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The Tribune

Volume:115 No.189, AUGUST 24TH, 2018

Established 1903

Weekend

WEEKEND: MALCOLM RAE’S REAL BAHAMAS

THE PEOPLE’S PAPER: $1

Friday, August 24, 2018 art books theatre film fashio n music gardening puzzle s food

Weekend

Ex-PMs explain reason for turning down new awards

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net FORMER Prime Ministers Hubert Ingraham and Perry Christie yesterday explained they deferred acceptance of the country’s national honours for separate reasons, with the latter saying his decision was a considered response to the criminal charges brought against several members of his former Cabinet.

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.

Their refusal was considered an embarrassment for the Minnis administration after it was reported by The Tribune earlier this month.

For his part, Mr Ingraham said he saw no need to rush to accept the award.

“I’m the youngest one of the persons who are eligible at the moment,” Mr Ingraham said. “I can wait. Mr Pindling got his own posthumously, there is no rush for me. The fact you are eligible don’t meant you must say yes today.”

For Mr Christie, the matter appeared to be more personal.

SEE PAGE FIVE

‘BPL INQUIRY SET-UP SHOULD INCLUDE DAVIS’

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net DARRON Cash, former chairman of the Free National Movement, said Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis should solicit recommendations from Official Opposition Leader Philip “Brave” Davis concerning who should investigate the disintegration of Bahamas Power & Light’s board last week.

Following days of backand-forth between former members of BPL’s board and Works Minister Desmond Bannister, Dr Minnis said on Wednesday a “proper investigation” will be launched into the saga, though he did not say who will conduct that probe.

Mr Cash said: “To the extent an inquiry is necessary, the participants ought to be independent persons SEE PAGE FIVE

Page 21

Artful healing

Malcolm Rae finds new mean ing

Why we’ve turned down our honours

EXPLORE THE BEYOND

in painting

pages 14 & 15

LUCAYAN PURCHASE ‘A WASTE OF MONEY’

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

OPPOSITION Leader Philip Davis yesterday stressed the government’s purchase of the Grand Lucayan resort was a “waste of money” without a proper plan to justify how the money would be recouped.

Mr Davis questioned how the government could move to acquire the property, which has two of its three hotels shuttered, when it could not provide any details on the economic impact the purchase will have on Grand Bahama.

He claimed there would be no immediate benefit or economic impact for at least two years.

SEE PAGE SIX

ARAGONITE REAL VALUE JUST $2.5M

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

OUR FINEST SONS SIR ORVILLE TURNQUEST, left, and Arthur Hanna, right, with Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling as they received their awards yesterday. Both men were honoured with the Order of the Nation for their roles as former Governors General - and hailed as the country’s “finest sons”. See page five for the full story.

Photo: Derek Smith/BIS

CABINET is close to reaching a conclusion that could increase the country’s aragonite mining revenue, Environment Minister Romauld Ferreira said.

However, he cautioned that aragonite was not a “panacea” that would make every Bahamian citizen rich, as some believe.

He said his ministry received an economic report on the matter earlier this year which the Minnis administration has been analysing in conjunction with key geological reports conducted in the past.

Through a lease with Sandy Cay Development Company to mine aragonite off Ocean Cay near Bimini, the Bahamas government reaps a royalty of $2 per metric ton.

SEE PAGE SEVEN

CATALYN’S FUNERAL - IN HIS OWN STYLE

By FARRAH JOHNSON

PLAYWRIGHT and poet James Catalyn was remembered yesterday as an icon who contributed significantly to the development of Bahamian arts and culture.

Government officials, former colleagues, friends and family paid their last respects to the former actor at his funeral at Christ Church Cathedral.

Among those attending

PLP leader Philip ‘Brave’ Davis among mourners at James Catalyn’s funeral. were Official Opposition Leader Philip “Brave” Davis, Progressive

Liberal Party chairman, Senator Fred Mitchell, and members of his acting group James Catalyn and Friends (JCF).

By his own request, no obituary or tributes were read in his honour.

