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MP says she talked fellow FNMs out of call to Governor General

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net IN a bid to redirect perceptions that she was the “divider� of her party, Long Island MP Loretta ButlerTurner yesterday revealed that she staved off the would-be coup against Free National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis that led to the call for an early convention.

Mrs Butler-Turner said she talked her parliamentary colleagues out of their plans to go to Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling with a vote of no confidence in Dr Minnis to have him removed as Official Opposition leader.

She spoke candidly about her leadership bid as a guest on the 96.9FM show “Q & A� with hosts Quincy Parker and Adrian Francis, stating categorically that she

FREE National Movement Deputy Leader K Peter Turnquest yesterday defended the integrity of the delegate selection process amid concerns that the party’s national convention has been unfairly stacked to ensure incumbent leaders remain at the helm.

Mr Turnquest dismissed concerns, telling The Tribune that the party’s Con-

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net CUSTOMERS will continue to suffer power outages if Bahamas Power and Light does not get $200m to turn it into an efficient power-generation entity, a former Cabinet minister told The Tribune yesterday.

SEE PAGE FIVE

ELLIS PREACHES AT FELLOWSHIP GATHERING

was unafraid to go head-tohead in a debate against Dr Minnis or Prime Minister Perry Christie. “I took my licks when I did challenge for the leadership in 2014,� she said. “I was asked to sit small until my name was called. I did exactly that. “The record will reflect that during 2015, the very same MPs that did not support me in 2014, approached me. I did not approach them. They were the ones that said to me, ‘Listen we’ve been watching you, we realise we’ve made a mistake, we did not support you.’ In our regular Westminster system, when the leader of the party, whether opposition or governance, loses the confidence of the majority of his parliamentary team, they do the honourable thing.

SEE PAGE SIX

TURNQUEST DEFENDS PROCESS OF PARTY DELEGATE SELECTION

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

POWER CUTS TO GO ON - IF $200M ISN’T SPENT

vention Committee has taken every step to ensure transparency and fairness.

However, Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner also addressed the issue yesterday, saying there are some “irregularities� with the delegates list that she has seen. She said if it is proven that something untoward has occurred with the process, it should be blamed on FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis.

SEE PAGE EIGHT

BISHOP NEIL ELLIS, head of the Global United Fellowship, as presiding Bishop preaches at the closing of the Gathering held in Baltimore, Maryland, at the Baltimore Convention Center. The Gathering is the annual corporate meeting of the Global United Fellowship family. Each year, meetings are held in cities around the world as a coming together of interracial, interdenominational and intercultural believers with one common goal, to unify the Body of Christ.

Photo: FelipĂŠ Major

SPEAKER WAS ‘OVERZEALOUS’ IN SUSPENDING ANDRE ROLLINS FROM HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

HOUSE Speaker Dr Kendal Major’s decision to suspend Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins from the House of Assembly last week was an “over zealous� move that may have been more reflective of a contentious relationship, according to Free National

Movement Deputy Leader K Peter Turnquest yesterday.

Mr Turnquest said he felt Dr Major’s actions were very abrupt and a bit premature, and warned that the suspension could be construed as a bid to censor the Official Opposition. “I think that it is unfortunate that he (Dr Rollins) was not able to express his

point of order,� he said. “I think the Speaker may have been a bit abrupt with him in not allowing him that opportunity. I know the relationship between the Speaker and the member has been one that has been building, contention has been building. The Speaker I guess reached (the end of) his rope and it was unfortunate that the people of Fort Charlotte were denied

the opportunity to have a voice.� “To suspend somebody is a very serious thing,� Mr Turnquest added. “It ought to be the last resort. It can be construed as intent to silence the views of the member as they are in opposition to the government and we do not condone that.�

SEE PAGE THREE

MINNIS PLEDGES OPPORTUNITIES FOR JOBS AND CROWN LAND IN GRAND BAHAMA

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis promised Grand Bahamians an improved economy, job opportunities and easier access to Crown land under an administration with him at the helm.

Addressing hundreds of supporters at the FNM’s headquarters in Freeport for his re-election campaign, the Killarney MP laid out a case for why a new FNM government under his leadership would be better for them and the rest of the country.

The rally in the nation’s second city occurred just ten days after he and rival

Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner launched their respective leadership campaigns in the capital. “We watched as communities in Grand Bahama became the breeding grounds for criminality, unacceptable social behaviour and limited economic activity,�

Dr Minnis said on Saturday. “My brothers and sisters,

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

Grand Bahama has the potential to be a major tourism, maritime and industrial centre and we shall neglect it no more. The level of potential that exists here is unlimited. As we create the environment to unleash that potential, the effects will be clear and widely felt.�

SEE PAGE SIX

PAGE 2, Monday, July 18, 2016

1 PC. CHICKEN (Thigh, Leg or Wing)

THE TRIBUNE

THE THRILL OF THE GRILL

+ Individual Fries + Biscuit + 16 oz. Pepsi

ST George’s Church held its annual Thrill of the Grill and church fair on Saturday, which also featured plant stalls, entertainment and activities for children.

Photos: Tim Clarke/Tribune Staff

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, July 18, 2016, PAGE 3

Blame government - not me, Rollins tells his constituents

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

OUTSPOKEN Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins claims the vitriol aimed by his constituents towards him is misplaced, insisting that the failures of the Christie administration have landed every member of Parliament in dire straits with the electorate.

Dr Rollins’ comments came after several of his constituents criticised the quality of his representation since coming to office in 2012. On Friday residents said the MP was “the worst” the area has ever seen.

The disenchantment with Dr Rollins from the residents of Fort Charlotte has been no secret, with many calling on the Christie administration to force the MP to vacate the seat ahead of the 2017 general election.

When Dr Rollins crossed the floor of the House of Assembly last November to become a member of the Free National Movement, residents in Fort Charlotte rejoiced, hoping the move would lead to the return of beloved representative Alfred Sears. Dr Rollins quit the Progressive Liberal Party last June.

On Friday residents told The Tribune that Dr Rollins’ recent actions “sealed the fact” that he had no clue how to work on behalf of those who elected him. On Thursday night Dr Rollins was suspended from the House of Assembly after the latest of a series of runins with House Speaker Dr Kendal Major and escorted from Parliament by police officers.

In the Chippingham area of Fort Charlotte, several young voters said they were still awaiting delivery of the litany of promises made by Dr Rollins on the campaign trail in 2012.

“The park, the jobs, the help; these were things he promised. He told us all of

that and now we only see him on ZNS acting stupid,” said 23-year-old Elliot McPhee.

Surrounded by other youth, the lifelong Fort Charlotte resident said: “He told us he was different from all the others. I have had to sit back all my life and watch this country be ran into the ground, so when he came along and told us he was different we believed him. Look at us, we all here struggling. It is a hustle just to get by and we trying to make it but the politics keeping a lot of us down.”

When asked what he believed to be the biggest failure of Dr Rollins’ tenure, Mr McPhee said emphatically: “He was never for us, he was always for himself.”

In fact, “selfish” was how many of the residents described Dr Rollins to The Tribune.

Northel Markland, a resident who boasted of being a constituent of Fort Charlotte from its inception, said Dr Rollins’s selfish nature has left many residents severely “scarred.”

“He is the worst we ever had. He was supposed to go in (the House of Assembly) and work for us, ensure that we were heard. He went to the House and worked for himself. Every opportunity he got, he did what was best for him, never for the people of Fort Charlotte.

“What happened to all of the promises he made to us? We are still suffering. A good MP would have come here to the community and discussed these matters with us. He has just vanished completely. We in Fort Charlotte have been abandoned,” she added.

On the weekend, Dr Rollins told The Tribune he doesn’t “blame the people of Fort Charlotte for being mad.” He said that the people are generally disenchanted with the state of our country and as a result every single MP “is feeling the pressure and being criti-

ANDRE ROLLINS, Member for Fort Charlotte. sidered for to help them cised as a result.”

Dr Rollins said the idea earn income for themselves that his constituents would and their families.

“I’m mad because this direct their frustrations toward him was only natural, PLP government has intensuggesting that residents tionally not funded the Fort believe that he had a part Charlotte Urban Renewal to play in the government’s office’s initiatives with the failure to bring the eco- aim being to create a poor nomic relief that was prom- reflection on me among ised in their 2012 general those seeking the office’s assistance. Never mind the election campaign.

“Well, I don’t blame the fact that in doing so, they people of Fort Charlotte for are hurting struggling conbeing mad,” he said. “I am stituents, quite a number of mad as hell, too. I’m mad whom are PLP supporters. that this government has I am mad that many of the failed to stimulate the econ- young people of Fort Charomy to create jobs for the lotte can’t find constructive people of Fort Charlotte outlets to exercise their taland throughout the coun- ents.”

Dr Rollins contended try. I’m mad that constituents of Fort Charlotte have that much of the disenlost jobs at Baha Mar be- chantment expressed by cause this PLP government constituents in Fort Charintentionally sabotaged the lotte and elsewhere is diproject as a means of pro- rectly attributable to the extecting the interests of the tremely poor economy and project’s Chinese contrac- lack of available jobs.

“Bahamians want to tor.

“I’m mad about the fact work. They want to be that Chinese nationals are able to financially support being favoured for con- themselves and their famistruction jobs right around lies and they are looking to the corner at The Pointe the government to create hotel project that my con- an economy that will enstituents are not being con- able them to do that. This

NORTHEL MARKLAND, a Fort Charlotte resident, says MP Dr Andre Rollins has “abandoned” the constituency.

Photo: Ricardo Wells/Tribune Staff is the reality throughout this country and every single MP - PLP and FNM - is feeling the pressure and being criticised as a result.”

Dr Rollins said he refuses to be used as a scapegoat by this government for its own failings.

“I don’t now, nor did I previously, sit around the Cabinet table while I was a member of the PLP. That is where the blame resides with the men and women of the Cabinet. Prime Minister Christie’s Cabinet failed to deliver on the big promises that they made during the

course of the 2012 election campaign and now all of the MPs and the Bahamian people are suffering for it.

“I cannot and will not be blamed for the PLP’s actions and policies that have wrecked this economy. The PLP must carry the blame for the state of misery in Fort Charlotte and throughout this entire country. The best thing that the people of Fort Charlotte can do right now is understand that this economy will not get any better while the PLP, led by Perry Christie, remains in office.”

