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VOLUME:114 No.164, JULY 19TH, 2017

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SPORTS: THE VERY BEST COVERAGE OF THE COMMONWEALTH YOUTH GAMES

‘We’re on target and ramping up’ Baha Mar claims 50% occupancy and 2,100 local staff

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

THE SLS Lux at Baha Mar is on track for an October or early November opening having met specific markers, according to Chow Tai Fook Enterprises (CTFE) Bahamas President Graeme Davis yesterday.

While several parts of the resort remain incomplete, Mr Davis said as it stands there are over 2,100 Bahamians and less than 100 expatriates working at Baha Mar. At present the hotel has a more than 50 per cent occupancy rate, Mr Davis said.

He spoke to reporters yesterday during a tour of the resort attended by Prime Minister Dr Hubert

Minnis, several Cabinet ministers, senators and other government officials.

“Right now, we are over 50 per cent occupancy which is excellent and as I said before ramping up quickly. So everything is as projected as we want (and) is ramping up properly making sure we are delivering an exceptional experience,” Mr Davis said.

“We are on track with our SLS opening. What you saw today is all of our furniture is here. We are just putting down a new floor, which takes very little time in making sure we are up and running.

“The official opening (date) we are looking at (is) late October or the first week of November.”

SEE PAGE SIX

SURPRISE BOB RESCUE PLAN WEEKS AWAY

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net THE Deputy Prime Minister yesterday pledged that a “comprehensive plan” to rescue Bank of The Bahamas will be unveiled by its August 2 shareholders’ meeting, the institution having “abandoned” its legal battle with the Central Bank.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

THE BAHAMAS LANDS FIRST MEDALS AT COMMONWEALTH YOUTH GAMES

MINNIS PLEDGES MINISTERS WON’T LINE OWN POCKETS

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis assured Bahamians under his watch no minister of the Cabinet will seek lucrative contracts for themselves because they are “very sensible”, as Baha Mar executives eye the completion of another phase of the West Bay Street project.

Despite the Free National Movement’s various negative pronouncements

while in opposition regarding the development, Dr Minnis took on a positive tone in referring to Baha Mar yesterday calling it an “excellent edifice” set to offer great opportunities for Bahamians.

The prime minister maintained the FNM always wanted to see Baha Mar open, while dodging questions on whether his administration was considering selling the development to another buyer.

SEE PAGE SIX

THE BAHAMAS team marches in for the opening of the sixth Commonwealth Youth Games last night. The team earned its first medals last night, earning two bronzes in judo.

Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff THE 6th Commonwealth Youth Games kicked off last night in front of a sparse crowd at the Thomas A Robinson Stadium, the start of the largest sporting event ever held in The Bahamas.

More than 1,000 athletes from ages 14 to 18 representing 65 countries will participate in nine sports over the next five days,

including swimming, athletics, beach soccer, beach volleyball, boxing, cycling, judo, rugby and tennis.

Not since the 1966 Commonwealth Games in Kingston, Jamaica has a Commonwealth Games event been held in the Caribbean. This is the latest international sporting event hosted here, flowing from the Christie admin-

istration’s efforts to boost sports tourism.

Youth, Sports and Culture Minister Michael Pintard told The Tribune the event will cost The Bahamas more than $7m to host.

“Our journey began three years ago when the government of The Bahamas, through the Bahamas Olympic Committee, for-

mally expressed an interest in hosting these games,” he said. “This has been a major undertaking that has required substantial financial resources, diverse talents from the private and public sectors along with the various sports federations throughout the country.”

SEE PAGES TWO & THREE

DOUBLE SHOOTING TAKES ANOTHER LIFE

TRIPLE RAPIST GUILTY OF ATTACKS ON GIRLS

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

ONE man is dead and another man is in hospital after they were shot yesterday afternoon while sitting outside a home off Nassau Street.

Police said one of the

men died after being shot while the other victim was chased by gunmen before he was wounded.

The killing took the country’s murder count to 75 for the year according to The Tribune’s records and marked the third murder in the capital since Saturday.

SEE PAGE FIVE

A FREEPORT man was found guilty on Tuesday in the Supreme Court of the rape and indecent assault of three underage girls – ages eight, seven and six.

The jury reached the ver-

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

dicts around 2.30pm after two hours of deliberation following a lengthy twohour summation of the case by Justice Estelle Gray Evans. The jurors found 34-year-old Anthony Smith guilty on all three counts.

Smith was charged with two counts of unlawful SEE PAGE FIVE

PAGE 2, Wednesday, July 19, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

SCENES from the opening of the Commonwealth Youth Games at the Thomas A. Robinson Stadium yesterday - which included a parade of teams, a Junkanoo rushout, fireworks and more.

Photos: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, July 19, 2017, PAGE 3

OFFICIALS and children of the late Thomas A. Robinson running with the Queen’s Baton at the start of the Commonwealth Youth Games last night as crowds came out for the occasion and teams got ready to do battle for medals.

Photos: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff

The Bahamas lands first medals at Commonwealth Youth Games from page one

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis at last night’s opening ceremony.

True to the spirit of the event, the opening ceremony was dominated by the music of the Bahamas All Stars and Urban Renewal youth bands which provided the musical backdrop to the entrance of the athletes into the stadium.

Bahamian artists Wendi, Dyson Knight, Rik Carey, Lady E and Julian Believe were also on the programme and the event was capped off by fireworks and a Junkanoo rush out.

“You are on a global stage,” Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, who was

warmly embraced by the crowd, said during the opening ceremony. “The world is your audience. Endeavour to do your best.”

He also said: “For many of you, this will be but a first step to greater glory in the years ahead. Names that will resound around this stadium will, hopefully, be the names that we will hear for years to come. “...Athletes, you are here because of the sacrifices that you have made and because of your determination and discipline. This has already made all of you winners and deserving of praise and admiration.”

Only a quarter of the

stadium was filled for the opening ceremony.

Despite this, Mr Pintard said ticket sales are “going well” with respect to a number of events. “I’m hoping that the public is going to turn out in good numbers,” Mr Pintard said.

Two sporting competitions, beach volleyball and judo, began before yesterday’s opening ceremony.

Kara Hanna, who won the Bahamas’ first medal, a bronze in the Judo +70kg event, was the Bahamian flag-bearer during the ceremony.

The sporting competitions over the next week are free to people under 18 .

PRESIDENT of the CYG Federation Louise Martin.

THE ENTRANCE of the Commonwealth Youth Games Flag, carried by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Rangers.

19th committee July 2017 Wellington Miller.