In fact, in his poem entitled ‘This My Day’ printed in his funeral programme, Catalyn explicitly stated that guests who attended his funeral should “expect SEE PAGE THREE

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

A COMIC’S VIEW:

RANDOM REASONING FROM OUR ROADS SEE PAGE EIGHT

PAGE 2, Friday, August 24, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

PORT CONTROLLER SAYS EXUMA LEAK ‘COMPLETELY CLEANED UP’

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net THE diesel fuel leak in Exuma has been completely cleaned up, acting Port Controller Dr Raymond King told The Tribune yesterday.

Dr King said the leak was caused by a ruptured fuel line that became damaged through “normal wear and tear”. He added the damaged section is expected to be replaced this week.

On Monday, port officials in George Town, Exuma reported a diesel leak occurred at the Emerald Bay Marina, located in Farmers Hill.

A diesel fuel storage tank line managed by Sun Oil

sprung a leak on Sunday, resulting in approximately 3,600 to 3,800 gallons of diesel fuel escaping into the waters of the marina.

Containment booms were placed to prevent any further impact on the neighbouring environment or marine life.

“The clean-up process is complete,” Dr King told The Tribune. “I received reports from the port officer in Exuma yesterday (Wednesday) that it was totally cleaned up.

“This morning (Thursday) I received a call from the officials from Sun Oil here at Clifton Pier, who formally advised me as well that the clean-up is complete and they would be sending out a report to the

Ministry of Transport and Local Government within a week or so, a formal report on it. So, the diesel spill has been cleaned up completely.”

When asked if the cause of the leak is known, Dr King pointed to “normal wear and tear” of the fuel line.

“Well, the cause, as reported from the Port Department, because you know we have officials there in Exuma, it was a ruptured, or the fuel line, it was a fuel line in itself which became breached.

“So it appears to be through normal wear and tear. It was a part of the fuel line where the leak stemmed from. It was reported and I passed it on to the ministry, that

A PART of the damaged fuel line which diesel leaked from. Images provided to The Tribune. the replacement part was the part looked like, which ordered by Sun Oil. he forwarded to the minis“And I wish not to speak try and The Tribune. for Sun Oil itself, but from On Tuesday, Bahamas what they provided to the National Trust Executive port offices was that the part Director Eric Carey told this would have been expected in newspaper he estimated the this weekend to change out.” environmental impact from Dr King added he had the fuel leak would be small. received a photo of what Mr Carey said while the

accident had the potential to be a “real tragedy,” because diesel is a “light” fuel, it is likely to evaporate before it has any affect on the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park (ECLSP), a protected marine area.

However, he added those working with fuel near sensitive environments should exercise extreme caution.

“Relatively speaking, that impact is going to be small,” Mr Carey said. “If the volume was larger, then it’s a bigger issue.

“Folks that are operating fuel near to sensitive environments, whether they are marine (environments) or blue holes or other wetlands, should certainly exercise a lot of care (and) extreme caution.”

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, August 24, 2018, PAGE 3

Catalyn’s funeral - in his own style from page one no dignitaries block” or any “acknowledgements,” because they “bore”.

He also wrote: “Weep not! Speak not! Make no demands. There’s only one star today. No concert, circus, I made my plans, to have my funeral, my way!”

Speaking to The Tribune outside the service, Mr Davis said Mr Catalyn was passionate about his country and his people, and was an “icon” due to his many contributions in the cultural world.

He added Mr Catalyn also will be missed for his “biting wit,” and said that he himself is uncertain as to who will be the next person to fill the playwright’s shoes.

“I trust that we who have come to know him will come to love him and appreciate his work (and) we’ll continue the memories that he has left with us,” he said.

Adding his thoughts, Mr Mitchell described Catalyn as a “great talent, good friend and true patriot”.

“I believe he’s going to

be missed from the scene but fortunately what is left behind is a body of work which supports his love of country,” the senator said.

“And I’m really pleased to be able to spend these few minutes remembering him, and may he rest in peace.”

Leslie Ellis-Tynes, a member of JCF, said a lot of people did not get to know Catalyn in the same capacity as the group did, adding he will be “sorely missed”.

“It’s just a really sad time because the entire JCF family is here… not only was he a performer, actor, director, poet, writer, but he was a father to everyone (in JCF),” she said.

Reflecting on Catalyn’s legacy, another JCF member, Valicia Rolle, said: “He was a great man, always friendly, always welcoming, loved to tell stories about Bahamian culture and the way that we used to be, and if you ever had a question he would gladly answer it.”

