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The colour of love

Inside Weekend

Gibson: FNM is exploiting cuts Party ‘trying to play politics over Sandals job losses’

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

THE Free National Movement (FNM) is attempting to make the termination of more than 600 Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort employees political, despite sending thousands of people to the unemployment line when the party was last in office, Labour Minister Shane Gibson has told The Tribune.

While the opposition party plays “political games” with the lives of the redundant workers, Mr Gibson said the government is trying to get as many of them as possible rehired by the hotel.

During an interview yes-

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MITCHELL SEEKS TO SUE SMITH FOR $4.5M IN SLANDER CLAIM

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net MINISTER of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Fred Mitchell has made a counterclaim in the libel civil suit filed against him by attorney Fred Smith, in turn accusing the outspoken QC of slander.

SEE PAGE SEVEN

CHILDREN GETTING READY TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL

terday, Mr Gibson called the situation “unfortunate” as an industrial agreement was not in place at the time of the redundancies.

Asked to respond to criticism that the Christie administration was blindsided by Sandals’ decision, the minister said there were labour laws in place and the government cannot start a precedent of dictating to private sector business owners how to conduct their affairs.

His comments came a day after Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner said that it appeared that the government was content in accepting the termination of the workers.

SEE PAGE SIX

PLAN TO GIVE OFFICERS TIME OFF ‘WILL THREATEN PUBLIC SAFETY’

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

POLICE Commissioner Ellison Greenslade’s plan to give hundreds of police officers time off instead of overtime pay is impractical and will threaten public safety, attorney Wayne Munroe, QC, said during a Police Staff Association (PSA) press conference yesterday.

The Tribune reported on Wednesday that the commissioner has decided to

give officers time back as compensation for the controversial 12-hour shifts they worked at separate periods in 2013 and 2014.

Although the PSA pressed for compensation for the additional hours worked, Mr Greenslade said at the time that this was a “moot” point. However, the Court of Appeal later upheld a Supreme Court order mandating that the government offer compensation to the officers.

SEE PAGE SIX

NASSAU Flight Services held a Back to School activities day on Stapledon Gardens Park yesterday. Pictured are Jet Blue general manager Alan Sweeting and Nassau Flight Services general manager Ricardo Rolle giving out school bags. See page two for more.

Photo: Tim Clarke/Tribune Staff

OFFICIALS DENY DOLPHIN AND CALF SEPARATED AT BLACKBEARD’S CAY

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

A DEPARTMENT of Marine Resources senior official yesterday denied claims by concerned local environmental activists that a mother dolphin and her recently born male calf were allegedly separated prematurely at Black-

beard’s Cay. Michael Braynen, director of marine resources, told The Tribune that the department has “already looked into the matter” with the verdict being “that the mother and calf have not been separated”.

This week, Sam Duncombe, director of ReEarth, along with Kim Terrell, a retired zoologist

who worked in The Bahamas for years, claimed that a dolphin calf had been prematurely weaned at the Balmoral Island facility.

The two women charged that the “outrageous” separation of the two animals, just under three months after the calf’s birth, could result in death for the calf.

SEE PAGE SIX

RECALL ISSUED OVER CURRY POWDER

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

A CARIBBEAN distribution conglomerate has announced the recall of several of its curry powders due to the presence of lead, warning people to

avoid their consumption to avoid potential “permanent adverse health consequences”.

GraceKennedy Ltd, in a statement, said three of its Grace Curry products have been recalled due to the “presence of lead in some variants of curry products”

that were distributed by its “former supplier” Oriental Packing Company Inc, which is based in Miami, Florida. The products have distributed within the Bahamas, United States and Bermuda.

SEE PAGE FIVE

GOVT KNEW OF WELLS LOI BEFORE SIGNING

KEY members of the Christie Cabient knew in advance that the Governement was set to “issue” the controversial “Letter of Intent” (LOI) that led to the downfall of former parliamentary secretary, Renward Wells.

Michael Halkitis, minister of state for finance, informed the Inter-American Development Bank’s (IDB) Bahamas country representative on May 26, 2014, that “the Government has issued an initial LOI” to Stellar Energy.

Mr Halkitis’s letter is dated some five to six weeks before Mr Wells signed the LOI with the group.

SEE TRIBUNE BUSINESS FRO THE FULL STORY

PAGE 2, Friday, August 19, 2016

TIME TO PLAY BEFORE GOING BACK TO SCHOOL

CHILDREN enjoyed games, a bouncy castle, treats and a lot more at the Nassau Flight Services activities day at Stapledon Gardens Park yesterday as part of a back to school event.

Photos: Tim Clarke/Tribune Staff

THE TRIBUNE

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, August 19, 2016, PAGE 3

FIONA GAINS STRENGTH BUT POSES NO THREAT TO LAND THE US National Hurricane Center (NHC) says Tropical Storm Fiona strengthened yesterday and maintained its intensity as it moves slowly across the Atlantic Ocean.

The storm’s maximum sustained winds yesterday increased to near 45mph and additional strengthening was possible last night followed by slow weakening by the

weekend.

Fiona, the sixth named storm of the 2016 Atlantic season, is centred about 1,095 miles west of the Cape Verde Islands and is moving west-northwest

near 8mph. It remains over open waters and currently poses no threat to land.

Meanwhile a tropical ‘wave’ is forecast by the NHC to move off the coast

SOME of the Cuban migrants detained earlier this year pictured waiting to be transported to the Carmichael Road Detention Centre.

of Africa on Saturday.

Environmental conditions are expected to be conducive to slow development early next week while the system moves generally westward and

passes near the Cape Verde Islands over the weekend.

The chance of it forming into a system in the next five days is low at 10 per cent.

Photo: Petty Officer Jonathan Rolle/RBDF

300 Cubans intercepted in past eight months

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net MORE than 300 Cubans have been intercepted at sea and brought to Grand Bahama in the past eight months as they continue flee their homeland in greater numbers to reach the United States.

On Tuesday, eight Cuban migrants, including a minor, were brought to Grand Bahama after being picked up in Bahamian waters by the US Coast Guard, the second time in a week that Cubans were intercepted at sea in Bahamian territory in their bid to get to the US. Seven were intercepted at Anguilla Cay on Saturday and brought to Freeport. This latest group of eight was spotted in a rustic vessel in the Cay Sal Bank area.

Since January 2016, 367 Cuban migrants have been intercepted at sea and brought to Grand Bahama, according to senior immigration officials in Freeport. Up to the end of July, the total was 303 but

64 have been intercepted at sea in the past three weeks alone.

As a result of the renewed relationship established between the US and Cuba, Cubans have been fleeing the communist island nation more frequently, fearing that the US immigration policy that favours them will soon end.

Any Cuban who makes it to US soil is allowed to stay. And under special arrangements in the Cuban Adjustment Act, they can be granted permanent resident status after residing there for one year and later become a US citizen.

This treatment is only afforded to Cubans and no other immigrant community.

Many migrants fleeing Cuba pass through the Bahamas on their way to Florida. Cubans who are intercepted at sea are not allowed to enter the US and are instead brought to the Bahamas, where they are detained to await repatriation to their homeland.

The US Coast Guard has increased its presence in the

CUBAN immigrants under arrest in Grand Bahama earlier this year.

Florida Straits and in the numbers’ - published in Bahamas’ waters.

April on the Fox News LaAccording to an arti- tino website, tens of thoucle - ‘Fearing end of ‘wet sands of Cubans have fled foot, dry foot policy, Cu- Cuba since US President bans fleeing to US in record Barack Obama announced

TWO MEN AND ONE WOMAN ARRESTED AFTER OFFICERS DISCOVER GUN AND DRUGS OFFICERS from the Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) arrested two men and a woman following the seizure of several pounds of marijuana and a firearm in three separate incidents on Wednesday.

Shortly after 6am, DEU officers executed a search warrant at a home located at Blue Hill Road South,

where they allegedly uncovered 20 pounds of marijuana. A 34-year-old man and a 33-year-old woman were taken into custody in connection with this find.

Then around 9am, DEU officers executed a search warrant on a home at Seabreeze Lane, where they uncovered two pounds of marijuana. A 51-year-old

MAN IN HOSPITAL IN DRIVE-BY SHOOTING A MAN is in hospital after he was wounded in a drive-by shooting on Wednesday night.

Police said the incident occurred around 11pm, when a man was standing near a home located on Dunmore Street.

The occupants of a tinted green Avalon vehicle approached the man and shot him before speeding off. The victim was rushed to hospital where he remains in stable condition. Investigations are ongoing.

man was taken into custody in connection with this find.

Then shortly after 1pm, DEU officers were on routine patrol in Garden Hills, where they uncovered a 9mm pistol with three rounds of ammunition, near a park. No one was taken into custody in connection with this discovery.

POLICE SEARCHING FOR THEFT SUSPECT POLICE are looking for 30-year-old Ramona Newbold, who they believe can help with an investigation into stealing by reason of employment.

