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VOLUME:115 No.181, AUGUST 14TH, 2018

THE PEOPLE’S PAPER: $1

WOMAN: ONESHA, A QUEEN OF TWO RUNWAYS

RBC customers hit in ATM scam

Bank warns clients to check accounts as thousands stolen

By NATARIO MCKENZIE Tribune Business Reporter nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net ROYAL Bank of Canada (RBC) yesterday confirmed some of its Bahamian Visa debit and Visa credit card holders had fallen victim to “skimming”, with some irate customers reporting “thousands of dollars” having been wiped off their accounts.

Jacqueline Taggart, RBC’s director of strategic and corporate communications for the Caribbean, responding to Tribune Business inquiries, said: “RBC confirms that we have identified a skimming incident that has victimised a number of our VISA debit and VISA credit cards in The Bahamas in a

coordinated and aggressive criminal effort. We are now in the process of contacting clients who have been affected.”

She added: “To contain this fraudulent activity, RBC has implemented restrictions on all affected VISA cards. We know that at this time of year – with vacations and back-toschool expenses – these restrictions may inconvenience our clients and we will work with them to minimise the disruption. All affected cards will be replaced as soon as possible.”

It is unclear how many people may have been affected by this skimming attack.

FORMER ministers in the Christie administration said they privately pushed the Hayward and St George families to sell their interests in the Grand Bahama Port Authority, though it was never an option for

WITHOUT iron-clad agreements in place to ensure private companies will manage the Grand Lucayan resort and bring in guests, it would make no sense for the government to buy the resort, a former Cabinet minister said yesterday.

However, in a separate interview, Gowon Bowe, SEE PAGE SIX

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

EDUCATION Director Marcellus Taylor yesterday reaffirmed the government’s policy to register all schoolaged children regardless of legal status.

Mr Taylor was asked to respond to a statement by human rights group Rights Bahamas (RB), which alleged “certain public schools” continued to demand proof of status from students seeking to register.

SEE PAGE FIVE

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

the government to obtain a majority stake in the port.

Instead, according to Official Opposition Leader Philip “Brave” Davis, the belief was that some equity participation by the government in the GBPA was feasible if necessary.

With the Minnis administration’s move to buy SEE PAGE SIX

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

SCHOOLS SHOULD NOT TURN AWAY ANY CHILD

ESCAPEES: TWO STILL ON THE RUN

PLP EYED STAKE IN GB PORT AUTHORITY

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

‘LUCAYAN DEAL MUST HAVE GUEST GUARANTEE’

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net

DELANTE Taylor receives a congratulatory hug last night from Minister of Education Jeff Lloyd at the Teacher Education Grant Award Ceremony at the National Training Agency. Delante has earned a grant and the title of Future Teacher of Mathematics as she prepares to study at the University of The Bahamas. Her grant was not the only one - with a number of other future teachers in a range of subjects celebrated at last night’s ceremony.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

SANDALS HIT BY STOMACH BUG OUTBREAK

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net

NEARLY 100 people have been afflicted with a gastrointestinal illness at Sandals Royal Bahamian all-inclusive resort in New Providence, Health Minister Duane Sands confirmed to The Tribune yesterday.

The Ministry of Health also released a statement advising the public that both guests and staff have

SANDALS ROYAL BAHAMIAN reported “experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms of nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea”.

According to Dr Sands, just under 100 people have been affected, the majority “over the last four or five days”.

The ministry was notified of this health concern on August 7, the statement revealed. Since then, teams from the Ministry of Health and Department of Environmental Health have made “multiple visits” to the property.

SEE PAGE THREE

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

SOCIAL Services Minister Frankie Campbell yesterday expressed concern that the government has not “lived up to (its) responsibility” regarding security at the Simpson Penn Centre for Boys as two escapees remained at large.

SEE PAGE SEVEN

FACE-TO-FACE: A MAN OF MANY TALENTS

SEE PAGE EIGHT

PAGE 2, Tuesday, August 14, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

Four face court over murders

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net THREE men and a juvenile were arraigned yesterday in Magistrate’s Court accused of two separate murders.

In the first incident, Omar Thompson, 23, stood before Magistrate Subsola Swain faced with one count of murder concerning a Saturday, July 28, incident.

It is alleged that on that date, Thompson murdered Ernest Davis.

The accused was not required to enter a plea to the charge and the matter was adjourned to October 10 for service of a voluntary bill of indictment.

Thompson was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services in the interim.

The second matter, which was also set for arraignment before Magistrate

Swain, had to be delayed for a short period following an intervention from attorney Donna Major, who took issue with Magistrate Swain’s refusal to acknowledge her as the most senior attorney appearing in the matter.

Attorney Major accused Magistrate Swain of being unprofessional, insisting that a failed friendship between the two left the magistrate unwilling to treat Ms Major in a manner reserved for a senior attorney.

Following the allegations, Magistrate Swain informed the court she would recuse herself from the arraignment and immediately had the matter transferred to Magistrate Samuel McKinney’s court.

Once the arraignment got underway, Reno Solomon, 18, of Acklins Street, Katraz Coakley, 19, of Yellow Elder, and the juvenile stood before

Magistrate McKinney faced with one count of murder each, in connection with the June 16 murder of Roland Williams.

It is alleged on the day in question, the trio inflicted harm on Williams resulting in his death.

According to reports, shortly after midnight, Williams was standing outside a bar on Crooked Island Street when he was shot.

Paramedics were called and attempted to revive him but were unsuccessful.

He was pronounced dead on the scene.

None of the accused was required to enter a plea to the charges and the matter was adjourned to October 24 for service of a voluntary bill of indictment.

They were all remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services in the interim, with the juvenile to be admitted to the juvenile section of that facility.

OMAR THOMPSON, 23, outside court yesterday, where he was accused of a murder that took place on July 28.

Photo: Terrel W Carey/Tribune Staff

FROM left, Katraz Coakley, Reno Solomon, and a 16-year-old outside magistrates court yesterday.

Photo: Terrel W Carey/Tribune Staff

DRUG CASE DELAYED BY ACCUSED’S ILLNESS

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net WITNESS testimony in the $280,000 Dwight Major drug case was yesterday adjourned to September 4 after Major’s attorney submitted a sick certificate to the court on his behalf.

Major, 50, who is on trial for conspiracy to possess dangerous drugs with intent to supply and possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply stemming from an April 4 incident, was due to appear before Magistrate Samuel McKinney

yesterday to hear his decision on whether the court would recuse itself in the case.

However, Major was a no-show, with his attorney Ian Cargill submitting a sick slip on his client’s behalf.

The contents of the document were not revealed in court.

Major during an appearance last week, informed the court that he was seeing doctors for an ongoing heart issue.

This has been the third adjournment in the matter in the past two weeks.

Last Tuesday, the

case against Major was adjourned for 24 hours following an apparent mix-up in the appearance date for Major and the man with whom he was arrested.

The next day, Major’s attorney submitted an application to have Magistrate McKinney recuse himself of the matter.

It is alleged that on the date in question, Dwight Major and another man conspired to possess and were subsequently found in possession of some $283,000 worth of marijuana with intent to supply.

