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The Tribune

Volume:114 No.161, JULY 14TH, 2017

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Friday, July 14, 2017 books gardening film entertainment music histor y animals

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BIKINI BEAUTIES Pages 14&15

Charged: Dorsett faces

Fresh and juicy

Baha Mar’s 3 Tides serves it up

WEEKEND: A LOOK INSIDE BAHA MAR’S 3 TIDES RESTAURANT

Food, pages 8&9

nine counts • FOUR COUNTS EXTORTION AND BRIBERY • MISCONDUCT IN PUBLIC OFFICE • OFFENCES ‘NETTED HIM $120,000’

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net FORMER Environment and Housing Minister Kenred Dorsett appeared in Magistrate’s Court yesterday accused of using his former ministerial position to extort and solicit $120,000

in bribes from Johnathan Ash. The 46-year-old, of Winton Terrace, was brought into the Nassau and South Streets court complex in handcuffs and was flanked by policemen for his appearance before Magistrate Samuel McKinney concerning nine criminal charges: a

ATTORNEY Wayne Munroe speaks to Tamela Dorsett, wife of Kenred Dorsett, outside court yesterday.

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single count of misconduct in public office and four counts each of extortion and bribery.

Supporters gathered to see Dorsett as he was led away from court after the charges were brought against him. He was remanded to the Department of Correctional Services in Fox Hill, but is due in the Supreme Court for a bail hearing today at 1pm.

The allegations concern the purported exchange of funds in connection with work done by a heavy equipment operator to move debris from the New Providence Landfill following a massive fire at the site in March.

The extortion charges were brought contrary to Section 453 (1) of the Penal Code, Chapter 84 while the bribery charges were brought under Section 3(2) (a) of the Prevention of Bribery Act Chapter 88.

SEE PAGE THREE

FORMER Environment and Housing Minister Kenred Dorsett was brought to Magistrate’s Court in handcuffs yesterday to be formally charged with bribery.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

Davis: No corruption, this is pure vengeance

Dames: No witch hunt, police act on evidence

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

INTERIM Progressive Liberal Party Leader Phillip “Brave” Davis defended his party yesterday, saying it is “not a corrupt party” and “does not support corrupt practices”.

In a statement released Thursday, Mr Davis called on party supporters to remain strong in the face of

what he sees as attacks on the PLP. “We are not a corrupt organisation, we must remain strong, and we do not support corruption in any form,” Mr Davis said. “The events now before us are designed to sap the will of the PLP and to destroy the party. I urge you to stand strong and with God’s help we will prevail.”

SEE PAGE THREE

MINISTER of Health Dr Duane Sands suggested yesterday additional bombshell arrests may be on the horizon once police are able to gather evidence on the myriad of allegations brought to officials.

“I think the public will find that there will be a number of individuals who

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will be brought before the courts if the information that has been brought to us, in the opinion and findings of the commissioner of police, prove to warrant pressing charges,” Dr Sands told The Tribune.

Some senior members in the Royal Bahamas Police Force have also said “stay tuned” as more bombshells are expected.

SEE PAGE THREE

PAGE 2, Friday, July 14, 2017

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Farewell to a colleague

LEADER of the Progressive Liberal Party Philip “Brave” Davis viewed the body of Dr Bernard Nottage at the House of Assembly on Thursday. The official funeral for the former minister of national security will be held at St Agnes Anglican Church this morning.

Photos: Derek Smith/BIS

ROADS CLOSED FOR NOTTAGE FUNERAL

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis signing the book of condolences for former Minister of National Security Dr Bernard Nottage at the House of Assembly.

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GOVERNOR General Dame Marguerite Pindling signing the book of condolences and paying her respects to Dr Bernard Nottage as he lay in state at the House of Assembly yesterday.

THE Royal Bahamas Police Force has announced the following road closures for the official funeral of former Minister of National Security Dr Bernard Nottage today.

From 7am until the end of the funeral, the following streets will be closed to vehicular traffic: Cockburn Street between Baillou Hill Road and Market Street; Lewis Street between Baillou Hill Road and Market Street; Baillou Hill Road and all side streets between Hay and Meeting Streets.

There will be traffic diversions on Bay Street, Navy Lion Road, Cumberland Street and Baillou Hill Road.

There also will be a funeral procession from St Agnes Anglican Church on Baillou Hill Road to the procession site.

The procession will travel south on Baillou Hill Road to Meadow Street, west on Meadow Street to Nassau Street, south on Nassau Street to University Blvd, west on University Blvd to John F Kennedy Drive where the procession will form at the Red Cross and parade to the Lake View Cemetery.

As a result, there will be traffic diversions on Baillou Hill Road, Meadow Street, Nassau Street, University Dr. Harrold Road and Gladstone Road.

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THE TRIBUNE

Friday, July 14, 2017, PAGE 3

Charged: Dorsett faces nine counts from page one The misconduct in public office was brought contrary to common law.

It is alleged that Dorsett, while a public official between March 1 and May 9 of this year, demanded and obtained two payments of $10,000 and two payments of $50,000 from Mr Ash knowing he was not lawfully authorised to demand the same.

The ex-parliamentarian was asked whether he wished to be tried in Magistrate’s Court or Supreme Court on these offences.

Dorsett elected the former and pleaded not guilty to the allegations.

It was then alleged that he, in his previous capacity between the same period at the sanitary landfill, “without lawful authority or reasonable excuse” solicited the amounts from Mr Ash “on your account of abstaining from performance or exercise of your asserted power as a minister of environment ‘to stop’ Jonathan Ash from working at the said sanitary landfill.”

It was finally alleged that Dorsett wilfully misconducted himself as a public officer without lawful authority.

For the bribery and misconduct in public office allegations, Dorsett was not allowed to enter a plea to the charges as they are indictable.

Dorsett’s lead lawyer, Wayne Munroe, QC, argued the numerous charges were not only duplicitous, but an alleged abuse of process.

He further questioned the charge of misconduct of a public official, claim-

FORMER Environment and Housing Minister Kenred Dorsett being brought to Magistrate’s Court yesterday to be charged with bribery.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff ing that it was not on the remanded to prison in the leased from custody as earinterim but had the right to ly as Thursday afternoon or Bahamian law books.

Magistrate McKinney apply to the Supreme Court Friday morning, however they were unsuccessful in noted his legal objections for bail.

Mr Munroe, who is as- securing an early release. for the record and indi“That’s the immediate cated that the matter was sisted by Glendon Rolle adjourned to August 31 and Valentine Grimes in next step. There’ll be a step when it will be determined Dorsett’s legal representa- in bringing action against at that time if the bribery tion yesterday, indicated the police for the detention and misconduct charges that they were attempting of private property, breach will proceed directly to the to get an application within of privacy, and I’ll have to Supreme Court through the moments of the conclusion take instructions on whether we make complaints to presentation of a voluntary of the arraignment.

Before the adjournment, the OAS (Organisation of bill of indictment or a preliminary inquiry, in which however, Mr Munroe made American States) about a hearing would take place a complaint for the record this event that has just hapto determine if there is suf- that his client’s cellular pened,” Mr Munroe said.

He also said it was unuficient evidence for the case phones had been seized by to be heard in the higher police allegedly without a sual an attorney was presented with his client’s warrant for their seizure. court.

Outside of the court charge sheet on short notice Given the nature of the bribery and misconduct complex, Mr Munroe told though when questioned on charges, Dorsett was in- the press lawyers would possible penalties if a conformed that he would be attempt to get Dorsett re- viction is reached at the end of trial, he said he was not focused on that.

When asked about his client’s emotional state, Mr Munroe said: “Well he’s trying to make the best of it.”

He also told reporters: “I tell everyone this is Bastille Day. When the French rose up, beheaded some people, and some of the people who were directing beheadings found themselves beheaded in the end by the same process that they put in place.

“I do not believe that they understand what they’ve done today.”

Inspector Philip Davis is the police prosecutor in the matter.

TAMELA DORSETT, wife of Kenred Dorsett, with family and friends outside court.

ATTORNEY Wayne Munroe speaking to the media yesterday.

DAMES: NO WITCH HUNT, POLICE ACT ON EVIDENCE from page one

Meanwhile, National Security Minister Marvin Dames dismissed assertions from the PLP of a government-led witch hunt against members of the former Christie administration. Mr Dames said the claims are a distraction and he won’t pay attention to them.

“Political witch hunt? I don’t wish to get into those types of conversations,” he said yesterday.

His comment came not long after Official Opposition leader Philip “Brave” Davis released an audio of himself criticising the context in which the new administration is seeking to hold officials of the previous administration criminally liable, one that follows pronouncements from the FNM on the campaign trail in which Bahamians were encouraged to expect “corrupt” politicians to be

held accountable before the courts.

The PLP, which is seeking to recover from its historic general election loss in May and has been conducting assessments concerning this, is now devoting some of its attention toward warding off what could be a number of serious legal challenges. The Tribune understands Mr Davis, the PLP’s leader, may call a special emergency council meeting next week to brainstorm and discuss ways of dealing with the matters.

Meanwhile, the PLP is assembling a legal team.

Former State Minister for Legal Affairs Damian Gomez, a member of that team, said yesterday: “We regard this essentially as political posturing and a witch hunt. We’re all committed.

We have a team of lawyers to help and then there are going to be specific people addressing the cases.”

For his part, Mr Dames said: “We said it all along

on the campaign trail that part of our government’s mandate was to deal decisively and aggressively with corruption throughout the country and this should not come as a surprise to anyone. We committed to it; our prime minister committed to it and we determined to use those agencies of government with the responsibility for investigating crimes and in this case, we’re referring to crimes where there are anti-corruption related matters and we will allow the police to do their jobs unimpeded.