According to the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Ms Newbold has resided on Sandilands Village Road in New Providence and in Freeport, Grand Bahama.

Ms Newbold is being asked to meet with police immediately.

the normalisation of relations between the countries in late 2014.

In the article, it was reported that US Coast Guard figures have shown a 20 per

cent increase over the previous year, with more than 4,400 Cubans that set out for the US by sea.

“The rush to leave has led to the highest number of people trying to make the dangerous sea crossing in the past eight years, according to internal Homeland Security Department documents obtained by The Associated Press”, the article stated. It added that “attempts to get the US by sea have recently reached worrisome levels”.

In June, Minister of Immigration and Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell told The Tribune that the Bahamas government is also seeing an increase in the number of Cubans illegally entering this jurisdiction in their attempt to reach the United States.

He noted that as far as he knows there is no anticipated change in the US immigration policy concerning Cubans.

Mr Mitchell said that the Royal Bahamas Defence Force is partnering with the US Coast Guard to intercept illegal migrants at sea.

PAGE 4, Friday, August 19, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

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Clinton can’t escape her emails - but still has edge on Trump NEW YORK (AP) — Hillary Clinton can’t seem to escape her use of a private email server as she runs for president. But faced with the choice of Donald Trump, voters seem willing to tolerate the questions it raises about Clinton’s honesty because of their distaste for Republican nominee.

This week, it was the FBI’s delivery to Congress of notes from its investigation into Clinton’s e-mail habits that put one of the most uncomfortable parts of her State Department tenure back in the headlines.

It’s an issue unlikely to go away: At hearings planned for next month, Republicans in Congress say they’ll ask FBI officials whether those notes indicate she may have lied to lawmakers in response to questions about her handling of classified material.

Yet for all the attention the e-mails get, recent preference polls show Clinton with a solid and steady lead over Trump in a series of competitive battleground states.

Voters also give her higher marks on her readiness for the White House and handling of foreign policy.

Those same polls show that much of the public don’t like Clinton and find her untrustworthy, and she has acknowledged as much. But it’s worse for Trump, and compared with the billionaire, the perceptions of dishonesty the public has of Clinton appears to be an attribute many Americans are willing to live with.

“All of this calculation over the e-mails will probably be drowned out by the determination that he’s not fit to be president,” said Matt Bennett, once an aide to former Vice President Al Gore and a senior vice president at the centrist think tank Third Way. Should Clinton win the election, questions about her honesty are likely to trail her into the White House and could complicate her ability to push through a policy agenda. It’s a political challenge that mirrors the one her husband, former President Bill Clinton, faced nearly a quarter century ago.

As a candidate, Bill Clinton was dogged in 1992 by questions about his honesty, but voters ultimately viewed him as a better caretaker of the economy, which had stumbled during President George H.W. Bush’s administration.

“It will be a challenge,” said Mickey Kantor, a longtime Clinton supporter who chaired his 1992 campaign. “He overcame it and was re-elected. She can overcome it. Not easily, but she can overcome it.”

The tone Hillary Clinton sets during a transition and inauguration will be key to potentially improving her image, said Chris Lehane, who worked in opposition research in her husband’s administration.

“You’ll have a moment there where potentially people will be interested in getting what you rarely get in life, a second

look,” he said.

According to polls conducted by Gallup, her favorability ratings have fallen from a high of around 65 per cent during her tenure as secretary of state to just over 40 per cent after the Democratic convention, a historic low for a presidential candidate surpassed only by Trump.

“She will have a significant challenge in persuading the voters of the country that she is indeed honest and trustworthy,” said Republican pollster Whit Ayres, who worked for GOP primary candidate Marco Rubio’s presidential bid. “A great many people will vote for her because they can’t stand voting for Donald Trump. But she’ll still have work to do.”

Old Clinton hands see echoes of their strategy in Hillary Clinton’s approach.

In early 1992, voters knew Bill Clinton as an Ivy League graduate who avoided serving in Vietnam and had been accused of extramarital affairs, said Paul Begala, a key strategist for the then candidate who now works for the main Democratic super PAC supporting Hillary Clinton’s White House bid.

Their goal was to expand public perceptions of Bill Clinton to encompass other, more positive facts, such as his poor upbringing, difficult family life, college scholarships and decision to return to Arkansas as a public servant rather than accept a high-paid corporate job.

In 2016, Clinton’s campaign, says Begala, has similarly tried to fill out her public image. It has run ads highlighting her mother’s abusive childhood and Clinton’s early commitment to helping women and children as a legal advocate, while much of the Democratic convention was devoted to Clinton’s personal biography.

“Sure, she has had Secret Service protection since she became first lady in 1993 — she needs it. But she was not born in the White House,” Begala said.

Clinton and her campaign attribute much of her low approval ratings to a belief that voters like Clinton more when she’s working than campaigning, a view that they say is intertwined with the scandals of her husband’s administration, years of relentless GOP attacks and how Americans view female candidates.

But in recent weeks, they’ve preferred to focus on the failings of their opponent.

“He’s been unraveling for weeks, since the convention,” Joel Benenson, Clinton’s chief strategy said Thursday in an interview with MSNBC. “He’s a failed candidate and failing campaign.”

But even Clinton admits that fixing her trust problem will take time.

“I’ve made mistakes. I don’t know anyone who hasn’t. So I understand people have some questions,” Clinton told black voters at a June luncheon in Chicago.

“You can’t just talk someone into trusting you. You’ve got to earn it.”

By Ken Thomas and Lisa Lerer of the Associated Press

Are we enslaved to politics?

EDITOR, The Tribune.

HAVE the two primary political parties actually enslaved those in the lower income range and those single women who have brought into this world three-four and more children?

In 1975, there were 1975 births to persons outside of marriage - by 1985 that doubled to 3,363 and slipped back by 2007 - over this period over 11,214 births to single mothers occurred.

Lest we forget we of African stock dominate the mix of the ethnicity of our population so we can only blame ourselves and I must suggest the successive governments that have turned their backs on what as it continues basically enslaves those because the economic costs to pull yourself out of the hole is too expensive so politically it would seem to be leave what is sleeping

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net alone, but every year we now have 5,000 students coming out of school – in a term of parliament that’s 25,000.

In what year since majority rule has any Government or any stripe produced even 10 per cent of that requirement leaving those unable to find work enslaved.

Enslaved is a strong word and has a meaning which some politicians will be offended reading, but there is no better word to describe what has occurred and continues whilst the politicians make hay and says “It’s Better.....rab, rah and rah” to no meaning.

Potentially we could have an unemployment level of 60,000 by 2024 and a population of around 500,000

(possibly we are there already as many argue Census counting does not catch the undocumented).

Baha Mar will when it opens take 8,000, but today that leaves 27,000 still looking and in 12 months a further 5,000 are added to the seeking employment count and every year this happens.

The physical enslavement of the economically less fortunate by successive governments is a serious issue none wish to address, but the end of the proverbial rope is close.

Since 2012, how many new investment projects planned to create new jobs have been created? Bimini - re-opening of old Loews’ Hotel PI - Anchorage on Bay Street what else?

PATRICIA SAWYER Nassau, August 9, 2016.

Solving our Devil in the detail nation’s problems EDITOR, The Tribune.

NHI - there wasn’t the detail in the debate?

WE are told that the programme from day one will cost $100m - am I right to presume that the IMF are aware of this and by simple matching today’s expenditure and no increases in costs the IMF is unconcerned as to the introduction or really the continuation of what is there now and what will be. So nothing is new?

Let’s deal with those who can afford private Insurance - the basic annual deduction minimums will not affect them whatsoever unless, of course, you are sick and need medical attention to expend $2,000 in a year is quite a lot of medical care.

It will affect them on what I perceive as the issue immediately of sector capacity - what do I mean? Capacity is can the public and the pri-

vate sector provide for what will happen - more people will attend medical centres/ clinics common sense tells out that the service is magically now FREE!!

Not a single word on this issue as capacity is going to be the key ingredient whether you have a new service that the people like or hate - can the 10 Government Clinics in Nassau service an increase of even 3-4 per cent additional patients? What percentage of those attending today Government Clinics will now with the availability of the private sector switch? Remember the service is now FREE! If we are honest there are waiting lines at the Government facilities and the private – even Doctors Hospital- has Government made any calculation as to the impact of the anticipated, quite natural move, of persons who would under today’s circumstance attend

a Government Clinic to the now available Free private facility?

There has not been from what the public knows any physical capacity increase at any of the lo-Nassau Health Clinics so I suggest that the launch is probably premature and if launched in January, 2017 within a short time Government will see the disaster which no one wishes but it is inevitable as it seems “capacity” has not been addressed.

Family Island Clinics Government needs to confirm and list in detail the physical upgrades that have taken place in the islands - it is useless pontificating that services will radically improve but then there is no physical development at what are primitive facilities or at the least basic medical care facilities.

W THOMPSON Nassau, August 13, 2016.

EDITOR, The Tribune.

