTIE BACKS MARIJUANA MOVE

RASTAFARIANS SEEK RELIGIOUS RECOGNITION FOR DRUG USE

from page one

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

“We are the vanguard,” said Elder Peter Sheffield, of House of Nyabinghi. “We are the one with the stigma, who have been persecuted for herb, couldn’t get jobs, banned from society. Right now it is coming to a closure on this but it’s like they pushing us aside and saying they don’t recognise the Rasta. We smoked it straight through so it’s too complicated. It’s a way of life for us, it’s nothing to do with recreational or medicinal or how they glorifying it.

“I’m almost 60 and they still have me as a criminal from 1985. I’m looking for even compensation from the government and all. It’s been too long they’ve hold us back, our families got held back because we are Rasta. Separation of families because we’re going to jail.

We look at it as a personal thing, leave it alone and let us be. This is my sacrament, we use it in our tabernacle.”

Although Rastafarianism has no singular hierarchical structure, there are distinct sects commonly referred to as “mansions”. The two groups said to have the largest presence in the Bahamas are the House of Nyabinghi and the EABIC. Prominent study groups include the King of Kings Missionary Movement and the ASFAW, African Sisters for all Women.

The EABIC is headquartered in Jamaica but has branches throughout the diaspora, ambassador and head of the Bahamas branch, Priest Rithmond McKinney told The Tribune. “(Cannabis) it’s part of our rituals, our celebrations and our service,” Priest McKinney said, “so it was something always been a part of Rastafarianism from conception. We have always used it as a sacrament. From I become a Rastafarian over 30 years ago it was big stigma on us. Something they used to castrate us, oppress us, all negative things toward us they used marijuana. They called it dope, then called us drug dealers. We been oppressed over the years because we know this is a natural plant, this is our sacrament and we use it as part of our service and we continued using it. We never stopped although we went through all the oppression.

“We as a church,” Priest McKinney continued, “we are in talks with the government now concerning our sacramental rights, making them more aware

conduct “a rigorous enquiry into the social, economic, health and legal issues surrounding marijuana use in the Caribbean and to determine whether there should be a change in the current drug classification of marijuana thereby making the drug more accessible for all types of usage (religious, recreational, medical and research); and to recommend, if there is to be a re-classification, the legal and administrative conditions that should apply.”

It was convened in June 2016 but suspended after the first national consultation was held in St Vincent and the Grenadines, due to a lack of funding. After funding was obtained from the Foundation to Promote Open Society (OSF), national consultations resumed a year later in June 2017.

The report’s methodology states mixed methods were used to gather information with primary data obtained from national consultations, comprising national public meetings and focus groups. While the commission made itself available to all member states, only nine of the 15 countries took part in national consultations: St Vincent and

PRIEST Jevon Thompson at the Bobo Ashanti camp yesterday.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff of sacramental rights. We criminalisation of marijuana want sacramental/medici- more than any other social nal use so we will be able to group in the Bahamas and make our products for use if it is to be legalised, I think external or internal, and to that there should be a pardon be able to achieve revenue issued to the group on behalf also from our products. of the government of the “We are a church, this is Bahamas - simply because it’s a community, we believe the government who would it’s our sacrament. Our be seeking to benefit.” community feels good in Priest Blyden noted there ourself, the conversation has also been a paradigm is on the table, and we are shift within the Rastafaragitating for our sacramen- ian community with groups tal/medicinal rights. Not moving from isolationist to necessarily we want decrim- more engagement with the inalisation or legalisation wider public. He said despite for recreational use - that the use of Rastafarian culshould be natural. We want ture like Ital food and health our sacramental rights.” practices becoming more The EABIC’s Bahamas mainstream, the groups branch compound on Fire have not been recognised as Trail Road is commonly pioneers and thought leadreferred to as the “Rasta ers for social change. camp”; however, the House of “We are still being pushed Nyabinghi is located on Pol- back and our message is being emus Street off Nassau Street. suppressed and eclipsed by all Priest McKinney said the of this sensationalisation of Fire Trail compound was medical marijuana and CARregistered to the EABIC, ICOM reports, reparations, and represented a formal and yet we are the leaders acknowledgement of the in all of these fields,” Priest group by the state. He Blyden said. explained while successive CARCOM’s report Progressive Liberal Party released last week suggested and Free National Move- expunging criminal records ment administrations have to remedy past injustices recognised the church, as it called for its declasstigma surrounding mari- sification as a dangerous juana has heavily influenced drug. The commission recthe government’s approach. ommended marijuana is Priest McKinney said decriminalised for personal the compound should be use in private premises and afforded the same respect medical purposes before and protection as any other being fully legalised. embassy or diplomatic Priest Jevon Thompcommunity. son, EABIC, explained the The Rastafarian popula- absence of a standardised tion in The Bahamas was policy for the community has said to be around 10,000, left its membership to battle according to House of Ras- legal challenges over their tafari chairman and EABIC sacrament on an individual priest, Philip Blyden. House level with varied success. of Rastafari is an inter-man- Priest Thompson said he sion umbrella committee has successfully defended established to arbitrate with his rights in court but the the public on issues where community was currently there is a consensus among engaged in raising funds to groups in The Bahamas. assist with legal costs of an Priest Blyden, 60, incarcerated member. recalled making a presPriest Thompson expressed entation on marijuana optimism that liberalisalegalisation before a Select tion will affect a lessening of Senate Committee headed the discriminatory practices