Lady Camille Barnett, University of The Bahamas professor and president of The Bahamas AIDS

Foundation, also described Catalyn as an “ absolute treasure”.

“James will be sadly missed… he was an icon certainly in the area of theatre, and in terms of the support that he provided for the fight against HIV/ AIDS,” she said.

One of Catalyn’s former students, Stephanie Rolle, told The Tribune about the time he went to Bimini in the late ‘60’s, searching for a cast to perform in a fundraiser play for Holy Name Catholic School.

She said she remembered Catalyn as an “open guy” that was “very friendly”.

“The fundraiser that he did was very supportive to our school because right now, where the school didn’t have any funds, it is closed. But we always had persons like Mr Catalyn who supported it,” she said.

Catalyn, a Bahamian theatre legend, died on Saturday at the age of 78.

His cremation has already taken place, but a private interment for family and friends will be held at a later date.

MOURNERS pay their respects at the memorial service for James Julius Catalyn at Christ Church Cathedral.

Photos: Terrel W Carey/Tribune Staff

WOMAN JAILED WHO ‘DIDN’T KNOW’ GUN POSSESSION WAS ILLEGAL

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

of a woman in the area of Exuma Street.

The officers said that Ferguson, once stopped A 20-YEAR-OLD by police, was asked her woman who claimed she was identity, cautioned as to unaware that possessing a the reason she was being gun she had retrieved from stopped and searched. her home and intended to Ferguson voluntarily transport to her boyfriend admitted to being in poswas a criminal offence, was session of a firearm, handed yesterday sentenced to two over her bag and further years in prison.

Shakeitra Ferguson, who divulged that she was en was 19 when found in pos- route to hand the weapon session of a .45 pistol in over to her boyfriend.

Ferguson denied this the area of Exuma Street, account of the arrest, saying was handed the custodial sentence by Magistrate she was never searched nor Samuel McKinney yester- asked to identify herself.

However, during her testiday afternoon.

Witness statements mony in the case, Ferguson given yesterday by the did admit to voluntarily two arresting officers in submitting her bag, with the the case, Corporal 1964 indication that a firearm was Smith and Woman Police concealed within.

In her account of the Constable 3743 Amia Strachan, recalled that arrest, Ferguson claimed around 11.30pm on Feb- that shortly after she left ruary 7 while on patrol, work on the date in questhey received various tion, she went home reports and a description and took a shower.

She claimed that it was around this time she received a call from her sister to inform her that police were looking for her in reference to a firearm and dangerous drugs.

Ferguson told the court that she got dressed, retrieved the firearm in question from under a rug in her home and packed it away in a blue draw-string bag.

Additionally, she said it was her intention to transport the gun to her boyfriend who was reportedly at a nearby bar.

She claimed during the process of transporting the firearm she was approached by officers, at which time she immediately handed over the gun with the indication of her intent to take it to her boyfriend.

“They never had to search me,” she told the court.

“When they called me,

I hear them say, ‘see her there,’ so I gone over to them and handed them my bag. I told them I had the gun and what I was doing.”

Further to the discovery, police also indicated that they found a magazine and one live round in Ferguson’s possession.

In his ruling yesterday, Magistrate McKinney rejected the notion that Ferguson was unaware that being found in possession of the firearm would result in a criminal charge, citing her admission that she was informed by her sister that she was being sought by police in reference to such an offence.

Magistrate McKinney said Ferguson was aware of the seriousness of the actions, further citing various sections of the Firearms Act which addresses the grounds to determining possession.

Magistrate McKinney

dismissed the charge of McKinney if the ruling possession of ammunition, meant that she would have insisting that prosecutors to serve time in prison, to provided no evidence the which he insisted the nature ammunition was in her of the offence mandated a possession. custodial sentence.

He then sentenced FerDespite this, Ferguson guson to two years at the petitioned the court to pay Bahamas Department of a fine in lieu of prison time, Correctional Services on telling the court that she the one count of possession could not “go through any of a firearm. more time” at the correcAfter the sentence was tional facility. handed down, a surprised Nonetheless, she was and somewhat startled Fer- handed over to officers to Friday, 24th August 2018 her sentence. guson asked Magistrate commence

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THE TRIBUNE

The Tribune Limited NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI “Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”

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Through years of conflict, Kofi Annan fought for peace DESPITE the issuance of an official statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about the death last week of the distinguished former United Nations Secretary-General and Nobel Peace Laureate Kofi Annan, there has been little media coverage here at home of his passing.

