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MP steps down as leader of opposition business in the House

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net CENTRAL Grand Bahama MP Neko Grant yesterday resigned as Leader of Opposition Business in the House of Assembly and the Free National Movement’s shadow Works Minister, pointing to his relationship with FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis as the motivating factor.

In an obvious nod to the dramatic close of the FNM’s national convention last week, Mr Grant told the lower House that recent events demonstrated that FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis was “uncomfortable� with him and “not satisfied� with his performance.

The decision follows Long Island MP Loretta

HEALTH Minister Dr Perry Gomez yesterday hinted at how the government may decide to fund the National Health Insurance scheme as it expands in scope, noting that other countries have taxed “unhealthy substances� like alcohol and tobacco as well as high salt and high sugar

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PARLIAMENT DEFIANT IN FACE OF COURT RULING IN EMAIL ROW

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

STRIKING a tone of defiance, parliamentarians reacted with outrage in the House of Assembly yesterday to Supreme Court Justice Indra Charles’ historic ruling that Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald infringed on the constitutional rights of Save The Bays’ members when he tabled private emails and discussed financial information allegedly related to the group in the House of Assembly in June.

SEE PAGE SIX

SMILES AS PARLIAMENT GETS BACK TO BUSINESS

Butler-Turner’s confirmation to The Tribune on Tuesday that the FNM presented her with several offers after she withdrew from the party’s leadership race during convention last week, among them a promotion to Leader of Opposition Business.

Moments after announcing at Parliament that he was stepping down from this post, Mr Grant told The Tribune that he had only learned that his position was up for grabs after reading the reports in the local dailies.

Outside parliament yesterday, Dr Minnis – who appeared to have been shocked by the move – had only a short response to offer reporters when he was questioned about the SEE PAGE FIVE

GOMEZ HINTS AT FUNDING METHOD AS HEALTH INSURANCE BILL TABLED

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

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products to fund healthcare.

It was the closest a government representative has come to discussing how it may fund the ambitious and expensive plan.

His comments came during tabling of the NHI bill, which would implement an NHI plan, establish a National Health Authority and a National Health Insurance Fund.

SEE PAGE SIX

PRIME Minister Perry Christie chatting to those in the gallery at the House of Assembly yesterday. See page two for more photographs as the House got back to business.

Photo: Peter Ramsay/BIS

SANDALS SILENT OVER PLANS TO CLOSE FOR TWO MONTHS

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

SENIOR executives at the Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort remained tightlipped yesterday over the purported closure of the all-inclusive Cable Beach resort in less than two weeks.

Despite several inquiries by the Tribune, officials refused to clarify whether

the resort intends to close its doors on August 15, with plans to re-open on October 13.

In a letter published on Wednesday in The Nassau Guardian, the resort blamed “circumstances� beyond its control for the pending closure and offered affected guests a chance to re-book their stays with any of the resort chain’s properties throughout the Caribbean.

The letter read: “We ap-

preciate your patience as we work through this challenging time. We have instituted a streamlined and efficient course of action for these guests who may be affected and are extending all of our call centre resources to you.�

The resort’s General Manager Gary Williams declined comment yesterday.

SEE PAGE TEN

PROBATION FOR BEDRIDDEN CHILD MOLESTER

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

A JUDGE imposed a sixyear probation on a diabetic and bedridden man who pleaded guilty to molesting three underage girls over a five year period.

Senior Justice Stephen Isaacs had required a week’s time to consider what punishment, if any, he could impose on 65-year-old Franklyn Roberts whom he considered to be “an invalid�.

Prosecutor Algernon Allen II had asked the judge to impose a sentence of six

years on each of the three counts of sexual assault to run concurrently. Roberts’ lawyer, Romona Farquharson-Seymour, argued that there was no real utility in placing Roberts in prison in his present condition.

SEE PAGE TEN

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

MCCARTNEY: FNM IS DEAD AFTER CHAOS AT CONVENTION

By SANCHESKA BROWN Tribune Staff Reporter sbrown@tribunemedia.net  DNA Leader Branville McCartney declared yesterday that the Free National Movement is “dead� and has been replaced by the same incompetence and corruption “that has come to define the Progressive Liberal Party�.

Mr McCartney said that after watching the FNM’s failed convention, the public now sees what he knew seven years ago – the FNM of accountability and transparency is gone.

Mr McCartney made his comments while announcing the DNA’s upcoming convention, which is scheduled for September 29-30.

SEE PAGE TEN

PAGE 2, Thursday, August 4, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

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PRIME Minister Perry Christie arriving at the House of Assembly yesterday and, below, with members of his government.

Photos: Peter Ramsay/BIS

LET THE GAMES BEGIN Follow the Rio Olympics in The Tribune in words and pictures as ‘The Greatest Show On Earth’ runs for 17 days in Brazil.

Senior Sports Reporter Brent Stubbs – a veteran of six Olympic Games - will follow the fortunes of the Bahamian team on the track and in the field, in the swimming pool and on the rowing lake.

Plus a daily guide to what events to watch and when, how the medals table is shaping up and the global highlights of each Olympic day.

Get regular updates on the Tribune’s website – tribune242.com – as the world’s best sportsmen and women create golden moments in Brazil.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, August 4, 2016, PAGE 3

Minnis: Party was blindsided by Lightbourn ‘tube tying’ comments

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis told parliamentarians yesterday that the party was blindsided by Montagu MP Richard Lightbourn’s controversial proposal for the state-sponsored sterilisation of women.

A week on since he offered up the offensive initiative at the party’s national convention, Montagu MP Richard Lightbourn was lambasted in the House of Assembly by the governing Progressive Liberal Party.

In an official statement to parliament, Dr Minnis explained that the party’s Convention Committee had implemented a review procedure for all speeches proposed to be delivered at the convention.

According to the Killarney MP, Mr Lightbourn’s speech was never submitted for vetting prior to it being put forward to a national audience – despite several requests made to the writer of the speech.

Dr Minnis said the FNM was “consequently entirely unaware” of the contents of Lightbourn’s speech.

In the first sitting of the House of Assembly since the embattled MP made those remarks, Englerston MP Glennys Hanna Martin suggested that Mr Lightbourn’s “cruel, insensitive and offensive” comments placed the Bahamas in a

RICHARD LIGHTBOURN, MP for Montagu. “negative spotlight” in both Mr Lightbourn’s contenthe Caribbean region and tious comments were made globally. on the second night of the Mrs Hanna Martin as- FNM’s national convention serted that the comments at the Melia Nassau Beach were reminiscent of a “tox- Resort last week. ic stereotype” that has a The Montagu MP, setting “tragic history” within the out initiatives that he felt Bahamas, insisting that the could form part of his parproposal rehashed a “dis- ty’s crime plan if elected, dainful bias” against work- Mr Lightbourn said it was ing class Bahamian women. necessary for the Bahamas “(His comments) are to consider adopting the reminiscent of very dark practice sterilizing unwed days in human history mothers after the birth of where sterilization was used their second child. as a means of the arrogant Mr Lightbourn prefaced elite for controlling the fer- the ill-fated suggestion with tility of ‘undesirable’ popu- a generalisation that chillations, such as the poor, dren born in unstable famblack people, other people ily situations often times of colour, unmarried moth- grow to participate in crimers, the disabled and the inal activities. mentally ill.”

Responding to this claim, “His comments are a Mrs Hanna Martin said: blight and an indictment, “Rather than advocate for an insult and an assault on support which would provide poor women in our country an easier environment for perhaps the most vulner- women to love, nurture and able grouping in our socie- support their children, the ty,” Mrs Hanna Martin told Member instead advocates in the House. a cold and calculated fashion

Thursday, 4th August 2016

READERS THINK LIGHTBOURN SHOULD NOT RESIGN

MONTAGU MP Richard Lightbourn should NOT resign after his controversial sterilisation comments at the FNM Convention, according to the majority of voters in The Tribune’s online poll.

It was close, but 55.56 per cent of those voting thought the MP should stay in his job, with 44.44 per cent believing he should go.

The news that Fort Charlotte MP Andre Rollins will reportedly run as an independent candidate in Long Island, sparked a lively reaction from readers on tribune242.com.

Publius said: “He shows one two-sided face to the public, and another twosided face behind closed doors. And he is wanting to try to play with Long Islanders of all people?”

Proudloudandfnm offered this: “Rollins don’t stand a chance in Long Island . . .”

DillyTree also doubted the MP’s chances: “He needs his head examined to run in Long Island. They will run him out so fast his head will spin. Just ask the good people of his current district how they feel about him!”

The current Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner this week revealed that the FNM has presented several offers to her, including a promotion to Leader of Opposition Business in the House of Assembly, in an effort to “buy her off”.

Publius had this reaction: “Bought? These are the kinds of offers that are made all the time in a cir-

CORRECTION: GRAND BAHAMA MURDER TOTAL THERE have been 11 murders on Grand Bahama in 2016, not nine as was reported yesterday. The two victims mistakenly omitted were Dexter Bellamy, 21, who was shot and killed on May 28, and Corey Thompson, a disabled man, who was also found shot dead in a shack in the Pioneer’s Loop Subdivision on June 23.

for the stifling of her rights to reproduce as a member of the human family.”

She continued: “Rather than anticipate greater empowerment for women and her children, the Member anticipates the desirability of less classrooms. Indeed Mr Speaker, what is most worrisome is that this very demographic of Bahamian women makes up a significant portion of his own constituency.”

“Perhaps this provided the inspiration for his ideas,” she added.

Mrs Hanna Martin maintained that reproductive rights are human rights.

She further inferred that Mr Lightbourn’s thoughtprocess wasn’t aligned with that of the overall country.

Across the floor, FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis again moved to separate the views offered up by Mr Lightbourn from those of the party.

The FNM immediately issued a statement to distance itself from the Montagu MP’s proposal last Thursday, stating that the party did not believe in restricting the reproductive rights of anyone.