THERE cannot be anyone who would wish or to cause unemployment however there is a reality if more and more people require employment and successive Governments are unable to produce reliable employment then we have to ask those who represent them as their MPs - are you really doing best for your constituents?

There has in 40+ years been an increase in the Official Population of over 100,000, many question that is conservative as the 30,000 undocumented in 1983-84 are still here and have multiplied considerably and could today be in excess of 120,000 on top of the official count. 1975 we were counted at 205,000 by 1985 now 226,000 and by 2007 305,655....I believe it is said we have 350,000 +population today.

In the period 1975

through 2007 there were 8,352 births to married couples against 11,214 to single mothers, a difference in raw figures of 8,352.

The children born in 1999 are seeking a job in 2016 or full time at a College or University but are there adequate jobs waiting for them? Very, very few will.

The PLP and the FNM have never produced enough new jobs in any single year to match the number of children leaving school annually - there is constantly a larger factor of those who struggle to find some reasonable employment. Surely we have to ask: is this right - is this good governance of our politicians?

Take 2007 - 5,126 births were registered who by 2024 just 17 years time they would be pounding the streets - checking onlinewriting numerous letters and making hundreds of cellphone calls praying to

hear a receptive response - Is that equitable for our young people? Now many of the young ladies have a chance to be employed?

This present Government is spending thousands on the much promoted National Development Plan which initially confirmed that all Governments had failed but are they looking as they must at population growth in relation to job creation?

Listening to the outcry of certain MPs yesterday they are not looking after the interests of the youth.

It is unacceptable for the ever growing number of young women being plunged into a new financial slavery on the hope that the father will provide? $25 a week is nothing.

In a nutshell that is what is occurring and you wonder why our young rebel.

P SIMMS Nassau, August 4, 2016.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, August 19, 2016, PAGE 5

Sands: Lottery to fund NHI ‘an interesting conundrum’

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

THE idea of establishing a national lottery to fund National Health Insurance (NHI) could pose an “interesting” conundrum, according to Senator Dr Duane Sands.

He said a key issue with such a proposal is the fact that the majority of voters who took part in the 2013 gambling referendum rejected the idea of establishing a national lottery.

“There isn’t an easy way into that at all,” Dr Sands said, responding to questions from The Tribune.

“The government and Prime Minister (Perry Christie) made a decision to go against the will of the people back in that 2013 referendum/opinion poll debacle. The people haven’t forgotten that.

Now to come back and say to them, ‘Yes we know you rejected the idea of a lottery, but (a new lottery) could help pay for the country’s healthcare.’

There is no guarantee that

they would accept that.”

After the rejected referendum, the government legalised web shops even though the majority of voters also voted against this in the 2013 poll.

He added: “You have to clarify the legal standing of the number houses, which I don’t think the government has done to date. We need to know how much it could raise and how it would be ran if established.

“Then you also have to flesh out all the aspects of NHI, because all we have now is a bunch of pretty booklets that say we get this and that, and doesn’t explain how anything would work.

“Those are the two biggest obstacles to get across and they have to be addressed. But on the surface of it, a national lottery, in this regard, could prove to be useful. But you will not get me to endorse such a move until all of these moving parts are carefully and transparently ironed out,” he said.

Medical Association of The Bahamas (MAB)

President Dr Sy Pierre on Wednesday proposed that the establishment of a national lottery could be a way of funding NHI. He insisted that a national lottery strictly for healthcare could be a good thing.

He also suggested that a tax on tobacco and alcohol products could also be looked at.

The primary care stage of NHI is estimated to cost the government approximately $100m annually and it is proposed that an additional $24m a year will be reserved for coverage of selected high-cost specialised care.

The government has not provided a clear scheme to fund NHI. Health Minister Dr Perry Gomez has estimated that the government spends about $400m annually on healthcare in the country.

Dr Sands himself suggested on Wednesday that the Christie administration was promoting “champagne and caviar” when it could only provide “peanuts and beer” through its NHI scheme.

CONSULTANT Surgeon PHA Dr Duane Sands.

PRODUCT RECALL ISSUED OVER CURRY POWDER from page one

However, GraceKennedy said no illnesses have been reported in connection with the products being recalled to date. Nonetheless, it stressed that lead can accumulate in the body over time and may cause “serious” and sometimes permanent negative health complications.

The products being recalled are both the two ounce and six ounce Grace Mild Jamaican Style Curry Powder in the glass container, both the two ounce and six ounce

Grace Hot Jamaican Style Curry Powder in the glass container, as well as the four ounce Grace Caribbean Tradition Hot Curry Powder in the plastic container.

The statement said consumers who purchased the Grace Curry products bearing the relevant bestbefore dates and corresponding batch numbers should not consume them, but instead “should return same to point of purchase, where the full cost will be refunded.” The best before dates and batch numbers can be found on the top of

the product caps, the statement said.

Ryan Mack, GraceKennedy Foods (USA) president and CEO, said: “GraceKennedy wishes to assure consumers that their safety is paramount and that providing safe, high quality products to our consumers remains our number one priority.”

He added that the recall did not include any other batches of Grace Curry products. The announcement by GraceKennedy comes after Oriental Packing Co reportedly recalled

377,000 pounds of various curry powder sold under Blue Mountain, Jamaica Choice, Ocho Rios, Oriental and Grace brands because the seasonings are contaminated with lead.

According to a report by NBC New York, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said 15 different kinds of powder seasons from Oriental Packing Co were included in the recall. The recall was reportedly the result of sampling by the New York State Health Department during routine sampling.

Oriental Packing has reportedly ceased production of the curry while the product is being investigated.

RECALLED PRODUCTS The best before dates and batch numbers for the recalled products, respective of their net weights, beginning with the first listed products, are: • BB 03/11/19 OPCLOT #030716 and BB 03/28/19 OPCLOT #032516 (two oz Grace Mild Jamaican); • BB 03/11/19 OPCLOT #

030716 (six oz Grace Mild Jamaican); • BB 03/11/19 OPCLOT # 030716 and BB 03/28/19 OPCLOT # 032516 (two oz Grace Hot Jamaican); • BB 03/11/19 OPCLOT # 030716 and BB 04/11/19 OPCLOT # 040816 (six oz Grace Hot Jamaican); • BB 12/14/19 OPCLOT # 121115, BB 12/14/19 OPCLOT # 120115, BB 03/11/19 OPCLOT # 030716, BB 03/28/19 OPCLOT # 032516, and BB 04/11/19 OPCLOT # 040816 (four oz Grace Caribbean Tradition).

COLLEGE APPOINTS DEAN OF STUDENTS AT NORTHERN CAMPUS

DR TEO COOPER

THE College of The Bahamas Northern Bahamas Campus has appointed Dr Teo Cooper as dean of students for a period of three years from August 1.

Dr Cooper presently chairs the board of directors of Rhema Preparatory Academy and the University of The Bahamas Educational Research Conference Committee. He is a member of the board of directors of the Bahamas Association of Science Educators, a member of the National Science Teachers

Association and is certified by the Florida Department of Education (educational leadership, biology) and the Bahamas Ministry of Education.

He graduated from COB in 2007 with a bachelor of education degree in secondary education in biology/ combined science. He holds a master’s degree from Florida International University in higher education administration and a doctor of education degree in curriculum and instruction from the same institution.

A veteran educator, Dr Cooper previously served as assistant professor of science education at the Northern Bahamas Campus. His professional experience includes teaching positions at secondary and tertiary levels in Florida and the Bahamas.

He has written on the utility of cognitive apprenticeship-based instructional coaching for improving science teaching efficacy and has presented at a number of academic forums.

He will be responsible

for the overall coordination of co-curricular programmes that support student success, including all intramural activities. Development and implementation of college policies and procedures that relate to students and co-ordination of the administration of student disciplinary procedures will also come under Dr Cooper’s portfolio.

Additionally, Dr Cooper will be responsible for the review of student development programmes and will have oversight of all resi-

dential life and student life personnel issues.

Dr Cooper’s appointment to the position of dean of students at COB’s Northern Bahamas Campus is crucial, the college said in a press release, given the institution’s impending transition to university status.

PAGE 6, Friday, August 19, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

Gibson: FNM is exploiting cuts from page one She said this administration’s “incompetence” and “laissez-faire” approach to governance was to blame for the country’s unemployment challenges.

“Listen to me carefully; Loretta Butler-Turner doesn’t have anything to offer me as minister of labour when she is going to try and make politics out of hundreds of employees losing their jobs,” Mr Gibson said.

“Now when she wants to talk sense then I’ll listen, but while she is playing politics we have no time for that.

“We have a country to run. We have jobs to secure.

We have jobs to create and if she is going to try and play politics when thousands of lives and their survival is at stake, I’m not into her.

“Our position right now is that we are trying to get as many of them as possible re-employed. It is unfortunate that an industrial agreement was not in place at the time. It is unfortunate that Sandals chose not to emphasise the option of asking each employee individually to accept time off without pay for that period. So our position now is that we have to try and see how we can make sure encourage them to keep on as many as possible.”