CHAIRMAN of the Wednesday, local organising

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PAGE 4, Wednesday, July 19, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

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

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Publisher/Editor 1903-1914

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Publisher/Editor 1919-1972 Contributing Editor 1972-1991

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Princess Margaret Hospital destroyed by ‘dumb’ decisions DR Charles Clarke, former president of the Bahamas Doctors Union and defeated PLP candidate for St Anne’s in the recent general election, took issue with Health Minister Dr Duane Sands for the way in which he handled the recent flooding crisis at the Princess Margaret Hospital.

Dr Clarke was also miffed with Dr Sands’ reference to previous administrations’ decisions for the management of the hospital as “dumb.” He claimed that the problems Dr Sands is now experiencing have been around for “many, many years” — in other words, Dr Sands, get used to it and be content to accept in silence your lot in a sinking canoe.

“To the matter of vendors stopping medication or those who have threatened to withdraw services,” sneered Dr Clarke, “guess what? This was a situation previous governments have faced.

It’s now your time and guess ‘it’s the people’s time’ so what are you going to do, Bro?” Well, Dr Clarke, for once this “Bro” is going to stop fooling the people. Our new “Bro” is going to tell it like it is and place blame where blame is due.

Yes, it is true – the PMH’s problems have been around for many, many years made worse by the “dumbness” – yes, DUMB writ large — of previous PLP administrations, particularly the administration that the Bahamian people have just dismissed with a D grade — yes, D as in Dumb.

Last week, flooding —which could have been avoided had timely repairs been done – put the CAT scan and ultrasound machines out of commission – resulting in significant delays to those needing diagnostics.

Dr Sands faced a dilemma — a dilemma almost without reasonable solution. In addition, he said, there were no available beds on the female medical ward and unfortunately some patients had to sleep in cots in hallways because “there was just no room”.

Dr Sands had to make changes and adjust times for patients’ in need of urgent care in an attempt to do the impossible in an impossible situation.

Dr Sands was faced with a situation in which 67 hospital beds had been out of commission for many months.

Work on wards, in desperate need of renovations, had been stopped because funds allocated for their repair were diverted by the PLP government for other projects throughout the islands.

Remember an election was just around the corner and there were other Bahamians who had to be hoodwinked into voting PLP. He was also faced with a letter still hanging in limbo from Mr Herbert Brown, Managing Director, of

the Public Hospitals Authority, begging for funds owed for the repair of the badly damaged hospital.

“I must also again, draw your attention to my communication dated November 30, 2016,” wrote Mr Brown to the then PLP administration, “regarding Hurricane Matthew claims totaling $920,733.70 of which $642,567.70 related to critical capital works, including roof repairs for the Princess Margaret Hospital and the Rand Memorial Hospital. This matter is of major concern as we have yet to receive the required funding and we are days away from the commencement of the 2017 hurricane season. Hence, I am again urging that the requested funds be provided so that we may carry out repairs to our facilities to ensure that they are all in a state of readiness.

“Your usual prompt attention to these matters would be greatly appreciated,” he concluded.

Mr Brown certainly got their usual “prompt attention” - nothing was done and an educated guess would be that not only was nothing done, but his pleas were probably not even acknowledged.

Yes, as Dr Clarke says, the problems now facing Dr Sands have been around for “many years.”

In this column tomorrow, we shall take you back to the the opening of the Christie administration when the PMH’s state of the art critical care unit was nearing completion for an October, 2012 opening.

However, the election came in May of that year when the Ingraham administration was removed and the much needed extra beds provided in the new unit also vanished — the Christie regime had taken over.

The much-needed extra beds were soon turned into plush administration offices for top staff and the 52-week nurses training course, on its completion, was terminated and the Bahamian nurses, now trained, were released or terminated.

All the political promises of first class critical care for indigent Bahamians is “just not so,” said one doctor at the time. “It’s a tragedy, but it‘s just not so.”

He doubted that the intensive care unit would be open to full capacity before the end of the year because of “lack of planning, the diversion of funds to other things, procurement problems, redesign of valuable space and making changes so that their people could get financial benefits”.

Ever heard that story before, Dr Clarke? In our opinion, Dr Sands was more than justified in calling these decisions “dumb”.

In our opinion, they were more than dumb – they were made by selfish politicians, interested in their own aggrandisement and not in the needs of the Bahamian people. But more tomorrow.

Miller’s expertise EDITOR, The Tribune.

Re: Miller: Govt should consult predecessors in bid to lower electricity bills.

The Tribune, July 11, 2017.

ONE well-known trick some freeloaders repeatedly use to lower their

electricity bills is to simply avoid paying them.

Bearing in mind Mr Miller’s unforgettably compassionate tenure at BEC, it’s quite possible he has expert knowledge on this ploy.

If consulted by Govt, he may be willing to recommend a kindly way to manage such parasites, and thus

improve BPL bill collections.

This in turn should increase revenue and might result in lower bills for all of us.

KEN W KNOWLES, MD Nassau, July 13, 2017.

Time for a domestic terminal EDITOR, The Tribune.

The time is long past for air transport officials to recognise that there is such a thing as domestic air travel in this country.

We have copied a US system which basically sees no need to segregate international and domestic flight operations. Not surprisingly, the US is almost alone in the world in clinging to this protocol.

I accept that our hands are tied by convention and direct mandates from foreign governments and that we must impose stringent security screening on international travellers. But where in the rule book does it say we must exact the same protocols for granny going from Nassau to Long Island?

When we opened the new airport to great fanfare in 2013 we migrated the peacefully co-existing domestic and international operations into a monolith amalgamated two-pronged system – one building for US departures and another for ALL other departures. Whether you are headed to the busiest airport in the world, London Heathrow, or simply skipping 45 miles to Andros you are subjected to the same protocol at LPIA. It gets worse coming back to Nassau if you happen to be embarking from a Family Island airport with just one US bound departure a day.

This must stop. Canada which, like us, has US pre-clearance facilities and a big domestic market has specific domestic terminals. Security isn’t non-existent in domestic terminals, it’s just more

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net matched to the perceived threat levels.

We know that by far the Bahamas has more airports than any other country in the entire Caribbean. We also know that the Nassau-Freeport route is one of the busiest air corridors in the region outmatched only by the Trinidad to Tobago air bridge. There they carve out domestic sections and the security personnel are more concerned with stopping drunk fliers from boarding aircraft than with whether their beverage flasks have three ounces of liquid or less.

Imagine being asked for your passport in order to board a flight from Nassau to Cat Island? The driver’s licence was eventually accepted as proof of ID but with the ticket agent admonishing the passenger quote “you can’t trust road traffic with these driver’s licence so make sure bring ya passport next time”.

The agent, though insultingly wrong, was perhaps doing the passenger a favour because moments later in the security line to get into the boarding area, an officer was asking again to see a passport, something he had rightly demanded from the Canada-bound passengers in the same line.