“Let me state unequivocally, and assure this Honourable House and the Bahamian people that the

cumstance such as this.

Take the personality of Minnis out of the equation for a moment and just focus on the actual fact that this is a political organisation and whenever fights such as this occur, offers are made to attempt to move on from it.”

And Killemwitdakno had this to say: “Her option is to hang in should FNM realise their regret with Minnis mid-general election, or brand an official ideology base within the party like Tea Party Republicans, in hopes to restore true FNM principles.”

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Free National Movement has no such policy, no such plans and no such intention,” stated Dr Minnis on Wednesday.

“On behalf of the Free National Movement, I absolutely repudiate and disassociate myself and the party which I lead from any such proposed policy as that postulated by the Member for Montagu,” he added.

Last Friday, a day after he first expressed his claims, Mr Lightbourn issued a prepared apology.

It read: ““I would like to sincerely apologize to the Bahamian public and women in particular for my comments made last night at the Free National Movement

convention.

“It was never my intention to offend anyone but to speak to the need for effective parenting and the support for a strong family structure which will go a long way toward solving many of our country’s social ills. It is a woman’s right to decide what to do with her body.”

“I received immediate and justified criticism for my comments. It was an extremely poor decision on my part. My comments in no way shape or form reflect the position of the FNM.” On Wednesday, the Montagu MP in Parliament reiterated his regret over the offensive comments.

PAGE 4, Thursday, August 4, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

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GOP frustrations with Trump mount DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Their party in crisis, Republicans’ frustration with Donald Trump reached new heights on Wednesday as party leaders on Capitol Hill and inside New York’s Trump Tower scrambled to persuade their presidential nominee to abandon divisive tactics that have triggered sinking poll numbers and low morale.

Party chairman Reince Priebus appealed to the New York billionaire’s adult children to help amid new signs of a campaign in trouble.

Trump’s operation has been beset by internal discord, including growing concern about general election preparedness and a lack of support from Republican leaders, according to two people familiar with the organization’s inner workings.

One of the people said Trump privately blames his own staff for failing to quiet the backlash from his own party after he criticized an American Muslim family whose son, a US Army captain, was killed in Iraq.

The inner tension comes as Priebus and a handful of high-profile Trump allies consider whether to confront the candidate directly to encourage a new approach following a series of startling stances and statements. In the midst of the uproar over his continued criticism of the Khan family, Trump infuriated Priebus and other party leaders by refusing to endorse GOP House Speaker Paul Ryan’s re-election.

The officials, including one with direct knowledge of Priebus’ thinking, were granted anonymity to discuss internal strategy after one of the most tumultuous weeks of Trump’s presidential campaign.

Trump on Wednesday dismissed suggestions that the GOP frustration was hurting his campaign, even as he openly contemplated an Election Day loss.

“Wouldn’t that be embarrassing to lose to crooked Hillary Clinton? That would be terrible,” he said during a campaign stop in battleground Florida. He also insisted, “We’ve never been this united.”

In an interview later Wednesday with Florida’s WPEC-TV, Trump was asked if he was being “baited into battles.”

“I think that’s probably right,” he acknowledged. “We’re going to focus more on Hillary Clinton.”

The most powerful Republicans in Washington and New York’s Trump Tower concede things will not change unless Trump wants them to.

“The candidate is in control of his campaign,” campaign chairman Paul Manafort told Fox News Channel, highlighting his inability to control the nominee. “And I’m in control of doing the things that he wants me to do in the campaign.”

Clinton, meanwhile, kept up her assault on Trump’s business practices, holding up a Trump-branded tie as she spoke at the Knotty Tie Company in battleground Colorado.

“I really would like him to explain why he paid Chinese workers to make Trump ties,” she told employees in Denver, “instead of deciding to make those ties right here in Colorado.”

Trump blamed the media — “so dishonest” — for growing criticism of his recent statements and his unwillingness to accept guidance from senior advisers.

Privately, however, Trump has con-

cerns about his own team.

He was deeply upset when GOP leaders “took the other side” during his ongoing quarrel with the Khan family, one person said, and blames his campaign staff for not keeping top Republicans in line. Another person said Trump is irritated that general election planning in battleground states isn’t further along with less than 100 days until Election Day. The internal tension is complicated by Trump’s frequent travels without his senior advisers and his adult children, who wield significant influence in the campaign, the people close to the campaign said.

There’s been no follow-through on a plan presented earlier this summer to have one of the children or son-in-law Jared Kushner travel with Trump most of the time.

While the children have made some appearances with their father — for instance, Eric Trump attended Tuesday’s rally in Virginia — work obligations and other commitments, including a hunting trip the sons have lined up, have posed scheduling conflicts.

“I would say in the last couple of weeks, he has been remarkably underperforming and we’ll see whether or not he can take a deep breath and learn these lessons,” said former House Speaker Newt Gingrich on Fox Business News.

Trump’s vice presidential nominee, Indiana Gov Mike Pence, tried to put a better face on a recent difference during a phone interview with Fox. Pence said he spoke with Trump Wednesday morning “about my support for Paul Ryan and our longtime friendship. He strongly encouraged me to endorse Paul Ryan in next Tuesday’s primary. And I’m pleased to do it.”

Trump stunned Republicans by telling The Washington Post in an interview Tuesday that he wasn’t ready to endorse Ryan, who faces a primary contest in Wisconsin next week. Ryan has backed Trump despite deep differences on policy and temperament, and has encouraged other Republicans to unite behind the party’s nominee.

Former Trump adviser Barry Bennett acknowledged signs of poor morale among the campaign staff he maintains contact with, but he also said it would be silly to dismiss Trump’s chances with three months before Election Day. “This would be the end of any other Republican candidate in the history of the country. And he’s only 5 or 6 points behind,” Bennett said.

Indeed, Trump on Wednesday reported raising $80 million in July for his campaign and the Republican Party, a significant improvement from past months.

Clinton raised about $90 million over the same period.

Privately, Trump points to his recent fundraising success, large rallies and decent polling against a seasoned candidate as evidence that his campaign is working well.

And his loyalists continue to stand behind him.

“The media is blowing this out of proportion significantly,” said New Hampshire Rep Stephen Stepanek.

By Steve Peoples and Jonathan Lemire of the Associated Press

We accept apology of Mr Lightbourn EDITOR, The Tribune MR Richard Lightbourn is our MP. He has assisted in the community of Kemp Road consistently and without any issues.

He is genuine, he cares about the people, he shows up to the plate when he is really needed and is very involved in the community.

The attacks against him are absolute foolishness to us because we know better.

He may not have said the right thing, or presented in the right way, but all of us know that there is a seri-

ous problem in this country, and we must do something to help these young women and men to be more responsible with their children.

Every Monday, Mr Lightbourn is at the free counselling clinic in Kemp Road with Dr Allen and he listens to all of the heartache and pain that his constituents are going through. He knows what the real scoop is, and just because he is white some people didn’t like what he had to say.

The reality is something must be done, and although what he said isn’t appropri-

ate, or what this country is interested in, there are other things that can be done, and that is what we should be talking about.

We accept his apology as women in his constituency, and we know that at the end of the day, Mr Lightbourn will have our back - which is more than we can say about plenty of the people who have so much to say now.

PASTOR LAURA THOMPSON AND RITA THOMPSON Nassau August 2, 2016

In defence of Richard Lightbourn EDITOR, The Tribune.

I CONTINUE to be surprised by the unfair criticism that is being levelled against Mr Richard Lightbourn for his “tube tying” comments at the recent FNM convention.

First of all, Mr Lightbourn issued a prompt and unconditional apology for his remarks. For those who took issue with his remarks and who are aware of his apology, why is his apology not enough? Why do they find it necessary to continue to berate him?

Second, what is truly wrong with what Mr Lightbourn actually said? After pointing out that “many young women have 5 and 6 children many of whom are born out of wedlock” and “many of the fathers of those children have little involvement in the child’s upbringing either emotional or financial,” and the fact that “the laws of our country and the legal system is such that the father is not likely to be compelled to assist financially in the upbringing of the child,” Mr Lightbourn went on to say that “an FNM Government would introduce legislation which would enable a court to deduct from a father’s paycheck an amount to be paid directly to the mother of the child and in this way the father would consider carefully the consequences of having an unprotected relationship and in all likelihood reduce the number of children born in The Bahamas.”

What is wrong about Mr Lightbourn pointing to the incredibly large number of children in our country who are born out of wedlock and proposing a legislative solution to compel fathers

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net to support their children financially?

Immediately after proposing to bring legislation to compel fathers to support their children financially, Mr Lightbourn said: “It is also necessary for us as a nation to consider adopting the lead of several countries in the world which result in an unwed mother having her tubes tied after having more than two children which would in the end result in fewer children being born.”

Mr Lightbourn is a lawyer, so I have given him the benefit of the doubt that he knows that any programme for Bahamian women to have their tubes tied can only be voluntary (because the Constitution protects against women being forced to do so). Therefore, Mr Lightbourn clearly was not suggesting that the state should force unwed mothers to tie their tubes after having a certain number of children born out of wedlock (as many people are wrongly accusing him of saying). Accordingly, what would be wrong with a state sponsored programme whereby adult unwed mothers (and married mothers) can voluntarily have their tubes tied, at the expense of the state, after they have had a certain number of children? Clearly, nothing is wrong with such a voluntary programme, and any reasonable and fair person would conclude that Mr Lightbourn was referring to a voluntary tube tying programme.

Mr Lightbourn also made the point that “the state should not have the burden

of paying for the upbringing of children.” Is he not correct in his statement?

Finally, Mr Lightbourn concluded his remarks by saying that “by adopting such measures, there would be less classrooms needed in the future and less persons coming 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.”

Who can honestly dispute the logical reasoning of that statement?

While Mr Lightbourn addressed the problem of out of wedlock births as a socio-economic issue, children being born out of wedlock is fundamentally a moral issue — the issue of ignoring and violating the God-ordained boundaries for sexual relations, which is marriage. And having women to tie their tubes after having a certain number of children out of wedlock will not address that moral issue.