by PLP Chairman Fred but only if Rastafarians are Mitchell in 1993. included in the debate.

“Our culture, well-being, “The public needs to have and spirituality has been an understanding of the interrupted by first, the debate,” he said, “what we colonial powers. Slavery have come to understand is is the biggest interruption what we were taught about of our civilisation. Rasta- marijuana was wrong. We fari members were then were taught lies and propahunted by the neo-colo- ganda, the public has to nial authorities and our recognise that wasn’t the truth. service sacrilegiously inter“Learn the truth, accept rupted, and sometimes our the truth,” Priest Thompcamps burned down, and son added, “and I think it our women are sometimes will take some of the stigma being violated by officers from us. We would be more and it’s a number of things. recognised because we are “We are being eclipsed like shrouded in mystery.” by those snakes and vulYesterday, Priest McKinney tures that are coming up invited the public to the Bobo now and everybody’s seek- Ashanti’s celebration to mark ing to benefit from our pain the birthday of Emperor and suffering,” he added. Haile Selassie I at the Fire “We suffered under the Trail compound on July 23.

“It’s something the region has been grappling with for a long time and we are faced with situations where states in America recognise the licence to grow marijuana so the Bahamas has to be very, very wise in looking at exactly what is taking place around the world.

“We know that the first step would be to understand the implications of not allowing patients to have access to medical marijuana if medical marijuana is able to be of assistance to them and that is something we should not allow to happen where people cannot have lawful access to it and it can be of assistance to them.”

His remarks follow Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ hinting support on Saturday for the medical and scientific use of the marijuana.

However, Dr Minnis told the media at the time he did not want his personal views to supersede a widespread public education campaign.

Dr Minnis said the government will establish a committee to host town meetings and focus groups on the issue. He said once the public’s position is obtained, the matter will be brought to Parliament for debate and “the people” will make a determination on the way forward.

On Monday, Mr Christie said people with medical conditions that may be eased with marijuana are anxious for a solution.

“I saw where (Health Minister) Dr Sands indicated in the area of cancer research has indicated some degree of relief and most certainly there is commitment to usage,” the former prime minister said.

“So the fact of the matter is that to those of us who have family who are vulnerable because of illnesses they suffer from, all of us

FORMER Prime Minister Perry Christie. would want to have a solution to the challenges our family members face.

“In my particular case, I don’t know the extent to which they have been able to deal with autism but as you know I have a child who is autistic and we constantly look at the therapeutic interventions that have been made and research being made with a view to seeing whether there is something else that we could try that would give Adam a better chance.

“I am looking for any kind of relief or solution that can work for him and it’s something that we are watching very closely with full interest,” he said.

Yesterday, American news outlets reported that the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs is adding 11 new conditions to the list of illnesses that can legally be treated by medical marijuana, including autism.

Other conditions qualified to be treated by medical marijuana in Michigan include Parkinson’s disease, Tourette’s syndrome, Arthritis, OCD, chronic pain, and colitis.

In recent days, several prominent people have voiced support for medical

marijuana.

Former Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes told The Nassau Guardian last week he thinks it’s a “no brainer” to legalise cannabis for medical use. He suggested he also supported eventual recreational use becoming legal, once proper controls and education are in place.