If we had a domestic terminal this would fall by the wayside. And it would probably make domestic air travel much cheaper. The airport charges operators a stiff rent to use the new facilities. Some of the rent is probably needed

to help cover the cost of all those security officers demanding passports of Family Islanders trying to go home and Nassauvians trying to escape for the weekend.

Once you get inside the departure hall, it’s a half mile walk over to where the domestic terminal used to be because they still park the airplanes for domestic flights in the same old place.

The government hasn’t said what its master plan is for developing the airport but here’s a thought. Why not renovate the old building and make it a terminal for domestic flights only? It could be a fast-in-fast-out affair where the airline need only ensure you have a booking and then send you on your way with a cursory security screening, not the strip-to-your-bare feet shakedown that the international travellers get.

Likewise coming back. At Family Island airports build an impenetrable security wall to segregate the domestic from the international outbound passengers, just as you are required to do with inbound international passengers who must present themselves to customs and immigration.

The only thing on the minds of arriving domestic passengers should be whether Miss Suzie’s crab bag burst and the crabs are swarming the conveyor belt, as has happened recently.

The solution must be better baggage acceptance procedures, not simply to mix up some dough to go with all that crab fat.

THE GRADUATE Nassau.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, July 19, 2017, PAGE 5

Double shooting takes another life from page one Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Stephen Dean said the latest shooting incident is in line with a recent trend of persons, either out on bail or wanted by police, being “gunned down on the streets.”

While he could not confirm if any of the victims were currently out on bail, he said they were both “well known to police.”

When The Tribune arrived on the scene shortly after noon, family members of the victims were on the ground screaming uncontrollably.

A Royal Bahamas Defence Force officer, who is believed to be a brother of the murdered man, had to be carried away by his squad mates after attempting to run to the dead body several times.

Police have not identified the victim, but The Tribune understands he is Jermaine “Beanie” Bain.

“Police are looking for four male occupants of a silver or greyish coloured Teana vehicle, who are responsible for this latest shooting incident. We are asking members of the public who may know the whereabouts of this vehicle to come forward and call us please,” Senior ACP Dean said.

“Shortly before noon, two males were sitting in a yard through Quarry Mission Road when this vehicle pulled up. The four males exited the vehicle with firearms and opened fire on them. The two men were shot,” he said.

“One of the males died on the scene, the other was chased a bit and shot. He was taken to hospital in a private vehicle, where he is listed in critical condition...

Preliminary reports indicate that these men might have been in and out of the system.

“We have to confirm to determine their status, whether they are on bail or not but we can tell you our recent shootings, the trend we continue to see are persons in and out of the system, who have either been recently released from prison or who were wanted suspects,” said the senior police officer.

As of this time last year, the country recorded 62 homicides, according to The Tribune’s records.

Senior ACP Dean said despite the recent uptick in homicides, police have increased their presence in high crime areas. He asked the public not to give up on the RBPF. “We want the public to know we are on top of this,” he said.

“We are confident based

THE SCENE after a murder yesterday on Quarry Mission Road, off Nassau Street, where two men were shot, one of the men dying from his injuries.

Photos: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff The murder came one said he is sure National on our investigations and crime briefs we are recovbased on the support that ering a number of firearms. day after a man died in Security Minister Marvin we are getting from the That is because our intel- hospital after being shot Dames will be aggressive in public and what we are get- ligence on the ground is Sunday night off Robinson rolling out the party’s crime plan. There have been 22 ting on the ground that we working, but we want to re- Road.

That incident took place murders since the Free Nawill have the suspects in- assure members of the pubvolved in the latest murders lic and ask them to main- shortly after 10pm. Police tional Movement’s win on in custody soon but we can- tain their confidence in the said the victim was walking May 10, according to The RBPF because our officers on Third Street in Coconut Tribune’s records. not do it alone.

“We have increased our are on the road 24/7 ensur- Grove, off Robinson Road operations in these and oth- ing that we keep our streets when a man approached er areas in New Providence, safe from these criminal el- him, armed with a handgun.

The suspect shot the victim because if you look at our ements.” before fleeing the area in an unknown direction.

The victim was taken to hospital in a private vehicle, where he was initially listed in serious condition.

However, he died of his injuries early Monday morning.

Police arrested a suspect Monday afternoon in connection with the death.

In late May, when asked about concerns over violent crime, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said “there is a sense of calmness” hovering over the country after his party’s crippling defeat of the Progressive Liberal Party.

However, at the time he

TRIPLE RAPIST GUILTY OF ATTACKS ON GIRLS from page one

sexual intercourse involving two minors — ages eight and seven-years-old — between January 1 and February 29, 2016.

He was also charged with the indecent assault of a sixyear-old girl between January 1 and February 29, 2016.

Carlson Shurland represented Smith. Erica Kemp of the Office of the Attorney General prosecuted on behalf of the Crown.

Smith denied the charges against him.

Before the case was turned over to the jury for deliberation, Justice Evans told the panel Smith was presumed innocent and the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he committed the offences.

“Anthony Smith has nothing to prove. You cannot find him guilty…because of the weaknesses in the defence, but rather on the strength of the prosecution’s case,” she said.

She advised the jurors that they must consider each of the counts separately.

“If in fact, you find Smith guilty of one count, it does not mean you have to find him guilty on the other counts,” she explained.

Justice Evans told jurors that a unanimous verdict was not mandatory in the case, but that they must re-

ANTHONY Smith was convicted in the Grand Bahama Supreme Court of two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse and one count of indecent assault of three underage girls. A jury of six women and three men returned with the verdicts after two hours of deliberation on Tuesday. A sentence hearing is set for October 24.

Photo: Derek Carroll turn a verdict where at least Justice Evans told the acsix must agree. cused he was convicted of She said a true verdict all three counts. Mr Shuris 9-0 guilty or not guilty; land requested a probation8-1 guilty or not guilty; 7-2 ary report on behalf of his guilty or not guilty, and 6-3 client before a sentence is guilty or not guilty. passed.

When asked by the court Prosecutor Erica Kemp clerk if they had reached a also asked that a psychiatric verdict, the jury’s forewom- report be conducted as well. an said the panel had.

There was no objection by The jury brought back defense counsel, and the a verdict of 9-0 guilty on matter was adjourned for count one; and 7-2 guilty on sentencing on October 24 counts two and three. at 10am.

PAGE 6, Wednesday, July 19, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest touring Baha Mar yesterday.

Photos: Peter Ramsay/Bahamas Information Services

‘We’re on target and ramping up’ fro m page o ne Asked to reveal which markers have been met to support the opening, he said: “Right now in the planning community we have exceptional feedback.

