07192018 NEWS

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VOLUME:115 No.164, JULY 19TH, 2018

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VAT hike sparks 10% sales slump

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

A TOP food store chain yesterday revealed sales have fallen ten percent since the VAT rate hike, with this and other uncertainties forcing it to postpone further expansion plans.

Gavin Watchorn, AML Foods’ chief executive, told Tribune Business that a combination of the VAT increase, The Bahamas’ planned accession to full World Trade Organisation (WTO) membership and

related taxation reforms, together with rising energy prices had prompted its board of directors to pause construction of new stores.

The BISX-listed food retail and franchise group, which operates the Solomon’s and Cost Right brands, still intends to pursue real estate acquisitions for sites that “make sense” as new stores, but will not “go vertical” until it sees how these developments impact consumers and the wider economy.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

BPL STAGGERING $70M EXIT PLAN

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

WITH 314 Bahamas Power and Light employees opting to receive voluntary separation packages which will result in more than $70m paid out over a period of time, Works Minister Desmond Bannister said employee departures have been staggered to ensure that the efficiency of Bahamas Power and Light is not negatively affected.

Mr Bannister, who has responsibility for the “debt-ridden” electricity

provider, explained the exercise will improve BPL’s financial viability by making it leaner and more competitive.

Although he told House of Assembly members BPL could not be permitted to balloon out of control to “unmanageable” proportions, the minister said offering the VSEPs (Voluntary Separations Packages) will also make way for the company to recruit and hire qualified young people within “tightly controlled” limits.

SEE PAGE THREE

L SOUR CE

4C’S FACING ACTION FOR DEFYING BAN ORDER

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net

THE Ministry of Transport and Local Government yesterday said it will pursue legal action against the 4C’s tour company for defying an order to cease operations.

SEE PAGE FIVE

DON’T BE SO SHY

DABBING at Dolphin Cay - see tomorrow’s Weekend section for a behind the scenes look at life at the Atlantis tourist attraction, and the efforts made by Dolphin Cay to rehabilitate and rescue animals.

ROAD REPAIR FINES NEW CONTROLS TO ‘INCREASE TO $10K’ WIN GOVT CONTRACT

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net WORKS Minister Desmond Bannister yesterday tabled an amendment to the Roads Act, which seeks to raise the fine for infractions from $75 to $10,000.

Mr Bannister said the

increased fine is aimed at deterring contractors and others from cutting into roads and utilities without returning them to standard.

He further appealed to drivers to exercise caution, pointing to the prevalence of damaged light poles SEE PAGE NINE

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net THE Ministry of Works is updating its contractor database through a new prequalification system that will form the basis upon which contractors are invited to submit bids for projects.

Works Minister Desmond Bannister announced this in the House of Assembly yesterday, saying pre-qualification documents will allow the ministry to determine if a contractor is suitably qualified to complete public works projects.

SEE PAGE FIVE

DINGMAN SUFFERS US COURT BLOW

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

A LYFORD Cay resident has suffered a double blow, after his attorneys withdrew over unpaid legal bills just as the fraud case relating to his collapsed Nassau restaurant empire revives.

Jamie Dingman, son of late world-famous entrepreneur, Michael, was on Monday given 30 days by a New York federal judge to

WWW.BURGERKING.BS

JAMIE DINGMAN, left, at the Traveller’s Restaurant during efforts to reopen the venue. hire new attorneys otherwise a default judgment will be entered against him in favour of two former business partners who invested

in his failed Out West Hospitality venture.

The court order came after Mr Dingman’s previous attorney, Jeffrey Mitchell, said there had been no contact with his client since August 2017.

He told Judge Naomi Buchwald, via a June 21, 2018, letter that the Lyford Cay resident has neither revealed his location nor paid past due legal bills.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

/BURGERKINGNASSAU

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

DIANE PHILLIPS: IT’S SIMPLY NOT CRICKET

SEE PAGE TEN

PAGE 2, Thursday, July 19, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

96-year-old displaced after blaze at her home

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE SCENE of the fire in Eight Mile Rock.

Photo: Vandyke Hepburn

ONE of the oldest residents in Eight Mile Rock has been displaced from her home following an early morning fire yesterday.

A blaze broke out at the Pinedale home of Doris Smith, 96, sometime after 2am. According to a relative, the fire destroyed her bedroom, but she was able to make it out safely and was not injured.

The cause of the fire is not known as fire officials say they are still investigating the incident.

Ms Smith, the last of nine siblings still alive, has lived at her family’s house for the past 80 years.

The Tribune understands that she is now staying with nearby relatives.

This newspaper spoke with Ms Smith during a recent visit to her home this week. Despite her age, she is still able to walk with the aid of a walker and has a clear memory.

“I still have all my facilities,” she said earlier this week. She credits her long life through having “the gift of love.”

“God give me a gift of love, and I always tell my daughter smile at someone because one smile can make two,” she said.

The home, which was originally built with limestone, has withstood many hurricanes.

“I am still here,” she said, “and my advice to young people is to love one another. Let brotherly love continue because love is the foundation to peace.”

WALK BRINGS THE POWER OF PRAYER TO ENVIRONMENT FIGHT

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net IN its continued fight for a resolution to the environmental issues in the Pinder’s Point, Lewis Yard and other surrounding communities, the Grand Bahama Environmental Association (GBEA) is taking a spiritual approach by organising a seven-day “Jericho Prayer Walk” around the Industrial Park.

GBEA President Berthram Pinder announced that the event is scheduled for July 29 to August 4, beginning each day at 5.30am at the Upper Zion Baptist in Pinder’s Point.

“We announce today what we are calling a Jericho Prayer Walk to bring down the spiritual walls of obstruction that has been hindering the residents living around the Industrial Park,” he said on Tuesday at a press conference.

“We proposed to walk around the industrial plant for seven days,” Mr Pinder said.

The prayer walk will proceed east through the settlement of Lewis Yard through Hawksbill to West Sunrise Highway, passing the industrial plants, onto Queen’s Highway and returning to Upper Zion Baptist Church in Pinder’s Point.

Mr Pinder is requesting the seven churches in communities of Pinder’s Point, Lewis Yard, Hunters, Wellington Pinder Heights and Hawksbill to invite their prayer warriors to come out to the designated church at 5.30am to 7.30am and pray while people simultaneously walk around the industrial park.

GBEA member Shuffel Hepburn said the prayer walk, which is based on Bible verse Joshua 6, is not only for residents in the affected settlements but is also for those throughout Grand Bahama that are experiencing health issues.

He noted that the prayer walk is aimed at five issues: relocation of the residents, the health of people of

Grand Bahama, and deliverance from cancer, asthma, gastrointestinal issues, eye issues, diabetes, hypertension, kidney failure, and restoration of Grand Bahama’s economy.

“We also want to pray for strength and unity of the people to stand against the ills of society and to stand firm against Satan, and the protection from hurricane and effects of global warming. Those are some of the things we will be praying for,” he said.

Sam Cooper, chairman of the project, said the churches involved are on July 29, the Church of Good Shepherd ; on Monday, July 30, St Vincent De Paul Catholic Church in Hunters; on Tuesday, July 31, The Just Shall Live By Faith in Lewis Yard; Wednesday, August 1, Universal Household of Faith, Hawksbill; Thursday, August 2, Church of God of Prophecy Hawksbill; Friday, August 3, School of Prophetic Ministry, Hawksbill, and Saturday, August 4, Upper Zion Baptist Church, Pinder’s Point, which will end with breakfast and fellowship.

Pastor Robert Lockhart, president of the Grand Bahama Christian Council, said the group is pleased to be partnering with the GBEA as the organisation continues to fight for the concerns of residents in affected communities.

Pinder’s Point resident Lorna Knowles will be participating in the prayer walk.

“I feel once we do this walk, the people in these areas will get answers; God is going to give us the answers,” she said.

The GBEA has been agitating for the relocation of residents from communities near the industrial plants. The organisation, formerly the Pinder’s Point/ Lewis Yard Environmental Association, believe the residents of Seaco Town, Pinder’s Point, Lewis Yard, Hunters, Mack Town, and Hawksbill have been affected by industrial emissions and environmental pollution for the past 30 years.

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THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, July 19, 2018, PAGE 3

FROM left, a 16-year-old juvenile, Maquella Dean and Antonio Thompson, who are accused of murdering Sean Augustin on July 13 and attempting to murder Jason Campbell.

