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Volume:115 No.184, AUGUST 17TH, 2018

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Gibson trial: Witnesses’ testimony ‘coached’ by police Secret recordings reveal evidence edited to remove ‘contradictions’

By TANEKA THOMPSON Tribune News Editor tmthompson@tribunemedia.net LAWYERS for former Cabinet minister Shane Gibson filed documents in the Supreme Court yesterday alleging the statements

of two key prosecution witnesses have been “tainted” and are not reliable, painting a picture of “unprecedented levels of witness coaching and evidence alteration” at the hands of lawyers and the Anti-Corruption Unit.

Transcripts of recorded meetings in 2017 with police, the two main witnesses in the prosecution’s bribery case against Gibson, and their attorneys were filed with an SEE PAGES FOUR & FIVE

SHANE Gibson at a previous court appearance.

INGRAHAM AND CHRISTIE DECLINE NATIONAL HONOURS

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

PERRY CHRISTIE

FORMER Prime Ministers Hubert Ingraham and Perry Christie have declined the government’s national honour awards, according to three sources familiar with their action.

The men were to receive the Order of the Nation award which is bestowed upon all people who have served as governor general or prime minister. The

honour would have entitled them to be called “most honourable”.

However, they informed Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling of their rejection of the award in separate letters sent to Government House within the last week, The Tribune was told.

They both declined to elaborate on the matter when asked about it by this newspaper in the past two days.

SEE PAGE SEVEN

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PAGE 2, Friday, August 17, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

Dear Bahamas, Glad I was here, Shaquille O’Neal

By FARRAH JOHNSON fjohnson@tribunemedia.net

20

RETIRED NBA star Shaquille O’Neal stopped by a local bicycle store while on vacation to pick out a bike to cycle around town.

Workers at Cycles Unlimited on Mackey Street were in for a pleasant surprise when the basketball legend came in this week to purchase a mountain bike for him and his trainer.

Mary Stubbs, the salesperson on the floor at the time, told The Tribune that on Wednesday a man and a woman came into the shop and explained they were looking for a bicycle for Shaquille O’Neal.

According to Ms Stubbs, the pair took a few pictures explaining that they would be back soon before leaving the store.

“I wasn’t expecting him (Shaquille O’Neal) so soon and about within two to three hours, I saw a car pull in the driveway and out came our Minister of National Security Marvin Dames, and when I looked I saw this tall person,” she said.

“I couldn’t believe it. Looking at him on TV and comparing him to what he looks like in person is completely

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John George Mosko, 62

of Nassau, The Bahamas, who died at his home in Nassau, on Thursday, 16th August, 2018, will be held at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, West Street, Nassau, on Monday, 20th August, 2018 at 10:30 a.m.

Reverend Father Irenaeus Cox will officiate and interment will follow in Ebenezer Methodist Cemetery, East Shirley Street, Nassau.

He was predeceased by his father and mother, George and Stella Mosko.

He is survived by his wife, Alexandra Mosko; children, Stella Coulson and her husband, Derek Coulson and George John Mosko; brothers and their wives and families, James and Patricia Mosko and family and Milton Mosko; sisters, Mary and Dr. Dean Tseretopoulos and family and Alexandra and Peter Attaloglou; sisters-in-law their husbands and family, Eleni and George Spirou and family, Vasiliki and Charles Szczesny and family and many other relatives and close friends.

different,” she added.

Ms Stubbs said she showed Mr O’Neal the bike they had selected for him, but she and her boss quickly realised that he would need something bigger.

“I said the only (other) thing I have is a regular cruiser which is a twenty-three inch frame. I showed him that, and he said ‘That’s the bike.’ So we took it and we got it fit for his height and everything.”

The owner of the bike shop, Shirley Campbell, said the store is no stranger to guests who vacation on Paradise Island.

Describing her encounter with Mr O’Neal, she said: “He’s very funny and very nice. All the people that were with him, they were all laughing and talking and they had a really nice time collecting his bike.

“He was very happy that we were so nice to him and we got along so well,” she continued.

Mrs Campbell said once the transaction had been completed, Mr O’Neal just “rode off” in a “jolly” manner on his bike from the store.

“He is a really nice person. I’m sure they’re going to be coming back sometime.

At least that’s the way he made us feel – like he’ll be back,” she said.

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THE TRIBUNE

Friday, August 17, 2018, PAGE 3

Nygard told to pay up $2.2m in legal costs

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net CANADIAN fashion mogul Peter Nygard has been ordered by the Supreme Court to pay non-profit environmental advocacy group Save The Bays a combined total of $2.2 million in legal costs.

The costs were ordered in four separate certificates of taxation, obtained by the Tribune, and flow from Nygard’s ongoing battle with STB over allegations the construction/development activities at his Lyford Cay home have led to a substantial growth of the property.

The matter is before Justice Rhonda Bain, who last month found Nygard guilty of contempt of court for the third time for breaching her order prohibiting him from engaging in any illegal dredging near his property in Lyford Cay. Nygard was ordered to pay STB $1,628,481.87

for the first court of court matter, and yet to be sentenced for the other two contempt convictions.

The sentencing for those convictions are set to be hear before Justice Indra Charles on sept 28.

STB claims Nygard has almost doubled the size of his property, from 3.25 acres to 6.1 acres since he acquired it in 1984, by allegedly reclaiming Crown land from the sea.

STB filed for a judicial review in July 2013, and an injunction was issued to block further dredging.

Nygard was ordered to pay $411,170.35 in costs to STB for his failed bid to have Justice Bain recused from his case, and $129,000 for the withdrawal of Lockhard & Co as his legal counsel.

He was also ordered to pay $33,780 for not complying with an order to allow the court to inspect Nygard Cay. The combined costs amount to $2,202,432.22.

PETER NYGARD

DELANO FAWKES, left, and Kelvin Deveaux outside court yesterday.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

THREE FACE COURT ON MURDER CHARGES

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

In the first matter, Jameine Bethel, 22, stood before Deputy Chief Magistrate Subsola Swain faced with one count of murder concerning a Saturday, August 4, incident.

It is alleged on that date, Bethel murdered Javon McDonald at Abner Street, Fox Hill.

According to reports, police were called to the location after gunshots were heard coming from a residence just before 5am.

Responding officers discovered an adult male lying on the floor of his home with apparent gunshot injuries to his body.

Paramedics visited the scene but were unable to revive the victim and he was pronounced dead.

The accused was not required to enter a plea to the charge and the matter was adjourned to October 16 for service of a voluntary bill of indictment.

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

In the second matter, Kelvin Deveaux, 22, and Delano Fawkes, 22, were also arraigned before Deputy Chief Magistrate

Swain, charged in connection with the July 28 murder of Ernest Davis.

Police earlier this week arraigned Omar Thompson, 23, in connection with this matter.

It is alleged that on the date in question, the trio, being concerned together, murdered Davis.

They were not required to enter a plea to the charges and the matter was adjourned to October 10 for service of a voluntary bill of indictment.

The two were remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

They can apply to the Supreme Court for bail.

JAMEINE Bethel outside court.

TEENAGER ACCUSED OF SEX ATTACK ON TEN-YEAR-OLD

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net A 19-YEAR-OLD boy was arraigned in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday charged with the indecent assault of a ten-year-old girl at her residence and the early morning burglary of the home.

Peter Estamble, of Watkins Street, stood before Magistrate Samuel

McKinney charged with one count each of indecent assault and burglary concerning incidents that occurred on Sunday, August 12.

It is alleged that on the date in question, Estamble, between 4am and 4.40am, broke into a home with the intent to commit a felony.

Additionally, authorities alleged that once inside that home, Estamble sexually

assaulted a ten-year-old girl.

He was not required to enter a plea to the charges and the case was adjourned to October 1 for service of a voluntary bill of indictment.

Bail was denied and he was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDCS) until that time or until he is successful in securing bail from the Supreme Court.

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PAGE 4, Friday, August 17, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

Gibson trial: Witnesses’ testimony ‘coached’ by police from page one affidavit in support of Gibson’s application to have the case against him thrown out.

The transcripts detail several meetings in 2017 police officers identified as ASP Thompson and Sgt 1877 Rolle, the lead investigators in the case, had with witnesses Johnathan Ash and Deborah Bastian and their respective attorneys.