He added: “It’s strange for Loretta to comment now. I mean I didn’t hear her comment like this when they sent those hundreds of employees home at Atlantis.

She sat by quietly without a word and all of a sudden she could find words because she wants to play politics?

“Secondly, Loretta don’t have to go far. Her government sent home thousands of workers from the Bahamas Telecommunications Company. Her government sent home dozens of customs officers. Her government sent home dozens of police officers. Her government sent home almost 100 persons from ZNS and now she wants to tell us? Those

things they could have controlled.”

On Monday, Mr Gibson said his ministry was given very little notice by Sandals of its decision to make more than 600 employees redundant so it could conduct renovations. Critics have blasted the government over this.

Asked to respond to this, he said: “The reason why we have labour laws in the country is because they govern what happens in the country and if anybody is saying they want us to dictate to employers well let us dictate to everybody.

“Tell Loretta if she wants us to be able to dictate to people let us dictate to her when she comes to Parliament.

“What I am saying is that the system doesn’t work that way. You put laws in place and the country is governed by laws. So whenever there

is a challenge you refer to the law. So don’t come now for political reasons to tell us we should dictate.

“You have to deal with employers in accordance with the law. You can’t arbitrarily do something because it is politically expedient,” Mr Gibson said.

On Wednesday, Mrs Butler-Turner, the FNM’s shadow minister of labour, also accused Prime Minister Perry Christie of showing “utter disregard” for the employees and their families because he has remained silent on the matter.

She said this situation coupled with the “belligerent and incompetent” manner in which the unopened Baha Mar resort was handled is proof that the government has little respect or regard for Bahamian workers or the well-being of their families.

RESORT TO HOST JOB FAIR SANDALS Royal Bahamian Resort will host a four-day job fair starting on Monday, a week after more than 600 hotel employees were made redundant because the property closed for renovations.

The job fair will run until Thursday at the Christ the King Anglican Church in Ridgeland Park West from 9am-4pm.

Yesterday 60 Sandals Royal Bahamian staff members were briefed before they head to Exuma on Sunday to take up positions at Sandals Emerald Bay. According to a press release from Sandals, the staffers opted for transfer when the luxury all-inclusive announced it would have to close the Cable Beach property for up to 10 weeks to effect extensive repairs.

Sandals CEO Adam Stewart said engineers informed them they had no choice but to close the hotel and relocate guests

in order to make repairs ranging from jackhammering up pool decks and repairing two pools to replacing decadesold rusty, leaking plumbing that runs for thousands of linear feet under the 70-year-old hotel.

“I’m going home,” said Ashton Bodie, a steward who had come to Nassau to find work. “I’m from there, from Barreterre, so it’s good.”

George Clarke, a chef who has been with Sandals for more than six years, said he was “ecstatic” about going to Sandals Emerald Bay. And Rachel Cartwright, a massage therapist, said when she heard there was a chance of being transferred to the golf, tennis and spa property she “grabbed the opportunity.”

“I always wanted to go to Exuma,” Ms Cartwright said. The property is expected to open in mid-October following repairs and renovations.

PLAN TO GIVE OFFICERS TIME OFF ‘WILL THREATEN PUBLIC SAFETY’ from page one

A letter obtained by The Tribune dated August 17 and written by David Higgins, director of legal affairs in the Office of the Attorney General, said: “The commissioner has instructed our office that his team is in the process of working through the duty sheets submitted by various officers-in-charge, and as soon as they are completed, the officers will be notified accordingly.

“Further, provisions will be made for officers who are entitled, who have either resigned, or their contract of employment have ended or have died during

the relative period for monetary payment to be made to them or their estate.”

The PSA yesterday said it is not ready to accept the commissioner’s decision and the organisation lamented the lack of consultation between the group and senior national security figures on the matter.

It is not clear how the force will determine how much time officers should receive for every 12-hour shift they worked. The Supreme Court ordered, however, that the compensation be received within a year.

PSA Chairman Dwight Smith said yesterday that at the very least, this means more than 2,000 officers will be entitled to three

months and two days off.

Mr Munroe said this is impractical.

“I don’t see how the country is going to be able to afford giving time back to all the police officers who are due them because everyone worked the 12-hour shifts, people who aren’t even in the group that I represent, ASPs (assistant superintendents) worked 12-hour shifts, even superintendents did and assistant commissioners of police. Every conceivable rank is caught by this. We need to take a very focused look at this because it is a public safety issue, not just a money issue.

“All Bahamians would have some idea that police vacation will be stopped in

the run-up to Christmas until after Christmas. We’ve all heard a very aggressive plan for events next year from the Minister of Sports Danny Johnson. I think we’re having a FIFA event, next year we will be having a general election; will be having Junkanoo Carnival again; Junkanoo in June, a Goombay festival. All of these events require policing so when will all the police officers be able to take the time off.”

He added: “I’m not sure that a proper view was taken as to the level of manpower that would be available if it’s decided to give time back instead of payment.

The PSA realises it’s not the Commissioner of Police but certainly it would make

sense to speak with the staff association about something like this. If it’s that you cannot spare the manpower which may turn out to be the circumstance here because all this time back has to be given within the calendar year, then you should talk with the association. It’s not an unusual thing.

“We’ve seen public service arrangements where an amount is agreed and is paid over a number of lump sums. Nothing from my vantage point tells me that the PSA is seeking to be obstructionist or unreasonable in its approach to resolving this matter. They don’t want anything that would threaten the security of the Bahamas and I

would think courtesy would have been to sit down with them.”

Mr Munroe and Mr Smith argued that direct payments to officers would be cheaper for the government than time off, since the option would exist to pay the officers at the public service overtime rate.

Mr Munroe said the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal urged the government to work with the PSA to come to a resolution on this issue.

Despite this, there has been no consultation he said, raising the possibility that the parties could head back to court to determine if the government has complied with the court’s order.

OFFICIALS DENY DOLPHIN AND CALF SEPARATED AT BLACKBEARD’S CAY from page one

Death Notice For Henry Nelson Brennen, 74 a resident of Yamacraw Beach Estates, died at PMH on 13th August, 2016.

He is survived by wife of 54 years: Cynthia Brennen; 1 son: Aaron Anthony Brennen of Charlotte, N.C.; 2 daughters: Adrianne Brennen & Cindy Simone Brennen James of Ft. Lauderdale; 6 grand children: Adriano Brennen, Devon, Donovan, Natalia Brennen, Jonathan & Jayden James; 2 great grandchildren 4 sisters: Pastor Sheila Smith, Henrietta Stubbs, Esthermae Evans & Genevieve Nord & a host of other relatives & friends.

Mrs Duncombe claimed the calf, which The Tribune understands was born in May, was allegedly separated from his mother for breeding purposes.

The women called on the government to intervene on the matter, with Ms Terrell stressing that something must be done soon before “this little male dolphin dies due to the stupidity of taking him from his mom before he can survive”.

Ms Terrell, in particular, stressed that the Bahamas

Marine Mammal Protection Act must be upheld and its rules enforced.

When contacted yesterday on the matter, however Mr Braynen said: “We’ve already looked into the matter. The verdict is that the mother and calf have not been separated,” he added.

When pressed further on whether the department found anything concerning at the Balmoral Island facility, Mr Braynen repeated: “The mother and calf have not been separated.”

This is the latest round of controversy to hit Blackbeard’s Cay, particularly

with regards to the dolphins kept on the property.

On August 31, 2015, Senior Justice Stephen Isaacs issued an order reinforcing his July 27, 2014, judgment in favour of ReEarth’s judicial review application to challenge the permits/ approvals received by the Blackbeard’s Cay project.

The order required both Prime Minister Perry Christie and the Town Planning Committee to mandate that Blue Illusions, the development’s operator, cease developing the island and restore the land to its original condition.

And V Alfred Gray, as minister of agriculture and fisheries, was required to remove the eight dolphins at the facility to a new, “appropriate location”.

Then, in a December 17, 2015, ruling, Justice Milton Evans found that the eight dolphins belonged to their Honduran supplier, Instituto De Ciencias Marinas (IMS), and not Samir Andrawos, the principal of Blue Illusions.

However, the government has yet to act on both Justice Isaacs’ order and the subsequent ruling by Justice Evans.

SUSPECTED $2M COCAINE HAUL SEIZED BY POLICE OFFICERS

BY DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMIAN authorities made major drug bust at the Freeport Container Port on Thursday, seizing over $2 million worth of suspected cocaine.

According to reports,

law enforcement officers went to the container port around 10am and searched a 40ft container where they discovered three duffle bags of cocaine, with estimated weight of 120lbs.

No arrest was made. This is the second major drug at the container. Last week, some $5 million of cocaine

were discovered in duffel bags in a container. No arrest was made in connection with that matter.

