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‘We won’t reverse Sir Roland honour’

...but PLP leader attacks process behind award

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

of Order of National Hero, alongside the country’s first Prime Minister Sir Lynden THE Progressive Lib- Pindling, former Governor eral Party would not General Sir Milo Butler reverse Sir Roland Symon- and Free National Movement founding ette’s National father Sir Cecil Hero honour if Wallace-Whitelected to govern field. the country, “You don’t because doing so want to set a would establish precedent for an undesirable reversing deciprecedent, PLP sions taken for Leader Philip whatever reason “Brave” Davis SIR ROLAND they may have said yesterday.

SYMONETTE unless you deem He was it of an order that addressing for creates a manifest injustice the first time the controversial decision to award to others,” he said.

SEE PAGE SIX Sir Roland the top honour

LESLIE Miller yesterday accused Bank of The Bahamas and the government of an “unlawful conspiracy” to seize his shopping plaza, and demanded nearly $10m in damages from each.

The former Cabinet minister and MP, in a legal action filed with the Supreme Court, claimed

both the BISX-listed bank and the former Christie administration reneged on agreements to fund multi-million dollar renovations to his family’s Summerwinds Plaza so it could be rented to government ministries.

Mr Miller also accused the Minnis administration of “malice” and victimisation because he is a member of the PLP. FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE Water & Sewerage Corporation (WSC) is “pursuing” its first price hike in nearly 20 years in a bid to narrow a profitability gap where it covers barely twothirds of its operating costs.

Adrian Gibson, the utility’s executive chairman, yesterday told Tribune Business it was developing a proposal on the planned increase in consumer tariffs that will be submitted to the Minnis Cabinet for its approval. The Long Island MP did not comment on the timing, or likely magnitude, of the price increase.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS WSC JOB CUTS - PAGE FIVE

4C’S BOAT COMPANY BACK IN BUSINESS

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

MILLER TO SUE GOVT OVER PROPERTY GRAB FACING

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartell@tribunemedia.net

WATER BILLS FACING FIRST INCREASE IN 20 YEARS

COURT FOR DRIVE-BY KILLING

WALTER JOHNSON, 21, of Milton Street, outside court yesterday. He is accused of murder. See page three for the full story.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

FOUR C’s Adventures, the tour company involved in a fatal boating accident in Exuma two weeks ago, has resumed operations after the government issued a cease and desist order it said would be in place until the accident investigation is complete.

When The Tribune called the company yesterday and last week, a customer service representative confirmed the company has resumed its tours and is making bookings. It is understood operations resumed on July 11.

Whether this means the accident investigation is complete is unclear. Neither the company’s owner, Clayton Patterson Smith, nor his lawyer, Elliot Lockhart, SEE PAGE TWO

‘DEMONS TOLD ME TO BURN MY DAUGHTER’

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net A MOTHER accused of setting her one-year-old daughter on fire last year told psychiatric specialists she was coaxed to do so by “demonic voices” which had been “commanding” her to kill herself and do other “bad things”, Supreme Court jurors heard yesterday.

Dr Kirk Christie, a

psychiatrist, taking the witness stand before Justice Bernard Turner, said Philipa Marshall told him and others the reason she set her daughter Philicia afire was because one of the demons told her to ignite both herself and her daughter.

Marshall, who is schizophrenic, also reported being tormented on a daily basis by those demons for the past three years, which she claimed included her being

instructed to overdose on tablets and harm herself.

Dr Christie said Marshall has since reported while she still hears the demonic voices in her head, they now tell her to do “good things” as opposed to commanding her to commit suicide or other negative acts.

The witness’ testimony came during a hearing to determine whether Marshall is mentally fit to stand trial for allegedly causing SEE PAGE THREE

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

FELICITY INGRAHAM:

BUILDING A LEGACY IN ELEUTHERA

SEE PAGE EIGHT

PAGE 2, Tuesday, July 17, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

4C’S BOAT COMPANY BACK IN BUSINESS from page one

have been told the latest developments, they said yesterday.

Transport and Local Government Minister Renward Wells has not responded to The Tribune’s questions about what the company’s resumption of operations means for the status of the accident

investigation. This newspaper has also been unable to reach the port controller, with phone calls to the Port Department often going unanswered.

During a press conference on July 2, then Transport Minister Frankie Campbell, said: “I wish to advise that the investigation into this matter is underway...

Due to the nature of

this incident, the acting controller of the Port Department, Commander Raymond King, in collaboration with the Exuma Port Authority Board has issued an immediate cease and desist order in respect of this company, and it is prevented from undertaking any operations at this time, pending the completion of the Port Department’s

RBDF team learns how to care for our environment BREEF and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force took part in a six-day marine conservation workshop recently, with a closing ceremony being held at the Coral Harbour Base.

Minister of Financial Services, Trade & Industry and Immigration Brent Symonette addressed the participants. He congratulated them and organisers, emphasising the commitment of the government to protecting its limited natural resources.

Minister of National Security Marvin Dames was also in attendance.

“BREEF is pleased to partner with the RBDF to promote the conservation of the marine environment that sustains our way of life,” said BREEF executive director Casuarina McKinney-Lambert.

“Knowledge is power and we now have an interdisciplinary group of 21 workshop participants from law enforcement and education who are empowered to

share this information that they have gained with their colleagues and students, and bring about change.

Everyone has a role to play in sustaining our ocean.”

The course provided participants with opportunities to study island ecosystems.

Participants took part in classroom activities, guest lectures, and field studies at nearby marine protected areas including Bonefish Pond National Park and the South West Marine Managed Area.

PARTICIPANTS, above and right, in the BREEF marine conservation workshop.

investigation.”

Yesterday, when asked if the investigation into the accident is complete, Mr Smith told The Tribune: “I haven’t heard anything.

I haven’t gotten the all clear.”

His lawyer, Mr Lockhart, QC, said he knew nothing about a cease and desist order, adding the government lacks “the power to shut him down”.

“They shut him down relative to one boat as far as I’m concerned,” he said.

“Nobody has the authority to shut him down vis a vis his other boats which are all properly licenced and certified. You think the government wants to pay damages? Because I would sue in a hurry.”

The June 30 incident resulted in the death of an American woman,

Maleka Jackson, and led two other people to suffer amputation of limbs. These included Mrs Jackson’s husband Tyran Jackson and another visitor, Stefanie Schaffer. Up to press time last night, the family of Ms Schaffer, the double amputee, had raised $158,869 on GoFundMe to take care of her expenses. The family of Mr Jackson had raised $143,923.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, July 17, 2018, PAGE 3

MURDER VICTIM IDENTIFIED AS TEENAGE BOY

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net

WALTER JOHNSON, 21-year-old of Milton Street, outside court yesterday.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

MAN FACING COURT FOR DRIVE-BY KILLING

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

A 21-YEAR-OLD man was charged in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday with shooting another man to death in a drive-by shooting

in New Providence last week. Walter Johnson, of Milton Street, stood before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt charged with a single count of murder in the July 8 incident.

It is alleged that on the

day in question, Johnson murdered Shanindore Neely.

According to initial reports, shortly before 3pm on July 8, a man was standing on Homestead Street when a Ford vehicle pulled up next to him. The occupants of the vehicle opened

fire at him, hitting him in his body before speeding off.

The victim was taken to hospital where he was subsequently pronounced dead.

Due to the nature of the charge, Johnson was not required to enter a plea and

the matter was adjourned for service of a voluntary bill of indictment.

He was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services in the interim. He has the right to apply to the Supreme Court for bail.

‘Demons told me to burn my daughter’ from page one her daughter’s death by means of unlawful harm.

Prosecutors alleged Marshall doused her child with gasoline and set her afire in December 2017 at her Faith Gardens home after hearing voices. The child died in February this year having been cared for at Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH).

Yesterday, Dr Christie said he first met Marshall when she was admitted to Accident and Emergency (A&E) at PMH suffering from burn injuries. She was treated and subsequently admitted to the Podlewski Ward at Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre (SRC).

As part of the initial psychiatric diagnostic review, Dr Christie said he along with a number of other officials met with Marshall with a focus on obtaining the history of the burn wounds she had sustained as well as the background concerning her daughter being set on fire.

Dr Christie said SRC officials met with Marshall weekly due to the severity of her symptoms, for approximately 45 to 50 minutes. And during those assessments, Dr Christie said Marshall reported both seeing and hearing the voices of demons, who had been commanding her to kill herself.

According to Dr Christie’s evidence, Marshall described those demons as being as tall as the ceiling, with no arms or legs, and with eye sockets but no eyeballs. She also mentioned seeing a dark shadow hovering around her which she said was another kind of demon that also tormented her daily.

Concerning the day in question, Dr Christie said Marshall said one particular demon told her to light both herself and her daughter on fire. Dr Christie said Marshall was “consistent” in making those claims during all of the subsequent assessments.