Readers will wish to know about this renowned world statesman of African descent. So it is appropriate to offer comment in these columns, not least because he was the first sub-Saharan African to become leader of the UN. Surrounded by his family, he passed away in Switzerland - where his own Foundation promoting peace and democracy is based - at the age of 80 after a short illness the details of which have not been disclosed.

Serving as the seventh Secretary-General of the UN during two successive terms between 1997 and 2006, Mr Annan occupied this prestigious post during a decade of turmoil including the attacks on the twin towers in New York in 2001 and the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq.

It was a time when policy-makers had turned from preoccupation with the Cold War to issues of globalisation and Islamic militancy.

Born in the West African state of Ghana – where flags have been at halfmast in honour of one of its most famous sons – and educated there and in the United States, he worked at the UN for most of his professional life occupying a range of different posts and was the first secretary-general to be appointed from within the organisation.

His passing has attracted tributes from around the world. Praised as a towering global figure and a champion of peace and human rights, he has been described as an outstanding individual who was charismatic, gracious and determined while consistently displaying a blend of wisdom, courage and dignity in working to reform and revitalise the UN as an organisation dedicated to achieving world peace – and he was both admired and loved for reaching out and touching the lives of so many with deep compassion and empathy.

Nonetheless, this worthy reputation was partially blemished by his handling of a maelstrom of conflicts during his time as head of UN peacekeeping operations in the 1990s. For example, he was criticised for failing to intervene in the genocide in Rwanda in 1994 and for not taking action to prevent the Srebrenica massacre in Bosnia

the following year.

He later expressed extreme regret for these and other failures which were regarded as a blot on his career.

Reportedly, they deeply affected his subsequent thinking and attitude and seemed to strengthen his resolve to become involved later in Darfur and in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and to work for the development of a new UN approach based on the norm of humanitarian intervention.

His reputation also suffered from alleged corruption involving his own son in the UN oil-for-food programme in Iraq in the mid-1990s. Thus, some claim his legacy was mixed though all agree it was a strong one.

He was praised for his personal intervention with Saddam Hussein over UN weapons inspectors and, subsequently, for his courage in condemning the invasion of Iraq as illegal.

The latter became a serious test of his UN leadership when it was starkly clear that, while the protection of human rights worldwide was always high on his agenda, his writ and powers as secretary-general only extended as far as the UN Security Council – the ultimate authority in international affairs – permitted.

Overall, Kofi Annan was a powerful force for good on the world stage. This continued after his retirement through establishment of his own Foundation to overcome threats to peace, development and human rights and to promote better global governance in order to achieve a fairer and more secure world. He also deployed his diplomatic skills in efforts to bring an end to the Syrian conflict and in relation to problems in Kenya and, most recently, in Zimbabwe.

During what has been described as a life well-lived, he was a rare breed of diplomat. Charming and courtly with a measured approach, he exuded probity and authority and demonstrated an unshakeable firmness when required. Despite spending most of his working life at the UN and often being at the heart of world diplomacy, he never lost sight of his origins -- and he was quoted as saying in 2003 that he always felt ‘profoundly African’ where his roots remained.

Kofi Annan’s personal qualities should surely serve as an inspiration to others in their own lives. But to emulate him may be a tough call because the bar he set was so high.

RBDF, do your job EDITOR, The Tribune.

Defending our borders - why can’t the different agencies carry out their prescribed mandate? What is this smart talk of Task Force? Too American for me!

Over the years, we constantly hear, what I call an excuse from the Defence Force, that we have to cover an enormous amount of square miles.

Does the Defence Force really have to cover - the police also protect such a large amount of square miles?

Reality, you know reallife - no pretence the RBDF has to protect the border

between north Bahamas and the US, a small geographical area of our sovereign territory facing south Florida.

Then to the south again a limited area, a little larger than the northern sector but the waters facing Dominican Republic, Haiti and Cuba.

If you are honest, that sector is really only what faces Haiti, Dominican Republic and area very easily policed.

Police this efficiently and you can forget about the area in the middle Exuma, etc.