In another other matter, a man was arrested at Freeport Harbour after he was allegedly found with suspected cocaine in his possession. Sometime around 5.15pm on Thursday, offic-

ers at the harbor observed a man acting suspicious who ran on seeing them. The police pursued the man in a bathroom where discovered a white plastic bag of suspected cocaine, weighing over one pound with an estimated street value of $10,000. Investigations are continuing in both matters.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, August 19, 2016, PAGE 7

Row over song ‘highlights need for hate speech laws’ THE uproar sparked by a controversial song making the rounds on social media demonstrates the urgent need for hate speech laws in The Bahamas, prominent attorney Fred Smith, QC, said yesterday.

Mr Smith, president of the Grand Bahama Human Rights Association (GBHRA), said that while the song in question would not meet internationally recognised definitions of hate speech, the outrage and confusion it sparked highlights why The Bahamas must move quickly to establish its own parameters and limits for free expression.

“Let me be clear: I believe the song in question was in very poor taste and extremely insulting to Prime Minister Christie and his family,” he said. “It also featured some horrible references to women and those who struggle with disabilities. However, as it did not seek to threaten, intimidate or encourage violence against any particular social group, it does not qualify as hate speech.

“Leaving aside the dangerous, reckless and woefully ill-conceived suggestion of criminal libel, the fact is that there is nothing illegal about the song.

Obviously, though, many

people – including perhaps the prime minister – assumed that it did qualify as hate speech, or at the very least that some other criminal act had been committed.

“One of those arrested in connection with the song said the police accused him of trying to ‘destabilise the government.’ Well, that is not a crime either – regardless of how Ministers (Fred) Mitchell and (Jerome) Fitzgerald may seek to give it institutional and political currency in Parliament.”

Mr Smith believes the “confusion, misunderstanding and wild legal speculation” that erupted in the wake of the song’s release can be traced to the legal vacuum that exists in the Bahamas concerning the limits of freedom of expression.

“What can you legally say in The Bahamas? What can you not say? No one seems to know. Certainly, the police don’t seem to know, the politicians don’t seem to know. It must be a distressing situation for all concerned – particularly Mr Christie,” he said.

Mr Smith said he appreciates how the prime minister must feel as over the past few years, he and other local activists were targeted by a series of intimidating

public hate rallies, yet their numerous complaints to police fell on deaf ears.

“The members and directors of the environmental group Save The Bays were the victims of in a sustained campaign of threats, intimidation and incitement to violence. We say it was hate speech, yet the police did nothing.

“The supporters of Prime Minister Christie say the rap song was hate speech.

In that instance, the police arrested (two people) and sought to charge with them with every offence under the sun, only to release them without charge.”

“Clearly, the time has come to clarify this issue once and for all by enacting balanced, sensible and comprehensive hate speech laws in accordance with international standards.”

Mr Smith said everyone who expressed outrage over the song and called for criminal charges to be leveled against the singers should to join the GBRHA in seeking to convince legislators to prioritise anti-hate speech laws.

“There is no point in railing and denouncing on social media, inventing imaginary charges and calling for people to be buried under the prison,” he said. “All that sound and fury is to-

tally useless and absolutely meaningless in the absence of a rational legal framework to govern this issue,”

FRED SMITH he said.

Last week, police arrested two men in connection with the song. Both men

- who spoke with The Tribune on Sunday - were later released and maintained their innocence.

MITCHELL SEEKS TO SUE SMITH FOR $4.5M IN SLANDER CLAIM from page one

In the defence and counterclaim filed on Tuesday, Mr Smith is accused of making defamatory comments against Mr Mitchell as a guest on the Love 97.5 radio show “Issues of the Day” in March, stating that Mr Mitchell was a liar and had lied in the House of Assembly about an immigration matter.

Mr Mitchell is seeking an injunction against Mr Smith to prevent him from making the same or similar defamatory remarks, and is asking for $4.5m in damages for slander, along with aggravated, exemplary and punitive damages.

The charge is nearly identical to the initial claim brought by Mr Smith, who is seeking $3m in aggravated, exemplary and punitive damages incurred due to Mr Mitchell’s statement on a pending judicial review that implied that the highprofile lawyer was dishonest and a liar.

The comments attributed to Mr Smith as a guest on the radio talk show are: “Fred Mitchell goes to the House of Assembly lying about Cubans. Fred Mitchell is a liar.”

Mr Mitchell’s counterclaim noted: “In their natural and ordinary meaning the said words meant and were understood to mean that: Fred Mitchell is dishonest about the matters involving Cuban nationals when speaking to the House of Assembly. Fred Mitchell is a liar.”

It continued: “The mentioned radio programme is broadcast nationwide and has an estimated listenership of, or around, 60,000 people.”

The claim furthered that Mr Mitchell had incurred damage to his character, and his personal and professional reputation. In support of the request for damages, the claim referenced the “specificity of the remark and the obvious lack of consideration of an adjective other than liar”.

It also highlighted “the seriousness of the allegations in light of the defendant’s position in public office and the residual damage to his personal reputation and professional career as a public servant.”

It continued: “Given the plaintiff (Fred Smith) is a senior attorney he was or ought to have been aware of the foreseeable risk of

re-publication and the likelihood that these remarks would be duly carried by word of mouth in a nation with a small population, as well as the reasonable foreseeability of sound bites being reproduced and circulated via social media.”

Mr Mitchell’s claim emphasised that unless restrained by the court, Mr Smith would continue to make defamatory remarks against him.

The legal battle stems from another court case involving Coral Beach Homeowners Association President Bruno Rufa and the Immigration Department that was under judicial review. Mr Rufa was represented by Mr Smith in that matter.

In the initial claim, Mr Mitchell is accused of libel by tarnishing the reputation of Mr Smith as a result of a statement given by the Cabinet minister, published in The Tribune on February 15.

Mr Mitchell at the time had dismissed Mr Smith’s fears that the Immigration Department’s actions would spark a second homeowners’ “exodus” from Freeport when he described the Callenders & Co QC as “a stranger to the

truth” during his backing of the department’s handling of Mr Rufa’s case.

Mr Mitchell, in an emailed response to Tribune Business on Mr Smith’s comments in February, said: “Mr Smith is well known for hyperbole and gross defamatory statements. I’m not sure if he knows the truth if it stares him in the face.”

Mr Mitchell’s defence noted that his published comments were stated without malice, and denied that they were meant or understood to mean that Mr Smith was a liar or dishonest. The defence called on Mr Smith to provide strict proof for his allegations, underscoring that the QC was well known in the public domain for his “flagrant and dramatic theatrics and statements to the media”.

Mr Mitchell’s defence continued: “The plaintiff has an established reputation as a dramatic, outspoken and theatrical alarmist.

Notably he has appeared both on television and in the print media making statements soiled with hyperbole and conjecture.

“The plaintiff has also gone to the extent of going down on his knees during a publicly broadcasted televi-

TEENAGER MURDER TRIAL TO RESUME TODAY

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

A JURY returns to the Supreme Court today for the expected continuation of trial into the murder of Doris Johnson Senior High School student Adonai Wilson.

The 12-member panel

sworn to hear evidence in the case of three accused teens - aged 18, 15 and 17 - were excused for yesterday’s morning and afternoon court sessions while legal discussions were held with the judge, Crown and lawyers for the accused.

They were asked to return at 2.30pm today.

According to initial re-

ports, Wilson, 16, was stabbed multiple times during an argument with several other students shortly after school was dismissed early on December 9, 2015, because of exams. He died in hospital a short time later.

The incident took place around 2pm on Prince Charles Drive and a graphic

cell phone video of the incident spread quickly on social media.

The teens have retained attorneys Murrio Ducille, Roberto Reckley and Ian Cargill to represent them.

Kristan Stubbs and Bradford McKenzie are prosecuting for the Crown.

Justice Bernard Turner is the presiding trial judge.

2018 TRIAL DATE SET FOR HARBOURING SUSPECT

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

A TRIAL date in 2018 has been fixed for a father and son who deny that they harboured a wanted murder suspect.

Trevor Taylor, 51, and Travado Taylor, 27, had pleaded not guilty to the charge of harbouring a criminal during a formal arraignment before Supreme Court judge Justice Carolita Bethell two weeks ago.

In a fixture hearing on Wednesday before Senior Justice Stephen Isaacs, who is to preside over their trial, the men were told that they

would stand trial on April 16, 2018.

However, a status hearing was fixed for October 7 of this year for case management purposes.

It is alleged the Taylors harboured 20-year-old Deiondre Delvon Demeritte between April 15 and 21 of this year.

Demeritte was wanted by police for questioning with reference to the April 8 fatal shooting of Calvin Thompson, who was found dead in a car off Carmichael Road.

The two men, who were granted bail within two weeks of their initial Magistrate’s Court appearance,

maintain their innocence and have retained attorney Ian Cargill to represent them.

Demeritte, meanwhile, awaits his formal arraignment in the Supreme Court.

sion interview and pleading the defendant is not reelected.”

Mr Mitchell’s defence pointed to published comments made by Mr Smith in the Rufa matter, in which the QC called on the government to “stop terrorising this important economic engine of Freeport” - referring to the Immigration Department’s handling of second homeowners.