Sadly, while people continue to pile unfair criticism on Mr Lightbourn, I think that we are missing a great opportunity to have a national conversation about sexual conduct, the responsibility of fathers, and traditional marriage. The truth is that we as a society need to affirm in word and deed that marriage is the only legitimate context for sexual relations and the birth of children. If such an affirmation is broadly embraced in our country, it will make for a better Bahamas, morally and socio-economically.

PASTOR CEDRIC MOSS Nassau, August 3, 2016.

Turning on our women EDITOR, The Tribune IT IS so sad when we, as Bahamians, have no respect in desecrating some of our finest ladies in our country.

Don’t we have mothers, sisters? Are they scorned when they stand up for what they believe? Or, the caveman mentality where the only purpose for a wom-

an is to be your personal slave, stay home, have babies, keep the house clean, remain uneducated, you think and dictate what she can and cannot do?

Is that your definition of a scorned woman? If so, does your mother, sister fall into that category? What a sad state of affairs in the 21st century that some of you

are still living in the dark ages in disrespecting one of our most worthy and highly qualified ladies in resorting to go in the gutter. Michelle Obama, said it so well “when they go low, we go high”.

KELLY D BURROWS Freeport August 3, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, August 4, 2016, PAGE 5

Minnis unveils plans to tackle corruption FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday released the details of his much talked about anti-corruption plan, saying it aims to restore transparency and accountability to the country.

However the plan was not detailed and revealed no new initiatives. Instead it only repeated much of what the Killarney MP has already presented to supporters.

Included in the plan are a Freedom of Information Act, term limits for Prime Ministers, a recall system for poor performing members of Parliament and a transparency in government act to ensure that funding allocated to MPs is utilised for specific projects.

Dr Minnis said a plan like this was needed to combat the damage done by the PLP government, which has sought to enrich supporters and cronies.

“Bahamians deserve better,” Dr Minnis said in a brief press statement

yesterday. “They deserve a government focused on helping them and working towards making their lives better – not a government focused on helping themselves and their friends at the expense of all the people. The FNM will enact tough, new anti-corruption laws that will bring about true transparency and hold government accountable to the people.

The FNM government will enact: a Freedom of Information Act that will make it easier for all Bahamians to have full access to the workings and the decisions of the government; the Whistle Blower Protection Act- to protect those persons who are willing to report illegal activities by those in government; strengthening the Prevention of Corruption and Bribery Act so that politicians are held accountable for any corrupt activities and term limits for Prime Ministers to ensure that no politician can abuse their mandate to serve the peo-

ple by manipulating the levers of government to attain absolute power.

He added: “(In addition there will b) a recall system for poorly performing MP’s– to ensure that MPs faithfully serve the people who elected them; a transparency in government Act that will ensure that funding allocated to MP’s will be utilized for specific projects identified by their constituencies and make the Public Disclosure Commission independent and free from political oversight.”

He said the party’s goal is to return power to the people.

This can only happen through true transparency and accountability, Dr Minnis said.

He said the people deserve to know they have a government working for them, not working to enrich themselves.

The Bahamian people and the FNM will work hard every day and in every way to give them better, Dr Minnis said.

DR Hubert Minnis with Dr Duane Sands at last week’s FNM convention.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

GRANT QUITS AS LEADER OF OPPOSITION BUSINESS from page one

matter. “Mr Grant did what he thought was best,” Dr Minnis said.

When pressed for further comment, he said: “The party will heal, unify and move forward and win the next general election.”

Mr Grant is the longest serving member of the FNM, having first been elected under the party in 1992.

In June, the Central Grand Bahama MP blasted Dr Minnis in an email over his performance in Parliament during the wrap up of the 2016/2017 budget debate. The Tribune exclusively obtained the scathing email in which Mr Grant lambasted Dr Minnis criticising him over “abandoning ship” at 2.30am, leaving MPs to finish the work of the House and insisting that the Killarney MP seemed to be ill prepared for the session.

Standing in the Lower House before it recessed for

the lunch break, Mr Grant said given Dr Minnis’ displeasure with his performance, he would do the honourable thing and step down from the post.

He said: “I have always cherished the wonderful working relationship you (House Speaker Dr Kendal Major) and I have enjoyed over the past four years. It is my wish that God would strengthen, guide and protect you as you administrate in this place.

“To Bernard Nottage, I sincerely hope that the excellent working relationship that you and I enjoy has contributed to the smooth running of this place for the betterment of the Bahamian people. I hope to God that he will direct you as you lead government’s business.”

He continued: “Recent events have demonstrated that my leader is uncomfortable with me and not satisfied with my performance as leader. I would therefore do what honourable men do and so today I will advise

this House that effective today I will no longer serve as Leader of the Opposition Business in this place or the shadow minister of works.”

Reaction Meanwhile, South Eleuthera MP Theo Neilly said he was “discouraged and saddened” by Mr Grant’s decision.

He said not only did he respect the MP, but he looked up to him as a father figure.

“I think roughly this morning is when I first knew that something was happening,” Mr Neilly told The Tribune following the morning session of the House.

“I am very discouraged and saddened by it really because you know I respect Mr Grant 100 per cent and he’s been a real man of in-

tegrity, working hard with the party behind the scenes representing.

He said: “He knows the system well and I respect him highly. He is the longest serving FNM parliamentarian ever and so certainly as a rookie, a new and young member of Parliament I look up to him. I respect him. He is a senior man.

“I always look to him for guidance throughout the four and a half years in the House. I have gotten ad-

vice on many matters. He has given me good guidance so I look to him as a father figure in the FNM and someone I respect and so I am saddened by that announcement.”

During the afternoon session of the House proceedings, FNM Deputy Leader and East Grand Bahama MP Peter Turnquest said it was a move that they did not anticipate. Nonetheless, he went on to thank Mr Grant on behalf of the party and his constituents for the job

he carried out over the last four years.

On Tuesday, Mrs Butler Turner said while discussions were still underway, she had not accepted any offers because she viewed it as an attempt to “buy her off” to step away from the plethora of issues she has with the fractured party.

She also questioned whether the party had informed Mr Grant that they were considering removing him from the Opposition Leader’s post.

PAGE 6, Thursday, August 4, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

Parliament defiant in face of court ruling in email row from page one

The heart of democracy in The Bahamas was under attack, they argued, with Marco City MP Greg Moss suggesting that without Parliament’s “restraint” in addressing the matter, the ruling could lead to a constitutional crisis.

“Let’s move this on to the Court of Appeal as soon as possible and let more sober minds deal with this,” he said.

In a sign of how high tensions ran on the matter, Mr Moss raised the spectre of corruption, questioning whether Save the Bays was “forum shopping” given that it has had several of its cases before Justice Charles.

“Why are all these controversial cases coming before the same judge,” he asked, prompting parliamentarians to beat their desks in approval. “I’m not able to answer that. That should not be an issue I have to speak to in this House because the Supreme Court is supposed to conduct itself with judicial decorum not to create a constitutional crisis with the Parliament in this country.”

House Speaker Dr Kendal Major expressed shock at the ruling, which he said appeared to violate the principle that underpinned the country’s democracy.

“To say that I am astounded by this ruling would indeed be an understatement,” Dr Major said.

“It would appear to violate the principle of the Separation of Powers which has underpinned our democracy and the centuries accepted belief of Parliament’s right to protect its privileges. Parliament and its members have a right to privilege and members of this House have been given

JEROME FITZGERALD MP, speaking in the House of Assembly yesterday. the constitutional privilege to speak freely.

Dr Major said: “This has been unquestioned for centuries. This is an accepted principle in the Courts and Parliaments throughout the Commonwealth.

Meanwhile, the Parliament will continue unfettered. As chair I am unaware of any jurisdiction anywhere in the commonwealth where the court attempts to curtail the actions of Parliament of any member.”

Although Justice Charles did not conclude that Fox Hill MP Fred Mitchell infringed on the constitutional rights of the Save the Bays members, Mr Mitchell nonetheless arose and said the decision is a “serious blow to the Parliament and

its work.”

“It is therefore incumbent that the matter be prosecuted through to the Privy Council with dispatch,” he said.

For his part, Marathon MP Jerome Fitzgerald, ordered to pay $150,000 in damages by Justice Charles, defiantly said the House Speaker alone could stop him from speaking in Parliament.

Mr Fitzgerald said he did not use illegal means to obtain the information he tabled in the House in June.

“I have said before and I say again that I never ever engaged in any illegal activity to obtain the information I read and tabled in this place,” he said. “Having reviewed the judgment no evidence at

Photo: Tim Clarke/Tribune Staff

all was produced to show or prove I obtained the information illegally. I am therefore at a loss as to how the court came to such a ridiculous conclusion that I obtained the information through illegal means. I am under no requirement by law to reveal how I obtained the information I received. He who asserts must prove. There is no more basic tenant in law.”

Mr Fitzgerald said if those who accused him of being involved in criminal activity fail to provide proof of criminality, he will pursue “every legal remedy” available to him “against those who have made those wild, unfounded and damaging statements.”

In condemning the ruling, Mr Moss highlighted

relevant aspects of the Constitution and the Powers and Privileges (Senate and House of Assembly) Act to argue that courts don’t have jurisdiction over Parliament.

The Powers and Privileges Act, for instance, says: “No civil or criminal proceedings may be instituted against any senator or member for words spoken before, or written in a report to, the senate or the House respectively or a committee, or by reason of any matter or thing so brought by him by petition, bill, motion or otherwise.”

As for the Constitution, it says: “Without prejudice to the generality of Article 52(1) of this Constitution and subject to the provisions of paragraph (2) of

this Article, Parliament may by law determine the privileges, immunities and powers of the Senate and the House of Assembly and the members thereof.”

The provisions of paragraph two in article 53 of the constitution only relate to the procedure for passing money bills in the House of Assembly and the Senate.

