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Angry scenes at FNM convention Turnquest blasts Long Island MP’s over-long speech

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net PETER Turnquest took an angry swipe at Free National Movement (FNM) leadership candidate Loretta Butler-Turner last night amid fractious scenes at the party’s convention, insisting “respect must be earned”.

In the keynote address on the second night of the convention, the party’s incumbent Deputy Leader targeted the Long Island MP, reprimanding her for far exceeding her allocated 25-minute time slot.

In a two-minute diatribe preceding his prepared speech, the East Grand Bahama MP said the FNM was

not built on the chaotic and fractured practices on display so far at the convention.

“If you want respect, you must first show respect. Respect must be earned,” he shouted to resounding applause by hundreds of delegates. “The party I knew way before I knew what politics was is nothing like this.”

Mr Turnquest, much to the chagrin of his detractors in the room at the Melia Nasau Beach Resort, emphasised that the unseemly scenes would be brought to an end on Friday, firmly implying that an overwhelming victory was on the way for him and leadership candidate, Dr Hubert Minnis.

SEE PAGE THREE

COLLIE TO STAY AS CHAIRMAN AS ALVIN SMITH BOWS OUT

By SANCHESKA BROWN Tribune Staff Reporter sbrown@tribunemedia.net

FORMER House Speaker Alvin Smith said yesterday that after “careful consideration” he is declining the nomination for chairman of the Free National Movement.

In an interview with The Tribune, Mr Smith said he initially felt he could take on the role of chairman and “truly unite” the Free National Movement but he does not believe right now is the time for him to serve.

SEE PAGE SIX

LORETTA Butler-Turner speaking at the Free National Movement Convention last night at the Melia Nassau Beach Resort.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

BUTLER-TURNER: I’M BEST CHOICE TO STOP COUNTRY GOING TO RUIN

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

PAINTING a picture of a country trampling toward ruin if the Progressive Liberal Party remains at the helm, Long Island

MP Loretta Butler-Turner last night made her case for why she is the best person to lead the Free National Movement even as she urged the party to move past the bitter infighting that has gripped it for several years.

The speech came a day before she hoped to reverse the results of 2014’s convention when she lost decisively to Dr Hubert Minnis in the leadership race.

SEE PAGE THREE

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LIGHTBOURN PROPOSES STERILISING MOTHERS

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net MONTAGU MP Richard Lightbourn last night proposed that the country adopt legislation that mandates unwed mothers with more than two children have their “tubes tied” in an effort to curtail the country’s social ills.

In a speech that could barely be heard on the party’s convention floor due to chants of “Roc With Doc”, Mr Lightbourn attempted to layout initiatives he proposed could be implemented as the Free National Movement’s (FNM) crime plan.

Mr Lightbourn indicated children born in unstable family situations often times grow up to participate in criminal activities.

To offset that occurrence, the shadow attorney general said: “It is also necessary for us as a nation to consider adopting the lead of several countries in the world which result in unwed mother having her tubes tied after having more than two children, which would in the end result in fewer children being born. The state should not have the burden of paying for the upbringing of children.

“By adopting such measures, there will be less classrooms needed in the future, less out of school every year seeking employment and would also result in the mother of these children being able to live a better life, not having to bring up so many children.”

SEE PAGE SIX

THE NEXT EDITION OF THE TRIBUNE WILL BE ON TUESDAY AFTER THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND

COMPLAINT FILED AGAINST DOCTOR A ALLEGED ROBBERS THAT PSYCHIATRIST DAY AFTER HE WAS CLEARED OF RAPE PRAYED WITH ARE CHARGED IN COURT Meal

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

ONE day after being acquitted of rape and indecent assault, a complaint was filed against Freeport doctor Gerald Forbes for allegedly creating a disturbance at a law firm and following a female employee around the office.

According to a police complaint obtained by The Tribune, Dr Forbes’ attor-

ney Osman Johnson contacted the police around 2.40pm on Tuesday concerning an alleged disturbance at his law firm in the Millennium Building on the Mall and requested assistance.

When police arrived, Mr Johnson reported that Dr Forbes was there allegedly creating a disturbance and refused to leave when asked to do so.

SEE PAGE SEVEN

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

THE alleged culprits behind the home invasion and gunpoint robbery of a well known psychiatrist were arraigned in Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

Leonard O’Brien, 19, and Wilson Lacroix, 20, were flanked by armed policemen as they were escorted into the Nassau and South Streets complex to stand

before Deputy Chief Magistrate Constance Delancy on charges of housebreaking, armed robbery and receiving.

It is alleged that the pair, sometime on July 26, broke into Dr David Allen’s home.

The armed robbery took place around 6.30am at Dr Allen’s West Bay Street home. Dr Allen’s daughter and grandchildren were SEE PAGE SEVEN

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PAGE 2 , Friday, July 29, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

PETER Turnquest pictured during his arrival at the Free National Movement Convention.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

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DR Duane Sands speaking to fellow attendees at the Free National Movement Convention.

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Friday, July 29, 2016 , PAGE 3

Too early to tell on FNM unity

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

ALTHOUGH video footage of Free National Movement leadership contenders sharing a dance on the convention stage has gone viral, senior FNMs said yesterday that it was too early to tell whether the party is on track to unification.

“I think it’s too early to see that,” said former Deputy Prime Minister Brent Symonette as delegates entered the Melià ballroom on the second day of the national convention.

“I think we have to look to Friday and see how the voting goes, see which candidate people elected.”

Friday’s leadership vote is expected to quash the bitter infighting that has dogged

the party, with many FNMs pointing out that the true test lies in how the victor treats the loser.

Killarney MP Dr Hubert Minnis is defending his leadership post against challenger and former deputy, Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner.

Despite the show of solidarity on the convention stage, Mrs Butler-Turner has publicly stated that she does not believe she will be given a fair chance if Dr Minnis is re-elected as leader and it has been speculated that she will not be ratified as the party’s standard bearer for her consistency.

She has also accused the Killarney MP of doing everything possible to “silence” her voice and “steal” the party’s convention.

On Wednesday night, Dr Minnis told supporters that

if he is elected the party will begin a time of “healing and forgiveness,” adding that he will put aside “animosity” and do what is best for the people of the Bahamas.

Yesterday, Mr Symonette insisted that the healing process was more than just a verbal statement but required concerted effort.

“There has to be a concerted effort to heal,” he said. “It’s one thing getting up on a podium and saying ‘heal’. I refer to those persons who are unfortunate enough to be divorced, sometimes you get irreconcilable differences and in a run-up to elections people say things or do things sometimes accidentally or without thinking. So we’ll have to see how that process works.”

During a press briefing yesterday morning, incum-

bent Chairman Sidney Collie said he was pleased to see Dr Minnis and Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest share the stage with Mrs Butler-Turner and her running mate for deputy Dr Duane Sands.

Mr Collie said: “The lines are drawn, the two top spots have four candidates. No one has withdrawn, there have not been any brokered talks and so I’m assuming unless something happens between now and Friday that there will be contested elections for those positions.

“I was happy to see how the convention ended last night with the two candidates for leader and the two candidates for deputy leader mount the stage together and close out the convention,” Mr Collie said.

“I view this as the begin-

ning of the healing process and I’m optimistic that before the end of this convention we are going to have a clear demonstration of unification of the party.”

However, former Deputy Prime Minister Frank Watson contended that it was still too early to tell whether the party has begun to move forward. He expressed confidence that all issues raised ahead of the convention are surmountable, and strongly decried the prospect of consequences for opponents.

“It’s a bit too early to say,” Mr Watson said. “I think we have to get elections behind us and then we can begin to unify. In the heat of campaign things are said but there hasn’t been anything that will prevent us from uniting. We have to swallow those things and move forward.

“I don’t think we should be punishing anybody. I think people have a right to oppose whatever they feel. There can’t be any consequences unless there is a really ridiculous position that someone takes, but ordinarily just contesting an election is not something for which anybody in this party has ever been or should ever be punished.

“It would set a precedent,” he said.

Responding to whether he considered the threat from parliamentarians to have Dr Minnis removed as leader of the Official Opposition in Parliament as egregious, Mr Watson said: “Those things will pass away.”

Both Mr Symonette and Mr Watson have publicly endorsed the Butler-Turner/Sands ticket.

BUTLER-TURNER: I’M BEST CHOICE TO STOP COUNTRY GOING TO RUIN from page one

The challenge ahead of her was made clear when, just before she was scheduled to speak, Dr Minnis made his initial appearance in the ballroom of the Melia Resort, prompting the crowd to burst into cheers and sustained chants of “Roc wit Doc,” his campaign slogan.

As she wrapped up her speech, many chanted the same phrase again.

“Let us pledge to do better in living up to our values and working for the greater cause of unity,” she said. “If you elect me as your leader I pledge to unify our party in word and deed.”

In what was one of her last, best chances to turn delegates towards her, she presented a vision of a country failing in every way while expressing optimism that an FNM government could initiate a turn around.

“Our middle class is collapsing and the poor are getting poorer,” she said.

“The Bahamian people are

struggling under the weight of debt and bills, while they are taxed to high heaven, with little to show in return.”

“If the PLP is re-elected, by 2022 the Public Treasury may be bankrupt, our currency may be devalued, our credit rating may be even worse, and the economic miracle that was The Bahamas will be at death’s door.”

To this dystopia, she offered one solution: a unified FNM that, she said, would rid the country of the PLP’s corruption and improve the economy.