Photos: Terrel W Carey/Tribune Staff

Woman and teen on murder charge

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net A WOMAN, a man and a 16-year-old were arraigned in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday charged with murdering a man and attempting to kill another person last Friday.

Maquella Dean, Antonio Thompson and the juvenile all stood before Deputy Chief Magistrate Subusola Swain each charged with one count of murder and attempted murder stemming from the July 13 incident.

It is alleged that on July 13, the three murdered Sean Augustin. It is also alleged that on the same date, they attempted to murder Jason Campbell.

According to initial reports from police, shortly after 2am on July 13 a man was walking on the eastern side of the clinic on Baillou

KEITH ALLEN, of Windsor Lane, accused over a drive-by murder on July 8.

Hill Road when he saw another man being chased by a group of men.

That group subsequently shot both men before running away. Emergency Medical Services personnel were called to the scene and attempted to revive one of the injured victims,

but were unsuccessful. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The second victim was taken to hospital, treated for minor injuries and discharged.

Neither of the accused was required to enter a plea to the charge and the case was adjourned to October 18 for service of a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI).

They were all remanded into custody until that time. However, they have the right to apply to the Supreme Court for bail.

Meanwhile, a second person was charged in connection with the drive-by murder of another man nearly two weeks ago.

Keith Allen, 22, of Windsor Lane, was charged with a single count of murder stemming from the July 8 killing of Shanindore Neely.

His co-accused, Walter Johnson of Milton Street,

was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt on Monday.

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

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

Allen was not required to enter a plea to the charge. The case was adjourned to October 18 for service of a VBI. He was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services in the interim.

He also has the right to apply to the Supreme Court for bail.

Allen is represented by attorney Bernard Ferguson.

BPL STAGGERING $70M EXIT PLAN from page one

In total, the voluntary packages will cost $70,403,315, but so far only $56,008,991 has been paid out as of June 30. Each payout would fluctuate based on years of service and other elements.

The money was partially funded from the pension fund administrator. The remaining portion was financed through money secured by BPL on July 2, 2017 through a resolution in the House of Assembly, Mr Bannister said.

A total of $75m was received in two tranches less bank fees, legal costs and stamp tax. He said this leaves the current loan balances at $211m and $35m respectively.

Officials expect an annual salary reduction of $13.6m annually over the next five years. He said this total is an estimate and includes new hires to be added to the payroll.

And as some employees depart, there also will be a change to BPL’s executive team. Bahamian Patrick Rollins has now been appointed to fill the post of executive director, a position that was previously held by Deepak Bhattnaggar.

“It has long been recognised that Bahamas Power and Light has been overstaffed by hundreds of employees,” Mr Bannister told House members.

“The government took the position that the company had to become leaner and more competitive. A debt-ridden utility that relies on government for its continued existence is a drain on the Bahamian taxpayer.

“Hence, the board initiated a financially attractive voluntary separation exercise, which had the full

support of both of BPL’s unions.”

He also said: “It must be emphasised that the entire exercise was voluntary. No employee was separated against their will.”

The VSEP exercise opened to all employees of BPL on May 18 and closed on June 8, promptly at 4.30 pm. Of BLP’s 1,038 employees, 314 applications were received.

“BPL made a determination that everyone who wanted to leave should have the opportunity to do so; hence, many senior employees decided to accept the VSEP. It is, therefore, expected that 60 of the positions will need to be replaced as contracted and delayed applicants exit the organisation over the next two years.

“Among these positions will be posts for senior leadership in many departments.

“There is no question that this exercise will improve the financial viability of the company, making it leaner and more competitive, and permitting it to recruit and hire qualified young people within tightly controlled limits. BPL cannot be permitted to balloon out of control to an unmanageable size ever again,” he further said.

Efficiency The dates when employees are slated to voluntarily leave BPL have been spread out over two years, Mr Bannister said, so as not to affect the company’s efficiency.

As of June 30, he said 219 applicants were approved for departure, followed by the approval of eight applicants who are due to leave in July.

Four applicants were approved for departure in August; nine applicants were approved

for departure in September; four in October; seven in November; and 39 applicants were approved for departure in December.

In March 2019, one applicant will be leaving; 12 applicants were approved for departure in June 2019 and four applicants will depart in December 2019.

Seven others will leave BPL in 2020.

The 314 employees come from several of BPL’s departments, which will see reductions over the next two years.

In Abaco there is a headcount of 99. Twenty-four of the employees there were approved, with two of the applications deferred six months.

BPL’s customer service

department, with 139 workers, will be reduced by 33.

There are 202 workers in the energy supply department; 61 opted to receive the VSEP. The Family Island department’s 224 workers will be reduced by 63.

In the following departments, various numbers of workers have opted to leave: in field operations, 75 of 224; in finance four of 26; health, safety and environment four of 11; human resources seven of 16; human resource training four of six; IT, six of eight; planning 10 of 20; supply chain 12 of 35; administration two of four; engineering six of 16; legal one of four; and in support services two of four employees.

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PAGE 4, Thursday, July 19, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

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Policing the seas should be a top priority ON June 30, the eyes of the world focused on The Bahamas for all the wrong reasons. One American woman was killed and at least nine others were injured after a tour boat carrying 12 people exploded a mile off Barraterre in the Exumas. While the cause of that explosion remains under investigation, the incident drew our attention to the business of boating in Bahamian waters and to boat operations in general, vessels being used for commercial charters, fishing and for private recreational use.

On the leisure side of the equation, The Bahamas has never been more popular than it is today for boaters.

Mega-yachts and supermega-yachts that once headed to the Turkish coast, or parts of the Med or to destinations in Central and South America are increasingly opting for The Bahamas. For the high net worth individual, security is top priority. To date, The Bahamas has been able to provide not only some of the most exquisite waters in the world in one of the most pristine environments, but the country has been able to offer the ability to experience its turquoise wonders in relative safety and security.

The result is an under the radar economic boom, particularly for Family Islands. Marinas are enjoying record seasons that stretch longer than ever.

Havens like Harbour Island, Eleuthera and Hope Town, Abaco, are enjoying return visitors who book their stays a season or a year ahead. Islands off New Providence that have become half-day excursion stops are being discovered by increasing numbers of boaters weekly as the summer unfolds with more people snorkelling, diving for conch, swimming with turtles and exploring coral reefs.

If all of that sounds like a panacea of floating pleasures, there is a serious side.

Just as road safety is essential to protect lives on the streets, boat safety is essential to protect those enjoying the waters.

In addition to the expensive yachts that are privately owned and used for family or corporate purposes, far more mid-price range vessels are operating as charters plus dozens of Bahamianowned vessels in the excursion charter business. With increasing boat traffic and an historic record number of charter operators, we must enforce all regulations and ensure that every vessel that operates for commercial purposes be inspected and licensed and every operator insured for liability as well as comprehensive damage.

There was a time the Ministry of Tourism took the lead out of a sense of concern, wanting to make certain that ferry boats carrying passengers in the Family Islands were safe and boats and ferry operators were insured. It is not Tourism’s role to do so but they stepped in out of what they felt was necessity. The actual enforcers are a somewhat complicated mix, falling primarily to Ministry of Transport with the Port Department responsible for activity within the range of ports and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) responsible for enforcement in waters lying outside the port. Depending on the nature of the illegal or suspicious activity, the RBDF acts on behalf of

the ministry or department aligned with the activity so in cases of human smuggling it may be acting for Immigration or Royal Bahamas Police Force and in cases of poaching, officers and vessels are acting on behalf of Marine Resources or Fisheries. In some cases, agencies work together and in concert with Royal Bahamas Police Force Harbour Patrol. Part of the problem lies in the fact there is no single phone hotline or VHF radio channel for other boaters or observers to call to report a problem so many of those calls end up with the volunteer Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association which then has to forward for action.

It seems a single hotline for cellphone users is a simple solution.

A highly qualified marine surveyor has also recommended that commercially operated vessels be identified by a single additional letter in the boat registration number. Registration ID is now by island with NP for New Providence, AB Abaco and the like. The boat registration must be visible on the hull and it the ID carried a large C as part of the number it would make the work of the RBDF, Harbour Patrol or Port Department easier and more efficient.

Tragedy at sea in our shallow waters should never happen. These are the waters that give us life; they are the blessing the Bahamian people draw strength from every day.