Mr Moss said the ruling is “scandalous” and opens the possibility that the Court could dictate to Parliamentarians what they must say in the House of Assembly.

“We have to cross party lines on this,” he said. “We cannot disagree on the core statement that we make laws…and we do so without fear of anyone, including the courts.”

GOMEZ HINTS AT FUNDING METHOD AS HEALTH INSURANCE BILL TABLED from page one

He positioned the NHI project in a long line of progressive accomplishments achieved by the PLP, similar to the establishment of the National Insurance Board (NIB) and the imminent establishment of the University of the Bahamas.

However, Dr Gomez did not say when the first phase of NHI––primary healthcare––will be introduced nor did he provide a timeline for events relating to the scheme.

It remains unclear, for instance, when the government will release requests for proposals to establish a

public insurer, something the government’s consultants say will take about eight months to get up and running and will be critical to the roll-out of primary healthcare.

“Careful consideration is being given to the mechanism by which funds are acquired to be available to sustain the financing of healthcare,” Dr Gomez said.

“This pillar is critical because healthcare costs tend to escalate at a somewhat unpredictable manner globally, so as a developing country, The Bahamas must pay particular attention. In this regard, a decision has been made not to introduce any

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new taxes directly linked to healthcare. Innovative and creative adjustments are necessary to effect implementation within the present budget. With a particular focus on cost savings and changing of the model of healthcare delivery from a mainly inpatient system to a primary care out-patient system, this will be accomplished at the outset.”

“Some countries have levied contributions on unhealthy substances including alcohol and tobacco products. Also additional costs are added to food items with undesirably high salt and sugar content.”

Dr Gomez also expressed support for public-private partnerships as a means to help fund healthcare.

Elaborating on the role of the National Health Insurance Authority, he said the new “quasi-government” body will conduct the work of NHI. “The Authority will be responsible for setting and policing the standards to ensure a high standard of healthcare and fiscal performance is maintained,” he said.

According to the bill tabled yesterday, the NHI Authority will play a central role in the administration of NHI. It will, for instance, enrol people eligible to receive benefits under the plan and register providers and administrators eligible to participate in the plan.

It will also settle the rate of payment for these groups.

Dr Gomez said the government spends about $400 million annually on “all aspects of healthcare in the country.”

To ensure that the pursuit of NHI isn’t accompanied by an initial increase in taxes, he said there has been a greater focus on oversight with a view toward “upgrading regulations and operational policy guidelines.”

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, August 4, 2016, PAGE 7

TWO MEN IN CRITICAL CONDITION AFTER CRASHING DURING POLICE CHASE

By SANCHESKA BROWN Tribune Staff Reporter sbrown@tribunemedia.net TWO MEN are in critical condition in hospital after they allegedly stole a vehicle, robbed a liquor store and led police on a highspeed chase before slamming the car into an electricity pole and residence on Tuesday night.

Officer in Charge of the Central Detective Unit, Chief Superintendent Clayton Fernander, said police on patrol near Yamacraw Beach observed a vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed, that matched the

description of a Honda that was used in an armed robbery minutes earlier.

“Around 8pm yesterday a lone gunman entered a store on Soldier Road and held the cashier at bay. The suspect robbed her of cash and other personal items before leaving the store.

He got into a grey coloured Honda driven by a second male,” Supt Fernander said.

“Shortly after, police on patrol in the Yamacraw Beach area, near the prison, spotted the vehicle and beckoned the driver to stop. The driver took off at a high rate of speed trav-

elling west on Yamacraw Road and ran the red light at the junction of Fox Hill and Yamacraw.

“The suspects continued driving in a reckless manner and turned onto Pineyard Road, where they ran into another vehicle.

The impact of the accident caused the suspect to lose control of his vehicle and run into a lamp post.

“After breaking the pole in half, the suspect continued to drive and slammed into a house. The vehicle and the home received extensive damage. Both suspects were taken out of the vehicle using the jaws of

life.”

The men are listed in critical but stable condition in hospital under heavy police guard. Supt Fernander said the suspects stole the vehicle in an armed robbery on Monday.

He also said police recovered a number of items in the vehicle that they suspect were stolen in a number of armed robberies in New Providence.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact police at 911 or 919, the Central Detective Unit at 520-9991 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 328TIPS.

THE WRECKAGE of the crashed vehicle.

23-year-old faces court accused of Freeport murder

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net A 23-YEAR-OLD Eight Mile Rock man was charged with murder in the Freeport Magistrate Court yesterday.

Lawrence Bethel Jr, 23, of Martin Town, appeared before Magistrate Debbye Ferguson, where he was required to enter a plea to the

charge of murder in connection with an incident reported on May 28.

According to previous police reports, Dexter Bellamy, 21, of Forbisher Circle, was shot and killed that day.

Bethel was remanded to the Department of Correctional Services until October 10, when a preliminary inquiry will be held into the matter.

Derek Leroy Clarke, 37, of Clarke Avenue, Freeport, also appeared before Magistrate Ferguson on three counts of armed robbery.

He was not required to enter a plea to the charges and was remanded to the Department of Correctional Services until October 10, when a preliminary inquiry will be held into the matters.

DEREK LEROY CLARKE, who is accused of three counts of armed robbery.

Photos: Vandyke Hepburn

LAWRENCE Bethel Jr outside court yesterday, where he was charged with murder.

PAGE 8, Thursday, August 4, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

A would-be leader cannot be starfish and fowl at the same time I

F the Free National Movement (FNM) is to survive this next round of warfare between Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner, her flatterers and those who prop her up, the party must now decide to give her an ultimatum to fish, cut bait or get the heck out of the boat.

Last week, the FNM was scheduled to hold a muchtouted leadership runoff between Mrs Butler-Turner and incumbent Dr Hubert Minnis at the conclusion of its three-day convention.

However, at the eleventh hour, Mrs Butler-Turner decided that she never loses, but rather quits.

At around 2am on Friday - the day of the vote - the Butler/Duane Sands team pulled out of the race for leadership, blaming their withdrawal on Dr Minnis and asserting that the process was unfair and that their participation would only validate it.

Frankly, I think that after the response of delegates to her speech that night, where they nearly ran Mrs ButlerTurner out of the convention hall, decided that she would withdraw. Clearly, she must have believed that a withdrawal meant that Dr Minnis would be unable to claim that he beat her yet again.

The public backlash against Mrs Butler-Turner, in the days following her withdrawal, has been patent. After spending hundreds of thousands of dollars, having a bus wrapped with her face and campaign information, printing paraphernalia and rallying supporters, Mrs Butler-Turner abruptly quit. Many of her closest supporters and allies claim to have not been consulted beforehand, most of them finding out in the morning dailies and on social media.

Mrs Butler-Turner later told the media that apart

LORETTA Butler-Turner pictured during her speech to the Free National Movement Convention last week.

A Young Man’s View

By ADRIAN GIBSON from Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest’s harsh critique of her on Thursday night, which she said was the last straw, there had been serious challenges with the overall process. This in-

cluded issues with the selection of the delegates and the final list of them. Her “Forward-Together” campaign also complained that the list was not readily available upon their requests.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

The FNM’s convention ond night of the convention, was a high-strung affair, speaking at such length that with lots of dancing, back- even the television stations stabbing, flying off the han- would end their coverage. dle, double dealing, politiAnd then there was Richcal shaming, name calling, ard Lightbourn who, seempersonal attacks and, in the ingly not being able to accase of Mrs Butler-Turner, cept that the musical cue “ducking” what would’ve means to leave the stage and been a 4-to-1 thumping. conclude his speech, spoke The convention should have well in excess of his allotted simply been subtitled “Just time and made condemnbust a move”. able, insensitive and disI am in Washington DC turbing remarks proposing and as I tour and move state-sponsored sterilisaabout the potion of unwed litical capital mothers as of the United “The FNM’s an anti-crime States, I real- convention was initiative. ise that there a high-strung I listened in is much more shock and disthan we could affair, with lots may, wonderdo to further of dancing, ing if my ears democratise had betrayed backstabbing, our political me.

Unbeprocesses and flying off the lievably, Mr put infrastruc- handle, double Lightbourn ture in place dealing, political saw “tying the to ensure firsttubes” of unclass represen- shaming, name wed mothers tation. after “having calling, personal Whilst I do attacks and, in the more than not approve of two children” the audience’s case of Mrs Butler- as a social boisterous antidote. Mr Turner, ‘ducking’ interruption Lightbourn what would’ve of Mrs Buthas commitbeen a 4-to-1 ler-Turner’s ted political speech with thumping. The suicide and, shouts of “Roc his ofconvention should given wit Doc”, I can fensive, mihave simply been sogynistic understand why there are subtitled ‘Just bust comments, he some who did should not be so.

Frankly, a move’.” re-nominatMrs Butlered.

Turner had gone well beI can see the Progressive yond her allotted time and Liberal Party (PLP) creatit appeared that she had de- ing attack advertisements cided to filibuster the sec- and running them repeat-

edly. The impact of his comments upon the FNM as a political brand will be far reaching. Unfortunately, I have yet to hear Mrs Butler-Turner w- ho projects herself as a feminist and a campaigner for women’s rights - publicly chide and censure her political ally.

Although the Minnis/ Peter Turnquest team has extended the olive branch to Mrs Butler-Turner and Dr Sands, it is the latter who appears to have been the most receptive to moving forward and working with the leadership. Whilst Dr Sands attended the last night of the FNM’s convention and was embraced by the party’s hierarchy and delegates present, Mrs Butler-Turner was a no show.

That was evidence of what appears to be her intent to continue to infighting and warmongering within the FNM. This week, Mrs ButlerTurner rejected Dr Minnis’ declaration that he was again extending the olive branch to her and suggested that this was no more than a sham to entice supporters to step away from their principal reservations with the party. She asserted that she is not for sale and charged that she will stand on her principles and that she could not be bought.

She further stated that “they (Minnis/Turnquest) are not going to offer me anything without the inclusion of the other MPs”.