“It must be the mission of the FNM to restore hope and confidence in our people and to rescue the country we love,” she said. “It has always been the job of the FNM to rescue the Bahamas. We did so in 1992 and in 2007. We must do so again in 2017.”

Bahamians are not “feeling the FNM,” she said, adding: “You and I know that an army needs boots to march….But it also needs a leader. A leader who will inspire. A leader who will

stay on the battlefield. A leader who will look out for all FNMs, who will look out if any of us hits hard times and needs the family to look after them.”

As Mrs Butler-Turner called for unity, some in the room gestured that she has been a chief source of disunity in the party.

Her prepared remarks appeared to briefly address their gripe, saying: “At times I have not lived up to the spirit of (our party’s) enduring motto. For this I offer regret and the promise to help heal and unify our party.”

However, she did not make this statement from the stage.

The overture may have helped mollify some delegates who have repeatedly expressed fury at the role they believe she has played in exposing the party’s divisions.

Near the end of her speech, Mrs Butler-Turner called for FNM parliamentarians to join her on stage, just as she had done when Dr Minnis invited her on

FNM AT ODDS IN LEADERSHIP FIGHT from page one

Directly addressing Mrs Butler Turner’s five-point strategic plan she outlined earlier in the evening, he contended that symbol of the starfish, the logo of the plan openly displayed by the Long Island MP at the rostrum, did not matter.

Mr Turnquest stated emphatically: “The only symbol that matters tonight is this, the torch.”

Mrs Butler-Turner’s camp were believed to be unhappy about chants of ‘Roc Wit Doc’ during her speech coming from Dr Minnis’ supporters and claiming it was disrespectful.

With chants of “Peter” ringing through the convention hall, an angered Mr Turnquest suggested that he had to “find a way to calm down”.

At the end of his speech, he returned to the fractured nature of the FNM, calling on delegates to make the “smart and best choice” when voting on the leadership positions today.

“Delegates and Bahamians, I encourage you to stay the course with Dr Hubert Minnis and Peter Turnquest.

Make no mistake about it, our only objective is to see all Bahamians succeed and to create wealth for our citizens. We are dreaming big and we know with your support and prayers we will achieve great things for our country together.

“Let us ‘Roc wit Doc’, who has demonstrated respect for all of his colleagues despite being bated into public arguments, whose temperament speaks of self-confidence, control and a spirit of tolerance.”

Dr Minnis and Mr Turnquest face a challenge from Mrs Butler-Turner and Dr Duane Sands for the leader and deputy leadership respectively today with the result announced tonight.

Having regained his composure after his initial outburst, Mr Turnquest criticised the government for its many failures during its time in office.

Mr Turnquest highlighted the Progressive Liberal

PETER Turnquest speaking last night.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/ Tribune Staff Party’s (PLP) referendum record, inability to sustain its heavily touted “bridge to the future and laughed off the government’s “Bahamians First” mantra.

He juxtaposed the Christie administration’s many botches with the FNM’s record with the Princess Margaret Hospital’s Critical Care Block, Emergency Room facility at the Rand Memorial Hospital in Grand Bahama and success of the roadworks project under the last Ingraham government.

“I hope that all Bahamians now fully realise that this PLP government is not good for The Bahamas and that this fabled bridge is as incomplete and rickety as the designers and planners who conceived it. It’s time for them to go.

“For two years we have had ministers flying up and down to China wasting valuable man hours and money - because everyone goes firstclass - with absolutely nothing to show for it and no accountability. I suppose they forgot the Chinese are pretty good with technology and teleconferencing is possible today with amazing clarity.

“With an unemployment rate in New Providence said to be 13.2 per cent and in Grand Bahama 14.7 per cent - most of which represents women - with youth unemployment in excess of 30 per cent, this PLP government should be the last to talk about Bahamians First.”

Mr Turnquest called the government’s employment numbers “shameful and disgraceful”.

He recommended the establishment of platforms for education, crime, energy reform, fiscal responsibility and innovative industry development. The East Grand Bahama MP said he wants to see biomedical facilities in The Bahamas and soft-

ware developers creating new software. He said the next FNM government will introduce real education reform to give children a foundation for the “building blocks to knowledge”.

“The fabled double investment in education continues to fail our children and our future,” he said.

“Thousands of children continue to leave school, with only about 50 per cent actually graduating, with little to no skills and a job market unprepared to receive them.

“Your next FNM government will continue to equip our discipline forces, including a new Corrections Facility where our hard-working officers are not made prisoners themselves by virtue of having to work in that hell-hole eight hours a day.

“An FNM government will make trade and industry a key focus of our program to grow our economy and provide new careers for our people. The FNM will bring relief to this situation with a short, medium and long term plan centred on the immediate engagement of PPP (public-private partnerships) arrangements with known generation providers and a plan to develop alternate fuel sources right here at home. Whether it be solar, bio fuels, wave or geothermal technology, a serious effort to reduce our reliance on costly fossil fuels will be undertaken.

“The FNM proposes programme-driven expenditures, where each initiative is evaluated and costed for its effectiveness verses its cost, tangible and intangible. We also propose a fiscal rule where these large unexplained contingent amounts we see in the annual budgets are reduced or eliminated. Where any expenditure over a defined variance is brought back to Parliament or to a Committee of Parliament for review and approval,” he added.

Friday, 29th July 2016 LORETTA Butler-Turner with Dr Duane Sands after inviting parliamentarians to join her on stage. stage Wednesday night.

However, none of the parliamentarians, other than Senator Dr Duane Sands, her running mate, responded to her request.

As her speech ended, the crowd, some appearing agitated, began chants of “Roc wit Doc”.

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Steady hand at ‘moment of reckoning’ PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Confronting a “moment of reckoning,” Hillary Clinton is casting herself as a unifier for divided times and a tested, steady hand to lead in a volatile world.

“We are clear-eyed about what our country is up against,” she said in excerpts released ahead of her speech Thursday accepting the Democratic presidential nomination. “But we are not afraid. We will rise to the challenge, just as we always have.”

Clinton’s national convention address follows three nights of Democratic stars, including a past and present president, asserting she is ready for the White House.

Thursday night she was making that case for herself on the convention’s final night.

Acknowledging Americans’ anxieties, Clinton is vowing to create economic opportunities in inner cities and struggling small towns. She also says terror attacks around the world require “steady leadership” to defeat a determined enemy.

The first woman to lead a major US political party toward the White House, Clinton will be greeted Thursday by a crowd of cheering delegates eager to see history made in the November election.

But her real audience will be millions of voters who may welcome her experience but question her character.

For Clinton, the stakes are enormous.

She’s locked in a tight general election contest with Republican Donald Trump, an unconventional candidate and political novice. Even as Clinton and her validators argue Trump is unqualified for the Oval Office, they recognise the businessman has a visceral connection with some voters in a way the Democratic nominee does not.

Campaigning in Iowa Thursday, Trump said there were “a lot of lies being told” at Clinton’s convention. In an earlier statement, he accused Democrats of living in a “fantasy world,” ignoring economic and security troubles as well as Clinton’s controversial email use at the State Department.

The FBI’s investigation into Clinton’s use of a private internet server didn’t result in criminal charges, but it did appear to deepen voters’ concerns with her honesty and trustworthiness. A separate pre-convention controversy over hacked Democratic Party emails showing favoritism for Clinton in the primary threatens to deepen the perception that Clinton prefers to play by her own rules.

Former Oklahoma Sen. Fred Harris said it was important for his party’s nominee to showcase the “original Hillary Clinton, before she became so guarded”

when she takes the convention stage.

A parade of speakers at the Philadelphia convention vigorously tried to do just that on Clinton’s behalf. First lady Michelle Obama, former President Bill Clinton and Vice President Joe Biden each cast Clinton as champion for the disadvantaged and a fighter who has withstood decades of Republican attacks.

The Clintons’ daughter, Chelsea, introduced her Thursday night, painting a personal picture of her mother.

The week’s most powerful validation came Wednesday night from President Barack Obama, her victorious primary rival in 2008. Obama declared Clinton not only can defeat Trump’s “deeply pessimistic vision” but also realise the “promise of this great nation.”

Seeking to offset possible weariness with a politician who has been in the spotlight for decades, he said of Clinton: “She’s been there for us, even if we haven’t always noticed.”

Clinton’s campaign was also reaching out to moderate Republicans who are unnerved by Trump. Former Reagan administration official Doug Elmets announced he was casting his first vote for a Democrat in November, and urged other Republicans who “believe loyalty to our country is more important than loyalty to party” to do the same, according to excerpts of his speech.

To Democrats, Trump’s comments this week about Russia underscored their concerns.

Following reports Russia hacked Democratic Party emails, Trump said he’d like to see Moscow find the thousands of emails Clinton deleted from the account she used as secretary of state. The appearance of him encouraging Russia to meddle in the presidential campaign enraged Democrats and Republicans, even as he dismissed suggestions from Obama and other Democrats that Moscow already was intervening on his behalf.

Hours later, Trump told Fox News he was being “sarcastic” although shortly after his remarks on Wednesday, he tweeted that Russia should share the emails with the FBI. Thursday night’s convention lineup also included Illinois Rep Tammy Duckworth, an Iraq war veteran who lost her legs in combat, who said: “I didn’t put my life on the line to defend our democracy so you could invite Russia to interfere with it.”