Former Minister of State for the Environment Phenton Neymour, in recovery from colon cancer, said medical marijuana, as well as conventional treatment, saved his life. He told this newspaper he frequently travelled to Florida for Marinol, a man-made form of cannabis, to restore his appetite, combat nausea and relieve pain.

Progressive Liberal Party Leader Philip “Brave” Davis has also announced his party would appoint a review panel to make recommendations on the issue.

Recently, a Public Domain poll said 71 percent of 998 residents surveyed believed marijuana should be legalised for medicinal purposes, and all respondents ranked marijuana as the least harmful substance by comparison to tobacco, alcohol, and sugar, across the board.

PLP TO FORM PANEL TO DEBATE POLICY

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

AS the debate on legal marijuana use continues in the country, the Progressive Liberal Party is proposing the appointment of a review panel to make recommendations on the issue.

In a brief statement issued on Monday, Official Opposition Leader Philip “Brave” Davis said his party sympathises with those who have been affected by the country’s anti-drug laws.

During the 39th meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government last week, a report calling for the end of prohibition of the plant was discussed.

Recently, a Public Domain poll said 71 percent of 998 residents surveyed believed marijuana should

be legalised for medicinal purposes, and all respondents ranked marijuana as the least harmful substance by comparison to tobacco, alcohol, and sugar, across the board.

“The PLP takes note of the recently released unanimous report on marijuana in the CARICOM region of which we are a part that was presented at last week’s Heads of Government meeting in Montego Bay,” Mr Davis said. “The PLP also takes note of the widespread public interest in this matter both for medicinal and recreational use. We propose forthwith to appoint our own review panel to make recommendations on this.

“We sympathise with those who have been disproportionately affected by the anti-drug laws, particularly our young people and those who are in need

of medical marijuana to obtain relief.”

This came after Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis on Saturday gave tacit support for the medical and scientific use of marijuana.

However, he told reporters his personal views will not supersede a widespread public education campaign.

Dr Minnis said the government will establish a committee to host town meetings and focus groups on the issue. He said once the public’s stance is gleaned, the matter will be brought to Parliament for debate and “the people” will make a determination on the way forward.

The nation’s leader addressed reporters at the Lynden Pindling International Airport on his return from the CARICOM meeting.

PAGE 8, Wednesday, July 11, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

What are the real reasons behind the Minnis shuffle?

By Alicia Wallace

N

O matter how increase, the Prime Minislow we set our ter is obviously determined to do as he likes whenever expectations, there seems he likes and create false to be surprise, embarrass- narratives while refusing to ment, and frustration at acknowledge criticism. every turn. There has not been much to celebrate in Cabinet shuffle on our dime The cabinet shuffle came recent weeks, the increase in Value Added Tax bring- at an unexpected time. ing a muddy tinge to our This administration has not reality. It puts everything even been in for 18 months in a different perspective. and we already have minand permanent We do not think about any- isters thing without considering secretaries moved from one the 12 percent VAT added ministry to another. How is onto it, or the twelve per- this beneficial to the Bahamian people? cent VAT that Is it cost-effecshould cover They would tive? Does it it. This is about increase promore than gro- have us believe ductivity?

Is cery. It is about it is too much it a morale management to ask for some boost? There of funds, yes, is no reason but also about consideration to the qualifications anyone can government find to support operations and experience this move. and the way When asked resources — suitable for to explain the especially each post. reason for the human It is clear that shuffle, Minnis resources — the intention is said, “It gives are used.

We are more not to put people individuals exposure and watchful, criti- where they will experience in cal, and vocal all the differwhen it feels perform best, or ent ministries. like the money give ministries That’s why is coming the benefit of I don’t have directly out of any ministry. I our pockets, experienced have no minand it is. From ministers. istry so I can the decision look at all and not to appoint new parliamentary secre- learn about all.”

This raises even more taries with a reason — that the positions are unneces- questions. Why is the Govsary — pointing to a waste ernment of The Bahamas of $90,000 to reneging on in the business of offering placements? the commitment to host work-study the IAAF World Relays We all know cabinet and, at the same time, appointments are rewards claiming the Bahamian to the faithful and the people “accepted” the VAT spineless. Prime Ministers

SHUFFLED: From top left, clockwise, Renward Wells, Frankie Campbell, Lanisha Rolle and Michael Pintard.

treat those who have supported and spoken no ill of them with favour in the form of an additional salary.

