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VOLUME:115 No.159, JULY 12TH, 2018

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Clash over hero of ‘racist regime’

FNM chairman says Symonette ‘did more for black people’

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net FREE National Movement Chairman Carl Culmer yesterday defended the decision to posthumously award Sir Roland Symonette with the Order of National Hero, saying the country’s former premier singlehandedly “did more for black people” than some people of colour.

Sir Roland’s honour has been met with controversy, including allegations from the opposition Progressive Liberal Party that the

former premier led a “racist regime” and opposed the fight for independence.

To this, Mr Culmer said that “no man is without sin” and defended Sir Roland’s legacy.

The FNM chairman also suggested that Sir Lynden Pindling, the first black premier and prime minister of an independent Bahamas, oppressed black Bahamians through political victimisation.

Despite this, Mr Culmer told The Tribune that he was not against Sir Lynden receiving the award.

SEE PAGE THREE

A GOVERNOR GENERAL IN WAITING?

criticism from the legal community.

In April, he said he would not be forced to appoint a chief justice and neither was he concerned about losing political capital over it.

Bahamas Bar Association President Kahlil Parker has publicly castigated Dr Minnis over the issue.

In April, Mr Parker told The Nassau Guardian that Dr Minnis has a “tremendous misapprehension” of the constitutional provisions relating to the appointment of a chief SEE PAGE THREE

L SOUR CE

CONCESSIONS RULED OUT FOR BUSINESSES WHO OWE TAX

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

BUSINESSES behind on National Insurance Board contributions, business licence fees and real property taxes will not be granted concessions through the Over-the-Hill revitalisation programme, according to the Economic Empowerment Zones Bill which was tabled in the House of Assembly yesterday.

In such cases, the minister of finance could grant concessions to them only if he is satisfied the businesses have made arrangements to pay their outstanding debt.

In May, Financial Secretary Marlon Johnson said only 30 percent of businesses in the inner city operate within the formal economy, making it unlikely many of the businesses the programme was designed to help will reap its tax benefits.

The economic zone encompasses Nassau Street to Poinciana Drive, Wulff Road, and upwards the SEE PAGE SIX

LIGHTNING BOLT KILLS MAN AS HE WORKS IN PARK

ACTING CHIEF JUSTICE GIVEN FULL ROLE AT LAST THE Cabinet Office yesterday confirmed Chief Justice Stephen Isaacs has been formally appointed to the substantive post after months of speculation.

The last substantive chief justice was Sir Hartman Longley, appointed in 2015.

Stephen Isaacs was sworn in as acting chief justice last December.

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis told reporters his pick for the substantive post would be revealed “with time”, remaining tightlipped over an issue that has languished for months with heavy

$1

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net

CORNELIUS A Smith was sworn in as deputy to the governor general at Government House yesterday by Acting Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Vera Watkins. See page two for the full story.

Photo: Derek Smith/BIS

A MAN is dead after being struck by lightning yesterday afternoon, according to police.

The incident occurred on Goodman’s Bay around 2.05pm.

According to police press liaison officer, Superintendent Shanta Knowles, the man was setting up the beach for an event during yesterday’s stormy conditions when the fatal strike occurred.

“The gentleman was staging the beach for a function, or setting up chairs, during that inclement weather, and…was struck by lightning and died on scene,” Supt Knowles said.

SEE PAGE FIVE

BISHOP’S CRITICISM OF TAX ‘PREMATURE’

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMAS Christian Council President Bishop Delton Fernander’s criticism of government over the value added tax increase during the Independence Day celebration was “unfortunate” and “premature”, Deputy Prime Minister K Peter Turnquest has said.

Mr Turnquest branded it as such because he is slated

DELTON FERNANDER to discuss the 2018-2019 budget with the BCC today.

He also seemed to disapprove of the platform Bishop Fernander used to make the statements, saying “it’s not a day

for negative talk”.

In remarks at the country’s 45th independence celebration at Clifford Park, Bishop Fernander called for the country to be led by “progressive innovation” as opposed to regressive policies such as tax increases.

He also urged the fight for a Bahamas “emancipated from segregation and colonial” precepts to continue.

SEE PAGE SIX

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

DIANE PHILLIPS: I WAS A VICTIM OF HATE CRIME

SEE PAGE EIGHT

PAGE 2, Thursday, July 12, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

CA Smith is sworn in as deputy governor general yesterday.

Photos: Derek Smith/BIS

CA SMITH SWORN IN AS DEPUTY GOVERNOR GENERAL

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net FORMER Cabinet minister Cornelius Alvin Smith, a veteran of past Ingraham administrations, was sworn in as deputy to the governor general yesterday.

Mr Smith is seen as the frontrunner to eventually succeed Dame Marguerite Pindling as governor general, though it is unclear when the succession will take place.

A key supporter of Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis during the Killarney MP’s tumultuous days in opposition, Mr Smith is the country’s non-resident ambassador to six Central American countries,

including Panama, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.

He served as minister of education from 19921995, minister of public safety and immigration from 1995-1997, minister of tourism from 1997-2000 and minister of transport and local government from 2000-2002.

He entered front-line politics in the early seventies and was elected in the Marco City constituency four consecutive times.

Dame Marguerite was appointed governor general on July 8, 2014. Sources familiar with the matter believe she may remain in her post until June of next year at the latest.

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THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, July 12, 2018, PAGE 3

Clash over hero of ‘racist regime’ from page one

He added that any Bahamian who contributes to the development of the country should be eligible for the honour, and implored people to move past skin colour or political persuasion.

The first recipients of the Bahamas’ National Honours were announced on Independence Day. Sir Roland received the top honour with Sir Lynden, Sir Milo Butler and Sir Cecil Wallace-Whitfield.

PLP chairman Fred Mitchell told reporters yesterday that it is the PLP’s view that Sir Roland was not a “fitting, proper person” to qualify for that award.

However, Mr Mitchell said that ultimately, the decision was up to Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, calling on the nation’s leader to justify the choice.

In a post to Facebook, Englerston MP Glenys Hanna Martin decried Sir Roland’s award.

“I do not accept that a man who led a racist regime – Sir Roland Symonette – whose deliberate policies obstructed the natural human development and progress of the masses of Bahamian people can ever be deemed a ‘national hero’. This decision is perverse and highly offensive.

It is grotesque revisionism,” she wrote.

Regarding the decision, Mr Culmer said: “My question to anyone: did Sir Roland contribute to

SIR ROLAND SYMONETTE development and also to the country? The answer would be yes.

“I had no issues with him receiving national honours. I have no issue with any Bahamian receiving national honours who contributed to the growth and development of our country.”

When asked about the backlash, Mr Culmer said: “I saw the comments, but the thing is we can say the same thing about the former prime minister from the PLP. He did a lot to black folks as well. Should he not be recognised? My thing is, yes, he should be recognised.”

Mr Culmer clarified that he was referring to Sir Lynden, while also defending Sir Roland’s legacy. “(Sir Lynden) did a lot for black people. So my thing is, there’s no man without sin. And during that era, I didn’t hear nothing about Sir Roland being prejudiced.

“I heard and read where he did a lot for black people. He was the one

that gave a lot of loans to black people, giving them opportunities that they didn’t have normally. If the records are correct, he did more for black people — I’m talking singlehandedly — than many black people did for black folks.”

When asked to elaborate on the ways Sir Lynden oppressed black Bahamians, Mr Culmer pointed to political victimisation.

“If you didn’t vote or support the PLP, the PLP went out of their way to ensure that you didn’t get opportunities, employment, educational benefits. If you had a job and you voted against the PLP or didn’t support the PLP, they made it hard and in most cases, you ended up without a job.

Or you couldn’t get employment in this country,” Mr Culmer said.

“And I could speak to that from my father and my grandfather, they went through that. I listened and I smile when I hear persons speak about racism. You know, we have some black people who are racist as well. And you have some of them that still exist today in this country.”

Mr Culmer also called for more unity in the country.

Backlash For his part, Mr Mitchell explained that he is a member of the advisory committee for National Honours, which has 10-12 people. Of those, the PLP has one seat or vote.

He added that the appointments are made by the prime minister, not the

committee.

“So whatever the advisory committee advances, the prime minister can do whatever he wishes,” Mr Mitchell said. “So it’s really for the prime minister to defend what he has done.

“It is the (PLP’s) view that Sir Roland did not fit the legal definition in the (law) for a national hero.

We made that point clear in all of the correspondence… with the government on this matter.”

Mr Mitchell added that it is the party’s view that the one person who “without question” fit the definition in the law was Sir Lynden.

“That is without question, there can be no argument about it.”

Regarding the backlash, Mr Mitchell said: “I think we have no specific quarrel, except that when we look at the law, we ask the question, how can someone who opposed all of the marches up to independence, all of the historical points up to independence, qualify for having made a seminal contribution to the development of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas? That’s an answer which must come from the prime minister.

That’s our position.

“I’m sure that if appropriate, all of the background correspondence and back up to this can be revealed in the public domain.

“But we are very certain on this point, that that particular name is not a fitting, proper person to qualify for that award. But, the prime minister has acted

according to his powers in law, and so he must justify that choice.”

Sir Roland was elected to Parliament in 1925 as a member of the mainly white United Bahamian Party. He became leader of the UBP and was made the first Bahamian premier in 1964 after internal self-government was introduced.

He was one of the “Bay Street Boys,” a wealthy

group of merchants that opened up The Bahamas to tourism, investment and casinos. He represented the Shirlea district in the House of Assembly and when he died had been the longest serving member of parliament, having served for 52 years.

Sir Lynden and the PLP formed the next government of The Bahamas in 1967.

SIR STEPHEN ISAACS, now confirmed as Chief Justice of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Photos: Terrel W Carey/Tribune Staff

ACTING CHIEF JUSTICE GIVEN FULL ROLE AT LAST from page one justice, adding the prime minister did not appear to grasp firmly the Constitution as a whole.

On Tuesday, Supreme Court judge Vera Watkins was sworn in as acting chief Justice of the Supreme Court by Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling during a brief ceremony at Government House. This is a post she has filled various times in recent months.

To this, Press Secretary Anthony Newbold said

it was likely Chief Justice Isaacs was out of the country.

Yesterday, the Cabinet Office release read: “It is announced for general information that in accordance with Article 94 (1) of the Constitution of The Bahamas, the prime minister, Dr Hubert Minnis, after consultation with the leader of the opposition, advised Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling, to appoint Justice Stephen Isaacs as chief justice of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas with effect from July 9.”