He said Marshall also reported being instructed by the demons to overdose on tablets.

Dr Christie also said Marshall indicated two previous suicide attempts by driving her car off the road into lamp poles, and that she felt like committing suicide would free her from hearing the demonic voices and seeing the demons.

Marshall told the witness her symptoms began from as early as 2014. During that year, Dr Christie said Marshall saw two private psychiatrists concerning her issues, but did not follow up with them because she felt the treatments were ineffective.

Nonetheless, Dr Christie said Marshall had an “unshakeable belief” that one of her neighbours had “fixed” her by using some manner of witchcraft to cause her to be possessed or tormented by demonic forces.

He said during the time he and the other SRC officials were working with Marshall at the Fox Hill facility, she was “hopeful” her child would be okay following the incident.

However, he said when she got the news of her daughter’s death, she was thrown into an “emotional catharsis” and began crying as a result.

‘Regret’ Dr Christie said a week after she received the news, Marshall expressed “deep regret” over what had happened. The psychiatrist said SRC officials subsequently counselled her on the issue, and that she also saw a clinical psychologist during that time.

Dr Christie said Marshall was eventually discharged from the SRC on March 23, thus becoming an outpatient. However, in light of the psychotic symptoms she displayed, officials gave her oral, anti-psychotic medication to take, as well as medication to cover the

side effects of the anti-psychotic medication.

As a precaution, Marshall was also ordered to be given a monthly, long-acting, anti-psychotic injection, which he said is used in the event persons with serious issues forget to take their medication.

Since being discharged and placed on the medication regimen, Dr Christie said SRC officials have seen a “slight improvement” in Marshall’s mental state, and that she has been following up on her outpatient psychiatric assessments.

Dr Christie also said Marshall has reported hearing the voices less, and seeing the demons with less regularity. As of June 12, Dr Christie said Marshall reported that the demonic voices were only telling her to do good things.

He said the accused’s psychotic symptoms appear to be “fixed”,

which he said is “in keeping with” schizophrenia.

He said such “fixed” symptoms cannot be totally eliminated, as there is no cure for schizophrenia, but can be lessened through a “multi-disciplinary” approach to the disorder and so long as the individual adheres to the treatment regimen.

However, he said Marshall would have to be placed on medication and monitored for the rest of life given her symptoms and the potential of her interacting with certain “vulnerable groups” in society, such as the elderly or children.

When questioned by Crown prosecutor and Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Vernal Collie if based on his expertise and experience with Marshall, she could either plead to the murder charge, or is of sufficient intellect or able to mount a proper defence, Dr Christie said he could

not say in the absence of a more current assessment.

However, in response to a question by Justice Turner, Dr Christie said Marshall would have been mentally fit to stand trial on June 12, when she was last seen by SRC officials.

In light of his suggestion that a more current assessment would need to be made, and his consequent suggestion to the court that such an assessment can be conducted by Friday, Justice Turner adjourned the matter to next Tuesday.

Marshall, who was granted $15,000 bail with two sureties by Chief Justice Stephen Isaacs in April, remains on bail until then.

As part of her bail conditions, Marshall must live with her sister-in-law in the interim.

She is also to have supervised visits with two other children.

Marshall is represented

by Bjorn Ferguson.

THE murder victim who was shot dead on Friday morning was only 17 years old, police revealed yesterday.

He has been identified as Sean Augustin of Lightbourn Avenue.

He was shot shortly after 2am on Baillou Hill Road.

Police initially said a man was walking on the eastern side of the area’s clinic “when he saw a male being chased by a group of men, who shot both him and the male before running away.”

Emergency Medical Services personnel were called to the scene. Although attempts were made to revive the injured man he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The other injured man was taken to hospital, where he was treated for a minor injury and discharged.

Supt Shanta Knowles also confirmed that the man who was stabbed on a boat near Rose Island on July 10 is still alive.

However, up to press time she could not confirm whether he was still in the hospital or had been discharged.

The man was stabbed by a group of men during an argument on the boat.

According to police, shortly after 7pm last Tuesday, a man was on Rose Island when he got into a fight with several men who stabbed him before leaving the island on jet skis.

A video of the incident, taken by someone on another boat, showed how the fight escalated off the crowded beach.

The footage showed a group of men attacking the victim as other people jumped overboard to escape the fight.

At least one person was seen being thrown overboard during the argument.

The incident occurred as many people were on the island enjoying the Independence Day holiday.

PAGE 4, Tuesday, July 17, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

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

LEON E. H. DUPUCH,

SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH,

jrolle@tribunemedia.net

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

Publisher/Editor 1919-1972 Contributing Editor 1972-1991

EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON,

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

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Trump and the damage to the FBI IT IS hard to know how to respond to the outrageousness that the Trump administration in the United States has become. This foolish president continues to insult the leaders of the nations who have stood beside America for nearly 75 years and assault the foundations of an American foreign policy that has made major contributions to world peace and prosperity for most of that same period. His rudeness and haughty behaviour on his recent trip to Europe cannot be excused.

Trump’s bizarre, childish and offensive conduct is frankly incomprehensible. Perhaps only the Robert Mueller investigation can provide an eventual explanation. We must wait for that, and hope that it brings clarity to a presidency that increasingly makes no sense.

The Mueller investigation has already had one profoundly deleterious effect for the United States. Its persistence and success has prompted Trump to declare war on the Department of Justice, headed by his own hand picked servant, Jeff Sessions, and on the nation’s national police force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The FBI has generally served the US and its national interest with distinction since its founding in 1908. The exceptions to this stellar record have mostly come when the bureau has become ensnared in the nation’s political intrigue. Until the past couple of years, the FBI’s biggest problems occurred during the tenure of its first and longest serving director, J Edgar Hoover, who died in 1972.

Now, though, Trump and his craven acolytes in Congress are attempting to dilute the effects of whatever Mueller reveals by besmirching the FBI and some of its most decorated agents. Last week, FBI deputy assistant director Peter Strzok was put on trial by a Congressional committee whose objectivity and concern for the national interest were not apparent to any observer.

It must be assumed that there will be some lasting damage to the FBI, at least internally in the US, from this virulent barrage from Trump and Congressional Republicans. It is reasonable to wonder what will be the effects overseas.

The FBI has been authorised to operate overseas since 1940 as the US entry into World War II loomed. To counter

the growing Nazi threat, the FBI began to station undercover agents in Central and Latin America. The first overseas FBI post was established in Bogota, Colombia in 1941.

The FBI now has 63 offices (called legal attaché offices) and 27 sub-offices around the world. These FBI offices cover over 200 nations and territories.

The FBI maintains a regional Caribbean office in Bridgetown, Barbados and one of its 27 sub-offices is in Nassau.

It was perhaps part of an effort to reassure overseas partners when the FBI’s assistant director for international operations, George Piro, recently appeared before foreign reporters in Washington DC. He addressed an audience that included journalists from Brazil, Russia, Pakistan, Turkey, China, Finland, Kurdistan and France, among others. There was no discussion of Strzok or the FBI’s political difficulties in Washington.

Piro noted that the FBI role overseas is to build collaborative relationships with “foreign law enforcement, security and intelligence partners to combat crime and mitigate threats both nationally and internationally. Years ago,” he said, “the law enforcement focus was really on crimes that were affected or that were occurring within each country’s borders. That mindset is no longer conceivable”.

While Prio mentioned numerous crimes the FBI is fighting overseas such as human trafficking, cross-border organised crime and fraudulent business enterprises, the FBI’s number one target area remains terrorism. Since the attacks on New York City and Washington, DC on September 11, 2001, American law enforcement and intelligence agencies have focused on terrorism.

In response to a query from a Chinese reporter, Piro differentiated between the roles of the FBI and the CIA. “Domestically,” he said, “the FBI is the domestic intelligence agency. Overseas, our primary function is to fulfill both our law enforcement and national security responsibilities. The FBI works openly.

Our agents are fully declared under diplomatic missions and we are engaged with our law enforcement, security and intelligence partners. Our roles and the CIA’s roles are very different.”

It all sounded like business as usual.

But it isn’t business as usual at the FBI or in the US government.

Inequality in Haiti EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE administration of President Jovenel Moise struck a raw nerve with the Haitian people when it announced that fuel prices would be increasing.

Haitian looters and vandals are doing their country no favours by tearing apart their country. Thousands of Haitians are calling for the resignation of Moise, who has only been in high office since February 2017.

Prime Minister Jack Guy Lafontant’s decision to roll back increases in fuel has done little to halt the rioting. Rioters are determined to vent.

Understandably, citizens of the Western hemisphere’s poorest nation are frustrated. Nearly 25 percent of Haitians live on less than $1.25 a day, while another 59 percent live on less than $2 a day. Haiti’s GDP growth slowed from 1.5 percent in 2016 to 1.2 percent in 2017.

About 25 percent of Haiti’s 11 million people live without electricity.