By Julie Pace and Robert Furlow of the Associated Press

A vote for Doc is a vote for the PLP EDITOR, The Tribune,

TOMORROW is a critical day, not only for the FNM, but for the entire Bahamas. And, although the day will end with the FNM electing its leader to take the party into the 2017 election, whoever is elected will determine whether we will have an FNM government or another five years of going down the economic drain with the PLP. Unfortunately, music and dancing seem to be the substance of the FNM convention with “Roc wit Doc” supporters urging that - after four years of abject failure as party leader – he be given another chance. Now, friend or foe, we are all Bahamians and we all deserve the best shot at the future.

Why should Dr Minnis, although his friends might like him, have more of a chance than we as citizens have in the best little country in the world? Doc Minnis has had his chance and has failed his only success has been to shatter what we knew as a once cohesive FNM. It’s now our chance and we want a strong leader, who is better and more politically astute to give us a chance of getting

rid of this worthless PLP government that is dragging this country to destruction.

We just don’t have time to “rock wit doc.” We have had enough of the Christie shuffle, we don’t need to rock with a politically inexperienced doc!

It seems that “Doc” has spent more time in his four years on the campaign trail moving from island to island in the Bahamas shaking hands for Friday night’s vote. It’s the delegates he was busy sewing up rather than fighting for our future.

For four years we have painfully watched him stare like a deer caught in the headlights when time came for him to confront the government in a political argument.

He then had the gall to later accuse his own MPs for not coming to his rescue and backing him up. Say, what!

Isn’t the leader elected to lead his troops to battle, or were they there to carry him on their shoulders to the front lines? Come now Doc, be serious - admit that you are a political neophyte and take a back seat.

Then I read somewhere – I think it was in The Tribune — that a Minnis supporter accused former

prime minister Ingraham of not, during his retirement, coaching Minnis in his leadership role! Say, what?

Wasn’t it Doc Minnis who declared, as blood rushed to his head in his moment of victory: “The age of Ingraham is over!” It was in that moment that I realised that leadership had been put on the shoulders of a political infant.

If you Bahamians out there have any sense left don’t you wonder why so many PLP politicians are supporting our “rocking Doc”? Of course they want him to hang in there and give the much maligned Christie a second chance because a vote for Minnis means a vote for the PLP — and a vote for the PLP for another five years would mean the destruction of this once precious little country.

So delegates, regardless of what has been promised you for your vote, remember your country, and your children and grandchildren come first! Rocking wit Doc is not the way to go!

A FULLY CITIZEN Nassau,.

July 28, 2016.

AWAKE

Who wins and who loses EDITOR, The Tribune.

AS we move into the final day of the FNM Convention, I urge the delegates and I urge the people of The Bahamas to carefully consider who wins and who loses if each nominee is successful or unsuccessful.

Who stands to gain, and who stands to lose if the FNM fail to reunite? I urge you to consider the same if the PLP remain in power.

We are at a turning point and now more than ever, we must carefully consider our future; the future of the FNM party and the future of our country. We must do everything in our power to move forward. Right now, we are a country on its knees, with many struggling to pay bills and put food on the table. There are many people hurting, and we desperately need to heal. But we need to make sure it is done in the right way. Any underhanded dealings must not be condoned. Minnis’s decision to remove the voting rights of one delegate so close to the convention does raise questions. We cannot let our views be misguided or our judgment clouded.

We must stand strong.

I read a comment on social media recently stating that the six MPs should stand behind Minnis as Leader, for the very reason that he is ‘Leader’. Leader by name alone. In my view, a Leader leads by his or her actions, and is followed by people who believe in that person or share the same view and /or goal. They are not followed simply because they have the title of Leader.

It seemed that some people believe the six MPs to be troublemakers, rather than considering an alternative. Some failed to have considered that the six MPs and potentially many others have stood up to voice concerns. Concerns, that they believe to be legitimate, and

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net to have so far fallen on deaf ears. Some would argue, that after four years with Minnis at the helm, the ship is still without a rudder, floating without a direction.

It ain’t easy to stand against a current. And if speaking up and speaking out is the only way to get your voice heard above the noise, then I commend them for the strength that that took. And for the strength that it continues to take.

We each have a voice.

And it seems to me that Minnis has not been able to lead and represent all of the voices in the party, which is why some people are standing out. Not to further the divide. No. Standing to represent a group that has so far had their voices stifled or ignored. We as a country have many voices, have many people from various social and economic backgrounds, from all walks of life; and we need a leader that understands this and a party that represents all of us.

Loretta Butler-Turner and Duane Sands offer a new voice, and a new opportunity for change. Not everyone may agree with their beliefs. But I urge everyone to give them the opportunity to be listened to.

All of our voices need to be heard, and we need the opportunity to have all of our views represented in order for a leader to be successful and for a country to be great.

FNM delegates, I urge you to consider, during the past four years that many have lost. I urge you to ask yourselves, in the past four years have we been putting our best foot forward? Consider the future of our Bahama Land. Because we

need change. We need it TODAY. And it doesn’t just start with the PLP Government; it starts with each one of us.

Consider actions, rather than just promises and question everything. Why has Minnis refused to confirm whether or not he will still work with the six MP’s who have opposed him, after the convention if he remains leader? Question, what he means when he said that ‘he’ll deal with them afterwards’.

Remember that those six MP’s whom he refers to, were elected by their constituents. Chosen by Bahamians to represent Bahamians, surely it is the choice of the constituents whether or not to remove their MP. Are they to be thrown out, simply for having a difference in opinion?

Above all, before casting your vote, question what the PLP have to gain from Minnis remaining leader of the FNM? Several have been very vocal in their support of him, why? At some point, surely Minnis also has to question himself. When so many of the PLP are rushing to voice their support for him as leader, you have to question why. Why would the party that you are working to replace, be so vocal in support of your staying as leader? Surely, one has to question one’s own ability to lead. And if they don’t, then one must understand that no one person has all of the answers. Only by questioning do you learn, and we need a leader who continues to learn in order to be successful in moving our country forward.

Please, for each and every one of us. Before casting your vote, ask yourself who wins and who loses.

FP Nassau, July 28, 2016.

US travel advisories EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE US State Department issues a Travel Advisory to their citizens so what?

Such advisory’s are solely precautionary - I challenge how many potential visitors to any destination would ever go online to check about security at a potential vacation location - Editor they watch CNN - Fox and if there is no headline or Breaking News we are on that plane tomorrow.

I read the full version of the latest US State Department Advisory and wondered who was giving advice to the authors of these Advisories in Washington

as do you see a tourist in the areas which are our highcrime districts? The Advisory seems to imply this.

I have to suggest the reports are probably primarily designed for US citizens living in Nassau who might venture into these areas.

Let’s be real how many visitors venture on Wulff Road, Marathon and would seek to use the Scotia BankATM? Most visitors anyway arrive on Thursday and leave Sunday and do not leave their resort.

On the other foot, Bahamians travelling to Miami we heard of the case of the past Chief Justice when he returned to his vehicle the

vehicle was empty of their purchases - this is far more common than certainly the US State Department might be willing to admit.

Bahamians are followed from MIA/Airport to the car rental and onto the Malls. Leave your documents in sight in your Hotel Rooms a good chance you will lose them.

Today no destination is totally safe - see the Munich incident innocent young people going for a Big Mac shot dead by a deranged young person, 18 years.

MARCUS SMITH Nassau, July 24, 2016.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, July 29, 2016 , PAGE 5

DELEGATES arriving at the second day of the FNM convention yesterday.

Photos: Tim Clarke/Tribune Staff

Rooms issue ‘not political sabotage’ insists chairman

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net THE lack of accommodations for at least five Family Island delegates were the result of operational challenges at the Melià hotel and not political sabotage, according to incumbent FNM Chairman Sidney Collie.

Mr Collie suggested that the hotel was not adequately prepared to manage the high volume of delegates, and thus struggled with bookings when visiting FNMs flooded the venue for the start of the convention on Wednesday. He also pointed to its recent transition to an all-inclusive resort as a major factor.

“Obviously the Melià hotel is doing the best they can, but I think they are struggling with two issues,” he said.

“First they have transitioned from a regular hotel to an all-inclusive and I don’t think, when they con-

sented to having a political national convention, I don’t think the Melià hotel took into account that when you’re hosting a national political convention there has to be some special arrangements.”

Mr Collie added: “Ordinarily when Crystal Palace hosted it, a team was set aside to accommodate all the delegates. What happened with Melià was the majority of the delegates came flooding into Nassau yesterday and they all swarmed down on the front desk. Melià had only detailed two front desk clerks and we were doing registration simultaneously for the convention.

“Melià was not set up to deal with that kind of pressure,” he said.

Rumours circulated yesterday which characterised the debacle as a by-product of the bitter feud between leadership candidates Dr Hubert Minnis and Loretta Butler-Turner, with both camps insisting that the

other side had engineered the shortfall.

However, Mr Collie yesterday placed the blame on the resort, insisting that the all-inclusive nature of the property presented significant challenges. He underscored that he was among the group of people who still have not got a room at the resort. He noted that there were still “three or four” lingering issues, but did not detail the challenges.

“The all inclusive presents some challenges,” he said. “Their list which we had gone over many times did not in all respects coincide with our final list.

“I myself have not yet gotten my room but that’s the least of my worries. I’m more concerned about the Family Island delegates who have travelled here and don’t have any other accommodations being completely taken care of.”

Mr Collie said that temporary arrangements were made for about five persons.