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PAGE 4, Thursday, July 12, 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,

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

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No shove, but Trump body language shows frosty relations BRUSSELS (AP) — He didn’t shove anyone this time, but President Donald Trump’s body language during NATO events Wednesday suggested his relationships with key US allies aren’t exactly buddy-buddy.

Trump started the day with a tense breakfast meeting with Jens Stoltenberg in which he lectured the NATO leader about member defence spending and complained about a German pipeline deal with Russia. Arms crossed over his chest, Trump gestured at Stoltenberg and repeatedly interrupted the secretary-general as he argued his case.

Trump’s aides seated around the table, including chief of staff John Kelly and the US ambassador to NATO, Kay Bailey Hutchison, looked visibly uncomfortable at points.

Their subsequent encounters at NATO headquarters were formal and less strained as they twice shook hands and chatted in front of journalists. But those moments were more perfunctory than Stoltenberg’s chattier introductions with other leaders, many of whom Stoltenberg was seeing for the first time that day after he had spent part of the morning hosting Trump.

World leader summits are largely about optics and presenting a united front to the rest of the world. But Trump barreled into his second NATO summit, as he did his first, with a litany of public complaints about alliance members’ “delinquent” defence spending, as well as a German-Russian gas pipeline deal.

Showing unity seemed an afterthought for the “America First” president. And it showed.

During moments that were visible to the press, Trump often separated himself from most of his counterparts, particularly those with whom he has had public disagreements, such as British Prime Minister Theresa May, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Canada’s Justin Trudeau.

When the leaders strolled out of the gleaming NATO building in Brussels for the traditional family photo in the courtyard, Trump lingered behind and mostly spoke with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic.

On the dais, he and May chatted as they stood together, but Trump kept his back toward other leaders, including Merkel.

After the group moved inside for talks, Trump again hung back as other heads of state glad-handed around the room. He stayed close to members of his delegation, including Defence Secretary Jim Mattis and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, before eventually engaging in a brief round of backslapping with others, including again May, before

taking his seat.

Trump has harshly criticised May, Merkel and Trudeau since taking office and opened Wednesday with another broadside against Merkel, asserting that her country is “totally controlled” and “captive” to Russia as he objected to a deal to bring Russian natural gas directly to Germany.

Merkel pushed back, insisting that Germany makes its own decisions.

When the two met later Wednesday, Trump told reporters: “We have a very, very good relationship with the chancellor.” The comment illustrated how Trump often seeks to avoid conflict with people when he is face to face with them versus the often-harsher rhetoric he uses when he’s talking behind their back. Merkel was not present at Trump’s breakfast with Stoltenberg.

When it was her turn to address reporters in the room for the meeting with Trump, Merkel made no similar declaration about her relationship with Trump.

The two barely looked at each other during the few minutes journalists were allowed in the room. That was in stark contrast to Trump’s subsequent meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron. The Frenchman is one of Trump’s closest friends on the world stage despite their many areas of disagreement, including Trump’s decision to pull out of the Iran nuclear agreement and the Paris climate accord, and to impose tariffs on France and other European countries.

Trump and Macron bantered easily during their joint photo op, with Trump calling it “an honour to be with a friend of mine”. The two also chatted each other up as Macron walked Trump out of the NATO building at the end of the day.

By evening, arriving at a dinner hosted by the Belgian government at the Art and History Museum at the Cinquantenaire, Trump appeared to be in a more social mood. The president, who doesn’t drink alcohol, huddled during the cocktail reception with Stoltenberg for several minutes, before being joined

by Merkel for an animated discussion.

As Trump spoke again with Erdogan, his wife, Melania, was greeted warmly

by Trudeau.

At last year’s NATO summit, tongues wagged after Trump appeared to shove Prime Minister Dusko Markovic of Montenegro to get to the front of the group as leaders entered the alliance’s new headquarters building. Markovic later characterised the incident as “a completely harmless event”.

By Jonathan Lemire and Darlene Superville of the Associated Press

Moved too slow EDITOR, The Tribune.

SO we legalise marijuana for medicinal purposes just for the local market?

To export you need a means to transport the products… FedEx - DHL any US-based courier service out of the question can’t get through LPIA Pre-clearance.

Why can’t our government officials think before

they make fools of themselves as if they are on marijuana?

If possession of a joint is made legal… someone going through LPIA US pre-clearance will be searched and found with an amount of marijuana in breach of US Federal law and arrested. The laugh starts there… the person is handed over to the RBDF who will have

to release him-her as it will not be an offence in The Bahamas unless you get them on a false declaration to the US TSA/ Customs?

US - Canada - EU are all already marijuana provider satisfied… as usual late on the draw, Bahamas.

is due for implosion and presumably the existing Central Bank Building will be next on the list.

As for the new Imax Structure, to describe it as unattractive is an understatement of the worst kind.

What is needed is an overhaul of all the buildings which have already

been bastardised before they are beyond saving.

A good start would be to remove the black paint from the priceless bronze cannons in front of Government House.

W THOMPSON Nassau, July 9, 2018.

Old and new EDITOR, The Tribune.

I WONDER if the Graduate had given any thought to the East Hill Post Office Building or the Clarence A Bain building on Interfield Road when he threw out his advice on taking the old with the new.

Each of these structures

CHRISTINA SMITH Nassau, July 8, 2018.

Neymour a poster boy for marijuana?

EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE re-emergence of former Free National Movement (FNM) Cabinet minister Phenton Neymour coinciding with the CARICOM Regional Commission on Marijuana’s highly anticipated study on the decriminalisation of marijuana in the Caribbean at the recent Heads of Government meeting was serendipitous. Being diagnosed with colon cancer must have been a harrowing experience for Mr Neymour and his family.

I want the former FNM MP to know that YHWH Rophe is still in the business of healing. According to Exodus 15:26, the Lord is more than capable of healing any ailment, no matter how debilitating. According to the Mayo Clinic’s website, colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine, which is the final part of the digestive tract. It is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States among men and women.

There are no known cure for colorectal cancer. Early detection is the best protection against this dangerous disease. I cannot empathise with the former FNM MP, as I have never been diagnosed with any form of cancer. However, I can appreciate the fact that the last four years have presented a most frightening ordeal to him and his family.

Neymour’s decision to use his celebrity in the call for the legalisation of marijuana for medicinal use has given impetus to the pro-marijuana camp.

I believe that Neymour is now being used as the poster boy for the legalisation of medical marijuana by the media. Marijuana advocates are now all over Facebook posting proweed statements attributed to Neymour in support of legalising weed. These advocates are saying that marijuana saved Neymour’s life. Whereas the former FNM MP has emphatically stated that he is opposed to the recreational use of the plant, Health Minister Dr Duane Sands was candid

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net enough to admit that the end goal of marijuana advocates is recreational adult use. Most marijuana advocates are hiding behind the banner of Neymour and medical marijuana.

Anyone who believes that 71 percent of the 998 poll participants in the recent Public Domain survey who favoured the legalisation of marijuana for medicinal purposes have no hidden desire for its recreational use is being dangerously naive. I am willing to wager that the overwhelming majority of these participants are cancer free. The FNM must tread carefully on the marijuana matter. The Minnis administration was elected to fix the economic, criminal and immigration issues of the country. It must remember that legalising weed was not at the top of the list of Bahamian voters in 2017. It cannot allow itself to become sidetracked by a nonessential issue.

The personal views of Neymour, who is a private citizen, mustn’t be used to shape public policy which would end up impacting hundreds of thousands of Bahamians. What’s more, legalising weed could very well embolden cocaine crackheads to lobby for the legalisation of medical cocaine. As dangerous as cocaine is, it also has some medicinal value just like weed, as both are derived from botanical sources. I kid you not.

As is the case with all controversial debates, there are pros and cons with respect to legalising weed. What are the pros of medical marijuana for cancer treatment? According to the American Cancer Society, marijuana can be helpful in treating nausea and vomiting from cancer chemotherapy. The Society also states that the cannaboids and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can slow or cause the death of certain cancer cells in lab dishes. The Society

cautioned, however, that relying on marijuana alone while avoiding or delaying conventional medical care may cause serious health problems. Now what are the cons of weed smoking?

According to Medical Daily, long term marijuana use can increase the susceptibility for Alzheimer’s disease, worsen verbal memory, weaken heart muscles and increase osteoporosis. The plant can also increase periodontal disease, poor vision and insomnia. Researchers have also stated that chronic marijuana users are three times more likely to die from high blood pressure than non-users. Readers of this daily should be aware of the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases in The Bahamas. Bahamians are dying of heart disease and hypertension at an alarming rate. The plant also increases memory loss and incoherence among users.

I have witnessed this firsthand in the workplace from a former colleague who is a practising Rastafarian.

His inability to remember hardly anything was simply astonishing.

Understand, this was a marijuana user in his late 20s. I am not talking about a geriatric. Yet he struggled mightily with dementia after smoking pot in ritualistic fashion, even at his youthful age when his cognitive skills should have been at their peak.

I am willing to grant to Neymour and other marijuana lobbyists that the plant has a few health benefits. But I think the marijuana camp is guilty of overstating its case as it continues in its crusade to get the plant legalised.

Neymour gave his honest opinion on weed and advocates for the plant, many of whom desire to smoke it recreationally, have seized upon the opportunity by using his name to further their agenda. The cons for legalising weed far outweighs the benefits in my humble layman’s opinion.

KEVIN EVANS Freeport, GB July 8, 2018.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, July 12, 2018, PAGE 5

OFFICIAL government shanty town notices being handed out and stapled to homes yesterday.

Photo: Terrel W Carey/Tribune Staff

‘Clearing shanty towns will help Haitians to integrate’

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net FORMER Agriculture Minister Tennyson Wells yesterday expressed support for the government’s shanty town clearing exercise, telling The Tribune he feels it will engender increased integration of the Haitian community.

Mr Wells said he felt that individuals who maintained their agricultural leases and met its conditions should be allowed to retain the Crown land.

However, he noted farmers who received leases for Crown land during his tenure in the early 1990s would have seen their permits expire after 21 years.

Mr Wells said there could be no legal claim to the land unless leases were renewed and the land continuously used for agricultural purposes.

“I support the government,” Mr Wells said. “If their intention is what I think it is, trying to integrate the Haitian community into the social fabric, that they live in the same standards that Bahamians live. It is better for long-term development and for the Haitians to become integrated into Bahamian society at a faster pace.