They would have us believe it is too much to ask for some consideration to the qualifications and experience suitable for each post.

It is clear that the intention is not to put people where they will perform best, or give ministries the benefit of experienced ministers. Minnis said, “Individuals are moved and they become knowledgeable in certain things. There

is no so-called pre-training before you engage in a post.

You learn and you become very good.”

Well, thank goodness for that. As long as the Ministers are benefitting from these educational experiences, right?

Of course most appointments depend on the limited range of education, skills, and experience of members of parliament elected, but due consideration to the optimal mix should be a part of the nomination process. There

is no excuse for using government ministries — responsible for areas critical to our economic, social, and physical wellbeing such as health, education, youth, sports, culture, and tourism — as training grounds for people paid tens of thousands of dollars from the public purse. This is an insult and an outrage.

Minnis: Looking and learning or primary duties only?

As for the statement that Minnis has no ministry so that he can “look at all and learn about all”, similar concerns arise. Minnis is not the Prime Minister so he can get paid work experience in numerous fields.

It is doubly troubling when we bring to mind his 2017 explanation for having no ministerial portfolio which is quite the opposite of this new line of reasoning.

“I made this decision in order to perform my primary constitutional duty as prime minister. This primary constitutional duty is the coordination and oversight of the Cabinet of The Bahamas,” Minnis said.

There is a difference between looking at and learning about all ministries and performing the primary duty of the Prime Minister. He should be able to entrust ministers with the task of overseeing their ministries and the departments therein and communicate regularly with the permanent secretaries, department heads, and cabinet. There is no reason for the Prime Minister to be intimately involved in every ministry, and no explanation for the waste of resources in reassignments and loss of productivity due to unnecessary, often disruptive changes.

Minnis said it himself.

“You go in, you read, you understand, and many instances you become better than who was there, sometimes you’re not.”

A more believable version Maybe we choose to buy the “exposure” story because it is easier to accept that the Prime Minister really thinks governance is a game of musical chairs, or appointments are collectible items and his people need to get as many as possible. What if there is another version of the story? Recall the appointment of Lanisha Rolle as Minister of Social Services and Community Development. People were not happy about it; least of all the people who celebrated the upgrade of The Bureau of Women’s Affairs to the Department of Gender and Family Affairs in 2016.

The establishment of the department felt like a step

into the 21st century, but Rolle’s appointment was disappointing at best, terrifying at worst. She had already made it clear that she did not stand with the women’s rights advocates in The Bahamas.

It was, as expected, a disaster. The RISE (conditional cash transfer) programme was discontinued in less than two months, never to be discussed again.

Little, if any, information was provided to the press on this or any other issue.

Regular meetings with women’s organisations suddenly stopped. It became more difficult for members of civil society to get information. The then Minister of Social Services and Community Development outright refused to meet with many stakeholders. It seemed every single thing needed her approval, and this resulted in very little being done, and last-minute announcements of events like National Women’s Week and International Women’s Day. We learned from observation that her brand of empowerment, for women and those living in poverty, was the pull-yourself-upby-the-bootstraps variety.

There have been reports of her blatant disrespect of others and intentionally impeding progress on new and existing projects. She was certainly ill-suited to this ministerial portfolio, and it took far too long for her to be moved. Now, the question. Was this the real reason for the cabinet shuffle? Did Minnis finally get the memo — that Rolle needed to be moved from the Ministry — and choose other people to move at the same time in hopes that it would be less obvious?

If this is not the case, it is quite strange that the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Culture lost Michael Pintard. It is odd that only four ministers are being shuffled.

The others must be just as deserving of the “exposure” Minnis is giving out at our expense.

There is more than enough happening — and not happening — to upset us. One of the most frustrating is certainly the lack of honesty and integrity that would prompt leaders and representatives to plainly state the reasons for their action. Lay out the logic behind decisions. It is not good enough to give a quick response to move on to the next question or end the engagement. Bahamian citizens must demand to be treated with respect. After all, we are the employers. We pay 12 percent VAT. That has to count for something.

PAGE 10, Wednesday, July 11, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

MODEL SUFFERS FROM SHARK BITE

KATARINA Zatruskie swimming with the nurse sharks before being pulled under.

Photo: Tom Bates

AN American model swimming with sharks at Staniel Cay got a shock when she was pulled underwater - and left with a bite mark on her arm.