According to initial reports from police, shortly before 4am on Wednesday, April 4, Drug Enforcement Unit officers assisted by Mobile Division officers, while at Tonique WilliamsDarling Highway and Baillou Hill Road, stopped and searched a Nissan March with two male occupants and discovered 283 pounds of marijuana.

The two men were taken into custody.

Both men pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The matter will continue Tuesday, September 4, when Magistrate McKinney

DWIGHT Major at a previous court appearance.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

THE TRIBUNE

from page one According to the statement, these teams “can report that recommended prevention and control measures have been or are being implemented by hotel management.

“These interventions are consistent with local and international guidelines.

“The ministry can confirm (based on review of records and ongoing reporting) that both staff and visitors have experienced symptoms,” the statement continues.

“Preliminary data and symptomatology are strongly suggestive of

Tuesday, August 14, 2018, PAGE 3

Sandals hit by stomach bug outbreak

a viral illness which is usually self-limited and uncomplicated.”

The ministry also dismissed any connection between this incident and the recent outbreak of conch poisoning cases.

It added many of the cases of gastrointestinal illness were treated by the hotel’s healthcare providers and people who required medical attention at local hospitals have been treated and released.

“As of today, the number of cases has decreased significantly. Guests and staff have been advised on the importance of regular hand hygiene, either with soap and water or with alcohol

containing sanitisers.

“The Ministry of Health is satisfied that all required precautions and interventions to control the situation are being implemented. We are not aware of any other cluster of cases currently,” the statement ends.

When asked if the Department of Environmental Health had been making regular checks before these reports, Dr Sands pointed to a recent session held a few weeks ago with representatives from all the major hotels, some of the “smaller facilities” and people from the Ministry of Tourism.

He said they were updated on the necessary

public health precautions to be taken, the reporting mechanisms, and went through “all of the Environmental Health and Ministry of Health required maintenance and reporting standards.”

“This is an ongoing activity,” Dr Sands said. “We’ve had teams in and out of hotels and guest houses throughout The Bahamas over many, many months.

“And this is just a part of the process the public health is involved in order to avoid any problems with whatever challenge.”

On the review website TripAdvisor, some guests vented frustration over food poisoning claims, some

from before this month.

On April 16, one reviewer posted: “Wrong room. Homeless for a day during room change. Food poisoning.

Non-apology from management.”

His post continued: “We went to the island at 10am.

At 2pm our room had not been changed yet. We were hungry so we ordered from the pool-side restaurant and got food poisoning. At 8pm we finally got into our room.”

On August 13, a reviewer from Massachusetts posted: “My now husband and I just returned from the resort yesterday. We traveled to Sandals for our wedding last Saturday which almost

MORE THAN 60 MIGRANTS ARRESTED IN ELEUTHERA

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net A JOINT team of police and immigration officers have arrested more than 60 irregular migrants in Eleuthera following reports of an illegal landing in South Eleuthera on Sunday.

Superintendent Peter Joseph, officer in charge of the Carmichael Road Detention Centre, told The Tribune the count stood at 68 migrants up to

press time.

It was unclear how many women and children were among those detained on Sunday..

Mr Joseph led the Immigration Department’s Rapid Response Team, which travelled to Eleuthera after residents in the community of Wemyss Bight alerted officials.

According to reports, the landing occurred near the areas of Bannerman Town, John Millars and Wemyss Bight early on Sunday morning.

POLICE HUNT FOR ROBBERS AFTER CASH GRAB AT MALL POLICE are searching for the thieves who robbed a store employee of an undetermined amount of cash in the parking lot of the Marathon Mall.

Shortly after 9am yesterday, a male employee of a clothing store was in the mall’s southwestern parking lot when two men inside a blue Nissan

March approached. One of the men had a firearm and robbed the store employee of a bank deposit bag containing cash.

While it has been speculated on social media that thousands were stolen, police would not confirm the amount.

The investigation is ongoing.

MIGRANTS being detained in the Wemyss Bight area of South Eleuthera on Sunday.

didn’t happen as I got sick with whatever virus/flu that is going around the resort. I was bed ridden for almost two days with vomiting, severe stomach cramping, back and body aches and chills. The nurse came to my room and would not confirm there was something going around stating there were no ‘confirmed cases’. I asked her what am I then? No response!

Just gave me some orange pill and left. Needless to say, this made for a terrible wedding vacation!”

Attempts to speak with the general manager of Sandals Royal Bahamian went unanswered up to press time.

PAGE 4,Tuesday, August 14, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

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The truth behind the real property tax debacle TOURISM Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar was right on two counts when he spoke out at the end of last week about the government’s decision to backtrack on a real property tax definition that had the luxury market in full-blown panic mode.

He was right when he said the government did not reverse its position because it buckled under the pressure of threats from Lyford Cay following The Tribune’s publication of part of a letter sent by the exclusive community’s homeowners association to the Prime Minister expressing fear of a massive sell-out and departure as a result of pending property tax hikes.

The Lyford Cay warning and the government’s change of position came about 48 hours apart so it would have been easy to understand how they were seen as linked. But it also would have been wrong. The decision to reverse what turned out to be an unmitigated debacle came more than two weeks before the letter landed on the desk of the Prime Minister.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest and those close to him had quietly reassured investors, developers and others that the mistake – a blanket unintended hike by tying a residency requirement to property tax rates - would be rectified and the language would revert to that which applied prior to the new budget.

A few people were informed about the reversal but no announcement had yet been made. And because Mr. Turnquest announced the reversal so soon after The Tribune broke the story about the letter, the connection in the public’s mind was indisputable.

The days that followed must have made the normally composed Mr Turnquest bristle. Airwaves were crammed with bitterness about how the rich get heard and the poor get left. In the absence of information, enmity flourished. The debacle became about rich and poor instead of a poor decision that would have impacted the rich as well as large segments of the economy including real estate and hundreds of small and medium size businesses that serve communities like Lyford Cay, Baker’s Bay, Old Fort Bay and Ocean Club Estates.

There is no question the real property tax hike and the way it was done was a mistake that should never have happened. Driven by a desire to find a way to tax those who use ultra-luxury properties for ultra-high priced short term rentals like an Airbnbs for the super wealthy, government attempted to tie property tax to a residency requirement.

By tying the requirement to be in residence for six months of the year to qualify for a cap of $50,000 annually in property tax, it opened those second and third home owners who may spend as little as six weeks here to a tax bill of two percent of the assessed value of the property over the first $500,000. For the owner of a $10m home, the tax bill would have gone from $50,000 to nearly $200,000 a year, for the owner of a private island worth even more – and many are – the annual tax bill could have been a half million dollars.

Many owners do rent their homes or island estates short-term for vacation or corporate purposes and expats who do that should pay a commercial rate or a fair business licence fee. Instead of thinking it through and finding a way to derive revenue from those who use their properties to earn income, authors of the budget threw everyone into one large corral and lassoed them with the same rope, nearly strangling a market that contributes far more than it demands in services.

Concerns expressed by Lyford Cay residents were similar to those expressed repeatedly by the 700 members of BREA and by developers, architects, builders, contractors and others who would have been affected by the sudden blow to a luxury market and those concerns were heard loud and clear by officials, as we said, long before the Lyford letter landed on the PM’s desk.

The second count on which the Tourism Minister was right was having the courage to talk about it. Up until Mr D’Aguilar spoke out, Mr Turnquest was hung out on a limb on a very shaky tree.