If that’s the purpose of it, and I think it is, that’s one way to integrate those who really want to be a part of Bahamian society. Apart from health reasons and all the other things associated with those communities.”

The Tribune reached out to Mr Wells after a tear-filled interview with a 58-year-old FNM supporter who said he was distressed by the looming deadline and the prospect of homelessness. The supporter, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, claimed he

TENNYSON WELLS had leased the farm land in 1993, where he now lives, with the assistance of Mr Wells.

Mr Wells said: “It was given to them for agricultural purposes to farm. If they were granted the land for agricultural purposes and using it for that purpose I think they should retain it if they paid the lease and met the conditions of the lease. They were all agricultural leases.

“Other than that, I think the government should recover the land from them if they’re in breach of the terms of the lease. I don’t know who they are but I did lease parcels of land during my tenure as agriculture minister.

“If they are in breach of lease, in the case of government land you need some 60 years to be squatting to get title. It’s almost impossible, you can only start acquiring land as an adult.”

Yesterday, human rights group, Rights Bahamas (RB), continued its rebuke of the government exercise and maintained its intention

LIGHTNING BOLT KILLS MAN AS HE WORKS IN PARK from page one

She could not confirm at the time whether the man was struck directly or whether the lightning hit any of the equipment.

When asked for the deceased’s age, she estimated him to be “middle-aged”.

Assistant Superintendent Audley Peters, of the Cable Beach Police Station, also provided some information about the incident.

“Around 2.05pm, (police received) reports of a male who was found unresponsive on Goodman’s Bay,” ASP Peters said.

“As a result, my officers

went to the scene where they met the EMS attempting to revive the person, but was unsuccessful in doing so. “(Officers) subsequently continued the investigation by finding out who were the persons who would have last seen him, and they gave us a story. As a result of the story, (they) called in the crime officers and the other relevant personnel who would have assisted us. And subsequently he was transported to the morgue.”

ASP Peters said no other information was available up to press time.

“The facts that we got, we are still substantiating,” he said.

to bring legal action against the government.

RB took issue with statements made by Minister of Labour Dion Foulkes over the government’s level of consultation with civil society. In a press statement yesterday, RB said it did not support the government’s campaign and has had no consultation with officials.

“There has been no such consultation, other than our legal director, Fred Smith, QC repeatedly warning the minister that arbitrarily forcing people from their homes is unconstitutional and morally disgraceful,” the RB press release said.

“These warnings have fallen on deaf ears and in general there has been no willingness on the part of government to collaborate with human rights defenders in solving the various social problems existing in organic communities.”

The RB statement continued: “Our members have toured many of these communities, and the anxiety, fear and emotional trauma which this insensitive FNM government has

already caused, especially to children, is impossible to quantify.”

‘Homeless’ Yesterday, the FNM supporter explained that he was allowed to take up residence in an old building on a plot of land, just under three acres, in the Bacardi Road area after a divorce left him homeless in 1994.

He told The Tribune he has campaigned for the FNM for the past 40 years, with his earliest campaign memory knocking on doors in the former St Agnes constituency for then-candidate the late Sir Cecil WallaceWhitfield at the age of 12.

“I asked (Tennyson Wells) if he could help me get a piece of government land and he told someone to help me find some place, and they told me of this place what had this old building and I fixed it up,” he claimed. “My two neighbours had already received government grant for their property and together we

brought the power lines through from Golden Isles Road.

“I know this was farm land, I had plenty animals on this property but after they brought Excellent Estates down through here, the people complain about the animals, the scent in the morning. So, they told me to get rid of the animals.”

The supporter told The Tribune there were about 15 structures erected on the plot, and he collected money for persons living there annually. However, he insisted he wasn’t leasing the property, and that the homes are not “shanty town” houses.

“I just received something from them until the government say what they will do with the land. In case government called me for the land. Every year –I have over $16,000 right now, looking back from 16 years.”

The government has pushed its July 31 deadline

for New Providence shanty town evictions to August 10.

Yesterday, the FNM supporter said he felt consideration should have been given to Bahamians who have already made application for land title, and were seeking to regularise their land use.

“If they say the homes are not up to code,” the supporter continued, “let the inspectors come every week, check the homes.

Those with building code, give them opportunity.

Most people already went and got their plans and submit it but (the government) said they won’t accept it because they looking for plans that have been drawn up before the notice was given.

“The way they going now, at 58, I can’t go out there and rent, why would I do that at this age? As a Bahamian, I think I should be given the same opportunity.”

PAGE 6, Thursday, July 12, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

Bishop’s criticism of tax ‘premature’ from page one

DEPUTY Prime Minister Peter Turnquest during the Budget debate.

Asked yesterday to respond to these comments on the sidelines of a Bahamas Chamber of Commerce event, Mr Turnquest said: “I think it’s unfortunate in the context of the discussion.

We in fact have a meeting set up with the Christian Council to go through the budget I believe tomorrow, if not early next week, to go through the budget and why we are where we are.

“I think his comments may have been a bit premature in that regard because he may not necessarily have the full view of what we are faced with, but we will have those discussions with the council and hopefully at the end of the day come to a conclusion that we are on the right path in consideration of everything.”

He also said: “That’s the venue that he chose.

I think, as I say to some of the groups that I am involved in, independence is a very special time when we celebrate what

is good about this country and the advancements we have made that we should be rightfully proud of. It’s not the day for negative talk, but again I choose to celebrate what’s good about The Bahamas and certainly we are very proud of 45 years of solid democracy, solid advancement as a people, as a community and we honour those who led the way in the past, those named heroes as well as unsung heroes who continue to put their shoulder to the wheel every day advancing the country.”

The BCC president also called for the country to abandon colonial systems and hinted at the need to shift from the Westminster system, 45 years after independence. He was 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.

In this regard, Mr Turnquest said: “No matter where you are in the world, when you talk about

collective responsibility as a government, no matter the form of the government, that is a principal that is undisputed. While we all have a God-given right to speak our minds, at the end of the day when the government makes a decision it is incumbent of all those who are a part of it, particularly the decision-making body, to support it and to ensure that the opportunities and challenges are explained to the Bahamian people.

“We talk about this Westminster system as if it is some big animal out there disadvantaging people.

That is not the case. Most countries around the world have a ‘Westminster system’ and it works effectively and some would say it works better than some of the republics we have around the world. We all have a right and opportunity to speak in the country and choose the kind of government we want. We respect that, paying due respect to the traditions that we have established and have worked well for us up to this point,” he said.

CONCESSIONS RULED OUT FOR BUSINESSES WHO OWE TAX from page one western area of Collins Avenue.

Businesses in good standing within the zone would be given a certificate of trade and could receive a business licence fee waiver if they make less than $5m a year, customs duties waivers on the importation of commercial

vehicles and exemptions from excise taxes.

Property developers would be issued a certificate of development and would be exempt from real property taxes, excise taxes, stamp duties and customs duties on materials needed for construction of buildings and structures.

“Every approved

YOUR

applicant,” the bill notes, “who imports into The Bahamas any machinery, materials or articles with the benefit of any exemption from customs duty under this section, shall upon being required to do so by the comptroller of customs, cause such machinery, materials or articles to be marked with such marks and in such manner as may be required by the comptroller of customs.”

The Over-the-Hill programme has been a defining policy focus for the Minnis administration this term. A two-minute commercial highlighting the programme was released to social media yesterday and will be broadcast on television. The commercial featured several inner-city businessmen promoting their businesses and praising the strength of their communities.

Before her appointment as director of the National Insurance Board, Dr Nicolla Virgill-Rolle headed the Over-the-Hill programme. The Tribune understands the government is interviewing people to replace her.

CHOICE FOR THE FAMILY WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/JOYFM1019

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, July 12, 2018, PAGE 7

Appeal court delays decision on gun smuggling challenge

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net THE Court of Appeal has reserved its decision on whether it will accede to Grand Bahama businessman Edward Barrett’s appeal of his four-year sentence for gun and ammunition smuggling.

In January, Barrett was sentenced to four years in prison by Magistrate Samuel McKinney for smuggling three guns and 248 rounds of ammunition

through his import company in 2016.

Magistrate McKinney also ordered the Pink Close, Freeport resident to pay a $15,000 fine or face an additional year in prison.

According to the evidence led during trial, Bahamas customs agents found two high-powered rifles and 248 rounds of ammunition of various calibres stashed away in a flat-screen television, as well as a revolver in a Tide laundry detergent box.

The latter was found

inside a blue bin containing groceries.

Barrett imported those items into Freeport, Grand Bahama, through his company, Sapona Import, on February 11, 2016 on behalf of Mary Jane Smith.

However, the magistrate noted during trial that Mary Jane Smith was an individual Barrett made up to conceal his gun smuggling activities.

Additionally, the evidence suggested Barrett’s export/import licence had been cancelled by the Port

Authority three years prior to the incident in question.

Barrett was at the airport to receive the items after requesting a private pilot to deliver the items from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. However, he did not fill out a C-44 form authorising him to clear the goods on Mary Jane Smith’s behalf.

Barrett attempted to remove the television box before it could be inspected by customs officials, the court heard during trial.

When an officer removed the television, the front and

back became separated, revealing a disassembled Draco 7.62 rifle, a 9mm rifle and 228 rounds of ammunition.

Officers also removed a Tide box containing a .45 revolver and 20 rounds of ammunition.

Magistrate Samuel McKinney noted that Barrett had no delivery address for Mary Jane Smith, notwithstanding him claiming the goods on her behalf.

Magistrate McKinney also said Barrett had prepared an invoice billing Mary

Jane Smith $344 for him importing the items before the duty had been assessed.

In his testimony, however, Barrett claimed a police officer told him to make up the fake invoice, and that he was unaware of his licence being cancelled.

However, his testimony was dismissed as untruthful by the magistrate.

In March, the Court of Appeal upheld Supreme Court Justice Renea McKay’s decision to grant Barrett bail pending his appeal.

HAITIAN MEN TO BE DEPORTED AFTER ILLEGAL LANDING

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

A SENIOR magistrate yesterday ordered a dozen Haitian men to be deported out of the country after they all pleaded guilty to illegally landing on Inagua earlier this week.

Deputy Chief Magistrate Subusola Swain gave the 14 migrants, between the ages of 21 to 29, a conditional discharge on the grounds they do not return to the country illegally.