SPEAKER WAS ‘OVERZEALOUS’ IN SUSPENDING ANDRE ROLLINS FROM HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY

from page one

“I believe the Speaker may have been a bit premature in not allowing the member in the very least to state the point of order.

Whether he accepted it as a legitimate point of order, that is the discretion of the Speaker.”

This is not the first time that Dr Rollins has drawn the ire of House speakers.

The outspoken MP has repeatedly come under fire for his apparent disregard for the House rules and conduct.

During the mid-year budget debate in March, he clashed with Deputy Speaker Dion Smith after standing on what he called “a very important point of order.”

The outburst from Dr Rollins caused Mr Smith to get to his feet and bang his desk in an attempt to bar the comments. He later ordered that the Fort Charlotte MP’s microphone be shut off. Mr Smith also threatened to have Dr Rollins removed from the House if he did not comply.

At that time, West Grand Bahama and Bimini MP

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Obie Wilchcombe questioned at what point was the deputy speaker going to stop giving warnings.

Mr Wilchcombe said in March: “At what point are we going to stop warning, Mr Speaker, and at what point are we going to understand that this is a House and not a play house and at what point are we going to account the member for Fort Charlotte that he has to behave in this place because he has gone overboard?

“We have extended the time and every moment he wants to speak. This is verbal masturbation,” Mr Wilchcombe said. “We have to get the member to understand that this is a serious place. Making all these allegations about people must stop.”

FNM MPs have been suspended from the House on

two other occasions. FNM were suspended from one Leader Dr Hubert Minnis sitting of the House for rewas named and suspended peatedly defying Dr Mafor two sittings by Dr Ma- jor’s orders to cease their jor after he refused to with- protest against MICAL MP draw his comments ahead V Alfred Gray. of the debate on the Stem Cell Research and Therapy Act 2013, which was passed in August 2013.

Last June, Dr Minnis, St Anne’s MP Hubert Chipman and Central Grand Monday, 18th July 2016 Bahama MP Neko Grant

"We're not sure why, but when we take our eyes off the road we tend to press harder on the gas pedal. Remember, no "LOL"on your cell is that important when the result could be death or even serious injury!"

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THE TRIBUNE

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Richard Lightbourn challenged to support his accusations in the House A MINOR kerfuffle was created in the House of Assembly on Thursday during the debate to create the University of The Bahamas.

The feathers of National Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage were ruffled when during Montagu MP Richard Lightbourn’s contribution to the debate Mr Lightbourn had said that educational standards had to be raised to produce more ambitious students with higher grades than the present D minus. The youth also had to have a different mind set and be encouraged to set higher goals for themselves. He recalled a poll having been taken in the schools during this country’s narco-dollar years when an alarming number of school children, when asked to write an essay on what they wanted to be when they grew up, replied: A drug dealer.

Dr Nottage stood to object, saying he did not know where the Montagu MP got that from. He condemned it as an outrageous statement and was surprised that Mr Lightbourn would suggest such a thing. An equally surprised Mr Lightbourn said he thought what he had said was well known to everyone. He was a bit fuzzy about the poll and who or how it was taken, but he was certain that his memory was not playing games with him.

Dr Nottage intimated that he wanted Mr Lightbourn to provide proof of his statement. Neither the Speaker, nor Dr Nottage called for his claim to be expunged from House records, but Mr Lightbourn of his own accord promised to return to the House with the evidence.

Naturally he did what everyone else does when they want such information.

He called The Tribune to ask that our files be searched for what he needed. We knew exactly what he was talking about because The Tribune had done its own survey at the time, and we had made reference to it in many of our editorials. We don’t recall an official government survey, which, if it had ever been taken, would never have been released, especially if it had discovered what we had uncovered.

We don’t know where Dr Nottage was when this was common knowledge at the time – probably locked in government’s ivory tower with all his mates, having – as Sir Lynden woefully admitted – lost touch with the Bahamian people.

Anyway with such short notice before our records department closed for the weekend one of the articles – October 22, 1990 – was discovered in Sir Lynden’s file.

Although there are other articles in other files, we think that extracts from this article reproduced here should be enough to exonerate Mr Lightbourn and satisfy Dr Nottage. We think that neither Dr Nottage nor the Speaker would want us to continue writing in this column what further research would uncover.

It all started one day – quite some time before this particular article (1990) was written — when a very concerned government teacher came to our office to “chat.”

Her concern was how many of her children were losing interest in their studies and equating money with success. She was very concerned about their life’s ambitions — yes, they wanted to be rich, but they also wanted to get “rich quick”. The only way to do that was to go into the drug peddling business like some of the male members of their families. Intrigued by this conversation, we then called around to a few of the government schools where we personally knew some of the teachers to discover the ambition of their children when asked to write what they wanted to

be when they grew to manhood. Money glittered before many of their youthful eyes – drug money. Of course, this is the first time that we are now revealing what started our investigation. But we did indeed write about what we had discovered, and, of course, it is this to which Mr Lightbourn’s memory has obviously taken him. No one denied it at the time, but Bahamians certainly talked about it at every level of society and were rightfully concerned. We wonder how Dr Nottage missed this bit of information.

Even in those years crime was a major problem, and the following were our comments in this column on October 22, 1990: “Remember the crime. You are neither secure on the street nor in your home. So why are you paying higher and higher taxes? Government’s non-delivery of basic essentials, yet constant demand for more money, is enough to produce surly discontent in the country.

“For 23 years, leaders have set the pace.

Big cars, flashy lifestyles, a materialistic philosophy – these were all the signs of success. Wasn’t it the Prime Minister himself who had said that everyone in the country could be a millionaire?

“Those who did not have the capacity to be millionaires by legitimate means soon moved into the drug trade. A new phenomenon was created as the bottom pushed its way to the top and joined the rich and famous — ropes of gold hanging from necks and fingers, big cars, fancy homes, apartment buildings on rent, the good life. They were brash. They were biggity and they added an undesirable tone to society. No law could touch them.

Unfortunately, young people thought that their lifestyles were smart — especially as all the signs seemed to say that in the Bahamas crime does pay. Another problem was born.”

Today it is a major problem that no one seems to know how to solve, because, like Dr Nottage, they refuse to recognise its origins and how and why it grew. It’s now overwhelming society. And although it got its birth in the bosom of the PLP, it is society’s problem and we all have to come together to solve it.

And so the 1990 article continued: “While Prime Minister Pindling was talking about taking the country from the Third World to the First World, he failed to realise that thoughtless words and example were creating a country of drones with few workers. And today — with no easy money in sight The Bahamas is in trouble.

“With the country on the downslide suddenly the Prime Minister (Sir Lynden) has been given clearer vision.

“In February this year (1990), he told a PLP rally that inefficiency had contributed to the high cost of living in The Bahamas. “‘You want to know why things cost so much? We don’t know how to do anything anymore and it takes us all day fiddling around to try to find the right way to do it,’ he said.”

Rather than wasting time trying to find a scapegoat on which to off load this country’s problems, in our next column we shall let Sir Lynden outline the problems and explain their origin, cause and projected results. It is now up to this government to stop wasting time — silence the tongues of such race-baiting persons as their chairman Bradley Roberts — pull the country together as One Bahamas and get on with the job of rebuilding a crippled people and a broken country.

Battle of the dinosaurs EDITOR, The Tribune WHAT’S going on here?

Brent Symonette calls Bradley Roberts “a relic of ages past”.

The country is going up in flames and the two major political parties are shooting a scene from Jurassic Park, The Geriatric Version?

Are these the types of people chosen to whip this country into shape before

the next general elections?

Barney and Dino? No wonder we can’t catch a break.

You know what I wish?

Since the UBP is working behind the scenes in two dead-in-the-water political parties, why don’t they show their hand? Come into the open and lay their cards on the table. Show us what they have to offer.

Can’t be any worse than what the PLP, the FNM or

the DNA have to offer.

Supposedly they have the money, so they need to put their money where their mouth is. They have “delivered” before in the guise of the FNM, I’m sure they can do it again. Just don’t bring back Tyrannosaurus Rex. That fossil is a little dated.

NINO ESTEBAN Nassau, July 16, 2016.

Apprentices and the job market EDITOR, The Tribune.

COLLECTIVELY, we have been talking and hashing about youth unemployment for what seems like eons. It is recognised by all, even the crazy individual, that our basic educational structure is dysfunctional and barely working.

Annually, the system spews out thousands of semi-illiterate and badly socialised ‘graduates’. In six out of ten cases, they have absolutely no marketable or job skills.

I understand that there are so-called ‘business clubs’ at most of our New Providence-based high schools. In particular, I must commend the Principal at Aquinas College (where my daughter, Jasmine, is a senior), Shona Moss-Knowles, and her team on doing an excellent job at that august institution. Other students have little or no access to the real world of business, commerce and finance. The rest are not checking for academics, much less higher education.

The Progressive Liberal Party is to be commended on at least ‘trying’ to fix or patch up a broken and outdated educational plant.

The hard working and grossly underpaid teachers and educators are not, I understand, being motivated and utilised in a cohesive manner. They are ‘first responders’, the ones who ‘know’ what should be done to make the system more relevant, but we continue to import foreign expertise and we continue to witness, in rainbow colours, the dreaded national ‘D’.

The recent upgrades at BTVI and proposed expansions bode well for technical and vocational training. The fee structure and the diversity of hands on courses, however, must be addressed in the immediate future. It is no point in offering a course at a fee level that the average student and his/her financial backers are often unable to meet.

That institution, however, is chaired by my good friend and patriot, Felix Stubbs.

If there is one Bahamian who is dedicated to nation building, besides me, it has

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net to be Felix. He is a retired executive with IBM, a long time business entrepreneur and mentor. Felix wears so many hats that he should be knighted for his invaluable and diversified multi services to a grateful nation.

Selected students with the right aptitude and attitude should be identified in the tenth grade as to their natural talents that may be honed and developed over the next two years of their high school education. In the eleventh year qualified students could undergo an apprenticeship furlough with an established and properly vetted business or professional firm. The government of the day would offer tax credits or other exemptions of a monetary nature to such private enterprise and owners.

This would be a situation where we all win. Students get an opportunity to network and to match their talents with real everyday experiences and exposure.

Business owners get an opportunity to observe and train apprentices in their discipline and have eventual access to a solid and qualified labour pool for the future.