We have been open over 60 days, over $75m already in prospects right now for visitor revenues for group business.”

He continued: “Right now we are hosting the Bahamian team for the Commonwealth Youth Games, which we are very excited about as well as our transient customers enjoying some great sun on the beach and our casino and other amenities. So we are right on target.

“We have over 2,000 associates and growing rapidly. We will be at about 4,000 by year’s end. We are over 2,100 in Bahamian and less than 100 in expatriates.

“And again our expatriates are here to make sure we deliver on some of that branded services (and) some of the skills. You saw the noodle chef (and) some of those exceptional and detailed areas that they are focused on to make sure that they are training Bahami-

ans for the future.”

He said currently 10 restaurants and lounges are open for business in the resort.

Last month, Tribune Business reported that Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar revealed Baha Mar was targeting just a 25 per cent average occupancy rate for 2017.

At the time, Mr D’Aguilar said: “Their plans are to continue to very slowly open up the property. Their goal was 25 per cent occupancy for the year, and then in the first quarter of next year to begin to complete the opening of the fourth property, the Rosewood.

“The marketing campaign will be rolled out as rooms come on stream.

They believe that’s the best way to do it.”

Baha Mar’s relatively low occupancy rate target for 2017 is not necessarily surprising, given that just the casino and associated hotel, plus the convention centre, were opened in late April. The remaining room inventory, represented by the SLS and Rosewood properties, is set to come on stream when these resorts open in late 2017 and by April 2018, respectively.

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis being shown around Baha Mar yesterday.

MINNIS PLEDGES MINISTERS WON’T LINE OWN POCKETS fro m page o ne

Dr Minnis refused to respond when he was asked for the government’s position on Baha Mar’s original

developer Sarkis Izmirlian’s call for a moratorium of the resort’s sale to Chow Tai Fook Enterprises (CTFE).

He spoke to reporters following a walkthrough of Baha Mar yesterday.

“My Cabinet ministers are very, very sensible,” Dr Minnis said when asked

by The Tribune if he could assure Bahamians that no ministers would seek lucrative contracts for them-

selves. “They won’t. You can be very sure of that.”

He also said: “Pre and post-election we have always said we would like to see Baha Mar open. We think it would benefit the Bahamian populace, benefit the economy (and) provide jobs.

“I think (from) the tour you would notice that my entire Cabinet and senators and members of Parliament are present. We are all engaged in the tour. I think it’s an excellent edifice that would offer great opportunities for Bahamians.

I think we would be very pleased once (it is) completed. The restaurants I think many of them are already complete and you can see the environment is very inclusive and friendly.

“What is most significant to me is that they will engage Bahamian artists (and) entertainers. We’ll have Bahamian bands working in the hotel using a lot of the Bahamian art work that is very, very encouraging.

“Baha Mar personnel are in discussions with the National Training Agency so engaging those individuals and you would know exactly what are their needs and desires and we’ll ensure that we have Bahamians trained in that particular area so as to maximise Bahamian employment within the Baha Mar product.”

Dr Minnis said now that he has seen the progress of Baha Mar, his only concern is that it opens as soon as possible to aid in providing

jobs and boosting the Bahamian economy.

He was adamant yesterday that his administration has not considered the next course of action should China Construction America miss its October deadline.

“We don’t think of failure. That’s a negative view.

We are always thinking of success,” Dr Minnis said.

In response to questions of his relationship with CCA and Baha Mar management, Dr Minnis said: “I am a very, very approachable and friendly individual and I am friendly with everybody.”

When asked whether he received assurances from Baha Mar executives that they will meet the October 15 deadline for the SLS Lux’s completion, Dr Minnis said: “We’re only assured that the project will eventually open and employ Bahamians. That’s what we are more concerned about and we would hope that it opens as quickly as possible.”

In March, Dr Minnis pledged his party would “engage and execute a real sale” of the resort “to a qualified and respectable purchaser who believes in Bahamians” if the FNM won the May 10 general election.

In a statement posted on his Facebook at the time, Dr Minnis also said this buyer would use only Bahamian labour to complete the beleaguered resort, while again promising that his party would

make public the details relating to the Baha Mar deal and any other government dealings with Chinese investors.

Meanwhile in April, emails exclusively obtained

by The Tribune showed from as early as 2013, former Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald was seeking to secure millions of dollars in brokerage, trucking, and limousine contracts for his family’s business at Baha Mar while he sat in Cabinet.

Mr Fitzgerald - the former Marathon MP - appeared also to be requesting $20,000 a month from Mr Izmirlian, citing the expenses that were necessary to cover the cost of his father’s medical treatment.

In an email dated May 18, 2013, sent to Mr Izmirlian by Mr Fitzgerald, with Quentin Porter, Shelly Curtis and Alarice Fill copied, Mr Fitzgerald indicated his readiness to start brokerage and trucking services for the Baha Mar project and remain the brokers of record for the property.

He also made a request of Mr Izmirlian for limousine services at Baha Mar, as he touted the level of clientele with which his family’s limousine company was familiar.

Mr Fitzgerald later admitted to seeking the contracts for his family’s business, but said he has no contract with Baha Mar and its affiliates.

PAGE 8, Wednesday, July 19, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

Dames tells Cash to get the facts before criticising over Greenslade

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames yesterday dismissed suggestions by former Free National Movement Chairman Darron Cash that Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade’s reported impending removal may be politically motivated, calling the claims “nonsense” and urging Mr Cash to “get the facts” before he speaks.

However, Mr Dames remained tightlipped on Commissioner Greenslade’s future as head of the Royal

Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) when questioned by reporters before a Cabinet meeting yesterday, only stating: “I have said over and over I have no comment, no further comment on the matter, and that’s it.”

On Monday, The Tribune reported that Commissioner Greenslade has been offered the post of high commissioner to London and is reportedly set to be replaced by Deputy Commissioner Anthony Ferguson as head of the RBPF. Mr Cash subsequently criticised the FNM government over the revelations, and said Mr Dames’ “mums

the word response” on Commissioner Greenslade’s fate is “troubling” to him.

While adding he is not a fan of Commissioner Greenslade due to the way the RBPF treated him during an investigation into leaks of information relating to Bank of the Bahamas in 2014, Mr Cash suggested the optics of removing the police chief will make it hard for his successor to appear to be politically neutral.

When questioned on the matter yesterday, Mr Dames said: “It’s nonsense.

Get the facts before you speak.”

When prodded by reporters on Commissioner Greenslade’s future, Mr Dames said: “I continue to address this, and we still are where we are. I have no comment on the matter.”

On Sunday, The Tribune was also informed that Deputy Commissioner Emrick Seymour, now in charge of Freeport, will be transferred to Nassau as deputy commissioner.