Should any of them transgress her order, they will face prison time.

Prior to the deputy chief magistrate’s order, the 14 men stood before her charged with a single count of illegal landing stemming from the July 8 incident.

According to reports, a US Coast Guard operations helicopter spotted six Haitian migrants on Inagua’s north shore. Those migrants were then airlifted to Mathew Town.

Several additional migrants were found in the nearby bushes by the local

A US Coast Guard helicopter spotted six Haitian migrants on Inagua’s north shore. community, law enforcement agencies, and Royal Bahamas Defense Force personnel following a combined search of the island.

The migrants were subsequently turned over to immigration officials for

further questioning. However, reports indicated that a search was still being conducted for additional migrants, with as many as 120 suspected to have landed.

Last week, a 23-yearold Haitian woman and a

38-year-old Haitian man charged with illegal landing were both sentenced to three months in prison after it was revealed they had been previously deported from the country.

Sherline Myrtil, of Cap Haitian, and Allande

Alcy, of La Tortue, were sentenced after immigration prosecutor Da’Reesia Davis-Mott revealed that both had been deported from The Bahamas in February 2018 and June 2017, respectively.

Martial and Alcy were two of 46 Haitians — 38 men and eight women — arraigned before Magistrate Carolyn Vogt-Evans for illegal landing after being apprehended by the RBDF in waters off South Eleuthera.

Unlike their two fellow countrymen, however, the other 44, ranging in age from 17 to 68, were ordered to be deported from the country after pleading guilty to the single count of illegal landing with which they were charged after being picked up some 20 nautical miles south of Bannerman Town.

In May, 25 Haitians, with birthdates ranging from 1961 to 1998, were each arraigned on a single count of illegal landing, contrary to Section 19(1) and punishable under Section 19(2) of the Immigration Act.

It was alleged that on May 27, the 25 people - 15 women (one pregnant) and ten men, were found in Venice Bay, New Providence, having landed without leave of an immigration officer.

At the time, Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt ordered that they all be returned to their country “as soon as is reasonably practicable”.

She also gave them a conditional discharge pursuant to Section 209 of the Penal Code, on the condition that they do not return to the country illegally.

However, the chief magistrate scolded them for their actions, telling them: “We cannot support you.”

She said it was “not wise” for them to have taken a risk on their lives in making the voyage from Haiti to New Providence, noting that anything could have happened to the group while at sea.

According to RBDF reports, over 200 migrants have been apprehended by the law enforcement agency for the year.

PAGE 8, Thursday, July 12, 2018

BUNE

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015, PAGE 5A

THE TRIBUNE

Christie: CLICO policyholders Excitement danger have noof t bee n abandon-eduntil

hate is pointed directly at you

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Tribune Staff Reporter kvirgil@ tribunemedia.net

By Diane Phillips

T

HIS is a very personal story and, in some ways, it is a story about

all of us.

It starts out with what we all feel though rarely – or reluctantly – put into words. We are strange human beings made more alive by excitement based on the threat of danger. Our adrenaline pumps harder, faster by the presence of fear. Our fists clench tighter anticipating but not knowing the outcome or what the next moment of recklessness will bring.

We felt it this week with the crashes at Daytona International Speedway where NASCAR, without the safety features of Formula 1 racing, delivered a heartthumping fast action sport.

Our pulse beats were timed to the tune of 200-mile-anhour racing machines. We awaited the next crash and wanted to see flames but wanted just as badly for the driver to escape unharmed, eager to hug his wife and child. We never admit that’s why we watch races but for most of us it’s why we watch.

We know there is speed, we sense there is danger and we do not know and cannot predict the outcome.

And again, we felt it this week when the nine-day festival of the Running of the Bulls kicked off in Pamplona, Spain. The entire concept defies sane explanation. Cordon off a section of town with no escape, stir up massive animals

PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday said his administration has not abandoned efforts to bring relief to thousands of Bahamian policyholders who lost millions of dollars when CLICO (Bahamas) collapsed.

Speaking in the House of Assembly, Mr Christie said the government still considered the CLICO matter as one of importance.

Mr Christi e was prompt ed to speak on the issue after Fort Char-

lotte MP Dr Andre Rollins persiste d in raising the matter despite several comma nds from House Speaker Dr Kendal Major to adhere to the rule of relevan ce.

The Speaker made the ruling at the beginning of the House session, when members were debating a Bill that is expected to bring reform and regulatiNE THE TRIBU on to credit unions.

Mr Christie said: “It (CLICO) is a matter that the government has of importance.

“It is importa nt for me to say that in a nutshel l that when this government came to power we did not

have the money in place to deal with that issue because it will require money to bring a successful outcome.

“Secondly we have given considerable attention to what is a very complex issue involving international creditors in other jurisdictions.

“We believe that when we are coming to a certain period over the next few months we should be able to speak comprehensively about what we propose to do by way of assisting those persons who have suffered as a result.

“So the member raises this matter, it has not been

withdrawn, it is a continuation of the process forward and we are working toward an outcome that we hope will be the best outcome for those affected in the country.”

Dr Rollins pressed the issue yesterday as he repeatedly defied the Speaker’s orders to take his seat. He went on to remind the government that it promised ahead of the 2012 general election that relief would be brought to those who lost their investments when CLICO was declared insolvent.

He said his constituents have repeatedly asked him to raise the matter in the

House.

“Since being elected to power in 2012 we have been asked to deliver on the promises we made while on the campaign trail and like many membersMA this A5 of IN House I too have constituents that are either former or current policy holders of CLICO. “Seeing that we are discussing a Bill that talks about promoting sound regulatory authority and the detection of the welfare of the people I wish to speak on behalf of the people who call me and ask me on the street when they see me about CLICO,” Dr Rollins said.

Accord ing to Tribune Busines s, at the end of June 2012, CLICO’s (Bahamas) portfol io contained 13,835 policies with a total surrender value of $20.074 million and cumulative sum assured of $1.093 billion.

Its Bahamian balance sheet showed a solvency deficiency of $22.162m at June 30, 2012, with total assets worth $44.794m out matched by liabilities totalling $66.956m.

Last year, there were calls from policyholders for the government to indicate whether it will honour a $30 million guarantee for CLICO policies.

er 18, 20

Thursday, Decemb

carrying their hate signs.

Police at last recognised the danger and it took nine of them, I believe, to finally clear the men away. I believe at least two of the men dropped their signs. I don’t think anyone doubted that the they were there because of on l cal We . y afraid tbed truck ver lice to inPeter Nygard, whether hired of men, on a fla d car ry- Commissioner of Po before Mr for ng rki us an t uals wo bla ring music tervene and protec for Pe- individ adirectly or indirectly. am ing def act d S an ER g rt.”

LAWY enacin gard. e gets hu confined to the narrow millionaire Ny ur client did not pay an- ing “m ba nners. Mr Sm ith someon ior police officer Meantime, two genter Nygard, the “O sen y” tor A ied ly den ral as e d n ay sai hav tio aw s t the space and taunt them until disrup fashion designer, ned the protestor a yone to disrup ng to do with descr ibed the tur ed tlemen in black jackets d ask an Mr he he t t and tha tha allegations and had nothi isg usting” and they returned they push trying with all n to disrupt a the alleged demonstration or “d Da rvi lle now “fear for but lle confronted them. appeared at the event. I of me groupThe rvi Mr HOW Tribune reported Peter Da ral or n on ati the idatio their might and power to Freedom of Informdowntown any threats or intim by any- their lives”. graphs showed wavoto spoke with them and one Ph in ing er in her s ago of involvement rts and ief whatsoev ly ten daydenial mischin escape, goring and tram- Nygard’s “A peaceful gat men wearing shi which two enwas named Johnson.

They situation outlined support of Freedom of Infor- ing placards bearing slogans the ssau, after in e Na on the protest rally and, right, a later ed tes ask a letter ghacked pling anyone in their way. It the publication,” Evans mation was nearly hij d-for about Louis Bacon, a nei d were told to come, they vironmental advocan. in with pai firm tectio wearing KKK Mr Nygar promen for police is animal abuse of the high- protest from the legal by a bought and bour with whom g-running said.

By Nygard. They re responding to The Tribune on mob sent there to intimidate They andwebrandishing signs r- and Co to is involved in a lon Da ith eph est order next to murder. hoods Sm Jos Mr by n le,” d. sai gestio troub ay se sug were on his boxing team esd a cau te.

Tu pu and e dis Th Fred Smih.

Save d fel low that the It sickens some of us, yet denouncing ville, a director of fronted, Mr Da rvi lle an in a statement.

Police confirmed to pro - and were due to fight later ith asked said increasSm t the d mi ng Fre per that, when con eri or ys, no sid ect Ba on dir “C nearly a million and a half between their men had n after had claimed and excitement that same evening. I did some of the men ed to at- for polic e protectio ted by ingly sinister tone of now test. ask e beenbegan people attended the 425 fear.to hav ral ly was disrup group messages, many of us are What in hapthe e ott not hear every word as I arl a in Ch s t wa tes d pro sai y the the d ten what related events last year and piness transcended ber 7 by into was a few feet away but I Street on Decem millions more follow online. fearfulness that consumed y drafted,” Mr saw them confront retired ead alr ’s “It and to reith these Sixteen people have died not only the mind, but trigthose complaints s.

Mitchell said. “W ng its way principal Joseph Darville, view the procedure centre was things it’s just worki I hope a Save The Bays director, since the festival started in gered a reaction to the body.

T ES QU .

By AVA TURN porter “T he detention ough the system FROM left, Louby 1931 and dozens are injured any govern- thr t as soon as parliament re- now chairman and I saw Georges ChiefatRe , Paco an October 27, 2017, Nunez, Fred Smith In bune andTri Joseph Darville set up without theme USdia Senate. .net so tha es rul une we can trib and ry s t@ ua ure ues Jan aturnq es in every year. Five were hospi- Smithsonian.com ance proced Convereral prin- conven at does a finger pointed at him it’s just going on genent. What move it for ward. Th grantad Ro ael ich talised this year within the sationTH m contribution, authors E Carm threatening. I stood behind ciples of managem similar to not prevent us fro n is n Centre has bee and ncy permits as we Detentio first 24 hours.