My good friend and brother, Lewis Astwood of Eight Mile Rock, Grand Bahama, first proposed this apprenticeship programme a few years ago, just as the PLP came to power. He would have done extensive research and submitted his findings to various newly minted ministers and to the Cabinet itself. As is the usual case with our erstwhile home grown politicians, they are loath to give credit to Astwood, who himself is another staunch PLP. The PLP must concentrate on job creation and inject real and sustainable economic stimulus directly into the economy and financial markets. The socalled Downtown Development Authority is a waste of time. I am not too sure if it is a waste of money because no one has informed us of its mandate, personnel

and, for sure, budget. Many cities have a well defined and promoted downtown.

Bay Street, our traditional downtown, is a waste land and has become zombified .

The administration is allegedly waiting for the Chinese to do the heavy lifting as it relates to Bay Street. I would hope not. If we continue to rely on the injection of foreign direct investment from the People’s Republic of China, there is the possibility of a severe political backlash in the 2017 general elections.

It is my strong suggestion that any further development/ redevelopment along Bay Street be driven by consortiums of Bahamian business people and or a public/private sector partnership.

Once we get Bay Street up and running again, the proposed apprentice programme could go ahead full speed. Statistics indicate that more than 30 per cent of Bahamians under the age of 35 are unemployed, never been sustainably employed or are underemployed. This is also politically and financially explosive. More so, however, societal dislocations and cultural morass would be just around the proverbial corner.

Crime and unemployment, in many cases go hand in hand. These are the two most pressing matters which must be addressed now by the Gold Rush Administration. We have absolutely no more time to waste. Our economy has grown at the dismal and unacceptable rate of less than 0.5 per cent over the past four years on an annual basis.

Obviously, Michael Halkitis (PLP-Golden Isles) is doing the best that he is able but that, alas, is not enough. We are facing some serious international credit downgrades in the next few weeks. How will he and the substantive minister deal with this? We have to do better. Matching a job skills training programme along with a real apprentice thrust is the way to go.

To God then, even in this, be the glory.

ORTLAND H BODIE JR. Nassau, July 17, 2016.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, July 18, 2016, PAGE 5

Former policeman admits sex attacks on girls over years

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net A JUDGE heard on Friday that three sisters molested by a retired policeman over a five-year period have been scarred by the abuse.

Senior Justice Stephen Isaacs had ordered a probation report to be produced for 65-year-old Franklyn Roberts, who is wheechairbound because of serious medical conditions and who, only weeks ago, pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting three children.

Prosecutors alleged that the crimes occurred between 2007 and 2012.

Janice McKenzie, a senior probation officer at

the Department of Rehabilitative Welfare Services, testified on Friday that she interviewed relatives, neighbours and a pastor who described Roberts as a quiet, family-oriented, Christian who was once a police officer and then a taxi driver before becoming ill.

The probation officer had interviewed the victims as well. The youngest, now 14, believes her abuser should be jailed nowithstanding his present medical state.

The 19-year-old claimed her abuse began when she was 11 and feels “nasty and scornful” on realising that what had been done to her was wrong.

The eldest, now an adult, was surprised to learn that

her siblings had also suffered molestation and told the officer that she thinks daily about what Roberts had done to her from when she was 11.

Ms McKenzie told prosecutor Algernon Allen II that although Roberts had admitted guilt in court, he claimed to have no recollection of committing the offences. She also said the victims had not received professional counselling because they were unable to afford it.

When questioned by defence attorney Ramona Farquharson-Seymour, Ms McKenzie admitted that she was advised by the convict’s wife that her husband’s memory recall was a challenge and that it was

clear that he was frail and dependent on his wife.

Even though he had no recollection of committing the offences, Roberts had expressed reservations that the children would lie about such a thing.

However, he then denied ever doing so when questioned on another occasion, the probation officer said.

Senior Justice Stephen Isaacs said the revelations of Roberts’ memory recall present a dilemma for sentencing but said he was not prepared to reverse the plea.

He asked the counsel to deliver their submissions to the court ahead of the next hearing scheduled for July 27 at 2.30pm. Roberts will not be required to attend.

POWER CUTS TO GO ON - IF $200M ISN’T SPENT from page one Disgruntled residents across New Providence continued to endure load shedding on the weekend that BPL had previously attributed to lack of proper maintenance as well as extreme heat that put immense pressure on its aging generators.

BPL has been load shedding intermittently for the past two weeks but there have been numerous power cuts before that as the electricity provider continues to struggle with a significant generation shortfall.

Former State Minister for Environment Phenton Neymour said the issue is less about BPL, formerly the Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC), and more about the government.

“This management company only exists to take the blows for the government concerning the failings at BEC and nothing else,” Mr Neymour suggested.

“I predict that immediately after the general election, if the PLP were to retain the government – and I highly doubt this will occur – there will be immediate hikes in electricity bills and staff layoffs. They’re waiting for the election to pass before doing this. It is clear that the government doesn’t know what to do with BPL. I’d said it

PHENTON NEYMOUR, the former Minister of State for the Environment in the FNM government. years ago when it was first announced that a management company was being brought in that this option was a Band-Aid measure.”

“All Bahamians have to understand that for BPL to turn BEC around requires a significant amount of money, time to improve and diligence in that endeavour without political interference. It is the latter which has BPL/BEC in the situation that it finds itself in now.”

Mr Neymour claimed that the previous Ingraham administration had a proposal to purchase the necessary generators that would power the island without problems.

Following the 2012 election, he said, the current government cancelled the remaining two of three purchases for generations and

opted to rent generators notwithstanding their criticism of the previous government opting to do the same.

He said this action resulted in the shortfall in New Providence’s power supply as Clifton Pier, already hampered by poor maintenance, does not have the 40 to 60 megawatts it needs to function effectively.

This comes months after American company PowerSecure was contracted to take over management at the government-owned utility provider. The new management deal was touted by the government as being the answer to sub-par electricity service and high electricity bills.

However, sub-par electricity service has not changed and residents with bills as low as $300 continue to be disconnected.

Deputy Prime Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis had announced in June that the government is working on a series of operational agreements with BPL with hopes of getting the corporation to forgive the debts of consumers who have been unable to settle balances for prolonged periods of time.

However, BPL executives said last week that the utility provider is currently “not in any talks” with the government to forgive or write off any of its numerous delin-

MEN AWAIT TRIAL DATE FOR TEEN KILLING

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

THREE men must wait five more days before they know when they will stand trial concerning the murder of a 16-year-old honour roll student at Government High School.

Jason Petithome, 21, Antonio Brown, 20 and Dwayne Harris Jr, 22, appeared before Justice Bernard Turner in Supreme Court on Friday for a fixture hearing relating to the March 11 killing of Mizilana Beauchamp.

While attorney Terrel Butler appeared for Harris at the expected fixture

hearing, there was no legal appearance for the other accused, who claimed to be represented by the same attorney, Glendon Rolle.

Justice Turner said he would adjourn the fixture hearing to July 22 to verify their claim and resolve the issue of a trial date.

Beauchamp was caught in the crossfire of young men throwing rocks while on a bus on Carmichael Road as she was on her way to school around 8am. A rock struck the tenth grade student on her head and she died of her injuries in an ambulance on the way to hospital.

Her alleged killers were

charged with murder under Section 291 (1)(B) of the Penal Code, which does not attract the discretionary death penalty if a conviction is reached at the end of trial.

They pleaded not guilty to the charges when formally arraigned on July 1.

The three defendants are in custody at the Department of Correctional Services.

quent accounts and encouraged customers to continue to pay their bills on time in order to remain connected.

In 2013, then BEC Chairman Leslie Miller revealed that 90 per cent of BEC’s 65,000 residential customers were more than 90 days past due – with approximately $26m in arrears.

Mr Neymour yesterday said even if the government collected all of its outstanding payment from customers, this would not be sufficient to turn the company around.

“Even if BPL were to recover all of its revenue from delinquent customers with outstanding electricity bills, it will only be enough to keep them running for the moment but that alone is insignificant funds to provide assets, generators, and repair work needed for an efficient 21st century utility provider.”

“Just to turn BPL/BEC around into an efficient company would require at least $200m and that would have to come from government,” he suggested.

Without this investment, Mr Neymour said: “It’s only going to get worse for BPL.” On Sunday, BPL began load shedding for what the company said would be one-hour intervals in various areas across New Providence. Power outages were also reported on Saturday.

DR Gerald Forbes at court.

Photo: Vandyke Hepburn

DOCTOR ACCUSED OF RAPE FIRES ATTORNEY

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A FREEPORT doctor charged with rape and indecent assault fired his attorney on Friday, delaying the trial proceedings until this week in the Supreme Court.

Dr Gerald Forbes, 46, informed Justice Estelle Gray-Evans that he was not pleased with the representation by his defence counsel, attorney Wendell Smith. Justice Evans adjourned the matter to today.

The prosecution had closed its case on Thursday. At this late stage in the trial, Dr Forbes has to now consider either retaining a

new attorney or represent himself.

Dr Forbes is accused of indecently assaulting a 20-year-old woman while he was performing a physical examination at his Carico Medical Clinic in the Professional Plaza on Pioneers Way, in February, 2015.

He is also accused of having sex with the woman without her consent in March, 2015, while performing a medical procedure at his clinic.

Erica Kemp of the Attorney General’s Office is prosecuting the matter.

Dr Forbes, a resident of Epsom Road and Town Court, Nassau, has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

PAGE 6, Monday, July 18, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

Butler-Turner: I stopped coup

from page one “My colleagues were suggesting that since that was not going to happen, we should in fact go to the governor general. I in turn made a counter offer. I said no, that would divide our party.”

She added: “We had many, many different models to try to unify the party, to work with the current leadership. I think that clearly needs to be told, that is a story that is being misrepresented, that I am the divider.”

Mrs Butler-Tuner pointed out that she has always been supportive of the party’s leader, recalling how she physically stood against police when they attempted to forcibly remove Dr Minnis

from Parliament in 2013 after he had been suspended.

“I have always stood with and for the leadership of my party,” she said. “I have never divided it and when we were in the dark days of 2002 to 2007, I was in the trenches and I remain there. So clearly it shows that narrative is one that is predicated on untruth.”