Approximately 50 percent of the Haitian population use unsanitary water. Only 50 percent of Haitian children attend school. An estimated 100,000 Haitian toddlers are malnourished.

Approximately 30 percent of the overall population is considered food insecure. And according to the Borgen Project, Haiti ranks fourth on the CIA World Factbook for income inequality.

In Haiti, the top 20 percent of households hold a staggering 64 percent of the nation’s wealth. Included in this wealthy demographic is former Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.

According to several Internet sites, including The Richest, Aristide has an estimated net worth of $800m. Aristide reportedly owns a $2m house in Taiwan. He is considered to be the 32nd richest politician in the world and the

richest Haitian president in history.

If this information is accurate, it would mean that the former Haitian president has more money than the entire Bahamian parliament combined. It would also be another glaring example of the wide gap between the haves and the have nots in Haiti.

Vocal human right activists Fred Smith and Louby Georges should petition Amnesty International concerning this gaping wealth disparity in Haiti.

Seeing that Smith has a stubborn habit of threatening to report Bahamian governments to Amnesty and other human rights organisations over perceived wrongs committed against the Haitian community, he should have no qualms reporting the Aristide matter.

KEVIN EVANS Freeport, Grand Bahama, July 10, 2018.

The great marijuana debate EDITOR, The Tribune.

MOST Bahamians would never admit that he/she smokes or have smoked marijuana or cannabis, dead or alive. It is my considered opinion that unless and until an individual actually experiences something or an event he/she is unable to speak definitively on or about. Decades ago, as a youthful high school senior in Jamaica and later as a university student in London, England, I smoked and actually inhaled.

The fact that marijuana is a mood altering substance cannot be denied. It affects different individuals in different ways. There are some persons, like me, who when I ingested became sort of passive and docile.

In addition, my sexual desires were enhanced as was my appetite. I was never incapacitated physically or became violent.

Other individuals, many of whom I would have known, became agitated; violent in behaviour and language and, too often, became abusive to their spouses and/or children.

Marijuana or cannabis in my view is a non issue, especially when one considers all of the other national

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net issues and concerns such as: high levels of unemployment; high levels of preventable deaths; low to zero income and growth thereof; gross income disparity; alleged corruption in high and low places; lack of fiscal accountability and transparency and, of course, the marked arrogance of the PM and his bumbling administration.

This great debate on a great non issue is an ungodly ploy by many failing nations/states in this region to deflect from the bad governance and lack of progressive visions to develop various nations by their so-called leaders. The PM and the administration, apart from the hugely successful roll out of Baha Mar, has next to nothing to claim as an accomplishment since they have been creased up in office. I am sure that they have some things in the pipeline but when will they start to materialise?

Unless and until the USA and the federal government led by a strict non smoker and drinker, Donald J

Trump, it is extremely unlikely that the recreational use of marijuana would ever be considered favourably. The jury is still out on the medical benefits of this drug, for that is what it is, and unless and until I see and study the scientific data, I too, will reserve opinion on this.

I prefer the status quo continue for the time being and let us, as a nation, focus on those things that really matter. It would reduce the prison population dramatically if the police and the Magistrates’ Courts were to “tolerate” individuals with a joint or two for personal use. Instead of attracting an irreversible criminal conviction the individual would be required to perform some sort of verifiable community and undergo drug counselling.

Other than this, the FNM and the PM along with many Bahamians are wasting time and whistling in the dark over this great marijuana debate. To God then, that Great Herbalist (yes He made the ganja also) in all things be the glory.

ORTLAND H BODIE, Jr Nassau, July 12, 2018.

Time to scrap Privy Council appeals EDITOR, The Tribune.

WITH spectacular shock and awe reminiscent of a theatre of war, the FNM Government introduced 12 percent VAT! This decision is unpopular with Bahamians, but I commend the Government for doing what it had to do!

On behalf of the majority of Bahamians, I am hereby appealing to the Government to pull off a similar manoeuvre before the end of this year. I urge this sovereign Government to discontinue ALL appeals to

the Privy Council on Penal Matters.

In my mind, if Bahamians can murder Bahamians so prolifically and viciously, Bahamians should be the final arbiter of these savages if found guilty in our court of law!

Please spare me the disingenuous piety: only poor black men get condemned; they come from broken homes; no father figure; my good child, etc. I say after they have crossed the line to murder, such antecedents will not

invoke my pity!

It is my view, if we are serious about jurisprudence integrity and efficiency, we must abolish jury trials!

They are archaic, cumbersome, inefficient, and subject to manipulation and intimidation.

You are the Government of the people; do right by the people; exterminate these cockroaches that are terrorising the people!

BRADLEY ARMBRISTER Freeport, 15, 2018.

L

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, July 17, 2018, PAGE 5

WSC executive chairman Adrian Gibson at the Water and Sewerage press conference at WSC headquarters yesterday.

Photo: Terrel W Carey/Tribune Staff

80 to 100 voluntary job cuts offered at Water and Sewerage

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net THE Water and Sewerage Corporation is considering offering 80 to 100 voluntary separation (VSEPs) packages to employees as it looks towards “right-sizing,” according to Executive Chairman Adrian Gibson.

Saying that plans are now underway to have the packages ready in the coming months, the Long Island MP yesterday insisted that no employee would be forced out.

“As you know, with voluntary separations

(VSEPs), we, the board, has a figure in mind. What we will do is review all the applications, just like BPL, some will accept and some, they won’t,” he told reporters.

“But, because our efforts to right-size, I will tell you this, the corporation could do with a staff reduction of, voluntarily of course, 80 to 100 plus people. But we won’t force anyone out the door.

“It will be a voluntary, a totally voluntary process.”

Mr Gibson stopped short of giving a firm timeframe for the process, saying only that he anticipates something will

happen in a few months.

He also revealed that some base numbers have been discussed, with officials now working to have proposals into Works Minister Desmond Bannister as “soon as possible.”

When asked how he, and by extension the Minnis administration, intends to defend more layoffs in the public sector, Mr Gibson said, “We are not firing more people, as simple as that. We are not firing anyone.

“If there is anyone who is terminated from WSC, it will be a totally just cause.”

Speaking to The Tribune on the sidelines of

GIBSON: WE FOLLOWED RULES ON FIRING TRIO

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

WATER and Sewerage Corporation Executive Chairman Adrian Gibson yesterday defended the decision to terminate three employees previously arraigned on, but never convicted of charges of theft from the water provider, insisting the move followed all necessary protocols.

Responding to comments made by Bahamas Utilities Services & Allied Workers Union President Dwayne Woods last week, when he threatened to “withdraw enthusiasm” if the workers were not reinstated, Mr Gibson maintained the decision was made with adequate legal consideration.

Mr Gibson said WSC executives have no intentions of cowering to threats and unreasonable positions.

“We have also heard of threats to our supply,” Mr Gibson said. “The board of directors and management would not take any attempt to sabotage corporation equipment or disrupt the service of WSC customers lightly.

“The country will not be held hostage; that would be unacceptable.”

He also said: “It is always disappointing when a union leader seeks to ventilate matters in the press and in the public domain rather than speaking with the management and board of directors,” the Long Island MP said.

“This has, unfortunately, become a tactic employed

by Mr Woods on various occasions, bypassing process and failing to abide by the industrial relations protocols as are subscribed in the industrial agreement.”

Mr Gibson said clause seven of the corporation’s industrial agreement with its workers specifies that both sides endeavour, at all times, to reach an amicable settlement on all matters.

According to Mr Gibson, Mr Woods has opted to play out these proceedings in the press.

“WSC did not break the industrial agreement or any other laws of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas when the decision was made to terminate — with notice — the employee of three men recently charged before the courts.

“WSC has done its due diligence and determined that it is in the best interest of all parties to sever the relationship.

“WSC has carefully reviewed the industrial agreement and all labour laws; and gotten an opinion from Harry B Sands and Co. There has been absolutely no breach. Just Friday, Minister (Desmond) Bannister and I met with the union leader. We pointed out that, contrary to published commentary, no labour law or agreement was violated.”

Mr Gibson went on to specify section 34.03 of the industrial agreement, which gives the right to the corporation to terminate the services of any employee if it gives reasonable notice, in writing, having regard for the following criteria: length of service, age of employee, status, loyalty, education and training, health and chances of alternative employment.

“The former employees were all given generous separation packages that included salary up to the point of termination, all contributions to pension, vacation pay, accrued sick leave pay, et cetera,” Mr Gibson said.

“Frankly, due to an inability of the police and other process servers to serve summons on two key witnesses, the prosecutor—acting on WSC’s behalf—requested that the matter be set aside and discharged.”

Mr Gibson contended that a discharge does not

signal an acquittal and the case could be brought back before the courts.

Mr Gibson also referred to a recent exercise at the corporation where he said Mr Woods was, upon a formal request, promoted.

However, in trying to hold on to his post within the union, Mr Gibson said Mr Woods requested the move be delayed until he concluded his current tenure as president.