The model, Katarina Zatruskie, 19, from Laguna Beach, California, had been swimming with nurse harks when she suddenly felt her arm being pulled down.

“He had my wrist in his mouth and I could feel his teeth sinking into my arm,” Zarutskie told NBC News on Monday. “I was pulled underwater for a few seconds and then ripped my wrist out of the shark’s mouth as fast as I could.”

When she got free, she held her bleeding arm

out of the water to avoid attracting more attention from the sharks.

The University of Miami student had been on holiday with her boyfriend and his family.

Zatruskie was treated initially but flew back to Florida for further treatment. “[The doctors] now believe that I still have pieces of the shark teeth in my arm and I will forever have a scar,” said Zarutskie, who noted she was worried about the injury affecting her burgeoning modeling career.

But, she added, “I am so fortunate that I still have my arm and my life.”

‘Put up the fines for poachers’ from page one However, he insisted that the overall decision would be made at the Cabinet level, not unilaterally by his ministry.

Mr Pintard declined to characterise the recent spate of poaching and illegal fishing incidents in the country as an “uptick” in such crimes. Instead, he acknowledged that these are “age-old” issues, and gave four measures the government could use to combat them.

On Sunday, 46 people on board a 70ft Dominican fishing vessel were apprehended by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force for poaching and were found with a large quantity of illegal fisheries products.

“This has been a perennial problem that we have had,” Mr Pintard said. “It is a very serious problem that’s going to require us working on multiple fronts.

“One will be…from a legislative standpoint, we have to increase the penalties for persons that are poaching in our waters.”

Mr Pintard added that consultation on this matter has commenced. He also said that stakeholders have made recommendations on what they believe are the appropriate penalties; and noted that “in the not-too-distant future” the

MINISTER of Youth, Sports and Culture Michael Pintard. government will address include sinking boats, Mr this matter.

Pintard instead pointed to When asked for specifics, alternative measures that Mr Pintard said officials do could be more beneficial to not believe that the “pre- the country. sent regime of penalties” While reiterating that he is sending a strong enough did not wish to pre-empt message to poachers. any future Cabinet deci“We are going to avail sions, Mr Pintard pointed ourselves of every possible to the fact that it could be remedy in the law, inclu- better to seize such illesive of stiffer fines as well gal vessels and recoup as looking at imprisonment, resources through selling et cetera. All options are on them or using them in trainthe table…and it has to be ing exercises for marine dramatic enough to send a experiments or studies. message to boat captains Resources, Mr Pintard and engineers, so that it clarified, could include serves as a disincentive for “both the content, which them taking a risk.” would include the marine When asked if such dra- products caught, equipment matic deterrents could used, as well as the vessel.”

“To the extent that we can utilise (them) in a way that’s beneficial to the country that’s being savaged by what they are doing, then to me that would be the initial option that I would be interested in.

“But again, I’ll have further discussions. This is not going to be a decision made unilaterally by the ministry.”

The second strategy to be used to combat this problem is diplomacy, via discussions with the governments of the illegal fishermen.

When asked when the last talks were held between the Bahamas government and the government of the Dominican Republic, Mr Pintard did not point to a specific date, but said these discussions have been “ongoing”.

One such diplomatic tactic was calling for the Dominican Republic government to intervene by placing trackers on vessels.

However, Mr Pintard said the RBDF has not found such devices on Dominican poaching vessels. “(This suggests) either it’s not been done or these ships have removed them in the event that they were applied,” he said.

Mr Pintard added that the minister of foreign affairs has “seized every opportunity” during the last 13 months in office to

raise the matter at meetings where officials from both countries were present.

The third measure, Mr Pintard said, is protecting the sector for Bahamian fishermen.

He described how the methods used by both poachers and foreign fishermen with work permits can prove harmful to the environment.

“We have to act resolutely in making sure we are not disadvantaging Bahamian fishermen in a sector that is designed for them in how we go about addressing the work permit issue.

We must make sure that we protect this livelihood for us.

“Because it’s not just an issue of availability of workers, which some may make the case to government that they need to hire foreign workers…it is also the methods used by workers that some Bahamian companies seek to employ.

“According to those stakeholders who the ministry has been consulting with, their methods are damaging to the industry.

In terms of how they break shells and leave conch shells for example, in locations that hinder or drive away conch from feeding there in future. The lack of attention to the size of what is caught, the use of compressors…despite what the law says.”