Mrs Butler-Turner lamented the lack of cohesion and performance within the FNM, insisting that the party should have been at its peak given that the current administration is the worst government in the country’s history. She likened the FNM’s current state to 2006 when former leader Tommy Turnquest was replaced by former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham ahead of the 2007 general

election. Mrs Butler-Turner noted that the demographics are much different now, and the party and the country needed a new direction.

Reflecting on her prior loss against Dr Minnis, the Long Island MP said her 2014 campaign was a very lonely road that she walked alone with no public endorsements. She underscored the stark contrast to her current campaign, which has seen endorsements come from more than half of the party’s parliamentary caucus as well as senior states persons who formerly supported Dr Minnis.

Mrs Butler-Turner pointed to her actions in the aftermath of the devastation wrought by Hurricane Joaquin as evidence of her ability to not only mobilise recovery efforts but also or-

ganise thousands of people.

Taking a swipe at Dr Minnis’ leadership campaign, she cautioned against the political exploitation of poverty to risk creating a “welfare state.”

Mrs Butler-Turner took issue with the narrative that Dr Minnis represented a shift in the party towards greater inclusion of the poor, while she represented the interests of the wealthy elite. She noted that the country could ill-afford to have a “Robin Hood syndrome” pitting the haves against the have-nots.

“The wealthiest two individuals in the House of Assembly today are Dr Hubert Minnis and the Deputy Leader of our party (Peter Turnquest),” she said.

“Together they are worth millions of dollars multiple

times over. Look at what they have done for the poor - compare that with a Loretta Butler-Turner that grew up working in a family that always gave service and gave back to the poor, the community in which we live.

“Look at where I live, look at where these people who are saying they want to help the poor, look at where they live. I live still in what some would refer to as the ghetto. I’m proud of where I live because it is the stomping ground of where I grew up.

“The people that I served as a child, they still come to me as an adult. They know where to find me, they can walk into my yard and see me. I don’t have to go in Bain Town to look for a water pump… I do not have to

play the poor redeemer.”

She added: “I do that everyday. I live that in my life.

I grew up in service, I have a life of service to give to all Bahamians, but let us not divide our people on those who have made it, and those who are still struggling to make it because The Bahamas has got to be an equal opportunity country where all people are able to go out and empower themselves.”

“If we are going to be moving our country forward,” she added, “we have got to have a country that is predicated on proper planning, on one that is going to make sure that people are afforded the opportunity to be educated and that we are going to move them in a direction where they will be able to be just as successful as a Dr Minnis.”

convention and subsequent leadership battle comes at a delicate time for the party.

The FNM’s Central Council voted to have a July convention after six parliamentarians, including Mrs Butler-Turner, threatened to seek Dr Minnis’ removal as leader of the Official Opposition in the House of Assembly.

Dr Minnis’ tenure as leader has been defined by intra-party friction, creating fractures in the party.

However, when challenged in 2014, he handily defeated Mrs Butler-Turner.

Dr Minnis on Saturday told supporters that his leadership represents a “new vision” for the Bahamas but also emphasised that this could only come to fruition if the party is unified.

“FNMS, we must come together,” he told the crowd. “I know like all families we have differences but must get together and take the fight to the PLP and we cannot lose focus on the real issues we face day in and day out.”

“I am still convinced that, if we speak with one voice, if we all move with one purpose and if we follow one vision, no one can defeat us.”

The FNM leader also pledged to implement a code of conduct for senior public officials and parliamentarians with sanctions for breaches as well as to make the Public Disclosure Commission independent and update their legislation and powers. He said he would also mandate that the auditor general be given the power to report fraudulent activity to the appropriate authorities to reduce instances of fraud and theft similar to what transpired at the Post Office, Department of Social Services and the Road Traffic Department.

Dr Minnis also promised laws to protect whistle blowers who expose corruption.

“We will introduce the most aggressive anti-corruption changes ever made in our Bahamas. We will not only wipe out the PLP but we will wipe out the entire PLP corrupt culture,” he said.

MINNIS PLEDGES OPPORTUNITIES FOR JOBS AND CROWN LAND IN GRAND BAHAMA from page one

“Grand Bahama, under my leadership, the FNM will work closely with the Grand Bahama Port Authority to ensure they fulfil every commitment under the Hawksbill Creek Agreement.”

He also said a government led by him would work with officials to ensure the cost of electricity is reduced by making full use of renewable energy and ensuring the Grand Bahama Power Company is regulated by the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority.

Dr Minnis also promised to move away from Nassaucentric policies and “ensure that Grand Bahama fully participates in the governance and future of The Bahamas.”

Grand Bahamians were also told that his FNM government would “create a true one-stop shop for investors to ensure that job opportunities are created in the shortest possible time, empower Bahamian entrepreneurs and businessmen

DR Hubert Minnis amid the crowd in Grand Bahama. by providing necessary Family Islands, including concessions to stimulate Grand Bahama especially growth and provide land the settlements outside reform to assist settlements of the Freeport area,” Dr outside of Freeport to fully Minnis said. “Crown land own and utilise generation will be made available to land and commonage prop- Bahamians at concessional rates to create employment erty.”

“We will provide incen- as part of our Return to the tives to Bahamian busi- Islands Initiative.”

Dr Minnis also promised nesses who return to the

Photo: Yontalay Bowe to eliminate value added tax (VAT) on a number of areas, including breadbasket items, education, medication, doctor’s fees, health insurance, electricity and water.

“We will bring relief to the people who need it the most,” he said.

The FNM’s July 27-29

MONDAY, JULY 18, 2016 PAGE 3

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

Tony Blair’s legacy in ruins after Iraq war inquiry

A long overdue report reveals the former British Prime Minister deliberately exaggerated the threat posed by Saddam Hussein in justifying going to war, Peter Young says.

H

AVE the last few weeks been unprecedented in the nation’s political life?

Such a claim could be justified in light of the recent dramatic and unsettling events in Britain - a bitterly contested historic referendum about the country’s relationship with the European Union, the resignation of a well-liked and respected Prime Minister, David Cameron, followed by a Tory leadership contest and the rapid selection of a successor, and the opposition Labour Party in turmoil with a formal challenge to its leader, Jeremy Corbyn, after continued pressure on him to step down.

Then, if that were not enough, the trauma of the Iraq war has been revived with this month’s publication of the Chilcot Inquiry into why the nation joined the United States in its 2003 invasion.

Britain’s involvement in this war has been described as the worst foreign policy mistake in its modern history. Not only was it deemed to have been a strategic failure, but 179 British servicemen and 150,000 Iraqis lost their lives, and a nation of more than 20 million people was reduced to ruins in a conflict which has wreaked havoc further afield in the region leading to destabilisation of the Middle East. The violence and chaos were also seen as having unleashed sectarian conflict and created fertile ground for jihadist groups like Islamic State.

In response to public demand for a proper study of why the nation went to war and why it was so bloody, the then Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, announced in 2009 that Sir John Chilcot, a retired senior civil servant (also termed a Whitehall mandarin), had been chosen to lead a formal Inquiry into the decision-making at senior levels in the runup to the invasion together with the involvement of the country’s armed forces and its aftermath including the post-war occupation.

Large numbers of the British public, as well as the families of the service personnel who were killed, perceived that former Prime Minister Tony Blair had gone to war under false pretences and that the sacrifice of their loved ones had been in vain. They therefore wanted to know the true circumstances.

Mr Brown gave assurances to Parliament that the Inquiry would be completely independent of government and impartial and objective.

Two earlier separate official Inquiries - by Lord Hutton and Lord Butler -

into the intelligence about • British troops were sent weapons of mass destruc- into battle ill-equipped for tion had shed light on how the task. the intelligence was drawn Specifically, Mr Blair was up and utilised by policy- criticised for deliberately makers. But their reports exaggerating the threat were judged to be inad- posed by Saddam Hussein equate and, essentially, a in making the case for miliwhitewash, so this time tary action. Despite warnsomething more compre- ings by the intelligence hensive was required with a agencies about the inadsuitably broad remit. equacies and unreliability After nearly seven years of their sources, he had dein preparation, partly due scribed the intelligence as to wrangles over the release “extensive, detailed and auof highly-classified docu- thoritative”, but fears were ments, publication of the expressed at the time that long-awaited Chilcot In- the intelligence was being quiry Report - 2.6 million “fixed around the facts”. words long, some 100 witSince he had a personal nesses, a cost of more than responsibility as leader of $10m - has been widely crit- the country to assess propicised for being shamefully erly the intelligence and late. But it has been almost information that he used to universally welcomed as a justify the war, it has been comprehensive, thorough, on this basis that he has detailed and informative been accused of misleading work which is also hard- Parliament and indulging hitting with no punches in deceit to sway sceptical pulled in its fearless censure public opinion towards faof those involved, not least vouring war. He has also Mr Blair himself who was been rebuked for operating severely castigated. a so-called “sofa-style govChilcot ernment” made clear ‘Sir John Chilcot’s while bythat his re- explosive and passing his mit did not own mininclude rul- excoriating report isters and ing whether delivered a damning ignoring the invasion verdict on Tony civil service was legal advice and since this Blair’s decision to the need for could only commit British troops decisions to be assessed properly to the US-led invasion be by a propdocumenterly consti- of Iraq. It contains ed. tuted and in- blistering criticism of At a press ternationally conference his decision to go to shortly afrecognised court. How- war on the basis of ter publicaever, he de- flawed intelligence tion of the scribed the report, Mr internal pro- and of a catastrophic Blair agreed cess of con- lack of planning for that he sideration of the aftermath.’ should have its legality challenged as “perfuncthe inteltory”. ligence claims but insisted Former United Nations that his decision to join (UN) secretary-general, the US in the invasion was Kofi Annan, had said that made in good faith. He exthe Iraq war was illegal be- pressed sorrow and regret cause regime change was for the mistakes made but the prime aim - and, most rejected claims that he had recently, the then Depu- lied. He also insisted that it ty Prime Minister, John was right to go to war and Prescott, has also contend- that the world was a better ed that the war was illegal place without Saddam Husand that, more broadly, the sein, so he still believed he Chilcot Report was a seri- had made the right decious indictment of Mr Blair’s sion. handling of the whole issue.

It now seems that, even Overall, Chilcot’s explo- though Mr Blair had given sive and excoriating report unqualified backing for the delivered a damning ver- war before the weapons dict on Mr Blair’s decision inspectors had completed to commit British troops their work (his personal to the US-led invasion. It memo to President Bush contains blistering criticism saying that he would be of his decision to go to war “with him, whatever” was on the basis of flawed intelligence, which had been described as sporadic and patchy, and of a catastrophic lack of planning for the aftermath.