The Prime Minister was silent. Not one person in a leadership position came to Mr Turnquest’s defence. Everyone distanced themselves as if he alone had created the blunderbuss of a budget.

The Minister of Finance did not make the decision single-handedly but when the tax change turned into the tax fiasco he found himself a very lonely man. So we applaud Mr D’Aguilar for standing up for Mr. Turnquest and saying the government made a bad decision, recognised it, will make the proper amendments when the House reconvenes in September and it did not buckle under pressure from Lyford Cay. The government did make a mistake, an unintentional one with unforeseen consequences. But like with all mistakes, the faster you own them, correct them, apologise and learn from them, the faster the public forgives and the faster you get on with the work that lies ahead.

Straight answers on BPL bidding EDITOR, The Tribune.

I HAVE in front of me an article by Natario KcKenzie of November 21, 2017…

BPL studying nineteen bids from power generators.

The story confirms that the RFP was solely for stand-by generators capacity 80mw. Nineteen bidders responded, anyone will admit that it is a high number but BP&L announced previously, that they had a policy to allow any bidder - not as the past practice was a selected bidder pre-approved. Did they think that they were bidding for a 275 mw generation plan? I certainly would say absolutely no. 80 mw was their game.

The RFP was for 80mw not 275mv that Shell put in for, which seems to have excited the Board of BP&L. There are educated people on BP&L’s Board. Surely

it should not be difficult to see if total compliance was carried out by BP&L, as to what is required of them with URCA and whether the term-condition and offer of the RFP was complied with?

The crux argument is that to those who saw and even participated in the RFP that the decision cannot be recognized as compliant with the terms and request of the “written” RFP. Any amendments had to be communicated in writing to all bidders - usual terms.

BP&L now wants to sign with Shell for a 275mw LNG generation plant. Did URCA agree with this? Did URCA endorse the content of the RFP as is required (Electricity Act 2015)?

It is simple - either BP&L complied or we are used to this, but it is FNM time the People’s Time and we do not expect violations.

We were promised different but have we gotten any difference? OBAN ENERGIES now Shell Americas that is what we know about.

Untendered contracts for the schools.

The FNM made all kinds of charges and accusations against the PLP government, but it seems with regards to this RFP at BP&L, something is not very clear as BP&L and URCA refuse to come clean, although numerous letter writers write letter after letter.

What I see today is little difference as to why we threw Christie & Co over the bar in May 2017. Minnis talks about 2020? Got to be joking! Arrogance, refusing to listen. I am right do not argue!

P. J. STRACHAN Nassau, August 9, 2018.

Stop killing society in Mayaguana EDITOR, The Tribune.

AUGUST 7th saw the return of the National Employment & Empowerment Programme (52-Week Skills Empowerment Programme) to the southern islands and with it, a huge upset throughout the island of Mayaguana.

According to some residents, the list included persons near retirement age, persons already with jobs or businesses, persons formerly on the programme who quit the programme after a few months of not being paid and even persons not residing on the island, who were already employed.

Furthermore, the above selected are widely known throughout the island as active supporters of the FNM, possibly cashing in on party favours.

According to the Ministry of Public Works’ website, the 52-Week Skills Empowerment Programme 2018 is a job initiative of the Government of The Bahamas to provide unemployed persons between the ages of 19 years to 30 years with hands-on skills to find gainful employment based on the training received.

In Mayaguana, the vast majority of participants far exceed the initial age requirements.

The FNM bashed the PLP’s programme structure by stating that the programme had placed individuals in Government offices without checking qualifications, suitability nor if individuals were employed at the time.

But here they are, maybe doing a little more damage.

2017’s selection included persons who supported both parties; all unemployed and excited about starting their new jobs.

When it got down to it, some showed dependability regardless of not being paid while others

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net quit completely, or quit and were allowed to return.

Let’s revisit the current administration’s slogan.

“It’s the People’s Time.”

Once again, we ask, which people?

There is no harm in looking out for your own, but when there is an equal opportunity, the dealing should be just.

So isn’t it fair to say that perhaps those persons with qualifying evaluation scores should get the first crack of being invited to return or be given a permanent job?

Shouldn’t the younger residents be next in line?

Shouldn’t the unemployed but actively searching residents be considered?

With all the governmental redundancies, we question exactly how these candidates are considered and chosen to fill these positions. What is the criteria?

This list is also a slap in the face of the younger generation, who without a second thought caste their votes with the governing party because they were promised a change!

How can there be change if we repeat the same cycle?

What’s most shameful, is that the majority of those that took the jobs, besides those with current jobs, already own homes that are paid for as well as other well accomplished items!

Meanwhile, there are younger folk taking on whatever job they can, which includes the mediocre jobs given out by local government for a meagre $300 a month just to survive on an already highly overpriced island!

And these jobs aren’t a guarantee!

We should be proud to say that this island was built on the backs of its people

but instead, we are left to say that Mayaguana now revolves around the terms of “who ya know” and “who ya vote for” while persons deserving of opportunities pay the consequences. The island is too small for this and this cycle will only continue if we allow it to.

However, we cannot cast blame on any government party alone. Remove the political parties. Only the people remain. In order to move forward, the minds of the matriarchs and patriarchs of Mayaguana and its people must be reformed.

The “black crab syndrome” must be done away with and we must learn to not become so dependent on the government but to lean on each other and activate unity within our community. Learn when it’s time to step aside without malice or envy and let our children put into action what they have been taught.

We complain about Mayaguanians not returning home, but, what are they returning to? We complain about the lack of population. We complain about the lack of businesses or tourist attractions, yet when someone begins to make progress; it is shut down by those with influence pushing their own agendas.

We complain about the young men and women “knocking about”, nevertheless we continue to seize every opportunity, like pirates, that was meant to empower them.

Mayaguanians, how can we expect to be taken seriously, when we ourselves cannot stand together and take ourselves as one people seriously? You can’t continue to question why a place is dying, when you continue to massacre it.

ONE MAYAGUANIAN Mayaguana, Bahamas.

August 12, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, August 14, 2018, PAGE 5

Police investigate video of officer punching woman

By FARRAH JOHNSON POLICE are investigating the circumstances behind a recent video circulating on social media where a police officer can be seen punching a woman during a heated altercation with several people.

One of several videos of the incident posted to Facebook shows two men and a woman struggling, before a uniformed police officer approaches them and begins to strike the woman repeatedly.

The 39-second clip is the last of three that was captured and posted in a local Facebook group on Sunday.

Superintendent Anton Rahming told The Tribune while no official reports on the incident have been made as yet, the police do plan to look into the matter.

Confirming he has seen the video himself, he added he could not “put a date” on when more specific details would be released.

“Of course we have to launch an investigation to determine what happened there. The video in my estimation is not really clear to say exactly what took place there at that location, so I cannot say that there will be charges or there won’t be charges,” he stated.

“Once we do the

investigation we’ll be in a better position to determine what exactly we would do,” he continued.

The first video shows a man being restrained and shoved on a car by another male who shouts: “You lock up! … I said you (expletive) lock up! Put your hands in the air!”

The male recording the video can also be heard in the background saying: “Slap him, slap him, slap him… lock him (expletive) up man.”

The second video then shows the restrained man being handled by uniformed officers before a few civilians attempt to intervene and a small crowd gathers.