We will continue to press on.

“Nothing has changed,” Mr Dames said about concerns of a witch hunt.

“When a matter is opened or is being investigated by the police force, the police has a responsibility to look for evidence and wherever they find evidence then they should do what comes next, which is bringing charges against those that may be

implicated and you letting the courts take over from there.

“We’re all about doing the job of the people,” he said. “We committed that while on the campaign trail; we’re determined. We will not be deterred and we will continue to press on. “This is what the people expect and this is what good governance ought to be about. Wherever it is found that public officials, while in office, are committing crimes, then they ought to be held responsible no matter where they sit or who they are connected to. That doesn’t come before us. It ought not come before us. If we could go on the streets and pick up the young kid on the block for a joint and charge him without any public fanfare, why can’t we do it anywhere else? I’m perplexed by the fact that people feel this is something that cannot happen. There are laws on the books and whenever there

DAVIS: NO CORRUPTION, THIS IS PURE VENGEANCE from page one

He accused the Free National Movement of being a party that focuses on “vengeance” once it assumes office, instead of focusing on stimulating the economy. “...You see when you look back at what the FNM has done in all its previous terms in government, rather than concentrate on improving the economy and creating jobs for the country, they engage in victors’ justice and vengeance politics,” Mr Davis said.

“They dismiss people at the bottom of the lad-

der from their employment with the government, who are helpless and unable to fend for themselves. They utilise the power of the state to bring people before the courts and into police stations with little to show and often engendering hatred that lasts for a lifetime.

“I would have thought that they learned their lessons by now. Alas, the early signs are not good,” he added.

Since losing the May 10 general election, Mr Davis and other members of the PLP have frequently accused the Minnis administration of launching witch hunts against members of the Christie administration.

Prime Minister Dr Hu- mer Prime Minister Perry bert Minnis has pledged to Christie’s administration weed out corruption in all the “most corrupt, the most government ministries. Be- incompetent and the most fore the general election, victimising government Dr Minnis labelled forsince independence”.

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are laws on the books those responsible for carrying out the laws ought to do their jobs. It’s as simple as that.”

Mr Dames revealed that the administration considered establishing a Commission of Inquiry to investigate matters of abuse in public office and other possible crimes. However, he said, he believes such action would have ultimately proved fruitless since it would not hold officials accountable.

“There were a lot of people who were suggesting different pathways to investigating stuff like (corruption),” he said. “One was a Commission of Inquiry. I’m not a big fan of commissions of inquiries because I personally think they are a waste of money.

They produce good sideshows, but that’s the most.

At the end of the day what do you have, a lot of interesting stories that will give you guys a bunch of news and headlines, but at the end of the day there’s no accountability. We said as a government that we have laws on the books that can address issues where public figures go awry of the law.

We suggested and recommended that the police be allowed do their work. Very shortly though we will be coming with legislation that will cause an autonomous anti-corruption agency to be established. While we wait the introduction of such a Bill, we felt strongly that we have laws that could deal with these issues in the interim.”

PAGE 4, Friday, July 14, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

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US must tackle climate change IT WILL have come as no surprise to many people that last week’s G20 meeting in Germany of the countries with the world’s largest economies attracted even more media attention than is usual for such a significant gathering.

This is an inherently important international forum, since the nineteen individual countries, plus the European Union, which were represented, account for some eighty-five per cent of the world’s Gross Domestic Product and two-thirds of its population. But there was also extensive media coverage of violent antiglobalisation protests and the presence on this occasion of new US president Donald Trump will understandably have made a difference as well.

Not only is the US president newsworthy as an unconventional, unpredictable and deeply controversial figure, but, with issues like climate change, mass immigration and trade at the heart of the agenda, serious differences between him and his fellow leaders were bound to be exposed.

Add to that the prospect of his bilateral meetings with some of them – not least a much anticipated encounter with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, as well as with China’s President Xi Jinping – and the whole G20 summit will have whetted the appetite of the most worldweary of journalists.

Despite facing an endless barrage of criticism at home, Mr Trump has so far fared better on overseas trips. This time, he was praised for his statesmanlike speech in Poland, for confronting Putin over alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 US election and for brokering a ceasefire in Syria.

At the G20 itself, however, there were major differences on a number of issues to the extent that some are now calling into question the US’s role as a world leader.

Given his extreme views on controlling immigration, there was unlikely to be any meeting of minds with the German Chancellor over her open-door refugee policy. Nor, with his much vaunted economic nationalism – deemed by others to be inconsistent with the principles of free trade and therefore protectionist – was he in tune with other world leaders who are intent on boosting international trade and globalisation? However, the most significant division was in relation

to climate change on which he became totally isolated.

His earlier decision to withdraw from the 2015 Paris Agreement, because of doubts about the scientific evidence on climate change and on the grounds of likely damage to the US economy, was widely condemned at the time. Now, at the G20, he found himself at loggerheads on the issue with his fellow leaders.

The Paris accords laid out a framework for countries to adopt clean energy and phase out fossil fuels in order to put the world on track to avoid climate change by limiting global warming. But the door has apparently been left open insofar as the President has expressed a willingness, if necessary, to participate in new discussions on the subject even though all the signatories have said the Agreement is irreversible.

The impact of climate change and global warming leading to a rise of sea levels will be particularly significant for those countries classified as Small Island Developing States, known as SIDS, many of which are low lying.

For The Bahamas, which has ratified the Paris Agreement, even if the rise of global temperatures is limited to the target of two degrees Celsius the results could still be catastrophic. According to reports, some eighty per cent of our landmass is within one metre of sea levels which are already rising and thus coastal areas are prone to serious flooding and the resulting displacement of people and damage to infrastructure could be devastating.

Whatever view is taken of the detailed scientific evidence, it is clear to most people that the phenomenon of climate change and global warming is real to a greater or lesser extent. The Paris Agreement is surely a step in the right direction. But, in order to ensure its effective implementation US leadership, not isolation, is required.

Thus, if resources allow, we believe that the issue is so important to our country’s long-term survival that the Government should take the initiative in organising a joint SIDS lobbying exercise in Washington to persuade the US government to re-examine its policy. We were reminded less than a year ago of our extreme vulnerability when Hurricane Matthew made a direct hit on New Providence. The stakes remain high.

Mitchell was right EDITOR, The Tribune.

UNDER ordinary circumstances, I would caution PLP members like Alfred Sears, Raynard Rigby and Chester Cooper to keep their criticisms of their party indoors, on the grounds that it is harmful to their party to permit its dirty laundry to be weaponized by its opponents. Under the present circumstances, however, these gentlemen (all of whom I hold in high regard) will only be harming themselves by joining the blameChristie bandwagon.

Bahamians are not stupid. With every embarrassing contradiction and every failure to carry out the promises it made, the FNM is becoming a casualty of its own narrative. The breakdown of the narrative is even spoiling relations between its various authors, with supporters of Sarkis Izmirlian now openly briefing against the Attorney General, for having stated the obvious, when they were led to believe the fantastic.

Those who watched the news on Thursday night will have seen a sincere and sure-footed Christie calling for fairness and context in the things being said about him and his government. It was a drastic contrast with the dodging, tight-lipped Minnis who, caught without the filter of his con-

fusing Press Secretary on Wednesday night, exhibited a snarling contempt for media questioning. Asked to resolve the clear contradiction between what he said, what his AG said and what his Press secretary is now saying about Baha Mar, the man was reduced to defensive anger. Some transparency. Some ‘people’s time’.

Meanwhile, even the hopelessly biased Candia Dames had to admit, in her weekly ‘National Review’ last week, that the FNM witch-hunt which her paper so enthusiastically endorsed will “probably not” lead to criminal convictions of PLP politicians. That such an admission does not in any way temper her reckless accusations (a neighbouring article, entitled “Hogs at the Trough”, pictures an unconvicted ex-Minister beside the title) demonstrates the unprecedented assault on due process, fairness and natural justice undertaken by the FNM and its fellow travellers in the run-up to the election.

When all the lies, gossip and scandal are stripped away (and they will be, as Carl Bethel and now Candia Dames apparently concede) the fact remains that Mr Christie’s 2012 to 2017 government was the most productive in recent Bahamian history in terms of advancing the long-term development of The Bahamas.

It invested unprecedented money and energy in education, doubling scholarships to young Bahamians and bringing technology into classrooms on a scale not seen before.

It advanced National Health Insurance to a state where the FNM (despite its instincts) will not be able to shelve it and deliver Bahamians back to their masters in the insurance industry.

It gave us the University of The Bahamas; it doubled conviction rates for serious offences; and it began a process for reclaiming our skies that the FNM (as usual) will only continue so as to be able to criticise the PLP on the manner and extent of its implementation.

That should be the lasting narrative, if we ever get The Bahamas back to a point where parties compete on national development, rather than on flinging mud.

As an opposition, the PLP owes it to the Bahamian people to keep us fixed on that narrative, rather than the politicization of corruption and the sanctification of unsubstantiated accusations. The FNM’s narrative is flaky and insincere.

It will fall apart in the light of scrutiny. Now is not the time to be endorsing it.

ANDREW ALLEN Nassau, June 30, 2017.

Delaporte Point concerns EDITOR, The Tribune.

DELAPORTE Point Limited (DPL) continues to use proxy votes to approve financial statements despite questions by owners.

In January 2015, owners received statements with a charge (no invoice) for over $6,000.00. It was simply labelled “Special Assessment”.