Arash Javanbakht needs to happen ds to ing reside mits to work.” Joe and heard him tell them ut governho nee wit re the g – tin era ak, or per the prison Scientists tell us the Lindaop ures or point outrules that tions which spe til the legislation andfirmly that he was a Bahae proced ancSaab be a set of regula Un ablished in e the s estfear ention centre.” det the basics. Novelty, risk, reward “Reaction since it wa ern tructure to provid to starts ras gov n mian and had every right to inf gratio that mid-1990 s, Immi nister tchell explained re new cards is implemented, Mi the Mr and airs Aff ’tbe where he was and they are pleasure triggers, like in the rs Mi eign s we brain and spreads can fai For on of “I Af ati ER gn d: nd rei IST sai me Fo MIN ell om and the rec mis- Mr Mitch must carry your I tion wasFredaMitchell. ell revealed yes Mitch part ofifa com drugs, alcohol, sex. They through Immigra body.”

Fredthe they that you led in made as on the towould never scare him from n tab conduct of say . e legislatio director of the environmenday ort hav that’s not for me ter rep to n sio t passport, tha accelerate a chemical in House ned towhat he believed in. His I know that feeling. lai the is reflected the feelings of t exp . en tre den ell wh tch cen pru ent is Mi Mr ention . What the det talesmasks group Save support parliam year.during KKK media at decide fted toroute newworn the thebeing which ideninadvocacy our brainESKA called dopamine.

By SANCH Junkano ke torsthe This long to resum islationadra o by ething Louis Bacon protesto spo courage was awe-inspiring. legwas BROWN wavingpeople. somSmith.

He e signs of hate speech against criticisin hav licy g enFred po det activn mi se as it tio also Im tho expects gra ham to brief the “In e of and we had schedent of Tribune Staff Reporter The Bays advanc new immi the you with the Ba ists, includingthe of tifiaes reference increasi Those receptors into the Departm day ngly Forgive set story. me, but I he US ing with KKK, to a Congre All of this might have rk ere ss com ish wo and wh es meet abl , and sbrown@dopamine rul est tribunemedia.net o centreour secondrec yester hostile demonstrations held will als tionuled the right to live - gration of with be Freedom l provid ntatives people and ofeso the ce, t wil tha ns represe vary in individuals and it is ive, wanted tio set the scene supposed connection to a ” he said, “I will gues confirmed thata 228 been just another rude ulaOrganiz by aggress regto for masked men e. iher sim ation t of rk lea Americ tha an BAHA MIAN mewo to Haiti Information bereheld human donning Ku Klux Klan cosple who are tory fra nding to my colrallyinto we st peoused a regula repatriated omme or mo States “F widely accepted that people (OAS) . that you would understand relative long ago and as attempt at civil disorder and well d son put as sai pri rights activists be be y’s ell up uld yesterday tumes.” tch h a gro the countr t sucCharlotte lar to individu al US Street morning. Mr Mi bans was Bahamians that wo card, lawmak nneders thaon l with between briefed the United d he pla States’level sai who have a higher ares for Constit Citizen stir anger.

Another poster how when Mi I was truly scared tchellnext insurance I would have gotten over it immediately to dea s and that a group oftoCu al ce ion pla nat r several days. you inSenate on “human rights al Equality (CCE), ution-Mr over the an int iBay nand Shirley Streets. mend that of compla be deportedQC woFred recom aone group t issued or restaking o to als rk permiSmith, more seek of the few times ever violatiolikely it for the unfortunate ht the questio of measures, and scheduled to insulted ns” they to believe are thrills. n oversig that advocatesfor for gender rning, add- a ce permit which has phose sortsfirst oneicein dependent civilia ed to pro - thoThe Rawson being committed under the equality in tomorrow mo den on h wit adv s nt ish The it.” ilie The 1990 film Awakenanother had my picture with Baham nde abl pathetic immature thing it life, my to give indepe on tus sta el beitestaffectedhoped t those fam and pan tha h government’s new immigra- also made a in my as, rap ing tepresentation to s complaints and Square had been achihuge held at a tog being words closing stawas tion policy. ces body, my family, “Who ldren were the ings, one of Robin Williams’ mind, my DuringishisDiane the Senate, accordi t except for one thing – I ng to the dge Bu 4 y.

3/1 ilit G 201 IN fac President of the Grand statement. success.

Among the parto the mentspelled EKS OAS HEionARis seek- sepTharae tenew leg nPhillips?” finest later was informed by a very my life and it is only several islation will All OUP SEticipants Prime Mi Bahamaperformances, Human Rights As- follows t year,corDuring its visit to Wash- HUMAN RIGHTS GR were the Leader of the rectly, per- Debate las Christie said the n Rights Associat sociatio Belonger’sone ma n Fred Hu Smith, t a n in Diane, two QC, ington reliable source whose name “se ate the cases of 15 patients who rry years later that I can begin ham Pe nst and r the GBHR Ba rei tes iste A said TH E Grand Sta d can car eri pro n Am tio the flew to Washington, DC, on of fica in n s nti tio the Opposition, the - Leader Organisa ernment wa mit, an ide lls in ress the without Phillips, never ple: govwhich I recannot reveal, but who tation of the govern existed for to add to tell ing the story peo mo sen Wednesday of ce pre s pla withyears rie the GBHRin in ego g A a semiing cat ttin low ter nis chairman for two fairs Mithe of the DNA, - cess of pu ord straight” fol members Louby reign Af the rec George to non-Bahaso s, detention cen it trowas once worked on the Nygard catatonic state after being starting to shake or gra wanting tion policy by Fo ls at theobvipersons bornhappens con esday.

Joseph Darville and Paco on on Tu ment’s new immi OAS in Washi ngtthe of Bahamas Chamber the required s, and children of tre e ent d vid par alle pro an the app to mi to and ell ous that the property, that he overheard Nunez. Theywith stricken encephalitis. armed to strangle Mitch able ci“al are expecte un s dis Fredsomeone. wa d are it ary o ess said wh A nec s the GBHR fort and Bahamian ofleadinCommerce, to appear before the Interg description” of In a statement, the sanitised, mis s on their com person who the man himself say he was Treated with ssion L-Dopa, they , automatically pas ngton and ne. to American Commi shi pli Wa to on vel tra at the cherry-picked no choice butCitizens the for a It wasn’t “to Human Rightsre-awaken. citizenship. organised all going to “smash Diane Philit had (IACH R) gradually PerI was the victim a hateOAS the full facts of the matter”. and thatof policy on Friday.

Better Baha- sound that was ore the heads of the bef lay this knew me lips”. Still shaking from the sons once frozen in time crime According to a statement mas, the Trade from theliving associatagain, well. Every- events of the past two hours, ion, the dancing begin If you have never been shocking or the GBHR A was hosted by the Union Conthing about seeing my photo singled out, and singing and smiling and the victim of a hate crime, Senate Committee on Forgress.

There fact that the eign Relations at a panel the set-up, the largest reproduction I ue. tin con loving, and the pace quickyou don’t know what it feels s ion gat discussion on the state of ne, the third were public h information the yone wit dead at the sce An truck was parked truck, have ever seen, I realised human to OWN in Thefrenetic. ens torights almost In the like just as those usBRwho Bahabulance idents is SK A inc am HEof se by NC the en SA of tak By s wa service rep- Hos- on any mas. ff Reporter this could be serious. I hardly Margaret clearly t police at 911 the speakers, Sta ss tac ne nce end, theA shock of change is have never been gun-butted con bu Pri to Tri ed the across “GBHR ask members told resentatives is listed in Detective the men who tribunemedia.net sbrown@what the Senate slept over the next days. pital, where he Investiga- or 919, the Central that since Novemtoo much and they decline, do not know it feels ime Cr . or ion 91 dit -99 con 502 l ber 1, 2014, the government critica numerous the bus Unit atparking d and and of sly at smelled Security for the entire family are dea ou N nym ue.

ME re-affirming the power of a like to have the cold steel tin O ano has carried out mass con TW ers ns tio immiar- Stopp leadpolice ting for his life religious gration raids and roadblocks r is fighsmashed the alcohol, the became a constant concern. lot.

It In other news, -TI PS. the 328was chemical reaction to life. handle ofano aho pistol they 17, car 33, s the age er n, aft in direct violation of the funme tal four could ers. Who in spi spoke to I did not know a body could o a man- rested 15 and two women, dament Theal rights patients against our enshrined inin Awakre in slammed int shortly be signs, hate signs, signs webrains.

16 and opposed when they the Bahamas Constitution,” East Street on and 25, to an organised shake so much inside. e tre 29 s go age It was in December 2014. enings felt the fine line n tha ay. re the statement esd mo Tu t h said. “They Freedom found wit of evil signs, large after midnigh attempt to These words are similar also told of hundreds of casthat three were of marijuana after a Police reported 2lbs es of wrongful detention, ilGarden g south on Information vin dri stir, incite or to the report I filed with re placards, we n rch of a home in plywood me sea legal deportation and a total col on d gol m 7 10a und #2 arowere East Street in a 199 d, whenand Hills we inflame – and police. Other directors, breakdown of due process, cor oured Honda Ac trol of theencouraged as well as numerous claims Tuesday. that all carefully done con I immediately including the current Mint los pects were taksus ver e six the dri of physical and emotional Th a o iint est d inv she were making tody and professionally abuse at the hands of law eninto cus vehicle, which cra nouncedween suspected ister of Environment and pro forcement officers. tree. Two were progress in join- with just enough that the men, Housing Romi Ferreira, “They also explained how ing hands with the new immigration rules some on the also filed reports of the for students, set to come into other organisa- casual to give truck, some incident. Individually and force in September 2015, tions to bring them a bit of will effectively deny children now climbing collectively, we asked for their right to an education, more account- amateur feeling as or jumping an investigation. Our names in violation of the Bahamas Constitution, the Education ability and down, had no were trashed. We and Act, and numerous internatransparency to if they reflected tional treaties signed by The idea what it others on the street were Bahamas. The GBHR A government. the feelings of was really all threatened. We reminded also reminded the Senate The Decem- the people. that over 6,212,971 US citiabout. police in our reports that zens visit The Bahamas, that ber rally was to I pointed the Save The Bays event Americans pour around be like the first, $300,00 0 into the country to one of was properly permitted; the in direct foreign investpeaceful, but because it the signs with my picture truck and the interference ment and that long standing law enforcement ties exist, was going to be in the early and said to two of the men and the men with drums which have serious national evening, we had planned standing together, “Hey, and placards and alcoholsecurity implications for both countries.” for more entertainment. that’s me. Anyone want a fired up energy were not The group also informed It was properly permitted, picture?” The one guy said and some of us were frightthe Senate about the “rise a stage was set up in the to a few gathered, “Hey ened about what lay ahead. middle of the cordoned off mon, get ya phones. Take The incident seemed a harblock for performers, and my picture with the lady. binger of greater danger to everyone was in place.