The affidavit and supported filings allege - based on the covertly recorded meetings - police engaged in a “secretive process of coaching” Mr Ash and Ms Bastian to coordinate their statements on the alleged bribery.

The transcripts also detail how the two witnesses were told what to say and what to leave out of their statements.

It is also alleged witness statements were backdated.

During one meeting, police appear to tell Ms Bastian to date her statement July 25, 2017, even though she met with them in September.

Gibson’s attorneys argue this was done to give the “misleading” impression the statement had been made before his arraignment last August.

It is unclear who recorded the meetings.

In a meeting that took place on September 25, 2017, ASP Thompson tells Mr Ash, Ms Bastian and their attorneys Alecia Bowe and Raymond Rolle, respectively, that they were invited back to the police station to clear up uncertainty in their previous accounts detailing a meeting with Gibson and the two witnesses.

Mr Ash had several lucrative clean-up contracts with the government and said he was owed money by the Christie administration.

Ms Bastian worked with Gibson and said she and Mr Ash were friends. It is

SUPPORTERS of Shane Gibson outside court during a previous appearance. alleged the bribes were set up after a meeting by them with Gibson.

“And the reason I invited y’all back here was to clear up some ambiguity in your statements in terms of y’all account of what occurred on the day of when y’all met with him, and as it relates to how much money you gave Ms Bastian because those accounts, it differs,” ASP Thompson says in the transcript of the secret recording. “...Mr Ash, you could give an overview of what you told us transpired and then if there’s anything you don’t agree with, with what he is saying Ms Bastian, you let us know and then I want you to explain to him what you told us and if there’s anything you don’t agree with, you let us know so we could clear this up.

“We need to iron this

out because y’all are giving two different accounts as to what transpired leading up to the meeting, what happened on the day of the meeting and then the payments, how much money was disbursed as it related to what you put in Deborah Bastian to give to Mr Gibson. I need to get that clear.”

The two witnesses gave differing accounts in that September meeting on some issues, including the amount of money they allegedly agreed to give Gibson from Mr Ash’s contract payments.

After the two gave statements, ASP Thompson says they can sign off on them later that day or the next, adding she will delete some things they said and “then just clear up one or two points”.

After Mr Ash asked if

he could sign his statement immediately because he had plans to travel that day, the officer said she needed at least an hour or two to “clean up” the statement.

“Y’all two (Ms Bastian and Mr Ash) saying the same thing,” Ms Bowe, Mr Ash’s attorney says. “It’s just the end result is the money end up in Mr Gibson’s pocket.”

ASP Thompson then says: “Yeah but see that... even though that might be the focus, the ambiguity might turn out to the focus of the trial.”

Mr Rolle agrees, adding, “They’ll try to take the focus off of him having this money rather than focusing on that, they’ll focus on the minor discrepancies.”

At one point, Ms Bowe, with the police present, tells Ms Bastian what evidence should not be given in her statement to avoid the impression that the two witnesses had “entrapped” Gibson.

“We knew the meeting (with Gibson) was going to take place, we know what was going to be said in the meeting because I had already coached him (Mr Ash) on what to say,” Ms Bastian says, according to the transcript.

Ms Bowe tells her not to go into that, adding, “When you start talking about you were coaching him because it means you two would’ve been in cahoots, really.”

“Conspiracy,” Mr Rolle interjects.

“Conspiracy, and then when you look, entrapment, entrapped the minister,” Ms Bowe says.

Ms Bastian began her statement to police detailing her friendship with Mr Ash, saying they were so close he once sat with her for hours in the waiting room while her daughter was getting medical care at Doctors Hospital.

Mr Ash’s lawyer tells her not to mention the pair’s friendship because

Photo: Terrel W Carey/Tribune Staff it would be seized upon by the defence. She tells Ms Bastian to instead focus her story to police on the fact that Mr Ash came to her complaining he had not been paid by the government for work completed, thus setting of the chain of the events of alleged bribery.

At one point during the September 2017 meeting, when Ms Bastian appears to be alone with an unidentified male, she expresses frustration with the fact that the prosecution is not “protecting” her like Mr Ash. “But what I find interesting, right? They don’t have a problem protecting him, to have him in.. but they don’t care nothing ‘bout me. Yeah, you see what I mean? They don’t have any problem. And they don’t understand Ash is lie. “...I telling you. Ash is lie. Ash gave them what they wanted because Ash wanted his money to be released, here. That’s all he is. And he gave them exactly what they wanted.”

‘Prejudiced’ An affidavit by Ryszard Humes, an associate of law firm Munroe and Associates, said meetings with police and the witnesses “resulted in the contamination of the evidence of both principal witnesses and such that it would not be possible for them to give independent evidence free of that contamination.

“It is also apparent from the audio recording/transcripts that the parties were prepared to edit and adjust the witness statements to ensure harmony of critical information tending to prejudice the applicant’s guarantee of a fair and impartial trial.”

Ms Humes said the “unprecedented levels of witness coaching and evidence alteration in this case was so egregious” that the potential evidence of Mr

Ash, Ms Bastian and ASP Thompson has been “irremediably tainted”.

Ms Humes’ affidavit also alleges “key witnesses have actively colluded to modify and harmonise their respective witness statements and their proposed evidence so as to strengthen” the Crown’s case against Gibson.

Edward Fitzgerald, whose argument in support of a stay of the proceedings against Gibson was filed with the transcripts, said the investigative process “resulted in the contamination” of both witnesses’ evidence.

“The whole process offends the well-known principle that ‘discussion between witnesses should not take place and that the statements and proofs of one witness should not be disclosed to any other witness.’ “...The witnesses were wrongly put together, wrongly invited to compare and synchronise their evidence, actually directed what to say at key passages, invited to discuss their evidence and its potential impact on the jury and to avoid opening up issues for cross-examination by the defence, expressly told to mislead the court by putting in a false date for the statement of Deborah Bastian.

This constitutes a course of conduct that makes the continuation of the prosecution an affront to the rule of law.”

Gibson is seeking an order to have the indictment against him quashed and the case against him dismissed or stayed.

In July, Gibson’s lawyers filed a three-page motion calling for his case to be dismissed due to witness coaching and overarching collusion between various police and prosecution units.

He is facing trial for multiple bribery charges concerning Mr Ash.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, August 17, 2018, PAGE 5

SHANE Gibson outside of Ansbacher Supreme Court previously.

Photo: Terrel W Carey/Tribune Staff

TRANSCRIPTS FILED REVEAL ALLEGED BID TO CO-ORDINATE WITNESS STATEMENTS

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net TRANSCRIPTS lawyers for Shane Gibson filed in the Supreme Court yesterday allegedly detail the efforts of police investigators and lawyers to synchronise the statements of the two principal prosecution witnesses concerning how the decision was made to pay Gibson money.

During an alleged meeting between Gibson, Jonathan Ash and Deborah Bastian, the former Cabinet minister never vocalised a request to be given money.

“We never mentioned anything about money in Minister Gibson’s presence or giving him money,” the transcript identifies Ms Bastian as saying.

Instead, Gibson allegedly smiled and walked away after the topic of illicit payments to an official at the Ministry of Works, came up, according to Mr Ash. During his meeting with Ms Bastian, ASP Thompson, Sgt Rolle and lawyers Alecia Brown and Raymond Rolle, the contractor claimed that at one point during the pair’s meeting with Gibson, Ms Bastian unexpectedly said: “You tell Mr Gibson you is give... some money (to the Ministry of Works official), right? …So I look at her to say well, ‘Man, why you would bring this up in this meeting? This man ain’t need to know this. But then again him being the minister in

charge, right, I didn’t lie.

I come again and confess, ‘Yes I did give the guy couple of dollars.’ And he didn’t say anything. He start smiling. Uhhh, he didn’t say well, ‘Why you paying him?’ Or nothing like that.

All he did was start smiling and after that he get up and then he left.”

Mr Ash and Ms Bastian agreed they began discussing arrangements to pay Gibson while walking downstairs following the meeting.

However, the pair did not agree who between them raised the issue of paying Gibson.

When he recounted the story from his perspective, Mr Ash said Ms Bastian “called the figure of the money” and said $250,000 had to be given to Gibson.

Later, the two disputed the point, with Ms Bastian saying: “I don’t remember who brought it up. I think I may have said to him ‘now, you know…’.”