A female in a black dress can be seen screaming and hitting another male in a white T-shirt as the video ends.

The last clip shows that same female struggling against another male in a red shirt, before an officer appears and begins to punch the woman in her stomach.

The man in the red T-shirt then carries her away as the small crowd disperses.

The male recording can be heard again in the background this time saying: “Gals getting slap up and all...This (N-word) punching up this gal, well (expletive) . .. she hit him first though.”

Attorney Christina

CONSTRUCTION work is under way on schools across The Bahamas ahead of the new term.

Galanos advised The Tribune that the officer could be “disciplined” by the police force, which could range from suspension to expulsion.

She added it would also be possible for them to “prosecute” the officer “through the courts” if they chose to do so.

“Those are really the only two things I can see that can happen to him on the criminal or penal side of it,” she said.

Ms Galanos insisted other factors have to be taken into consideration during the investigation, like whether the female initiated the altercation with the officer.

“It (the video) was dark

so I don’t know. I saw in some of the comments that they said that she hit him first,” she said.

“Of course if she (did) hit him first, the question would be what he thought.

Did he feel as if he was in fear and he had to respond in (kind)?”

She stated that if the woman did not pose any threat to the officer, based on what could be seen in the video, the amount of force he used against her was uncalled for.

“The video is dark. All we saw was a clear picture of him attacking her so from what we were able to see would appear as if the force was unjustified...that’s my opinion,” she stated.

Photo: Terrel W Carey/Tribune Staff

SCHOOLS SHOULD NOT TURN AWAY ANY CHILD from page one Dawrin Thompson, chair of RB’s Education Committee, had sounded the alarm on two schools in May and has warned the organisation would pursue legal action if any child is barred from starting the new school year.

“Every child that is presently living in the Bahamas, regardless of their status, their parent’s status, or their nationality, has the right to an education. There are no exceptions to this.

Education is a fundamental human right and we intend to hold those that breach this right responsible,” Mr Thompson stated yesterday.

“We call upon all schools in the Bahamas to cease and desist demanding proof of status at registration immediately. We also call upon the Department of Education to uphold their minister’s stated policy, the laws of the Bahamas and the international agreements to which our country

is signatory.

“The new school year is upon us and if this problem is not rectified, it could result in many children being unable to register in time for class. That cannot be allowed to happen. If the situation is not rectified immediately, Rights Bahamas will have no choice but to take legal action against the government in defence of the fundamental rights of these children.”

When contacted by The Tribune, Mr Taylor said the only complaint he received in the matter had come from Rights Bahamas in May. At that time, the group alleged CV Bethel Senior High School and DW Davis Junior High School had notified parents that student applications must be accompanied with proof of residency or citizenship.

“We have spoken to those schools and it shouldn’t be an issue now,” Mr Taylor said.

“Our policy is clear that any child who is of school

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age who presents himself is supposed to be registered.”

Mr Taylor confirmed schools only require valid identification, which could be a passport, birth certificate or national insurance card.

“If they are from another country, then a valid ID from that country is fine,” he added.

“The only thing is we need to know who the person is who is registering. You can’t show up with

no ID, you have to bring something because we have to properly identify but the policy is anyone who resides here ordinarily in the Bahamas and are of school-age should be registered.”

He added: “If Rights

Bahamas or any individual is having a problem with that then all they have to do is write us, or go to district superintendents office in the appropriate area and the matter would be addressed.”

PAGE 6, Tuesday, August 14, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

‘Lucayan deal must have guest guarantee’ from page one president of the Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants, insisted that securing a management company would not justify spending public funds to buy the hotel. Stressing that the government has not sought out all potential investors, he revealed he has spoken to several industry professionals in the hotel industry who are interested in exploring funding options related to the island.

The differing views reflect the intense debate the Minnis administration’s intention to buy the resort has sparked among stakeholders throughout the country.

“The government has to be driven by more than a flat-out purchase,” one prominent Christie administration figure said yesterday on the condition of anonymity. “To buy that, it’s fundamentally important that they have institutionalised in writing agreements with tour companies who will be a part of the purchase. When you are contemplating that kind of purchase, you first ask yourself the question, ‘how am I going to produce the bodies in the parts of the world that will be needed to secure this? Where is that market for the Lucayan?’

It’s the eastern seaboard, mid-west in the US essentially. Therefore who can

do that for me? The resort had a big Canadian market as well so Sunwing, as an operator, was able to do it.”

The Sunwing Travel Group is not presently in discussions with the government to be an operator, The Tribune understands.

The former Cabinet minister also said: “I could only assume that they have as a basis of the purchase a proposed agreement with a group that will produce the bodies and fly those bodies in and deliver those bodies to the hotel itself.

That has to be the basis of it. If they are smart they would then have asked for a management agreement possibly with the same group or another group that would offset other potential losses so that the government in offseason won’t have to keep people employed because it’s difficult for government to lay off people as hotels do during off periods. They will have to have an iron-clad management agreement with a company that will provide the necessary resources. That’s the only way that would make any kind of sense.”

However, Mr Bowe said history shows a management company is not enough.

“Sunwing was originally at the table and governments past and present opted to negotiate with Wynn,” he noted. “The Sunwing Group is part of the largest travel company

THE GRAND LUCAYAN RESORT in the world and should be approached to acquire the properties as they had originally expressed interest and were in the process of proposal. They own planes and can generate airlift, and provide the complete package.

“The Hotel Corporation had many management companies and the only party that made a profit was the management company as their fees come first.

A management company solely is not the solution.

Visit the Four Seasons in Exuma that had a management company but the owner could not sustain the costs and repay the loan.”

Mr Bowe said the government should be seeking

out investors. Name-checking people like Ernest Cambridge, Stuart Bowe, Donald Archer and Robert Sands, he said the government should lean on senior officials currently in the hotel industry, “seeking to create a package that can be marketed and funds raised from private investors”.

“The objective is to get Grand Bahama’s economy moving,” he said. “There’s no evidence that having government buy and operate the hotel will achieve this. The hotel has been open and occupancy so low that impact on economy was marginal.”

So far, Mr Bowe said, the government has not

revealed how it has solicited investors. “Certainly, there has not been active discussions on putting together a domestic group to own and operate the hotel,” he said, “none that covered who I consider the key stakeholders as I have not been made aware of such activities.

“It is important to leverage the industry heavy hitters that are Bahamian and investor houses at least for structure options and funding opportunities. It is something I would gladly support and work assiduously with government to make a valiant effort and I know the industry players would be willing to be part of such an initiative as I

have spoken to several that have inquired as to how we can explore a funding vehicle to effect this transaction.

We have no crystal ball and no guarantees but every avenue should be explored before committing government funds for an unknown impact on an economy.

The cost benefit analysis is critical.

“This is not the initiative to cut teeth on. It is too risky and the losses of the past and subsidies are well known to the government.

There should be less haste and more speed. Sustainable investment must be the prime objective, otherwise it’s cheaper to subsidise the unemployed and struggling businesses.”

PLP EYED STAKE IN GB PORT AUTHORITY from page one

the Grand Lucayan resort expected to be a costly endeavour, former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham said last week the government should buy the Grand Bahama Port Authority instead.