Former Assistant Commissioner of Police Paul Thompson, meanwhile, said he is “very disappointed” over reports that Commissioner Greenslade is being “forced out” of the RBPF.

“I am hoping it is not so because Mr Greenslade has done an excellent job,” Mr Thompson said on Sunday.

“If you look at his record, as far as what he has done with the detection of crime, it is commendable. He is doing his job and he is doing it well.”

Commissioner Greenslade was appointed the sixth commissioner of police on January 4, 2010, after serving as the deputy commissioner of police from January 1, 2009, upon completion of a one year secondment with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Mr Dames also took part in this training in Canada when he was a member of the RBPF. In January 2009, Mr Dames, then senior assistant commissioner of police, was appointed commander for Grand Bahama.

Mr Dames was later promoted to deputy commissioner while Commissioner Greenslade ascended to the RBPF’s top post.

Mr Dames quit the RBPF in May 2011 to take up a post at the Baha Mar resort.

He won the Mount Moriah seat in the House of Assembly in the May 10 general election.

HANDS-0FF PLEDGE OVER ROLE OF POLICE ANTI-CORRUPTION UNIT

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

NATIONAL Security Minister Marvin Dames has dismissed claims that the Minnis administration is ordering the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s AntiCorruption Unit to solely target members of the former Christie administration, as he insisted: “We’re not investigating, the police are.”

Mr Dames, in an interview with The Tribune, said there is “no need to be concerned” over potential bias in the RBPF’s Anti-Corruption Unit, as he said the police “are free to investigate whatever they want to investigate,” and the “framework” exists for police to investigate any matters of alleged impropriety against any public official.

Mr Dames also dismissed suggestions that the RBPF’s new unit only investigates matters that occurred within the five years under the former PLP government.

To that end, Mr Dames cautioned members of the public not to be pulled into a “political tug-of-war” on the issue.

Mr Dames’ statements come amidst concerns in some circles, most notably those associated with the

PLP, that the RBPF’s AntiCorruption Unit is merely a tool that the Minnis administration is using to conduct a “witch hunt” for members of the former Perry Christie-led government.

When questioned by The Tribune on the AntiCorruption Unit’s scope of operations, and whether it extends beyond investigating former government officials, Mr Dames responded by saying: “Any matters that come before it, it will investigate it.”

“There’s no need to be concerned whether there is a level of bias,” he continued. “We’re not investigating, the police (are). Ours is that we (the FNM) said that a part of our platform will be that we will tackle corruption in all sectors. That’s what we said. Our expectation now, is that we expect the police to follow our policies. And so they’ll have to do whatever they need to.

“We talked about introducing anti-corruption legislation, that will come very shortly. And so while we await that there is a framework for the police to investigate.

“I don’t know why one would think now it’s tainted with bias. Police are free to investigate whatever they want to investigate. One of the things that we have to be careful of in this country is

we have to be careful not to allow ourselves to be pulled into a political tug-of-war.

That because the opposition says ‘oh, it’s politically driven’, and then everyone says ‘oh, maybe it’s politically driven’. Where is the evidence?”

When pressed by The Tribune on whether the Anti-Corruption Unit is restricted to investigating alleged instances of impropriety that occurred during the Christie administration’s most recent stint in office, Mr Dames said: “They don’t have a cutoff period. The police have a mandate and theirs is clear, it’s articulated in law, and their responsibility is to follow that mandate. There is no cutoff period for anything. They investigate, determine whether evidence exists, and where it exists then they take the necessary course (of action).”

For several months before the May 10 general election, stamping out acts of corruption was a common theme upon which now Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis capitalised.

Since the FNM took office, claims of wrongdoing allegedly committed under the former Christie administration have continued to surface. Last month, the RBPF’s Anti-Corruption Unit was said to be investi-

gating 11 files from various government departments and public corporations.

When questioned by a reporter for an update on the investigations, Mr Dames said: “That’s entirely up to the (RBPF) to bring you up to date on.

“I know they have quite a bit of matters before them that would have been reported and matters that

would have come to their attention,” he added. “The commissioner had indicated some time ago that they continue to investigate, and you know the job of law enforcement is to investigate.

“At the end of the day there may be some matters where they see that there is not sufficient evidence to proceed, and then there are other matters where

they will decide that it is necessary to put before the courts, (where) there is sufficient evidence.

“This is nothing new and the police force continues to work with the office of the attorney general on these matters. And so we’ll all sit and wait and see what the determination would be in relation to all of these matters that are before them.”

mous National Intelligence Agency” as one of the “key planks” in its crime strategy.

Last month, Mr Dames revealed during an address in the House of Assembly the government had disbanded the agency, primarily because it was operating without a legal framework since its inception.

At the time of the announcement, the Mount Moriah MP insisted whenever the NIA is mentioned again, it will be once laws were in place to govern the agency which he called an intelligence agency in name only.

Asked of the agency’s

future prospects by reporters, Mr Dames stated yesterday: “We said on our platform leading up to the general election that we will bring legislation, that we will enact legislation that will establish a fully functional, a fully autonomous National Intelligence Agency.

“We are committed to that as a government, that is one of the key planks in our crime fight, and you should be seeing something shortly.”

When later asked if the Minnis administration had now found merit in reestablishing the agency, Mr Dames insisted some-

thing like the NIA would serve an ideal purpose if established in a “proper way”.

He said: “When you establish an agency like this, it should be accepted by all within the law enforcement community, there should be a clear mandate as to what the unit function ought to be.

“The unit, because it’s a national intelligence unit, ought to have relations with other law enforcement entities outside of the jurisdiction of the Bahamas, and it must be accepted.”

The NIA was intended to be an intelligence gathering hub where law enforcement

agencies would combine their efforts to pinpoint and address threats to the country’s national security. It was launched by the Progressive Liberal Party shortly after the 2012 general election.

In the past, former Long Island MP Loretta ButlerTurner accused the PLP of “running a spy agency with no clear legal footing and no accountability.”

The Christie administration denied that the NIA was spying on civilians.

While in opposition, Free National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis called on the former government to shut down the NIA.

Despite frequent promises, the Christie administration never brought legislation to Parliament to govern the NIA. In defence of the agency, former State Minister for National Security Keith Bell last month claimed the Christie administration created the NIA after considering a number of serious, terrorist-like threats that threatened The Bahamas.

Mr Bell also said the NIA did not require legislation to function.

He further warned the Minnis administration was making a “grave mistake” disbanding the agency.

MINISTER of National Security Marvin Dames.

Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff

STEPS TAKEN TO INTRODUCE LEGAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

DESPITE officially disbanding the National Intelligence Agency last month, National Security Minister Marvin Dames said Tuesday the public could see a revamped version of the controversial agency shortly.