Mr Ash then interjected: “And you know I was saying no.”

“I don’t know that you were saying no but anyway,” responded Ms Bastian.

“Oh lord,” Mr Ash replied.

“Let’s go through this,” replied Ms Bastian. “I don’t know. Maybe you did say no. I don’t know.”

“I don’t know if you told me no but then I said to you, ‘Well you know now he looking for some money’ and I don’t know who said what the amount was. I believe and I’m going to

say this but I can’t prove it.

I believe Ash suggested an amount and I’m almost certain I said to him, ‘Boy you crazy aye?’

“He suggested an amount more than 250 (thousand), I believe. Now, just hold on….so when we started to talk about this money, he said to me, he said, ‘Look, I want this man to know that I for real. I ain’ playing.’ He say, ‘So I ga give you something’ and I don’t remember if he gave it to me that day or the next day but ‘I ga make a payment.’”

One thing about which the pair agreed is Gibson was ultimately paid money, though they were not clear on how much.

They allege that Mr Ash gave money to Ms Bastian who then gave money to Gibson. At some point, however, Mr Ash began giving money to Gibson directly, they claimed.

ASP Thompson said during the meeting: “Is it agreed between the two of y’all that it was anywhere around 200 thousand that he would’ve given you in money?”

Ms Bastian said: “Yeah.”

“That you personally put in Mr Gibson’s hand?” asked ASP Thompson.

“Like I said,” responded Ms Bastian, “when I was keeping the count and he was giving me the money I was able to tell him exactly because it wasn’t no blind cheque. It wasn’t no 360 or 400. We had agreed to 250, when it would’ve gotten to 250, I would’ve said to Ash, you are now at 250. You don’t owe Gibson nothing

because you never gave Gibson nothing. But now it is, you start giving Gibson money.”

Mr Ash responded: “He ask me if I gat any shingles.”

Mr Ash told police he understood the word shingles to be “code” for money.

ASP Thompson

continued to press the two in search of their understanding concerning the $250,000 near the end of the first meeting detailed in the transcripts.

“You saying you told him to forego a payment?

In your mind that foregone payment was for Mr

Gibson? That was your understanding?”

After Mr Ash replied “yes”, ASP Thompson said: “All right, so those areas in the statement I just clear up and then I’ll invite y’all back just to sign because I need y’all to be synchronised with that.”

PAGE 6, Friday, August 17, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

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Vatican ‘shame and sorrow’ over abuse VATICAN CITY (AP) — The Vatican expressed “shame and sorrow” Thursday over a scathing Pennsylvania grand jury report about clergy who raped and molested children in six dioceses in that state, calling the abuse “criminally and morally reprehensible” and saying Pope Francis wants to eradicate “this tragic horror”.

In a written statement using uncharacteristically strong language for the Holy See even in matters like the longrunning abuse scandals staining the US church, Vatican spokesman Greg Burke sought to assure victims that “the pope is on their side.”

Pope Francis himself wasn’t quoted in the statement, and there was no mention of demands in the United States among some Roman Catholics for the resignation of Cardinal Donald Wuerl, the archbishop of Washington.

The grand jury report made public this week accused the cardinal of helping to protect some molester priests while he was bishop of the Pennsylvania city of Pittsburgh. Wuerl has defended his actions in Pittsburgh while apologizing for the damage inflicted on victims.

Burke said the incidents of abuse graphically documented in the report were “betrayals of trust that robbed survivors of their dignity and their faith”.

“The church must learn hard lessons from its past, and there should be accountability for both abusers and those who permitted abuse to occur,” he said.

Victims and their advocates for decades have lamented that top Catholic churchmen repeatedly put the reputation of the church ahead of obligations to protect children from harm from pedophile priests.

In a sign that Pope Francis wants to end that pervasive mind set among church hierachy, including bishops and cardinals, he recently accepted the resignation from cardinal’s rank of former Washington archbishop Theodore McCarrick amid allegations that the American prelate had engaged in sexual misconduct.

Resignations by cardinals are extremely rare, and McCarrick’s was the first time a prelate lost his cardinal’s rank in a sexual abuse scandal.

Burke said Francis “understands well how much these crimes can shake the faith and the spirit of believers and reiterates the call to make every effort to create a safe environment for minors and vulnerable adults in the church and in all of society.”

The grand jury report documented how pedophile priests were often protected by church hierarchy or moved to other postings without the faithful being told of the priests’ sexual predatory history.

The long-awaited grand jury report was full of vivid examples of horrendous abuse. In one such example, a young girl was raped by a priest visiting her while she was in a hospital following surgery to remove her tonsils. In another, a priest tied up a victim with a rope in a confessional booth, and when the victim refused to perform sex, the priest assaulted him with a crucifix.

Speaking about Francis, Burke said: “Those who have suffered are his priority, and the church wants to listen to them to root out this tragic horror that destroys the lives of the innocent.”

Even before the report was released, a series of scandals over the last few decades involving pedophile priests and systematic attempts by pastors and bishops to cover up the abuse by shuttling offenders to new parishes had rocked the faith of many Catholics in the United States.

Similar abuse and determination by protect abusers had also stained the reputation of the Catholic Church in many other countries.

Francis recently did a turnaround on how accusations by victims in Chile were viewed by the Vatican. After casting doubt on the victims’ accounts during his visit to Chile earlier this year, Francis apologised to them, hosted the victims at the Vatican and later accepted the resignations of some of the country’s bishops, who offered en masse to step down.

TEN, fifteen, twenty years. That’s the amount of time it takes for some hardworking, dedicated public servants to receive their first promotion.

There’s no avoiding the fact that we’ve all had an interaction or two with public servants, who lack the skills and ambition to be public servants, much less deserve a promotion.

However, we should never use these experiences to cast generalisations which apply to the entire public service. We must remember that the Public Service consist of thousands of officers, some of whom operate daily without any public interaction, ensuring that our schools, clinics and offices function efficiently.

In 99 percent of those negative experiences, the root cause stems from incompetence within management.

Far too often, persons are elevated to the posts of supervisors and managers, when they lack the capacity to be considered “line staff”.

In a business, a person who does not perform in a position is not left in place to further dismantle and disrupt the division, instead they are placed in a position where they are better suited.

No one would put a plumber in a position where a lawyer is needed, and expect him to function efficiently. That’s madness.

I can proclaim with absolute certainty that there are many hardworking, dedicated, committed and knowledgeable employees throughout the service because I am one of them.

However, far too often those are the ones never promoted, considered or appreciated.

Ask yourself this, if you worked assiduously for an organisation and never received a promotion in 10,15,20 years, how motivated would you be? What is your motivation to work even harder?

Some public servants have been known to act so long in positions that they are considered “Senior Actors”, in the post. Take for instance, the female officer of the Royal Bahamas Police Force who caused a major uproar between the Minister of National Security and the Leader of the Opposition in the House of Parliament last month. This officer was acting for so long, that when she was promoted this year, it had to be made retroactive to 2014.

That’s highly unfair to that officer, who I am sure worked tirelessly and was deserving of that promotion, a long time ago.

When you inquire about situations where officers are acting without pay or consideration, the response is often, “they lack the qualification”. Then, in the cases where the officer is qualified, the response is “we

EDITOR, The Tribune.

IT is commonly accepted among Christians and a lot of non-traditionalists, that if an individual takes the life of another without legal justification, he/she must in turn be executed by the state. This is the law of God Himself as laid down in the Bible. This eons-old concept of an eye for an eye forms the very basis of most jurisprudence thesis universally.

In recent years, a debate has been reignited as to the humane aspects of state sponsored executions for convicted and appeal barred certified murderers.

Some argue that it is “cruel lack the funding to pay for and inhumane” to execute the qualification”. If we plan such individuals. Others to follow this model, how postulate that such murdo we ever expect to attract derers are capable of being and hold the best and bright- rehabilitated. Yet, more of est within the public service? them clamor that if God can If we are truly serious forgive why man can’t or about uplifting, equipping won’t do so? The apologies, and modernising the Public pro and con, could go on Service, we must first look forever while scores more at investing in its most valu- Bahamians are slaughtered able asset, its “Human like animals in our othercapital”, by encouraging wise wonderful nation.

I am a Christian, bar and promoting the development of all Public Servants. none. My love and reverTwo things I would advise ence for Jehovah knows no bounds and, certainly, are all public servants to do: 1) Join the Bahamas Public not restricted by humanistic Service Union (BPSU), dogma.