“In the premises the

words complained of were fair comment in expressing the opinion that the plaintiff has no familiarity with the conduct, or decision making process of the Department of Immigration to make such allegations, and in expressing the opinion that he is dramatic, if not at times reckless in his statements, some of which may amount to defamatory remarks,” Mr Mitchell’s defence noted.

Funeral Service For Mr. Craig Deleveaux, 52

Of St. Kitts Road, Golden Isles #2, will be held on Saturday, August 20th, 2016 at 10am at the Church of God of Prophecy East Street.

Officiating will be Bishop Hulan Hanna. Interment will follow in the Southern Cemetery Spikenard Road

Left to cherish fond memories are his Sons: Craig Jr., D’Sorajj and Devon Deleveaux; Daughters: D’Andra and Taniqua Deleveaux; Grandson: Terrence Francis Jr.; Brothers: Roosevelt & Reginald Deleveaux and Anthony McKinney; Sister: Karen Deleveaux-Rolle; Sister-in-law: Rina McKinney; Brother-in-law: Willie Rolle; Uncle: John Deleveaux; Aunt: Carolyn Deleveaux; Nieces: Tanasha Deleveaux, Maria Rolle, Rena, Latera and Latara Pinder, Suzette and Terral McKenzie and Unell McKinney; Nephews: Kemuel Johnson, Echo & Rennie Deleveaux, Trevor Rolle, Tamu King and Jamal Pinder; Grand Nieces: Keirra, Keille and Renniah Deleveaux, Trevesha, Trelicia and Treia Rolle, Trinity McKenzie, Dwayna Miller, Lathura Penn, Anthonique and Terrance Pinder and Tamara Lightbourne; Grand Nephews: Kemuel Johnson Jr., Ravuaghn Pinder, Valentino Penn, Kelson Mortimer, Dwayne and Ricardo Miller; Cousins: Thelma Storr, Sherlyn Sawyer, Samantha and Zilpha and Samuel Williams, Michael McKenzie, Norman, Lomant, Vincent and Phillip Seymour, Jennifer, Christine, Camile, Rochelle, Whittington Jr. Yolanda and Prescott Deleveaux, W/Cpl 2339 Thomasine Clarke, Shawn Clarke, Min. Tiffany Reid, Larry, Anastasia, Jamal and K’Dedra Rolle; Other Relatives and friends including: William Butler & family, Edith Tynes & family, Deborah Knowles & family, Latera Roach & family, Samantha Bowles & family, Mark Miller, Kia Smith, Dellareese Braynen, the Farrington family, Ashanti Johnson & family, the staff of the former Federol Management Services, Christine Dorsette, Genco Battery, Staff of Ernst & Young, Atlantis Accounts Dept. and Supplies Chain Management Dept., Jacklyn Bowe, Lucknercina, Natasha Moree, the Bootle family and a host of other relatives and friends, too numerous to mention.

Friends may pay their last respect at Memories Funeral Home #20 Claridge Road, Nassau, N.P., The Bahamas on Friday from 9:30am to 5:30pm and at the church in on Saturday from 9am until service time.

PAGE 8, Friday, August 19, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

Misguided rapper should still beat the police rap A Comic’s View

By INIGO ‘NAUGHTY’ ZENICAZELAYA

T

HIS week, as a controversial song by a Bahamian artist named ‘Mice’ rose to the level of national attention, I found myself thinking on the Voltairean principle: ‘I disapprove of what you say but I will defend to the death your right to say it.’

With this is mind, I had my first listen to the song that was causing all the drama. After all, as a radio personality, my ‘broughtupcy’ has included a steady diet of NWA, Ice-T, Tupac Shakur, Dr Dre, Snoop Dogg and more recently Kendrick Lamar and J Cole. There’s nothing a local rapper could say that would surprise me, right?

Wrong.

In fact, the more I listened to the lyrics and subsequent outcry, the more I realised this controversy has more layers than a divided onion.

There’s the shocking mention of the Prime Minister’s family, a verbal takedown of specific parliamentarians and there is ample mention of the police.

In fact, outside the Prime Minister (and the Progres-

sive Liberal Party in general), the main antagonist appears to be ‘the police’ in the rapper’s mind. Which is why I when I heard the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) had taken two men (presumably the artist and a producer) into custody in connection with the song I could only shake my head.

I know the song (whose name, by the way, is so offensive and expletive laden we can’t even print it) is far from easy listening. Believe me, this is not your Grandma’s inspirational tune. It’s raw, gritty, overly hyperbolic, vitriolic, insulting, disturbing and downright dismissive of the norms and mores that Bahamians have grown comfortable with. Very few people in this country find it right or decent to bring the families of even the most detested politicians into the conversation. No mention of the wives, children. Ever.

It is that unspoken rule that has allowed many politicians with shambolic personal lives to persevere; you’ve got five baby mamas, a girlfriend, sweetheart, personal “assistant’’ and a

PRIME Minister Perry Christie and his family were among the subjects of the controversial song by Bahamian artist Mice. wife? We won’t talk about their move to arrest the two are any example ‘this ga be talking about how there is that, for the sake of the young men became fodder long’. something stirring in the wife. for Bahamians commenting The second misstep by youth of this country, a So I suppose the first on social media. The men the artist was allowing the cauldron, that’s about to misstep the now infamous were being anger and bubble over. rapper made was bringing held for ‘defi- “The second misstep disdain for We would be talking the Christies into the con- nition’ and those whom about how we have all versation in such a degrad- ‘liable,’ said by the artist was he thinks heard or read worse things ing way. I don’t know Mrs the police allowing the anger have ag- written about the PM, cerChristie personally, but I on national and disdain for those grieved him tain ministers and certain was offended by her treat- tv, instead to become opposition politicians on ment in the song. Regard- of ‘defama- whom he thinks have a distorted Facebook on a daily basis. less of where you stand on tion’ and ‘li- aggrieved him to mess. Make Ninety per cent of the counthe political divide, it was bel’. Which become a distorted no mistake try would be behind bars if wrong, and unnecessary. many viewed about it, the police started grabbing Same goes for the Chris- as the officer mess. Make no mistake there is a everyone who ‘dissed’ a tie children. Especially the misspeaking. about it, there is a glimmer politician. youngest son.

(Little did glimmer of genius of genius Although I disagree with I suspect the lyrical in- they know, and talent a lot of what the artist said and talent in the song, in the song, in ‘that song’ I refer back sults hurled at the Christie trumpedfamily were the main impe- up criminal and without the verse and without to a great debate between tus for the overreaction by charges merit verse American intelligentsia Mithat many Bahamians the the police force. But as dis- trumped-up that many chael Eric Dyson and Dr tasteful as the lyrics were, names, so find reprehensible Bahamians Boyce Watkins on rap and touche.) find rep- hip hop, the gist of which we would be having In a twist rehensible challenges us to not only of life imitat- a wholly different we would examine offensive lyrics but ing art, the conversation today.” be having a to examine the reason such artist had wholly dif- lyrics exist at all. rapped of the ferent conAnd so I stand on the police: “He grabbed me by versation today.

Voltairean principle, meanthe neck because I showed We would be talking ing I may disapprove with him up, he tried to choke about both the role of (and what you say but will defend me out but he wasn’t strong stress placed on) police of- to the death your right to enough.” And indeed what- ficers in such a dangerous say it. (On second thought, ever case the RBPF was city. We would be talking scratch the death part. trying to concoct to hold about how young persons In the words of Kendrick the men on was so weak desperately want a change, Lamar, “I love myself”.) they had to release the men and are moving steadand defer to the Attorney ily toward the Democratic • Inigo ‘Naughty’ ZeGeneral’s office. We are National Alliance (whom nicazelaya is the resident still waiting on the AG to the artist shouted out) in stand-up comic at Jokers chime in, and if past cases search of it. We would be Wild Comedy Club at the Atlantis, Paradise Island, resort and presents ‘Mischief and Mayhem in da AM’ from 6am to 10am, Monday to Friday, and ‘The Press Box’ sports talk show on Sunday from 10am to 1pm on KISS FM 96.1. He also writes a sports column in The Tribune on Tuesday. Comments and questions to naughty@ tribunemedia.net

TO ADVERTISE IN THE TRIBUNE, CONTACT 502-2394

SGT. 2306 Phyllis Alicia Cooper 1975 - 2014

Gone but not forgotten Missed by her family and C.D.U. Family

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, August 19, 2016, PAGE 9

‘Rise in Minnis popularity’ since party’s convention

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net FOLLOWING the party’s July convention, Free National Movement (FNM) Leader Dr Hubert Minnis appears to have gained popularity among FNMs, according to a local political observer.

The observer said Dr Minnis seems to have managed to “ignite a flame and a tremendous movement within the ranks of the FNM and the county at large”.

“Dr Hubert Minnis is on to something special,” the political observer added.

“He has identified with the frustration, pain and disappointments and tough times being faced by the everyday Bahamian.”

The FNM will be observing the anniversary of its first victory at the polls on August 19, 1992.