ROBERTS: FNM TRYING TO DEFLECT FROM THEIR OWN CORRUPTION

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Chairman Bradley Roberts has hit out at Free National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis’ “pathetic attempt” to “throw mud” at the PLP, charging that the Killarney MP’s “empty rhetoric” is nothing but “deflection and political bluster” from the FNM’s own issues of corruption.

Mr Roberts, in a statement on Wednesday night, said Dr Minnis’ critique of the government shows “just how desperate the Official Opposition has become.”

He said as a “visionless and disconnected leader of the fragmented FNM,” Dr Minnis “should be the last person to talk about fighting corruption as the facts clearly show the FNM as an organisation that seems to encourage and justify corruption.”

Mr Roberts’ statement was in response to remarks Dr Minnis made during the first night of the FNM’s convention at the Melià Nassau Beach hotel on Wednesday.

According to Mr Roberts’ statement, in his speech, Dr

Minnis attempted to “throw mud” at the Christie administration, not just for its alleged corruption, but also its “failures” in a number of areas, including unemployment, government spending, and the advancement of education.

However, Mr Roberts said Dr Minnis’ statements were “much like his style of leading his party--lackluster and laughable and an eerie reminder of the poor and sorry state his FNM left this country in just four years ago.”

“As a visionless and disconnected leader of the fragmented FNM, Dr Minnis should be the last person to talk about fighting corruption as the facts clearly show the FNM as an organisation seems to encourage and justify corruption,” Mr Roberts said.

To drive home his point, Mr Roberts referred to three scandals in the opposition party, starting with the recent conviction of former FNM Senator John Bostwick on criminal ammunition possession, as well as the recent resignation of former FNM Senator and Chairman Michael Pintard for the role he allegedly played in uncovering the alleged Peter

Nygard “murder for hire” plot.

Mr Roberts also pointed to the recent conviction and subsequent fining of former FNM parliamentary candidate for Fox Hill Fred Ramsey for his involvement in the Alstom SA/Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) bribery scandal.

“To this day, Dr Minnis still has not explained how the decision of the FNM appointed board was overturned by the FNM Cabinet,” Mr Roberts said.

Mr Roberts also defended the PLP’s track record on its spending habits, as well as the government’s strides in the advancement of education in the country.

“The FNM delivered debt,” Mr Roberts said.

“They delivered corruption. They delivered to us a country that was weak and we are working on behalf of the Bahamian people to lead this country to a stronger and more prosperous future.”

BRENSIL Rolle at yesterday’s FNM convention.

DESMOND BANNISTER, of the FNM, speaking yesterday.

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PAGE 6 , Friday, July 29, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

SCENES last night at the Free National Movement Convention at the Melia Nassau Beach Resort.

Lightbourn proposes sterilising mothers from page one Moreover, Mr Lightbourn said an FNM government would introduce legislation that would enable a court to deduct from a father’s pay cheque an amount to be paid directly to the mother of children born out of wedlock.

“Many young women have five and six children many of whom are born out of wedlock. Many of the fathers of those children have little involvement in the child’s upbringing either emotional or financial. The laws of our country and the legal system is such the father is not likely to be compelled to assist financially in the upbringing of the child.”

His suggestions drew the ire of many people on social media, with scores of women viewing the comments as offensive and an overreach of government’s legislative powers, while the party moved to distance it-

self from them.

Later, Mr Lightbourne told The Tribune it had been “a poor statement” from him. “It was intended to state that this was the position adopted by several countries and we as a country need to develop a position to enable the country to address the number of children born to teenage women,” he said in an attempt to clarify his remarks.

FNM Chairman Sidney Collie released a statement saying: “Mr Lightbourn’s comments tonight were personal and do not reflect the position of the FNM. The FNM does not believe in restricting anyone’s rights including women’s reproductive rights. The FNM has and will continue to fight for all Bahamians, regardless of gender.”

The Torchbearers Youth Association also distanced themselves from Mr Lightbourn’s comments, describing them as “not only careless but insensitive”.

RICHARD LIGHTBOURN, MP for Montagu, whose comments about tying the tubes of unwed mothers saw the FNM issue a statement distancing themselves from his comments.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

COLLIE TO STAY AS CHAIRMAN AS ALVIN SMITH BOWS OUT from page one

Mr Smith and current FNM Chairman Sidney Collie were nominated Wednesday morning for the post during the nomination process on day one of the party’s convention.

Mr Smith said he is also going to “wait and see” if, following the convention, the party is truly unified or if the actions of Dr Hubert Minnis and Loretta ButlerTurner on stage Wednesday night were “just for show.”

“I am not running for

chairman,” Mr Smith said when contacted yesterday.

“I was nominated but I am declining it. I am not interested in the post at this time.

“For those persons who nominated me, I am appreciative and I believe they think I can do what many have not been able to do - unite the party. I was nominated because there are people in the party who believe I can bring peace and order to the organisation. I have good relations with everyone and all sides, I have respect for all sides and those persons were

looking for someone who can bring a level of order.

While I am flattered, I cannot do it at this time.”

Mr Smith said he hopes that the show of unity between Dr Minnis and Mrs Butler-Turner was not just a “photo op” or a ploy to “get TV time.”

He seemed unconvinced that calls for unity on Wednesday will translate into real action, after months of strife in the party and dissatisfaction over the leadership abilities of Dr Minnis.

“I do not know what is in

their hearts. I do not know if it was for show. I hope it was not just for TV. I don’t play those games, the party needs to be unified for real,” Mr Smith said.

“I want to see unity not through words but also our actions. They need to be sincere and genuine.”

During an energetic and at times passionate speech before FNM delegates at the Melià resort on Wednesday night, Dr Minnis said when he “emerges as leader of the FNM on Friday” the party will begin a time of “healing and

forgiveness,” adding that he will put aside “animosity” and do what is best for the people of the Bahamas.

And amid speculation that if he retains his post he would punish six FNM MPs who have publicly opposed him, Dr Minnis stressed that there will be “no crack, no split” in the party.

In a surprising move near the end of his speech, Dr Minnis called Mrs ButlerTurner onto the convention stage, hugging her and dancing with her as Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds” played in the

background, prompting the crowd to scream and clap wildly.

East Grand Bahama MP Peter Turnquest, who hopes to retain his deputy leader post, and Senator Dr Duane Sands, who is challenging him, also came to the stage, held hands and danced.

Addressing delegates and FNM supporters at the first night of the party’s convention, Dr Minnis once again called for unity within the party and urged FNM’s to “come together, with one single voice and fight the PLP”.

READERS’ VIEWS ON BUTLER-TURNER CLAIMS OF BEING SILENCED BY MINNIS AFTER FNM leadership hopeful Loretta Butler-Turner accused party leader Dr Hubert Minnis of doing everything possible to “silence” her voice and “steal” the party’s convention, readers gave their response on tribune242.com.

Well_mudda_take_sic had this to say: “The FNM party was left in a shambles

by Ingraham coming out of the last general election which made it easy for the leadership of the party to be hijacked by a power hungry incompetent dingbat like Minnis. LBT and the other aggrieved FNM members of parliament need to accept that the FNM party is no longer a viable enterprise in Bahamian politics.

This being the case each of them should make it known that they intend to resign from the FNM party at the appropriate time and run in their current constituency as an independent candidate in the next

general election with a view to forming a new political party with other independent candidates who are successful in their bid to get elected.”

Alfalfa said: “Of course Dr. Minnis is trying to win the leadership. Is she not trying to do the same? . . . I must admit, him calling her up to the stage was a stroke of genius. Don’t short sell this man on his intelligence because he is not a polished speaker.”

Reality_Check didn’t sound too impressed with Dr Minnis’s speech: “I watched Minnis’s speech at the convention last night.

True to form, his entire platform is based entirely on bashing the PLP. He

made many promises, but offered no details about what he would/could do to make good on his promises. As most of us now know, he’s certainly not the brightest crayon in the box and it is therefore easy to understand why he cowers from face to face publiclyheld debates with his opponents.”

Proudloudandfnm said: “Not fair. LBT should be given the exact amount of time as the failed leader.”

In The Tribune’s online poll, we asked readers who they thought would win the FNM leadership race on Friday.

At the time of going to press, 58.86 per cent of those voting thought Loretta Butler-Turner would win. 40.14 per cent thought Dr Minnis would remain in the position.

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

WHO DO YOU THINK WILL WIN THE FNM LEADERSHIP RACE?

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, July 29, 2016 , PAGE 7

Plan to overhaul inner city areas

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

THE city of Nassau and the historic Grants and Charles Towns communities could undergo major overhauls in the coming years if the government decides to move forward with plans presented by the Economic Development Planning Unit on Thursday.

The “Sustainable Nassau Initiative”, hailed by Prime Minister Perry Christie as a saving grace for several Over-the-Hill communities, was officially unveiled yesterday by officials at a ceremony at the Nassau Art Gallery on West Street.

The project aims to provide a roadmap for developments in inner-city communities over the next several decades, ensuring for the first time in the history of New Providence, systematic town-planning effort.

Mr Christie said the renaissance of Nassau has

PRIME Minister Perry Christie at yesterday’s meeting. been overdue. He said that in many ways the heart of the nation in recent times has become the face of poverty and decay.

“The city that we are building must be one that is alive, with exciting cultural activities, opportunities for wealth creation for our young people, and hubs for creativity and innovation so that the country will retain the local talent needed to grow our economy,” said Mr Christie.

He put forth that through this initiative, The Bahamas could attract the international resources it needs to thrive.