“We informed him that that was an unusual request and one that we could not meet,” Mr Gibson said.

“He then indicated that he would have to rescind. I requested that he send the same in writing. He did so.

“Mr Stevens, who was Mr Woods’ deputy also requested a promotion.

We granted the same and Mr Stevens, who is here with us today, accepted and promptly tendered his resignation from his post in the non-management union.”

Last week, Mr Woods was quoted as saying: “We just had a promotion list that was done consisting of more than 31 persons that was done unorthodox to the agreement and we’re asking the corporation and the board to level the playing field in that regard.”

He also alleged that the union’s president and vicepresident were “promoted without consultation.”

Responding directly to the claims yesterday, Mr Gibson said the industrial agreement between the two parties gives WSC the right to promote, transfer, rotate, suspend and reprimand workers, among other things.

“Given the same, promotions are within the purview of WSC management,” he said.

Mr Gibson said as executive chairman, he has fostered an open-door policy at WSC. He urged union officials to sit down with executives to satisfy gripes.

yesterday’s press conference, Mr Gibson said that as a corporation, WSC has reached a point where critical and decisive action is needed.

He said WSC needed to begin the process of systematic change and transformation, with a view to “open the door to new strategies and improvements.”

“There are some departments in the corporation, I don’t want to name them now because I want to meet with some of the union reps as well, but there are some that are overstaffed, very much overstaffed; there are some that are very much

understaffed,” he said.

He continued: “So much like what you see Bahamasair doing now, we probably will have to do some transfers within the corporation, move some people around to ensure that we have, across the board, true productivity.

“And then after the VSEPs packages are offered and some are accepted, there will obviously be recruitment of qualified persons and then, of course, persons that would have left the corporation; that will help with the right-sizing.

“So, the right-sizing will come through attrition,

through the voluntary separation packages and through transferring persons in the corporation,” he said.

According to Mr Gibson, WSC has to offset the public perception of a mismanaged, low-efficiency corporation.

He said during his tenure, the company intends to reformat its credit and collection procedure, cap overtime, right-size and limit the avenues for outsourcing.

“It is time for serious and true management,” he told The Tribune. “We need to start at some point and I think this is it.”

PAGE 6, Tuesday, July 17, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

‘We won’t reverse Sir Roland honour’ from page one PLP Chairman Fred Mitchell later added: “We don’t want to do anything which will actually sully this anymore. We want to protect the integrity of the awards. We understand the prime minister has the power to make the appointment but the point we are making is that the prime minister at some point in his life has to rise to statesmanship, which goes above partisan concerns.”

Mr Davis nonetheless said procedural flaws in how the award has been granted has opened the door for a legal challenge and he described Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ reaction to criticism of the award as not serious and a demonstration of his “usual anti-intellectual fashion.”

“The debate over Sir Roland Symonette is not about whether he was a good man,” Mr Davis said, “or whether he helped people through his personal philanthropy. No, the debate is about whether Sir Roland deserves to be honoured as a national hero.

We say that he does not.

We say that the historical evidence is overwhelmingly against it.”

Mr Davis gave three reasons why Sir Roland should not be honoured with the award. He said in 1956, Sir Roland “voted to deny black people the right to go to racially segregated movie theatres, hotels, restaurants, and other public venues” and also voted against Sir Etienne Dupuch’s “resolution to break down racial discrimination.” He said Sir

THE PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party leader Philip “Brave” Davis at a recent PLP rally.

Roland “was against major- the power structure under rule and as the father of the ity rule,” leading a party the domination of a small nation. However, the prime that “fought tooth and nail white oligarchy,” adding Sir minister and his Cabinet to suppress black politi- Roland also fought against rejected the advice of their own advisory committee, cal aspirations and to keep independence.

“If they were determined headed by the FNM’s own to recognise Sir Roland,” Mark Humes, the MP for he said, “the prime minis- Fort Charlotte.” ter and his Cabinet could Minister of Immigrahave included him in the tion Brent Symonette is Sir category of former prime Roland’s son. ministers. But they had The row over the award absolutely no basis what- has been fought mostly soever for including him by PLP and FNM politias a national hero. Indeed, cians. Mr Davis said it is the prime minister’s own unfortunate historians and advisory committee did not other social scientists are recommend Sir Roland to averse to controversy and be honoured as a national unlikely to engage the hero. On the contrary, the public on such matters. advisory committee had “I think historians and unanimously agreed that other persons of historical only Sir Lynden Pindling significance who are intershould be awarded the ested in our history have honour of national hero been speaking privately to in this inaugural year of us and myself in particuNational Honours. They lar,” he said. “FNMs have chose that historically cor- spoken to it. But here again, rect position because of we are publicity averse in the singular role that Sir engaging on what we perLynden played in Bahamian ceive to be a controversial history both as the leader matter. That has been the of Dannottage Estates, Nassau, The Bahaof the struggle for majority unfortunate DNA of many

Death Notice

Robert Hanford Darville, 65

mas, died at his residence, on Friday, 13th July, 2018.

Mr. Darville is survived by his son, Robert Hanford Black; grandson, Omari Black; brother, John William Darville; sister-inlaw, Val Harding; niece, Caron Darville; nephew, Jamie Darville and many other relatives and close friends.

Funeral arrangements to be announced.

Arrangements by Kemp’s Funeral Home Limited.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff of our persons of whom you and a plaque. There’s a man speak of.” named Bill Swain in Abaco Civil society had been who is 86 years of age. All pining for a national award he has wanted in his senior system for years. Because years was an award from his of this, Mr Mitchell said country. So these things are the last thing the PLP important. They get to be wanted was for the awards important the older you get.” to disintegrate into partisan Mr Mitchell noted a bickering like it has. number of recommen“The PLP is a responsi- dations by the advisory ble organisation,” he said. committee for awards, “We built this nation. We including an award to fought for these national someone under 25, were honours. We don’t want and not implemented by the we were seeking to avoid, Minnis administration. in this inaugural phase, to “All of this argument,” he disintegrate into partisan said, “is for people up at the warfare over these awards top but the people who are because they are national at the bottom doing comawards and we want these munity service have all been awards to be accepted by ignored in all of this and all people as such. When you, they want is some simple these days you’re all in your award. It amazes me, the twenties so it probably mat- act of having to go to Govters not to you whether your ernment House and have country honours you or not, your friends and family but I can assure you, I just see you get an award, our did a small presentation people are deeply apprein Fox Hill to 19 people in ciative of it and to have this that community and to see disintegrate into a row over the pride that people just something inappropriate is got from a simple certificate just unfortunate.”

READERS HAVE THEIR SAY ON SYMONETTE HONOUR AFTER Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said it appeared the PLP was playing the race card over Sir Roland Symonette’s posthumous award of National Hero, readers gave their response on tribune242. com.

B_I_D___ said: “It is

the only card the PLP knows how to play to cause more divisiveness in our community, instead of unity.”

But Well_mudda_take_ sic had this to say: “Minnis is the one who has deliberately played the race card by his consent to the honouring of Sir Roland in an effort to deflect the public’s attention away from his foolish decision to increase VAT by 60%, not to mention the myriad of other major issues attributable to him and his fellow cabinet ministers that have caused great public discontentment with the FNM government he leads.”

Greentea asked: “What did Sir Roland do to benefit the country? What is his lasting legacy? I really need to know because Brent don’t count. In my opinion - if we want to honour a white national leader - after Sir Stafford

Sands, things start to get a little thin in terms of contributions.”

Geostorm said: “For goodness sake people, can you unite as a country for the good of all of us? Stop this unnecessary division.

We are bigger and better than that.”

John had this suggestion: “Maybe it is time to stop digging up the dead and let them rest in peace. Look for living folks in your own era to bestow honours on so that society may be able to appropriately determine it they are worthy of the honour.”

And in The Tribune’s latest online poll on this issue, 54 per cent of those voting said they were in favour of the honour for Sir Ronald Symonette. 46 per cent were against it.

The Prime Minister

also said recently that he intends to run as leader of the Free National Movement in the 2022 general election.

That prompted this response from Alex_ Charles: “Your party surely does not have my vote based on your performance thus far.”

Joeblow said: “It might be more important to accomplish something of note first! Seems like an inappropriate time to make an announcement like this.

It makes the availability of the lots seem politically motivated!”

And there was this from Jamani2: “It will take at least ten years to clean up the PLP’s mess and right the ship.”

• Don’t miss your chance to join the debate on tribune242.com.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, July 17, 2018, PAGE 7

MEDICAL MARIJUANA CONFERENCE TO BE HELD THIS YEAR

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

A MEDICAL marijuana conference is tentatively set for this autumn with an endorsement from the Ministry of Health.