During discussions with the Christie administration, Sarah St George, vice chairman of the GBPA, represented the Hayward and St George families and dealt with possible purchasers like the Mediterranean Shipping Company, which initiated negotiations.

“There was a realisation that you probably needed new ownership to take it to a new level because of what happened post Edward St George and Albert Miller,” one former Christie administration figure who did not want to be named said

yesterday.

“Jack Hayward never was the operational leader but it so happens that all three of them are now gone and so the question was can the children carry it on and lots of people in Grand Bahama we consulted didn’t think so. There was a view that it would help Grand Bahama if in fact the assets were sold.”

Ultimately, suitable buyers could not be found, Mr Davis said.

“You have to have a willing buyer,” he said.

“I don’t rule out equity participation by the government in it but my preference would be for the right sort of investment group to step up that has a vision that would align with that of the people of Grand Bahama and the Bahamas government. We did not rule out equity participation but just like if you buy the hotel and

you have to put all these things in place, you have to consider what economic model you will build Grand Bahama on having regard to everything that has taken place so far.”

He added: “For quite awhile during our term discussions were being held with the Hayward and St George family to divest themselves of their interest and there were discussions being held to have the Hutchinson Whampoa divest themselves of certain of their interest as well. At the end of the day we wanted for new owners to deal with the hotel, the Grand Bahama Development Company and the airports and the aim was to leave Hutchinson Whampoa with their core business, that being their container port and the expansion of it. We were brokering, trying to get people to buy it.”

Funeral Service Alice Rose Harris of Nassau, The Bahamas and formerly of Canada, passed away at her home on the Eastern Road, New Providence, The Bahamas on Friday, 10th August, 2018.

A Funeral Service will be held at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, Shirley Street, Nassau, The Bahamas on Saturday, 18th August, 2018 at 1:45 p.m.

Father Anselm Russell will officiate.

She is survived by her husband, Rolfe S. Harris; her daughter, Laura D. Harris; sister, Dolores MacPherson, sister-in-law, Elizabeth Sands and brother-in-law, Jack Sands.

In lieu of flowers donations of cheques or cash may be delivered to Oncology Consultants Bahamas, #90 Nassau Street, Nassau, The Bahamas or bank transfer to Scotiabank - account 3000632.

Reference: Alice Harris donation, in memory of Mrs. Alice Rose Harris.

For information on Oncology Consultants Bahamas, please see Website http://www.oncologyconsultantsbahamas.com/index.php Arrangements by Kemp’s Funeral Home Limited.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, August 14, 2018, PAGE 7

Importer jailed over gun found in his car

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net A 31-YEAR-OLD man was convicted and sentenced to two and half years in prison yesterday after he was found guilty of two firearm-related charges stemming from the discovery and seizure of a pistol and ammunition in May. Kevin Wright, the operator of an import/export company, received his

sentence from Magistrate Samuel McKinney in connection with the seizure of a Luger pistol discovered in a taped box in the trunk of his car during an early morning stop.

Wright had initially faced the charges along with a female passenger, however, prosecutors withdrew the charges against his co-accused.

On May 26 Wright was found in possession of

the pistol, as well as several unfired rounds of ammunition.

According to initial police reports, shortly before 4am, officers approached Wright’s parked car in the area of the Centreville Food Store, asked the accused and his passenger to get out of the vehicle and informed the pair they were suspected of possessing dangerous drugs.

Officers searched the

car and the couple during which the weapon and ammunition were discovered in the trunk of the car in a taped box.

Wright and his passenger were taken into custody.

Before sentencing Wright, Magistrate McKinney noted possession of any unlicenced firearm is considered a serious offence given the nature of gun violence in the country.

In accepting the nature of

his case, the particulars of his business operation and the impending birth of his first child with his fiancée who sat in court during the arraignment, Magistrate McKinney said notwithstanding the defendant’s upstanding nature, he could not overlook all the possible outcomes if Wright had opted to use his illegal gun in a criminal manner.

He said the maximum of seven years was not

appropriate in the circumstances, opting to impose a custodial sentence of two and half years on the count of possessing a firearm and one year on the count of possessing ammunition.

The sentences are to run concurrently at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDCS).

Wright has seven days to appeal the ruling in the Supreme Court.

THE Simpson Penn centre for Boys.

ESCAPEES: TWO STILL ON THE RUN from page one

Mr Campbell said while he is “not necessarily” looking for the centre to become a maximum-security facility, he promised to do everything in his power to reinforce the compound’s security.

On Saturday night 13 juvenile inmates escaped the centre after gaining access to the building’s ceiling. The boys, aged 15-17, were unarmed and no one was hurt during the escape.

On Sunday, police said several of them were captured in the Fox Hill area. Two of the teens were turned in by family members on Sunday evening. Up to press time, two remained at large.

On Sunday, Mr Campbell explained to The Tribune

YOUR

the “ceiling of the building in question is an open ceiling”.

“Once they got into the ceiling, that would give them access through the entire building,” he said.

When asked yesterday if the public should be worried that security needs to be increased at the Simpson Penn Centre, Mr Campbell expressed concern about the state not fulfilling its role, while downplaying the notion the escaped boys are dangerous.

“I’m concerned,” he said.

“I’m concerned that we as the state have a responsibility given us by the courts to keep a group of persons in a particular place and they are not where they are supposed to be. So, for that reason I’m concerned. Not necessarily because they may hurt anyone.

“But I’m concerned

CHOICE FOR THE FAMILY WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/JOYFM1019

that we haven’t lived up to our responsibility. And to that end, I want to assure the Bahamian public and the courts and the parents involved that…I’ve already initiated some evaluations and I’m (going to) do within my power to reinforce both the physical security and the human resources that are responsible for ensuring that that security is in place,” he continued.

“The young men are all minors, so they are our responsibility and I want to ensure that they are safe.”

Mr Campbell was also asked if he was aware how

often security checks are carried out to ensure the compound is secure.

While acknowledging that he is relatively new to this post, as he was recently transferred during a Cabinet shuffle, Mr Campbell noted through his background in law enforcement, he has experience with checking in on persons in custody.

He said typically, inmates ought to be checked on hourly and officers are to ensure they have the “necessary comforts” while not being given any material that could

possibly enable them to hurt themselves.

“And I would imagine that it’s no different or it ought to be no different.

I’m not looking necessarily for a maximum-security kind of facility. But one that will at least keep persons where they ought to be.”

Mr Campbell could not say at the time whether there will be any reprimand for the wardens or caretakers at the centre, saying he did not want to speak prematurely regarding an active investigation.

He added he is confident the police will give a “full

and comprehensive” report.

Once that is complete, “we will take it from there,” Mr Campbell said.

Considering the role of the open ceiling in the boys’ escape, Mr Campbell was also asked if the building would be renovated or the boys would be moved.

“I don’t want to speak specifically, but we’ve already initiated, by way of instruction, for a review of the physical plant itself and the process and policies executed by the human resources that are responsible for security,” he said.

PAGE 8, Tuesday, August 14, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

Life’s lesson - give it everything you’ve got and don’t be afraid Face to Face

By FELICITY INGRAHAM

T

HE Rev Dr James S Sweeting is one of those men who has lived several lives and is still around and ready to do more. Many people touch just one or two professions in their lifetime. Often, it is advised to stick with one career. But Rev Sweeting proves it is possible to be successful in several careers and as a business owner – all in the same lifetime.