C’mon, c’mon’.” come.

Among those scheduled The large placard with my The incident and false to participate were Dr Ran- photo singularly placed was accusations also cost ford Patterson, President right next to the KKK plac- my public relations firm of the Bahamas Christian ard and I did the thing with a major international Council; the Rev CB Moss, the photo just to prove to account. A long-term conBishop Walter Hanchell myself that the men had no tract was cancelled the next and others representing idea why they were there. day, instantly, as the health various church or religious One guy is holding my hand, care provider was advised affiliations. another standing close by, for by a local contact, also conNo one could have the picture. I wasn’t any more nected with the same group, guessed that it would turn a racist to them than I am in that I was a subversive or out to be a catalyst for some- real life. They were hired enemy of the state or some one with a personal agenda hands who did not know such nonsense. I was never who wanted to use it to dis- what they were protesting even given an opportunity rupt the peace and cause or what cause they were sup- to explain my values or why threat in order to make the posedly representing. It was I thought it was important event appear to fail. ugly to see the false portrayal for people to stand up for Just before 5pm, I parked on large signs but I knew what they believe in. Everyin a spot off Shirley Street they were paid drunks so at one who knows me knows and walked toward Char- the moment I did not panic. how far from partisan polilotte Street. I saw Paco A bad idea, a little too much tics I have remained all Nunez and Romi Ferreira rum, a loud truck. these years. walking in the opposite Then, the horror and hate It is often said that you direction, heading east, began to reveal itself and the can never kill an idea. I am which I thought was odd, danger it posed. The truck, repeating that to myself but caught up with them no longer satisfied to sit by a lot to maintain strength and walked through the a lot and make noise, drove to continue the important Royal Victoria parking lot down Shirley Street and fight for good governance, with them, heading toward attempted to barrel through safety on our streets and a loud sound that they were the closed street where chil- a protected environment. going to check out. dren were preparing to go When good, solid citizens The noise, something like on stage. A man jumped are threatened, who is safe?

Junkanoo gone wrong, was off, moved the orange cone.

It is going on four years mostly a lot of noise. As Citizens – with little help now and none of us has we came out of the lot and from police who stood by ever had the courtesy of faced the Post Office build- and watched – attempted a proper investigation. ing on East Hill Street, we to scream and turn them Hate crimes scar. In some saw the source of the noise, around, yelling there were cases they become bloody. a large flatbed truck with children and innocent people In no case do they solve a a bunch of guys, most in and religious leaders in the problem. white t-shirts playing a vari- street. KB was about to perSurely, we must take ety of drums, etc. form along with the children them as the crimes they It wasn’t the sound that who had just got on stage. are, investigate and let juswas shocking or the fact that The truck was huge, the tice take its course. Just as the truck was parked clearly men were drinking and it importantly, we must move across the bus parking lot. was intimidating. When past the hate to find other It was the signs, hate signs, they were finally turned ways to settle our differevil signs, large plywood around, they tried to enter ences. Otherwise, we are placards, all carefully done from the Bay Street side. no better than the insecure professionally with just By this time, several had child who bullies to make enough casual to give them gotten off the truck and himself feel like the king of a bit of amateur feeling as were marching up the street the playground.

g n i y a p s e i n e d Nygard y l l a r t p u r s i d men to

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E E R T O T IN S M A L S R A C S T WO KILLED A

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, July 12, 2018, PAGE 9

Bannister: We can learn from Shanghai

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net THE Bahamas, in its push for more comprehensive and modern development, can take cues from the fullconcept Shanghai master plan recently exhibited in China, according to Works Minister Desmond Bannister.

In a communication to Parliament yesterday on his attendance at the 2018 Ministerial Forum on Urban Regeneration and Development held in Shanghai, China, last month, Mr Bannister called on local stakeholders to engage in discussions predicated on comprehensive planning and development.

Highlighting the Shanghai 2035 Master Plan, which lays out an 18-year crossplatform developmental blueprint for the city, the Carmichael MP asserted that there are “critical issues” all Bahamians must collectively identify and work toward.

Mr Bannister said: “(Shanghai) has successfully transformed itself to a world class international city that is renowned for its international economic, finance, trade and technological innovation.

“Most impressive was the city’s emphasis on planning for development.

Notwithstanding the fact that it already had a master plan for development, in 2015 Shanghai pulled all stakeholders together and refocused on the planning process.

“This has resulted in the recently completed Shanghai 2035 Master Plan, which focuses on development for the next 18 years.

“The plan was developed over a period of two years with consistent community dialogue. Residents were comprehensively engaged in the process of planning the city that they want to live in.”

He added: “Mr Speaker, a

critical aspect of the Shanghai master plan focuses on critical issues that we too here in The Bahamas must engage in discussing.

One of these is the issue of branding.

“In other words, what is the image of The Bahamas that we wish to convey to the world, and what is the image of each island that we wish to cultivate with respect to business, technology, culture and finance.”

He contended that all over the world cities are presently grappling with the issue of creating unique brands that distinguish them from every other destination.

Mr Bannister said many traditional brands are being rethought with a focus on the future, and as such, he said The Bahamas must rapidly do likewise because “sun, sand and sea” are no longer seen to be unique to us.

“The redevelopment of our downtown and the very survival of our communities throughout the country may well depend on how we brand ourselves,” he said.

Continuing his analysis, Mr Bannister yesterday also raised concerns over the extent to which The Bahamas has encouraged culture of entrepreneurship, by comparison to the country’s reliance on traditional employment.

“In Shanghai, they are creating entrepreneurial hubs,” he said. “They have redeveloped and continue to redevelop old and abandoned sites into centres of entrepreneurship.

“Young people with innovative ideas are able to relocate to these centres at concessionary rates as they develop their revolutionary ideas.

“What they seek to do is create mini Silicon Valleys at strategic locations throughout their city to provide budding entrepreneurs with the opportunity to come up with that next great idea without the

pressures, risk and exorbitant expenses that are often attendant on innovation and business development,” he added.

“The Shanghai master plan comprehensively focuses on promoting urban and rural integration, and also formulates spatial development strategies related to providing critical services in local communities and the preservation and protection of the environment.

“These are matters that require our urgent attention in The Bahamas also, as New Providence continues to sprawl without consistent planning,” he said.

“We need to plan now,” Mr Bannister told the House. “(A plan) for population growth, the development of roads, schools, clinics and other community services rather than our current seemingly random and haphazard approach to national development.”

According to Mr Bannister, the government’s proposed economic zones plan could serve as a launching pad for a comprehensive redevelopment scheme.

He added: “Mr Speaker, locally, the prime minister’s innovative, timely and much needed focus on the regeneration of our traditional Over-the-Hill communities is a wonderful launching pad for a national focus on planned development and regeneration.

“We have much work to do, and the active participation of all of our people will be required for optimum levels of satisfaction,” he said.

In its last term, the Christie administration put together a committee to develop Vision 2040, a national development plan that focuses on four main policy pillars - the economy, governance, social policy and the environment. It had been heralded as the first effort to plan The Bahamas’ development using

empirical data and analyses, with input from private sector and civil society organisations.

Setting out a road map, the plan aims to break with The Bahamas’ past ad hoc approach to national growth by setting a clear path towards a more sustainable future.

Last November, Progressive Liberal Party Leader Philip Davis called on the Minnis administration to clarify its position on the future of the plan, insisting that the nonpartisan initiative represented the aspirations of the nation.

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THE TRIBUNE

Taino Beach given green light for swimming

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net TAINO Beach has been given the green light for swimming after follow-up water sample testing on Friday conducted by the Ministry of Environment, along with Waterkeepers Bahamas, indicated that the water quality standards are acceptable.

Kwasi Thompson, state minister for Grand Bahama, with an official at the Department of Environmental Health Services, Bertha McPhee Duncanson, held a press conference on Sunday to announce the results of previous sample testing at the beach.

According to an advisory posted on SwimGuide. org, an international online organisation, Taino Beach was given a no-swim alert following water sample testing conducted on June 28

by Waterkeepers Bahamas.

After learning of the report, Mr Thompson said the government through the Ministry of Environment in Grand Bahama immediately conducted its own independent testing.

“We are happy to report as a result of our testing, the

TAINO BEACH results were normal,” he said.

Mrs Duncanson, chief health inspector in Grand Bahama, stated that on Friday, July 6, analysts from Environment Monitoring Risk Assessment Department (EMRAD) collected 15 samples along Taino Beach, from the dredging of the seawall to the Stone Crab Restaurant.

She noted that a chemical analysis was done which shows that the water was consistent with sea water, and microbiology analysis was conducted on the samples at their lab in Nassau.

“The results were consistent with quality that is acceptable for bathing water. And so, the Department of Environmental Health has no objection of that facility being used as

a recreation site for swimming based on the level of coliform found at the time of our sampling,” Mrs Duncanson said.

Rashema Ingraham, executive director of Waterkeepers Bahamas, said that they too also conducted follow up testing at Taino Beach on Friday.

“We were able to go to Taino Beach to do a follow-up sample collection

for the report that initially went out the previous week, and we conducted those tests, and we are happy to let the public know our test came back satisfactory, and all test passed. We are encouraging the public to use the information only as an advisory, but to be alert for any other notices we may put out. It’s only to let you know of beach conditions, so you are protecting your health and safety.”

Waterkeepers Bahamas monitors popular beaches in the Grand Bahama, Bimini and western New Providence.

Joseph Darville, chairman of Save the Bahamas/ Waterkeepers Bahamas, commended the Office of the Prime Minister in Grand Bahama for responding immediately “to the information that was previously put out there with respect to Taino Beach having failed in terms of water that people should swim in.”

He noted that Waterkeepers Bahamas is concerned about water that is drinkable, fishable, divable, and swimmable.

Mr Darville said: “And so, therefore, we see this as an occasion to partner with the government

to make certain that all of these beaches where our people and thousands of tourists come to swim and have great fun are always kept clean and pure.

“From time to time some beaches will fail, that’s normal any place in the world, and it depends on conditions whether it is rainy or whether the sea level is higher at times like new moon.

“We must be alerted to all conditions that impact our sea. We thank the Ministry of the Environment for coming out and accompanying us in taking samples. Fortunately, it passed 100 percent,” he said.