DPL Directors and Officers said it was part of a $600,000.00 Special Assessment. It was put through WITHOUT a vote of owners and WITHOUT VAT invoices as required by law. They said it was for erosion work.

The Directors sent a letter on January 9, 2015 stating: “Because of Accounting Regulations, DPL Statements of Account cannot reflect incremental quarterly SA payments. Quarterly invoices cannot be issued for the SA without incurring VAT charges. This would mean that VAT would have to be charged to you, the Homeowner, as DPL would be actually issuing 2015 invoices which are subject to VAT.” It concluded, “We understand that this is a bit out of the norm. However, the DPL Board does not want to have a VAT charge on the Special Assessment, and feel a bit of inconvenience is well worth it.”

In November 2016 (almost 2-years after the Special Assessment), the Directors released Audited Financial statements for the period ending June 30, 2015, which were approved by the Board of Directors on December 15, 2015.

What is clear from these barely readable Financial Statements is that the $600,000.00 Special Assessment does not appear on the Income Statement.

• Perhaps the two directors, who signed, can explain why they signed Financial Statements that don’t show the $600,000.00

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net Special Assessment as Income; and why Directors and Officers used an overwhelming number of proxies to approve them at the November 2016 AGM even though Bahamian owners questioned their accuracy.

• Perhaps BICA registered accountants and auditors, can explain why the Audited Financial statements don’t show the $600,000.00 Special Assessment as Income; and why another report dated October 10, 2016 entitled “Report to Shareholders” prepared by one of the accounting firms shows $600,000.00 as both Income and Expense in 2015?

The Directors must be transparent and provide the following information: • Business license filings for the period ending December 2014, 2015, 2016.

• VAT filings for 2015, 2016 and 2017.

• Bank statements for the Special Assessment bank account from inception.

• Contracts and invoices for outflows from the Special Assessment account.

• Proof the Special Assessment money is not commingled with management fees.

• Proxies used to approve June 30, 2015 Audited Financial statements.

• Reconciliation of the Painting Escrow Account.

• Bank statement for the painting escrow account and confirmation the advance payments (which are now being charged VAT for services that may not be rendered for 3-years in the future) are not commingled with management fees.

• Names of Officers and persons signing DPL cheques from 2012 to present.

Also, the Audited Financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2014 were released in November 2015, over a year late. They

show as being signed by the Board of Directors on November 14, 2014. This is impossible as the Annual Report for the AGM on November 25, 2014 shows that there were NO Audited Financial statements for the year ending June 30, 2014, only DRAFT financials.

If the statements did exist on November 14, 2014, why weren’t they signed by the two Directors of that period and presented at the November 2014 AGM? If they DID NOT exist, why were they backdated and signed by someone who wasn’t a Director at the time? Why did the Directors and Officers approve the financial statements when owners asked them not to? Why won’t the BICA registered accountants and auditors that prepared the statements explain this?

At a recent meeting, some Directors verbally abused a Bahamian lady who has repeatedly questioned the accounting, and threatened others with legal action. Other fully paid up owners who have questioned the finances have received legal threats, and the Bahamian lady who challenged the accounting is now being sued as evidenced by a mass email sent by the DPL Board showing they are going to put a lien on her home.This is extremely serious, especially in view of the legal threats.

There are legitimate questions about these Audited Financial statements that have potentially serious ramifications for every owner in Delaporte Point. It is hoped that the Directors and Officers, who are guests in The Bahamas, will temper their aggressive behaviour and answer them.

DELAPORTE OWNERS Nassau, April 24, 2017

Letters Extra on page ten

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, July 14, 2017, PAGE 5

FNM rejects ‘hiding in the shadows’ over nation’s bills

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net THE FREE National Movement yesterday issued a scathing rebuke of the former Progressive Liberal Party administration as it rejected culpability for the recent downgrade threat by Moody’s credit rating agency.

In a statement, the FNM party defended the government’s decision to “lay bare” the country’s economic woes, and took aim at PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts’ accusation that the incoming government was to blame for the impending downgrade review.

Stating Mr Roberts was “stuck in the twilight zone,” the party noted the PLP should be “hiding in the shadows and begging for forgiveness”.

“Each year for four consecutive years under the PLP administration the international rating agencies downgraded The Bahamas’ credit rating and should a fifth downgrade come it would be as a direct result of the PLP mismanagement of our finances,” the statement said.

“The Bahamian people know that two months of the Minnis led administration has had no negative affect on the finances of our country.”

It continued: “After four consecutive down grades, a $400m deficit and the litany of wasted public funds on questionable contracts, and hundreds of millions of missing money from the Public Treasury, the PLP should be hiding in the shadows and begging for forgiveness.

“The unholy mess the country now finds itself in can only be laid squarely at the feet of the last PLP administration.

“This FNM government is and has done the right thing by exposing them even if in doing so the ugly details come to the attention of the international rating agencies.”

Last month, Moody’s expressed alarm at the “significantly worse” fiscal deterioration unveiled by the government’s 2017-2018 budget; however, at the time its lead analyst indicated no ‘junk’ downgrade was imminent.

The credit rating agency warned its global markets the Bahamas’ planned $722m borrowing showed this nation’s fiscal strength was “much weaker” than it had bargained for.

In a “credit opinion” released on July 7, however, which provided rationale for placing The Bahamas’ sovereign creditworthiness under a “downgrade review”, the rating agen-

cy said its decision was sparked by the dramatically revised fiscal projections unveiled by the new government.

Yesterday, the FNM also said: “[The government] they pulled no punches in disclosing to the nation the extent of a government gone array under the old PLP regime.

“The deputy prime minister and minister of finance laid bare the depth and width of the financial mess left behind by the PLP. The cupboards were left bare indeed.

“Unlike the corrupt PLP who preferred to keep the Bahamian people in the dark, the Minnis led gov-

ernment did what all responsible and transparent governments do.

“They informed the nation of ‘the bitter pill’ the country would have to swallow as a result of the reckless mismanagement of an old tired corrupt PLP regime.

“The truth came to the notice of the international rating agencies. When Moody’s found out the truth, and realised it was duped by the PLP government, they undertook to do what responsible rating agencies do that is they heralded their intention to take another look at the Bahamian economy,” the FNM noted.

MINISTER CONCERNED AFTER SPATE OF OFFICERS FACING COURT

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames yesterday said he is “concerned” about the number of law enforcement officers that have recently been taken before the courts on criminal charges, as he pledged to put a “greater focus” on “sifting out as many of the bad apples as possible” from the sector.

Mr Dames, in an interview with The Tribune, said the arraignments of several law enforcement officers since May is something his ministry will “take a deeper look at,” as he stressed “there will be no lowering of the bar or standards as it relates to law enforcement officers.”

He said officials are committed to receiving the “brightest and the best” to serve in law enforcement, and that the area is comprised of persons “who are truly committed to service as opposed to those who are committed to serving themselves.”

Nonetheless, Mr Dames also said the arraignments of those law enforcement officials are “consistent” with the Minnis administration’s promises to “weed out corruption” in vari-

MINISTER of National Security Marvin Dames. ous government agencies, warning that “until we are able to get them all we will continue to weed them out”.

Mr Dames’ comments were in response to the arraignments of several law enforcement officers, with attachments to both the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) and the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BCDS), for various drug and firearm related offences since May.

When contacted on the matter yesterday, Mr Dames, the former deputy commissioner of police, said while “bad apples” exist in every jurisdiction where you have law enforcement, the recent spate of officials who have been accused of criminal wrongdoing “may speak to some wider issues that we have to fix”.

“There are some people, sometimes unfortunately who succumb to these temptations,” he said.

is aware that a commitment was made for this fiscal budget. I can say that within a month or two we could expect something.”

Although former PSA Chairman Dwight Smith said in the past that police were owed about $16m for the overtime they worked at different periods in 2013 and 2014, $5.6m in overtime payments was budgeted this fiscal year for them.

“After speaking with former chairman, ASP Dwight Smith and other executives, based on the ruling and everything, that is a satisfactory amount,” Mr Miller said.

“It’s fair and police look forward to receiving pay.”

About 1,799 officers from the rank of constable to inspector were given their first tranche of overtime pay in late May. It came after many months of wrangling. Last May, the Court of Appeal upheld Supreme Court Justice Milton Evans’ ruling that a Force Order issued by former Police Commissioner Paul Farquharson in 2003 was relevant as it mandated that public officers be paid when they work for more than 40 hours in a normal work week.

At the time, the PSA had estimated if money is given to officers, the government would end up paying as

take an oath to be a law enforcement officer that’s a serious one. It means then you are here to enforce the laws of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, it doesn’t mean that you are here to break it. It doesn’t mean that you are above the law and sometimes I think people confuse that.

“And so we’re here now to set the record straight that there will be no lowering of the bar or standards as it relates to law enforcement officers.”

Mr Dames went on to say that the Minnis administration will continue to take an “aggressive” approach to weeding out corruption in government agencies, particularly in those connected to law enforcement, and that once the relevant individuals are identified, his ministry “will ensure that these persons face a court of law”. “…So one side is you’re concerned from the standpoint that you may have to take a closer look at your recruitment to ensure that you’re bringing in high character individuals, and from the other end we’re pleased by the fact that we are putting a greater focus on it whereby to expose and weed out these bad apples,” he continued.

“It’s all consistent with what we’re saying, that we’re going after public sector corruption in a big way.

So as we move towards introducing legislation that will establish an autonomous agency that will focus on things such as this, we’re still here to let all of those persons who are in public office know that if you run afoul of the law, there are consequences.