The fourth strategy is centred around improving the RBDF’s fleet and technology.

While commending their efforts in apprehending the recent spate of illegal fishing, Mr Pintard said the government is looking into increasing the fleet, improving their positioning, and seeking “what other technologies might assist us in policing the borders, inclusive in looking at the option of drones.”

According to Mr Pintard, one tactic used by poachers is the use of multiple dinghies, which dispatch from a single large “mother ship”. These dinghies then spread out across the Great Bahama Bank, fish, and then reconvene with the mother ship and go back into international waters.

Mr Pintard also regretted the fact that poaching out of season is affecting marine life negatively, and ultimately affecting the number of Bahamian fishermen will be able to export in the future.

“What we seek to do as a government is really to be responsive to these hardworking Bahamians who have helped sustain Family Island communities over time. And we’re going to work in tandem with them and other stake holders in making sure that we protect our country by protecting their livelihood.”

positive development” for both the BNT and park wardens.

The group is also proposing to the Department of Legal Affairs that changes be made to the BNT Act. The changes would allow for some matters to be dealt with by law enforcement officers “on the spot”.

The conviction was a result of a joint operation between the BNT and staff from the park, as well as the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, with additional assistance provided by the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

Assistant Chief Magistrate Subusola Swain fined the five individuals after they pleaded guilty to fishing in the park.

According to the release, the foreigners were not fishing commercially, thus their vessel was not confiscated by the Crown.

BNT executive director Eric Carey said the organisation is “very pleased” about the conviction.

“Fish in national parks are protected so that they can replenish fishing grounds outside of parks,” he said. “Poaching has serious negative impacts on the effectiveness of a marine protected area. We express appreciation to the RBDF. Without their support, we could not have accomplished this.”

Mr Carey also extended gratitude to the RBPF, particularly Chief Superintendent Arnett and the Carmichael Road Police Station.

The BNT is also working with the Department of Legal Affairs to “update and modernise” the regulations under the BNT Act. “The proposed changes will allow for a more efficient and streamlined process, to save time and resources. The changes would also allow for some of these matters to be dealt with by enforcement officers on the spot,” the statement read.

“This successful prosecution and conviction is a strong, positive development for the BNT. It also encourages the wardens, by demonstrating that the system works, and that their efforts are not in vain.

“BNT believes that this will also send a clear message to all park visitors – local and foreign – that park staff is serious about protecting our country’s natural resources, and that fishing will not be tolerated in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park.”

The Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park, established in 1959, was the first protected area of its kind in the world. A complete no-take zone by both land and sea; the park is known for its beauty, anchorages, and marine environment, according to the Bahamas National Trust.

To report poaching, contact the park warden on VHF09, or call the Park Office at 1-(242)-601-7438.

PUERTO RICANS FINED $2,500 FOR ILLEGAL FISHING

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net

FIVE Puerto Ricans were fined $2,500 each by

a magistrate on Monday for illegally fishing in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park.

The park is a “no take” marine protected area.

In a statement released on Independence Day, the Bahamas National Trust described this successful prosecution and conviction as a “strong,

BAHAMASAIR RESUMES FLIGHTS TO HAITI THE national flag carrier has resumed scheduled flights into Haiti after temporarily suspending them because of violent protests in the country over an increase in gasoline prices.

According to a press release, Bahamasair resumed flights yesterday.

“After liaising with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and company personnel on the ground, Bahamasair officials are satisfied that safe and reliable service into Haiti can resume,” the airline’s statement noted.

“Meanwhile, Bahamasair

continues to support international efforts to return Haiti to a state of normalcy and are praying for peace in Haiti.”

According to NBC News, much of Haiti’s capital was calm on Monday after “three days of violent protests and looting sparked by a government plan to raise fuel prices”.

The report added: “The relative calm came amid a strike by mini-bus and taxi drivers, as well as the closure of most businesses.

The strike made it impossible for most Haitians

to get to school or work, and the streets of Portau-Prince were largely deserted. “...The protests erupted on Friday, hours before the government-set price of fuel was set to rise by up to 50 percent — a move prompted by the International Monetary Fund, which pressed Haitian officials to curb government subsidies for food. The government cancelled the price hike as the unrest began to escalate, and airlines nixed flights to the impoverished country.”