Mr Christie continued: “Today’s event, together with the workshops and meetings that were held this week, will conclude the second component of the sustainable Nassau initiative. This component of the project has resulted in the engagement of a wide range of stakeholders from both public and private sectors and people living in our most historic, Over-the-Hill communities.”

Mr Christie indicated that from the insight gained through these processes, together with the results of the phase one baseline

ALLEGED ROBBERS THAT PSYCHIATRIST PRAYED WITH ARE CHARGED IN COURT from page one

also at home during the invasion, however no one was physically harmed.

It is alleged that they, while armed with a handgun, robbed Dr Allen of a $1,500 gold Cuban link chain, a $200 gold Seiko watch and a 32-inch TV set valued at $250.

The men are also accused of robbing Marie Allen Caroll of $100 cash, an American passport, a Land wallet that contained bank cards, her Bahamian driver’s license, a PlayStation 4 gaming console and assorted games worth $650, and $1,200 Mac Book Pro laptop and two jewellery boxes that contained $300 worth of assorted jewellery.

Concerning the lesser charge of receiving, it is alleged that the stolen jewellery boxes were found in their possession.

O’Brien, of Market

Street, and Lacroix, of Soldier Road, were then charged concerning another home invasion and gunpoint robbery on Fox Hill Road that allegedly occurred three hours before the first incident.

In this arraignment, they were charged with burglary, armed robbery and receiving.

It is alleged that around 3am on July 26, they broke into the house of Dwight Rolle and robbed him of a 2005 Toyota Carolla worth $6,000, a Claro PDC cellphone worth $130 and $10 cash.

They also are accused of being found in possession of all the items relating to the Fox Hill home invasion.

O’Brien and Lacroix were told by the deputy chief magistrate that their matters would be fast-tracked to the Supreme Court for trial when they return to court on August 30.

She said they would only

be allowed to enter a plea to the allegations in both cases when they are formally arraigned before a Supreme Court judge.

In the interim, she added, they would be remanded to the Department of Correctional Services without bail. However, they were informed of their right to apply for a bond to the higher court if they desired pretrial release.

Before they were taken from the courtroom to await transport to prison, their lawyer Glendon Rolle relayed complaints on their behalf concerning the alleged abuse they received while in custody at the Central Detective Unit.

The pair, he alleged, were punched, slapped, kicked and suffocated with plastic bags being put over their heads.

The court ordered they be medically examined and a note of the allegations be put on their files.

COMPLAINT FILED AGAINST DOCTOR A DAY AFTER HE WAS CLEARED OF RAPE from page one

The police also spoke to a female employee who reported that the doctor was there creating a disturbance and allegedly following her around making her “feel uncomfortable”.

Dr Forbes had left before

the police had arrived and officers then went to his Carico Medical Clinic to warn him about his behaviour, but he was not there, the report said.

Mr Johnson, 32, represented Dr Forbes, 45, at his recent trial in the Supreme Court in Grand Bahama. Dr Forbes was

accused of indecently assaulting and raping a 20-year-old woman who was employed at his medical clinic in February and March, 2015.

A jury unanimously found Dr Forbes not guilty of the charges against him, which were dismissed.

SEX ATTACK SUSPECT DENIED BAIL

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was remanded to prison yesterday after he was arraigned in Magistrate’s Court on a sexual assault charge.

Alexio Newman of Romer Street stood before Deputy Chief Magistrate Constance Delancy facing a charge of rape concerning an incident on Sunday, June 24.

It is alleged that the 22 year old had sexual inter-

MISSING WOMAN FOUND CRADEISHA Spencer, the 26-year-old Eight Mile Rock woman who was reported missing last week has been found in good health and is back at home, police in Grand Bahama said on Wednesday.

course with a woman, 22, without her permission.

“Do you understand the charge?” the judge asked.

“Yes, ma’am,” Newman replied.

He was informed that due to the nature of the charge - an indictable offence - he would not be allowed to enter a plea until his formal arraignment before a Supreme Court judge.

He is scheduled to return to Magistrate’s Court on August 30 to be presented with a voluntary bill of indictment that will fast track the matter

to the higher court.

“You are also advised that due to the nature of the charge, you are unable to apply for or be granted bail in the Magistrate’s Court.

However, you have the right to make an application to the Supreme Court for bail,” the deputy chief magistrate added.

Newman has retained attorney Calvin Seymour to represent him against the allegation.

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

TO ADVERTISE IN THE TRIBUNE, CONTACT 502-2394

studies on greenhouse gas emissions, environmental hazard mapping and urban growth and land use, the country will prioritise the areas and sectors where critical action and investment are necessary.

“This will not be a plan that sits on a shelf and never sees the light of day,” he insisted.

“Rather, this will be an action plan that is available to the public so that we can always keep sight of where we want to go and the steps we must take to get there.”

“The world will also be able to see where Nassau stands compared to its peers in the region, via the Urban Dashboard platform that tracks the performance of the over sixty cities in the region participating in the IDB’s Emerging and Sustainable Cities programme,” he added.

“We will put this plan into action to produce tangible results that the Bahamian people can see, touch

and feel. Our citizens, residents and visitors are deserving of an efficient and reliable public transportation system.

“A sustainable waste management system is long overdue. Public spaces, accessible to all persons regardless of physical ability, should facilitate the exchange of ideas and expressions of our culture and talents. We must leverage technology and smart applications to improve service delivery by government, making it easier and cheaper to do business.”

Dr Nicola Virgil-Rolle, director of economic development planning and government aide to the Inter-American Development Bank, said the proposal presented by her unit looked to build upon a concept already in place.

She maintained that the cultural and community aspects of many of the areas is part of the plan and would “certainly” remain.

“We wanted to keep the cultural and community elements that these communities are known for while generating a renewed sense of life in and around these areas,” she said.

Mrs Virgil-Rolle added: “So many Bahamians, great Bahamians were born and raised in these areas and we want to find ways to encourage them or others to return here and help build on that next historic wave in our country.”

“We proposed housing projects, and these are developments not unto themselves; but projects centred on communities, green spaces, and infrastructural facilities. You see, what we envision for these areas are fully capable cities and towns – modern cities and towns.”

The project, which commenced with a wide range of economic and infrastructural studies last September, was financed through a grant fund of $1.1m by the IDB.

WILSON Lacrox being escorted to court yesterday by armed officers.

LEONARD O’Brien outside court yesterday.

Photos: Tim Clarke/Tribune Staff

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PAGE 8 , Friday, July 29, 2016

Doc rocks with a new song and dance routine

THE TRIBUNE

A Comic’s View

By INIGO ‘NAUGHTY’ ZENICAZELAYA SO, the Free National Movement began their convention week on Wednesday.

For those of you who missed it because a) you didn’t trot down to the Melia like the hundreds of FNM fanatics; b) your cable is off; c) you are literally the last person in the country who doesn’t have internet or knows how to ‘tief’ free wi-fi; or d) you couldn’t care less what the Opposition is up to; you missed quite a show.

And by show, I mean a production that was a dance/singing competition as much as it was a ‘modern’ political party convention.

After seeing the first night’s events, I’m convinced that it’s going to take us another 30 years to catch up to the glitter and glitz and welloiled machine that is the American way of putting on conventions.

The Democrats, who hosted their convention this week as well, put on quite a show with big-name headliners in Philadelphia. And even though I didn’t expect our convention to be anything like theirs I was still shocked at the contrasts as I toggled back and forth between television stations, trying to ‘Roc wit Doc’ and catch Obama’s last really big speech at the same time.

Of course, being a bornand-bred Bahamian, local politics won out for most of the night, and I’m glad I caught all the fancy foot-

work that seemed to enthrall a very vocal segment of our population.

DANCING WITH THE STARS? The FNM’s convention got going according to the tried and proven formula of sticking to the SpeakerLocal Unknown Performer-Speaker script. There were a few highlights in the warm-up portion: I enjoyed watching Dyson perform in his usual energetic style but, truth be told, I had to slap myself awake a few times during Chairman Sidney Collie’s speech. Not that he didn’t make sound points about the state of our nation, but it’s just that his bread and butter style of delivery at 8pm brought on the zzzs faster than watching MPs dive conch on the Parliament Channel.

Reverend Frederick McAlpine out of Freeport also took to the podium.

McAlpine has always been a dynamic speaker. He has a cadence and style that usually pins listeners in their seats, hanging on to his every over-enunciated word.

This time, not so much.

The content of the speech was all right but somehow some way- between the last time I heard him speak and Wednesday night his once powerful voice morphed into the drawl of a 30-year southern Baptist preacher who has a secret pack a day habit.

LORETTA Butler-Turner and Dr Hubert Minnis busting their moves at the FNM convention.

I’m hoping it was laryngitis that caused his scratchy vocalisation and more subdued tone.

Or perhaps he was in ‘chill mode’ in order to avoid upstaging the night’s headline act who had yet to take the stage.

A little after 10pm, the man who has led the FNM these past four years (and launched a million of those pervasive ‘Roc wit Doc’ shirts) took the microphone to give us his take on where the party and (in his estimation) the country was headed. You could tell from the moment Dr Hubert Minnis got up to address the screaming crowd this was not going to be any ordinary convention speech ...

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

and it certainly wasn’t. ally important. And there’s For the better part of the (usually) no dancing allast four years, the country lowed on the world stage.

Next, harness that newhas watched in horror as the good doctor has struggled found self-confidence in to verbalise his thoughts or your public speaking abilipresent his ideas in a suc- ties and make more appearances. If cinct, persuathe crowd in sive manner. ‘Usually, Dr that convenNot that he Minnis seems tion room is may not have any indicaany good ide- uneasy in front tion, you seem as, but he cer- of a microphone, to have a good tainly lacked with the body chance at victhe tools to get tory. If you are them from his language of a successful in brain past his sinner in church. your leadertongue.