The report’s main findings were: • The UK chose to join the invasion before peaceful options of disarmament had been exhausted so that military action at that time was not a last resort.

• There was no imminent threat from the Iraqi leader, Saddam Hussein, and judgments about the severity of the threat posed by Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction were presented with a certainty that was not justified because the intelligence was flawed and should have been challenged.

• Despite explicit warnings, the consequences of invasion, including sectarian violence, were underestimated and the post-war planning was wholly inadequate.

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FORMER United Kingdom Prime Minister Tony Blair speaks during the Presidential Leadership Scholars graduation on Thursday, July 14, at Little Rock Central High School in Little Rock, Ark. particularly damning), he may have tried to persuade the US president not to invade Iraq without proper UN authority though the latter, influenced by the right-wing hawks surrounding him, was determined to push ahead regardless.

It has also become clear that the UK’s influence on the US had been overestimated; for example, in relation to post-war planning when Mr Blair’s advice was largely ignored while the US pressed forward with disbanding the Iraqi army and security structures and removing Ba’ath party supporters.

So, what happens next?

It remains to be seen whether the bereaved families will follow through, after further study of the Chilcot Report, with their threatened legal action against Mr Blair.

More immediately, a motion to declare him guilty of “contempt” towards Parliament could, if successful, result in him being barred from public office.

A cross-party alliance of MPs is pressing for this process on the grounds that he deceived Parliament and led the country into an unnecessary, disastrous and bloody war under false pretences which caused thousands of lives to be de-

stroyed.

The Chilcot Inquiry has served an essential purpose not only in apportioning blame and responsibility for Britain’s involvement in the Iraq war but also in providing lessons for the future about the use of the machinery of government.

It has at the same time provided a form of closure for the families who demanded answers.

The result for Tony Blair himself is that his legacy has been irrevocably ruined.

• Peter Young is a retired British diplomat living in Nassau. From 1996 to 2000 he was British High Commissioner to The Bahamas.

PAGE 4 MONDAY, JULY 18, 2016

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

Haiti’s power-seeking politicians are running out of time World View

By SIR RONALD SANDERS

L

UIS Almagro, nessed events leading up to the Secretary- the February 5 Agreement General of the and its signing, I know the Organisation of terms of the compact very American states (OAS), well.

The interim government has told political stakeholders in Haiti, including the and the National Asseminterim government and bly have both played fast parliamentarians, that it is and loose with the Agreeimperative that they fully ment, causing datelines to assume their responsibili- be missed and leading to yet another constitutional ties towards the nation.

The Secretary-General’s impasse. It had been arsummons to the politicians gued, with justification, comes after weeks of parlia- by the Haitian Provisional mentary filibustering and a Electoral Commission that the suspicion failure either and claims to extend the ‘If the current of fraud tenure of the political logjam over the interim presifirst round dent, Jocel- is not unlocked, elections on erme Priv- tensions within October 24, ert, or elect Haiti itself will 2015, were someone in intensify, leading to so great that his place. election Privert’s political agitation, interim presi- violence and greater plans could not proceed dency effecwithout veritively ran out deterioration of fication of on June 14, the already fragile the results. a date set in economy.’

An Elections a February 5 Verification Agreement between the then Haitian Commission (Cieve), in President, Michel Martelly, an audit of 25 per cent of and members of the Sen- almost 13,000 tally sheets ate and lower house of par- from polling stations, found liament. At the time, Mr that there were 628,000 Privert was the President untraceable or “Zombie” of the Senate. He was a sig- votes among other major irnatory to the Agreement regularities. Consequently, that laid out a timeframe the Provisional Electoral for an interim government, Commission scrapped the and for second round elec- first-round elections and tions to be held to choose decided that a fresh poll a new President to replace would be held. I concurred Martelly, as well as to fill with that position on the bavacant seats in Parliament. sis that no President, elected As leader of a special OAS on what would be perceived mission to Haiti that wit- as a fraud, would be able to

IN this May 14, 2016 file photo, a supporter of the PHTK presidential candidate Jovenel Moise holds up a handmade sign with a message that reads in Creole; “Deputies and senators the responsibility is yours” during a protest march demanding the resignation of interim President Jocelerme Privert in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Haitians have experienced a long and frustrating time over concerns about the electoral process in the country. govern effectively. Better that doubt be removed, as far as it is possible, in new elections.

The Electoral Council set out clear timetables for fresh elections for the President, the remaining representatives for the National Assembly and municipal elections. Elections are to be held on October 9,

2016, and January 8, 2017.

In my World View commentary on June 13 “Let the voices of the Haitian people be heard”, I joined Mr Almagro in welcoming the publication of the Haitian electoral calendar, and in stating that “it is essential for Haiti to return to elected governance”. I warned then that there was “a further and immediate problem”. The February 5 agreement set June 14 as an end date for an interim President, elected by the National Assembly, and I stated that the National Assembly must waste no time in either extending Privert’s term or electing a new interim President.

A month has passed and the matter remains unresolved. Meeting after meeting has either been abandoned for a deliberate lack of a quorum or decisions have been put off. In all this, the Haitian politicians are running out of time.

The vast majority of member countries of the OAS want to see Haiti return to elected government. Further delays by the Haitian political stakeholders will result in losing their tolerance and support. The wider international community, especially the European Union (EU), is also losing patience. More importantly, if the current political logjam is not unlocked, tensions within Haiti itself will intensify, leading to politi-

cal agitation, violence and greater deterioration of the already fragile economy.

In a real sense, Haiti is back to where it was on February 5 when the departure of President Martelly was necessary to remove the blockage to an agreed process that would take the country back to elected rule and constitutionality. Martelly was sensible enough not to make himself the problem, but instead to become part of the solution by settling the terms of the February 5 Agreement and withdrawing. The time has come for similar action by others.

Mr Almagro is right to tell the Haitian politicians - on all sides of the divide - that they have to stop their political jockeying for power and put the interests of the nation first. To the Secretary-General’s credit, he did not jump to this public warning. Earlier this year, despite the view of the United States, Canadian and EU governments, he opted to give the Haitian interim government and National Assembly time to implement all the terms of the February 5 Agreement. He recognised the process “as an inclusive effort by all political parties, institutions and civil society in Haiti to overcome the political impasse”.

Haitian politicians also have to recall that their country is a member of international and intergovernmental treaty organisations, and that it has

THIS WEEK IN

committed itself to upholding democratic principles, including elected government and the rule of law.

Haiti’s special historical circumstances and the natural disasters that have befallen it have persuaded other nations to be more flexible and lenient in dealing with it. But, it could well be argued that the Haitian politicians have been given enough time and more than sufficient resources to put in place the structures of proper governance that the country requires.

The worst thing that could happen to Haiti now is for it to be isolated from the international community because of the actions of politicians who place their narrow interests over those of the Haitian people. The international community could reluctantly decide to walk away if it is forced to do so.

Time is running out. The members of the Haitian National Assembly should act with urgency to resolve the issue of the interim government, leading up to the elections. The future of Haiti and the wellbeing of the Haitian people depend upon it.

Sir Ronald Sanders is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States and the Organisation of American States.

The views expressed are his own. Responses and previous commentaries: www. sirronaldsanders.com

The Tribune

TODAY

your mind and body and women making waves in The Bahamas.

FRIDAY

Insight - new political movements are springing up everywhere in The Bahamas ... but what does it mean for the PLP’s election chances in 2017?

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

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

WEDNESDAY

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

Business - Guy Gentile, the owner of a Bahamianbased brokerage, claims the FBI are reneging on a deal for him to be a co-operating witness in exchange for fraud charges against him to be dropped. Neil Hartnell reports.

Sports - the Bahamas tennis team wins promotion in the Davis Cup after a successful week in Bolivia.

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

TUESDAY Woman and Health - weekly advice on taking care of

Tribune Tech - a weekly look at what’s new in the world of technology.

Plus Larry Smith’s forthright Tough Call column.

THURSDAY Obituaries and Religion, a weekly review.

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

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

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

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

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THE TRIBUNE

Monday, July 18, 2016, PAGE 7

DNA candidate: I’m not too young or too broke

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net THE Democratic National Alliance’s newly ratified candidate for Marco City yesterday defended his choice and qualifications to contest a seat in the next general election.

Nevar Smith, 29, released a statement on Facebook in response to criticism from some who said he was wasting time and money running for political office on a third party’s ticket. His credentials for seeking political office were also questioned.

“For all those who are concerned about my current career (and) employment status, I’m pleased to report that in addition to serving as the acting chief councillor for the City of Freeport, I also work to the Health Enhancing Pharmacy in the marketing department in addition to Mix 102.1FM as a radio talk show host for the last six years now,” Mr Smith’s

statement said.

“Just like many other Grand Bahamians, I too have struggled with the high rate of unemployment and under-employment that Grand Bahamians have had to endure for the last ten plus years. Yes, as an educated Bahamian it would have been easier for me to move to another island and take advantage of the career opportunities that exists in the hospitality industry but I made a deliberate decision to stay on my home island through the tough times and do everything within my power to make things better for myself and others that call this island home.

“Instead of reducing myself to a life of crime just to survive I decided to be resourceful and found creative ways to meet my obligations and not be a drag on society. We should never make our youth feel like they are unqualified to use their God-given gifts and talents to make a difference in their country just

because they may be struggling with the high unemployment rate around the country or because they are not connected to a certain family.

“I’ve intentionally devoted a lot of my time and energy to community development work over the last ten years of my life, not because I’m a lousy or lazy person, but I did it out of a deep desire to be a part of moving Grand Bahama forward instead of being another senseless critic that lacks the courage to step out of their comfort zone and selfless help others get ahead in life. My question is what are you doing to help solve the many problems that this island/country is currently facing?”

Mr Smith also shot down criticism that he is “too young or too broke” to make a difference, calling such commentary a “slap in the face” to young Bahamians struggling in the face of high unemployment.

“I’m thankful that my

leader and the other executives of the DNA would have given me a chance to serve my generation at this level even though I don’t currently have a lot of money or material possessions.

“I’ll continue to live my life with the highest level of integrity and keep my faith in Almighty God. I hope this settles that concern and now I eagerly await the next round of juicy gossip that I’m sure will hit the market in short order,” he said.