Although the law is very clear that commercial boat operators must apply for a licence and boat registration must be updated annually, violations are far too common.

Unsuspecting visitors trust the boats they step aboard are safe. They have faith that a country like The Bahamas with world-class hotels and out of this world marine life will have world-class tourist boat operations. The majority of operators do take care of their vessels.

It is how they make a living. We have to get to the point where everyone is following the rules.

With a new Port Controller, Dr Raymond King, assuming the post as long-serving Controller Cyril Roker stepped down on July 1, an arduous task lies ahead. Boats must be properly inspected, insured and all commercial operations must be monitored.

The water is this country’s treasure, our most important natural resource.

Its sprawling 100,000 square miles of sparkling turquoise glass-clear shimmer lures visitors, drives hospitality, creates real estate market demand, helps pay our bills for education, health care, security and provides for the food we eat.

This playground must be open to all, not just the wealthy on fine sportsfish or mega-yachts but to all Bahamians and safety is top priority. Protecting nearly 400,000 residents and 6.1 million visitors must extend seriously beyond the shoreline to activities at sea.

Just as the RBDF risks facing poachers who may be armed and who threaten harm – and have done so for years – so the Port Department and Harbour Patrol must find the courage and have the resources to ensure the leisure boat business is completely above board.

Sewage causing conch problem?

EDITOR, The Tribune CONCH poisoning now at 17 cases - Tribune today 18th July.

Might I use this medium to get a message to Minister Dr Duane Sands, that the likely cause of food poisoning at Potter’s Cay is likely the “remedial” work being done at the Sewerage Terminal Station between Potter’s Cay and Malcolm Park.

The sewer is likely spilling into the harbour and being carried east to Potter’s Cay on the flooding tide.

The Fort Montagu fish market has a similar problem with the very same sewerage pipe that often overflows ( spills ) at the pumping station.

The fact of the matter is that the Health Ministry should never have sanctioned food sources to be

so close to sewerage systems. Perhaps this should be given a second thought now before we have an epidemic.

Fresh water is a good idea but conch can’t live out of water forever and when they put them in the sea to cool down, they will be ingesting the stink.

MONKEEDOO Nassau, July 18, 2018

Mangrove Cay needs EDITOR, The Tribune.

GREETINGS, I am writing this letter from Mangrove Cay, Andros.

My husband and I moved home to Mangrove Cay 32 years ago. My husband had a dream of a project to help uplift his home town.

He visited the then Prime Minister the Honourable Sir Lynden Pindling. When he told him of his plans and how we needed infrastructure, Sir Lynden was so pleased to have a Bahamian coming home to the island to make an investment.

Our infrastructure started happening right away. We soon had more dependable water, our roads changed from curry holes and mud to real streets, we then had electricity for the Christmas of 1989. The Mangrovians were so happy standing under electric light poles so very proud.

When the Honorable Hubert Ingram came into office, he gave us electricity to our well fields so our water service was even more dependable. Prime Minister Ingraham then had our government complex built, which again lifted us up and made us proud. Each step moved us forward.

When the Honourable Perry Christie came into office, in one term he had our roads repaved, and extended our airport and put in lights for emergency flights for night flights. Mr Ingraham came back to office and served one term.

Mr Christie came back for two terms and we fell back and are on the same path today.

We have no doctor, no permanent administrator,

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net no one in the office of BTC, or BPL, on a daily basis. We have two days a week for these services.

Our BPL person has been given a promotion and we are very proud of her. Her time is split between South Andros and Mangrove Cay. However, BPL needs to hire another person for the office.

Our BTC person took a package and now we have a person come to the office from South Andros. BTC needs to also hire another person.

The road traffic person no longer gets a rental vehicle when he comes over once a week from South Andros, so he comes over when another government person comes to Mangrove Cay from South Andros.

Sometimes, he does not come for two weeks at a time.

We have just learned that all new drivers will have to go to South Andros to do the written exam. This means a trip on the ferry at 8am then rent a vehicle for at least $75 a day to ride up to Kemps Bay, do the exam and come back to wait for the ferry till 4pm. All this and a licence cost $20, my gosh!

I will now go to the Bank of the Bahamas. I do realise some islands have no bank and we are some what blessed to have these two days. However, the bank has no cover for people waiting outside for 10am when they open. Then you and the other people on Mangrove

Cay may be in there up to four hours waiting to be served. We have a manager in the office doing manager duties. Then a young lady doing computer and money transfers on the desk, leaving two young ladies looking out at the “sea” of faces waiting for attention. Again, we used to have three days a week and are put back to two days. Our island is full of enterprising young hard-working, business persons, sponge men, and fisherman, not to mention all our small businesses.

Not counting teachers, and government personnel.

Everyone needing banking services. Many stories regarding our clinic have been passed around all we know is the original building has been in demolition for three years, it now is at a standstill. Why, only the good lord knows. Where the clinic is now is definitely not suitable. No one seems to have any idea what is going on, it’s a big mess.

Our island was growing and moving forward at fair pace, now we are going in the wrong direction. We came home as did others to build up Mangrove Cay, but we are going backwards at a very fast pace.

We are asking the powers that be to help correct some of our tangled mess, please.

We all love being here on this peaceful beautiful Island and just need some attention to make our life so much more.

Frustration is at a high level in Mangrove Cay. ELLIOTT & GREENE Andros July 18, 2018.

PAT

Waste health alert EDITOR, The Tribune.

SOME years ago, there was a terrible outbreak of conch poisoning in Nassau.

If my memory serves me correctly, it was the result of waste leaking from a cracked culvert into Nassau

Harbour.

Some construction activity seems to be taking place at the plant by the bridge.

While this may not have anything to do with the current problem, it may be a good idea to rule out the possibility.

This is also an opportunity to deal with any sanitation issues at both Potters Cay and Arawak Cay.

ATHENA DAMIANOS Nassau, July 15, 2018.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, July 19, 2018, PAGE 5

THE AFTERMATH of the Exuma boat tragedy.

4C’s facing action for defying ban order from page one The tour company was involved in a fatal incident in Barraterre, Exuma on June 30, which resulted in the death of an American woman and seriously injured two others who lost limbs.

The Tribune exclusively reported on Tuesday that the company had resumed business despite receiving a government issued cease and desist order on July 2.

This newspaper first reached out to Transport and Local Government Minister Renward Wells about the matter on July 11, the day it is understood that operations resumed.

On Tuesday, the Port Department announced it had moved to seize vessels owned by Four C’s.

In a statement released yesterday, the ministry explained this decision, attributing it to learning that the tour company had imported a boat from New Providence to conduct tours without the approval of the Port Authority.

The ministry reiterated that during a press conference held July 2, the company was issued a cease and desist order by the acting port controller.

This order called for the company to “effectively discontinue any further operations, pending the further outcome of

the investigation into the matter.”

The ministry revealed that on Sunday, it was reported to the Port Department “that an unmarked vessel (unregistered and un-licenced) and staffed by Four C’s personnel was engaged in charter tours from Hurricane Hole, New Providence.”

Such operations defied the order, and according to the statement, a “final warning letter containing advice on the Port Department’s intention to take prosecutorial action against the owner and operators” of Four C’s was delivered to the company’s staging area at Hurricane Hole.

However, the ministry

deemed this attempt unsuccessful, as “the principals” were not at that location.

It added that subsequent enforcement action continued in George Town, Exuma by the Port Department.

According to the press release, officers from the Port Department, Royal Bahamas Defence Force, and Royal Bahamas Police Force are “currently… engaged in Exuma to detain the vessel which engaged in commercial activity in violation of the cease and desist order, after which action will be taken in the courts for the defiance of that order.”

The ministry added that it had requested that the

Bahamas Maritime Authority conduct an independent casualty investigation into the accident. The head of BMA’s Casualty Investigation Department in London travelled to the Bahamas “shortly thereafter” to conduct the investigation.

The investigator has returned to the BMA’s head office in London, and “is in the process of completing his report into the matter.”

“That report will be provided to the government of the Bahamas, in accordance with procedures observed by the BMA for the handling of casualty investigations,” the statement noted.

“The Ministry of Transport and Local Government

wishes to assure the public that this matter is being handled in accordance with required procedures, and having regard to the great seriousness with which the government regards it, with due respect for the loss of life and traumatic injuries that occurred,” the statement ends.