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, July 11, 2018, PAGE 11

SINGER Justin Bieber and model Hailey Baldwin.

THE LAST four Thai Navy SEALs come out safely after completing the rescue mission inside a cave where 12 boys and their soccer coach have been trapped since June 23, in Mae Sai, Chiang Rai province, northern Thailand.

Rescuers free last members of trapped Thai boys soccer team MAE SAI, Thailand Associated Press “EVERYONE is safe.”

With those three words posted on Facebook the daring rescue mission to extricate 12 boys and their soccer coach from the treacherous confines of a flooded cave in Thailand came to a close yesterday — a grueling 18-day ordeal that claimed the life of an experienced diver and riveted people worldwide.

Thailand’s Navy SEALs, who were central to the rescue effort, celebrated the feat with a post that read: “All the thirteen Wild Boars are now out of the cave,” — a reference to the boys’ soccer team. “We are not sure if this is a miracle, a science, or what.”

Eight of the boys were rescued by a team of Thai and international divers on Sunday and Monday.

Yesterday, the final four boys were brought out, along with their coach.

Their rescue was followed a few hours later by the safe return of a medic and three SEAL divers who had stayed for days with the boys in their cramped refuge in the cave.

Cheers erupted from the dozens of volunteers and journalists awaiting news of whether the intricate and high-risk rescue mission had succeeded. Helicopters transporting the boys roared overhead. People on the street cheered and clapped when ambulances ferrying them on the last leg of their journey from the cave arrived at a hospital in Chiang Rai city.

Their joy and relief was echoed around the globe by the multitude of people who had watched the long ordeal in widely broadcast newscasts.

Payap Maiming, who helped provide food and necessities to rescue workers and journalists, noted that fact.

“I’m happy for Thais all over the country,” he said.

“And actually just everyone in the world because every news channel has presented this story and this is what we have been waiting for.”

“It’s really a miracle,” Payap said. “It’s hope and faith that has brought us this success.”

Amporn Sriwichai, an aunt of rescued coach Ekkapol Chantawong, was ecstatic. “If I see him, I just want to hug him and tell him that I missed him very much,” she said.

The plight of the boys and their coach captivated much of the world — from the heart-sinking news that they were missing, to the first flickering video of the huddle of anxious yet smiling boys when they were found by a pair of British divers ten days later. They were trapped in the sprawling Tham Luang cave in northern Thailand on June 23, when it became flooded by monsoon rains as they were exploring it after soccer practice.

Each of the boys, aged 11 to 16 and with no diving experience, was guided out by a pair of divers in the three-day high-stakes operation. The route, in some places just a crawl space, had oxygen canisters positioned at regular intervals to refresh each team’s air supply.

Highlighting the dangers, a former Thai Navy SEAL died Friday while replenishing the canisters.

Cave-diving experts had warned it was potentially too risky to dive the youngsters out.

But Thai officials, acutely aware that the boys could be trapped for months by monsoon rains that would swell waters in the cave system, seized a window of opportunity provided by relatively mild weather.

A massive water pumping effort also made the winding cave more navigable. The confidence of the diving team, and expertise specific to the cave, grew after its first successful mission on Sunday.

“We did something

nobody thought possible,” Chiang Rai province acting Gov Narongsak Osatanakorn, leader of the rescue effort, said.

Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said the boys were given anti-anxiety medication.

Asked at a news conference in Bangkok if the boys had been sedated, Prayuth said: “Who would chloroform them? If they’re chloroformed, how could they come out? It’s called anxiolytic, something to make them not excited, not stressed.”

IT’S BETTER FOR BIEBER TO PROPOSE IN THE BAHAMAS THE Bahamas has been the centre of attention this week after a celebrity engagement.

Justin Bieber and 21-year-old model Hailey Baldwin are engaged after a month of dating.

The 24-year-old singer confirmed the engagement in an Instagram post Monday that included a photo of Baldwin kissing him. Bieber promises in the post to put Baldwin first and calls her the love of his life.

TMZ first reported the engagement, which apparently occurred on Saturday in The Bahamas. Bieber’s post says he was planning to wait on an announcement but “word travels fast”.

Bieber’s parents appeared to congratulate their son on social media on Sunday. His father, Jeremy, wrote that “proud is an understatement”.

Baldwin is the daughter of actor Stephen Baldwin.

Bieber released his last album, “Purpose,” in 2015.