Dr Lynwood Brown, a member of the non-profit group, Bahamas Cannabis Initiative (BCI), told The Tribune plans to bring experts and industry stakeholders to the Bahamas to educate on medical cannabis products, treatments and modes of delivery have been underway for several months and are now just waiting for a green light to proceed.

“We are waiting on the letter from the minister of health who has promised me that I will have that letter, it’s just a matter of him getting it to me,” Dr Brown said.

“He has in principle agreed, but it is a necessary

MINISTER of Health Dr Duane Sands said the government is endorsing the conference. thing because our partners are not prepared to act without this letter.

“Because we don’t want to be in contravention of any law, we sought to get the permission from the minister of health, and subsequently the minister of national security, because we need to import samples as well as crops to demonstrate different products

and different modes of delivery.”

Dr Brown continued: “Many Bahamians are uninformed about the uses of medicinal marijuana. I thought it would be prudent to first start by educating people. So we’re targeting educating people on different modes of delivery of medical cannabis and the different diseases that can benefit from cannabis.”

Yesterday, Minister of Health Dr Duane Sands said: “The (Ministry of Health) encourages and supports all educational activities that contribute to a healthy, objective public understanding.

This conference will have the endorsement of the ministry. That said, we in no way endorse any specific position or opinion expressed by the presenters or the organisers. We look forward to a balanced, objective, evidence-based symposium.”

A government-appointed committee will be given three to four months to conduct widespread town hall meetings on the possible legalisation of medical marijuana in the country, according to Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis last week.

He first announced the planned creation of a marijuana committee earlier this month on his return from a CARICOM Heads of Government meeting, where a regional report calling for the end of prohibition of the plant was discussed.

Ahead of the regional report’s release, a Public Domain survey found overwhelming support for medical marijuana among Bahamian residents across demographics of age, gender and income. The survey was commissioned

by Bahama Cann, the forprofit arm of BCI. Legal pathways already exist for medicinal and scientific use of cannabis

- legislatively defined as “Indian hemp” - in the country.

Dr Sands, who has responsibility for dangerous drugs and poisons, confirmed to The Tribune the Dangerous Drugs Act provides an opportunity to request imports for a specific purpose.

However, acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Pearl McMillan said the ministry’s records do not indicate that an application under the Dangerous Drugs Act for “Indian hemp” has ever been made.

It is classified in part II of the act along with coca leaves, crude cocaine, and raw opium.

Yesterday, Dr Brown said: “I have two individuals who I sent away to get medical marijuana for treatment of their particular ailment. They had been on several different types of medication, all proved ineffective. Recently (former

Minister of State for the Environment) Phenton Neymour said it was the only thing that allowed him to eat and keep food down.

It is a very potent appetite stimulus. We can use this in our AIDS population, one of the things those patients experience is loss of appetite and rapid weight loss.”

Dr Brown continued: “The shackles are being removed, it is liberating.

I’m very excited to be living in these times. The Bahamas is now moving towards what the rest of the world has moved towards a long time ago.

“I’m going to test it,” he said. “I have no fear in testing it because I am sworn to do my best to help my patient. If this is something I need to do, if I’m ridiculed for it I’ll accept it willingly.

I’m going to fight for the rights of my patients, so as soon as I get a patient who needs it, I will apply. I won’t apply for application sake.”

TOURIST ROBBED OF RENTAL SCOOTER ON WEST BAY STREET

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net

A MALE tourist was robbed of a rental scooter while at West Bay Street, police said.

This incident occurred less than three weeks after two tourists were robbed in the same area.

Although Sunday’s robbery follows what has appeared to be a cluster of armed robberies in the capital, police press liaison officer Superintendent Shanta Knowles told The Tribune yesterday there has not necessarily been an uptick in these types of crimes.

Shortly after 4pm on Sunday the tourist was riding a rental scooter on West Bay Street in the area of Go Slow Bend, when he was forced to stop by two men on another scooter.

According to police one of the men pulled the tourist

from the scooter before getting on it. Both men then sped away. Supt Knowles confirmed nothing else was taken from the tourist.

On June 25, two tourists, a man and woman, were also robbed on West Bay Street.

The incident occurred shortly after 10am. The victims were approached by an armed gunman who robbed them of a bag containing cell phones, cash and other items before getting into a vehicle and escaping.

In the aftermath of the robbery, police mounted “an island-wide search” for the gunman, with a particular emphasis on western New Providence.

When asked about that operation yesterday, and if a similar initiative would be launched following Sunday’s robbery, Supt Knowles said the initial search never ceased.

“Operations are ongoing,

they have not stopped,” she said. “So we still have… (officers) on the road.”

Supt Knowles added there are no leads as yet regarding the robbery on June 25, and said the matter is still under investigation.

The incidents are two among a series of armed robberies that have occurred in recent months.

The weekend of July 7, there were three armed robberies in New Providence.

There were five in the previous weekend, with a sixth occurring in Eleuthera.

However, despite these numbers, Supt Knowles shied away from calling it an increase. “I cannot tell you that there is definitely (an increase), because that’s something we have to run with statistics,” said Supt Knowles.

“But from what I’ve seen, it doesn’t appear that way…

The numbers look a little

bit low, from what I was typing in the morning.”

However, she reminded the public to be cautious.

“But of course…we always ask people to be vigilant, to be aware of their surroundings, be careful of the amounts of jewellery (and) personal, important documents that they take with them.”

The first robbery that occurred the weekend of July 7 occurred shortly before 10am on July 8 when a man attempted to rob a t-shirt shop on Bay and Frederick Streets of cash.

A struggle ensued between the armed man and the shop’s cashier. Ultimately, nothing was taken from the business.

In both the second and third incidents, people were robbed of their cars.

Shortly after 2pm on July 8, a woman was robbed of her 2006 Mercedes Benz on Podoleo Street. The vehicle

was discovered with “extensive damage” a short time later on Hospital Lane.

Shortly before 1am on July 9, a man was robbed of his 2006 Honda Accord car while attempting to get into his vehicle, which was parked in the Mall at Marathon parking lot.

The previous weekend, of June 29-July1, there were six armed robberies.

The first two incidents occurred approximately an hour apart on Friday night, as the victims were pulling into their residences at Colony Village off Prince Charles Drive and Johnson Road off Eastern Road respectively. In both incidents, gunmen robbed the victims of cash.

On June 30, shortly after 3pm a woman was at a beach in Rainbow Bay, Eleuthera when she was approached by two men, one armed with a knife, who robbed her of cash

before running away.

Shortly before 11pm that same day, a man was on the outside of a laundromat on Joe Farrington Road in New Providence, when he was approached by three men, one armed with a firearm, who robbed him of cell phones before escaping in his Toyota Passo.

A few minutes later, three armed men entered the office of a motel on St Alban’s Drive in New Providence, held an employee up and robbed the establishment of cash before escaping.

Thieves also robbed a man selling snacks outside a laundromat on Carmichael Road shortly after 4am on July 1.

Police were told the victim was approached by two men, one armed with a firearm, who robbed him of cash, before getting into the silver coloured Passo stolen earlier and escaping.

PAGE 8, Tuesday, July 17, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

Building a legacy in Eleuthera I

WAS recently in Eleuthera connecting with my Ingraham side of the family and learning about our heritage in Palmetto Point when I met a talented woman with a friendly disposition and was immediately drawn to her.

She became the next focus of Face to Face because after getting to know her a bit better, I found that she had a wealth of knowledge, experience, love of country and a life story worth sharing.

Many Bahamians born and bred on the Family Islands migrate to New Providence, mainly for work. For this reason, many of my interviewees here tell stories of growing up in the out islands and living the kind of life that really seems to make for people with good character and a sense of humility.

But for Theresa Elizabeth McCardy-Burrows, Eleuthera is the land of her birth, her upbringing, and the land where she chose to get married and raise her family. Her children, now all adults, are also investing in the island making a livelihood for themselves, proving it is indeed possible to build a successful legacy on the out islands.

Theresa hails from the settlement of Hatchet Bay where her mother, Veronica McCardy (nee Johnson) was born. Hatchet Bay was the home of the once popular farm, Harrisville Company.

Harrisville was well-known for its chicken, eggs, milk and ice cream and provided its supplies for export throughout the country.

Theresa’s father, Cecil McCardy, a Long Island native, was gainfully employed in Nassau and was nearing 30 years old when he got a call from his sister in Hatchet Bay. She must have wanted to see her brother settle down and have a family, because she told him about this beautiful, well-mannered young lady who would make “a really nice wife” for him. She was working at Harrisville and the settlement, being a small one, was one where everyone knew each other. Veronica’s mother was a baker of bread and cakes and she would help her mother with sales; in this way, she got to interact with many others in the settlement.