Mr Thompson stressed that the government wants always to ensure that beaches are safe for residents and visitors.

“It is a top priority for the Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of the Environment and Ministry of Health and the entire government to ensure beaches are safe. Tourism is our number one industry here in Grand Bahama, so we do not take these incidents lightly. We always want to ensure our resources are as safe as possible,” he said.

KAYAK RACERS AT THE READY FOR SPLASHMANIA

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

AFTER a successful debut last year, Waterkeepers Bahamas is again hosting Splashmania Kayak Race on Saturday at the Manta Ray Village at

Silver Point Beach, Grand Bahama.

This second year promises to be even better with lots of fun water and land activities for everyone.

Rashema Ingraham, executive director of Waterkeepers Bahamas, said that several major sponsors

have returned and some new sponsors have come on board this year.

Although Waterkeepers focuses on environmental work and protection, she said that the organisation also wanted to introduce an activity that people could enjoy in the water.

“We want residents and tourists also to enjoy these ecosystems that we work to protect. And one way of doing that is to get them in the water to have a good time in a safe environment,” Ms Ingraham said at a press conference to announce the event recently.

Some of the major returning sponsors are Save the Bays, Grand Bahama Nature Tours, Fast Track Management, Aliv, Subway Restaurant, Ocean Reef and Yacht Club, Out to Sea, Pelican Bay Hotel, Bellevue Business Depot, and Chances Games. New sponsors are Sanitation Services,

Dolly Madison, and Kelly’s True Value.

Ms Ingraham said that the weather and tide forecast is perfect on July 14.

“There will be low tide, and I want to reassure all persons participating that it is going to be safe, so they do not need to worry,” she said, adding that there will be life vests available and BASRA volunteers on hand to assist.

There will be various race categories for children, teens, and adults, pairs and teams/groups.

Ms Ingraham said that the team races are very popular. “We are so

excited that so many companies, fraternities, and sororities are participating in the team races,” she stated.

In addition to the kayak races, there will be a kayak obstacle course and a beach obstacle course competition.

Officials said the first 30 people registered will get a free lunch.

Joseph Darville, chairman of Save the Bays, encouraged persons to support the event and bring their children.

“It is going to be a phenomenal experience for all ages,” he said.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, July 12, 2018, PAGE 11

Celebrating Independence with the police THE Royal Bahamas Police Force 45th Independence Anniversary Reception was held on Independence Day at the Paul Farquharson Conference Centre, Police Headquarters.

Among those present were Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling; Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis; Minister of Financial Services, Trade & Industry and Immigration Brent Symonette; Minister of National Security Marvin Dames; Leader of the Opposition Philip ‘Brave’ Davis; and Chairman of the 45th Independence Anniversary Secretariat Mark Humes.

Photos: Yontalay Bowe/BIS

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PAGE 12, Thursday, July 12, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

BNT celebrates ten years of holding nature camp THE Bahamas National Trust is celebrating ten years of facilitating a nature and environmental awareness camp for local youth.

In a press release, the BNT revealed that in the span of one decade, 300 teenagers have partaken in Eco Camp – an annual summer expedition hosted by the non-profit organisation.

Eco Camp launched in 2008 when 30 Bahamian teens from various islands in the country “embarked on a journey to Andros”.

Since then, the camp has brought 40 children between the ages of 13 and 17 to that island to

immerse them in “a transformational environmental experience”.

Each participant is sponsored and applicants must go through a “competitive application process” that is ran between teens from 14 islands, as well as teens “occasionally outside of the country.”

At the camp, the children are taught leadership and survival skills among other life lessons.

In a statement BNT explained: “Participants from the Family Islands travel to New Providence, and after an overnight stay travel to Andros via Bahamas Ferries – a key partner

of EcoCamp annually.

“Another important partner, International Field Studies hosts the campers for the week at the Forfar Field Station, which is base camp for the journey of long days, learning, exploring and moving through the vast environment, culture and history of Andros.”

Activities include daily morning exercise, national park trips, boat rides, and community work, geared towards “pushing participants to their full potential”, while “challenging them to be their best selves.”

This is done with the

intention of the teens using their “newfound skills” to improve their home communities.

Portia Sweeting, BNT director of education, said: “The inseparable bonds that are quickly formed between islands and participants have been remarkable over the years.

The change that we see from day one to the last day of camp however has been a true highlight for us.

“Some of our EcoCampers arrived at camp afraid of the water and take a 15-foot plunge into Captain Bill’s Blue hole – hundreds of feet deep – days into the

experience,” she added.

The BNT reported that while they are grateful to celebrate their ten-year milestone, they are still aware of “the challenge of providing the experience free for all campers across the Bahamas.”

“Eco Camp is offered to the kids at no charge to them; it is an expensive undertaking. The cost of air travel, food, accommodations, supplies and equipment for these 40 young people are all covered by the BNT. It adds up to about $50,000 per camp”, the statement read.

BNT said it is grateful for the support of partners

like Aliv which has offered a three year, $25,000 per annum commitment to the initiative.

Bianca Bethel-Sawyer, ALIV events, marketing and sponsorship manager, said: “Aliv is committed to investing in the next generation of environmental leaders in the Bahamas and to the environment in which we live. We affirm this commitment by partnering with leading organisations like the Bahamas National Trust.”

This year’s Eco Camp began July 6 and runs until July 13 and the expedition can be tracked on the Facebook page: BNT EcoCamp.

THE BETHEL family with University of the Bahamas President Dr Rodney Smith (sixth from left) and UB Provost Dr Linda Davis (far right).

FAMILY OF BETHEL BROTHERS FOUNDER ANNOUNCES SPONSORSHIP DEAL WITH UNIVERSITY OF THE BAHAMAS HELP WANTED

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THE family of the late Marcus Bethel, founder of Bethel Brothers Morticians, recently unveiled the Jane and Marcus Bethel Scholarship Award in memory of their beloved parents.

Bethel fathered seven children Justice Rubie M Nottage (retired), Dr Pamela F Etuk, Dr Marcus R C Bethel, Dr Paulette A Bethel, Michael Bethel, Marion Bethel Sears and

Owen M Bethel. He and his wife, the late Jane Fitzroy Bethel (nee Butler) believed in the transformative power of education. Though the couple did not have the opportunity to graduate from high school, they instilled in their progeny the value of a sound education.

“My father ensured that all of his young girls would be educated, there were four of us out of seven and

he said to each one of us, ‘I may not be able to leave properties and land for you but if you have a good education, no man can take that away from you,’” recalled the oldest Bethel daughter, Mrs Nottage. “Holding his hand very strongly was my mother…together they saw this vision of educating their children.”

An astounding decision for that time, the Bethels allowed their first two daughters to go to boarding school at the ages of seven and nine.

Surrounded by family, friends and University of The Bahamas senior administrators, faculty and staff, the family announced the scholarship fund. On behalf of the family, former parliamentarian Dr Bethel and his wife Chantal donated $100,000 to the university for the establishment of entry level scholarships for needy students and awards for student travel abroad experiences. Awardees are required to maintain a GPA of 3.00 and be full time students with 12 or more credits.

While celebrating his birthday, Dr Bethel expressed profound support for UB, reflecting on the many family ties to the institution over the years including the leadership of former attorney general, minister of education and College Council Chairman Alfred Sears – husband of Dr Bethel’s sister Marion

– and Mrs Nottage’s contributions as a former member of the College Council and current law faculty member.

“Our family is connected in many ways to the University of The Bahamas and we as a family are all proud of the university, where it came from and where it is going. I want to commend President Smith and Provost Davis whom we worked with for the past few months on this scholarship.

We want to congratulate you and the staff for the tremendous work you are doing. I’m amazed and so proud to hear that so many students in Grand Bahama and throughout The Bahamas who are eager to get into the University of The Bahamas; eager to achieve a degree that will be internationally recognised. Our giving is part of the process to help move this forward,” Dr Bethel said.

University president Dr Rodney Smith shared his gratitude on behalf of the institution and touted the impact the donation would have on the expansion of learning experiences for UB students.

“By creating the Jane and Marcus Bethel Award, the Bethel family communicates a public, permanent and powerful message – that they believe in extending access to excellent tertiary education to an increasing number of students. This is truly nation building.

At the University of the Bahamas, we believe that investment in study abroad experiences is essential to creating students who have a broader world view, which in turn can make them better nation builders. Education is so much more than a classroom and campus experience – it is global,” said Dr Smith.

Proud spokesperson for the family Mrs Nottage said: “A culture of giving is very needed in this society, we must be able to give and give freely not counting the cost and not expecting anything in return.”

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, July 12, 2018, PAGE 13

$1.2m to be spent on upgrade for BPL Clifton Pier substation

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

WORKS Minister Desmond Bannister yesterday announced a $1.2m allocation for infrastructural upgrades at Bahamas Power and Light’s Clifton Pier substation.

Addressing the June 25 island-wide outage, where a lightning strike disabled the station’s entire system, Mr Bannister yesterday said the station’s transformer cable box and switch gear will have to be replaced as a result of the incident.

According to the Carmichael MP, equipment at the substation is extremely old and should have been replaced years ago.

He said during the weather event, one major transmission line, the Skyline 132,000-volt overhead line, was struck by lightning and tripped, resulting in outages in western and southern New Providence.

Mr Bannister said the system was starting to recover from this event

THE BAHAMAS Power and Light head office.

when a flash over occurred in the 33,000-volt cable box of the primary transformer at the Clifton Pier Plant.

He added that, given the location of the transformer, it would have been imperative that a fault of this nature be immediately and automatically isolated

Photo: Terrel W Carey/Tribune Staff

from the system to avoid a shutdown.

For this reason, Mr Bannister acknowledged the transformer is controlled by a 33,000-volt circuit breaker.

He added that despite the circuit protection recognising the fault, the circuit

breaker did not open to isolate the problem, resulting in the protection of the online generation at Clifton Pier tripping those units offline to safeguard them.

Mr Bannister said: “Accordingly, BPL is not able to find parts for the equipment, and therefore

additional back up protection, such as circuit breaker failure protection, was not available to provide further isolation of the fault.

“As a result, the problem remained connected to the network triggering the shutdown of all remaining online generation at the Blue Hills Plant and the subsequent island-wide outage,” he added.

Holding up a blown-up photograph that depicted the torched cable box, Mr Bannister issued an apology for the circumstances that led to the event.