Making a clear distinction between the structure put forth by the former Christie administration and what the Minnis regime intends to implement, Mr Dames said the government has long viewed “a fully functional, a fully autono-

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STATE-RECOGNISED FUNERAL FOR ADDERLEY THE Cabinet Office announced Tuesday a staterecognised funeral will be held for Cleophas Adderley Jr, OBE on Saturday.

The service will be held at 10am at Christ Church Cathedral on George Street.

A memorial service will take place on Thursday at 6.30pm at the Church of the Most Holy Trinity in Stapledon Gardens.

It was also announced that Mr Adderley’s body will lie in repose on Friday from 9am – 5pm at the Church of the Most Holy Trinity.

Viewing for the general public will be from noon5pm on Friday.

Mr Adderley, 62, died on July 5 after a long illness.

An accomplished composer, he was the founder and di-

rector the Bahamas National Youth Choir (BNYC).

Mr Adderley was acclaimed for his work with the BNYC, which he started in 1983. He trained hundreds of young people in the art of singing and performing and dedicated his life to music.

The BNYC won numerous competitions and participated in many international festivals and iconic events.

The choir performed in the presence of some noteworthy figures, including actor Sir Sidney Poitier, Queen Elizabeth II, and the late Dr Nelson Mandela.

He wrote the first Bahamian grand opera “Our Boys,” which was the first opera to have been written and performed in the Eng-

lish-speaking Caribbean.

Mr Adderley is the last son and eighth of nine children born to the late Cleophas E Adderley, former member of Parliament, and Helen Bailey Adderley, a seamstress, pianist and organist and daughter of the late R M Bailey.

He also served as the director of the senior choir at Holy Trinity Church, where he served for many years. He was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Bahamian Icon Awards on June 17 for his contributions to nation building through youth development.

Mr Adderley is survived by his wife, Françoise Brooks Adderley, and two children.

PAGE 10, Wednesday, July 19, 2017

The nonsense of Leslie Miller

T

HE level of irrational and deceptive discourse from our political leaders can sometimes be stupefying.

Take Leslie Miller. Please.

But first let me remind you he is a longtime Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) MP – since the 1980s – who was appointed BEC chairman for the second time in Perry Christie’s last term, even though he and his family did not pay their own utility bills - to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Mr Miller was also presumably chairman while a well-organised theft ring was siphoning millions from BEC. I am not suggesting he was involved, but official sources tell me this scam, which is now under close police investigation, has been ongoing for “many years.”

Mr Miller chaired BEC from 2012 until late 2015, and he ran his mouth the whole time. His latest buffoonery was to blame the current managers of the state-owned utility provider, now known as Bahamas Power & Light (BPL), for the incessant power cuts we face.

He has also claimed that his former board had a surefire plan (financed by our social security funds no less) to resolve all of the country’s power woes, “but we got stopped dead in our tracks because those foreigners thought they knew better.”

This is just so much horseradish, it should make you want to vomit. First of all, the “foreigners” were put in place by Mr Miller’s own party. And as wellresearched letters to the editor by Tony Zervos have shown, we have been in an “electrical crisis” for the past 50-odd years.

In 1973, then Prime Minister Lynden Pindling grandly opened the new Blue Hills Power Station, which he insisted would make load shedding “a thing of the past.”

He also acknowledged a “big boo boo” by the government: “We ordered some engines that really didn’t perform up to scratch.” He added that this unfortunate mistake had led to the “electricity crisis

that occurred during the years of 1967, 1968, 1969 and part of 1970”, which he described as “the years the lights failed”.

In 1981, newspaper reports said the economy had been “jolted” by power cuts and tourists were packing their bags to leave. As a result, opposition leader Norman Solomon said there were “intense concerns” about the country’s future.

Two years later, The Tribune reported that PLP convention delegates had to leave their hotel due to a lengthy power cut. Other headlines said the blackouts were “driving tourists away” and causing “heavy financial losses” to food stores and other businesses.

In 1987 (when Leslie Miller was first elected to Parliament), newspapers reported that power cuts caused the closure of the House of Assembly and other government offices.

In 1989 (when Mr Miller chaired BEC for the first time), The Tribune’s headline was “BEC loadshedding to continue - blackouts bring some businesses to their knees”.

In 1990 (while Mr Miller was still chairman), reports of generator failures and island-wide blackouts led to an exodus of tourists from New Providence hotels.

And the House of Assembly was again forced to suspend business.

According to a Tribune editorial at the time, “Before anyone can start to rebuild the nation, there must be a reliable power supply.

At the end of the day, Bahamians have to conclude that they receive very poor value for their money. However, whatever the cause, the country cannot continue to go on like this.”

But of course, the country did go on like that. And it is still going on like that.

And Mr Miller has been a major facilitator the whole time. It’s all part of the “arrogant, know-it-all attitudes” cited by former PLP Cabinet minister Loftus Roker recently.

The central problem at BEC/BPL is the same as that afflicting the rest of the country - no accountability.

By that I mean no accountability for line staff, no accountability for managers, no accountability for board members, and no accountability for ministers.

This means that for more than half a century at least, policies - financial and otherwise - were largely determined by political fancy or personal whimsy, without regard for the consequences. Failures and mistakes were either covered up or ignored. And since there was no accountability, almost anything could be done.

As a result, our electrical infrastructure has not been properly planned, financed or maintained - despite the brave efforts of some to address the technical issues over time.

BAMSI Unlimited Another example of deceitful double-talk are the pronouncements by former government leaders involving the infamous Bahamas Agricultural and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) on Andros.

On its website, the socalled “institute” is described as the “brainchild” of former Prime Minister Perry Christie. It is said to play a key role in the great leader’s plan for a more modern and prosperous nation.

In Parliament some time ago, Mr Christie himself predicted that BAMSI

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FORMER Tall Pines MP Leslie Miller pictured at the PLP memorial for Dr Bernard Nottage. would “transform the agricultural sector and provide a more secure marine environment”.

And just last September, former Agriculture Minister V Alfred Gray’s declared that BAMSI was already a “huge success”.

As I wrote at the time: “Food imports will be halved within years, Gray suggested (which must mean we will be eating half as much). But his more factcheckable point was that BAMSI had already produced $100m worth of food - mostly bananas.”

You don’t have to know what $100m worth of bananas looks like to know that statement is ludicrous.

Earlier, Mr Christie had grandiloquently declared that $100m would be invested in BAMSI. He claimed this would lead to a shining new city on Andros, although critics dismissed it as a slush fund for PLP cronies.