In commemoration of this milestone, FNMs will attend church services in New Providence and Grand Bahama on Sunday.

David Thompson, chairman of the FNM Council in Grand Bahama, said the church service in New Providence will be held at Cousin McPhee Cathedral AME Church at 3.30pm.

Pastor Dr Ranford Patterson will officiate.

Mr Thompson said Dr Minnis, along with present and past FNM parliamentarians, national party officers, constituency officers,

DR Hubert Minnis during his arrival into the Free National Movement convention.

The FNM’s West Grand Church of the Good Shepand supporters will attend.

Bahama and Bimini Asso- herd in Pinder’s Point at The public is invited.

In Grand Bahama, Mr ciation will attend the 10am 10am.

The Pineridge ConstituThompson said that the five service at Central Zion FNM constituency associa- Baptist Church in Eight ency Association will attend Freeport Bible Church tions will also be attending Mile Rock.

The Central Grand Ba- on Norma Headley Drive at church in each of the constituencies to celebrate the hama Constituency As- the 9.30am service. momentous day. sociation will attend the The Marco City Con-

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff stituency Association will on East Beach Drive at attend Freeport Fellow- 9am. ship Center on East PioMr Thompson said the neers Way Pioneer Loop at FNM will take the op11am. portunity “to rededicate And the East Grand the party to the noble Bahama Constituency As- and historic cause of desociation will attend the liverance and justice for Church of the Ascension all.”

STRACHAN AND BELL RATIFIED TO RUN IN 2017 ELECTION

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

THE Progressive Liberal Party last night announced the ratification of two more candidates for the 2017 general election, after Financial Services Minister Hope Strachan and State Minister for National Security Keith

Bell received nominations for Sea Breeze and Carmichael respectively.

The party announced both nominations at its monthly National General Council meeting.

Mr Bell, who also serves as a senator for the government, replaces current Youth, Sports and Culture Minister Dr Daniel John-

son in Carmichael.

Dr Johnson last month cited “personal reasons” as he bowed out of the nomination process for the area and endorsed Senator Bell to be the party’s standardbearer there.

Senator Bell last month confirmed that he had started canvassing the area for support, insisting that pre-

READERS RESPOND TO MILLER CRITICISM AS THE fallout from the job losses at Sandals continues, Tall Pines MP Leslie Miller’s criticism of union tactics received some support from readers on tribune242.com.

DillyTree also hit out at the unions: “Unions have become corrupt and greedy and do not do their members any favours with their big mouths, ignorant manners and thuggish tactics.

They have no one to blame but themselves. While the union is running to court while running its mouth, perhaps the laid off employees might consider going to court and suing the union for putting them in this mess.

“And while we’re talking smack about ‘foreigners’ running our country, let’s take a good hard look at ourselves. How many jobs do Bahamians provide for Bahamians? Soon there will be no foreign businesses left to blame as we make it increasingly hostile to conduct business in the Bahamas just so we can be big shot entitled Bahamians. Then what will we have? Nothing. Not a damn thing.”

Banker said: “I’m not a fan of Potcake, but I think that he has it right this time.

The trucks were the last straw. And the funny part was that they weren’t roadlegal! How smart are you to drive a truck and park it on the carriageway and not have a proper licence, insurance or documentation?”

The Democratic National Alliance’s “dismay” over the redundancies and claim that the Christie administration had failed to “stand up” for the workers also

prompted a lively reaction from readers.

There was this comment from Themessenger who asked: “What is it with Bahamian politicians, wannabe politicians and unionists that they can’t seem to grasp the fact that private businesses first responsibility is to their shareholders? They are in business to make money, not to provide jobs or prop up corrupt politicians, governments or all for me unionists who make doing business here a nightmare. What law in this country says that a private employer has to keep their doors open, particularly if they’re losing money or being harassed by the unions, just to appease the government or the unions executive?

“Those people have been made redundant and paid their severance in accordance with the law thanks to incompetent meddlers like Obie Ferguson and Shane Gibson. Greed and bully tactics will get you nowhere and in these desperate economic times half a loaf is better than none at all. As you said Mr Ferguson, those employees have been vindicated under the law of the land. How is your union’s unemployment benefits fund looking these days? How are your unemployment numbers looking now Mr Gibson?”

Jamaicaproud thought

unions had to realise times had changed: “Sandals do better please, no union busting. Conversely the unions need to chill. The days of seniority and doing the bare minimum are over. Companies need flexible workers with a good attitude, especially in the hospitality industry. Consequently, productivity is more important than seniority. Unfortunately most unions can’t get their members to subscribe to this reality. Sandals, however, should not be allowed to suspend operations with redundancies.”

John asked: “So what about the armies of Chinese construction workers, doing two and three shifts while Bahamian construction workers sitting idle?”

Observerinlondon had this to say: “My dear Bahamian friends, Please wake-up! Sandals are not the problem here. Nor are any of the other business owners in the Bahamas.

Bahamians like all other nationalities need to realise that they are in a competitive world where capital will go to wherever it is best to make money. Productivity is an unknown concept in The Bahamas which has been missing for many, many years. The government continues to ignore this with poor funding for education, poor infrastructure and a generally antibusiness attitude. Unless people in government and the unions wake up to the reality of 2016, your little island will simply sink to the bottom of the ocean.”

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

liminary efforts had proven fruitful and that he would petition the party for the

nomination.

The Free National Movement has ratified former

Education Minister, Desmond Bannister in the area.

PAGE 10, Friday, August 19, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

DEFENCE FORCE CHIEF SUPPORTS RENAMING NATION’S WATERS CAPTAIN Tellis Bethel Sr, author of ‘The Lucayan Sea: Birthplace of The Modern Americas’, says telling the important story of The Bahamas is one of 21 reasons to name the waters surrounding the country The Lucayan Sea. “What better way to tell our story than to start with naming the waters that make this country the majestic archipelagic nation it is?” asked Capt Bethel, acting commander of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.

Capt Bethel was addressing the men and women whose livelihood and passion depend on the waters of The Bahamas, operators

of the many marinas that welcome local and visiting vessels,at the recent meeting of the Association of Bahamas Marinas. The Caribbean Sea, noted Capt Bethel, is named after the Carib Indians.

“So why not give the waters immediately surrounding our islands a name that embodies our history, reclaims our heritage, and honours the people who first inhabited our islands?

The Lucayan Sea is a perfect fit.”

The idea of giving the unnamed waters an identity is gaining momentum, according to a press release issued on behalf of Capt

Bethel, and it has already been endorsed by legendary sailor Sir Durward ‘Sea Wolf’ Knowles, who with the late Cecil Cooke brought home the country’s first Olympic gold medal in 1964.

The Rotary Clubs of The Bahamas have also endorsed the concept and hundreds have signed a Change.org petition calling for naming the waters The Lucayan Sea. Capt Bethel told the marina operators and associate members gathered in front of Bay Street Marina in Nassau that having patrolled the waters for years, he has always been troubled

by the country not having an identity of its own but simply being part of the vast Atlantic Ocean.

“The name ‘Lucayan Sea’ provides a distinct identity for our waters that are within the Atlantic Ocean,” said Capt Bethel.

“It represents the historic significance of the Bahamas as the birthplace of the modern Americas. It was on our shores that the historic arrival of Christopher Columbus occurred on October 12, 1492; welcomed by the Lucayans, this meeting of the Old and New Worlds led to the unfolding of the nations of the modern Americas.”

Giving the waters an identity of their own, he said, will not affect already named bodies of water.

“We are not proposing to change the names of smaller bodies that currently exist,” said Capt Bethel. “Exuma Sound, Great Bahama Bank, Nassau Harbour, Moriah Harbour, all those familiar names will remain exactly as they are. We are talking about the territorial sea that deserves an identity of its own.

“The name ‘Lucayan Sea’ provides us with a historic mouthpiece through which we can tell our story.

Perhaps this is why there is an underwater canyon in

the midst of The Bahamas called the ‘Tongue of the Ocean.’ The purpose of this tongue is to tell our story.

Let’s tell our story.”

With more than 40 attending the meeting showing enthusiasm for the proposed name, Capt Bethel presented copies of the book to Deputy Director of Tourism Ellison ‘Tommy’ Thompson and to Association of Bahamas Marinas President Stephen Kappeler, Treasure Cay Resort & Marina, Abaco. The association’s Executive Director Bob Bower, who invited the acting commander, said a formal vote would come later.

JOHN PINDER, BPSU President, speaking at The People’s Movement town meeting at BCPOU Hall.

LARGE AUDIENCE FOR PEOPLE’S MOVEMENT

PRESCOTT Smith speaking at BCPOU Hall.

JOHN Bostwick pictured at The People’s Movement town meeting on natural resources.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

FAITH FEST EXPECTED TO BRING HUNDREDS TO GRAND LUCAYAN GRAND Bahama can expect to see a spike in visitors from October 27 to 29 as hundreds converge on the Grand Lucayan Resort to attend Faith Fest, a funfilled weekend designed for spiritual immersion and physical rejuvenation.