The key to it, he says, is to give each goal you set everything you’ve got and to know when its time to move on to another level.

His ability to make major transitions in life so easily started when he was a child.

He was the second of 11 children born to Samuel and Gertrude Sweeting and he was their first child together. His father was a painting contractor and his mother took pride in being a great housewife, but also did some paid domestic work.

Life was a “rough journey” for their big family and the Sweetings moved from house to house in New Providence as his parents tried to make ends meet.

When the young James was almost nine years old, his parents made the decision to take the chance to start a new life. His father packed up the family and moved them to the Exumas. There, Samuel continued to work as a painter. Because land was so much more affordable in the Family Islands, he was also became a farmer,

REV Dr Sweeting and his wife, Barbara.

amassing enough animals to run a large chicken farm and having nearly 600 goats.

“Life was much better there,” James said about the move in the early 1960s.

“Growing up in the islands was the pearl of all life. I was able to learn the values of being Bahamian. We learned manners and respect and the village assisted in raising the child.

You had to pay homage to everyone. We never went hungry. We would pick sapodillas hanging from the trees, bury them in the ground, and cover them with leaves and make a dilly nest. Every day we would check it out and THE REV DR James S Sweeting sharing his knowledge of bush medicine at a local expo and, above right, being made a meritorious have a feast. councillor by the Free National Movement.

“We enjoyed eating and then Georgetown all to the capital and spent about 16 grandchildren; we tourists. His food became the coconut dry as well as age school. so popular he was invited to the first few years work- are blessed.” having jelly coconut, pigeon Their son Maxwell is a participate in food shows in Upon graduation, James ing as an electrician. He plums, cocoa plums and first worked as a teacher credits Henry F Storr for professional chef; Nicole, America. He participated so much more. There was in Exuma; it was custom- teaching him the trade. who is now a Holder by in exhibitions in Washalways something to eat. ary for top The tourism industry was marriage, is a banker; ington, DC, and in Coral We went crabbing and booming at the time and Nedra, who is now a Gables, Florida, where he achievour mother would he eventually found work Stuart by marriage, is also won first place on both ers travel to Nassau in several hotels. His abil- a banker; Samantha, who occasions.

He said proudly: “My ity to adapt and willingness is now a Forbes by marto sell them to learn led him to work in riage, is a teacher; and trademark is the ‘wabbie’. during crab It’s a multi-purvarious aspects of resort Nadia, who is season. We life. These experiences now an Ebanks Growing up in pose bread that went fishproved fruitful but when by marriage, is the islands was can be used for ing a lot, breakfast, lunch he was finally moved to a culinary spesomethe pearl of all cialist and an or dinner. I have the kitchen, he found times called a niche that led to a accountant. life. I was able been with our In Andros, upon to travel to lifelong passion for father, to learn the many countries cooking.

He James nurtured somehis family and values of being to demonstrate remained times continued to Bahamian. its preparation, workwith expand his proincluding doing ing the other fessional skills. food shows for in boys in the He decided to focus on his the Ministry of Tourism. village, somepassion for cooking, but People find it very enjoytimes on our also dedicated his life to the able. It’s a bread that opens own. It taught work of the church. While automatically (when you he was still in Exuma, he pinch it) meaning you don’t us boys how THE SWEETINGS was ordained by a mis- need a knife to cut it. You to be men.” sionary pastor who was can stuff it with fried or For the with their granddaughter Katrina Cartwright, holding Vacation Bible poached eggs, egg salad, Sweetings, above, who is wearing School classes. tuna or chicken salad – so education “The church has always many things. It’s something was a top an outfit made of been a part of my life,” like pita bread. My wife priority for Androsia fabric at her graduation, proud to James said. likes it with minced lobtheir large have grown up on Andros “Growing up from small, ster… and she makes a family. James Island and, right, with the home training my par- mean minced lobster.” remembers their grandson, Kortney ents gave me, the only thing James was also a commuhis time in Cartwright at his graduation at I knew was the church. My nity leader in Andros. He the Nassau in pri- DePauw University. He is a district father was a deacon and was the first and founding kitchen mary school, branch manager for BCForward, leadmy mother was a mission- president of the Chamber and served having been ing their branch in Minneapolis. at both the ary. I have always been in of Commerce for the island. taught by Nassau Beach Hotel ministry and I used it to In local government, he the late great in their classes to become and the old British Colonial the fullest extent. I later served as chairman prior educator, Naomi Blatch, school monitors, which is Hotel. became a full pastor and to the government naming whom he described as “a equivalent to a teacher’s James always had his was nurtured by the late a chief counsellor. He beautiful, dark lady” and a aide. However, back then, sights set on higher educa- Rev Dr A Samuel Cole- was first assistant chap“nurturing teacher” whom this often meant taking tion and he wanted to learn brooke of St Paul’s Baptist lain for the Free National he never forgot all his life. control of the entire class. new skills in life. While Church on Bias Street. I Movement and was then In Exuma, he attended Eventually, he left the working in the hotels, he went there as a child and appointed to the position Forbes Hill all age school Family Island to head back took the nursing exam, but ended up back there when of chaplain, a position he it took a while for him to I relocated to Nassau. He maintained for eight years.

Eight years ago, James hear back from the nurs- and my father were related. ing school, so he took the My mother’s church was was diagnosed with diapolicing exam as well, and Mission Baptist Church, betes and suffered from

by Rev Dr kidney failure. At one decided to take on that directed point in his life, he was career path. weighing as much as 340 “I decided not to be a pounds. Two years prior nurse because I thought to the diagnosis, he I may end up being decided to start afraid of all that eating healthy blood, only to and knocked 100 discover that I pounds off his got to see more weight. He had blood as a to once again police officer,” relocate to he said.

Nassau, this He spent 11 time to receive years on the constant dialyRoyal Bahasis treatment. mas Police “I didn’t look Force, becomfor sympathy; I ing a corporal accepted it and before he left in learned to live 1984. While serving with it and now I on the force, James encourage others to DR Sweetpushed himself and ing’s mother, adopt healthy living decided to attend the Colpractices.” the late lege of The Bahamas (now He leaned on all Gertrude University), studying teach- Reuben of the knowledge Sweeting, ing and theology.

Cooper; I was chrishe gained about “Education meant a lot tened there, but I nee Taylor. bush medicine to me,” he said. ended up attending from his childhood “I realised that with an St Paul’s with daddy.” in Exuma and his long education, you don’t have James applied him- years in Andros to pull to settle with mediocrity. self and took up theology The sky is the limit and courses, travelling to the him through. He is now an that is what I taught my US for study and com- advocate for preventative care and has been encourchildren.” pleting correspondence aging others to find their While serving on the courses. In Andros, he force, James met the love became a pastor for the natural medicine in the of his life, Barbara Evans- Church of Christ, which Bahamian coppice.

Harris. He was stationed as has over three million affili• The Rev Dr James an officer in Andros at the ates around the world – an Sweeting recently published time and she worked at the organisation for which he a book on bush medicine. local government office.

He also continues to operstill serves as pastor.