In doing so, he said the legacy issues which have hampered the modernisation of BPL are being addressed by the present regime, namely the infrastructural upgrades which have left the system opened to faults in recent years.

“Substation maintenance teams at Clifton Pier and in-field operations have commenced this effort,” Mr Bannister told the House of Assembly yesterday.

“It was the company’s

intent to replace the switch gear at the Clifton Pier 33 kV Substation B. The needed funding - $1.2m - for this work has been included in the upcoming year’s capital budget.

“In the interim however, field operations teams, plant and protection, will assist Clifton Pier in reviewing the functioning of the existing equipment to ensure proper response to fault conditions,” he added.

In May, BPL announced plans to contract a foreign expert to gauge its electrical service system for potential instabilities.

In an interview with The Tribune last month, BPL chairwoman Darnell Osborne said the identification of an adequate protection system would be “very high” on that expert’s list of things to do.

Her comments came in direct response to the June 25 outage.

The expert was expected to arrive in the Nassau last week.

CULMER SCEPTICAL OVER PLP PANEL ON MARIJUANA THE Progressive Liberal Party’s plan to form a review panel on legal marijuana use was met with scepticism by Free National Movement Chairman Carl Culmer, who said the proposal is evidence of the party’s “neglect” of the Bahamian people when last in office.

In a statement where he labelled the PLP and its leader Philip Davis as “the biggest joke in The Bahamas,” Mr Culmer said Mr Davis’ newfound concern about the issue of legal marijuana use appeared to be an effort to score points with the public. “...As the political winds blow – and change has come – we are suddenly supposed to believe that ‘Brave’ Davis and the PLP care about all the things that they ignored while serving as the government of The Bahamas,” Mr Culmer said.

“His comments about

marijuana and the urgency in which he wants action is a marked departure from the careless neglect they showed this issue along with many others when they held power. Regardless of the lateness of his newfound concern, we welcome him joining the efforts that the prime minister has already laid, stating he will appoint a committee to examine the issue.

“We just hope the old and tired ‘Brave’ Davis’s statements are just another in a long series of efforts to generate headlines but not do the real work. The people can count on Prime Minister Minnis to follow through on his word, the jury is out on Mr Davis and the PLP based on their past behaviour that follows them to this day. ‘Brave’ and the PLP must come to realise that the people want actions, not just empty politically motivated

words,” Mr Culmer said.

Amid public discourse on the issue, Mr Davis said on Monday his party sympathises with those who have been affected by the country’s anti-drug laws.

“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.”

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www.ub.edu.bs

CAREER OPPORTUNITY SENIOR MANAGEMENT Suitably qualified candidates are invited to submit applications for the following position available at University of The Bahamas:Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Affairs will be responsible for designing and implementing comprehensive institutional advancement programmes and recruiting and developing talented team members focused toward the ultimate goal of significantly increasing constituent involvement and fundraising outcomes. The advancement function includes responsibility for annual fund, corporate and foundation relations, major gifts and gift planning, endowment, capital campaigns, and alumni and constituent relations efforts, stewardship, and other advancement services; namely, Office of University Relations.

Among the duties and responsibilities are: • Advance the mission, vision, and short- and long-term goals of the University in concert with the University President and Senior Administrative Colleagues; • Work closely with the President in all phases of his advancement and campaign leadership activities; • Serve as a member of the University Leadership Team and maintain close working relationships with members of the Board of Trustees and key alumni/parents/friends; • Maintain a dynamic portfolio of high net worth individuals and secure major, capital, and planned gifts, as well as advance annual gifts and endowment support; • Participate in strategic discussions and develop programs to strengthen the financial resources of the University and all University Centres of Excellence; • Create and execute fundraising plans that utilize best practices in annual, major, and planned gift programs to meet fundraising goals; • Ensure dynamic processes in all phases of donor qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship; • Prepare for the upcoming campaign through comprehensive and effective campaign planning and execution; • Hire, train, inspire and guide direct reports and the entire advancement team toward accountable, goal-oriented outcomes; • Develop annual plans and budgets for Alumni and Parent Relations, Annual Fund, Gift Planning, Comprehensive Campaigns, Major Gifts, Grants Development, Stewardship and Advancement Services; • Engage University faculties, colleges, schools, programmes, and centres of excellence, and enhance the culture of philanthropy. Maintain cooperative working relationships with faculty, coaches, and campus departments whose cooperation is essential to effective outreach and fundraising.

Qualifications The successful candidate must have a minimum of ten years of managerial experience as a fundraising and/or advancement executive and a Masters Degree.

A detailed position announcement is available online at: http://www.ub.edu.bs/about-us/career-opportunities/ Applicants should electronically submit via hrapply@ub.edu.bs, to the attention of the Vice President, Human Resources the following documents: • A cover letter of interest highlighting work experience and accomplishments relevant to the position; • A completed UB Employment Application Form -

good things, for life.

http://www.ub.edu.bs/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Application-for-Employment-Staff.pdf;

• Current Curriculum Vitae or Resume; • Copy of the relevant pages of a valid passport showing passport number, photo identification and expiration date; • The names and contact information of three professional references.

Sales & Full Service Department Rosetta & Montgomery Streets

T: 322-2188/9

E-mail: hrapply@ub.edu.bs Attention: President and C.E.O. - University of The Bahamas

E: geoffjones@comcast.net www.geoffreyjonesandco.com

DEADLINE TO APPLY: 25TH JULY 2018

PAGE 14, Thursday, July 12, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

V FOR VICTORY FROM THE BOYS WHO SURVIVED 18 DAYS IN CAVE

IN this image made from video, three of the 12 boys are seen recovering in their hospital beds after being rescued along with their coach from a flooded cave in northern Thailand.

Photo: Thailand Government Spokesman Bureau/AP MAE SAI, Thailand Associated Press AS ecstatic relatives watched and waved from behind a glass barrier, the 12 boys and their soccer coach rescued from deep within a flooded cave in Thailand made the V-forVictory sign Wednesday from their beds in a hospital isolation ward where they are recovering from the 18-day ordeal.

An American involved in the operation described the perilous zero-visibility dives that brought the boys out safely as a “once in a lifetime rescue”.

Derek Anderson, a 32-year-old rescue specialist with the US Air Force based in Okinawa, Japan, said that at times during the risky rescue, the boys had to be put into harnesses and high-lined across the rocky caverns. At other times, they endured dives lasting up to half an hour in the pitch-black waters.

“The world just needs to know that what was accomplished was a once in a lifetime rescue,” Anderson told The Associated Press in an interview on Wednesday. “We were extremely fortunate that the outcome was the way it was. It’s important to realise how complex and how many pieces of this puzzle had to come together.”

He said the boys, ranging in age from 11 to 16, were “incredibly resilient”.

“What was really important was the coach and the boys all came together and discussed staying strong, having the will to live, having the will to survive,” Anderson said.

That gutsy determination was on display Wednesday in a video taken from the hospital isolation ward. The boys, their faces covered by green surgical masks, flashed the V-for-Victory sign as they sat up in bed and chatted with their nurses, at times responding

with the customary Thai sign of respect — hands pressed together while bowing the head. The youngest boy, 11, appeared to be asleep under a crisp white sheet.

“Don’t need to worry about their physical health and even more so for their mental health,” said Chaiwetch Thanapaisal, director of Chiang Rai Prachanukroh Hospital.

“Everyone is strong in mind and heart,” he said at a news conference of officials involved in the rescue.

The four boys and 25-year-old soccer coach who were brought out Tuesday on the final day of the three-day rescue effort have recovered more quickly than the boys rescued on Sunday and Monday, Chaiwetch said.

Even so, all need to be monitored in the hospital for a week and then rest at home for another 30 days, he said. Three have slight lung infections.

Another video released on Facebook by the Thai Navy SEALs, who were central to the rescue, showed one of the boys being carried through part of the muddy cave on a stretcher covered by an emergency thermal blanket.

The SEALs commander, Rear Adm. Apakorn Youkongkae, said the soccer coach, Ekkapol Chantawong, determined the order the boys from the Wild Boars soccer team should be rescued in. “The coach was the one to choose,” he said.

The group had entered the sprawling Tham Luang cave in northern Thailand to go exploring after soccer practice on June 23 when monsoon rains filled the tight passageways, blocking their escape. They were found by a pair of British divers nearly ten days later, huddled on a small, dry shelf just above the water, smiling with relief but visibly skinny.

MIGRANT PARENTS HAPPY BUT TRAUMATISED AS KIDS RETURNED SAN DIEGO Associated Press IMMIGRANT parents who reveled after joyful reunions with their young children spoke Wednesday of the traumatic impact of being separated from their sons and daughters for months after they were taken from them at the US border.

The administration has been scrambling to reunify the families this week to meet the first of two deadlines set by a federal judge in San Diego who ordered thousands of children be given back to their immigrant parents. Scores of children separated from their families were sent to government-contracted shelters or foster care hundreds of miles away from where their parents were detained.

Roger Ardino, from Honduras, was happy to be back with his 4-year-old son, Roger Jr, who sat on his lap and played with the microphones as the father spoke to reporters. The father said he was still shaken by the ordeal he had to go through just to speak to his boy while he was in government custody. The two were separated in February.

He described feeling a pain in his heart and like he couldn’t breathe after his son was taken away.

The father held up his wrist and told reporters that after they were separated, he threatened to use a razor on himself if he couldn’t speak to his son.

He spoke yesterday at Annunciation House, an El Paso, Texas-based shelter,

along with another father recently reunited with his child. They arrived there on Tuesday.

“I was completely traumatised,” the father said in Spanish. He added later: “Every time I spoke to him, he would start crying. Where are the rights of children? I thought children were supposed to be a priority here in the United States.”

The father said he planned to live with relatives in the United States as his asylum case is processed, which could take years.

Late last month, US District Judge Dana Sabraw in San Diego set a 14-day deadline to reunite children under five with their parents and a 30-day deadline for older children. He asked the government to return to court on Friday to give an update on how many families had been reunited.

In trying to meet the first deadline, the government began with a list of 102 children potentially eligible to be reunited and whittled that to 75 through screening that included DNA testing done by swabbing the inside of the cheek.

Of those 75, Justice Department attorneys told the court the government would guarantee 38 would be back with their parents by the end of Tuesday.

They said an additional 17 could also join their parents if DNA results arrived and a criminal background check on a parent was completed. It was not known yesterday whether that happened.