When I was in the legal which will act as your defence against any wrongful action, arena, I specialised in while fighting for better con- criminal defence, especially for individuals accused of ditions of service.

2) Get yourself a copy of the most reprehensible of the “Bahamas Government crimes: homicides; armed housebreaking; Human Resource Policies assaults; Manual”, which was revised stealing; hijackings; fraud in 2017. This document out- and, of course, brutal and lines the rules and terms of life changing rapes of females and, once or twice, your employment.

A public servant who is knowledgeable, is powerful. It’s available online for free, get it.

Stop accepting from the EDITOR, The Tribune.

Public Service what they will not accept from you, that HOW strange was the is mediocrity. Those that comment of the AG on the govern us, should also be PM’s comment and commitgoverned. Those that assess ment to capital punishment. us, should also be assessed.

Such a controversial issue One of the many dedi- as only 53 countries cated Servants of The globally still adhere or Public. have execution on their law books - The Bahamas is in DEDICATED some strange company!

SERVANT The Prime Minister’s comNassau, ment suddenly awoke the AG July 15, 2018. and suddenly drafting and

Public service EDITOR, The Tribune.

Executions and the word of God LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net males. My “success” rate for murder acquittals hovered at 95% or 89 out of 110. No other lawyer before or since that time has even come close to my record.

Having said the above, I stress that while I would have represented alleged murderers, I am fully in support of the death penalty.

Its imposition is mandated

by God’s words which are not void of power, regardless of what the Pope or anyone else might say otherwise. It is on our statute books and has been carried out before.

It is to be conceded that the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, our final court of appeal, has placed almost insurmountable challenges to the carrying out of the same here in The Bahamas and other jurisdictions where it holds sway.

It is because we are enchanted by all things foreign, we cling to the frayed gown tail of Mother England and Big Daddy America.

Our hybrid system of governance, one where we profess a transparent veneer of democracy but is really an almost hereditary self perpetuating notables.

Our leaders, on both sides, are fearful of bucking the now established order of the day which is against the imposition of the death penalty.

Bahamians always get the type of government which they deserve. Usually a politically spineless one or, at best, goose steppers and sheep walkers.

State-sponsored executions would result, in my view, in an immediate reduction in the alarming and ever increasing statistics for alleged homicides.

If I know, with certainty, that my life would be forfeited if I were to take yours without legal justification, unless I am a dead crazy individual, and many of you Bahamians appear to think that I am, I would hesitate, big time, before committing a murder. It is a definite deterrent no matter what the social apologists might say.

Yes, there is always room for rehabilitation but at what price and what consideration is being given to the deceased and his/her survivors?

Are the words of God void when He said “Thou shall not kill...”?

He went on to say, without ambiguity: “The soul that killeth shall surely die...”

Where the laws of God and those of man conflict, I for one, will err on God’s side and to hell with what might appear to be the majority.

The death penalty is the final solution and must be reimposed sooner rather than later. To God then, in all things, be the glory.

ORTLAND H. BODIE, Jr. Nassau, August 16, 2018.

AG on death penalty study of capital punishment is a priority issue… was this a little brown nosing, Editor?

I agree and I believe most will that the Privy Council’s directive only in the “worst or the worst” cases is vague and requires defining. I suggest the AG simply send the Privy Council a note requesting a detailed explantation as to what is “the worst of the worst”.

Expediency, yes, AG is certainly important - if

it takes three-four years for a murder case to get to the jury which has to change there… appeals a further year or longer. Far too long. Do we eliminate the right of appeal to the Privy Council? Careful, Mr Prime Minister, careful…

You will again split the nation. Careful, sir.

W THOMPSON Nassau, July 25, 2018.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, August 17, 2018, PAGE 7

Ingraham and Christie decline national honours from page one Mr Christie said on Wednesday: “I made a decision but I haven’t heard from Her Excellency so I don’t want to say anything formally until I have heard from her.”

Sources told The Tribune Mr Christie in particular looked forward to accepting

the honour, having served as the prime minister when the National Honours Act was enacted in 2016.

However, he is said to have declined receiving the award from the Minnis administration, a reflection of his concern about a declining civility in politics and the criminal prosecution of several Progressive Liberal

Party members since the 2017 general election.

The rejection of the award by the former leaders is a blow to the prestige of the national honour system.

It comes weeks after it was mired in controversy when Prime Minister Dr Minnis chose to bestow the Order of National Hero award on former United Bahamian Party leader and Premier

Sir Roland Symonette. Critics said Sir Roland was not fit for the award because he led a “racist regime” in the United Bahamian Party-era.

Yesterday, The Tribune asked Progressive Liberal Party Leader Philip “Brave” Davis for his reaction to the news.

He said: “The awards are about uplifting Bahamian

people and society. Anyone who holds the post of prime minister, there is a recognition of that achievement with this award. This award system represents perhaps the last umbilical cord that has to be cut from our past and any rejection of it doesn’t speak well to the development of the system.”

People throughout civil society have been pining for

the awards system for years.

This is the first year that people have been selected for the honours.

In total, 38 Bahamians have been named to receive a national honour, which includes Order of National Hero; Order of the Nation; Order of the Bahamas; Order of Excellence; Order of Distinction and Order of Merit.

WILCHCOMBE: LIGHTHOUSE POINT MUST BE PRESERVED

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net

FORMER Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe yesterday called for Lighthouse Point to be protected from cruise ship development and “preserved” for the people of The Bahamas.

Describing the 700-acre peninsula located at the southern tip of Eleuthera as “the most beautiful place in The Bahamas,” Mr Wilchcombe said the government should take ownership of the property and put it in the hands of Bahamians.

He added he supports the position of the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) and organisations such as the One Eleuthera Foundation that Lighthouse Point should be designated a protected area.

Hank Johnson, member of parliament for Central and South Eleuthera, told The Tribune he has taken a neutral position on the matter until a decision is made.

Disney Cruise Line is said to be the group behind the potential acquisition and development of the area.

Mr Wilchcombe told The Tribune while the Bahamas has had a “tremendous relationship” with cruise lines over the years – and they have proven to be “good partners” – development of Lighthouse Point “should not be on the table”.

“It ought to be allowed to be preserved for the people of The Bahamas and the people of Eleuthera,” he said.

“It’s one of the most beautiful spots. And I don’t think that it ought to be involved in any destination, insofar as an investment of any company, I don’t think so.”

Mr Wilchcombe added he is aware of the efforts of the BNT and One Eleuthera to turn Lighthouse Point into a protected area and said he supports their efforts. He also said the government should give credence to the people of Eleuthera and its

LIGHTHOUSE POINT local government.

“The people of Eleuthera should have the final say,” Mr Wilchcombe said.

“And the truth is, we have to give meaning to the local government. The local government ought to be defined in the sense that it’s the people of a particular island and…what do the people want?”

“If they’re opposed to it should not even be a debate. Because it’s their island. They continue to

enjoy it. And what’s been bequeathed to them ought to remain.

“I know there’ve been debates about ownership and that land in particular over the years. Well, it’s time for that land to return to the people.

“I think it’s for the government to take ownership of it and put it in the hands of Bahamians.”

When asked about the matter, area MP Hank Johnson told The Tribune:

“There are two groups that (are) asking permission for the two proposals. And as the member of parliament, I would have to follow the lead of the people.”

“So for that reason, for that reason, I have decided not to be a part of it, at this stage, I will be paying close attention as to how these things unfold. And I will follow the lead of the people in my constituency.”

Mr Johnson clarified that

he was referring to proposals from Disney and from the One Eleuthera Foundation.

“I have taken a neutral position, I will watch the trend of this, and at the end of the day, I’m (mandated) by my people.”

When asked if he had concerns about the potential environmental impact of any development, Mr Johnson said he will address that “when the time comes”.

‘TRUST US’ SAYS MINNIS - BUT WAIT FOR HOTEL DEAL DETAILS

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

FULL disclosure of the proposed Grand Lucayan deal for Grand Bahama will not come until the purchase is complete, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said yesterday.

Despite this virtually meaning the details will be shielded from public view until such time, the prime minister insisted Bahamians are owed transparency when it comes to the terms of the government’s intended purchase of the resort.