According to the latest figures released by the Department of Statistics last December, the country’s unemployment rate is 14.8 per cent. The youth unemployment rate is 30 per cent.

Last week, the DNA also announced that Leslie Lightbourne and Elkena Pinder have been chosen as the party’s candidates for Pineridge and East Grand Bahama, respectively. The party has ratified nine candidates so far.

NEVAR SMITH

YOUTH LEADER SUPPORTS GOVT ADVISORY ON TRAVEL TO US

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

Funeral Service For Eugene Benjamin Butler, 66

a resident of Boston, Mass. & formerly of Nassau, Bahamas will be held at Bahamas Christian Fellowship Center, Carmichael Road, on Thursday, 21st July, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. Officiating will be Apostle David Butler & Apostle Paul Butler, assisted by Rev. Dr. Ivan Butler, Jr., Rev. Timothy Stewart, Rev. Patrick Levarity, Rev. Edward Mortimer & Rev. Ivan Butler, Sr. Interment follows in Southern Cemetery, Cowpen & Spikenard Roads.

Left to cherish his fond memories his Children: Staff Sargent Omar Butler (South Korea), Rose Butler (Detroit, Michigan), Melissa Butler, Sheena Butler (Boston, Massachusetts), Benjanique Butler (Miami, Florida), Benique Butler (Miami, Florida); Grandchildren: Omarah Butler, Alyssa Darville, Pizzario Brennen; Brothers: Abraham Butler, Apostle Paul J. Butler, Apostle David S. Butler, Nathaniel and Michael Butler; Sisters: Louise Butler-Simmons, Mary Elizabeth Butler-McMinns; Nephews: Revaugh Simmons, Abraham Renaldo Butler (Richmond Virginia), Paul Butler Jr., Nathaniel Butler Jr., Kirk, Michael Butler Jr., Eugene and Matthew McMinns; Nieces: Dr. Jennifer Butler (Chicago, Illinois), Monique Butler, Michelle Butler, DeNisha Butler, DeNia Butler, and Keziah Butler; Sisters-in-law: Edith, Maxine, Rose, Jennifer Elaine, Katie Butler; Brothers-in-law: Tyronne McMinns, Harry Simmons; Uncles: Rev. Ivan Butler Sr., Arlington Miller and Willis Michael Levarity (Green Turtle Cay, Abaco); Aunts: Iris Miller, Adelaide Pinder, Erma Levarity Iteah Ritchie, Ruby Davis, Carnetta Rahming, Jocelyn Hanna and Minerva Benson (San Salvador, Bahamas) and Susan Rita Levarity (Green Turtle Cay, Abaco), Victoria Levarity (Grand Bahama); Other Relatives: Rose Smith Butler, Patricia Minus-Swaby; Friends: Constance Simmons, Sandra Redley, Maureen Lesbott, Rev. Dr. Ivan Butler Jr., Wrensworth Butler, Johnathan Butler, Chief Superintendent Samuel Butler, Nathan Butler, Rev. Emmanuel Butler, Earl Miller, Paul Butler (Detroit, Michigan), Steve Butler, Janet Ward, Williard Ward, Frank Ward, Anthony Boone, Apostle Clement Neely, Maxwell Bain, Arthur Levarity, Rudy Levarity, Tanya Levarity-Pratt, Malcolm Levarity, Rev. Patrick Levarity, Ademain Pinder, Alexian Pinder, Lester Levarity, Bernardo Levarity, Kirk Pedican, Willis, Dennis, Rontonio Levarity, Andre’ & Marie Lyvonne Thorpe (Detroit, Michigan) Christine Neely, Theresa White, Joan Smith, Ingrid Levarity, Virginia Rolle, Tanya Mackey, Una Delancy, Levinna Rolle,Alelia Adderley, Karen Green, Breanne Levarity, Cindy Levarity, LaTrese Torres, Robert and Cynthia Lightfoot, Selvina King, Edna Levarity, Myrtle Levarity, Wendell King, Donna Williams, Ralph Butler Jr., Princess Butler, Pastor Mavis Major, Deacon Harrison Butler, Stanmitz Butler, Marjorie McKinney, Attorney Jacinda Butler, Dr. Vidalia Butler, Dr. Sharmaine Butler, Attorney Truman Butler, Julie Curtis, Lanna Fernander, Winifred Thompson, Anthony Mckinney, Jan Davis, Andrew Mckinney, Terrance Major, Cordell Major, Ricardo Major, Shavonne Major, Garfield Butler, Attorney Sonia Serette, Cheryl Brown, Edward, Timothy, Pamrica Rodgers, Carriemae Hunt, Alvera Storr, Winifred Campbell, Superintendent Hendrick Nairn, Dilith Nairn, The Scott Family, Mr. Charles Sawyer, Rosemary Gibson, Elsa, Merrill, Kendall Levarity, Mark Levarity, Hiliary Deveaux, Attorney Rawson McDonald, Michael Adderley, Consul General to Washington D.C. Paulette Zonicle, Anthony “T.J” Johnson, Trevor Adderley, Charles Sturrup, Carlton Martin, Theresa Woodside-Spence, Jackie Knowles, Hon. Leslie Miller, M.P., Rev. Dr. Reuben Cooper Jr., Van Diah, Michael Cooper, Dr. Ronald Knowles, Hon. Perry Gomez, M.P., Dr. Franklyn Walkine, Daisy Almgreen, Jeff Williams, Calvin Knowles, Anthony Archer, Mark Clarke, Butch Burrows, Sen. The Hon. Greg Burrows, Charles Johnson, Roland & Emily Cox, Burke Williams, John “Moon” Archer, Gaye Knowles, Doris Barry, Bernal Bullard, Keith Cartwright, Sir Arthur Foulkes, Hon. Dr. Bernard Nottage, M.P., Clifton Colebrooke, Coors Light Softball Team, Black Skins Football Team, Ambassador Track Club, Lorenzo Lockhart, Samantha Sawyer, Rose Almgreen-Deal, The Church family of St. Peters Baptist Evangelistic Church, The Church family of World Outreach Christian Center Ministries, The Church family of Bahamas Christian Fellowship Center, The Church family of Kemp Road Ministries and others too numerous to mention.

Friends may pay their last respects at Demeritte’s Funeral Home, Market Street, from 12-5:00 p.m. on Wednesday & on Thursday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until service time.

THE government’s advisory warning Bahamians travelling to the United States to be cautious in the wake of recent police killings of black men was appropriate, a youth leader told The Tribune yesterday.

Delano Munroe, Youth Empowerment Programme (YEP) president and CEO, conceded that while crime in The Bahamas, particularly Nassau was a problem that would not be fixed overnight, the government was right in issuing its July 8 warning.

“Fred Mitchell, minister of foreign affairs, was absolutely correct when he issued the recent advisory warning to fellow Bahamians who frequently travel to the United States and who work and attend college and university abroad,” Mr Munroe said. “If the good minister of foreign affairs did not issue the travel advisory we should have been very concerned as citizens of The Bahamas.”

“On an annual basis hundreds of young people leave The Bahamas to attend college or university in the United States.

“An advisory such as what was issued sensitised our citizenry to the harsh reality of current and ongoing issues facing our black males in the United States.

It is my view that these issues will not go away any time soon as a matter of fact it may get worse before it gets better. It is our prayer

that it turns around soon for the better.”

Last Monday, just days after The Bahamas government issued its warning, the US Embassy in Nassau released its own advisory to American citizens living in the Bahamas or travelling to this country. That warning urged Americans to be vigilant of their surroundings in Nassau and on Paradise Island in view of the increased reports to US officials of armed robberies and violent crime.

Last week, embassy spokesperson David Allen insisted to The Tribune that there was no link to the July 8 advisory sent out by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Mr Allen explained that the embassy recently put its staff and their families on alert due to increasing reports of armed robberies, and as such was legally required to issue a similar message to its citizens.

On July 7, five police officers were killed and seven wounded during a protest in Dallas, Texas over the fatal shootings of two black men by the police – Alton Sterling in Louisiana, and Philando Castile in Minnesota.

Three other countries, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and New Zealand, have also warned their citizens travelling to the US to be careful in view of the incidents, according to international reports.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ warning went viral after it was issued and came under fire from American commentators who argue

that the notice was political - a claim Mr Mitchell has denied.

Mr Munroe, who has worked with young people for more than 15 years, said yesterday: “No amount of preparation or advisory can really prepare our people for situations they may encounter.”

“However the recommendation to cooperate fully with law enforcement officers if approached and to stay away and not participate in protest and demonstrations that don’t concern them is most appropriate,” he stressed.

“During the 30 week programme of the Youth Empowerment Program (YEP) we spend a signification amount of time preparing our students for the eventuality of attending school abroad and we really dive in and deal with most of the common complexities surrounding schooling in the USA. We also spend time in theoretical and practical lessons of conflict resolution and confrontation. Our students are better equipped to face the mounting challenges of living abroad and locally. It is not an easy process, we have seen through a proven tracking system that our students are less likely to get involved with domestic violence.”

On Sunday morning, three police officers were killed and at least three others were injured after shooters attacked them at a gas station near police headquarters in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

PAGE 8, Monday, July 18, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

RUBINS employee Pat Higgs was the centre of attention as a celebration honoured her 70 years of working for the company. A presentation was made to her to mark the work of Pat and fellow longserving employees on Saturday at the store’s Harbour Bay location.

Photos: Tim Clarke/Tribune Staff

HONOURING WORKER FOR 70 YEARS OF LOYALTY

TURNQUEST DEFENDS PROCESS OF PARTY DELEGATE SELECTION

from page one

Their comments came after some FNM insiders claimed the delegate list is disproportionate as the majority of them are open supporters of Dr Minnis, who is being challenged by Mrs Butler-Turner for the party’s top post.

It is also claimed that some supporters of Mrs Butler-Turner who fully expected to be named on the delegates list, including former party Chairman Darron Cash, were intentionally omitted.

This is a “systematic effort” on the part of the leader to “corrupt” the process, Mr Cash said on Friday. He accused Dr Minnis of engaging in “ethnic cleansing” with a view to purging the party of anyone who does not support him.

However, Mr Turnquest disagreed with these accusations.

“It is a very open and transparent process,” he said. “There are always going to be those who think

they ought to be selected, and with only six spots (per constituency) obviously people are going to be disappointed. This is a silly season we’re in so people will ascribe motive but the Convention Committee has been very deliberate about trying to be as inclusive as possible with all sides.