“And as we said when we were on the campaign trail, it’s zero tolerance. Zero tolerance is zero tolerance.”

with the first payment set for May 29.

As for this week’s promotions, Sgt Miller said four officers were promoted from constable to corporal and five were promoted from corporal to sergeant.

It’s unclear why they were not promoted earlier this year during mass promotion exercises some people considered politically motivated because of their timing to the general election.

Mr Dames said about the promotions: “Under the Police Act, the commissioner has authority to promote constables or corporals

to sergeants. In his power from time to time he might say ‘Johnny come here, I love what you’re doing I want to promote you.’”

Mr Dames said the promotions do not contradict the narrative the Minnis administration perpetuated in recent months about too many police promotions in recent years.

“The commissioner is exercising the power he has under the (Police) Act,” Mr Dames said. “The senior ranks is more complicated as that has to go through the Police Services Commission and the prime minister.

Subordinate officers do not (have the same process).”

Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff “But again…we will take a closer look, and we would have communicated while on the campaign trail that we will take a closer look at recruitment to ensure that we are sifting out as many of the bad apples as possible.

“And we want to ensure that we get the brightest and the best and those persons who are truly committed to service as opposed to those who are committed to serving themselves.”

He added: “When you

NINE OFFICERS PROMOTED, BUT NO WORD ON DATE FOR NEXT OVERTIME PAYMENTS

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net WHILE nine police officers were promoted Wednesday, newly elected Police Staff Association Chairman Sonny Miller said no date has been identified for police officers to receive the second tranche of their long-sought overtime payments.

Sergeant Miller said he discussed the matter during a meeting with National Security Minister Marvin Dames yesterday.

“He assured us that he would get on to the minister of finance and represent us in that aspect,” he said. “He

much as $16.4m in overtime pay. The court’s ruling, however, allowed the government to either give the officers time back or give some combination of financial compensation and time-off.

The police commissioner decided last year to give officers time off and to give financial compensation only to those who worked overtime during the time period but had since retired or died.

However, after years of stalling on police overtime pay, the Christie administration announced days before the election that officers would be paid in stages,

PAGE 6, Friday, July 14, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

Staff down to three-hour days in hellhole post office building

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net ONE day after employees were forced off the job early by a failed air-conditioning unit and a leaking ceiling, Bahamas Public Services Union President John Pinder said Thursday workers at the General Post Office have now been divided between two, three-hour per day work groups until the government finds a more suitable option for postal operations.

Continuing to classify the East Hill Street facility as “hazardous,” Mr Pinder said postal officials have opted to institute 7.30am to 10.30am and 8.30am to 11.30am shifts for employees to offset “hot temperatures” at the facility throughout the day.

Mr Pinder told The Tribune that a failed air-conditioning unit had plagued employees at the facility for some time, with the issue acting as one of the core reasons behind the move to four-hour shifts last year.

He said yesterday: “As the summer days go by, it is getting hotter and hotter. The staff returned to work (Thursday) and nothing was done to correct the air-conditioning system; but they fixed that leaking pipe.”

Mr Pinder continued: “We wanted everything to be corrected, but we understand the importance of the work being done at the post office. We accepted the leak was dealt with and the employees got to work.

“With that said, it should be said, employees are now on a three-hour shift; the

THE ENTRANCE to the post office building - which has long been plagued by failures, leaks and problems. building is still in a poor state, it is still hazardous and we can’t keep the workers there the entire day.

“Three hours is the max now. Either they come in at 8.30 and leave at 11.30 or they come in at 7.30 and leave at 10.30. This is the best compromise that we could come up with and like I have said before, the postal workers are doing all they can in this tough situation.”

Mr Pinder yesterday implored the government to “pick up the pace” on its decision to move the post of-

fice to either a reconstituted section of the Town Centre Mall or a re-constructed City Market building off Tonique Williams Darling Highway.

The former Christie administration had started efforts to have the main post office relocated to Tonique Williams Darling Highway by the end of May, however, according to Mr Pinder, the Free National Movement administration stopped those plans while it considers moving the post office to the Town Centre Mall.

“It’s not about pressuring

the government. The plans are already in place for the Town Centre Mall option, so if the idea is to go with that, the only thing left to do is the work; get it done,” Mr Pinder told The Tribune yesterday.

“The work was stopped off Tonique Williams Darling Highway, to restart that will take some time and even more time to finish. The quickest fix to this matter is the Town Centre Mall,” he added.

“The work of the post office is important, and with that view in mind, we

need to get this resolved as quickly as we can.”

Mr Pinder also repeated his call for institutions that depend on the General Post Office to issue important or time sensitive documents to clients, to work directly with the post offices’ sub stations to ensure that those important documents are delivered on time.

With the reports coming out of the facility in recent weeks, there has been some concern for the state of mail being moved through the East Hill Street building, how-

ever, Mr Pinder insisted there has been no damage to mail.

He said his push for banks and businesses depending on the General Post Office for the delivery of important or time-sensitive mail to do so through post offices’ sub stations was only made to assure timely delivery to clients.

Transport Minister Frankie Campbell, the minister with responsibility for the postal service, could not be reached for comment.

Mr Campbell is away on official business.

COPPER THIEVES BLAMED FOR LATEST ROUND OF POWER OUTAGES AFFECTING ABACO

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMAS Power and Light yesterday blamed “copper theft” and “distri-

bution challenges” for the constant power outages that have plagued Abaco in the

past few weeks.

In a statement, BPL apologised for the frequent blackouts and said the company is “working constantly to resolve the issues.”

“While challenges impacting the generation and distribution network are to blame, theft of copper from BPL’s infrastructure

continues to be a significant problem and has been responsible for a number of outages and the duration of each,” the statement noted.

“However, BPL continues to address each of these challenges and reiterates its overall commitment to supplying Abaco and the cays

Funeral Service For

Mr. TreLawney A. Neymour, 59 of Vernon Street will be held on Saturday, July 15th, 2017 at The Evangelistic Pentecostal Church, Garden Hills, at 11:00am. Officiating: Rev. Stanley Seymour assisted by other Ministers of the Gospel. Interment will follow in the Old Trail Cemetery.

Left to cherish precious memories are his Brothers: Patrick Sweeting, Donnathon, Maurice, Captain Kirkwood and Sgt 2338 Dave Neymour, Orthnell, Basil, Chris, Nathaniel, Carven Lewis and Cpl 439 Keno Wright; Sisters: Mary Neymour Edwards, Martha Neymour Hodae of Atlanta Georgia, Marsha, Sabrina, Neymour, Cynthia Sweeting, Camille Miller, Lucymae Newbold, Judymae and Alidice Lewis; Aunts: Mathilda Taylor Woodside; Sisters-in-Law: Angela, Katrinka, Patsy and Kelly Laing Neymour of Canada; Brothers-in-Law: Arther Cambridage, Raymond Hodge of Atlanta Georgia; Bestfriend: Mavin Thompson AKA Popdown; Nephews: Police Inspector Dwayne Bethel, Lakito Rodgers, Albreco Nicholette Farrigation, Marvin, Coleby, Brandon, Raphael, Torian, Kenneth Jr., Kirkwood Jr, Kenyon, Tiniko, Maurice Jr, Jamal of Miami, Florida, Nyles, Tyler, Donnathan Jr, Nathan Neymour, Arthur and Vantonio Cambridge, Constable 3922 Murrell Duford Jr, Dwayne and Kim Wilson, Ludvick Sturrup, Patrick Sweeting Jr, Andy and Leonardo Sweeting, Robert Culmer, Troy Johnson, Osbourne and Joel Newbold, Elvardo Lewis, Daniel, Mesidore, Meldon, Bvennen, Isiah Taylor, Tyrone Wilson, Taquan Johnson Jr, Andre Darling, Quinn Rolle, Gaquinn Rolle, Daniel Mesidore Jr, Leonardo Rolle, Lamon Sturrup, Isiah Taylor Jr, Raphaee Neymoure Jr, Dwayne Wilson Jr, Juan Immanuel Wilson, Shannon and Shanton Cambridge, Kenneth Johnson, Marcus Neymour, Tristian Smith, Trevor Smith, Trevor Smith Jr, Andrew Smith Jr. Nieces: Tamika, Tamara, Kermalane, Christian, Kirklyn, Donniqua, Gabriel, Cynthia, Laticia, Morissa, Devinney, Brianna, Celeste, Taria Neymour, Trinity Cambridge, Georgina Wilson, Georgia Sturrup, Arimentha, Shantell Cambridge, Lyndia Rolle, Danielle and Dahjia, Mesidore, Ronnisha and Ronnaisa Johnson , Mariah Russell, Stan and Shaneka – Vermeulen, Christos and Gail-Papavasiliou, Jah and La’Gail-Deveaux, Faith and Lavette Sturrup, Cordia Nixon, Shakera and Lance Bain, Judymae Roue, Linda Dillet, Sonya Smith, Shania Smith, Tre’nae and Tionne Neymour, Taleah Johnson, Erica Culmer, Naima Newman, Lamanda, Lashanda and Lancia Bain, Staciford Forbes, Krystal, Deveaux, Quanesha Pickering, Tamara McPhee, Arthurnique and Tamia McPhee, Renee’, Darling, Neymour, Albrea, Aaryn Farrington; Cousins: Carole Scott, Delanese Fowler, Christopher, Paul, Carmen, Carla Brown and Claudine Paul, Otaine Woodside, Shannon Hanna, Ilean Thompson, Achera Woodside, Verona Charlton, Sgt Maria Woodside, Andrew Woodside, Dory Cash, Mildred, Violet, James and Stedman Grant, Jean Bain, Ralph Sands, Velva Williams, Eramae, Norma Jean, Rueben Smith, Fanny, Brenda, Archer,Christine Woods, Pastor Carlton and Israel Tylor of Freeport, Grand Bahama, Demetria and Detra Tylor of West Virginia, Hensley Taylor, Maudine Sturrup, Beverly Smith, Ava Curtis, Suzette, Princess, Vernice, Shanell Adderley, Shandeka and Chico Stanley, Greene Suzette and Hilroy Charlton, Prophetess Dorian Ferguson, Valerie and the Adderley Family , Mrs. Edith and Family, Mrs. Audrey and Family, The Knowles Family, The Mc.Kinney Family, Mrs Hanna and Family, Sandra and Family,The Johnson Family, The Kennedy Sub Community AKA Gaza Crew, The Bluff South Andros Community, Christoph, Kemmy, Lano, Cohen, Shaniqua, Mike, Vanshaw, NEO George Sturrup, Danny, John, Taft; Boss: Mr.Allen McDonald and Shermel, Sherelle and Shacara McDonald.