Dr Minnis admitted he believed governments should not get involved in the hotel business, but he contended certain factors made the option the only viable one.

Asked what assurances he could give to the public over the protracted nature of these negotiations, Dr Minis said: “They can trust us.”

He also said: “I will enunciate the entire procedure to the Bahamian populace.

“They must know where we were, where we are and how we got here and they must know where we intend to go.

“I think they are owed that and that’s transparency and reporting to the nation so I don’t want to say much about it because everything is still ongoing.

“Until it’s complete or near completion then a complete report will be given to the Bahamian people and Grand Bahama in particular will get a complete report.

“Grand Bahama in particular will get a complete report and just as I’ve gone through the Family Islands and explained certain things to them, the entire Bahamas

will be told how we go to this particular point and where we intend to go.”

Press Secretary Anthony Newbold said earlier this week the government will have to revamp its fiscal projections with its purchase of the Grand Lucayan resort, conceding that buying the hotel is akin to dealing with the aftermath of a major hurricane.

“It has to revise its fiscal projections and all of the expectations that it had,” Mr Newbold said. “As you said, it’s been likened to a hurricane. That was one of the things the minister of finance said, ‘Please God, don’t send us a hurricane.’

Everything is going to have to be revamped and looked at in those terms.

“This is something the government didn’t expect that it would have to do.

There’s this hotel that’s sitting out there, a couple thousand people not working, we got to get involved so the government gets involved. Prime minister said we got to buy this hotel, well everything that goes with that now has to be factored against what was planned for the fiscal health of the nation over the next several months.”

Since coming to office in 2017, the Minnis administration has embraced austerity measures, slashing budgets for government ministries by ten percent and raising value added tax to 12 percent.

During the budget debate, the government emphasised its three-year fiscal consolidation plan that would result in a gradual reduction of the deficit.

“We are one hurricane away from total disaster,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest said earlier this year as he defended the

VAT increase.

On Tuesday, former Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe said notwithstanding the cost of purchasing and renovating

the Grand Lucayan properties, it could cost more than $60m a year to operate them.

However, he said removing the current owner, Hutchinson Whampoa,

provides a good opportunity for the government to act as broker and find either operators or a private buyer for the resort.

As for the $65m resort

price tag, he said granting Hutchinson Whampoa a tax holiday is an option in the government’s tool-kit that could considerably lower the purchase cost.

PAGE 8, Friday, August 17, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

The good, the bad and the ugly I MUST admit this is going to be a quick read this week.

Between the madness that is back to school shopping, the rapidly approaching NFL season, and subsequent Fantasy Football Drafts.

Not to mention the last minute “to do” list of home improvements, that must be completed to “wifey’s” satisfaction before kickoff, or else!

There was only enough time for me to give the political landscape a quick glance, but I did manage to catch the “good”, the “bad” and the “ugly” of the week that was.

THE GOOD When I heard FNM Carmichael MP and Works Minister, Desmond Bannister make the following statement: “Regrettably, in recent times the former board remained locked at loggerheads with respect to virtually every critical issue.

“This became costly to BPL. “Moreover, as relationships within the board deteriorated, three members offered their resignations.

“In those circumstances, it was important that the company seek new leadership.”

I was taken aback, it was actually an excellent, tangible, example of accountability.

Accountability, how refreshing.

I have mentioned several

times before in this column, that I have long been a fan of Mr Bannister’s, no nonsense, keep it real, get the job done approach.

Even though I may have to take the good Minister to task over the whole “Munnings Rd” fiasco in the future, I must commend Mr Bannister for taking the bull by the horns in this regard. Making a tough decision now, to ensure better power provision for long suffering Bahamians, in the not too distant future.

“It is anticipated that a new board will be immediately appointed for the utility works to accomplish its goal of ensuring that reliable power is available to all residents of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

“Out of respect for the former board members, I do not intend to discuss this matter in any further detail.

“As minister with portfolio responsibility for Bahamas Power and Light I wish to thank the outgoing board members for their service.”

Now, Mr Bannister, since you set the example of accountability, most commendably, I might add, while dealing with this precarious matter, I must remind you, the Bahamian people will hold you accountable to your word and your comments regarding BPL. Hopefully when a new, more committed, focused board is appointed, the Bahamian consumer will finally receive the affordable, efficient service they have long been promised by

THE BAHAMAS Power and Light head office.

A key policy in previous multiple administrations.

However, for the FNM administrations, was moment, kudos to Mr Ban- to sell off all government owned hotels, and get out nister on a job well done. of the hospitality industry as property owners.

Ending years of mismanagement and wastage, in Paul Wynn, the Wynn Group’s chief executive government owned hotels.

Now, ironically, Minnis and the Grand Lucayan’s former prospective buyer, and crew are “gung ho”, told Tribune Business in stepping up gladly, eager relation to the Freeport to fasten the “albatross” around the nation’s neck, property.

“I can’t do it as it lacks by getting back into the hotel business. economic feasibility.”

On the people’s dime, no Nonetheless, Prime Minless! ister Dr Hubert Minnis Minnis offered these said he will give a detailed comments regarding the address this week explaining the government’s government purchasing the decision on acquiring the Grand Lucayan.

“I totally agree governstagnating resort. ment should not be in the A decision, that is already business of owning hotels. being touted as a bad one.

However, government Seriously?

The government, is pur- must look beyond that.

“Government must look chasing the Grand Lucayan at what will be the impact hotel?

No, no, no, no, we’ve on Grand Bahama.

“Do we sit idly and allow seen this movie before, we Grand Bahama to crash know how badly it ends!

And again, irony from where unemployment will increase dramatically and the Minnis administration. those individuals would have to come to New Providence where unemployment will subsequently increase?

“You have to make a decision.

“We are one Bahamas.

“We are supposed to be a family of islands and a family as a nation. So families look after each other.

“It’s our job to protect Grand Bahama and every other island that fall in of Charles Saunders Highway will be on Saturday, similar situations. It’s them August 18th, 2018, 11:00am at Carmichael Baptist today and you tomorrow.”

Holiness Church, Ferguson Sub-Division off Minnis reminds me of the Carmichael Road. Officiating will be Pastor Paul J. “Dutch boy” on this one, McPhee, J. P., assisted by Minister Lennis McPhee aimlessly and comically Minister Susan Curtis and Minister Helen McPhee. sticking his finger in every hole in the dyke.

Left to cherish her memories are her Mother: Rose-

THE BAD

Funral Service For Bernadette Brendina Brown, 29

mae Taylor; Father: Bernie Brown; Daughter: Trinity Brown; Fiancé: Edrron McPhee; Step Mother: Tracyann Brown; Grandparents: Wellington Brown, Esther Brown and Samuel Mackey; Sisters: Flesha Clarke, Shabernice, Shanice, Brenae, Trenae Brown, Tionn’e Gregg; Brothers: Shayne and Shannon Hepburn; Niece: Kassidy McKenzie; Nephew: Payton Patton; Aunts: Marsha Rutherford, Kennia Miller, Marvia Skelton, Brenie Brown, Vandette Rolle, Anishka, Ebony, Melanie Hall, Anishka Martin, Merlyee Strachan, Monique Wallace, Tina Dorsette, Sonia Brown, Charlene Sanderson, Pinky Brown, Lashan; Uncles: Henry Wallace, Winston Dean, Keyran Dorsette, Kelson, Edwais, Gregg Hall, Marlon Skelton, Cranston Rutherford, Donald Miller, Rayon, Altham, David Brown, Champie Townsend; Grand Aunts: Maria, Peggy, Lorraine, Bridgette, Jessy Taylor, Jonice Rolle, Alana Forbes; Grand; Uncles: Israel, Ashton, Wellington, Cleveland, Timothy, Simeon, Gregg, Daniel, Samuel, Don Hall, Gregory, Kennedy Taylor; Great Grand Aunts: Lydie Adderly, Melrose Burrows; Great Grand Uncle: Fredrick Taylor; Cousins: Kendal Taylor, Clara Taylor Bell, Devon, Pat Ferguson, Christian Butler, Khadisha Rolle, Donny, Glen, Donald, Johnathon Miller, Thomas, Rashad Ingraham, Gabrielle Rutherford, Christopher Butler, Raymond, Stanley Taylor, Henry Jr., Burthe Ferguson, Stevana Beneby, Deandra Johnson, Vintori Taylor, Caleb, Joshea Delancy, Anishka Taylor, Tasha Barry, Kaylan Miller, Shonique Cox, Braydina Ferguson, Gerquay Lightford, Venita Mott, Carl Taylor, Antonio, Jeffery, Henry, Tyrone, Meisha Deveaux, Tunu, Ray Brown, Mario Townsend, Thelma William Lewis, Vanessa Brown, Carol Rahming, Brenria Brown; Numerous Godchildren; Relatives and Friends: Forbes Family, Spence Family, Gibson Family, Samantha Lowden and Family, Charlene Noel Brown and Family, Accident and Emergency (A&E) Family, Sicklers With Attitude (SWA) Family, Martin Family, Oliver Family, Clarke Family, Laing Family, Smith Family, Davis Family, Quarry Mission Family, Harlem Family, C. R. Walker Class of 2006 Family, McPhee Family, Carmichael Baptist Holiness Church Family, The Hour Of Power Deliverance Center Family, Sunshine Park Family, Five Porches Family, Oncology Family, Bahamas Sickle Cell Association Family, The Princess Margaret Hospital Family, Walkes Family, Bain Town Family, Chippingham Family, Burrows Family, McKenzie Family, Bain Family, Nurse Romer and Family, Nurse McClure and Family, Dr. Sinquee and Family, Dr. Dorsette and Family, Dr. Gopal and Family, Universal Diagnostics and Repair Family, Sons and Daughters of Zion, Ray Strachan and Family, Cartwright Family, Jan Davis and Family, Brown Seymour and Family, Dominic Varence and Family, Treyan Davis and Family, Ruth Nottage and Family and many others too numerous to mention.