But now we hear that Mr Christie was actually quite close in his calculations. According to the current Agriculture Minister Renward Wells, more than $80m has already gone down the BAMSI plug hole – and that is likely to be an underestimate.

Unfortunately, we are nowhere near to establishing that glorious new city in the pine barren.

The bottom line is this: There may be good reasons for setting up a research farm to support agriculture, but the University of the Bahamas already exists and was designated as our national research centre by the very same Perry Christie who authorised BAMSI. The same can be said of the National Training Agency - why not beef up the existing Bahamas Technical & Vocational Institute? Why set up another huge operation?

These initiatives were little more political talking points that cost an awful lot of money to support a bevy of cronies. If you don’t agree, then provide the facts and figures that say otherwise.

It’s called accountability.

The Desperate Need for Change These examples indicate that we need to make changes quickly because

the country is on the brink.

The current administration has the ultimate mandate from the electorate to effect that change. In fact, there will never be another opportunity like this one unless the country collapses completely.

A recent article in The Nassau Guardian by University of the Bahamas Professor Ian Bethell-Bennett puts this clearly into focus. On a recent tour of the southern islands, he reported derelict schools, abandoned ports and rampant cronyism. He called it “national sabotage.”

“In Mathew Town, for example, the school partially burnt in 2011 and remains the same as it was after the fire. No-one seems to be bothered…Moreover, all the damage from the last two hurricanes seems unmitigated. Where does all the hurricane relief money go? Who is asked to account for it? The country has been undermined by the state.”

We can’t continue throwing money away on frivolous political vanity projects or siphoning public funds into the pockets of spurious “consultants” while ignoring good governance and starving our more effective and deserving institutions and programmes of funds and attention.

Bimini update The island of North Bimini is just 3,100 acres in size and most of those acres are covered by mangrove wetland, with only few hundred acres of hard land supporting about 2,000 people.

In addition to the small settlements of Alice and Bailey Towns, North Bimini now supports hundreds of cookie-cutter homes and condos, a mega-yacht marina, a bulkheaded artificial island dredged from the lagoon, restaurants, pools, bars, shops, tennis courts, and a beach club.

It’s called Bimini Bay, and the resort’s history goes back to 1984, when the Pindling government gave the former owners blanket approval for a similar scale of development, without a thought for the environmental or social consequences.

The property includes a big chunk of North Bimini with five miles of ocean frontage, as well as parts

THE TRIBUNE

of a pristine mangrove wetland surrounding the lagoon on East Bimini.

Despite some clearing and dredging, the initial plans were never implemented. And in 1995, a Cuban-American from Miami named Gerardo Capo acquired the property for $3m.

Capo’s Rav Bahamas construction company launched the current development two years later, after the landscape had been duly scraped to the bare limestone rock. The first phase of the resort opened in 2007, and then nosedived after the 2008 financial crisis.

Capo’s original plans called for dredging an 85foot wide channel entirely around Bimini’s mangrovefringed lagoon and bulkheading most of the land - essentially killing the only marine nursery in the region. And then establishing a golf course on the East Wells wetlands.

The ultimate size and scope of the resort has fluctuated over the years, with both the golf course and a water theme park on and off the table several times.

And many residents, as well as scientists at the Bimini Biological Field Station, spent years in a futile effort to conserve the island’s natural environment—an oasis in a vast expanse of water.

In 2010, the Ingraham administration flatly ruled out a golf course on North Bimini and limited the northern extent of the development to the area around Paradise Point. But the Christie administration subsequently approved a controversial ferry pier and terminal, as well as the huge investment

by Getting/Resort World, which completely changed the island for good.

Lately, there has been a new upsurge of public protests against the resort because of rumours that the Christie administration earlier this year again approved a golf course on the wetlands of East Wells.

The other outstanding issue is the fact that, although the government designated the eastern portion of North Bimini as a marine protected area in 2010, the heads of agreement between the developer and the government were never revised to reflect this. And the government has failed to proceed with what is required to legally establish the marine protected area (MPA).

There needs to be a full public airing of the current status of agreements, approvals and plans for Bimini. And early movement towards establishment of the MPA. The developer, Gerardo Capo, agreed to comment for this article, but did not respond by press time.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, July 19, 2017, PAGE 11

Hanna Martin looks to the PLP’s future

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net ONE day after former Progressive Liberal Party Cabinet minister Loftus Roker characterised the party as being in the “worst state as it has ever been,” Englerston MP Glenys Hanna Martin said it was now time for the party to “prepare for the future”.

Stopping short of revealing whether she intended to offer herself for a leadership post in the party’s upcoming convention, Mrs Hanna Martin, the only PLP candidate to win a seat in New Providence in the last election, said she fully intends to do what she must in the party’s efforts to recover and rebuild.

The former transport and aviation minister also backed calls for the party to reconnect with its political base, millennials and all other demographics it may have disenfranchised with past actions.

Mr Roker on Monday claimed the “arrogant, know it all attitudes” displayed by members of the party for much of the last ten to 12 years rubbed voters the wrong way. He later predicted the issue could mark the end of the “great PLP” if the party does not return to its original message of 1967.

Since losing the May 10 general election, the former administration has been dogged by allegations of misfeasance and wrongdoing.

Of the ordeals, Mr Roker said the “pompous and condescending attitudes”

by PLP officials had pushed the public to a point where it could no longer “suck it up and go ahead with business as usual.”

In response to Mr Roker’s comments, Mrs Hanna Martin said Tuesday: “Honourable Loftus Roker is one of the early builders of the PLP and so he has a vested interest in and every right to comment on the current state of our party and its future.”

She added: “The PLP has, in the aftermath of the general election, to prepare for the future and I intend to do what I must in this effort of recovery and rebuilding of a party of the 21st century, including reconnecting with our po-

ENGLERSTON MP Glenys Hanna Martin. litical base, the millennials late Lynden Pindling used to say: ‘We shall see what and other demographics.

“I am absolutely deter- we shall see.’”

Last month, Exuma MP mined to do all that I can to ensure the party achieves Chester Cooper called on the PLP to apologise to the these objectives.”

When asked by The Trib- electorate and learn from une if her declaration could the errors that led to its debe perceived as plans to feat in the May 10 general launch some sort of leader- election.

Mr Cooper said the parship bid, she said: “As the

ty’s protection of its own interest over the country’s proved to be another critical misstep, adding that the PLP was not accountable or transparent enough.

His striking critique came during a speech at the National Progressive Institute (NPI). The NPI is a policy advisory group for the PLP.

CLINICS ‘SHOULD HAVE BEEN OPENED’ TO COUNTER A&E FLOOD CRISIS

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

FORMER President of the Bahamas Doctors Union Charles Clarke yesterday criticised Minister of Heath Dr Duane Sands for not opening “all of the clinics” in the capital after the Accident and Emergency Department at the Princess Margaret Hospital experienced a series of challenges over the weekend forcing patients to be relocated.