Friends may pay their last respects at the Legacy Memorial Mortuary on Friday, July 14, 2017 from 10:00am – 5:00pm and at the church on Saturday, July 15, 2017 10:00am until service time.

Funeral Service For Gidget Sharon Grant, 54 a resident of Romer Street, Fox Hill, will be held at Temple Baptist Church, Farrington Road, on Saturday, 15th July, 2017 at 2:00 p.m.

Officiating will be Pastor Geoffrey Wood, assisted by Pastor Arlington Moss.

Left to cherish her memories are her mother: Louise Grant; 2 brothers: Clifford Riley (Shakiel Rile) & Mario Riley (Shermethius Riley); 3 nieces: Sherece, Asia & Amia Riley; 2 nephews: Alonzo & Anpherney Riley; 3 aunts: Dorothy McCartney, Rosabell Adams & Carolyn Higgs of the Turks & Caicos Island; 4 uncles: George, Donald & Earlin Grant of the Turks & Caicos & William Grant of Florida; 3 grand aunts: Annmae Stubbs & Christine Delancey of Grand Bahama & Earimilda Delancey of Turks & Caicos Island; a host of other relatives & friends including: Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis & family, Hon. Fred Mitchell, Mrs. Shawn Gordon & family, Mrs. Emily Gardiner & family, Mrs. Roslyn Saunders & family, Ms. Merlene Romer & family, Mrs. Terry Grant & family, Mrs. Cooper & family, Mr. Kenneth Wilson & family, Mr. & Mrs. Flowers & family, Mrs. Maxine Morley & family, Sheila Neely & family, Mrs. M. Linsey & family, Mrs. R. Minns & family, Mr. Don Kemp & family, Ms. Deidre Mackey & family, Ms. Marva Brennen & family, Mr. Irvin Weech & family. Special thanks to Mrs. Aida & The Quality Fabric Family, CCU Care Unit at Holy Cross Hospital, Ft. Lauderdale, Peggy Strachan & family, Vangie Barry & family, the Red Cross family, ZNS Broadcasting family, & Mr. & Mrs. William Tizard.

THERE WILL BE NO VIEWING. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Demeritte’s Funeral Home, Market Street.

with consistent electricity.

BPL sincerely apologises to its residential and commercial customers who have been impacted by these outages and assures them that it is working to find immediate solutions to this problem and long-term strategies to prevent a recurrence.”

The statement came while residents in Abaco were facing yet another power outage.

On Tuesday, residents, fed up with having to contend with frequent power cuts, told The Tribune that in some cases they were without electricity for more than 24 hours at a time.

Bahamas Electrical Workers Union (BEWU) President Paul Maynard called the frequent power outages in Abaco “disgraceful” and “unacceptable” as he urged BPL to “overhaul the island’s protection system,” which he claims has not been upgraded in 25 years.

Abaco residents expressed their disgust Thursday on BPL’s Facebook page with some persons calling for a march to Parliament against the company.

“Why has the power been interrupted for hours in the past few days? What are we supposed to do?

You cannot have people living like this,” one person wrote.

Another customer wrote: “If you cannot do any better then get some people that know what they are doing. Everyday more and more of my appliances are burning up or need repairs and this situation isn’t getting any better. Stop this foolishness!”

Last month, Works Minister Desmond Bannister said he has “serious concerns” with BPL’s ability to “keep the lights on this summer.”

At the time, he said he is already “looking at new, alternative ways” of producing energy, including solar.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, July 14, 2017, PAGE 7

Don’t give us a ‘toothless’ Freedom of Information Act

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net AN outspoken attorney has urged the government to enact nothing less than a “strong and powerful” Freedom of Information Act, as he called on the Minnis administration to do whatever is necessary to avoid presenting “toothless tiger” legislation to the Bahamian people.

Fred Smith, QC, told The Tribune that the Minnis administration now has the “historic mandate” to “do right by the people” and enact a robust FOIA, which he said would ensure the “citizenry of The Bahamas has access to all of the secret processes, and documentation and information in government”.

Mr Smith also commended the Minnis administration for announcing plans to amend the present FOIA, which he said is “not satisfactory”, and expressed his desire for the government to avoid showing the “same kind of hypocritical and disrespectful conduct” successive governments have historically displayed towards the legislation’s enactment.

The former Christie administration passed a FOIA in Parliament in February. However, only part one and sections of part five and eight of the legislation have been enacted, allowing for the appointment of an information commissioner and repealing the 2012 FOIA. Since then, various civil society organisations (CSOs) have pressed the government to pick up recommendations to amend the FOIA, calling on the Minnis administration to not only look to the timely enactment of the FOIA, but to also take the opportunity to make revisions to strengthen it.

Earlier this week, State Minister for Legal Affairs Elsworth Johnson confirmed the government is

FRED Smith QC has called on the Minnis administration to enact a “strong and powerful” Freedom of Information Act. However, Mr Smith told cal with the people of The considering amendments to fundamental recommendations to the (former) gov- The Tribune that he re- Bahamas. Both administrathe FOIA. “There was an outcry for ernment which they did not mains historically “critical” tions, at the 11th hour and of previous Free National 59th minute of each of their the (FOIA) and I know dis- take into account.

“And so the current act Movement (FNM) adminis- terms in office, passed difcussions are ongoing to see how we can perhaps make is not satisfactory and so I trations, due to a promise in ferent forms of a FOIA Act amendments, or whatever am pleased, very pleased 1992 by the then incoming and never brought it into have you,” Mr Johnson said that the new government FNM administration that effect. I consider that a real on a radio show on Sunday. is going to look at amend- there would be ‘government slap in the face to the peoWhen contacted on the ing it and we will certainly in the sunshine’ and greater ple of The Bahamas.

“It is disrespectful, it is recommendations, transparency and accountmatter, Mr Smith expressed make hypocritical, and it sends a his support for the govern- based upon what we said ability.

Mr Smith said “despite clear message that neither ment’s plans to consider before, and trying to make amending various portions sure that the act, when it is being in power numerous the FNM nor the PLP have in final form is not a tooth- terms” after that however, really been committed to of the present FOIA. “I am very pleased that less tiger and really does those Hubert Ingraham-led transparency in governthe new administration is provide transparency, ac- administrations “failed to ance. Now Dr Hubert Minconvert that pre-election nis, the prime minister, and going to amend various countability.

“Knowledge is power,” promise into any kind of many of the new MPs in portions of the Freedom this recent campaign have of Information Act, which he added. “And as the new democratic reality”.

“I am also very critical committed themselves to a was not brought into ef- government said ‘it’s the fect by the PLP,” Mr Smith people’s time,’ and it’s time of the PLP who have been FOIA, and since they now told The Tribune. “Prior that the people, citizenry of traditionally over the dec- have this historic mandate, to passage of that act, civil the Bahamas has access to ades a very secretive gov- and they came to power society, there are about 20 all of the secret processes, ernment,” he added. “But campaigning on transparof our organisations that and documentation and in- both the FNM and the PLP ency, anti-corruption, achave been very hypocriti- countability, I am confident had made quite a few very formation in government.”

that the new government is not going to repeat that same kind of hypocritical and disrespectful conduct.

“I have every confidence and faith in the current administration that they will do right by the people and bring into effect a strong and powerful Freedom of Information Act very soon.”

The previous Ingraham administration passed a FOIA shortly before the 2012 general election, however there was no date for enactment. The incoming Christie administration then overhauled the legislation, and conducted an extensive public consultation process.

However, the bill was only partially enacted ahead of the May 10 general election.

READERS RESPOND ON DISCLOSURES LATEST AFTER Public Disclosure Commission Chairman Myles Laroda told The Tribune it is possible no penalties will be exacted against non-compliant parliamentarians, readers gave their reaction on tribune242.com.

Sheeprunner12 said: “The PDC Chairman seems to be excusing delinquency as a minor matter and treating this rather nonchalantly. He is very forgiving and casual in his approach to politicians who are not willing to comply with the rules of disclosure. That perspective is troubling.

Further, are we to assume that once these documents are submitted that they are taken at face value and this is the end of the story?????

There are too many grey areas that may excuse these politicians who like to operate in the grey zone (no pun intended).”

There was this from Sickened: “This Laroda fella needs to be removed if he is not irate at the lack of disclosure and intends to prosecute people to the fullest extent of the law. If he lets this go unpunished then noone will be disclosing next year.”

Sealice asked: “What does the law say? And how far back can we hold these people accountable? AND who are the three that didn’t comply?”