Relatives and friends may pay their last respect at Evergreen Mortuary, Collins Avenue & 5th Terrace, Centreville on Friday from 10:00a.m. – 6:00p.m. and again at the church on Saturday from 10:00a.m. until service time.

Photo: Terrel W Carey/Tribune Staff As soon as one hole is affected having been filled, another one springs treated and released. a leak.

Sands also added: “The We take on the burden Ministry of Health is satof operating a hotel, and all isfied that all required the extras that come along precautions and intervenwith it. tions to control the situation Airlift, marketing, pro- are being implemented. We motion and sales, to name are not aware of any other a few. cluster of cases currently.”

It’s interesting to see how So, after hearing from government funding moves the most qualified person around to cover this dubi- pertaining to the situation ous endeavour, while other at the Sandals resort, Dr key areas and government Duane Sands, it amazes agencies lack funding. me how gullible my BahaDon’t get me wrong, I’m mian people have become, all for Freeport getting the thanks to social media. economic recovery it des“Fake News” of an ebola perately needs. outbreak at the resort made But at what cost to the the rounds on social media. nation, long term?

Spreading faster than an actual ebola outbreak.

No, ebola is no laughing matter, nor are ‘false’ Now there is further reports of outbreaks and proof, that social media the like.

It made many Bahamians isn’t for everyone.

Also, that smart phones uneasy, and it allowed for in the hands of stupid the political minions and people, can cause a whole propagandists to have a unwarranted national field day.

Thankfully, Dr Sands commotion, by posting unproven non-fact checked sprung into action, flexing stories, all over social his social media muscles on Facebook, Instagram and media.

The Ministry of Health Twitter.

Quickly, discrediting the released a statement advising the public that both ebola rumours, and their guests and staff have mongers.

Sadly this is another reported “experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms instance of how “ugly” of nausea, vomiting and we Bahamians can be as diarrhea” at Sandals Royal people.

There was no need for Bahamian all-inclusive this type of rumour, conresort.

Health Minister Duane sidering the current ebola Sands confirmed the outbreak and its ravages in statement to The Trib- the Democratic Republic of une, noting that many of Congo.

Be mindful of that old the cases of gastrointestinal illness were treated saying.

“Be careful of what you by the hotel’s healthcare providers and at local wish for, you just might get hospitals, with those it.”

THE UGLY

Death Notice For Darian Paul Markham Creary, 55 of Eastwood Estates, died on Tuesday, 14th August, 2018.

He is survived by his Wife: Rochell Creary; 1 Daughter: Darchell Henderson; 1 Granddaughter: T’eri Henderson; Mother: Carol Creary; 5 Sisters: Cheryll Cartwright, Pauline Lightbourne, Christine Bethel, Dawn Creary & Marlene Creary-Brown 4 Brothers: Evan Reid, Ian Brent Creary, Vernon & Michael Creary; 2 Uncles: Kent & Idris Reid; Mother-In-Law: Catherine Knowles; Numerous Nieces and Nephews; And a host of other Relatives & Friends.

Funeral arrangements will be announced later.

#183 Baillou Hill Road & Cordeaux Avenue, P.O. Box CB-12248, Nassau, Bahamas Telephone: (242) 323-EAST (3278), 326-4209 Email: eastsunrise@batelnet.bs

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, August 17, 2018, PAGE 9

Revised Imigration Act to be released to public soon

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net THE government anticipates a draft of a revised Immigration Act will be released to the public “shortly”, Immigration Minister Brent Symonette told reporters yesterday.

Mr Symonette said the existing act has not been substantially amended since this country’s independence in 1973, so the current undertaking is a complex issue involving constitutional rights and issues that have come to the public forefront in recent times.

However, the minister said he did not want to impose a timeline to the work, which is spearheaded

by Law Reform Commissioner Dame Anita Allen, former Court of Appeal president.

This comes as a time when the government has hired high-powered attorneys to fight legal action meant to stop the Minnis administration’s eradication of shanty towns.

The Jean Rony JeanCharles court matter, which made headlines last year, has not been resolved either. Mr Jean-Charles was born in The Bahamas

to a foreign mother and was deported to Haiti late last year. However, it was later ordered by the court he be returned to the country. Crown attorneys have argued he is not a citizen of this country despite a birth certificate they say is not proof of citizenship.

Issues like this one have highlighted the need for more defined citizenship laws.

“As you know, the government has appointed Dame Anita Allen as law reform commissioner up at the Office of the Attorney General,” Mr Symonette said.

“We have met with Dame Anita and gone over the whole issue of the Immigration Act, the difficulties, the pros and the cons and this act hasn’t been substantially amended since independence. So she’s working on that and we hope to be able to have a draft out shortly.

“I don’t want to put a timeline to it because it’s a very complex issue. It involves constitutional rights, it involves obviously the issues of the day, it involves the emotional parts of a number of issues.

“So we’ll give you updates as we go along, but she’s working on it and we

hope to give an answer very shortly.”

The Department of Immigration is also set to go completely digital by September 10.

“We’ve been going through training processes.

It’s a $16m (odd) contract and we (have) been training different officers. The computer systems have been installed.

“The ground floor has had substantial amendments and we hope by when we go live there will be no need for moving files. The documents will be scanned when you apply. So let’s say you are coming in for a work permit,

you go downstairs, you take a number, you apply. Your documents are scanned.

That file would then be an electronic file. So we hope that will increase the efficiency and also the backlog will be transferred over on to that system so we’ll be able to do that,” he said.

“We had a summer programme with some students from the University of The Bahamas. They did an excellent job in going through some of the files.

We are trying to catch up, but there is a tremendous back log but we’re making some progress,” he also said.

RESPECTS PAID TO FORMER SENATOR PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis paid respects to the late former senator Telator Cumi Strachan, OBE, as she lay in state in the foyer of the Senate yesterday.

Dr Minnis also signed the book of condolence to the family, as President of the Senate Katherine ForbesSmith and Speaker of the House of Assembly Halson Moultrie, pictured right, looked on.

Mrs Strachan was a prominent straw craft businesswoman who made valuable contributions to nation building. Her state-recognised funeral is scheduled for this morning at Faith United Baptist Church.

Photos: Derek Smith/BIS

BISHOP DEFENDS APPOINTMENT TO MARIJUANA COMMITTEE

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

BISHOP Simeon Hall yesterday defended his position on the government’s marijuana committee, reiterating his belief in the medical benefits of the plant.

Bishop Hall said while he has not experienced any negativity from the religious community, he anticipates the intense stigma associated with the plant will lead people to question his involvement.

Bishop Hall said: “Some people might have a difficulty using the word pastor and marijuana in the same sentence but I’m there as somebody that believes medicinal marijuana can help people with chronic illnesses. We all need to look again at traditional medicine, which have so many side effects that is killing our people.