In an interview with The Tribune, Dr Clarke, who was also the Progressive Liberal Party’s candidate for St Anne’s in the last general election, said the decision to ask persons who do not have “bona fide emergencies” not to come to PMH sets a “dangerous

precedent” and asked how is a person, who is not a doctor, supposed to determine what is life threatening and what is not.

“That’s a dangerous precedent,” Dr Clarke said Tuesday. “No matter what happened under the previous administration, the Emergency Room was never shut off to patients. The wait may be long but we would never tell people not to come to the hospital. Patients waiting 24 hours or longer is not new, it’s unfortunate but that is what happens in a hospital that does not have enough porters, nurses and specialised doctors.

“I mean, you cannot tell people not come, there may be a delay in care but at least the people are at the hospital. How do you leave that decision in the hands of pa-

Happy

tients? How do they know if it is a headache because of stress or because of a stroke or a bleed in the brain? You cannot deny people access.

Maybe we should educate people on symptoms of serious illnesses but we cannot turn people away.”

On Sunday, Dr Sands told The Tribune that flooding from a broken pipe took the CAT scan and ultrasound machines out of commission causing significant delays to those needing diagnostics. In addition, he said there were no available beds on the female medical ward and unfortunately some patients had to sleep in cots in hallways because “there was just no room.”

He said officials had to open the South Beach Clinic on the weekend due to the problems.

Dr Sands said the “perfect storm” was caused by years of “dumb and inappropriate decisions” and he is “honestly not sure” when a solution to the “mess” will be found.

He said even with seven doctors and 14 nurses on duty over the weekend, there was “just no way” everyone could have been seen in a timely manner, when the “clinical space is filled to the brim.”

Yesterday, Dr Sands told The Tribune even though the machines are now fixed, there is still a backlog and the hospital is still asking those who do not have emergencies to go to a local clinic.

“We still have a backlog to deal with,” the health minister said. “When you create a traffic jam, even

though the problem is fixed it will take a while for traffic to be relieved. So it will still take us some time. So we are still asking persons to go to a clinic if they can until we are back up.”

Meanwhile, Dr Clarke also criticised the minister for calling previous administration’s decisions in relation to the hospital “dumb.”

He also said the problems Dr Sands are now experiencing, have been around for “many, many years.”

“To the matter of vendors stopping medication or those who have threatened to withdraw service, guess what? This was a situation all previous governments have faced. It’s now your time and yes ‘it’s the people’s time’ so what are you going to do, , bro?

“As minister of health he

ought to engender confidence and statements such as he is not certain when the situation will be resolved is not something that brings confidence or reassurance to the matter. Finally, the disparaging statement such as calling executive decisions as dumb should never be used. It’s not the best way to demonstrate leadership. I hope they get it right soon, since it is the people’s time.”

On Monday, in press release PMH said the imaging services at the hospital have resumed following a series of challenges over the weekend.

However, management is requesting that only urgent care patients “present themselves” to the Accident and Emergency Department.

90th Birthday

to a great husband, father, grandpa and friend.

We love you daddy,

more than words can ever express.

Wishing you an amazing birthday filled with an abundance of peace, joy and happiness.

Mr. PAUL RUPERT THOMPSON Sr.

PAGE 12, Wednesday, July 19, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

Man denied bail over rape allegation

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net A MAN was remanded to prison after he was arraigned in Magistrate’s Court on a sexual assault charge.

Nathaniel Julian Ferguson of Mermaid Boulevard appeared before Chief Magistrate Joyann FergusonPratt on Monday afternoon facing a charge of rape concerning an alleged incident on Wednesday, July 12.

It is alleged that the 22-year-old had sex with an 18-year-old without her permission.

He was informed that due to the nature of the charge – an indictable offence – he could not plead until his formal arraignment before a Supreme Court judge.

He is scheduled to return to the Magistrate’s Court on August 25 to be presented with a voluntary bill of indictment that will fast track the matter to the higher court.

Ferguson was remanded to the Department of Correctional Services as the court did not have the jurisdiction to consider bail.

However, he was informed of his right to apply for a bond by filing an application to the Supreme Court.

The accused has retained attorney Murrio Ducille to defend him against the sexual assault charge.

A person convicted of rape could face up to life imprisonment.

MAN ACCUSED OF BREAK-IN AT BAHAMAS MORTGAGE CORPORATION

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

A MAN appeared in Magistrate’s Court yesterday accused of being the suspect behind a recent break-in of a government agency.

Cleophus Smith, 25, stood before Magistrate Derence Rolle-Davis facing a charge each of shop breaking and damage, acts that were allegedly committed between July 15 and 16.

The Tribune understands that an assailant or assailants broke into the Baha-

mas Mortgage Corporation, causing damage to a window, door and a safe at the agency.

The shop breaking charge was brought under Section 362 of the Penal Code while the damage charge was brought under Section 328.

It is alleged that between Saturday and Sunday, Smith with another person, while at the Mortgage Corporation broke and entered the agency intending to steal. It is further alleged that he intentionally caused $2,211.59 worth of damage at the corporation. Smith, who pleaded

not guilty to all charges, elected to stand trial in the Magistrate’s Court.

As the offence of shop breaking is no longer bailable in Magistrate’s Court due to recent amendments to the Bail Act, Smith was remanded to the Department of Correctional Services to await trial.

However, he has the right to apply for bail to the Supreme Court.

He returns to court for trial on September 21 and has retained attorney Jomo Campbell to defend him.

Inspector Lakisia Moss is the prosecutor.

PAIR FACE COURT OVER $50,000 BOAT THEFT

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net TWO Grand Bahama men, accused of the theft of a $50,000 vessel over the weekend, were charged in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.

Kingston Saunders and Kirk Haven appeared in court three before Magistrate Rengin Johnson on charges of stealing and receiving.

It is alleged that between July 14 and 15 in Freeport, the men stole a 1982 30-ft Rybo runner vessel valued at $50,000, the property of Larry Nelson.

It is also alleged on the same date, the men dishonestly received a Rybo runner vessel with two 250 Yamaha engines, knowing that it was obtained as a result of an offence.

Magistrate Johnson asked the accused whether they wanted the matter

heard in the Supreme Court or in Magistrate’s Court.

Saunders and Haven elected summary trial in the lower court. Counsel did not represent them, and both pleaded not guilty to the charges of stealing and receiving.

The men were denied bail due to previous antecedents and were remanded for trial to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services in New Providence until October 10.

‘The Bahamas’ own street philosopher’