His On Wednesday, ship bid, don’t speechwriters, go back into it seems, came however, public speakup with a (too he seemed ing witness clever by half) comfortable protection solution to programme, avoid him ac- dancing, flailing engage your tually speaking his arms and during his big playing up for the constituents (that means speech: music! crowd. He seemed more radio Yes, music. interviews We were to be enjoying and debates in treated to a himself. Finally.’ your future.) compilation of Then, sethe best hits of yesteryear as Dr Min- riously tighten up your nis took musical interludes speechwriting team.

While most of the mesthroughout his delivery to either dance to Ray Charles’ sage was understandable, classic “Hit the Road Jack” I couldn’t get past a few or lip sync/pantomiming it weird, ‘dark forces’ referall to gospel chart-toppers. ences.

Who exactly is this “enIt was shocking. I bet the emy” you spoke of that draft of his speech looked something like, “one word used their vast arsenal of - dance, two more words - weaponry to tear the FNM apart? Because the last sing!”

A few slogans intended time I checked, most of the as raw meat for the rabid wounds were from friendly crowd were thrown in for fire. And as a Bahamian, good measure. And my I know that politics in this favourite line was, “Con- country is bloodsport but vention delegates, are you PLPs (as bad as some MPs fired up and ready to fire are) are not the “enemy.” the PLP?” (That Obama- At the end of the day we’re all Bahamians.

Trump mashup actually I think the word you were caused me to milk-spit searching for is “inept”. laugh out loud. Except I Finally, keep your word don’t drink milk. And alcoand do your best to unite the hol really burns the eyes). party. No doubt a few perYet the funny thing is, de- sons’ heads are on the metaspite Minnis’ highly ques- phorical political chopping tionable decision to deliver block but the best takeaway a very partisan speech that from the entire first night seems more suited for a was watching all the marally than a nationally tel- jor contenders like K Peter evised opportunity to speak Turnquest, Duane Sands, directly to undecideds or Loretta Butler-Turner and disenchanted FNMs, he yourself dance and ‘cut a seemed quite at home with rug’ like happy days are here the shenanigans. Usually, again. I have no idea how ‘off Dr Minnis seems uneasy in the cuff’ the moment was front of a microphone, with but it was a moment. One the body language of a sin- in which that elusive ‘united ner in church. On Wednes- party’ FNM members dream day, however, he seemed of actually appeared in sight comfortable dancing, flail- if not in actuality. ing his arms and playing up for the crowd even if it did leave him winded after a second round of marching and “Hit the Road Jack”.

Irony is a key component Honestly, he seemed to of stand up comedy. I’ve albe enjoying himself. Final- ways found it to be hilarious ly. when executed correctly.

Now that that’s over with, So as I read News Editor I’ve got a few suggestions Taneka Thompson’s article for the good doctor: in Wednesday’s Tribune First, tighten up your headlined “Ingraham: Minspeech-writing team. Un- nis abused his power in reless you plan to “Hit the moving Cash as delegate”, Quan” or “Do the Wiggle”, I found it very ironic and there’s no way Millenni- most comical that the infaals will ‘pay you any mind’. mous ‘Hatchet Man’ for Sir Young people have made it Lynden, Hubert A Ingraabundantly clear that they ham seems to be mellowing are tired of all the shuffling in his ‘old age’. from Prime Minister Perry Here’s what he had to say - so why test their patience about the Darron Cash deby literally following in his bacle: dancing footsteps?

“It came to my attention To some, issues are actu- that Darron Cash, who was

MELLOW ‘PAPA’

appointed to the Executive Committee by Dr Minnis, was removed by Dr Minnis.

Now, this is after Minnis had called me himself and said to me that he was considering removing Darron Cash from the executive of the party because Darron was managing Loretta’s campaign and that’s why he was going to do it.

“I gave him strong advice not to do so, and my understanding in the conversation was he would not do so, that he would keep Darron on. So when it came to my attention that he actually removed Darron, I called him. I didn’t get him, I left a message - he called me back.

I referred to the conversation we previously had, etc, he said yes, but other people had told him he should remove Darron and he did so.

That was very disappointing and distressing.”

This can’t be the same Hubert A Ingraham who was legendary for cutting his political opponents and counterparts in the FNM from the ankles up? Symonette, Turnquest, Dupuch, Wells, McCartney and Wright are just some of the names left in Ingraham’s bloody political wake.

So now, why the disappointment in Dr Minnis’ actions?

The fact that Dr Minnis went ahead with the move is “distressing” and a “black mark against him”, Mr Ingraham added.

Again how ironic. How many moves did you make in your capacity as PM Mr Ingraham that were solely your call, especially when you went into ‘One Man Band Mode’?

Dr Minnis may have his shortcomings in certain areas - like public speaking and dancing - but he’s very savvy in others, and a brilliant political student, having learnt from Ingraham no less.

It seems like he’s covered all his bases, has done his political due diligence, and now he seems poised to reap the rewards. Taking nothing away from Mrs ButlerTurner or Darron Cash, who made a cogent argument in his own defence.

So please Mr Ingraham ... Papa ... continue to offer your advice and support.

Taking into account all of your accomplishments we can only learn and get better, which is never a bad thing. However please don’t be so salty if one of your pupils uses the lessons learnt from you, against you.

That’s just evolution.

• Inigo ‘Naughty’ Zenicazelaya is the resident standup comic at Jokers Wild Comedy Club at the Atlantis, Paradise Island, resort and presents ‘Mischief and Mayhem in da AM’ from 6am to 10am, Monday to Friday, and ‘The Press Box’ sports talk show on Sunday from 10am to 1pm on KISS FM 96.1. He also writes a sports column in The Tribune on Tuesday. Comments and questions to naughty@ tribunemedia.net.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, July 29, 2016 , PAGE 9

Women demanding money from failed asue after court ruling

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

SEVERAL irate women who had together paid over $6,000 into a failed “asue” are demanding their money from a woman who was ordered by the court four months ago to pay them.

Patricia Collie, Nishka Shepherd, Shikia Saunders and Keisa Pinder told The Tribune that they appeared in the Eight Mile Rock Magistrate’s Court in April with Juanita Joy Stubbs, who was ordered by the magistrate to pay them their money.

They said during the court proceedings, Ms Stubbs’ attorney Ernie

Wallace had requested establishing a payment plan so the women could be repaid. They agreed to this but have claimed that to date, they have not received “a dollar” from Ms Stubbs either through her attorney or the court.

The women alleged that after the payment plan did not work out, they went back to court to resolve it, but the matter has been continually adjourned due to Ms Stubbs not showing up to court.

The women showed contracts given them and receipts of payments by Ms Stubbs. They said sometimes they would even deposit their money for the “asue” as instructed on a

web shop account set up by Ms Stubbs.

The “asue” started on September 24, 2015 and was scheduled to end on February 28. The women said they confronted Ms Stubbs on several occasions about how the savings plan was progressing, but she assured them that everything was going fine, but that some persons were late with their payments.

Ms Collie, Ms Shepherd and Ms Pinder had been given a draw date of December 18, 2015 and January 8.

After the women did not receive their money and after a number of failed promises, the women claimed Ms Stubbs informed them that she had stopped the scheme

because persons had failed to pay, but that they would be reimbursed what they had contributed.

Mrs Collie had invested $1,625 and Ms Shepherd had put $1,750. Both said they have not been paid back any of their money. Ms Saunders was paid $300 and is owed a balance of $1,200 while Ms Pinder was also paid $300, but is still owed a balance of $1,450.

“We desperately need our money; I have lost my house since this,” said Mrs Collie.

Ms Shepherd is a single mother of an 11-year-old son who she has raised alone since he was one month old after his father died.

“I am his only support and I am unemployed,” she said.

Ms Pinder is a single mother of three children, the youngest about six months old.

When The Tribune spoke with Ms Stubbs, she said the allegations of non-payment against her are false.

“I have the police dealing with the accusations placed on the (social) media and an attorney is involved,” she said.

She claimed that she paid some persons owed money in full but admitted to owing small balances to others.

“I paid some in full and I have small balances for some that are before the

courts. I have placed people before the court to complete payment,” she said.

Ms Stubbs confirmed that Ms Collie, Ms Shepherd, and Ms Pinder have matters before the court.

“I was ordered to pay them and I paid them, they just ain’t know they were paid. I paid them through the Supreme Court, so they are putting false information (out there),” she said.

The Tribune contacted Mr Wallace, Ms Stubbs’ attorney, who said that he was in Nassau recovering from major surgery.

“I am ill…so I don’t want to get involved in any workrelated stuff at the moment according to my doctor,” he said.

SOME of those at the Mt Olive youth programme.

HERITAGE TOUR FOR YOUNG STUDENTS STUDENTS from the Mt Olive Baptist Church 23rd Summer Youth Programme were given a cultural and heritage tour and lecture by church pastor and chairman of the Coali-

ONE of the horses that children had the chance to ride and groom.

Photos: Tim Clarke/Tribune Staff

A SUMMER WITH THE HORSES OF CAMPERDOWN

By AARON MILLER

CAMPERDOWN Riding Club’s popular summer camp ends today after five weeks, with children having enjoyed the chance to have riding lessons, groom horses and take them into the sea to cool off.