“Some people are asking how could a Christian pastor get involved with marijuana, all I say to them is do a study on the marijuana issue and you will see it has medicinal qualities and that’s my angle, for people to have an alternative.”

The government committee will be given the task of reviewing CARICOM’s report calling for an end to marijuana prohibition, and to explore public opinion through widespread townhall meetings.

“I’m looking forward to the work of the committee,” Bishop Hall said. “I shall do my best to make a contribution. People need not be confused because a pastor is working with the item of marijuana. There is no confusion there, my angle is I want to help people who are physically ill and can’t afford to go to doctors.

“You shouldn’t have to die because you can’t get

JOHN MOSKO DIES, AGED 62 JOHN George Mosko of the prominent Mosko family died at his home in Nassau yesterday.

His funeral will be held at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church on West Street on Monday at 10.30am.

“It is with great sadness that I notify you of the passing of one of our founding OCE members and my very dear friend, John Mosko,” Audrey Oswell, president and managing director of

Atlantis, Paradise Island, said.

“John left his mark throughout New Providence and most prominently on Paradise island.

He will always be loved and remembered for his unique sense of humour and kind heart.”

Mosko, 62, was predeceased by his father, who died last year, and mother, George and Stella Mosko.

He is survived by his wife Alexandra and children.

medicine. It’s too expensive that’s why I’m there. I learned when I was dealing with the CLICO insurance debacle and it pushed me to this point where I’m asking what’s the alternative to traditional medicine.”

Bishop Hall added: “The

most I want to say is, I’m looking forward and appreciate being named to the commission whenever it’s put in place. I shall do my best.”

During an interview with The Tribune, Bishop Hall also reiterated his call for

the country’s best minds to collaborate on solutions to national issues irrespective of political affiliation.

“The problems that we face,” he said, “be they social, or economic, or religious whatever the problems we face, the best

minds in the country must come forward . . . the problems we face will not be solved by only the FNM or only the PLP. We need to bring forth Bahamians and let them work to try and ameliorate the problems we face.”

PAGE 10, Friday, August 17, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

Say a little prayer NEW YORK Associated Press ARETHA Franklin, the undisputed “Queen of Soul” who sang with matchless style on such classics as “Think,” ‘’I Say a Little Prayer” and her signature song, “Respect,” and stood as a cultural icon around the globe, died yesterday at age 76 from pancreatic cancer.

She died at her home in Detroit — “one of the darkest moments of our lives”, her family said, in a statement released by publicist Gwendolyn Quinn.

“We have been deeply touched by the incredible outpouring of love and support we have received from close friends, supporters and fans all around the world,” the family said, adding that funeral arrangements would be announced in coming days.

Franklin, who had battled undisclosed health issues in recent years, announced her retirement from touring last year.

A professional singer and accomplished pianist by her late teens, a superstar by her mid-20s, Franklin had long ago settled any arguments over who was the greatest popular vocalist of her time. Her gifts, natural and acquired, were a multioctave mezzo-soprano, gospel passion and training worthy of a preacher’s daughter, taste sophisticated and eccentric, and the courage to channel private pain into liberating song.

“She was truly one of a kind,” said Clive Davis, the music mogul who brought her to Arista Records and helped revive her career in the 1980s. “She was more than the Queen of Soul.

She was a national treasure to be cherished by every generation throughout the world.”

She recorded hundreds of tracks and had dozens of hits over the span of a half century, including 20 that reached No 1 on the R&B charts. But her reputation was defined by an extraordinary run of top 10 smashes in the late 1960s, from the morning-after bliss of “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” to the wised-up “Chain of Fools” to her unstoppable call for “Respect.”

Her records sold millions

of copies and the music industry couldn’t honor her enough. Franklin won 18 Grammy awards. In 1987, she became the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Fellow singers bowed to her eminence. Smokey Robinson, who grew up with her in Detroit, said: “This morning my longest friend in this world went home to be with

appearance with a president was in January 2009, when she sang “My Country ’tis of Thee” at President Barack Obama’s inauguration.

In 2015, she brought Obama and others to tears with a triumphant performance of

our Father.

I will miss her so much but I know she’s at peace.”

Political and civic leaders treated her as a peer. The Rev Martin Luther King Jr was a long-time friend, and she sang at the dedication of King’s memorial, in 2011. She performed at the inaugurations of Presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter, and at the funeral for civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks. Clinton gave Franklin the National Medal of Arts. President George W Bush awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, in 2005.

Bill and Hillary Clinton issued a statement mourning the loss of their friend and “one of America’s greatest treasures”. For more than 50 years, they said, Franklin “stirred our souls. She was elegant, graceful, and utterly uncompromising in her artistry”.

Franklin’s best-known

“Natural Woman” at a Kennedy Center tribute to the song’s co-writer, Carole King.

Franklin endured the exhausting grind of celebrity and personal troubles dating back to childhood.

She was married from 1961 to 1969 to her manager, Ted White, and their battles are widely believed to have inspired her performances on several songs, including “(Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You’ve Been Gone,” ‘’Think” and her heartbreaking ballad of despair, “Ain’t No Way.” The mother of two sons by

Bahamian singers pay tribute to Queen of Soul

By MORGAN ADDERLEY “(These) were all Tribune Staff Reporter songs that are so closely madderley@tribunemedia.net tied to my memories dancing in the living YESTERDAY, the room with my Mom and world paused to mourn the doing weekend morning loss and honour the legacy chores,” she added. of Aretha Franklin. “(Franklin’s) voice was Although Franklin so big and unfiltered and was born in Ten- unapologetic, you can’t nessee and raised help but be inspired (and) in Michigan, the transported. Hers was the impact of her kind of voice that could music spanned make you dream of bigger continents things.” and inspired Ms Gibson went on to generations describe Franklin as being of artists, synonymous with “attainincluding able genius”, “magic” and local musi- “vocal phenom”. cians.

She also said how FrankYesterlin influenced her own day, three artistry and drive.

Bahamian “I was inspired by her to female sing- be more mindful of ‘feel’ ers, Wendi in my own music. The pasLewis, Kamilah sion in her voice on “Never Gibson and Mer- Loved A Man” could icha Walker, told break your heart.” the Tribune how “I always try to do thatFranklin’s artistry I aim to transport people impacted them. to an honest vulnerable Ms Gibson, place in my own style the a singer-song- way she did. Also, her writer, said voice was so phenomenal Franklin’s it made me want to push path from a my own voice; to learn small town the craft closely so I could to a global truly claim it as a skill.” stage serves “Artists like Aretha as inspiration pushed me into vocal lesfor Bahamian sons. Her life outside of artists. music was also rich. I think “(Franklin) she’ll always inspire me to came from a push for more, musically small town and and civically for everyone followed her dream but particularly women to mega stardom. I and people of colour.” think any Bahamian creaSinger, songwriter and tive with lofty goals has performer Wendi Lewis likely taken cues from her described Franklin as an in that sense - I know I icon who will continue to have,” Ms Gibson said. serve as an inspiration.

Referencing classics such “When I as “(You Make Me Feel saw that Like A) Natural Woman”, Aretha “Say A Little Prayer”, was “Think”, “Respect”, “Son sick Of A Preacher Man”, a “Chain of Fools”, and “Never Loved A Man (The Way That I Love You)”, Ms Gibson told The Tribune: “Aretha Franklin is part of the soundtrack of my life”. age 16 (she later had two more), she was often in turmoil as she struggled with her weight, family problems and financial predicaments.

Her best known producer, Jerry Wexler, nicknamed her “Our Lady of Mysterious Sorrows.”

Franklin married actor Glynn Turman in 1978 in Los Angeles but returned to her hometown of Detroit the following year after her father was shot by burglars and left semi-comatose until his death in 1984. She and Turman divorced that year.

Despite growing up in Detroit, and having Robinson as a childhood friend, Franklin never recorded for Motown Records; stints with Columbia and Arista were sandwiched around her prime years with Atlantic Records. But it was at

Detroit’s New Bethel Baptist Church, where her father was pastor, that Franklin learned the gospel fundamentals that would make her a soul institution.