Cecil made his way to Hatchet Bay on the “Passing Jack” mailboat to visit his sister and see the lovely Veronica for himself. Theresa said from all accounts, it was love at first sight. Cecil visited the island two more times before asking Veronica’s mother for her hand in marriage. On April 16, 1944, the two were married when Veronica was just a couple months shy of being 18 years old. That union brought 13 children, including twins who became very popular in Bahamian culture. Danny and Buddy (the latter now deceased) started a daiquiri stand in Nassau that grew into the popular restaurant still in existence – Twin Brothers – with several locations in Nassau. Theresa was

THE BURROWS’ family photo.

Face to Face

By FELICITY INGRAHAM

THERESA Elizabeth McCardy-Burrows

THERESA with her very first class - grade 4. the fifth child of this union, born on July 30, 1953.

“Growing up in Hatchet Bay was great,” Theresa said.

“Because of Harrisville, there was a great economic boom. My dad worked as head foreman for all of their buildings. We lived well in the community with all our neighbours and all the children went to the Alice Town All Age School, which later became the PA Gibson All Age School.

Seaside “When school was closed, we used to get up at 5am to go graping (collecting sea grapes). We would walk to Hampton land by the silos, wait for daylight and collect buckets of grapes and bring them back. My mother was very protective of us and didn’t allow us out of her sight too much… but we were allowed to go in certain areas nearby… until we got older. We would go swimming by the seaside… but I was always studious. I was always wanting to do my schoolwork and I was determined to come first and don’t let anyone beat me in class.”

This studiousness caught the attention of PA Gibson, who was principal of Alice

THERESA’S mother, Veronica McCardy (nee Jonson).

Town school at the time. He recommended Theresa for the post of school monitor, which allowed students to go straight from behind the desk to the front of the class teaching. She was 16 years old at the time.

Nearly two years later, Theresa met the man who would become her lifelong partner.

She was at a wedding in Palmetto Point with her cousin when 18 year old Andrew Burrows pulled up on his motorcycle and noticed the Hatchet Bay beauty. He lived in Governor’s Harbour and had a job, so he was able to purchase his own set of wheels and ride from settlement to settlement. His father collected insurance policy from Theresa’s mother, so he knew just where to find her. A few days later, he came rolling over to her house to say hello.

She spoke with him for a while, then her mother came out and chatted with him.

That was the first of many visits to her parents’ home.

When Theresa was just a few months shy of 18, she married Andrew and a love began that lasts today.

Andrew’s mother encouraged him to save his money and build a house, so he was able to take his young bride to live with him in Governor’s Harbour. Theresa continued to teach in Eleuthera but at one point, Andrew was offered a job at Barclays Bank and they relocated to New Providence.

Theresa then had the opportunity to teach students at schools like Shirlea Primary and HO Nash. But five years later, they were back on the island where they truly belonged. Theresa taught at Governor’s Harbour High School later changed to Central Eleuthera High and she also taught at Windermere for a time.

About teaching, she shared: “I was a language

arts teacher and my passion in teaching was to help the challenged students understand the basic principles of language arts. I realised early on that many of our students enter high school with a poor concept of THERESA’s bags - “A To even the basics uch of Stra w”. of sentence construction and paragraph photos of people with writing.”

Due to the fact that a part of her career was spent in the heads chopped off, phoguidance counselling, she tographed at the waist.

“But I got better and spent the last two years of her career heading the Ado- better. Then one of my collescent Health Centre in leagues at Central Eleuthera Eleuthera before retiring at High, Malcolm Spicer, a age 50. Still young and fit, teacher from the UK gave Theresa had the opportu- me some tips. I started out nity to pursue her passion taking passport photos for people in the community. I – photography. read and studied a lot about photography. I started taking wedding pictures. Many people on Eleuthera who got When she was 13 years old, married had their wedding she saw a camera in the back photos taken by me. I have of a magazine and asked her photos of people’s grandparmother to buy it. When the ents, parents, their children camera arrived, it ignited a and grandchildren.”

Forty-seven years after passion that continues in Thegetting married, the Burresa to this day.

“I started out taking pic- rows now have four adult tures of everything – the daughters. Their daughter neighbours, the trees, the Elizabeth is trained in marcats – everything,” she keting and finance and is the editor of the Eleutheran recalled.

“We would send the newspaper and magazine; negatives in the post and Calae is a trained cosmetoloit would take two weeks to gist and the owner of Octis come back. My most excit- – a local brand producing ing day would be when my organic spices, teas, bath prints arrived. I was mes- products and more; Candace merised that you could stop is a trained psychologist who a moment in time. Someone was once a school counsellor kissing, kids playing, you but now manufactures beauty take a photo and bam! It’s and health products and forever remembered. I still operates a photo studio; and have that excitement to this Gem is a trained accountant day. But when I started out, who opened a coffee shop sometimes I would have with her husband on Harbour

Camera

A PAINTING of Theresa’s villa and cafe.

Island called Cocoa Coffee House.

Theresa now has a lovely villa and a cottage for rent on the island, and she also has a café and gift shop. She buys plaited straw from local vendors and makes unique bags that are on sale in the gift shop.

Theresa shared these words of wisdom: “Putting God first in everything you do is number one. I remember as a young person, getting on my knees and asking God for wisdom. It is important to be grateful and thankful everyday.

“There will always be someone with more than you, so be grateful for your blessings and more will flow in abundance. It is very important in life to help others. I read a quote the other day that says, ‘The most selfish thing you can do is to help others.’ The great feeling you get is your own reward.

“In order to achieve your goals, you have to work at it everyday. Successful people work hard! Don’t just aspire to make a living, aspire to make a difference!”

To see Theresa’s rentals, visit myeleutheravacation. com and to see her handmade fabric and straw bags, visit theresaburrows.com.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, July 17, 2018, PAGE 9

NEW OSMOSIS PLANT FOR HURRICANE-HIT RAGGED ISLAND

DESTRUCTION on Ragged Island after Hurricane Irma last year.

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net OFFICIALS expect to have a recently procured solarised reversed osmosis plant online in Ragged Island by next week, Water and Sewerage executive chairman Adrian Gibson has said.

Addressing long-standing water issues on the island, Mr Gibson said the government, through WSC, had put all the pieces in motion necessary for the successful installation of the new reverse osmosis plant by next week. “…That plant will be installed and the people of Ragged Island’s water issues will be resolved,” he contended in response to

questions on the recovery efforts there.

“We have purchased a (reverse osmosis) plant, we expect that plant to be installed sometime this week or early next week, correct. So early next week.”

Ragged Island’s original water plant, which was located in Duncan Town, was destroyed by Hurricane Irma last September.

According to a recent statement from the corporation, an emergency reverse osmosis unit was provided by Watermakers (WM)/Staniel Cay Yacht Club (SCYC), to “provide water for critical needs”.

The temporary plant, according to information obtained from the corporation, could only

produce 700 gallons of water per day, as opposed to 3,000 gallons previously required.

Following the passage of Irma, Ragged Island was declared uninhabitable by the government and as a result, the island’s population dwindled.

On January 2, the corporation invited the public to bid for the installation of a new reverse osmosis desalination plant.

Of the 11 companies that expressed interest, two submitted bids — the Restoration Ragged Island Association and Watermakers/SCYC. According to the corporation, the latter was the “more responsive”, though neither “provided sustainable or green options”.

In the weeks following the move, the decision was finalised to procure and install a new, permanent plant.

Mr Gibson yesterday said officials spent “roughly $30,000” on the new plant, but said the price didn’t include installation and other necessary expenses.

“Let’s say roughly $30,000,” he said. “And bringing it in and having it installed will obviously carry man-hours and there will be other expenses associated with it, but up-front cost will be about $30,000.”

Asked about the level of service residents in Ragged Island can expect after the installation of the new plant, Mr Gibson added: “It will be better than before because the plant will have

a greater capacity.

“So, with a plant like this one that is going in, Ragged Island could have a population increase and it will not impact our operations.”

The announcement yesterday came in tandem with a clarification on what the corporation is doing with two loans obtained from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) respectively.

With respect to the latter, according to Mr Gibson, WSC in accordance with the regional body, has launched the “most comprehensive” master planning exercise ever conducted in the Family Island.

Referring to the 60 plants the WSC currently manages across 24 islands

and cays, Mr Gibson said there remains constant need for expansion and development.

He said the last estimate for such a project pegged expenses around the $80m mark.

Mr Gibson further explained: “The corporation has therefore engaged consultants to design a water supply development strategy for both its service and non-service areas in the Family Islands. This strategy will involve an integrated management approach between WSC and the Ministry of Public Works, the various water sector service industries and the private sector to provide full coverage of water supply in the Family Islands.”

WHAT ARE BREADBASKET ITEMS? CAMPAIGN AIMS TO EDUCATE PUBLIC

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

PRICE Control Commission chairwoman Syndia Dorsett said yeterday her office has embarked on a campaign to educate Bahamians on the country’s new list of breadbasket items and their VAT-free status.

Ms Dorsett said the commission is committed to ensuring all consumers are aware of the new list and are not being taken advantage of by retailers.