Socrates had this to say: “Well law or not, I won’t be surprised that noncompliant politicians face no action. Hope the same law that lets them off will apply to the civil servants too. Same ole story in this country, plenty laws and no enforcement . . . and we wonder why the place has gone to hell.”

To which TalRussell replied with: “Comrade Socrates, I said the second

PM Minnis started blowing red smoke about a June 30, 2017 filing deadline that the PM has no authority to charge current or former MPs - that the responsibility fell under the House Speaker’s exclusive domain - and the current Speaker has zero authority over any former MP. Case closed.

There will be NO prosecutions. You would think a sitting MP would step forward to explain why they have not filed? Shut down the useless Public Disclosure Commission’s office and save the public treasury the $675,000 it will cost to operate it just for the next 12 months.”

Bahamas Communications and Public Officers Union President Bernard Evans’ concerns over the departure of Leon Williams as CEO prompted DDK to say: “That is why, with regards to the privatisation of Bahamian corporations, we should be extremely careful what we wish for. In this global world, the bottom line is the end all and be all.”

And in response to General Post Office workers being forced off the job due to conditions at the East Hill Street facility, Sickened said: “15 years ago I stopped going into that building because of fear of my life. WHAT A DISGRACE! I am so ashamed of our government buildings. Have they even fixed the south side of the Supreme Court roof since the hurricane? NO!” • Don’t miss your chance to join the debate on trib-

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CHOICE FOR THE FAMILY WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/JOYFM1019

PAGE 8, Friday, July 14, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

The BUMs on our streets Brothers Under Modification “DORSETT-GATE” has broken!!

Now don’t get your hopes up, my previous observations of the week that will still play out in this week’s column. Just know I’ve got both eyes on “DorsettGate” while everything plays out in the courts, (I

never offer my opinion on any matter before the courts).

However, by next week’s column, when it’s all fair game, I will have something special for you, I promise.

Until then, here’s what caught my eye this past week.

Between Bums and BUMS (BrothersUnder Modification) Every neighbourhood, food Store and mall parking lot has them.

Fish Fry and Potters Cay Dock may be the factories from whence they came.

No, I’m not talking about rodents, stray dogs or cats.

Nor do I refer to garbage piles higher than the Water Tower.

If you are thinking water/peanut vendors you are close, but also wrong.

Still no luck?

Okay, the answer is ‘BUMS’.

Yes, Brothers Under Modification.

Now before you get all fired up, please let me state that I truly have compassion for those less fortunate and homeless, and I will be the first to join a good and charitable cause.

The pejorative “bum” had a distinct and defined meaning less than a decade ago, today not so much.

I’ve heard the word used in everyday settings and in corporate boardrooms, each time describing persons as different in socioeconomic backgrounds, education and lifestyle as east is from west.

These days being a “bum” does not necessarily imply poverty, homelessness or substance addiction.

In all cases, however, there is an implication of wanting something, for doing absolutely nothing, except for asking.

Indeed, many food store parking lots and corners with traffic lights and stop signs are where certain individuals in our society enter our conscious space and inspire split-second decisions of whether to give or not to give.

Some of these characters have become immortal fixtures in Bahamian society as much as they are fixtures in our days.

These are the ones I reminisce about, the ‘BUMS’ of old.

There was “American

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Bob,” who spoke in a perfect Southern American drawl even though he hailed from West Street.

American Bob’s well told stories (meant to cajole hands to wallets) were always impeccable and we all knew where it was going to end up, with him asking for some loose change. The rollercoaster ride that was his story — rife with exaggerations, one liners, truth and cow manure — were worth the spare change you would send his way on entertainment value alone.

If one takes ‘bravado’ into account then the great “Raker” was a major player in the game, and his place in the “BUM” hall of Fame is reserved. “Raker’s” open consumption of Bacardi 151 (meant to mystify, and cajole hands to wallets) was legendary; straight from the bottle with no chaser. This was only topped by “Raker’s” closing act, which was to extinguish an El Cuno cigar on his forearm while recounting his days as one of the winningest jockeys in Florida Horse racing history (true fact) for coins. He preformed nightly outside of “Peanuts” Taylor’s Drum Beat Club.

“Maggie Jason” was a slick basketball player that thought he could juggle sports, women, and vices.

He was wrong, but even during the lowest point in his life that crossover dribble of his was killer, and for a couple of dollar bills “Maggie Jason” would snatch quarters off the top of the backboard with his out-of-this-world vertical leap, thank his sponsors and vanish into thin air.

Only to reappear later with a shopping cart full of coconuts that he would shuck with his teeth.

Like today’s NBA, when compared to the Magic, Bird, Jordan and Kobe eras doesn’t seem to quite measure up, today’s “BUMS” can’t measure up to their counterparts from the past either.

They have let the “trade” of “bumming” go down immensely.

They lack entertainment value, while their sales pitches lack imagination and strategy.

A prime example of this is “Boogie Down”. “Boogie” has been knocking around the hood in what he describes as a “lazy period” for himself for the last ten years.

Gone is the “Boogie” shuffle which he made popular in front of the old Zoo Night Club every Sunday night as patrons invaded the parking lot lining up to get in. “Boogie” was like the Bahamian Gregory Hines – impressive. Today, he is a shell of his former self, going straight to the point, no more shuffle, no more jokes.

A direct “Can I borrow a slow three or five?” (FYI “Boogie” in this recession there is nothing slow about three or five dollars).

On top of that he has been unemployed for the same said decade he’s been hanging on the blocks.

It’s not just “Boogie,” it’s also the army of “BUMS” that invade Bay Street on a regular with their “gimmie dollar” routine.

I think these “BUMS” are hanging their baskets a little too high asking for ‘dollars’. They need direction. (No they don’t need to Unionise.) They also need a business plan, and I have just the one for them.

All practising “BUMS” should ask for a quarter, every time they approach some random stranger for a loan.

If you open with anywhere between one and five dollars, you have priced yourself out immediately.

Persons who are approached have those amounts (between $1 and $5) predetermined as to where they are going; ninety nine cent breakfast, the dailies, the numbers that danced through their head while they slept, or they have their own vices which they need to fund.

Asking one person for $3.00 is excessive, ask that same person for a quarter it’s yours.

Now do the math, if a “BUM” asks 20 people for the day for a quarter and collects that’s $5.00.

I guess what I’m trying to say is, anything worth doing, is worth doing well.

Like your predecessors, if it means throwing in a dance or performing a feat of strength or agility to impress your potential Change Provider by all means do it.

This may turn the quarter you asked for into a dollar.

One thing is certain, in these economic times everyone should expect to have to make an effort to earn their keep. Indeed, this global economy has even separated the bums from the BUMS. By the way, if you are enjoying this article might I ask…um..do you have a slow five???

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, July 14, 2017, PAGE 9

Court’s faulty air-condition system delays human trafficking case

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net A WOMAN awaiting trial on allegations related to human trafficking had her case adjourned for a month because of a malfunctioning air-conditioning system at the Magistrate Courts complex.

Abigail Wilson, 20, appeared before Chief Magistrate Joyann FergusonPratt for the expected start of her case on four counts of trafficking in persons allegedly committed between March and May 26 of this year.

The charges were brought under Section 3 (1)(a) of the Trafficking in Persons Prevention and Suppression Act Chapter 106.

It is alleged that the Jamaican, being concerned with others, recruited, received, harboured and transported a woman to and within The Bahamas for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

She pleaded not guilty to all of the allegations at her May 30 arraignment and was expected to stand trial on July 12 and 13.

However, on Wednesday, the case was adjourned by 24 hours because the court complex had to be closed at

1pm due to a malfunctioning air-conditioning unit.

It was expected that the matter would be resolved by yesterday when she and her lawyer Bernard Ferguson reappeared for the case.

However, the chief magistrate explained to her the matter would have to be adjourned again to August 15, 16 and 17.

“In as much as I am chief magistrate, the decision to close the building and allow staff to go home early, I must consult with those above concerning the administration of justice,” the judge said.

“But it is inhumane to continue in these condi-

tions and I do not see how we can proceed with a matter that has far reaching implications against you.

“We’re still in the same position. The air conditioning is not working and it is unbearable,” the chief magistrate said shortly before officially receiving notice to close the court complex to the public at noon.

The waiting areas of the court complex had to be constantly mopped due to condensation from the faulty a/c system.

Complaints of structural issues at the various courts are not new and have been documented over the years.

In late October 2013, there was a plumbing issue that caused sewage back up for two days at the multimillion dollar South Street and Nassau Street court complex that was officially opened in January 2012.

Cases were adjourned due to the partial flooding in the foyer and cellblock of the compound that produced an unbearable stench.

On November 5, 2013, in the Supreme Court, Senior Justice Vera Watkins adjourned matters because of a malfunctioning air-conditioning unit and plumbing problems in the court.

She was scheduled to conduct bail applications and case management hearings, but the air-conditioner had been out of service for over a week at the time.

Mould was also reported to be forming in the courtroom.

In January 2016, Chief Justice Sir Hartman Longley stressed that a number of the existing structural issues with court buildings continue to interfere with the administration of justice and that the judiciary would be more efficient if it received additional funding and had control of its own finances.

LOGOS BOOK BOAT TO SAIL INTO FREEPORT ON JULY 29

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

LOGOS Hope, the largest floating book fair, will sail to Freeport arriving on July 29, with 400 volunteers and thousands of books for sale.

The vessel is operated

by GBA (Good Books for All Ships) eV, which is an international, charitable organisation registered in Germany. The organisation has welcomed over 45 mil-

lion visitors from more than 160 countries and territories around the world since 1970.