In late June, there was an explosion on a 4C’s boat while at sea, which resulted in the death of an American woman, Maleka Jackson, and led to two other people suffering amputation of limbs. These included Mrs Jackson’s husband Tyran Jackson and another visitor, Stefanie Schaffer, who lost both legs.

NEW CONTROLS TO WIN GOVT CONTRACT from page one

Bahamas Contractors Association President Leonard Sands praised the development yesterday for the efficiency and transparency it will add to the tendering system, adding the government must now enhance this by finally appointing a Construction Contractors Board to licence contractors.

“We like that for a contractor to be awarded any government contract it would have to be in a prequalification system so then you won’t have people showing up, being awarded a contract and nobody even knows where this company came from,” Mr Sands said.

“That happens a lot of times. This takes away opportunities for a rogue situation to occur because you have to fill out a questionnaire, be in this database so they know you and other persons know you there and now you can bid on this contract properly.

“We see this as a positive step for government increasing transparency in the bidding process and as an end result reducing the amount of abuses in the contracting process.”

The new pre-qualification process comes as the government continues to iron out its e-procurement system in which potential suppliers of goods and services will have to be registered in an online database.

As part of the

pre-qualification process, contractors will have to supply information about their identity, organisation structure, financial management, technical performance and category of work desired. Categories of work include civil engineering, marine structures, road and airport construction, building construction, painting works, landscaping, electrical works, air conditioning works and plumbing works. Categories of work value include zero to $49,999, $50,000 to $249,999, $250,000 to $999,999 and $1m and over.

Those seeking work valued over $1m will be “asked to provide details of audited accounts for the last three years, showing revenue, cost of sales, gross profit, net profit and a full balance sheet with current and fixed assets and liabilities with accompanying notes,” Mr Bannister said.

Contractors will have to provide resumés for key personnel and details about any prosecutions, loss of life or serious injuries that may have involved their organisation in the last three years.

A history of construction contracts will be required along with a reference from a previous employer. Business licence information, a bank reference letter, a value added tax registration certificate, a copy of a health and safety plan and an organisation plan will be required, along with other documents. Weight will be especially given to a contractor’s technical performance and experience.

“Once contractors are prequalified in particular categories, they will have the opportunity to be invited to bid on a rotational basis,” Mr Bannister said. “Furthermore, contractors may be deleted from the list if the quality of performance falls below acceptable levels and elevated to higher categories when ability to advance has been demonstrated.”

Mr Bannister said there are currently 600 prequalification document

submissions by different contractors being evaluated by the Ministry of Public Works.

Asked about the capacity of the ministry to make the new system work, Mr Sands said: “What we believe would make the process 100 percent better is if the licensing of contractors was in place which it isn’t yet. We’re just waiting for the minister to appoint the board. That pulls everything together.

You have persons who

are pre-qualified, they are presenting themselves as contractors, they’re saying to the government they’re contractors, but have they been qualified and licensed as contractors yet? No, they have not. While we look at what the government is presenting as a wonderful idea in terms of weeding out opportunities for abuses of the system and corruption, we still believe that you have the risk of persons who qualify as contractors being

awarded contacts and could still put the government’s purse at a loss.”

Passed in 2016, the Construction Contractors Act provides for the establishment of a Construction Contractors Board that, among other things, will be responsible for licensing registered contractors, making recommendations to the minister and exercising discipline over registered contractors through its disciplinary committee.

PAGE 6, Thursday, July 19, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis at yesterday’s meeting of the United Nations’ High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.

Photos: Yontalay Bowe/BIS

Over-the-Hill scheme in spotlight at UN meeting

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

THE government’s Over-the-Hill development scheme took centre stage during the country’s presentation at the United Nations’ High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development yesterday.

Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis explained the partnership initiative and the country’s national development agenda - is

aligned with the sustainable development goals (SDGs) set by the global body.

He said the UN forum on sustainable development, under the theme, “Transformation towards Sustainable and Resilient Societies,” aptly mirrored his administration’s mandate.

“The focus of the partnership with the private sector, civil society and academia includes: establishing programmes which tackle the underlying causes of

poverty,” Dr Minnis said in New York.

“This includes: the lack of training, soft and hard skills for job opportunities, childhood trauma and victimisation and access to affordable childcare, so that parents can work.

“The initiative also addresses the manifestations of poverty such as hunger, substandard housing, and inequitable access to quality health.

“Mr chairman,” he added, “this is sustainable

development goal one in action.”

The initiative’s focus on green energy solutions, and the government’s target to increase the share of renewable energy resources to 30 percent by 2030, match sustainable development goal seven, Dr Minnis continued.

Sustainable development goal six, Dr Minnis said, has been set into action through the initiative’s focus on improvements to ensure full access to potable water, and sanitation infrastructure; and the government’s commitment to land reform to ensure community residents can have a clear property title to make the necessary home investments.

Dr Minnis continued: “My government has already launched one of the largest clean up campaigns in our history in this community and is investing in bulky waste and more frequent trash collection.

“We are supporting the value of trees in this

area, by turning fruit into earnings as we promote backyard farming and encourage fruit vendors.

“We are also providing additional support for a wetland just adjacent to the Over-the-Hill area called Big Pond, which is already fitted with a boardwalk through the mangroves to support an appreciation for the bio-diversity of the community.

“This is sustainable development goal 15 in action.”

The rejuvenation of the Over-the-Hill community’s 15 parks, including access to Wi-Fi services, meets sustainable development goal 11, he said.

The prime minister also flagged his administration’s commitment to banning single-use plastics and Styrofoam by 2020; $5m for LED street lighting in this fiscal year; and the Grand Bahama Port Authority’s plans for a $5m solar energy park in Grand Bahama.

Dr Minnis noted the government’s path needed costly investment as it also actively pursues the modernisation and digitisation of public institutions; however, he said most of the work was being done in partnership with non-government agencies.

He said the government was intent on strengthening partnerships at all levels – “local, national, regional, and international.”

The UN’s 17 SDGs are: no poverty; zero hunger; good health and well-being; quality education; gender equality; clean water and sanitation; affordable and clean energy; decent work and economic growth; industry, innovation and infrastructure; reduced inequality; sustainable cities and communities; responsible consumption and production; climate action; life below water; life on land; peace and justice strong institutions; and partnerships to achieve the goal.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, July 19, 2018, PAGE 7

FORMER Tall Pines MP Leslie Miller. Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest yesterday revealed that Mr Miller’s lawsuit is not the only one filed against the government.

Miller not the only one to sue the government

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest said the government will only do what is in the best interest of Bahamians as it faces lawsuits over lease agreements that have allegedly been broken.

His statement came after it was revealed that former Tall Pines MP Leslie Miller is suing the government after Bahamas Resolve appointed a receiver over his Summerwinds Investment Company Limited, Summerwinds Bowling and Entertainment Centre Limited and Mario’s Bowling & Family Entertainment Palace Co Ltd while advertising the Summerwinds Complex for sale.

In documents filed with the Supreme Court, Mr Miller has claimed both BOB and the former Christie administration reneged on agreements to fund multi-million dollar renovations to his plaza so it could be rented to government ministries. These contractual breaches have caused

him millions in rental income, he claims.

Mr Turnquest revealed that other lawsuits against the government also have been filed.

“Similar complaints were made with respect to leases and we are evaluating all those to determine what our options are and whether we are doing what’s in the best interest of Bahamians,” he said.

“We will make a decision as to how to proceed.”

In March, Mr Turnquest complained in the House of Assembly of encountering property leases that had “no exit clauses,” even though “not a single government worker (had) ever set foot in the building”. He said some matters would result in legal action as the government sought to escape commitments it did not need.

“Some of the agreements we have met in place, we are seemingly hand-cuffed even though we have no need of the service, so we have to figure out how to equitably exit these arrangements the former government put us in,” he said.

As for Bahamas Resolve’s attempt to sell Mr

NO LICENCE CAN BE REVOKED BEFORE SUSPECT IN ROSE ISLAND STABBING IDENTIFIED THE Ministry of Transport and Local Government has released a statement in the wake of a stabbing incident that allegedly involved Jet Ski operators off Rose Island on July 10, saying that unless a licensed operator is prosecuted for an offence, a licence cannot be revoked.

After the stabbing, some called for action to be taken by government officials.

According to police, shortly after 7pm on Independence Day a man got into an argument with other men on a boat, with his assailants leaving the area on stand-up personal watercraft after stabbing him.

A video of the incident went viral last week and captured the dramatic escalation of the attack.