She said officials have been sent to “all supermarkets” to erect signage to show consumers what breadbasket items are, and suggest they pay for these tems separately to avoid any form of confusion at the till.

Ms Dorsett said the commission is aware consumers are continuously enquiring about items that are not on the list, and as a result, the group is trying to have an extended breadbasket list and hopes this will be finished before the end of the year.

“We are looking at healthy lifestyles like the minister of health speaks about,” she said.

“We want to add some more nutritious items to the breadbasket list so that at the end of the day you can have a balanced meal. It’s up to you to prepare a balanced meal, but it would not be because you can’t afford it. We are doing our best to ensure that it’s affordable and you can choose a healthy lifestyle.”

Ms Dorsett promised the Price Control Commission will continue to work hard and that anyone

with questions can always contact the group know if there are any infractions they come across while shopping.

She added: “We have a team and we will continue to work. We are going to every Family Island with the Consumer Protection Commission, the Bahamas Bureau of Standards and Quality along with the Ministry of Health.

“We will be moving through like a unit to ensure that every aspect of the inspection is properly done. We hope that the public would be pleased at the end of the day with what we are doing and how we are trying our best to ensure that we have a healthy Bahamas and also persons understand what the VAT decrease is all about as it relates to the breadbasket items.”

Additionally, Ms Dorsett said her team intends to be vigilant throughout the ongoing hurricane season, checking the prices on all items used during storms.

“We have already started going into the supermarkets to check the items that would be used especially during the hurricane

season,” Ms Dorsett noted.

“We know what the prices are now and we know what the mark up should be, should they get a new stock in because they would have to show us their invoices so that we would know what the mark up should be.

“But we are going into every store in New Providence and every store in the Family Islands to make sure that they are aware that the (commission) knows what is going on and that we do not expect them to defraud the Bahamian people as it relates to increasing the prices of these items, because they would be in demand for the hurricane season.”

According to the statement, last year the commission encountered several “bad experiences” during hurricane season in which merchants engaged in price gouging, but stopped short of naming any particular store.

“The prices were ridiculous all over the place,” the statement read. “We are going to try our best to make sure that this does not happen this time.”

Ms Dorsett said her

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team is conducting a “vigorous” inspection and has recruited more persons to aid the Inspectorate Division to ensure the exercise is completed.

Earlier this month, Prime

Minister Dr Hubert Minnis disclosed that agents were posted throughout stores to guard against price gouging.

Dr Minnis insisted the agents were “moving

through all of the various different institutions” in search of unsubstantiated price hikes, in the face of the government’s July 1 increase in value added tax.

PAGE 10, Tuesday, July 17, 2018

23 HURT AS LAVA HITS TOUR BOAT

HONOLULU (AP) — An explosion caused by lava oozing into the ocean sent molten rock crashing through the roof of a sightseeing boat off Hawaii’s Big Island, injuring 23 people yesterday, officials said.

They were aboard a tour boat that takes visitors to see lava plunging into the ocean from the long-erupting Kilauea volcano that has been vigorously shooting lava from a new vent in the ground for the past two months.

The US Geological Survey says explosions of varying sizes happen whenever 2,000-degree (1,093-degree Celsius) lava enters much colder seawater. Some of those explosions can be so tiny they are hard to see. But when the conditions are just right, much larger explosions send molten rock and other debris high into the air, according to USGS geologist Janet Babb.

The lava punctured the boat’s roof, leaving a gaping hole, firefighters said.

A woman in her 20s was in serious condition with a broken thigh bone, the Hawaii County Fire Department said. She was transported to Honolulu for further treatment, said Hilo Medical Center spokeswoman Elena Cabatu.

Twenty-two others suffered burns and scrapes, including 12 that were treated at the Hilo hospital and released.

JUDGE HALTS DEPORTATION OF FAMILIES SAN DIEGO (AP) — A federal judge yesterday ordered a temporary halt to deportations of immigrant families reunited after being separated at the border, as the Trump administration races to meet a July 26 deadline for putting more than 2,500 children back in their parents’ arms.

US District Judge Dana Sabraw imposed a delay of at least a week after a request from the American Civil Liberties Union, which cited “persistent and increasing rumours ... that mass deportations may be carried out imminently and immediately upon reunification”.

Justice Department attorney Scott Stewart opposed the delay but did not address the rumours in court.

The ACLU requested that parents have at least one week to decide whether to pursue asylum in the US after they are reunited with their children. The judge held off on deciding that issue until the government outlines its objections in writing by next Monday.

ACLU attorney Lee Gelernt told reporters that he was “extremely pleased” by the halt and that parents need time to think over with their children and advisers whether to seek asylum.

“It’s hard to imagine a more profound or momentous decision,” he said.

The hearing occurred as the government accelerated reunifications at eight US Immigration and Customs Enforcement locations.

AMAZON SALE HIT BY HITCH ON WEBSITE NEW YORK (AP) — Amazon’s website ran into some early snags yesterday on its much-hyped Prime Day, an embarrassment for the tech company on the shopping holiday it created.

Shoppers clicking on many Prime Day links after the 3pm ET launch in the US got only images of dogs — some quite abashedlooking — with the words, “Uh-oh. Something went wrong on our end.” People took to social media to complain that they couldn’t order items.

By about 4:30pm, many Prime Day links were working, and Amazon said later Monday that it was working to resolve the glitches.

THE TRIBUNE

‘Weak’ Trump under fire as he doubts US intel over Putin RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin looks towards US President Donald Trump, left, as Trump speaks during their joint news conference in Finland yesterday.

Photo: Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP HELSINKI Associated Press IN an extraordinary embrace of a longtime US enemy, President Donald Trump yesterday openly questioned his own intelligence agencies’ firm finding that Russia meddled in the 2016 US election to his benefit, seeming to accept Russian President Vladimir Putin’s insistence that Moscow’s hands were clean.

The reaction back home was immediate and visceral, among fellow Republicans as well as usual Trump critics. “Shameful,” ‘’disgraceful,” ‘’weak,” were a few of the comments.

Makes the US “look like a pushover,” said GOP Sen Bob Corker of Tennessee.

Trump’s meeting with Putin in Helsinki was his first time sharing the international stage with a man he has described as an important US competitor — but whom he has also praised a strong, effective leader.

His remarks, siding with a foe on foreign soil over his own government, were a stark illustration of Trump’s willingness to upend decades of US foreign policy and rattle Western allies in service of his political concerns. A wary and robust stance toward Russia has been a bedrock of his party’s world view. But Trump made clear he feels that any firm acknowledgement of

Russia’s involvement would undermine the legitimacy of his election.

Standing alongside Putin, Trump steered clear of any confrontation with the Russian, going so far as to question American intelligence and last week’s federal indictments that accused 12 Russians of hacking into Democratic email accounts to hurt Hillary Clinton in 2016.

“I have great confidence in my intelligence people, but I will tell you that President Putin was extremely strong and powerful in his denial today.

“He just said it’s not Russia. I will say this: I don’t see any reason why it would be,” Trump said.

His skepticism drew a quick formal statement — almost a rebuttal — from Trump’s director of national Intelligence, Dan Coats.

“We have been clear in our assessments of Russian meddling in the 2016 election and their ongoing, pervasive efforts to undermine our democracy, and we will continue to provide unvarnished and objective intelligence in support of our national security,” Coats said.

Sen John McCain of Arizona was most outspoken, declaring that Trump made a “conscious choice to defend a tyrant” and achieved “one of the most disgraceful performances by

an American president in memory”. House Speaker Paul Ryan, who rarely criticises Trump, stressed there was “no question” that Russia had interfered.

Even staunch Trump backer Newt Gingrich, the former House speaker, called Trump’s comments “the most serious mistake of his presidency” and said they “must be corrected — immediately”.

Former CIA director John Brennan, who served under President Barack Obama, called Trump’s words “nothing short of treasonous”.

Brennan tweeted: “Not only were Trump’s comments imbecilic, he is wholly in the pocket of Putin. Republican Patriots: Where are you???”

In a Fox News Channel interview after the summit, Putin pronounced the meetings “the beginning of the path” back from the West’s past efforts to isolate Russia. “I think you see for yourself that these efforts failed, and they were never bound to succeed,” he said.

As he flew home to Washington aboard Air Force One, Trump tried to clarify his position via tweet, saying: “As I said today and many times before, ‘I have GREAT confidence in MY intelligence people.’ However, I also recognise that in order to build a brighter future, we cannot exclusively focus on the past

- as the world’s two largest nuclear powers, we must get along!”

In an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity last night, Trump said “it’s a shame” that he and Putin were being asked questions about the Russia probe while they were trying to discuss issues like Syria and nuclear proliferation.

“We’ve had a phony witch hunt deal drive us apart,” he said.