Hmm. Strangely enough,

THE TRIBUNE none of these other MPs nistic commentary on somounted the stage when cial media sites such as FaMrs Butler-Turner called on cebook and WhatsApp. In them to join her last Thurs- one instance, she sounded day night. Only her running off on Facebook, accusing mate, Dr Sands, joined her Dr Minnis of attempting to with the other dissident steal the convention and siMPs cowardly abandoning lence her voice by engaging her whilst she stood on- in undemocratic practices. stage, shamefaced. Clearly, In another instance, Mrs some of them must have Butler-Turner allegedly acbeen thinking of their own cused Dr Minnis of organnominations and how best ising a convention filled to save themselves given the with organised corruption, fact that the delegates in the criminality and intimidaconvention hall that night tion. I was flabbergasted to were unreceptive to Mrs hear some of her utterances Butler-Turner’s message. on talk shows and in other Politically, such behav- forums. She clearly has no iour epitomised cowardice regard for Dr Minnis. and is the political equivaWhat Mrs Butler-Turner lent of what former Cali- seemingly fails to realise is fornia Govthat her injuernor Arnold ‘Sadly, Mrs Butlerrious, perniSchwarzenegcious drivel ger referred to Turner has been only invites as girly men. conducting herself ridicule of her If the prover- like a spoilt party, belitbial ship is gotling the leading down, they child of late. She ership and her should have seemingly feels colleagues in all been “man the eyes of entitled to the enough” to go the public. down with it FNM’s leadership, Such conduct whilst standing viewing herself is unacceptafirm. ble and downas that party’s Yesterday, right conCentral Grand political saviour temptuous.

Bahama MP and displaying On a reNeko Grant cent Guardstepped down no respect for ian radio talk as leader of process. Her ego show, Mrs Opposition Butler-Turnfar outstrips her Business in er claimed the House of ability.’ that she had Assembly and staved off the the FNM’s shadow Works would-be coup against Dr Minister, pointing to his re- Minnis that led to the call lationship with Dr Minnis for an early convention. as the motivating factor. So, She said that she talked her will Mrs Butler-Turner now parliamentary colleagues accept that post or will she out of their plans to go to too spurn the appointment? Governor General Dame Is Mr Grant’s resignation Marguerite Pindling with a another step towards an vote of no confidence in Dr eventual exodus of the dis- Minnis. sident five from the FNM? However, Dr Andre RolSadly, Mrs Butler-Turner lins told a different story on has been conducting herself Monday. like a spoilt child of late.

In a statement, Dr RolShe seemingly feels enti- lins said that while it was tled to the FNM’s leader- “evident to (him) that the ship, viewing herself as that party desperately needed a party’s political saviour and shake-up and (he) believed displaying no respect for that holding an earlier conprocess. Her ego far out- vention would achieve this” strips her ability. and that while he admitted When will this drawn-out to indicating “in no uncermelodrama end? tain terms that if an earlier Last week, Mrs Butler- convention were not accedTurner engaged in a sound- ed to, (he) would join those ed off on several occasions, colleagues in writing a letvoicing emotive and - in ter to the Governor Genersome cases - highly antago- al expressing no confidence

Thursday, August 4, 2016, PAGE 9

DR Hubert Minnis pictured dancing with Loretta Butler-Turner on the convention stage.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff in the leader”, he was never the best way to respond to I think she is insincere and in seeking an FNM nomiconsulted about a “blister- her unethical act was to al- disingenuous. She claimed nation under Dr Minnis ing letter to the Council, low her to suffer her own that she transformed, going given her recent utterances enumerating the perceived political demise: If she from a heavy set woman to - would be egregious and deficiencies and failings of wanted to make her bed her more trimmed-down nothing short of dupliciDr Minnis” that was also hard, then I would get out physique and stating that tous. released to the press. of her way so that she could she has adopted a calmer As it stands, Mrs ButlerDr Rollins said: “The lie down in it.” temperament prior to her Turner does not appear to facts are that I was never So, Mrs Butler-Turner latest campaign for leader- be sincerely interested in once consulted about the must be made to answer ship. Frankly, she appeared the unification of the FNM. letter and did not know whether or not she signed to be more temperamental Her quest for validation that about its existence until or caused Dr Rollins’ name and contentious this time has driven to her making hearing about it on Carlton to be signed to that letter? around. ill-advised comments even Smith’s “Let’s Talk Live” And, if so, did she seek his Dr Rollins was honour- in the wake of a convention talk show on Guardian Ra- permission? able in maintaining that he she actively agitated for. dio after it had already been If Mrs Butler-Turner de- would not offer himself for I am advised that the starleaked to the press. nies having done so, Dr re-election having openly fish is representative of the “I proceeded to make in- Rollins has stated that he expressed a lack of confi- logo of a new party that has quiries to others about why has proof of her apology, dence in Dr Minnis. Mrs been purportedly discussed my name was included on as she - according to him - Butler-Turner has engaged by Mrs Butler-Turner and a letter that I knew noth- gave him both a verbal and in what can easily be inter- the dissident four MPs. ing about and had not made written apology. If Rollins’ preted as gratuitous, uncon- Only time will tell whether any contribution to. I subse- name was added to that structive criticisms and deg- they pull the trigger and quently received an apology letter without his permis- radation of Dr Minnis in launch that party or if they - written and verbal - from sion, such conduct would be the public’s eye and has also will all refuse nominations Mrs Loretta Butler-Turner, nothing short of unethical expressed no confidence in from the FNM. One cannot whom I suspected was in- and demonstrative of a po- his leadership. be fish and fowl at the same tending to once again run litical strategy that is cenShe is not alone in hav- time. for the party’s leadership. tred upon destabilising the ing taken such a position.

Decisions must be made!

However, still privately up- FNM and torpedoing any However, Dr Rollins is corset by the lack of respect chance of Dr Minnis ever rect in noting that to pursue Comments and responses shown to me, I decided that becoming Prime Minister. or remotely be interested to ajbahama@hotmail.com

THE TRIBUNE none of these other MPs nistic commentary on somounted the stage when cial media sites such as FaMrs Butler-Turner called on cebook and WhatsApp. In them to join her last Thurs- one instance, she sounded day night. Only her running off on Facebook, accusing mate, Dr Sands, joined her Dr Minnis of attempting to with the other dissident steal the convention and siMPs cowardly abandoning lence her voice by engaging her whilst she stood on- in undemocratic practices. stage, shamefaced. Clearly, In another instance, Mrs some of them must have Butler-Turner allegedly acbeen thinking of their own cused Dr Minnis of organnominations and how best ising a convention filled to save themselves given the with organised corruption, fact that the delegates in the criminality and intimidaconvention hall that night tion. I was flabbergasted to were unreceptive to Mrs hear some of her utterances Butler-Turner’s message. on talk shows and in other Politically, such behav- forums. She clearly has no iour epitomised cowardice regard for Dr Minnis. and is the political equivaWhat Mrs Butler-Turner lent of what former Cali- seemingly fails to realise is fornia Govthat her injuernor Arnold ‘Sadly, Mrs Butlerrious, perniSchwarzenegcious drivel ger referred to Turner has been only invites as girly men. conducting herself ridicule of her If the prover- like a spoilt party, belitbial ship is gotling the leading down, they child of late. She ership and her should have seemingly feels colleagues in all been “man the eyes of entitled to the enough” to go the public. down with it FNM’s leadership, Such conduct whilst standing viewing herself is unacceptafirm. ble and downas that party’s Yesterday, right conCentral Grand political saviour temptuous.

Bahama MP and displaying On a reNeko Grant cent Guardstepped down no respect for ian radio talk as leader of process. Her ego show, Mrs Opposition Butler-Turnfar outstrips her Business in er claimed the House of ability.’ that she had Assembly and staved off the the FNM’s shadow Works would-be coup against Dr Minister, pointing to his re- Minnis that led to the call lationship with Dr Minnis for an early convention. as the motivating factor. So, She said that she talked her will Mrs Butler-Turner now parliamentary colleagues accept that post or will she out of their plans to go to too spurn the appointment? Governor General Dame Is Mr Grant’s resignation Marguerite Pindling with a another step towards an vote of no confidence in Dr eventual exodus of the dis- Minnis. sident five from the FNM? However, Dr Andre RolSadly, Mrs Butler-Turner lins told a different story on has been conducting herself Monday. like a spoilt child of late.

In a statement, Dr RolShe seemingly feels enti- lins said that while it was tled to the FNM’s leader- “evident to (him) that the ship, viewing herself as that party desperately needed a party’s political saviour and shake-up and (he) believed displaying no respect for that holding an earlier conprocess. Her ego far out- vention would achieve this” strips her ability. and that while he admitted When will this drawn-out to indicating “in no uncermelodrama end? tain terms that if an earlier Last week, Mrs Butler- convention were not accedTurner engaged in a sound- ed to, (he) would join those ed off on several occasions, colleagues in writing a letvoicing emotive and - in ter to the Governor Genersome cases - highly antago- al expressing no confidence