Grand Bahama Port Authority President Ian Rolle is excited about the vessel’s arrival in Grand Bahama.

“We are extremely enthusiastic about Logos Hope visiting our island,” he said. “I believe that this is an amazing opportunity for Grand Bahamians and I eagerly await their arrival later this month.

“In this day and age,

there are far too many people who underestimate the importance of literature and its ability to develop critical thinking skills and inspire our youth. Because of this, I am thrilled that our island has been granted such an amazing opportunity and I hope that Grand Bahamians will enjoy all that the Logos Hope has to offer,” Mr Rolle added.

The Logos Hope will dock at Berth 14 at Freeport Harbour from July 29 – August 6 and will be

open to the public on Tuesday through Saturday from 10am – 9pm and on Sundays from 2pm – 9pm. The vessel will be closed to the public on Mondays.

There is an entrance fee of $1 per person, but adults 65 years and over and children under 12 accompanied by an adult will enter for free.

According to a press statement issued by the Grand Bahama Port Authority, persons will have access to an impressive collection of over 5,000 afford-

able books for purchase, as well as access to many funfilled events on board.

Rahel Schemionek said Logos Hope brings a “once in a lifetime experience” to people. “Where else in the world you will find a ship with 400 people from 60 different countries serving as volunteers?” he asked.

Among the 400 volunteers is Bahamian Shawna Sands of Nassau who joined the crew in 2014 as part of a three-month short-term exposure programme working

in the book fair.

Having fallen in love with the ship’s vision, Ms Sands re-joined in late 2015 for two years.

According to a spokesperson, Ms Sands first learned about Logos Hope at a conference. Learning about the vision and purpose of the ship sparked a passion in her heart, and even though it sounded like a wild idea in the beginning, she decided to step out in faith and make the surreal journey a reality.

Antique Auto Club of The Bahamas Antique Auto Club of The Bahamas. - The Antique Auto Club of The Bahamas recently made good on its promise to donate towards scholarships for students who qualify to study Auto Mechanics at the Bahamas Technical & Vocational Institute (BTVI).

The $1,000 donation was a part of its 30th anniversary celebrations, as well as to honor the life of the late Charles Johnson - a skilled mechanic who was passionate about young people learning the trade.

Furthermore, BTVI participated in the Antique Auto Club’s Car Show held at Arawak Cay in March, of which part proceeds went towards the scholarships for students to obtain a Diploma in Auto Mechanics at the institution. The event showcased 70 new and classic cars, trucks and motorcycles.

Rotary Club of East Nassau Rotary Club of East Nassau. - The Rotary Club of East Nassau inducted a new board of directors for the 2017/2018 year at its Changeover party that was held at the Balmoral Club

JOIN THE CLUB OUR Clubs and Societies page is a chance for you to share your group’s activities with our readers.

To feature on our Clubs and Societies page, submit your report to clubs@tribunemedia.net, with “Clubs Page” written in the subject line.

For more information about the page, contact Stephen Hunt on 502-2373 or 447-3565.

FROM left at the Rotary Club of East Nassau changeover party are: Franny DeCardenas, 2nd Vice President; Mario Smith, Assistant Governor for Rotary Clubs of the Bahamas East; Adrian White, Secretary; Corinne Laville, 1st Vice President and president elect; Dianne Miller, Vocational Service; Joanne Smith, Public Relations; Mayuri Deka, Membership; Kahlil Parker, Partners in Service; Hope Sealey, President; Constance Gibson, Community Development; Kandice Davis, Attendance; Natalya Clarke, Fellowship; Michele Moodie, Past President; Immediate Past President Diane DeCardenas and Brian Moodie, Advisor to the board. Board members not pictured are: Geoff Andrews, Jen-Marc Fellay, Roshan Noronha and Kristy Kemp. projects. on July 1.

The 2017-2018 Rotary InThe new president is Hope Sealey, an commer- ternational theme, Rotary: cial banker who has been Making a Difference, was member for 12 years and chosen by the new Rotary has served on the club’s International president, Ian board for most of that time. HS Riseley.

He, like all the 35,000+ Under her leadership, the club will continue its long club presidents will serve established community ser- for one year and this will be vice work through the Fox the rallying cry for Rotary Hill Run, food donations clubs around the world to to the needy in that com- band together to promote munity; Project Read, an peace, fight disease, proadult literacy programme; vide clean water, sanitation, support of the Bahamas and hygiene, save mothAssociation for the Physi- ers and children, support cally Disable (BAPD); the education and grow local Bahamas Sailing Associa- economies thereby making tion and many other worth- a difference in the lives of while community service their neighbours.

FROM left, BTVI’s associate vice president of fund development Alicia Thompson; Antique Auto Club secretary and past president T. Murray Forde; BTVI president Dr Robert W Robertson and Antique Auto Club director and past president Dom Aranha.

Photo: Shantique Longley

PAGE 10, Friday, July 14, 2017

Our country is in trouble, Mr PM EDITOR, The Tribune.

Please publish this open letter to: Rt Hon Dr Hubert Minnis, MP Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas Dear Prime Minister: Today is July 11th, 2017, only hours after the country you now lead celebrated its 44th year of “Independence”. On this day, while scrolling through a number of reports on social media, a few stories took my attention hostage, and this is primarily why I write.

The first of these reports via social media, is the story of the “Moody Downgrade” of the nation’s economic powers to that of “JUNK”. The second of them being that the overbearing increases that are continuously strapped onto the backs of the already broken-spirited people by the country’s electrical companies, food providers, utilities, etc. Dr. Minnis, I may not know too much about these downgrades, but I do, along with other thousands of citizens certainly are victims of their impact.

As a born and raised Bahamian, I know for a fact that The Commonwealth of the Bahamas, also from inception of its ushering in its first Prime Minister, the late Sir Lynden Pindling had been indebted to its people, and throughout the decades, has continued to add drastically to that debt without even attempting to pay its dues to its citizens.

In essence, what I’m saying is this; daily, due to dishonesty and corruption by the nation’s leaders, The Christie Government being that of the most dishonest and corrupted, more and more economic burden had been and continues to be forced on the backs of the people, and as the country’s economic powers continues to decline, and things trickles from very bad to far worse, its citizens, more and more are heavily sinking into depression, suppression and oppression.

Dr Minnis it is unfair for the citizens of the Bahamas to continue to be punished and drastically suffer from the corruption of politicians. It is unfair

THE TRIBUNE

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net that the citizens who have made tremendous sacrifices of not being able to afford basic utilities, mortgages, educating their children, properly taking care of their families, suffering without proper healthcare, like my mother who died from cancer due to her not being able to afford surgery, and she was an employee of the government, etc, to pay the country’s demanding VAT charges, which were intended to take care of the nation’s national debts, only to have that money go unaccounted for by the former government. It is unfair for hundreds of thousands of dollars to disappear from the nation’s college under the former government, and no one is held responsible. It is unfair for millions of dollars that were allocated to help feed poor suffering people at the Social Services Department to go unaccounted for and no one is held responsible. Not to mention BAMSI, The Mortgage Relief Fund, the one and a forth billion dollars that were paid in VAT (Value Added Taxes) under the former government, no one is held accountable, but poor, broken cash-strapped citizens who can barely feed themselves are given the obligation to replace it. Dr Minnis if you are going to the world to speak on corruption and cracking down on it, you must first start with going after the former government and the people’s monies.

Mr PM, I am a Bahamian citizen, born and raised, and due to the hardship of the country, and the oppressive leadership and governance of Mr Perry Christie, night after night I had joined many other citizens, especially young men and boys to sleep on beaches, abandoned buildings, and vehicles. More and more people are shacking up together in literally shacks just to get by to avoid joining thousands of citizens living on the streets due to the corruption that had left the country financially strapped, while members of the former government with its leader Mr Perry Christie indulge in lavishness from the people’s monies. This is

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis shares a laugh with Foreigh Affairs Minister Darren Henfield. ans have taken their own enough, enough? When totally not fair.

For decades, Bahamian lives and some took their was it bad enough watching politicians have been finan- kids’ lives along with their your nation decline withcially robbing and raping own due to extreme suffer- out standing up for it and the country and violating ings, oppressive conditions, throwing it a life raft, even the rights of the people, and national neglect. The if that was not the popular indulging in tremendous Bahamas aren’t producing thing to do, and it possigreed while the vast major- any suitable jobs; the lit- bly costing you your caity of the citizens suffer in tle “Job creation” that had reer in politics? Everyone extreme poverty. For dec- often been talked about sat by and simply watched ades, no one had been held are “Mop & Broom, Secu- the ship go down without accountable, except for the rity, hotel maid work”, etc. taking responsibility. Our citizens who are daily faced dead-end slavery work pay- country is in trouble, Mr with the demands of high ing $5.25 an hour without PM, and it needs emerprices for very basic and any room for entrepreneur- gency help. And everyone minimal needs. How do ship or room to grow. Mr must do their part to colyou, sir, expect the people PM in 2017, is this what the lectively usher in that help, to survive? Are they sup- Commonwealth of The Ba- emergency help. However, posed to continue to live hamas is all about? Is this that burden of responsifrom mediocre jobs with an what the citizens of the na- bility cannot and should attached minimum wage of tion can continue to look not continue to rest on the $5.25 when rents are $650 forward to? Or should they backs of the poor, sir, it plus, light bills are as much expect better and more un- can’t. That help will also as mortgages, and food and der your leadership rather not come if you don’t go gas prices are at staggering than hollow words and slick hard after the former govtalk? Are you a man of the ernment and its leadership high levels?