He recalls: “I was just As a chef, he blos- ate as a Justice of the Peace out of COB when I met my somed in Andros with his from his office on the corner wife. I was almost 30 years own catering business. He of Wulff Road and Quintine old then and we have been owned two restaurants Alley. To purchase a copy of together 37 years. We have and catered to locals and the book or to see him for five beautiful children and JP services, call 432-7767.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, August 14, 2018, PAGE 9

QUEEN’S COLLEGE STUDENT IS 2018 ALL-BAHAMAS MERIT SCHOLAR

By KATHRYN CAMPBELL AARON Edgecombe has earned the coveted 2018 All-Bahamas Merit Scholarship Award.

The prestigious award was bestowed on the Queen’s College graduate by Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling and Minister of Education Jeffrey Lloyd on August 9, during the All-Bahamas Merit and National Merit Scholars Award Ceremony at Government House.

He is the 24th scholar to receive the title of AllBahamas Merit Scholar since introduction of the award in 1993. An aspiring engineer, Aaron, plans to pursue studies toward a degree in electrical engineering at the University of Miami. His scholarship is valued at $140,000.

The student was among the 2018 scholars whose high achievements Mr Lloyd described as “unprecedented,” as he

acknowledged their insight, brilliance and fortitude.

Mr Lloyd also recognised Aaron’s parents, Adrian and Tiffany Edgecombe, to whom he requested the audience give a standing ovation.

“The country is very proud of you, very proud of how you have raised this young man and very proud of what and who he has become.”

The teen was graduated with a cumulative GPA of 3.95. In 2015, he was recognised by the Ministry of Education for having attained the best overall results in mathematics and health science at the BJC level, and in 2018 for his performance at the BGCSE level. In June 2017, he wrote 12 subjects at the BGCSE level and obtained 11 As and 1 B. In his final year of high school, he pursued eight college level courses and achieved a 1460 score on his SAT’s.

In his remarks, Aaron thanked his family, teachers, school administrators,

ALL-Bahamas Merit Scholar 2018 Aaron Edgecombe addresses the All-Bahamas Merit and National Merit Scholars Award Ceremony at Government House on August 9. Pictured at right: Minister of Education Jeffrey Lloyd, Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling, and Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary Lorraine Armbrister.

Photo: Derek Smith/BIS

and church, Bahamas our country has to offer. I establishing a rock solid phase of our success story.” strongly believe that some foundation for our lives.

He urged his peers to Harvest.

“I am extremely hon- of the best resources in the However, it is what we do use the gifts endowed on oured to share this stage country are not the natu- from this point on that truly them from God to leave the today with some of the ral resources of sun, sand matters. The future of The world in a better state than best and brightest young and sea, but the human Bahamas is in our hands they met it.

Derrica Ferguson, a minds in our country,” resources represented by and we must now determine what our contribution graduate of St Augustine’s the student said. “We rep- you and me.

“My fellow schol- to our nation and our world College is the 2018 Allresent only a fraction of the great potential that ars, we’ve done well in will be as we enter the next Bahamas Merit runner-up.

‘No one disenfranchised’ by uniform budget cuts

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net AFTER criticism from former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham and others on the government’s cuts to its school uniform assistance programme, Social Services Minister Frankie Campbell was adamant that no one has been disenfranchised as a result of the budget reduction.

The Minnis administration has cut uniform assistance by $90,000 with the Department of Social Services’ uniform budget decreasing from $360,000 last year to $270,000 this year.

Last week, Mr Ingraham criticised this decision and called for its reversal.

The former Free National Movement leader referred to the multitude of economic issues affecting the nation’s poor, including the recent value added tax hike, cost of living increases, and high unemployment levels.

When asked about these critiques, Mr Campbell emphasised the cut has not yet disenfranchised anyone, while highlighting all governments must eventually shift budgets.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an International Youth Observance Day event at Adventure Learning Centre, Mr Campbell said: “I want to say that governments have to do what they have to do.

All governments at some point in time would have cut something.

“I want to say that I am satisfied at this point that no one has yet been disenfranchised as a result of any cut.

“And I’m satisfied that if it becomes necessary to make some variations in funding to cover things, as would have been done in the past, all governments would have either shifted funds from one place to another place if it was discovered that more funds were needed.”

He added his belief that such “flexibility” still exists within the Minnis administration.

“So, the issue of the cut has not affected anyone thus far. There’s still resources there, so the cut was not an issue.”

Mr Campbell also said while he does not believe

such budget cuts represent “positive publicity” for the government, the government remains “mindful of its responsibility”.

“And wherever it is necessary for additional funds, there will be additional funds,” he said.

When asked if there will be revision in next year’s budget to increase the uniform assistance allocation, Mr Campbell said the matter could possibly be addressed in the mid-term budget.

Earlier this month, acting Director of Social Services Lillian Quant-Forbes said the department will only help a maximum of two children in a family that qualifies.

She also explained that for those applicants who received uniform assistance last year, their applications will be reviewed on a caseby-case basis.

This was later refuted

by Mr Campbell, who said there was no “hard and fast rule” at the Department of Social Services regarding how many children in a family would get help, stressing every situation would be dealt with on a case-bycase basis.

Yesterday Mr Campbell also addressed issues concerning the timeliness of processes at the Wulff Road Social Services Department.

He said staffing is an issue, but the matter that causes the “most concern” is the social assistance debit card issued by Bank of the Bahamas (BOB).

Some have complained of a delay in the cards being issued.

Mr Campbell said to his understanding that was a three-year contract which began to expire sometime in March.

“At the end of each period, when someone is assessed for assistance, there should be a re-evaluation,” he said.

“I’m of the impression that the re-evaluation did not commence in a timely fashion. (BOB) wanted to do the re-issuing of the cards in a huge block.

“And that too was part and parcel of the delay — they were waiting for all the information to come one time so they could issue all the cards at one time.”

Mr Campbell said since

he has become minister, he has advised that persons who’ve already been evaluated should receive cards, adding some individuals already have received.

“I’m also advised that there was supposed to be a voucher system in place during that interim period. There was some apparent delay there. I’m advised that they have recommenced the voucher system.”

Admitting the system will never be “perfect”, Mr Campbell said it can still improve. He said his goal is to “work hard to raise the standard”.

Regarding the reported delay of processing child support cheques at the Magistrate’s Court, Mr Campbell said that has been an issue since his days in law enforcement.

He added he “cannot speak with any specificity” on the current state of that problem, but said it’s been a “longstanding issue”.

PAGE 10, Tuesday, August 14, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, August 14, 2018, PAGE 11

THE Ministry of Tourism made 17-year-old Grayson Richardson’s dream of visiting the swimming pigs come true. Grayson is battling a rare type of brain cancer.

Photos: Ministry of Tourism

AILING TEEN’S DREAM OF SWIMMING WITH ELEUTHERA PIGS COMES TRUE SEVENTEEN-year-old Grayson Richardson is battling a rare type of brain cancer called anaplastic astrocytoma.

About 1,200 children under 19 are diagnosed with glioma (brain tumour) per year in the United States with a fraction of those being astrocytoma. Since being diagnosed Grayson has been a fighter. He has had a combination of two brain surgeries, 44 rounds of chemotherapy and heavy doses of steroid used to keep brain swelling down.

Since treatment, his body has changed dramatically and he is completely blind on the right side of both of his eyes, and is now unable to read or speak clearly.