The event led by Bishop Henry Fernandez, senior

pastor at the Faith Center in Florida, is a joint partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and its Religious Tourism Department.

Religious tourism targets people who travel individually or in groups to destinations for the purpose of pilgrimage, missionary or for leisure fellowship. It is estimated

Bahamas Press Club

the venue on July 28, 2016 for the installation of officer’s ceremony of the First Bahamas Branch of Toastmasters Club 1600 for the 2016 - 2017 administrative year. The term commenced on July 1 and will run until June 30. The event was held under the patronage of Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling, Governor General of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

The Master of Ceremony for the occasion was Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) Charles Newbold III. The installation charge and pinning were conducted

by DTM Vanessa Scott, Division I Director and DTM Anthony Longley, Past District 47 Governor. The keynote speaker was Bank of The Bahamas Chairman, Richard Demeritte. Mr Demeritte served as Charter President of Toastmasters Club 1425 in Freeport GB during its start up in 1973.

He credited much of his success to the training he received in Toastmasters.

He said: “I still see Toastmasters as a vehicle that can persuade today’s youth to strive for success.”

Founded in 1924 in Santa Ana, California, Toastmasters is the world’s leading international organisation for communication and leadership training. In 1969, Club 1600 became the first branch of Toastmasters to be officially established in The Bahamas. Since then, it has been the cornerstone of the organisation’s growth in the country by contributing to the establishment of new clubs on New Providence and throughout the family islands.

Club 1600’s newly elected President, Toastmaster Chervez Brown has chosen as his theme: “The Circle of Influence”. During his acceptance speech, Brown

Bahamas Press Club.

- Members of The Bahamas Press Club 2014 paid a courtesy call on Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling, Governor General, August 18, 2016, in the Drawing Room of Government House.

Dame Marguerite was updated on plans for the upcoming Press Club Awards Banquet, November 19, at the British Colonial Hilton that will honour a number of media professionals.

Dame Marguerite encouraged the club to keep telling the Bahamian stories, and hoped more journalists would join the organisation.

President Anthony Newbold noted that The College of the Bahamas is integral to growing the membership, as several students are club members.

Toastmasters Club 1600 Toastmasters Club 1600.

- THE grand ballroom of Government House was

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

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

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

that 40 million engage in this growing tourism sector, spending approximately$4bn to visit places of worship, missions and for the discovery of Christian culture.

“Known the world over for its stunning beaches, crystal clear waters and warm and friendly people, the Bahamas is a Christian

nation and is oftentimes referred to as ‘the place where God lives’,” says Dwight Armbrister, the Ministry of Tourism’s director of religious tourism.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism Harrison Thompson, who presented Grand Bahama beach bags to Bishop Fer-

nandez and First Lady Carroll Fernandez, said: “The Bahamas and its government, led by the nation’s prime minister, knows the importance of, values and appreciates religious tourism. Our prime minister’s major advisors are not political leaders but are our religious leaders,” he said.

Betty Bethell, director of tourism for Grand Bahama said “attendees can expect to encounter the ambiance of natural serenity and intimacy and the warmth of the Bahamian people in Grand Bahama.”

For more information visit www.henryfernandez. org

PICTURED seated from left are: Rogan Smith, journalist, co-host, Ed Fields Live; Lindsay Thompson, Secretary, Bahamas Press Club; Anthony A Newbold, President, Bahamas Press Club; Dame Marguerite Pindling; Anthony Capron, First Vice-President, Bahamas Press Club; Vincent A Vaughan, Treasurer, Bahamas Press Club; and Tosheena Robinson-Blair, senior writer, Dupuch Publications.

Standing, from left: Professor Winston Mitchell, The College of the Bahamas; Gena Gibbs, member, Bahamas Press Club; and Lester Cox, member, Bahamas Press Club.

Photo: Patrick Hanna/BIS outlined how Club 1600 intends to use its influence to inspire the nation’s youth by continuing its Youth Leadership Programme (YLP) at the Simpson Penn Centre for Boys. The eightweek YLP is a workshop style practical experience for teenagers which teaches public speaking and leadership skills.

“We are living in perilous times, and we are slowly losing our young people and our nation. To counter this trend, we must create a circle of influence. Club 1600 is in a unique position to reach our communities and create a circle of influence that will help young persons to realize their purpose and become positive leaders and effective communicators,” said Mr Brown.

He highlighted some of the club’s marketing and membership building programs that will be continued this year such as: The Neil Percentie Back-to-School

MEMBERS of Toastmasters Club 1600. event held in Union Village, the JC Sweeting Table Tennis Tournament, the Ed Carey Boil Fish Run/Walk, Ladies Night and Club 1600 Leadership Tour. The club

will continue its work with Junior Achievement and The Kingdor Parkinsons Foundation in promoting their respective speech contests and training young

leaders.

Toastmasters Club 1600 meets every Thursday at 8pm at Superclub Breezes.

The meetings are open to the public.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, August 19, 2016, PAGE 11

GRADUATING IN STYLE WITH MILITARY RE-ENACTMENT EIGHTEEN young men and women from the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) Rangers graduated from the Antiquities, Monuments and Museums Corporation’s (AMMC) Historical Military Re-enactment Programme at Fort Charlotte this month.

During the graduation, Rangers were dressed in uniform worn by British West India Regiment soldiers during the 1700s as they performed a re-enactment of the Changing of the Guard Ceremony.

Dr Keith Tinker, Director, AMMC, and Captain Tellis Bethel, Commander Defence Force (Acting), encouraged the graduates

to take advantage of the opportunities made available to them through the Historical Military programmes.

The programme is a partnership between AMMC and the RBDF Rangers organisation.

Capt Bethel said: “This event is proof positive that our ‘Weapons of Mass Construction’ are effecting positive change; and that when we take care of our youth, our youth will help take care of our nation.”

The newly graduated Rangers will be employed

by AMMC with responsibility for conducting tours, performing military re-enactments and assisting with security at Fort Charlotte.

SENIOR RBDF Rangers Carlington Mackey Jr, Alvin Bain, William Murphy, Kimberly Young and Vann Miller in their West India Regiment uniform during the graduation ceremony at Fort Charlotte.

Photo: Marine Seaman Collison Ingraham/RBDF

MARINES QUALIFY FROM INSTRUCTOR COURSE TWO Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) Marines have returned home after successfully completing the Physical Training Instructor’s (PTI) Course.

Leading Seaman Quincy King and Able Seaman Otis Ferguson passed the rigorous training, hosted by the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, which was a seven- month course conducted at the University of West Indies Sports and Physical Education Center.

The course encompassed theoretical and a highly intense practical training curriculum in the various subject areas. These included aerobics, first aid, strength training, nutrition, Sociology in sports, gymnastics, anatomy and physiology, concept of fitness, injury rehabilitation, PT instructional techniques, sports equipment maintenance, track and field officiating, gymnastics, first aid, coaching and rescue swimming.

Course participants also had an opportunity to further enhance their learning experience at the training camp by assisting with a variation of sporting events held on weekends.

Both Marines were awarded with a Certificate of Completion for their full commitment and hard work throughout the training phases. AB Ferguson was also successful in earning the “Most Fit Student Award” at the graduation ceremony. The award is earned by the participant who exemplifies the best physical performance in all aspects of training for the duration of the course.

LS King is a 13-year veteran who joined the Defence Force in 2004. He has served in the Supply Department as a cook onboard HMBS Coral Harbour and HMBS Bahamas. He later transitioned to the Commando Squadron department, where he has served as a Military Diver, Com-

mando Squadron Weapons Instructor and Guard Commander.

Following Basic Infantry training, he has specialised in Skill at Arms, Jungle Survival and the United States Brown Belt Marine Corp Martial Arts course. LS King said that the Physical Training Instructor’s course has served as an additional element in his instructional skill set, thus strengthening the foundation of physical fitness with the knowledge of injuries and ways in preventing them.

AB Ferguson has served as a member of the Defence Force for seven years.

He was stationed in the Headquarters Department prior to being attached to the Military Aid to Civilian Authority (MACA).

He is presently attached to the Commando Squadron Department, where he is a qualified Military/Combat Diver, Combat Swimmer and an All Arms Commando. He has also par-

CAPTAIN Tellis A Bethel, Commander Defence Force (Acting) (right) congratulates Able Seaman Otis Ferguson and Leading Seaman Quincy King watched by Senior Lieutenant Origin Deleveaux, RBDF Assistant Training Officer (left).

Photo: Able Seaman Huden Johnson/RBDF

ticipated in the US Marine Corp Close Quarter Battle course. He credits his recent participation in the Physical Training Instructors course for his desire to pursue a Master’s degree in

Sports Management in the near future.

In reflecting on his experience of the course, AB Ferguson said that the physical and mental demands, along with the vast aca-

demic work load allowed him to develop in areas of time management and leadership skills, while gaining a tremendous appreciation for sports and physical fitness.