Thursday, August 4, 2016, PAGE 9

DR Hubert Minnis pictured dancing with Loretta Butler-Turner on the convention stage.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff in the leader”, he was never the best way to respond to I think she is insincere and in seeking an FNM nomiconsulted about a “blister- her unethical act was to al- disingenuous. She claimed nation under Dr Minnis ing letter to the Council, low her to suffer her own that she transformed, going given her recent utterances enumerating the perceived political demise: If she from a heavy set woman to - would be egregious and deficiencies and failings of wanted to make her bed her more trimmed-down nothing short of dupliciDr Minnis” that was also hard, then I would get out physique and stating that tous. released to the press. of her way so that she could she has adopted a calmer As it stands, Mrs ButlerDr Rollins said: “The lie down in it.” temperament prior to her Turner does not appear to facts are that I was never So, Mrs Butler-Turner latest campaign for leader- be sincerely interested in once consulted about the must be made to answer ship. Frankly, she appeared the unification of the FNM. letter and did not know whether or not she signed to be more temperamental Her quest for validation that about its existence until or caused Dr Rollins’ name and contentious this time has driven to her making hearing about it on Carlton to be signed to that letter? around. ill-advised comments even Smith’s “Let’s Talk Live” And, if so, did she seek his Dr Rollins was honour- in the wake of a convention talk show on Guardian Ra- permission? able in maintaining that he she actively agitated for. dio after it had already been If Mrs Butler-Turner de- would not offer himself for I am advised that the starleaked to the press. nies having done so, Dr re-election having openly fish is representative of the “I proceeded to make in- Rollins has stated that he expressed a lack of confi- logo of a new party that has quiries to others about why has proof of her apology, dence in Dr Minnis. Mrs been purportedly discussed my name was included on as she - according to him - Butler-Turner has engaged by Mrs Butler-Turner and a letter that I knew noth- gave him both a verbal and in what can easily be inter- the dissident four MPs. ing about and had not made written apology. If Rollins’ preted as gratuitous, uncon- Only time will tell whether any contribution to. I subse- name was added to that structive criticisms and deg- they pull the trigger and quently received an apology letter without his permis- radation of Dr Minnis in launch that party or if they - written and verbal - from sion, such conduct would be the public’s eye and has also will all refuse nominations Mrs Loretta Butler-Turner, nothing short of unethical expressed no confidence in from the FNM. One cannot whom I suspected was in- and demonstrative of a po- his leadership. be fish and fowl at the same tending to once again run litical strategy that is cenShe is not alone in hav- time. for the party’s leadership. tred upon destabilising the ing taken such a position.

Decisions must be made!

However, still privately up- FNM and torpedoing any However, Dr Rollins is corset by the lack of respect chance of Dr Minnis ever rect in noting that to pursue Comments and responses shown to me, I decided that becoming Prime Minister. or remotely be interested to ajbahama@hotmail.com

PAGE 10, Thursday, August 4, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

MCCARTNEY: FNM IS DEAD AFTER CHAOS AT CONVENTION from page one

BRANVILLE MCCARTNEY, Leader of the DNA. who yesterday announced the party will hold its convention in September.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

Sandals silent over plans to close for two months from page one Labour Director Robert Farquharson said his office was made aware of the potential closure through the media. Moreover, he said, despite his best efforts he could not confirm validity of such reports.

His indication was that labour matters connected to the resort were still being

addressed by his department, and at no point was he or his subsidiaries notified of a potential closure.

Reports received by The Tribune suggest that no employee at the resort has been notified of the closure and “all scheduled to work have reported”.

For much of the last month, members of the Bahamas Maintenance and Allied Workers Union (BH-

“I take no pleasure in making these statements.

To come to this point is a very painful reality for many Bahamians. But both of these parties are mere shadows of their former selves. The DNA truly believes that the people of this country are its most precious resource, above all natural or material resources,” Mr McCartney said.

“This is not the PLP that led us to majority rule. This is not the PLP that led us into Independence and gave us National Insurance.

SANDALS, which is to close down from August 15 to October 13.

MAWU) have used media rest of several people. outlets to express their disBHMAWU First Vice satisfaction with the resort President Omar Mayfor not recognising it as the nard during an impromptu official union body in ne- speech outside the resort gotiations between workers that morning criticised hoand the resort. tel executives for their alAs part of the group’s leged refusal to “sit at the most recent demonstration, negotiation table” as workheavy-duty trucks and bus- ers are being made to work es were parked in along the in alleged substandard conWest Bay Street thorough- ditions. fare next to the Sandals It was Mr Maynard’s push property, leading to the ar- that shifted the media attention to the ongoing issues at the resort. He alleged that the resort was infested with mould and overrun by rodents and other pests.

In 2011, the BHMAWU secured a ruling by the Privy Council that it be recognised as the bargaining agent for Sandals Royal Bahamian employees.

Despite this, however, Sandals has refused to negotiate with BHMAWU. Yesterday, Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner issued a statement calling on the government to immediately address the issue.

Likewise this is not the FNM that opened up the airwaves, or provided critical infrastructure on our Family Islands. The vision that existed in those parties is long gone. But now, what we must decide as a people, is where do we go from here.”

Mr McCartney said for those who believe in democracy,the DNA is extending an invitation to join the party and tune in to the convention.

“For those of you who tuned in to the FNM’s convention but were highly disappointed by the lack of ideas or solutions being of-

fered, we again invite you to take a serious look at the Democratic National Alliance,” he said.

“On September 29-30, we will show the Bahamas what a real democratic convention looks like, where all positions will be open, and where all ideas are welcome. We invite you to tune in, and to hear real solutions to our problems. We extend this offer to you, the progressives, freedom fighters, millennials, young, old, rich, or poor – join us, as we move this country forward, where real opportunities will exist for all Bahamians.”

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff “The impending closure surance Board unemployof Sandals Royal Bahamian ment benefits.

Resort at Cable Beach for “Will all of the line staff two months beginning in and workers be assured of 12 days is of great concern,” employment when the reshe said. sort reopens?” she ques“The resort employs ap- tioned. proximately 400 line staff “It should be noted that and under 100 managers. it has often been a practice This is a significant staff in the hotel industry to let complement in a tourism go staff after the tempoeconomy already reeling rary closure of a hotel or from high unemployment resort. When were senior and stagnant growth. government officials aware Mrs Butler Turner said: of the closure? According “The closure for such a to press reports the Direclength of time is yet another tor of Labour appeared to worrying sign for our trou- be caught off guard by the bled tourism industry and closure. The scant notice to will affect other businesses workers of a mere 12 days is and workers in the tourism also of concern.” sector. The closure comes Mrs Butler-Turner added: as many parents are prepar- “Most workers have limited ing for the opening of the savings and rely on their school year.” salaries to make ends meet The Long Island MP and to pay food, electricity questioned the lengthy and other bills weekly and time frame of the clo- monthly.” sure; the level of salary “The government must and benefits workers will urgently address the quesreceive and whether af- tions raised as well as any fected individuals will be other concerns of the ementitled to National In- ployees of Sandals.”

PROBATION FOR BEDRIDDEN CHILD MOLESTER from page one

Senior Justice Isaacs yesterday agreed with the latter position and came to the conclusion that probation was the best solution in his case concerning the crimes committed between 20072012.

“In this case, incarceration will create a burden on the prison medical facilities as they would have to replace the constant care and vigilance now provided

by Roberts’ wife” the judge said.

“Further, incarceration would be aimed at retribution for offences that Roberts does not seem to remember. Although Roberts has pleaded guilty, I am not able to go further than to impose a sentence of six years on each count to run concurrently. Such sentence, however, is suspended.”

“Should there occur a similar incident with any young person over the next six years, Roberts will be called upon to serve his suspended sentence at the (Bahamas) Department of Correction” the judge ruled.

At a sentencing hearing on July 15, Janice McKenzie – a senior probation officer at the Department of Rehabilitative Welfare Services – testified that she interviewed relatives, neighbours and a pastor who described Roberts as a quiet, family-oriented, Christian who was once a police officer and then a taxi driver before becoming ill.

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

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

The eldest, also 19, was surprised to learn that her siblings had also suffered molestation and told the officer that she thinks daily about what Roberts had done to her from when she was 11.

Ms McKenzie admitted that she was advised by the convicted man’s wife that her husband’s memory recall was a challenge and that it was clear that he was frail and dependent on his wife.

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

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

The probation officer also noted Roberts’ wife’s hesitation to believe the allegations given that her husband had been unable to sexually perform for 15 years.

“Given the material relied on for sentencing, the specifics of any of these offences are missing, there is no medical report, and the evidence gathered by the prosecution was not put to Roberts when he plead-

ed guilty,” Senior Justice Isaacs said yesterday.

The judge noted that the victims were young and that Roberts abused his position of trust bestowed upon him.

He also highlighted that because there had been no counselling of the victims, “the traumatic affect of what may have happened has not been alleviated by an expert in the field.”

“The mitigating factors are that he pleaded guilty before trial, he is now 65 years old with no previous convictions and by all accounts, he was a good provider for his family and served on the fire branch of the police force for 25 years. I must also bear in mind that having suffered a stroke in 2012, he is now bedridden, he can hardly speak or walk, his memory is faulty and he is not a threat to the victims or to society at large.”

“Given all the factors in the instant case, the victims can take comfort in the knowledge that Roberts has pleaded guilty and has therefore removed any doubts an onlooker may have as to the truth of the allegations. At the same time, the medical condition of Roberts obviates the need for deterrence or prevention in my view. Rehabilitation also seems inapplicable as there is no real prospect of a full recovery from Roberts’ ailments.

What is left is retribution, which is normally meted out by incarceration.”

The court’s decision can be appealed by either side, Crown or defence.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, August 4, 2016, PAGE 11

Residents reject report findings of no industrial risks at Pinder’s Point Denise Maycock hears Grand Bahamians raise serious doubts over an independent study into long standing environmental and health issues

PINDER’S Point residents in Grand Bahama have rejected the findings of an independent assessment study by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) that there are no environmental and health risk factors associated with them living in close proximity to the industrial companies.

For more than 30 years there have been ongoing concerns about the chemical odours and pollution in the air and oil spills by the nearby industrial plants in the Freeport Industrial Park Area.

Concerned residents believed that many years of exposure to chemicals pollution had led to the high incidence of cancer and deaths among people living in Pinder’s Point, Lewis Yard and the surrounding settlements.

At a town meeting on Friday at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Pinder’s Point, residents were able to voice their concerns and ask questions about the results of the PAHO/WHO report revealed by Dr Michael Darville, the Minister for Grand Bahama, in parliament during his contribution to the Budget Debate at the end of June.

Accompanying the minister was Dr Marcelo Korc, an Advisor of PAHO in Washington, who said that the research indicated that the cancer rate among residents in Pinder’s Point was no different from the rest of Grand Bahama. He noted that they looked at records dating back 25 years at the Rand Memorial Hospital.