Aretha Louise Franklin was born March 25, 1942, in Memphis, Tennessee. The Rev CL Franklin soon moved his family to Buffalo, New York, then to Detroit, where the Franklins settled after the marriage of Aretha’s parents collapsed and her mother (and reputed sound-alike) Barbara returned to Buffalo.

Music was the family

few days ago, I felt that this may have been her farewell to the world,” Ms Lewis said.

“Learning of her passing this morning deeply saddened me and I was immediately reminded of Ms Franklin’s iconic status as a vocalist.”

Ms Lewis said her favourite Franklin rendition is her performance of “Nessun Dorma”. Ms Lewis added she played that song after learning of Franklin’s death, and “felt inspired”.

“That’s the amazing thing about iconic voices...

They continue inspire us, even when they are gone,” she said.

As a teenager, Gospel singer Mericha Walker had the opportunity to hear Franklin perform live in a Maryland church.

“I’m just happy that I was able to have an encounter with her, because I actually heard her sing in person,” Ms Walker told The Tribune.

“I’m happy that I’ve had that moment…I’m glad that she’s no longer in pain.”

Ms Walker said she grew up listening to and singing Franklin’s music, describing Franklin’s music as her “go-to”, in terms of favourite songs to sing.

“I think she suffered enough,” Ms Walker added. “I think she fulfilled her purpose on the earth, I think she inspired a lot of people.

“I believe that she was definitely “the voice”, and I think that she did was supposed to do.”

business and performers from Sam Cooke to Lou Rawls were guests at the Franklin house. In the living room, the shy young Aretha awed friends with her playing on the grand piano.

The piano she began learning at age 8 became a jazzy component of much of her work, including arranging as well as songwriting. “If I’m writing and I’m producing and singing, too, you get more of me that way, rather than having four or five different people working on one song,” Franklin told The Detroit News in 2003.

THE TRIBUNE

DIVERS RECOVER BODY FROM SEA A BODY has been recovered after a man reportedly jumped into the sea near Potter’s Cay dock yesterday.

Police said last night that they are investigating the alleged drowning of a man.

According to reports, shortly before noon, a man dove into the waters on the western end of Potter’s Cay Dock, near the stalls and did not surface.

Officers from the Police Marine Unit and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force conducted a search of the

surrounding area but did not locate him.

Shortly after 9pm, Royal Bahamas Defence Force Marines divers recovered the body of the missing man in waters near some fishing vessels, south of the Police Station.

An autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death. Investigations are ongoing.

• A quantity of drugs worth $375,000 were seized last night by police officers.

‘The Bahamas’ own street philosopher’

In a statement, police said: “The resilient efforts of the men and women of the Royal Bahamas Police Force has led to a quantity of dangerous drugs being seized and the arrest of seven adults on Thursday.

“Shortly before 3.30pm, Drug Enforcement Unit Officers, acting on information, executed a search warrant on a residence located Meadow Street near Augusta Street.

“Officers, while conducting a search, uncovered 18

crocus bags, 36 clear plastic bags, a five-gallon bucket and a brown tote bag all containing a quantity of suspected marijuana.”

Police reported that three Bahamians - a man and two women - were arrested, along with two Jamaican men and one woman, and one American woman.

They confirmed the weight of the drugs seized was 375 pounds, with a value of $375,000.

Investigations are ongoing.

Friday, August 17, 2018, PAGE 11

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PAGE 12, Friday, August 17, 2018

TRUMP PARADE COST GOES UP TO $92M WASHINGTON Associated Press

THE Veterans Day military parade ordered up by President Donald Trump would cost about $92m, US officials said yesterday, citing preliminary estimates more than three times the price first suggested by the White House.

According to the officials, roughly $50m would cover Pentagon costs for aircraft, equipment, personnel and other support for the November parade in Washington. The remainder would be borne by other agencies and largely involve security costs.

Officials said the plans have not yet been approved

by Defense Secretary Jim Mattis. The parade’s cost has become a politically charged issue, particularly after the Pentagon canceled a major military exercise planned for August with South Korea, in the wake of Trump’s summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Trump said the drills were provocative and that dumping them would save the US “a tremendous amount of money”.

THE TRIBUNE

Former security chiefs blast Trump in clearances row WASHINGTON Associated Press FORMER US security officials issued scathing rebukes to President Donald Trump yesterday, admonishing him for yanking a top former spy chief’s security clearance in what they cast as an act of political vengeance. Trump said he’d had to do “something” about the “rigged” federal probe of Russian election interference.

Trump’s admission that his extraordinary act of retribution against a former high-ranking official was tied to his frustration about the Russia probe underscored his willingness to use his executive power to fight back against an investigation he sees as a threat to his presidency. Legal experts said the dispute may add to the evidence being reviewed by special counsel Robert Mueller.

In an opinion piece in The New York Times, former CIA director John Brennan said Trump decision, announced on

Wednesday, to deny him access to classified information was a desperate attempt to end Mueller’s investigation.

Brennan, who served under President Barack Obama and has become a vocal Trump critic, called Trump’s claims that he did not collude with Russia “hogwash”.

The only question remaining is whether the collusion amounts to a “constituted criminally liable conspiracy,” Brennan wrote.

Later yesterday, the retired Navy admiral who oversaw the raid that killed Osama bin Laden called Trump’s moves “McCarthyera tactics”. Writing in The Washington Post, William H McRaven said he would “consider it an honor” if Trump would revoke his clearance, as well.

Through your actions, you have embarrassed us in the eyes of our children, humiliated us on the world stage and, worst of all, divided us as a nation,” McRaven wrote.

Trump yesterday openly

FORMER CIA director John Brennan.

Photo: Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP “So I think it’s something put forward to explain his tied his decision to strip Brennan of his clearance that had to be done,” he motivations.

— and threaten nearly a said.

Attorneys said the The president’s com- revocation appeared to dozen other former and were a swift be within the president’s current officials — to the ments ongoing investigation into departure from the official authority. But they noted Russian election meddling explanation given by the the power play also could and possible collusion with White House earlier that be used to reinforce a case his campaign. In an inter- cited “the risks” posed by alleging obstruction of view with The Wall Street Brennan’s alleged “erratic justice, following the presiJournal, Trump again conduct and behavior”. It dent’s firing of former FBI called the probe a “rigged marked the latest example director James Comey and witch hunt” and said “these of the president contradict- his repeated tweets calling ing a story his aides had for the investigation to end. people led it!”

OMAROSA’S $15K EACH MONTH TO ‘BE POSITIVE’ WASHINGTON Associated Press OMAROSA Manigault Newman yesterday released another secret audio recording that she says proves President Donald Trump wanted to silence her after firing her from the White House.

In the recording played on MSNBC, Trump’s daughter-in-law Lara Trump offers Manigault Newman a job earning $15,000 a month. The job wouldn’t require her to report to any particular office or have a specific set of duties, other than to speak positively on Trump’s behalf as part of his re-election campaign.

Lara Trump, married to Eric Trump, can be heard on the tape noting a New York Times report that suggested Manigault Newman had inside information that could be damaging to Trump.

“It sounds a little like, obviously, that there are some things you’ve got in the back pocket to pull out,” Lara Trump said.

“Clearly, if you come on board the campaign, like, we can’t have, we got to ... “ Manigault Newman interjects: “Oh, God, no.”

“Everything, everybody, positive, right?” Lara Trump asks.

The secret recording is one of several Manigault Newman released this week to back up her claims in her

new book, “Unhinged.”

In a written response yesterday, Lara Trump said her entire family was concerned for Manigault Newman after she was fired “because we had no idea about the basis for her dismissal”, but “we still wanted her on our team because we cared so much about her personally”.

Lara Trump says that’s why she reached out and offered Manigault Newman a job on the re-election campaign “before we knew anything about the gross violations of ethics and integrity during her White House tenure”.

Lara Trump says that the latest tape is a “fraud” and that the snippets of discussion aired by MSNBC “took place in numerous phone calls over the course of several weeks”.

“Woman to woman, I shared a connection with Omarosa as a friend and a campaign sister, and I am absolutely shocked and saddened by her betrayal and violation on a deeply personal level,” the president’s daughter-in-law said.

The president on Thursday tweeted: “Thank you for the kind words, Omarosa” in a post that included the link to a video, released by the Republican National Committee, headed “Guess she forgot about these tapes” that is a compilation of broadcast interviews in which she makes positive comments about Trump.