At one point, a man was apparently hit with a beer bottle on the boat. Another person attacked was forced to jump overboard.

The stabbing victim was left in hospital after the attack.

In its statement, the acting port controller

advised the public that Rose Island is not an area that is regulated by the Port Department for commercial activities under the Commercial Recreational Watercraft Act. “Additionally, the persons reportedly involved in the incident have not yet been positively identified to the Port Department, nor have they been charged before the courts by the police.

“As such, the Port Department is not in a position to take any action against any individual holding a port licence, and who is allegedly involved in this incident.

“The prosecution of any individual by the Royal Bahamas Police Force, who is licenced by the Port Department as a Jet Ski operator, will result in the immediate suspension of that operator’s licence by the Acting Port Controller, and thereafter by the revocation of that individual’s licence by the New Providence Port Authority Board.”

Miller’s properties, James Smith, past chairman of the special purpose vehicle (SPV), said the Minnis administration has taken an aggressive approach in going after bad loans, one he does not endorse.

Bahamas Resolve is the SPV the Christie administration created in 2015 so it could remove some of BOB’s toxic loans from its balance sheet, going after them through the SPV. “(Mr Turnquest in opposition) said he would be more aggressive in going after bad loans,” Mr Smith noted. “He might have given that point of view to the Resolve guys now.”

When he was chairman, Bahamas Resolve had little success going after bad loans.

Explaining his approach then, he said: “The market

then and still is very sluggish because of the overhang from the banking sector. You could see it in the pages of advertisements every now and again.

“The banks had huge non-performing loans so a lot of houses were repossessed and up for sale and that’s what we were competing with. Even if we wanted to be really aggressive, chances are you wouldn’t get much movement in the market which was sluggish and still is.

“That was a major consideration for us. Secondly, we thought about whether there was a chance a loan for a business would have a house used as collateral; we looked at it and said if you take the house from under the guy chances are you’re not going to get back what you want but at least

he still has his business, let’s work with him and see if we could resuscitate that business. Thirdly, we had the question that was always lingering which is these people felt they had some dispute with the bank which we never knew the nature of.”

Mr Smith never dealt with Mr Miller’s matter.

The Christie administration did not transfer toxic loans of politically exposed persons to the SPV. His team’s approach to Mr Miller’s matter would have differed from that of the Minnis administration, he said.

“His business would be a going concern, business is open so there’s a chance you may have gotten some cash out of that to pay down on the outstanding debt. You might stand a better chance

of doing that than what you might realise through a sale.

That’s only guesswork on my part. Maybe there are some people out there that have that kind of money and think they could turn it around. That’s a big gamble so you would have to cut the price very much in half, then you’d still go to court because the owners would say you fire sale my stuff.

Personally, I would have wanted to avoid putting the government in conflict with its own people in a way because there is a lot of blame to spread around there. We know there were some stuff going on in the bank, we can’t prove it, but because people were complaining, it wasn’t going to be an easy sell. Then they tie you up in courts and even if you do win it’s a pyrrhic victory.”

PAGE 8, Thursday, July 19, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

CAPTAIN STEPHEN RUSSELL, NEMA director, examines an emergency kit during the joint event between NEMA and The Tribune’s Radio House team.

100 Jamz hosted a live remote at NEMA yesterday. Pictured are Captain Stephen Russell, NEMA director; Tangela Albury, chief of compliance and internal audit at Fidelity; and Lindsay Thompson, communications director at NEMA.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

Hurricane kit donation to help the vulnerable

By FARRAH JOHNSON

THE National Emergency Management Agency teamed up yesterday with The Tribune’s Radio House and Fidelity Bank to promote hurricane safety and emphasise the importance of being prepared for this storm season.

Broadcasting live from NEMA’s headquarters, hosts from 100 JAMZ, Y98, and Kiss FM spoke to NEMA representatives on what Bahamians can do to protect themselves and their possessions from natural disasters.

As part of the initiative, Fidelity Bank also presented NEMA with a number of hurricane kits consisting of disaster blankets, flashlights, as well as first aid kits among other helpful supplies.

Tangela Albury, chief of compliance and internal audit at Fidelity Bank and donations committee chair, explained that the company wanted to ensure that people took hurricane preparedness seriously.

“We recognise that not only are we in the business of making loans and deposits, but we’re also in the business of giving back and being good for the community in a non-financial sort of aspect,” she said.

“Meaning as we identify programmes for youth, education, and in this case working with NEMA in the area of hurricane preparedness and disaster preparedness, we see an opportunity to help the community in a different way,” she added.

Fifty of the kits will be donated to elderly people as part of the government’s Over-the-Hill rejuvenation, while 70 more will be disbursed to the Disaster Consultative Committee volunteers/NEMA Committee members.

The remaining 165 kits will be turned over to the Department of Social Services for disbursement to “vulnerable” families.

Lisa Bowleg, senior probation officer of the disaster management unit from the Department of Social Services, said: “It is

ONE of the hurricane kits on show yesterday. a wonderful corporate decision that Fidelity has made … and so I think that the initiative regarding the shelter kits is an excellent idea.

It’s much needed, and it’s timely as we are currently in the hurricane season.”

Speaking to 100 Jamz radio personality JJ McKenzie, NEMA director Captain Stephen Russell added that many Bahamians tend to “take too long to prepare”.

“They need to hear that a storm is travelling and is upon us before they make those final moves to really secure their property, and we’re trying to urge persons year round to always be prepared for the upcoming hurricane season,” he said.

Capt Russell said they are encouraging citizens from “all spectrums of society” to be prepared for the upcoming season.

“Besides household preparedness, we’re trying to get persons to be mindful of community preparedness,” he said.

Capt Russell shared that a good way to do this is for one to make themselves aware of the “condition and status” of their neighbours in terms of their own “state of preparedness.”

He added that identifying where senior citizens and disabled persons are living in the neighbourhood, as well as becoming familiar

with the location of shelters is also helpful.

Adding that NEMA has been trying to present the message of preparedness at various levels, he also stated: “We want our schools to be ready –even though schools will be closed we want persons to be mindful that hurricane season is upon us.”

He said school principals and other faculty members should ensure that all records and key equipment are secured or that a team is in place to do so.

“I’m saddened when I travel around the islands after disaster and see essential items that could have been secured, damaged as a result of the storm,” he said.

Capt Russell also said they are encouraging pastors and parishioners of various churches, which are used as shelters, to “do their best to safeguard church properties.”

“From a sectoral standpoint all government ministries and departments… we urge all of them to have a sector plan… that’s our thrust this hurricane season: hurricane household preparedness, neighbourhood preparedness, community preparedness, constituency preparedness, church, school, and sector preparedness,” he said.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, July 19, 2018, PAGE 9

Road repair fines ‘increase to $10k’ from page one throughout the island.

Poles currently cost $1,947 per 30’ pole. Bahamas Power and Light is responsible for replacing damaged light posts. As it stands, there are 54 poles to be replaced. To date, only 34 have been replaced.

He was referring to poles along the Airport Gateway and other areas of the island.

During a brief communication in the House of Assembly, Mr Bannister said: “Prior to January of this year, the Ministry of Public Works had been responsible for replacing these damaged light poles.

In January, BPL assumed this responsibility.

“However, my ministry is responsible for an additional $93,842.15, which is the sum that is required to replace additional light poles that have now been destroyed by irresponsible drivers.

“BPL has now advised me that they are now

responsible for replacing 88 damaged poles. However, to date they have replaced 34 poles, which means that 54 more must be replaced.

Regrettably, that number continues to rise on a daily basis.

“BPL continues to await the arrival of their latest shipment of poles at a current cost of $1,947 per 30’ pole. When the next shipment arrives, poles must be replaced throughout New Providence, but particularly on Bay Street, the Airport Gateway, Tonique Williams Highway, the Bethel Avenue, Sir Milo Butler Highway, and East West Highway.

“We cannot continue in this manner. I, therefore, take this opportunity to beg my fellow commuters to exercise care as we traverse the roads, and to report persons who they witness hitting poles. There are better uses for our tax money than continually replacing light poles that have been destroyed by uncaring drivers.”

Earlier in his

communication the minister said: “The Airport Gateway was constructed at considerable cost to the Bahamian people. It provides a wonderful welcome to this island, and enhances our ability to travel to the airport and western New Providence.

The attractive lighting on the gateway adds to the ambiance and improves safety for all drivers.