“So to the extent of transparency and fairness I believe we’ve done the best that we can. Obviously there will be contention because everyone wants an advantage but there are rules.

“Just because you were a delegate in previous years does not mean that you will be a delegate this year,” Mr Turnquest said. “Delegates are selected by the association in accordance with rules and conventions and each constituency has rules also.

“That is an open process and while some people may wish to be delegates, each constituency has only five delegates and a constituency representative, and then the national party officers.”

A total of 410 delegates

will have voting power at the FNM national convention on July 27 to 29 at the Melià resort.

When questioned about this by talk show hosts Quincy Parker and Adrian Francis, of the 96.9 FM radio show “Q and A,” Mrs Butler-Turner revealed her concerns about the process.

“I received last evening (Saturday) what I am told is the final list of delegates for the upcoming convention,” she said. “I am advised and I can see for myself that there have been some, what I would term, some irregularities with regards to the first tranche of delegates that I have seen sent to me.

I do have a team of individuals going through that list right now with a finetoothed comb, with that I want to leave it there.

“But I will say this much about process, we in the FNM have always used as our philosophy and our ideals of being a government in the sunshine. Transparency and accountability, anti-corruption is one of then pillars on which we

build governance in the Free National Movement.

I would like to say that if there are any types of shenanigans going on within the machinery of the FNM and it is found to actually be happening, that means that it is substantiated. I don’t know that it will be, but if it is, then clearly we will have to lay that blame at the foot of the leadership of this party. And clearly if you have anybody in the FNM aiming to lead a corrupt process in the party machinery then we have to look at how clean our hands will be in the governance of this country.”

FNM Senator Carl Bethel, who is chairman of the Rules and Credentials Committee, said the process for compiling the delegate list was fair.

“I am given to understand that the delegates list was complete but I have not seen it yet,” Mr Bethel told The Tribune on Friday.

“But all complaints were addressed. The associations have the procedures to determine who is chosen as

delegates. No one can tell them what’s fair and what’s not. Every delegate is a human being with their right to vote how they feel.

“Once the procedure is fair and proper, who can complain? We are involved in a political process so the people complaining need to go out and campaign.”

The Rules and Credentials Committee automatically presides over any complaints regarding internal party processes. Mr Bethel said it is bipartisan and operates on consensus.

Next week, Mr Turnquest and Dr Minnis will defend challenges from Senator Duane Sands and Mrs Butler-Turner respectively.

The leadership battle will be the focus of the highly anticipated national convention, the outcome of which is expected to quell the bitter infighting that has plagued the organisation for more than two years, and become increasingly public over the past several months.

Six out of ten FNM MPs have publicly expressed dis-

satisfaction with Dr Minnis’ leadership style and capacity, and as such, their political futures are believed to be uncertain if the incumbent leader is successful in defending his post.

Mr Turnquest told The Tribune yesterday that the fate of dissenting MPs was dependent on their own post-convention attitudes.

“What happens in that regard depends on what happens with leadership and the disposition of members after the convention,” he said. “We’re not in the business of excluding anybody that is qualified.

“I think that the main thing that we all have the focus on is the principles with which we fight. All contenders subscribe to the philosophy of the FNM and that will be the thing that bonds us together after convention.

“All will accept the results of the convention and will unite behind whoever the leader, deputy leader, and chairman is, because we have a common fight, common cause.”

500 SIGN UP AT FIRST MEETING OF THE PEOPLE’S MOVEMENT

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMAS Public Services Union (BPSU) President John Pinder says more than 500 membership applications were issued on Thursday night as hundreds gathered to attend the first meeting of the People’s Movement, a populist project that could morph into a political party.

Former Senator John Bostwick, one of the central figures in the People’s Movement, said the group’s origins grew out of sessions in which various members had participated before the June 7 constitutional referendum on Hard Copy, a local radio show hosted by media personality Steve McKinney.

“It is populist,” Mr Bostwick said yesterday. “Other parties highjack, kidnap, rape populism. How often do any of them speak to policy? The policies they speak to, is it damaging?

Is it for national development?”

Despite its populism, Mr Bostwick said the organisation will put forward serious proposals.

“It would be sad for anyone to think this group is not saturated with policy,” he said. “It’s sad to address any of us in that way.”

Mr Bostwick said political parties in this country are typically “impotent when it comes to policy and lack courage when it comes to the implementation of policy”.

With the group in its nas-

cent stage, it is unclear what precise policies it will champion, although Mr Bostwick said it will be guided by the popular principle of Bahamianisation, causing for greater Bahamian ownership and “sovereign independence”.

Others from the group at Thursday’s meeting included Ali McIntosh, Rev Patrick Paul, Paul Moss and Pastor Jeremiah Duncombe.

The group’s establishment and the sizable crowd it attracted at the Bahamas Communications Public Officers Union (BCPOU) hall was a reflection of dissatisfaction in the trajectory of the country.

Mr Pinder told The Tribune those who join the organisation will decide whether it should morph into a political party. Mr Bostwick suggested that this must happen for the group to have a significant impact.

“Nothing happens without central government involvement,” he noted.

“It’s difficult to talk about changes that would change monetary and fiscal politics without executive level involvement.”

Mr Pinder has also expressed hope that the organisation will be a vehicle for opposition parties around which to unite.

“All people said they were looking for a change because they are fed up with the status quo,” he said. “What surprised me is that they stayed at the meeting for the entire time. That was impressive.”

THE TRIBUNE

Child safety tips for summer

By Corporal 3011 Makelle Pinder DURING the summer, all too often children are being reported missing, indulging in questionable criminal, cyber and sexual activities or left at home alone by their parents, which has caused great concern about their welfare.

Remember, it is your parental responsibility to ensure that your children are safe and taken care of.

For this reason, to minimise these incidents, the Royal Bahamas Police Force National Crime Prevention Office has provided a few safety tips for both parents and children.

Parents • If for any reason you have to run an errand or go to work, ensure that you

Police advice

By CORPORAL MAKELLE PINDER

leave your children at home with a trusted adult or responsible teenager.

• Choose carefully the people you allow to have access to your children.

• If your child is missing, start to search as soon as possible and report it to the nearest police station.

• Never allow your child to solicit money or goods on the streets with bogus sponsor sheets.

• Teach your children never to talk to strangers or accept money and candies

from anyone.

• Teach your children about good and bad touches.

• Never leave your child alone near water.

• Don’t get drunk or take mind-altering drugs around your children.

• Don’t expose children to obscene language.

• Do not expose your child to illegal firearms. If you have a licenced firearm, ensure that it is properly secured.

• Don’t allow your chil-

dren to be involved in adult drama.

• Teach your children emergency numbers and important phone contacts.

• Limit your child’s exposure to mass media, such as certain television programmes, movies, social networks and popular explicit audio music and vulgar music videos.

• Teach your children about the importance of honesty and not stealing.

• Never allow your children to bring stolen goods into your home.

• Ensure that the parental controls are activated on your computer or tablet.

• Tell the truth, teach the truth, live the truth and demand the truth.

Children • Let your parents know where you are and who you

Monday, July 18, 2016, PAGE 9

are with at all times.

• Never use fake sponsor sheets on the streets or beg strangers on the streets.

• Never talk to strangers or accept money and candies from them.

• Tell an adult if you are being touched inappropriately.

• Be careful about what you watch on television or view on the internet.

• Never walk to camp or to the store alone.

• If at all possible try to walk with a group of friends.

• Never play with matches. Stay away from the stove and oil lamps.

• Stay away from negative activities and company.

• Stay away from firearms.

• Never bully other children and tell your parents or camp instructor if you

are being bullied.

• Don’t play with electrical appliances or outlets.

• Never play with sharp objects or firearms.

• If you can’t swim never run near swimming pools and stay away from wells.

Remember that children are precious gifts from God who should be loved and nurtured, not abused or neglected. Allow your children to be children.

Should you need more information on child safety or if you have information pertaining to any crime, contact the police at ‘919’ or Crime Stoppers at 328tips (New Providence), 1-300-8476 (Family Islands) or if you know of individuals who may be in need of counselling and emotional support please contact the Department of Social Services hotline 322-2763.

Minnis calls for details of Baha Mar negotiations

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis has renewed calls for the government to fully disclose the details of negotiations with Chinese stakeholders to complete and open the embattled Baha Mar resort.

Dr Minnis insisted that the government was engaged in “desperate dealings” to jumpstart the shuttered $3.5bn project.

“What we have now is the PLP engaged in desperate dealings with the Chinese that are clouded in secrecy,” he said in a statement on Friday.

“The PLP promised Baha Mar was going to lift our economy, that it would deliver 5,000 good paying jobs and help elevate our tourism industry. None of this happened, so why should Bahamians trust the PLP to negotiate a secret deal with the Chinese?

“What is this Government giving away? The Bahamian land, citizenship, taxes or what? The people have a right to know! Will Bahamians be employed to finish the construction? Will our Bahamian contractors get the money they are owed, or will the PLP sell Bahamians’ birthright out to the Chinese? We don’t know the answers to these critical questions because the PLP is hiding the details of their negotiations from the people.”

Baha Mar was initially

FNM leader Dr Hubert Minnis with supporters during his visit to Grand Bahama. expected to open in De- and complete the project as per cent, respectively, in 2014 and 2015. cember, 2014, but the prop- soon as possible.

Mr Christie said China “The Central Bank of erty is currently in receivState Construction En- The Bahamas confirmed ership.

Corporation what many of us already Last month, Mr Christie gineering revealed that two firms, one (CSCEC) along with the know - the continued failwith ties to Bahamian inves- resort’s general contractor ure of this Government to tors, have been shortlisted China Construction Amer- get Baha Mar open and opas the court-appointed re- ica (CCA), its subsidiary, erating is hurting our econceivers of the project move were also participating in omy,” he said.

“Their report noted many closer to deciding which the talks.

On Friday, Dr Minnis economic failings, includentity will acquire the West pointed to revelations from ing a real GDP decrease Bay Street development.

However, he said the fi- the Department of Statis- of 1.7 per cent, and placed nal decision is solely at the tics that indicate the Baha- the blame squarely on the discretion of receiver man- mas has been in recession Baha Mar debacle. It’s been agers who were in Beijing, for two consecutive years, over a year since Baha Mar China, at the time negotiat- with the economy contract- went bankrupt, yet in that ing a contract to remobilise ing by 0.5 per cent and 1.7 time this Government has

only offered up more empty rhetoric and a series of broken promises.