Reverend Michael Pinder felt that it was an “unfair” comparison since many residents had already moved from the area and were now living in Freeport and other parts of Grand Bahama.

“I do not accept these results as fair and valid,” said Rev Pinder, a long time resident of the area.

Shuffel Hepburn, a local businessman, also challenged the findings in the report, which he claims are inconsistent. He questioned the source PAHO used to peg the settlement’s population at 5,000, on which they based their findings.

Dr Korc said that the number was estimated and, when pressed further by Mr Hepburn, said that it was obtained from previous studies that had been done in the area.

Mr Hepburn said the report had indicated that some 3,000 people are living in the community, and questioned what happened to the 2,000 residents that are no longer there.

“I read the report and I turned it over to a chemist who came up with nine different questions of abnormalities and inconsistencies in the report. The 2,000 that are no longer around, where are they, are they dead?

“There are 2,000 people missing from this community, and the report is saying there is no risk involved in living close to plant,” said Mr Hepburn, who noted that he has lost five of his relatives in the area to cancer.

Dr Korc could not account for them.

MISCARRIAGE OF JUSTICE “This is a shrinking community,” said Mr Hepburn, who described the report as a “miscarriage of justice” and a “slap in the face” to the residents of the community.

“The community is not growing. Instead it has shrunk by more than 2,000 over the last 25 years.”

SHUFFEL Hepburn puts questions to PAHO Advisor Dr Marcelo Korc at the town meeting on Friday in Pinder’s Point.

Mr Hepburn said that the researchers made no attempt to find out where the 2,000 people had gone.

“It is possible they may have died from cancer.

They made no attempt to find out where they went to before they did the study.”

Issue was also taken over a statement in the report that BORCO was not a cooperative participant in the study. BORCO has been one of the key offenders of the odours and oil spills in the area.

In 1995, a massive tank fire occurred at the plant after lightning struck the tank, blanketing the community in black smoke and forcing the evacuation of the Pinder’s Point/ Lewis Yard community.

Mr Hepburn said that the study comes 30 years too late when some of other offending industrial plants (Syntex and Franklin Chemicals) had left after years of pollution.

The Government contracted PAHO/WHO to conduct an environmental and health risk assessment study of the Pinder’s Point area. The year-long study ran from December 4, 2014, to November 30, 2015.

Dr Darville said that two previous reports were concluded - by Mike Wallace in 2014 which indicated that there were no toxic chemicals in the air, and by Abigail Pedican, which indicated the same.

“What we needed was a world renowned organisation to come to Grand Bahama and … to conduct study that was free of contamination from the government, and placed in the hand of an independent organisation,” he explained.

At the request of the Ministry of Grand Bahama, PAHO engaged the Institute of Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS) of the Utrecht University in the Netherlands to conduct an environmental and health risk assessment.

“This study concluded in December, 2015. It was brought to the attention of the Attorney General’s office, it passed through Cabinet and I am happy to report to this honourable House that after years of speculation, it has been scientifically proven by this independent assessment that there are no environmental and health risk factors associated with living in close proximity to the industrial companies,” Dr Darville said in June.

The report found that during the monitoring period and based on air and water samples. there was no evidence found of harmful chemical exposure on a dayto-day basis in the affected

residential areas. However, it said, there is a potential health risk associated with incidental or periodic releases of chemicals from the industrial area, such as venting of storage tanks.

DIED IN NASSAU The report also stated that, based on analysis of health records extending back over 25 years, no evidence has been found that cancer rates are higher in the studied population than in other areas of Grand Bahama. It found a downward trend in hospital visits related to respiratory disorders based on analysis of hospital records over 25 years.

The residents did not agree with the report and stressed that many of their loved ones had died of cancer, and that some had gone for treatment in New Providence.

“We do not have an institution in Grand Bahama that treats cancer patients.

Residents here would have to go into Nassau and many have died in Nassau, so those deaths would have not been taken into account in the study,” said one woman.

Dr Darville believes that the removal of the refinery at BORCO is one of the reasons why there has been a decline in hospital visits for respiratory illness and disorders. He noted that government will proceed with recommendations from PAHO to install eNoses in the area to monitor air quality. He also noted that the next phase of the study will be a safety assessment of the affected communities which will commence this month.

He implored Mr Hepburn and/or any person challenging the report and who has any evidence contrary to the report to bring it to the Ministry of Grand Bahama.

Pinder’s Point/Lewis Yard Environmental Committee chairman Bertram Pinder said the meeting had been called by the committee to update the community on the report presented

by Dr Darville in Parliament.

Mr Pinder said that they feel the recent survey/analysis is 30 plus years too late. He noted that recommendations of the Task Force Report in 1985, among other recommendations (Section 700.2 (2) Long Term, had recommended “the eventual relocation of the schools and the residents in the Hawksbill, Pinder’s Point, Hunters, Lewis Yard settlements”.

“The original committee, Pinder’s Point Envi-

ronmental, was founded in 1979 and here we are today 37 years later still suffering,” he said.

Mr Pinder said the residents have been passive and co-operative.

“Thirty-seven years is a long time to be suffering even if it is only a nuisance,” he said.

“We are disappointed that after all this time and efforts that there still ap-

Photo: Denise Maycock/Tribune Staff

pears to be no solution in sight for the residents’ ultimate goal (of relocation). We have adhered to your request for patience, but we have lost hope that governments will once again string us along for another four years, while more of our residents will relocate themselves from the suffering of bad odours, headaches and bad feelings and other respiratory ail-

ments from the air.

“I trust and pray that we do not have another incident of a major tank fire or any other major disaster that will affect residents of Pinder’s Point and then find out it’s too late,” he said.

The report submitted by PAHO indicates that, as presented, it is not complete.

Comments to dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

PAGE 12, Thursday, August 4, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

Fogging proving effective in Zika fight, says ministry

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

DESPITE an “historic” travel warning this week by the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, advising pregnant women to avoid a north Miami community, health officials in New Providence continued to promote their “case sensitive” fogging strategy as “effective”.

Health Minister Dr Perry Gomez told The Tribune he was aware of the travel ban but warned that the announcement should not cause any “mass panic” among Bahamians travelling to the north Miami metro area.

The North Andros MP implored those travelling to the area to follow “normal” protocol in mosquito

related epidemics - wearing long clothing that covers most of the body while applying mosquito repellent to uncovered sections of the body.

On Monday the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) issued its first travel ban for an American city after Miami health officials confirmed 14 cases of the Zika virus in the Wynwood District, a number that increased to 15 as of Tuesday.

More than 1,650 Zika cases have been reported in United States, with nearly all stemming from travel to “Zika-stricken” countries or sex with someone who was infected abroad.

Health officials are worried that Zika might have a foothold in South Florida as confusion mounts over whether certain strains of

the Aedes aegypti mosquito are now resistant to fogging activities.

CDC officials said they could not remember another time in the 70-year history of the agency when it told members of the public not to travel somewhere in the US. According to Miami reports, the travel warning covers an area of about one square mile in Wynwood to the east of Interstate 95 and south of I-195. Health officials establishing what they called, a large enough area to provide a buffer around the suspected hot zone.

When asked if local officials had made any changes to the plethora of strategies unveiled last week as a result of Monday’s travel advisory, Dr Gomez said no. He said officials stand behind their strategies to guard against the spread of the Zika virus.

Last week, officials indicated that residents played the biggest role in guarding against the virus. They ad-

vised that fogging exercises were being carried out on a regular schedule and on a case-by-case basis in areas where potential Zika cases are reported.

The Wynwood cases were primarily discovered through door-to-door testing exercises.

Asked if this strategy would be employed here in the Bahamas, Dr Gomez implied that the act would be counter intuitive and a waste of resources.

While no cases of the virus has been reported in the Bahamas to date, several countries in the Caribbean region have reported cases.

The CDC has advised pregnant women to avoid travel to most of Central and South America, along with much of the Caribbean, out of concern for the mosquito-borne illness.

A scientific paper authored by a group of Japanese researchers predicted a 45 per cent risk of Zika in the Bahamas from importation and a 40 per cent risk

from local transmission.

The report, which was published in May, used models based on chikungunya and dengue viral transmission numbers to predict the risk assessment numbers.

The method of research used scales compiled in medical efforts to combat those viruses. Those scales were then transplanted to encompass new travel trends and border health safety mechanisms to determine how probable it was that Zika could breach a country’s borders – a 45 per cent risk from importation.

Additionally, once that was determined, researchers took their probability a step further; using health models of that society to determine how quickly the Zika virus could spread once detected a 40 per cent risk from local transmission.

In 78 countries documented with imported cases of the Zika virus, arrival time ranged from one to 44 weeks since the first case re-

ported in Brazil in 2015.

The authors called for a finer scale analysis to be done to more accurately predict the spread within regions, noting that models should incorporate ecological information about mosquitoes.

International health officials have long warned women who are pregnant or intend to get pregnant that they should guard against Zika.

The World Health Organisation has advised that persons wait at least six months to try for a pregnancy if the male partner had symptoms of Zika, and warning eight weeks if either partner has been in an area where Zika virus infection is possible.

If a woman is pregnant and her male partner could possibly have been infected, they should use a condom or abstain from sex for the whole pregnancy.

There is no scientific evidence that supports the notion that Zika remains in the bloodstream permanently.

STORM STRENGTHENS TO BECOME A HURRICANE BELMOPAN, Belize Associated Press

EARL strengthened into a hurricane Wednesday as it roared toward a nighttime landfall in the Caribbean nation of Belize, brushing by Honduras’ northern coast and leaving felled trees and power lines in its wake.

The storm dumped rain on nearly all of Honduras, where officials reported a lobster fishing boat was hit by a large wave in the Caribbean and capsized. Most of the 83 people on board were rescued, but the navy was looking for two missing.

Authorities rescued four families in the coastal city of Trujillo after a river jumped its banks.