“Regrettably, more and more these innocent, stationary light poles were becoming victims of careless drivers in inordinately large numbers.

“In 2015, the Ministry of Works was forced to enter into a contract to pay $248,823.25 to replace damaged light poles on the Airport Gateway; on Tonique Darling Highway, on the six legged roundabout; on the road between GHS (Government High School) and (University of the Bahamas); on the highway west of GHS; and on the highway to Saunders Beach due mainly to the negligence of careless drivers,” he said yesterday.

THE Ministry of Public Works/Bahamix is conducting road paving on Madeira Street & Sixth Terrace from Mackey Street to Collins Avenue.

The paving began Friday and will end Tuesday, July 31. The work will occur between the hours of 6.30pm to 1am.

Bahamix kindly

requests that all vehicles parked on the edge or side of the streets be removed immediately to allow smooth operation of the paving.

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PAGE 10, Thursday, July 19, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

TEAM BAHAMAS on the way to becoming champions of the Nagico T20 Cricket Tournament for the second consecutive year in 2015 with a victory over The Rest of the World in the championship game at Windsor Park.

Come on - it’s simpl y not O

FFICIALLY, cricket is the national sport of The Bahamas. Officially, oatmeal without sugar and cream is really good for you.

Officially, it is against the law in The Bahamas to sleep while reversing. No kidding.

Officially, there is a whole range of stuff that is, well, official but not necessarily correct, like having cricket as our national sport. We understand how cricket came to be the national sport. There were people here from England, many of them, and there were civil servants whose ancestry dates back to India where the English used cricket as one of the country’s earliest sports exports.

And cricket’s history is actually fun and filled with touches of humour, but that does not qualify it to be the lingering national sport.

Let’s be honest, how many of us actually know what a wicket keeper does or how many players there are on a team or what that hand-held instrument is made of that someone, probably not Bahamian, uses to hit a ball.

We can tell you all about the NBA draft. We fly to Florida for Miami Heat games or even the Marlins.

We know that when it’s football season and someone says the Fish, they are not talking about a boil or a trip. They mean Dolphins.

Because something is official does not mean it

By Diane Phillips cannot be challenged or Once a part of physical educhanged when reasonable cation programmes in at people, armed with reason- least a few schools, cricket able information, sit down today is largely found only and reasonably discuss why on the pitch at Fort Charthat which is official needs lotte. Walk upstairs to the to give way to a substitute Cricket Club, hail Chris that is more suitably official. and Connie, the ultimate (Like sleeping while revers- host and hostess, glance at ing should be sleeping any of the TV screens and while operating a vehicle, you are far likelier to see officially making sleeping motor sports, soccer, rugby or Wimblewhile driving don.

Some a misdemean- ‘If this game that of the British our instead of a need for many island nations diehards who have called further south Starbuck’s.)

The BahaThe recent continue to enjoy mas home discussion for decades about what is not exactly the should be the right national sport must marvel in near disnational sport for The Bahamas, belief that of The Bahacricket is still mas was like the question the national many national becomes what is? sport of The conversations, There is no Bahamas. filled with Just as fervour and shortage of an FYI – passion. And suggestions and the game the reason each makes a of cricket the discusdates back sion started certain amount to the mediis because of sense.’ eval period, of growing maybe a celawareness that in a nation filled with ebration for survivors after sports heroes and inter- rats and fleas led to a plague national stars, our official that took 75 million lives, a national sport is something gruesome detail included that we don’t even play. just to emphasise how long

ago the game appeared as a distraction on the scene.

Hitting a ball with a stick and trying to get it through a wicket gate that was probably modelled after a gate through which sheep were herded was a basic recreation and, after a horror like the plague, could have provided much-needed relief for children in the street.

The first evidence of adults trying their hand at the game comes from a church record where two parishioners were caught dodging Easter Sunday service to play cricket and were fined one penny each.

So, if this game that many island nations further south continue to enjoy is not exactly the right national sport for The Bahamas, the question becomes what is?

There is no shortage of suggestions and each makes a certain amount of sense. Why not track and field, some say, where we have had more stars and won more medals, including Olympic gold, relative to our population than just about any place on the face of the earth with the exception of Jamaica and possibly Kenya and Ethiopia? Or, why not basketball where we have had two first round draft picks, including Deandre Ayton just last month, and Mychal “Sweet Bells” Thompson in 1978 and we have promising professional players like Buddy Hield and players who delivered on the promise like Rick Fox? There are those who argue it should be tennis.

It is a little-known fact The Bahamas once had the highest number of tennis courts per capita in the world and another littleknown fact that a court on Market Street is the oldest, continuously operating clay court in the Western Hemisphere. That court was here before Wimbledon was the high priestess of tennis championships, when it was just a tube stop southwest of London.

There are good reasons to support swimming as the national sport or you could make the argument for diving or many other athletic activities and people

cricket

have. Open airways have given the Bahamian people a voice, social media has stoked the verbal volume.

But there is really only one sport that stands out as the true national sport, native sloop sailing. The reason that native sloop sailing - and by extension sailing in general - stands mast ahead of all the other categories of sports activities is because the Bahamian sloop is found only in The Bahamas.

Native sloop sailing is the only sport that is completely unique to The Bahamas. We own this sport. We created it. We take pride in it. We did not borrow someone else’s game or their rules for competition. We did not model our field or our rules after anyone else’s. We built these boats from scratch.

We rigged their masts and attached their booms. We designed those masts to defy physics, in A Class twice as tall as the vessel is long. A 28-foot boat with a 55-foot or greater mast and no winches to grind, just sheer physical strength and steely teamwork at a start line, pulling anchor, hoisting a massive mainsail going into the wind, finding clear air, avoiding crashes and calamities.

We own this playing field, the waters of The Bahamas. We did not borrow or beg this idea from anywhere else. We created the sport and we set the rules.

There is nowhere else in the world where the spectacle of these majestic wooden sloops with the wind filling their ivory-toned canvaslike sails, the team hiked out on a pryboard to steady the boat and keep her afloat – exists, all of it a dramatic image, surging into our memories as a sight and a sport that cannot be seen anywhere else.

The idea of sailing becoming the national sport was first proposed – officially – when Zhivargo Laing was a Minister of State.

A group that consisted of the late Roy Bowe, Lundy Robinson, Danny Strachan, Philip McPhee, Larry Phillips, Jimmy Lowe and others including the Dunkley brothers presented the

proposal almost 20 years ago. There have been other attempts at gaining funding for junior sailing and for sailing programmes that will guarantee the survival of the sport. Most funding requests have met with the same lack of fortune as the initial proposal but perhaps the timing was just not right. The urgency to claim that which is ours and which provides a sense of pride that swells our hearts feels current.

We are very good at celebrating the wins our sailors bring home.

We spent a year honouring Sir Durward Knowles as he marked his 100th birthday and there would have been no doubt that he would be top of any heroes list, the country’s Olympic star, bringing home the gold along with crew Cecil Cooke in the 1964 Star Class Sailing championship in Seoul, South Korea.

We congratulate our legendary sailors like Sunfish world champion Donnie Martinborough whose 20th Century record eight-time Bermuda win can never be broken. We’ve watched those like the late Robert H “Bobby” Symonette bring home the honours in his Sloop John B and more recently Gavin McKinney winning the 5.5 Metre Worlds in France with two other Bahamians, Mark Holowesko and Peter Vlasov, finishing second.

Four times The Bahamas has been number one in sailing in the world and yet cricket remains the national sport – officially.

Sailing is an integral part of the history not just nationally but globally with The Bahamas as the gateway to the New World. It is a history we too often neglect and too rarely emphasise. Let us get on with naming the waters the Lucayan Sea, creating a visual history we can see and touch along with the waterfront of New Providence and other historic landmarks where history unfolded and let us, please, enjoy cricket at the pitch and sailing as our national sport. This is a race the nation can win.

HIGH LOW

THE TRIBUNE

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CLOUDS & SUN

r e p a P s ’ le p o e P e Th

Thursday, July 19, 2018, PAGE 11

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Volume: 112 No.95

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

THE public will have to wait just a bit longer for the final listing and review of financial disclosures for the last three years, with Public Disclosure Commission Chairman Myles Laroda yesterday refusing to comment on the work of the unit without formal notice of a reappointment for the 2018-2019 administrative year.