The Commonwealth of poor people as you said to hold them accountable The Bahamas is a small, yet you were on the campaign for the almost $2.5 billions powerful and very wealthy trail, or are you simply like of the people’s money’ that nation. It has countless the rest whose intention it has somehow, mysteriously natural resource options is to secure the financial disappeared.

Mr PM, I’m just a simple that were intended to not future for yourself, friends only allow the country to and family while continu- guy from the streets of Rock self-sustain itself, but to ing to watch your citizens Crusher and Farrington Roads; I’m no one spealso take care of its citizens. crash and burn?

Lastly, Mr PM; I will cial. You don’t have to take Yet, however, craftily, government after government say that as a citizen of the anything that I have said to after government have been Commonwealth of The you in this letter. Like most, selling them away to foreign Bahamas, I hold you and you can simply ignore it or entities, pocketing the mon- every politician, especially transport it to your junk eys, and blatantly ignoring those from the last twenty files. But God has His way the sufferings of the peo- years fully responsible for of dealing with situations, the financial condition that and the very stone you may ple. This is not right.

Poor suffering Bahami- the country is in. When was neglect today, may be the

one you save sir to, tomorrow. There is no greater honour one could get, than the honour and privilege of serving its country and people. That is one I would like in the very near future.

However, Mr PM, you have this opportunity as we speak. You have the power and opportunity to help your people to at least, live better lives where they don’t have to worry about having roofs over their heads, warm beds to sleep in, food and basic needs met, and educating themselves and their children. This is an honour and a privilege that you now have. Let your legacy, even if it only tells the story of you being a one-term prime minister; let that legacy be of one who touched lives and helped people because it was the right thing to do rather than stories of creed and corrupt dealings.

I am here to help you in whatever way I possibly can for the safety of my people, even if it’s only offering simple words of advice. We are Bahamians, Mr PM, and to me, there’s no greater honour than that.

Until next time, Respectfully, DENO P ELLIS Bahamian Nassau, July 11, 2017.

The end of the affair EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE end of any human related affair is usually fraught with tension; remorse and regret. In extenuating circumstances, there may even be a resort to physical violence and/ or an emotional and mental melt down. Where the affair is between two individuals, the end is often ugly; petty and potentially toxic especially where children and matrimonial assets are involved.

In politics, the rejection by the electorate, is mind blowing and one which has led to many individuals resorting to mental treatment and rehabilitation. In a church or civil society setting, the rejected ones usually leave the organization in a huff and a puff and seek to undermine; maim or, if possible, destroy the same. The end of an affair is no joke.

The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) which was once seen as the “party of the people” from its inception way back in the 1950s , was vanquished on the 10th May, 2017. From a robust, even if deluded and out of touch, government in April, 2017 within weeks it was relegated to the position of a jilted suitor or partner. Like many others I was shocked and awed by the massive rejection of the PLP and literally the elimination of its entire cabinet.

That rejection, dearly be-

loved, signaled the end of the affair which the people of The Bahamas may have had with the PLP and its leadership cadre.

Yes, there will always be the armed chair analyst and the bogus philosopher, but the affair is definitely over and the rump PLP must now start all over again, despite being a wheel chaired organization, with all due respect to those who are so confined. What do we have left in the rump party?

We have a former minister of transport and aviation who presided over massive financial losses, or so they say, within all of the agencies which fell under her sway. She appeared to be politically arrogant and inept in the execution of matters within her portfolio.

She was barely able to hold onto Englerston. She, with all due respect, should fade into the night.

The rump party has Picewell Forbes, a political peacock of the highest order and an apparent narcissist to boot, who held on to his constituency over in Mangrove Cay, Andros. He was basically useless during his so-called representation and brought little if any changes to the lives of the ordinary supporter over there. Of course, if you were one who worshipped at his mini-sized altar, you were ok, to a degree. Other than that, the affair had come to an ignoble end years ago.

Forbes, like so many other

PLPs, was simply going through the motions. This, hopefully, will be his last term in the House of Assembly.

We have a breath of fresh air in the form of the Hon Chester Cooper (PLPExuma). He’s intelligent; reasonably financially stable based on his public declaration and is possessed, it would appear, with a vision plan for the PLP and the nation. He has, of course, just arrived and he cannot and must not expect that organization to simply embrace him as a potential leader and start to sing hosannas to him.

‘Hail, I Chester Cooper’ might have a good ring to it, but the oligarchs within the defunct PLP will never start an affair with him or anyone else while the Hon. Philip ‘Brave’ Davis (PLPCat Island) holds sway, as feeble as it might be. Chester’s time will come, but not anytime soon. In fact, if I were a betting man, I would opine that his ascension will only come after the return of The Messiah.

What about the default leader of the PLP. The Hon Philip “Brave” Davis is a lifelong friend and closer than many of my biological brothers and sisters.

Over the decades we have travelled many smooth and sometimes bumpy roads.

He was the one senior PLP leader whom I trusted 85% of the time. The Hon Shane Gibson was also one

of that crew whom I always had high respects and hope for. The now developing blame game between them does not look too good. Multi-million dollar contracts were issued but Brave said that he knew nothing about them, even though his ministry signed off on them!!

This reminds me of the fiasco with Audley Hanna and BAMSI. Shane says or implied that some of those suspected contracts were awarded directly by the Office of the Prime Minister (Jack Thompson is one of the Permanent Secretaries) and that he had ordered that some of the clean up work be stopped. Mind you, no one paid any attention, apparently, to Shane’s directives just like the former PM ignored a cease and desist letter allegedly sent to him by Brave! The end of the affair was just around the corner.

Brave is in a position to re-brand and rebuild the PLP but, like we say in our wonderful nation, can one teach an old dog new tricks? Not that I am suggesting that Brave is an “old dog” politically speaking, but let us be realistic. He has some good traits and character, I am sure, but perception and personal appearance are everything in “retail” politics. On the wholesale level, Brave is able to cut it but the millennium generation, which now comprise

almost 60% of the voters, will never accept him, prima facie, as a future leader and Prime Minister.

It is what it is. Author and novelist, Graham Greene, wrote a wonderful and engaging book, “The End of the Affair”, the story line is so apt to the Bahamas of today. Read it and enjoy.

If Brave is serious he should never have appointed Frederick Audley Mitchell and Michael Darville to the Senate. He should have, by now, rebuked Minky Isaacs for the public threat to strike the PM in his mouth and his patently stupid remarks about white Bahamians. He has yet to do so. This is an illustration of weak and “get along” leadership. No, I am not turning against Brave, yet, but I am sorely disappointed to see and hear the mealy-mouthed and disjointed defense mounted by the rump opposition relative to the manner in which The Gold Rush administration ‘jacked’ (for want of a better word) just right up with no shame (pardon the pun)!

The people of this wonderful nation has ended its long time affair with a two timing, politically speaking, PLP. Just when most of us thought that the “all for me baby crew” had gone home, the “political Androsian sized hogs” streamed out of the wood works. George Orwell’s “Animal Farm” summed it up well. I saw

a picture of the defeated former PM in the newspapers the other day. He did not look too good and he sounded, via the oral statements, totally out of it. He will be ok with his generous pension for life. After his demise, assuming that his wife lives longer than he, she will also receive most of his pension. They are set for life while the masses will remain saddled with excessive national debt and an annual budget deficit which just can’t seem to go down too far.

The FNM and the new PM must be careful as they fine tune their own affair with us. The PLP was, politically speaking, two and three timing the people of this wonderful nation. The PM has already, innocently, I hope, displayed a degree of annoyance and disdain for the media. He must cease and desist this sort of shaving cream right away.

Bahamians want and deserves a faithful partner not a serial sweetheart.

The affair, for the PLP, has ended and we will not go back to an “unfaithful” partner without genuine remorse; change in behaviour and the appropriate period in the dog house.

To God then, in all of these things, be the glory.

ORTLAND H. BODIE, JR, Nassau, July 2, 2017.

JUMPING FOR JOY THE TRIBUNE

YOUNG dancer Stemarciae Bain has soared to success in the World Dance Finals in Texas.

The 12-year-old took part in the StarQuest International World Dance Finals in Galveston last month, along with six other dance company members from Just Dance Bahamas.

The team was performing under the direction of Nonny Price.

Stemarciae performed a Jazz-style routine to the song “Live and Let Die” by Paul McCartney, and finished in second place overall out of 80 dancers.

She was named first runner-up to Teen Miss StarQuest Emerging Artist Christa Russell.

Stemarciae also received a Platinum medal, a Judges’

Special Award calling her a “Power House” and the highest score in the Jazz category for her solo routine.

In addition, she was recognised by one of the master teachers with a special award for her performance in class.

Stemarciae was also a part of the group routines which all received Platinum medals and placed in the top ten overall, with “Under Pressure” (Tap) in Eighth, “Pon De Replay” (Hip Hop) in Fourth and “Hey Lion” (Jazz) in first place overall, which earned them a spot to compete in the Dance Off, in which “Hey Lion” came in second place.

In addition, Stemarciae was a part of the trio “I

Friday, July 14, 2017, PAGE 11

STEMARCIAE Bain in action at the World Dance Finals in Texas.

Lived” which came in fifth place and received a Platinum medal.

Her parents, Stephen and Marcia, her brother Ramon and the rest of her family congratulated her for her performance, saying they were “so proud” of her.

PAGE 12, Friday, July 14, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

Prime Minister and wife stepping out in style

A CANDID moment as Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and his wife Patricia are pictured dancing at a conference on Wednesday night. Photo: BIS