Lisandro Rosales, head of Honduras’ emergency commission, said there were reports of large numbers of trees and utility poles being

PASSENGERS depart aboard a motor boat transport for the coastal town of Livingston before the arrival of Tropical Storm Earl, from a pier in Puerto Barrios, Guatemala. knocked down. Schools and ternoon. Honduras’ govern- chored in, we’ve pulled universities closed across ment lifted its storm alerts back and out of the way,” Honduras’ coastal provinc- along the coast by late said hotel manager Paul es as did two commercial Wednesday..

Jewitt.

The US National Hurriairports.

“It’s a big storm but we’re The storm swept by the cane Center in Miami said feeling relatively good over popular tourist destination Earl would begin weaken- here,” he added, noting the of Roatan Island in the af- ing when it crossed onto hurricane was expected land, but still threatened to to make landfall farther bring heavy rains, flooding south. and high winds to Belize Maj Shelton DeFour, naand Mexico. Some people tional coordinator of Bein nearby Guatemala evac- lize’s National Emergency uated low-lying areas on the Management Organization coast. in Belmopan, said the cays In Belize, the govern- — low-lying islands — were ment opened storm shelters among the priorities in and used radio and televi- making hurricane preparasion broadcasts to urge resi- tions. dents of low-lying areas to “The main aspects of move to higher ground. the operations, in terms of Officials also ordered movement of people from the international airport the cays, that operation so in Belize City to close and far went well,” DeFour said. archaeological reserves and “People must take necesnational parks were shut. sary precautions. Shelters The Belize Tourism Board are opening, search and resannounced that cruise ship cue personnel on standby, calls had been canceled for and we have deployed most this week. of the public officers in the Long lines of vehicles hotspots, particularly Beformed at gas stations lize City.” across Belize as residents “We are encouraging filled their tanks in advance people to move to high of Earl’s arrival. Stores ground, seek shelter, stay were busy with people buy- away from the coastline,” ing water and food.

DeFour said, noting heavy Employees of the Carib- rain was already hitting the bean Villas Hotel, in San capital, Belmopan.

Pedro on Belize’s AmberAt The Palms Oceanfront gris Caye, pulled in beach Suites on Ambergris Caye, chairs and chaise lounges Ana Ico said the hotel beas rain began to fall on the gan preparing two days ago popular beach resort. and gave guests the option “Anything that’s not an- to evacuate to the mainland or stay at the hotel. About 12 guests chose to remain, Ico said.

“Some of them have decided to stay so what we’re doing is we’re giving them some water, flashlights, and informing them as we get updated on the storm,” she said.

On Sunday, Earl was a weaker tropical wave but knocked down power lines and started a fire that killed six passengers on a bus in the Dominican Republic.

By late Wednesday, Earl was a Category 1 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph (120 kph), the National Hurricane Center said. It was centered about 40 miles (65 kilometers) east of Belize City and moving west at 15 mph (24 kph).

A hurricane warning was in place for Belize and parts of Mexico.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, August 4, 2016, PAGE 13

SERVICE TO CELEBRATE 54 YEARS OF JAMAICAN INDEPENDENCE

My joint political initiative is key to reviving Nassau’s glory days

View from afar

By JOHN ISSA

JAMAICA prepares to celebrate 54 years of Independence with a commemoration service at at New Life Worship Centre with Pastor Simeon Outten.

Photo: Vandyke Hepburn/BIS

JURY DIRECTED TO ACQUIT MAN OF ROBBERY

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

A SUPREME Court jury was directed by a judge yesterday to acquit a man of armed robbery and receiving charges.

Senior Justice Stephen Isaacs’ directive stemmed from a week of legal discussions held in their absence concerning the prosecution’s case of 26-year-old Vinson Ariste.

Ariste was charged with two counts of armed robbery and a single charge of receiving, all of which he denied when the charges were read to him before the jury at the start of his trial.

When the jury was re-

called to the courtroom from their week-long hiatus, prosecutor Ambrose Armbrister said the Crown would not offer any evidence against the accused.

The judge then addressed the jury: “I’m obliged to direct you to return not guilty verdicts on all counts, two counts of armed robbery and a count of receiving.”

His lawyer, Dorsey McPhee, explained to The Tribune the reason behind his client’s acquittal.

“The only evidence that the prosecution had was confession evidence,” Mr Dorsey said. “We showed that there was some abuse at the hands of the police.

So therefore the statements

were ruled inadmissible. So the court directed the jury to send a not guilty verdict on all counts.

“Normally when the only evidence is a confession, and a complaint is made of abuse, that is usually the case. And in this particular case, there was physical evidence demonstrating the abuse. There was physical evidence where he had a bruise to the buttocks, lacerated wrists from the handcuffs being applied too tightly and struggling with the plastic bag over his head.

“There was sufficient evidence of physical abuse and threats,” Mr McPhee concluded.

It was alleged that Ariste,

on July 20, 2010, robbed Kyle Godet at gunpoint of a $1,200 gold chain, a gold ring with a black opal stone bearing an eagle’s eye, a $400 Seiko watch, a $500 iPhone and a $700 black Acer laptop.

It was further alleged that he held up and robbed Kerry Knowles of a $50 Nokia cellphone and $120 cash.

Ariste was also alleged to have dishonestly received the laptop, knowing that it had been obtained or appropriated by the commission of an offence.

Though he was cleared in this case, Ariste remains in custody at the Department of Correctional Service due to other matters before the courts.

NOLLE PROSEQUI ISSUED IN BURGLARY AND RAPE CASE

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net PROSECUTORS produced a written directive from the Attorney General’s Office requesting that proceedings be discontinued against a man accused of burglary and rape yesterday.

The move by the Crown in the Supreme Court came more than two years after 26-year-old Kevie Cambridge was initially arraigned in connection with the crimes alleged to have occurred on June 11, 2013, on a Family Island.

HUNDREDS SIGN UP FOR CASH TRANSFER PROGRAMME

THREE hundred and eighty households in New Providence and North Andros have enrolled for the RISE Bahamas Conditional Cash Transfer Programme since the scheme’s official launch in March, the Ministry of Social Services and Community Development has announced.

The RISE (Renewing, Inspiring, Sustaining, Empowering) programme was introduced by Minister Melanie Griffin in June, 2015, with the aim of improving people’s health and education while reducing their levels of poverty. The conditional cash transfer programme affords beneficiaries a cash grant which will give them the flexibility to best manage household funds.

Enrolment events continue in New Providence for clients of the Robinson Road Centre and in Grand Bahama for those at the Eight Mile Rock Centre.

Beneficiaries of RISE have to undergo training and meet compliance conditions.

TO ADVERTISE IN THE TRIBUNE, CONTACT 502-2394

Prosecutor Ambrose Armbrister presented the nolle prosequi (no prosecution).

While Cambridge was discharged, he was informed that the Attorney General’s Office could bring the case against him again at any time in the Supreme Court.

It was claimed that he, on the evening in question, entered the home of a woman with whom he was familiar and tried to have sex with her without her consent.

While a reason was not provided to the court for their course of action, The Tribune has learned that

the complainant did not wish to continue with the matter.

Cambridge, who was on bail since December 2013, was represented by Calvin Seymour.

Senior Justice Stephen Isaacs presided over yesterday’s proceedings.

NASSAU’S glory days as a port of call for cruise ships are long gone.

I remember the days when Bay Street was the shopping mecca of the region. The ships did not depart until late into the night. Large numbers of cruise passengers went across to Paradise Island in the evenings to see the show at the Britannia Beach Hotel and gamble in the casino. Shopkeepers had to pay key money just to rent a location on West Bay Street.

There are a number of reasons for the decline in the appeal of Nassau - some within our control and others outside it.

Some of those outside our control include the significant increase in the number of cruise ship ports of call in the region, the large casinos and shopping malls on the ships themselves and the control of the sale of onshore attractions on board which substantially increases the cost to the cruise passenger.

There are however a number of actions within our control that would return Nassau to its glory days and beyond. The benefits would give a massive lift to our people and the economy as a whole.

We need to remember that the dollars spent by cruise passengers go to many segments of society, from the vendor to the taxi

driver, to the shop owner, to the property owner, to the banker, to the tax collector, to the electric and telephone utilities ... or should I just say to almost everyone.

Now, what can we do to return to the glory days of Nassau?

Firstly the Government should define a designated area from Junkanoo Beach to the Paradise Island Bridge and running south to Shirley Street. Develop a plan to create the Caribbean Town of people’s dreams. Incentives should be offered to investors and operators who comply with the overall development plan for the designated area and invest in the development area.

At this point, I am going to make the suggestion that will guarantee success.

The legislation creating the designated area and incentives should provide for an implementing and oversight Board to be co-chaired by the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, each of whom would appoint half of the other members.

A revolutionary idea, maybe, but sure to guarantee speedy success. Why not try it? What have we got to lose?

• John Issa is executive chairman of SuperClubs.

He is writing regularly in The Tribune.

PAGE 14, Thursday, August 4, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

A summer of skills THE Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture hosted 164 young people aged 15-18 to an apprenticeship Summer Camp in July that taught them, free of charge, valuable skills to become entrepreneurs, and financially independent.

Housed at R M Bailey, the Summer Apprentice Programme had 11 disciplines including barbering, baking, carpentry, molding, upholstery, artisan crafting (using recyclable resources or straw and other natural materials), cosmetology, nail technology, and photography.

Photos: Raymond A. Bethel, Sr/BIS

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, August 4, 2016, PAGE 15

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THE TRIBUNE

KRISTOFER Landers and his underwater hog fish YOUNG Cody Sweeting and his prized craw- CAPT Jeremy Wong and crew with their opening day crawfish haul fish in Spanish Wells.

NEW MAPLE SAUSAGE BREAKFAST SANDWICH COMBO Wake up to the sweet taste of maple.

BRAD Wilson with a monster crawfish and mutton snapper down in Mayaguana.

| www.dunkinbahamas.com