When contacted for comment on the status of disclosures yesterday, Mr Laroda informed The Tribune his appointment to the post of chairman became null and void on June 30, rendering him unable to address any of the commission’s findings.

“As of June 30, my post expired and I cannot say anything about anything until I am reappointed, if the government sees fit,” he said. “As far as I am aware, I have not been reappointed and I don’t know if I will be.”

Late last year, Mr Laroda said the commission had met several times and was still in the process of reviewing various 2016 and 2017 filings.

There was a July 3, 2017, timeline set by Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis for the files on delinquent disclosures to be sent to the Office of the Attorney General, however no action was ever taken against those who fell in this category.

In the case of people appointed or elected after the annual March 1 deadline, the Public Disclosure Act states disclosures must be filed within three months from the date – effectively, August 10 for MPs and August 22 for senators.

The government has, in the past, used the latter

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ATTORNEY General Carl Bethel.

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FRED MITCHELL

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charging rown@ trib dealings” further ould not sb sh s an mi ha Ba t tha TH REE men of a club to “have to be part les”. d another man tab an ir the on d foo l Move- put mments pital after two sep co is’ inn M FR EE Nationa Hubert Dr to re- fic accidents in t ment Leader Dr criticised were in response senior Islands over the w ay by rd ste ns ye tio is ela inn rev M party nistration cent mi the The latest acc ad t tie tha ris ls cia Ch the “helping PLP officontracts to support- place early yeste a g itin hib ex s for ” mental- award ons by ing in Eleuthera those who help us charging ers, as well as admissi Bank , ce the According t an rn of ve n go ma ity in ds” of the chair mas (BOB) that shortly after m an us tho of ns Baha that “te s inwas drivi ot provide of the Bahamians cann a result. political consideration ions man a Accord as cis s nd de ilie g Ho fam din d len for their tement, fluence S Dr M innis, in a sta nt of SIX GE SEE PA rnme accused the gove ” tactics ay using “pay-to -pl

Nassau & Bahama

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PAGE 12, Thursday, July 19, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

TIMOTHY RUSSELL, left, and John Wheatly Grant outside court yesterday.

Photos: Vandyke Hepburn

Three accused of burglaries

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net THREE Grand Bahama men were charged with multiple housebreaking and theft offences in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

Joshua Randy Williams, 39, of Hunters; Timothy Russell, 28, and John Wheatly Grant, 26, both of Lewis Yard, appeared before Deputy Chief Magistrate Debbye Ferguson and Magistrate Rengin Johnson, respectively.

The trio first appeared at 10am in Court One, where they were charged with three counts of housebreaking and stealing from a house.

They pleaded not guilty to the charges, and the matters were adjourned to September 24, for summary trial. Bail was referred to the Supreme Court, and the

accused were remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until trial.

They were represented

by Brian Hanna.

Williams, Russell, and Grant later appeared before Magistrate Johnson at 1pm in Court Three on some seven counts of housebreaking and stealing from a house.

It is alleged that the men, being concerned together, broke into a home on Aberdeen Drive and stole some items, including two flat screen TVs and two watches, together valued at $2,655.

It also alleged that between May 2 and May 9, the accused broke into a house and stole a television valued at $350.

Sometime between April 27 and April 28, the trio allegedly broke into a house and stole some $6030 worth of items.

On July 5, the men

allegedly broke into a house and stole a 52-inch television, an LG television, and jewellery together valued at $4130.

On June 3, the men allegedly broke into a house and stole two televisions and a DVD player together valued at $1600.

On May 16-May 17, it is alleged that they broke into a house and stole a number of items, including a driver’s licence, Scotiabank card, two PlayStation gaming systems, and other items valued at $1,160. The case was adjourned to November 8.

On July 5 to July 7, the men allegedly broke into a home and stole items valued at $700.

The men pleaded not guilty, all elected summary trial and bail was referred to the Supreme Court. Trial will take place over the three days – November 6, 7, and 8.

JOSHUA Randy Williams outside court yesterday.

54-YEAR-OLD MAN ACCUSED OF UNLAWFUL SEX WITH GIRL, 13

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

A 54-YEAR-OLD man was remanded to prison yesterday after being charged with having unlawful sexual intercourse with a 13-year-old girl.

Dwayne Decosta stood before Deputy Chief

Magistrate Subusola Swain charged with one count of unlawful sexual intercourse stemming from the July 14 incident.

It is alleged that on the date in question, he had unlawful sexual intercourse with the adolescent.

Decosta, who is represented by attorney Krysta Mason-Smith, was

not required to enter a plea to the charge and the case was adjourned to October 18 for service of a voluntary bill of indictment.

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

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, July 19, 2018, PAGE 13

Airport workers sue govt after being fired from posts

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net TWO former airport assistant managers are taking legal action against the government for firing them from their posts earlier this year, with their attorney calling the terminations a “clear and unequivocal” breach of his clients’ contracts.

According to a writ recently filed by attorney Nicholas Mitchell, Danielle Gibson and Holly Pearce-Barrett are suing the government for wrongful/unfair dismissal as well as breach of contract

concerning their terminations sometime on or about January 23.

The women are also seeking interest under the Civil Procedure (Award of Interest) Act 1969, costs, and any other relief the Supreme Court deems fit and just.

Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar, Airport Authority Chairman James Pinder and Attorney General Carl Bethel are listed as the defendants in the action.

Mr Mitchell, in a statement to The Tribune, said while it is “unclear” what the motives for his clients’ terminations were, the

facts as they currently stand “support the contention that the government is at fault”.

Mr Mitchell alleged his clients were “further subjected” to “certain remarks that besmirched their characters to the degree that they are actionable,” and which have caused them “serious challenges” that continue.

The action comes some six months after the two women were fired from their posts at the North Eleuthera and Governor’s Harbour airports.

Ms Gibson was hired as assistant manager of the North Eleuthera airport

in 2014. After successfully completing her initial twoyear contract, her contract was renewed for three more years in 2016.

Ms Pearce-Barrett, meanwhile, was hired as assistant airport manager of the facility in Governor’s Harbour on a three-year contract in April 2017.

Around January 23, however, both women were informed by letter that their respective employments were to be terminated with immediate effect.

Mr Mitchell said some three weeks ago he attempted to reach out to the relevant authorities concerning the matter,

but he said it was “obvious” they have “little to no intention of accepting responsibility” for what he claimed was “a clear and unequivocal breach of contract, and for the wrongful dismissals of Ms Gibson and Mrs Pearce-Barrett.”

“Ms Gibson and Mrs Pearce-Barrett, who were proficient in their respective duties, ought to have been treated with the respect of due process, where there was an issue with their performance results, or some other aspect of their employment,” Mr Mitchell said in his statement.

“From the documents

reviewed, it is unclear what the motive for their termination was. It has led to many assumptions, but what counsel is focused on are the facts, and the facts as they stand support the contention that the government is at fault.

“As though the magnitude of damage resulting professionally and psychologically was insufficient, Ms Gibson and Mrs PearceBarrett were further subjected to certain remarks that besmirched their characters to the degree that they are actionable, as they have caused them serious challenges, which continue to date.”

READERS RESPOND TO TOP STORIES IN THE NEWS READERS have been posting their reactions to the stories making the news this week.

After Water and Sewerage Corporation executive chairman Adrian Gibson said officials are still pursuing all outstanding revenue associated with the “do not disconnect” list of privileged residents, there was this response from Well_mudda_take_ sic: “Gibson would be wise to stop talking foolishness about how he is still pursuing seriously delinquent water bill amounts owed by persons who were on the PLP’s “do not disconnect list”. Talk is cheap, especially when coming from a politician’s mouth.

JUST SHUT OFF THEIR WATER SUPPLY UNTIL THE LONG PAST DUE AMOUNTS HAVE BEEN PAID IN FULL. Gibson is no better than his PLP predecessor if he continues to allow these delinquents to receive

water without payment in full of the amounts they owe that date back years, and in aggregate total many millions of dollars.”

Jamani2 had a similar view: “This is what I think is systematically wrong with our country. Talk. Talk.

Talk. We talk too much, when what is called for is simple action. Turn the service off. Stop the blatant discrimination against poor people. Everyone needs to be treated fairly under the law.”

Still on the subject of Water and Sewerage, the union representing the corporation’s line staff has welcomed the planned Voluntary Separation Packages, with workers said to be “breaking down the

WSC executive chairman Adrian Gibson (centre) at Water and Sewerage headquarters. should do careful plan- by. Some persons in the door to get out of here”.