The annual camp, which has been held for more than 20 years and runs five

mornings a week, is for children aged five to 15 and a number of campers return as supervisors.

Dominic and Jessica, who were in charge of a dozen campers yesterday, have been attending the camp since they were young.

“Basically the kids would have riding lessons in the morning,” they told The Tribune. “Camp

tion to Save Clifton Rev Dr CB Moss on July 21, 2016.

Rev Moss stressed the importance of conserving historic sites like Clifton and why youth must be involved.

SOME of those at the Camperdown summer camp. starts at 8.30 in the morning, so we would groom the horses at 9.30.” The camp also involves the children in games of “Horses”, “Simon says”, “Red light, green light” and horse races. They are also given instruction in how to remove saddles and other equipment from the horses to wash them off and have lunch to finish the day.

“On Wednesdays, we would take the campers and horses on the beach and give them an opportunity to ride the horses in the water,” Jessica said.

YOUNGTERS taking part in the summer scheme.

PAGE 10 , Friday, July 29, 2016

Charter Institute of Arbitrators Charter Institute of Arbitrators. - The newest executives of The Bahamas branch of the Charter Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) gathered recently with chairman Dr Richard Demeritte to discuss their plans.

“The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators celebrated 100 years in 2015 and this past November we marked the occasion with an educational conference that included an address by International CIArb President, Professor Sundra Rajoo,” said Demeritte. “This year, we will hold a gala event, a media project of our branch’s history, install a new patron and honour several distinguished members of the branch.”

The chairman also highlighted that the legislative framework being developed for The Bahamas to have a local seat in international

THE TRIBUNE

arbitration is still in progress and that the organisation continues to work with the Government and other stakeholders to establish a state of the art arbitration center locally.

“This development could prove to be a game-changer in the field of international dispute resolution in our region,” said Demeritte.

CNT & SURE CNT SURE. - Programme SURE, a citizens organisation, has linked with the Change Not Transfer group to reach out to young men in the community.

The alliance of local activists seeks to empower Bahamians to have more access to opportunity, while playing a greater role in the development of the country. Its focus is on a holistic approach to development in The Bahamas by finding so-

AT the beach with Programme SURE and Change Not Transfer. lutions to problems we face pickled tomatoes, stewed as a nation. tomatoes, natural drinks, Members have used their and infused oils. The sucresources and networks to cess of this initiative was help the programme in a able to supplement SURE’s number of ways, including budget. in expanding a garden proOn June 2, the collaboraject. tion culminated when CNT The garden was able treated staff and students to produce, over the past to a day at the beach. The academic year, a variety of students walked from the products including broc- SURE compound on Gladcoli, Swiss chard, goat stone Rd, south to Goodpeppers cabbage, carrots, man’s Bay. Some of the eggplants, collard greens, young men decided to run eggs and cucumbers. Some the whole distance, moniof these were processed to tored by a few staff memcreate other items like pep- bers. The CNT team welper sauce, pickled cabbage, comed them at the beach with food and drinks, all donated by members.

After a cool down period, CNT members sat with the young men in counseling sessions (group and individual), which focused on the role the young men must play in the country’s development. The food was then served, hot off the grill.

The young men were then divided into groups for team building activities, before a refreshing swim.

Both the day and the year proved successful, as was the collaboration.

Memorial Service & State Recognized Funeral Service PASTOR SILAS NAPOLEON McKINNEY, 89

MEMORIAL SERVICE for the late Pastor Silas Napoleon McKinney, aged 89 years of #44 Meadows Blvd., Winton Meadows, and formerly of Landrail Point, Crooked Island, will be held on Friday, July 29th, 2016, 6:00 p.m. at Hillview Seventh Day Adventist Church, Tonique Williams Darling Highway. Dr. Leonard Johnson, assisted by other ministers will officiate.

STATE RECOGNIZED FUNERAL SERVICE for the late Pastor Silas Napoleon McKinney, aged 89 years of #44 Meadows Blvd., Winton Meadows, and formerly of Landrail Point, Crooked Island who died on Saturday, 16th July, 2016, will be held on Sunday, July 31st, 2016, 10:00 a.m. at the Hillview Seventh Day Adventist Church, Tonique Darling Highway. Pastor Peter Joseph, assisted by other Pastors will officiate. Interment will follow in Lakeview Memorial Gardens, J.F.K. Drive.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 60 ½ years: Ruth Esther McKinney; children: Rosalie June McKinney; Michelle Ann and husband, Pastor Peter Joseph; Silas Neil McKinney and wife, Marlene Valderine; grandchildren: Silas Sidney McKinney, Newton Silas Joseph, Edmund Stafford Joseph, Selene Neicole Roach, Silas Neil (NJ) McKinney, Percy Vincent McKinney; great-granddaughter: Eleanor Rosebud Ruth Roach; nieces: Carolyn (and Edward) Rolle; Korahlee (and Howard) Carey; Beryl Rolle, Glendamae (and Eric) Bain; Joanne (and Pastor Peter) Campbell, Pandora Smith; Keva (and Errol) Reid; Karen (and Paul) Bright, Dr. Tamara (and Burton) Moree; nephews: James Anthony (and Constance) McKinney, Dr. Arlington McKinney, Daniel (and Eleanor) McKinney; Ethan (and Marilyn) Rolle, Keith Burke, Obie (and Pat) Burke, Michael (and Curline) Lundy, Philip (and Elaine) Lundy, Gregory (and Eleanor) Millar, Victor McKinney, Andre (and Allison) Thompson; grandnieces: Stacy (and Dr. Dwight) Marshall, Annice (and Foster) Tucker, Shakara (and Carl) Curry, Shanelle (and Godfrey) Bethel, Kristen Reid, Myling McKinney, Khristina Burke, Kinara Lloyd, Shauka Burke, Michel Burke, Appolonia Burke, Nicole (and Andrea) Farrell, Lesia Sands, Vanria (and Lynden) Gardner, Venice (and Andrew) McPhee, Erica (and Elvardo) Perpall; grandnephews: James Anthony (and Jillyan) McKinney, II; Jace (and Dr. Joy) McKinney; Peter (and Asharie) Campbell, Jr.; Andre (and Tanisha) Campbell; Dr. Mukumba Millar; Don Millar; Angelo (and Judiersha) Longley; Jason Whitfield; Tareque Carey; Tomico (and Shantelle) Carey; Elwood Rolle; Danor McKinney; Edwin Burke; Marvin Burke; Chadwick Burke; Christopher Moree; Curtis Moree; relatives: His Excellency, the Hon. Arthur D. Hanna, Former Governor General of the Bahamas and family; Ivy Nebblett and family; Betty Tynes and family; Pastor and Mrs. Neville Scavella; Pastor and Mrs. Paul Scavella and family; Gardell Scavella and family; Yvonne Scavella; Carl Scavella and family; Pastor and Mrs. Roy Hanna and family; Hartman Scavella and family; Willis McKinney and family; Marina Gibson and family; Marjorie Moss and family; Eloise Scavella and family; Eleazer Scavella and family; Tanya Hanna and family; Renee White and family; Christine Scavella; Audwyn Scavella and family; Pastor and Mrs. L. V. McMillan and family; Deborah Enix-Williams; Eric, Keith and Andrew Holmes; Candace and Kevin Holmes; Roderick Sands and family; Althinese and Vernon Burrows; Dorothea Ritchie and family; Greta Kemp and family; Hubert Williams and family; Richard and Cynthia Gibbs and family; Errol McKinney and family; Pastor Wendell McMillan and family; Cyril McMillan and family; Flossamae Curling; Desmond Bailey and family; Claudia Ryan and family; Helene Mitchell and family; Herbie and Ivin Logan and family; Lloyd and Monica Logan and family; Joya Hylton and family; Dana Cuffe and family; Sandy Logan; Carla Roach and family; Descendants of Eloise and Ulric Gibson; Descendants of Elma Gibson-Strapp; Descendants of Lela Gibbs; Descendants of Gwendolyn Williams; Descendants of Victoria Cunningham; Descendants of C.J. Gibson; Descendants of Edwin Scavella; Descendants of Arthur Scavella; The Landrail Point Community; The Hanna, Heastie and Tynes Families; friends: Pastor and Mrs. Noel Fraser and family, Stanley and Ruby Major and family, Astley and Janet Fletcher and family, Pastor Jeff Thompson and family, Pastor and Mrs. Leon Wellington and family, Pastor and Mrs. Trevor Thompson and family, Dr. and Mrs. Leonard Johnson and family; Drs. Neville and Angela Gallimore, Olive Fletcher and family, Pastor and Mrs. H. A. Roach and family, Tom and Gwen Hanna and family, Terry and Denise Collie, Isaac Collie, Pastor Leo Rolle, Roland and Olga Brown, Dr. and Mrs. John Carey and family, Pastor and Mrs. George W. Brown, Pastor and Mrs. Israel Leito, Pastor Richard (Dick) Barron, Dr. and Mrs. Herbert Thompson, Drs. Leon and Alvira Higgs, Joseph and Clara Lewis and family, Percy Miller and family, Marjorie Adderley and family, Betty Moses and family, Philip Antonio and family, Dr. and Mrs. Talbert Shaw, Marva Farquharson and Dr. Marvette Moore, Eulease Forbes and family, Pastor Andrew and Karen Burrows and family, Clarabell Williamson, Ruth White and family, Louis and Shirley Thurston and family, Sir Cyril Fountain and family, George and Setella Cox, Althea Tinker and family, Betty Bowe, Paulina Bowe and family, Nelda Bowe and family, The Jervis family in Freeport, The Watson family in Freeport, Descendants of Alfred and Mary Brennen, Descendants of Arnold and Winnifred Burrows, Leona Curtis and family, Pastor Errol Tinker and family, Ethlyn Gibson and family, Joseph Pallipamula and family, Carlos and Veronica Campos, Santhosh Jangam and family, Amos Flowers and family, Pastor Everett Brown and family, Kamala and Purushotham Kothapalli, Pastor Ronnie Henry and family, Pastor Mermoth Weir and family, Pastor Harold Campbell and family, Pastor Rex Major, Rudolph Young, Winsome Flowers, Mary Knott, Kim Bryan, Eric and Sharon Maynard, Barney Wood and family, Geoffrey Hanna and family, Helen Johnson and family, Members of the churches in: Atlantic Caribbean Union Mission, North Bahamas Conference, South Bahamas Conference, Cayman Islands Conference, Turks and Caicos Mission, Jamaica Union; doctors: Dr. Agreta Eneas-Carey, Dr. Kevin Moss, Dr. Don Deveaux, Dr. Paul Ramphal, Dr. (Rao) Jagadanaraharao; nurses and caregivers: Mae Ferguson, Lydia Basden, Princess Margaret Hospital Nurses in the Private Medical Ward, Viris Morrison, Sheniqua Ferguson; Additional Relatives and Friends too numerous to mention.