Recently, Grayson’s family reached out to the Ministry of Tourism and shared his dream of swimming with the world-famous swimming pigs. Once Minister of Tourism Dionisio D’Aguilar heard Grayson’s story, he did everything in his power to make the teen’s dream a reality.

“I am touched by this young man’s story. In spite of his illness he still takes the time to volunteer and give back in any way that he can. The Ministry of Tourism is excited about the opportunity to share one of the many wonders of the Bahamas with Grayson in the hope of making his days brighter,” said Mr

TEEN GRAYSON RICHARDSON, who has a rare type of brain cancer, with a representative from Da Salty Pig excursion in Spanish Wells.

D’Aguilar, according to a Richardson said you could press release. see the pure joy on GrayThe family travelled with son’s face when he heard Captain Bruce from Da the news that he would Salty Pig excursion. Cap- have the opportunity to go tain Bruce described the to Spanish Wells, Bahamas experience as very reward- to swim with the pigs. ing and humbling. “It was a “Grayson has been wantvery special day for all of us ing to swim with the pigs for at Da Salty Pig, as we had years. It was truly a dream the exceptional privilege to come true for him, in fact for meet Grayson and make all of us! He truly enjoyed his dream of swimming putting his feet in the sand with the pigs come true. It and moving through the was an incredibly touching beautiful waters. It was such moment to see his smile an amazing experience, one when the first pig swam up our family will never forget. to him. He was filled with so Thank you, Ministry of much joy and happiness.”

Tourism for making GrayGrayson’s father Flint son’s dream come true.”

PAGE 12, Tuesday, August 14, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

ARETHA FRANKLIN SERIOUSLY ILL NEW YORK Associated Press

FANS and friends, including Mariah Carey and Missy Elliott, offered prayers and well wishes to Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin, who is seriously ill.

A person close to Franklin, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the person was not allowed to publicly talk about the topic, told The Associated Press on Monday that the singer is seriously ill. No more details were provided.

Carey, who considers Franklin one of her biggest influences, wrote on Twitter that she is “praying for the Queen of Soul”. Missy Elliott said that the public has to celebrate iconic artists before they die.

“So many (of them) have given us decades of Timeless music,” the rapper wrote on Twitter.

Franklin, who had battled undisclosed health issues in recent years, canceled planned concerts earlier this year after she was ordered by her doctor to stay off the road and rest up.

STRZOK SHOCK AS FBI AGENT FIRED WASHINGTON Associated Press

PETER Strzok, a longtime FBI agent who was removed from the Russia investigation over antiTrump text messages, has been fired by the agency, his lawyer said yesterday.

The FBI had been reviewing Strzok’s employment after the politically charged text messages were discovered last year. President Donald Trump’s allies have seized on the texts, saying they show the investigation into possible coordination between the Trump campaign and Russia is tainted by political bias.

Strzok was fired late Friday by FBI Deputy Director David Bowdich, said his lawyer, Aitan Goelman. He said the 21-year veteran of the FBI was removed because of political pressure and “to punish Special Agent Strzok for political speech protected by the First Amendment”.

Goelman also said the FBI had overruled the agency’s Office of Professional Responsibility, which he said had determined that a 60-day suspension and demotion from supervisory duties was “the appropriate punishment”.

IN this November 15, 2017, photo, roofs damaged by the whip of Hurricane Maria are still exposed to rainy weather conditions, in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Photo: Carlos Giusti/AP

FEMA says it didn’t treat Puerto Ricans differently ORLANDO, Florida Associated Press THE Federal Emergency Management Agency says it didn’t handle housing vouchers for displaced residents of Puerto Rico any differently from those of displaced Texas and Florida residents after last year’s hurricanes.

FEMA said in court papers filed Friday that it’s unfair to compare the three responses to the hurricanes because the governors of the two states and the island made different requests for federal assistance. The agency is fighting a lawsuit brought by Puerto Rican evacuees who are asking a judge to extend vouchers allowing them to

live in hotels until they find more permanent housing. The vouchers expire at the end of the month.

“It is common sense that the impact of each disaster is unique, causing different types and amounts of damage, and affecting different numbers of people,” government attorneys wrote.

Moreover, FEMA said in the filing that it had approved $3.9bn in assistance for Puerto Rico for Hurricane Maria, $2.4bn for Texas for Hurricane Harvey and $1.1bn for Florida for Hurricane Irma.

The evacuees said in a court filing Friday that FEMA isn’t doing enough for the Puerto Ricans left homeless by Hurricane Maria, in contrast to how it treated Texas

residents after Hurricane Harvey last year. Attorneys for the evacuees said FEMA had provided housing assistance in a “discriminatory manner.”

“FEMA is barred from either providing or terminating disaster assistance ... in an unequal manner on account of race, color, nationality, type of citizenship, English proficiency or economic status,” said the attorneys for the evacuees.

“Plaintiffs ... are mostly Spanishspeaking persons of color with a unique national identity and type of citizenship ... They were hit the hardest, needed the most but have received the least.”

Before ending the vouchers, the agency should make sure the

evacuees find long-term housing, either through rental assistance or home-repair help, attorneys for the Puerto Rican evacuees said.

Tens of thousands of Puerto Ricans are estimated to have moved to the mainland United States after last September’s devastating storm. Hundreds of families are still using the vouchers. In many cases, FEMA workers have called evacuees and told them to go back to Puerto Rico, said the evacuees’ attorneys, who called it harassment.

In cases where FEMA has helped with rental assistance, the amount is based on Puerto Rican market rates and don’t cover the more expensive rent in the mainland United States, the evacuees said.

CHILDREN STRAPPED TO CHAIRS WITH BAGS OVER HEADS WASHINGTON Associated Press

A STATE review into the treatment of immigrant teens held at a Virginia detention centre confirmed the facility uses restraint techniques that can include strapping children to chairs and placing mesh bags over their heads.

But investigators concluded the harsh treatment described by detainees at the Shenandoah Valley Juvenile Center did not meet the state’s legal threshold of abuse or neglect, according to a copy of the

findings issued yesterday by the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice and obtained by The Associated Press.

The regulators did make several recommendations to improve conditions inside the facility, including hiring more bilingual staff, expanding “culturally relevant programming” and improving screening to provide care for detainees who suffer from mental health issues. The state also said administrators should consider new furniture and fresh paint to make the jail-like facility

“more developmentally appropriate”.

Democratic Gov Ralph Northam ordered the review in June, hours after the AP published first-person accounts by children as young as 14 who said they were handcuffed, shackled and beaten at the facility. They also described being stripped of their clothes and locked in solitary confinement, sometimes strapped to chairs with bags over their heads.

The state investigators said they were unable to interview the immigrant teens who made sworn statements saying they were

severely abused. Those who made the initial complaints as part of a federal class-action lawsuit filed in November 2017 were subsequently transferred to other facilities or deported to their home countries after the resolution of their immigration cases.

Northam issued a statement applauding his administration’s “quick and comprehensive examination”. “I take these allegations very seriously and directed members of my administration to immediately look into these claims of abuse and

mistreatment,” he said.

The legal advocacy group representing the Latino teens suing the facility called the state’s review “deeply flawed” and said the investigators never contacted them or asked to speak to their clients.

“The children in this facility are denied necessary mental health care and subjected to abusive conditions,” said Jonathan Smith, executive director of the Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs. “We look forward to proving our case in court.”