John had this to say: ning before they decide to private sector receive pack“This voluntary separa- take these packages. Many ages in excess of a million tion or even mandatory people have found them- dollars and, even then, poor separation package thing selves broke or even in debt management can see them is something kinda new to before the age of 50 and back on the employment the Bahamas and persons at an age where employ- line even after the age of not yet at retirement age ment is not easy to come retirement.”

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And Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said in his upcoming private discussions with United Nations Secretary General António Guterres in New York he intends to seek funding assistance for his administration’s housing initiative for the poor.

That prompted DDK to say: “How can this man keep wasting the money of the taxpayers? How will we ever pay our huge debts if Minnis and Co. are spending it as fast as the poor Bahamians feed it to them? Is he arrogant or just plain ridiculous?

DAMN! WHERE ARE THE TRAVEL EXPENSE REPORTS?????? They are doing exactly what previous administrations have done. Greece and Barbados here we come! Furthermore we do not want to become beholdened to the US’s UN!” • Don’t miss your chance to join the debate on tribune242.com.

PAGE 14, Thursday, July 19, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

NOW TRUMP SAYS THAT HE WARNED PUTIN

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump spent a second day Wednesday managing the political fallout from his meeting with Russia’s Vladimir Putin, amid what the White House said were misstatements.

Trump said he told the Russian president faceto-face during Monday’s summit to stay out of America’s elections “and that’s the way it’s going to be”.

That rhetoric marked a turnabout from Trump’s first, upbeat description of his sitdown with Putin. Still, Trump backtracked on whether Russia is currently targeting US elections. When asked the question Wednesday, he answered “no”, a reply that put him at odds with his own intelligence chief. Hours later, the White House claimed he was saying “no” to taking questions.

Trump also told CBS News he would hold Putin responsible, saying: “I would, because he’s in charge of the country.”

19 DEAD AS BOAT CAPSIZES NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) — Nineteen people drowned when a boat loaded with as many as 150 people who were thought to be migrants capsized off the northern coast of Cyprus, a Turkish Cypriot official said Wednesday.

Tolga Atakan, the transport minister in the breakaway north of ethnically divided Cyprus, said rescue crews were searching for 25 missing passengers in an area where a passing cargo ship reported spotting people in the water.

The Turkish coast guard said it rescued 103 of the capsized vessel’s passengers and took them to Turkey.

COACH EKKAPOL JANTHAWONG, left, and the 12 boys show their respect and thanks as they hold a portrait of Saman Gunan, the retired Thai SEAL diver who died during their rescue attempt, during a press conference in Chiang Rai, northern Thailand, on Wednesday.

Photo: Vincent Thian/AP

Thai boys tell of voices in the dark, then ‘hello’ CHIANG RAI, Thailand Associated Press

TRAPPED in the recesses of a flooded cave, the 12 boys and their soccer coach were trying to dig their way out when they heard voices in the darkness. Their coach quickly told everyone to be quiet.

“We weren’t sure if it was for real,” 14-year-old Adul Samon said. “So we stopped and listened. And it turned out to be true. I was shocked.”

That stunning moment when two British divers found the missing soccer team was recounted by the

boys Wednesday at their first news conference since the rescue that riveted the world.

They all looked healthy as they walked out to applause from classmates and reporters in a hall decked out as a miniature soccer field.

Dressed in green, white and black uniforms emblazoned with a red wild boar — the nickname of their team — the boys briefly showed off their ball-handling skills before answering questions.

The boys, aged 11-16, and their 25-year-old coach had come from the hospital where they have been recuperating for more than

a week. They hugged their friends before taking seats with doctors and members of the Thai navy SEAL unit that rescued them from the Tham Luang cave.

In one poignant and emotional moment, a portrait was displayed of Saman Gunan, the former Thai navy SEAL diver who died in the rescue attempt, and the team members showed their gratitude and respect for him. One boy, Chanin Vibulrungruang, covered his eyes as if wiping away a tear.

Adul was the logical choice to tell how the British divers discovered them because it was he who had

greeted the divers in English in the murky video on July 2.

The Wild Boars had entered the cave on June 23 for an excursion after soccer practice. But rain began, and water soon filled the cavern.

Coach Ekapol “Ake” Chanthawong said the trip was meant to last one hour, but when the hour was up, they were pretty deep inside and already had swum through some flooded areas in the spirit of adventure. On turning back, he discovered the way was not clear, and he swam ahead to scout the route, attaching a rope to himself

so the boys could pull him back if necessary.

He said he had to be pulled out.

Ekapol said he told the boys: “We cannot go out this way. We have to find another way.”

“I felt scared. I was afraid I wouldn’t get to go home and my mom would scold me, said Mongkol Boonpiam, 13.

The group had taken no food with them and survived by drinking water that dripped from the cave walls, Ekapol said, adding that all the boys knew how to swim, which had been a concern for rescuers.

SEX AND DECEPTION IN TALE OF RUSSIAN AGENT WASHINGTON Associated Press

A 29-YEAR-OLD gunrights activist suspected of being a covert Russian agent was likely in contact with Kremlin operatives while living in the United States, prosecutors said yesterday, accusing her of using sex and deception to forge influential connections.

The woman, Maria Butina, was photographed by the FBI dining privately with a Russian diplomat suspected of being an intelligence operative in the weeks before the envoy’s departure from the US last March, prosecutors said.

She also had contact information for people who investigators believe were employees of Russia’s Federal Security Services, or FSB, the successor intelligence agency to the KGB. The allegations add to the portrait of a Russian woman who the Justice Department says worked covertly to establish back-channel lines of communication to the Kremlin and infiltrate US political organisations, including the National Rifle Association, and gather intelligence for a senior Russian official to whom she reported.

Prosecutors also alleged she had a personal relationship with an American political operative and offered sex to another person in exchange for a position with a special interest organisation.

Court papers do not name the individuals or the special interest group.

Butina awaits trial on charges of conspiracy and acting as an unregistered foreign agent for Russia.

She pleaded not guilty yesterday during a hearing in which US Magistrate Deborah Robinson ordered her held in jail as the case moves forward, saying she was a flight risk.

Butina was arrested over the weekend amid signs that she planned to leave the Washington area and possibly the country, prosecutors said. Her lease on an apartment ends later this

MARIA BUTINA month, her belongings were packed at the time of her arrest and she had applied for a visa that would allow her to travel to and from the United States, prosecutors said.

During the hearing, prosecutors showed a photo of Butina having dinner with a man they said was suspected of having ties to Russian intelligence. They also read from notes found in her home that included reference to a potential job offer from the FSB and noted she had been photographed with Russian diplomatic personnel, including Sergey Kislyak, Russia’s former ambassador to the US. Prosecutors said Butina was also regarded as a covert agent by a Russian official with whom she was in touch, with text messages discovered by the FBI showing how the official likened her to Anna Chapman, a Russian woman who was arrested in 2010 and then deported as part of a prisoner swap.

In March 2017, following news coverage of Butina, the Russian official wrote: “Are your admirers asking for your autographs yet?

You have upstaged Anna Chapman. She poses with toy pistols, while you are being published with real ones,” according to the court filing.

Authorities have not named the Russian official, but during Wednesday’s hearing, Driscoll said it is Alexander Torshin, a senior official in the Central Bank of the Russian Federation, and one of a group of Russian oligarchs and officials targeted in April by Treasury Department sanctions.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, July 19, 2018, PAGE 15

Golf tournament ready to tee off THE Bahamas Professional Golf Tour is all set for round three in its Signature Series. The BPGT thanked Breezes Superclubs Resorts and Hedda Smith for their sponsorship and contribution to the spirit of the sport of golf.

The third classic moves from the Royal Blue Golf Course at Baha Mar to be held at the Ocean Club Golf Course.

Next Thursday, July 26, rhe BPGT invites all amateur and professional

golfers to take part.

Just under sixty amateur and professional golf enthusiasts are setting their sights on prize purses including cash and other rewards.

Organisers hope to see familiar local professionals including Jim Duncombe to challenge two-time BPGT Pro Overall Leader David Harris. Tee-off time is 2pm prompt. For registration details, email bahamasprofessionalgolftour@ gmail.com or visit the website at www. bpgt.org.

RICCARDO DAVIS, BPGT founder, with Hedda Smith, of Breezes Superclubs.

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