Body will lie in repose at Bethel Brothers Morticians, #44 Nassau Street on Saturday from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m. and at the church on Sunday from 9:00 a.m. until service time.

Cycling Club Bahamas Cycling Club Bahamas. Weekday rides, east, morning: Tuesday & Thursday leaving 5am sharp from Sea Grapes Shopping Centre, East Prince Charles Drive.

This ride is a 17-mile loop to the Northbound Paradise Island Bridge and back again (both bridges are sometimes incorporated depending on available time). Open to riders capable of 18mph + for 1 hour.

Lights are essential.

West, morning: Wednesdays & Fridays leaving 4:45am sharp from Fidel-

THE HEALING Communicators-Toastmasters 7178 new officers.

THE CHARTER Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) Bahamas has a new executive for 2016 to 2017. Seated from left is Dr Richard Demeritte, chairman, and Peter Maynard, first vice-chair. Standing: Phylicia Woods, honorary secretary, Tony Joudi, third vicechair, Cherise Cox-Nottage, second vice-chair, and Reverend Collin Higgs, chairman, Education Committee.

Photo: Azaleta Ishmael-Newry. ity Bank Parking Lot (op- have not cycled recently posite Cable Beach Police or first timers! P/I bridges Station), West Bay St. This optional at the end, The ride is a 20-mile loop. The pace will range from 18– route is varied. Open to rid- 20+mph, 3-3.5 hour duraers capable of 18mph+ for tion (cyclists are invited to 1hr. Lights are essential. join in anywhere along the Contact Shantell to confirm route). your attendance.

Upcoming events: Afternoon, Tuesdays & Youth Cycling DevelopThursdays: Leaving 5:30pm mental Programme, each sharp from Old Fort Shop- Saturday at The Tracks, ping Center east of Solo- contact Barron on 552-5128 mon’s Fresh Market. This for more information. ride is 18-20 miles dependJuly 31 & August 1 ing on whether you choose Grand Bahama Road Cyto do a second loop. Rec- cling Championships, 25 ommended for strong rid- mile TT & 75 mile road ers capable of 20mph+ for race, Freeport, Grand Ba1-1.5hrs. Intermediate Rid- hama. ers 18-22mph -see Spyda August 13 & 14 Viva! BaWeekend rides: Saturdays hamas Invitational T/T and leaving 6:00am Sharp from Road Race, Nassau, BahaHarbour Bay Shopping Cen- mas. tre in front of First CaribbeAugust 20 BASRA Maran Bank (Starbuck’s) 30-40 athon Swim, Grand Bamiles headed West. In order hama. to complete this ride it is September 11-18 ITU recommended that you have World Triathlon Grand done some recent cycling! Final Cozumel, Mexico Leaving P/I bridges optional http://cozumel.triathlon. at the end! The pace will org/event/schedule. range from 18–20+mph, 2.5 September 24 Potcakehour duration man main event triathlon, Sundays leaving 6:00am Nassau, Bahamas. sharp from Harbour Bay November 5 & 6 ConchShopping Centre in front man Triathlon 30th anniof First Caribbean Bank versary race & party, Grand (Starbuck’s) 40-50 miles Bahama. headed East. This ride is not recommended if you Rotaract Club of

East Nassau

Funeral Service For

Ms. Deborah Patrice Pratt, 44

a resident of Dumping Ground Corner, will be held on Saturday, 30th July, 2016, 11:00am at The Apostle of The End Time Church, West Street, South. Officiating will be Pastor Carlos Wallace.

Interment follows in Southern Cemetery, Cowpen & Spikenard Roads.

Left to cherish is memories are her mother: Rosetta Pratt Glass; 2 daughters: Donna & Donella Pratt; 3 sons: Darren, Dorio & Daniel Butterfield; 1 sister: Cheryl Pinder Johnson; 1 brother: Dudley Pratt Jr.; 1 brother-in-law: Neville Johnson; 5 uncles: Godfrey & Marchel Pratt, Prince & Hannibal Saunders & Vanburan Brown; 2 aunts: Ida & Donnamae Saunders; 4 grandchildren: Dario Butterfield, Cidoine Charles Jr., Dariel & Neaveh Buttlerfield; numerous neices and nephews including: Bruce Navio Colebrooke, Nakita and Owen Adderley, Susan,Vernal, Victor and Victoria Johnson; numerous cousins including: Jeffery Saunders family, Sonia Adderley and family, Margaret Hanna and family, Olga Higgs and family, Amos Saunders and family, Shirleymae Brown and family and Sylvia Charlton and family; Grandnieces and nephews: Jawon Armbrister, Bernella Colebrooke, Demarco Hanna, Romeo Rolle and Bruce Colebrooke Jr; A host of other relatives and friends: Vera Carter and family, Shannet Barr and family, Victoria Brannen and family, Nicola Pratt and family, Isadora Johnson and family, Dorothy Johnson & family, The Steven Family, The Clarke Family and The Bain Town Family, Rev. Dr. Sammy Saunders, Mavis Cargill of Californa, Charelene Wright and Eleanor.

Friends may pay their last respects at Demeritte’s Funeral Home, Market Street, from 12-6:00 p.m. on Friday & on Saturday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until service time.

Rotaract Club of East Nassau. - A professional development meeting, featuring Jeff Lloyd as speaker, will be held on Tuesday, August 2, at Lifestyles Bar & Lounge/Bacardi Bar (East & Bay Streets). Fellowship is at 6pm, with the meeting at 6:30pm. Mr. Lloyd will be speaking tabout the state of governance in The Bahamas.

Toastmasters Club 7178 Toastmasters Club 7178. On July 5, 2016, The Healing Communicators-Toastmasters Club 7178 held its New Officer Ceremony at The Cancer Society, under the theme “The Pursuit of Excellence”.

The new executive board for 2016/2017, consists of Tristan Beneby (president), Crystal Glinton (vice-president education), Juliana Duncanson (vice-president membership), Jana Stubbs (vice-president public relations), Nadia Humes (executive secretary), Shafegah Duncanson (treasurer), Bridgette Strapp (sergeantat-arms) and Mikia Cooper (immediate past president).

During the ceremony, guests enjoyed the performance of violinists Alyssa Pratt and Cameron Pratt. The keynote speaker was Pastor Mario Moxey and remarks were given by division I director Owen Hanna and Area 60 director Patricia Hamilton.

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

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

For more information about the page, contact Stephen Hunt on 5022373 or 447-3565.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, July 29, 2016, PAGE 11

‘The Bahamas’ own street philosopher’

Into theBLUE

PAGE 12 , Friday, July 29, 2016 THE TRIBUNE

FORTY Bahamian teenagers from nine islands have been enjoying six days of ecological camping on Andros under the guidance of the Bahamas National Trust (BNT).

More than 200 young people have taken part in the BNT’s summer Eco Camp programme, which has been running for the past seven years.

The high schoolers stay partly at a wilderness campsite in the heart of Blue Hole National Park. The campsite is a three-mile hike from their home base at the Forfar Field Station, near Blanket Sound.

“Campers explore the di-

ECO-campers snorkelling at Pigeon Creek in the North Marine Park, Andros. verse ecosystems of Andros erating the wildness camp, and take part in an intense snorkelling at the North environmental experience,” Marine Park, exploring said BNT Education Direc- rocky shorelines and contor Portia Sweeting. ducting an environmental Participants engage in awareness survey in Fresh classroom and field work, Creek. including setting up and opThey also tour the his-

toric Red Bays settlement, where they interact with local artisans and visit a crab hatchery. At the Androsia batik factory, they were able to design their own shirts.

According to BNT Executive Director Eric Carey, this unique annual learning opportunity for Bahamian students is made possible by sponsors like Bahamas Ferries, Forfar Field Station, RBC Royal Bank, the Lyford Cay Foundation and the Lyford Cay Club, Caribbean Bottling, the Cable Cares Foundation, Sandyport Beaches Resort, the Atlantis Resort, Harbourside Marine and Cameron Symonette.

ECO-campers snorkelling at Pigeon Creek in the North Marine Park, Andros.