In their totality, Trump’s remarks amounted to an unprecedented embrace of a man who for years has been isolated by the US and Western allies for actions in Ukraine, Syria and beyond. And it came at the end of an extraordinary trip to Europe in which Trump had already berated allies, questioned the value of the NATO alliance and demeaned leaders including Germany’s Angela Merkel and Britain’s Theresa May. The two leaders’ longawaited summit began with a private face-to-face sitdown — just the leaders and their interpreters — that lasted more than two hours, before additional meetings joined by senior aides.

The pair had held lengthy talks before — on the sidelines of world leader meetings in Germany and Vietnam last year — but this was their first official summit and was being

watched closely, especially following the announcement on Friday of new indictments against 12 Russian intelligence officers accused of hacking Democratic emails to help Trump’s campaign.

Asked about the indictments, Putin suggested that Moscow and Washington could jointly conduct the investigation, inviting special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigators to come to Russia to interview the 12 people — an idea Trump hailed as an “incredible offer”.

Putin said he’d expect the US to return the favor and cooperate in the Russian probe against William Browder, a British investor charged with financial crimes in Russia. Browder, an outspoken Putin critic, was a driving force behind a US law targeting Russian officials over human rights abuses.

Asked whether Russia was responsible at all, Trump said “we’re all to blame” for the soured relations.

However, “that changed,” he said, “as of about four hours ago.”

Putin ridiculed as “sheer nonsense” allegations that Russian intelligence agencies had collected compromising information on Trump during his visit to Moscow years before the election.

GUN RIGHTS CAMPAIGNER ACCUSED OF BEING RUSSIAN AGENT WASHINGTON Associated Press

A 29-YEAR-OLD gun rights activist served as a covert Russian agent while living in Washington, gathering intelligence on American officials and political organisations and working to establish back-channel lines of communications for the Kremlin, federal prosecutors charged Monday.

The announcement of the arrest of Maria Butina came just hours after President Donald Trump met with

Russian President Vladimir Putin and just days after special counsel Robert Mueller charged 12 Russian intelligence officials with directing a sprawling hacking effort aimed at swaying the 2016 election.

Mueller didn’t file the charge against Butina, but court papers show her activities revolved around American politics during the 2016 campaign and included efforts to use contacts with the National Rifle Association to develop relationships with US politicians and gather

intelligence for Russia.

Court papers also reveal that an unnamed American who worked with Butina claimed to have been involved in setting up a “private line of communication” ahead of the 2016 election between the Kremlin and “key” officials in an American political party through the NRA. The court papers do not name the political party mentioned in the October 2016 message, but they contain details that appear to refer to the Republican Party. The documents

don’t say whether the back channel was ever established.

The NRA, which has previously been connected to Butina in public reporting and information released by members of Congress, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Butina, a Russian national who has been living in the US, was charged with conspiracy to act as an unregistered agent of the Russian government. A federal judge in Washington ordered her jailed until a hearing set for

Wednesday, according to a statement from the Justice Department and Jessie Liu, the US Attorney for the District of Columbia.

In a statement, Butina’s attorney, Robert Driscoll, called the allegations “overblown” and said prosecutors had criminalised mundane networking opportunities. Driscoll said Butina was not an agent of the Russian Federation but was instead in the US on a student visa, graduating from American University with a master’s degree in international relations.

ACTIVIST DEMANDS POLICE SHOOTING VIDEO CHICAGO Associated Press

A COMMUNITY activist who has pushed for more police transparency said yesterday that he’s asked Chicago police for the body camera footage from all the officers at the scene where one of them fatally shot a black man over the weekend.

William Calloway said a brief video released by police showing the view from one officer’s body camera does not answer crucial questions, starting with the reasons the officers approached 37-year-old Harith Augustus on Saturday afternoon just before he was shot. Calloway also said that a police spokesman’s explanation that the Augustus was “exhibiting characteristics of an armed

ON SUNDAY, protesters marched in the South Shore neighborhood of Chicago following the fatal shooting of a barber by a Chicago police officer.

Photo: Nuccio DiNuzzo/Chicago Tribune via AP person” does not justify stopping someone in a city and state where it is legal to carry a concealed weapon.

Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson said that detectives have found no documentation that

Augustus had a concealed carry permit, but Calloway said there is no way officers at the scene could have known that when they approached him.

A department spokesman, Tom Ahern, said

officers have the right to pat a person down on the street if they are concerned about their own safety.

“If they feel someone is acting suspiciously or they see a bulge under their shirt, if the person is evasive or refuses to answer questions, they can do a protective pat down,” he said, adding that the officer must be able to “articulate why they have a reasonable suspicion” that a person could pose a threat.

“They can’t start digging through their pockets... but they can pat down the outside of their clothes.”

The video released by police did not include sound so it is impossible to hear what was said by either Augustus or any of the four officers at the scene. It shows one of the officers trying to grab the

arm of Augustus, who spins and runs away with a clearly visible holstered gun on his hip.

“He was having a civil conversation with the black cop at first so we need to know what he and that officer were saying,” Calloway said. “There needs to be (footage) from four police officers with audio.”

Ahern said the department would not release any more video and any decision to do so would have to be made by the agency that investigates such incidents, the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA). In a written statement, COPA said that releasing all the video now “may jeopardize the integrity of our investigation,” but that the video would be released no later than 60 days from the date of the incident.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, July 17, 2018, PAGE 11

DIRECTOR-SUPPLY CHAIN A vacancy exists within Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) for the position of Director –Supply Chain.

The job is responsible for the development and implementation of the supply chain management strategy for Bahamas Power and Light Company Ltd. the job provides direction and management of the procurement system, purchase orders, cost reduction initiatives, and oversees critical supply chain support functions.

The incumbent will achieve Company objectives by: SEVERAL Jamaican women faced immigration charges in a Magistrate’s Court in Freeport yesterday.

CLUB OWNER AND DANCERS FACE IMMIGRATION CHARGES

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net A BAHAMIAN club owner and four Jamaican women employed as dancers were charged in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court for various immigration offences yesterday.

Lincoln Leon Capron, 48, the owner of Liquid Lounge, appeared before Magistrate Rengin Johnson.

He was charged with employing the women without being granted a work permit by the Director of Immigration in accordance with Section 30 of the Immigration Act. Capron was also charged with harbouring an undocumented migrant contrary to Section 47(A). It is alleged that on Friday, July 13, the accused deliberately intended to evade apprehension by the Immigration Department and knowingly harboured two people – Affrikkca Ezinma Walters and Nerdeen Curdela Pryce-King – at Liquid Lounge on East Sunrise Highway.

He was represented by Simone Brown.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The matter was adjourned for trial until August 10.

The four Jamaicans, Shamara Shantell Francis, 26, Walters, 22, Stepheny Alkila Wright, 38, and Pryce-King, 32, were charged with illegally engaging in gainful occupation.

It is alleged that on Friday, July 13, the women were found at the lounge employed as entertainers without being granted a work permit.

They all pleaded guilty and were fined

• Ensuring that all aspects of Supply Chain are strategic for supplier long term solvency, obsolescence, logistics, new vendor selection, engineering design, supplier quality development and commodity management; • Establishing and directing a full scope of material planning and inventory management, including warehousing, material logistics, and processes to provide customers with on time delivery of materials; • Developing annual business plans and preparing operating budgets and targets for the division; • Providing leadership and communications to attract, retain and inspire associates to maintain highly qualified and motivated associates; • Ensuring all performance evaluations, coaching, training, development support, employee relations, and conflict resolution are implemented in a timely and satisfactory manner; • Monitoring the progress of associates’ work to ensure deliverables meet customer requirements and is in compliance with BPL Policies and Procedures; • Directing material procurement for investment recovery processes and procedures to satisfy the needs of the company and complying with industry best practices; • Managing the commodity team program to develop standard products and pre-defined, preferred business arrangements. Responsible for the success of the commodity team approach; • Ensuring decreases in the Company’s overall material and service procurement costs; • Ensuring non-standard transactions are executed in accordance with the Company’s policies; • Maintaining confidential information regarding sensitive cost proposals, contract terms and conditions, employee salaries etc.

Job requirements include but not limited to:

LINCOLN LEON CAPRON, 48, the owner of Liquid Lounge, yesterday. the maximum of $3000 each or in default, serve six months in prison. The women were also ordered deported on payment of the fine or completion of their custodial sentence.

Additionally, Walters and Pryce-King were charged with overstaying their visitor’s status. The pair pleaded guilty and were fined $3000 each or in default serve six months in prison.

The sentences are to run concurrently.

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Management or equivalent qualifications (MBA desirable) • Experience in developing and implementing purchasing/buying procedures within a large organization • Knowledge of business statistical analysis • Knowledge of material management and logistics • Knowledge of custom tariffs • Knowledge of shipping and transportation procedures • Knowledge of supply contracts • Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing • Good judgement and sound reasoning ability • Good report writing skills • Good time management skills.

Interested persons should apply to Afuture@bplco.com on or before: July 19th, 2018.

Only candidates meeting the criteria will be contacted.