“None of which has put the 2,000 people who lost their jobs back to work, nor helped the Bahamian contractors that are owed tens of millions of dollars get what they are rightfully owed.”

Dr Minnis lamented that the stalled resort has become a testament to the continued failures of Prime Minister Christie and the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) administration.

“No doubt with an elec-

Photo: Yontalay Bowe tion around the corner they are in a feverish rush to seal a secret deal to get it open,” he said.

“Yet what will they give away to do it? The Bahamian people are tired of the secret deals being made by the PLP and their continued empty rhetoric and broken promises. The FNM stands for transparency and accountability.

Dr Minnis added: “We will work every day for the Bahamian people and work to create the jobs they so desperately need and deserve.”

ORGANISATION REACHING OUT TO HELP YOUNG PEOPLE

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE Reach Out Youth Organisation in Grand Bahama, which aims to help at-risk youth through its programmes, is struggling to fund its annual trip to Nassau next month and appealing for support from local businesses.

THE Reach Out Youth Organisation (ROYO) works through mentorship programmes and its “Scared Straight” prison tour programme. Every year, founder Dudley Seide and his wife, Katie, travel to New Providence with a group of young boys to visit the prison facility in Fox Hill to show them the consequences of crime.

The couple is preparing to take 30 boys aged 13 to16 from August 1 to 6 to Nassau, but is in need of funding for hotel accommodation and meals.

“We are experiencing some challenges because this year we lost one of our major sponsors who always assisted us with accommodations, and we need some help there,” Mr Seide said.

He explained that most of their resources have gone

into renovating the community centre on Banyon Lane which caters to children in the inner city areas of Freeport.

“Funding is down so we are making an appeal to corporate Grand Bahama for some assistance,” he said.

He thanked FES Construction, PharmaChem, and Jarol Investments, FOCOL, Grand Bahama Shipyard, Freeport Rotary Club and Quality Auto for their financial contributions.

However, they are still falling short of their intended financial goal. Mr Seide said that the children are looking forward to the trip, and also to defending their basketball championship titles at the annual “Peace on the Streets” basketball tournament hosted by Carlos Reid.

“Our organisation is the defending champs in the Under-13 and Under-16 boys age groups for two years in a row, and the kids are excited to go and defend their titles,” he said.

According to Mr Seide, the organisation has had a positive impact in the lives of young people in the community.

“Our prison tour pro-

gramme gives kids an up close and personal view of what prison life is really like, and so it means a lot to us when we can make the trip to Nassau so they can see the consequences of crime and making wrong decisions,” Mr Seide said.

He noted that since ROYO was founded in 2007, it has reached and

helped thousands of children through their young men’s conference and the mentorship, after-school and feeding programmes.

Mr Seide said two young men who attended ROYO are now in college: Travis Munnings, who is attending a Division One College playing basketball in the US, and Stanley Pierre,

who is studying law. He said a third, Lakieo Cooper, is now a police officer with the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

“We are happy that the ROYO is making a difference in the lives of young people and the wider community,” he said.

ROYO plans to hold a free summer camp, start-

ing on August 8, for three weeks at the community centre.

Senior Assistant Commission of Police Emrick Seymour and Ian Rolle, the Grand Bahama Port Authority president, are expected to visit the camp and speak with the students. Mr Seide said there is need for camp volunteers.

PAGE 10, Monday, July 18, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

Tackling health inequality

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

HEALTH Minister Dr Perry Gomez on Friday said the Christie administration is “committed” to ensuring the equitable distribution of health services in the country, which he claimed “is another step towards achieving universal healthcare in the Bahamas”.

Dr Gomez, addressing a seminar on ‘Health Equity in The Bahamas’ hosted by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and World Health Organisation (WHO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, said the reduction of health inequity Tn the Bahamas is crucial towards the eventual implementation of National Health Insurance (NHI).

Dr Gomez also said reducing health inequity is critical to “ensuring the equitable distribution of health services within the population as a whole”.

As such, he said Friday’s seminar, which highlighted the second of a two-day workshop, is a “sentinel moment” for the government, as he said one of its core goals is “ensuring that the health system’s strengthening programmes and policies make a significant improvement of the health and wellbeing of all citizens and residents of The Bahamas”.

“The socio-economic and political context in a country influences the social determinants of health, which in turn influences how equitable health and wellbeing is distributed amongst the population,” Dr Gomez said. “Health inequities manifest itself in the unequal way health services are accessed by people from different backgrounds, including income levels, race, ethnicity and gender, resulting in differences in health outcomes.

“As we move towards strengthening the health system, and improving governance in the health care sector, and achieving univer-

sal health coverage, through the implementation of national health insurance, it is important to identify the health and equality gaps and gradients which exist across the socio-economic spectrum in The Bahamas and to target policies and inter sectorial programmes to address health inequities where they exist.”

Dr Gomez acknowledged that to date there has been “limited research” done in The Bahamas on the existence of health inequities.

However, he said the results of the data analysis which were discussed during the two-day workshop summarise the “conceptual framework of inequity and inequality,” describe how the social determinants of health could result in health equity and affect achieving universal health, outline the country’s context for The Bahamas by using valid, reliable and existing high quality data sources to identify the existence and magnitude of health inequities in The Bahamas and, subsequently make for conducive discussions potential strategies to address the aforementioned.

“As such, this health equity report serves as an important baseline and a first step to develop a continuous system to monitor health inequalities with the purpose of informing policies, programmes and practices to reduce differences in health by the unfair and unjust. To reduce health inequity is another step towards achieving universal healthcare in The Bahamas.

He added: “This is a sentinel moment for my government because equity and equality are important indicators of human development.

Indeed this sentinel moment also comes at a pivotal time in the history of The Bahamas as we implement National Health Insurance and thereby providing our citizens with accessible, equitable and high quality healthcare, one of the most significant objectives of this government.”

MINISTER of Health Dr Perry Gomez (left) addresses the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation seminar on Friday at the British Colonial Hilton. Also pictured are: Maisie Evans, Permanent Secretary (Acting) Ministry of Health, and Peter Deveaux-Isaacs, Permanent Secretary, National Health Insurance.

Photo: Patrick Hanna/BIS

OSCAR-WINNING MOVIE TO BE SCREENED FOR FUNDRAISER THE SMB Care Foundation will screen the awardwinning “The Revenant” at its second SMB Flicks, a film fundraiser at The Island House Cinema, tomorrow night.

All the proceeds raised from SMB Flicks will help to underwrite the cost of colonoscopies for cancer high-risk individuals in need.

Colon cancer is the third deadliest cancer in The Bahamas, yet it is almost 100 per cent avoidable. A colonoscopy is considered one of the most effective cancer screening and prevention exams. During the procedure, a long, flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the rectum to inspect the inside of the colon. Colonoscopies help to save lives by detecting precancerous polyps that a physician can remove before the polyps become malignant.

The SMB Care Foundation has formed a relationship with the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) and a network of physicians to identify individuals in need

of colonoscopies and to provide the financial assistance to enable them to receive the procedure. A colonoscopy typically costs hundreds of dollars in the public system and thousands if conducted by a private physician.

The Bruney family launched the SMB Care Foundation in 2013 to celebrate the life of their mother, Dr Sharon M BascomBruney, who passed away after a seven and a half year battle with the disease. The organisation’s primary aim is to eliminate colon cancer in the Bahamas.

“We understand firsthand how heart wrenching colon cancer can be, not only for the diagnosed but for their loved ones as well,” said Corey Bruney, President of the SMB Care Foundation and Dr Bascom-Bruney’s eldest child. “That is why we started the SMB Care Foundation, to provide the extra support those suffering need so desperately and to prevent other families from experiencing the loss we did.”

Dr Bascom-Bruney re-

THE INAUGURAL SMB Flicks last year drew more than 70 to the Island House Cinema for a special film-screening fundraiser with all proceeds benefiting the SMB Care Foundation. ceived her first colonoscopy at 50, the recommended age to begin screenings at that time. She was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer - the most aggressive form - a year later. It is common for persons with colon cancer to experience

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no symptoms in the initial stages of the disease, which is why early screenings are important.

Physicians in The Bahamas now recommend regular screening beginning at 45 as one of the best ways to prevent or detect colon can-

cer. Standard preventative measures such as keeping a healthy weight, exercising, and decreasing saturated fat and red meat intake help to prevent colon cancer.

“The Revenant” will be screened at 7pm on Tuesday. Tickets are available

for a donation of $75, which includes complimentary wine and a gourmet platter prepared by Chef Gerald Rolle.

Tickets to SMB Flicks can be purchased by calling 502-9407 or emailing info@ smbcare.org.

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THE TRIBUNE

Monday, July 18, 2016, PAGE 11

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DRONE TEST FOR DEFENCE FORCE THE Royal Bahamas Defence Force made history last Friday as the Force conducted its first live feed aerial drone training exercises.

The Defence Force is in the process of developing an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Unit to join the fight to combat illicit

activities within the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

This advance measure will enhance the Force’s operational capabilities to allow drone operators to have a bird’s eye view of a targeted area. Another goal of the UAV Unit is to effectively assist in search and

rescue efforts.

Captain Tellis Bethel, Acting Commander of the Defence Force, and Acting Lieutenant Commander Derrick Ferguson, Commando Squadron Commanding Officer, pictured, viewed a live feed of a drone patrol from the Force’s Operations Command Centre.

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Vacation Packages

In Store Giveaways while supplies last To enter:

Fill out sales receipt with your name, address and telephone contacts. Drop receipt into the entry box at any Checkers Café location.

Contest Ends July 30th, 2016 *Some restrictions apply.

See store poster for details.

YES!

WANT TO TRAVEL THIS SUMMER?

*For qualified applicants. Terms and conditions apply.

Get Fast Approval on Personal Loans and Credit Cards * Enjoy low rates and $100 bonus!

YOU COULD

0 0 0 , 5 $ N WI DING MONEY SPEN

*

Plus get a MasterCard for travel expenses ®

1st year fee waived

LEADER IN PERSONAL BANKING SERVICES

WE’RE READY TO SAY “YES”!

VISIT OR CALL 242-502-6206