The patrol between The Bahamas - US/Florida is relatively easy.

If there was one port of entry, no numerous visiting yachts, would very easily be policed as any other vessel sailing out of the ordinary would be arrested.

To the south for years, it has been proposed forward bases - finally with Sandy Bottom we will have two forward bases, able to police that rather small segment of wear, south of Cuba, Haiti and Dominican Republic.

RBDF do your mandate, we invested $240+m in equipment - No excuses!

W. THOMPSON Nassau, August 15, 2018.

Bet Vegas plays fair EDIOR, The Tribune.

I HAVE always supported and still do the so-called gambling, wagering or numbers industry.

In fact, the first media personality to advocate for the legalisation and regulation of the same. During the assorted opinion polls, I stood tall and proud to support the “yes” vote. A number, pardon the pun, of individuals and corporate entities supported the same, inclusive of myself and several prominent clerics, et al.

The Christie-led administration took the bull by the horns and the rest is history. Gaming or wagering, by whatever name you wish to call it, is now permitted by law. I must confess, at the outset, that I was a paid consultant to the industry and even had an extensive meeting with the lead players in the industry. At least once every two weeks, the consultancy stipend was paid from an accounting office complex on West Bay Street/ Cable Beach.

Much more was “promised” during the campaign, based on the “successful” outcome.

Suffice it to say, that end of the bargain has yet to happen. I guess that it is the luck of the draw.

Maybe litigation may have to be commenced to resolve this impasse?

That, however, would be the menu for another day.

In the meantime, however, the “licenced” operators, according to public statistics, are making tens of millions of dollars, annually. No one, least of all me, begrudge them this but two questions must be asked and answered.

The first one is: “Is it right to allow a monopoly in what has now become a national pastime and economic pursuit? Precisely how much net revenue goes into the pockets of a handful of Bahamians? The major players have expanded rapidly in the black belt and other areas of New Providence; Grand Bahama and the rest of the Family Islands. Some of them flaunt their perceived wealth and financial influence over all

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net and sundry, especially, some say, the clergy and politicians. Some see them as “heroes” but, after careful consideration, I see them for what they really are: Robin Hood in reverse, if this were possible.

This monopoly flies in the face of common sense and the declared policy position of the Prime Minister to broaden the economic field, with bigger slices, to accommodate more of the average Bahamian. It is dead wrong to allow this monopoly to continue... it must come to a negotiated or court sanctioned end as soon as possible. A National Lottery and a 55% ownership of all current web licences by the administration in perpetuity for, and on the direct behalf of the people of this wonderful nation, is the way forward.

Some are talking shaving cream about the ting 5% tax on individual gaming or wagering or whatever you all wish to call it, while the operators, God bless all of them, even more, but this inequality in wealth and the arrogance of all of them, pales in the face of what needs to be done by the good doctor and his surgical crew.

Bet Vegas, a reputable and on-time paying web operator, in my personal knowledge, has a pending legal matter before the courts so we need not address that. An injunction is also in place which prohibits the Gaming Board; the minister with responsibility and/or the police from interfering with that entity’s operations unless and until a contrary order is issued, at the end of the legal saga.

I hold no brief for any gaming operators and I am deeply concerned with the naked and rapid expansion, in the inner city areas of New Providence and throughout our Family of Islands and more millions being sucked out of the economy straight into the pockets of the “chosen” operators. Wrong!

Yes, the web operators are contributing back to the wider society but what are the economic and societal impacts, long term? Single mothers and individuals who might have a job on minimum wage, may well take a “chance”, excessively in some cases, hoping to win big? This then becomes akin to the proverbial dog chasing his tail.. no end in sight.

The second question is: What funds have been set aside and actually spent on a rehabilitation/ restorative facility, concrete on the ground, to treat gambling or wagering addicts? When will the operators disclose these plans and put their fabled fortune where their collective lips and noses are? The PM and the minister responsible needs to revisit the whole question of unlimited expansion of wagering and gaming outlets. The societal and eventual economic costs are simply too high.

I submit that it is pure greed that might be motivating the so-called major players. Bet Vegas is operating legitimately and they simply see those black boys are threats to their hogging up the whole gaming pie. I congratulate that esteemed pastor and real man of God, Cedric Moss, for his recent editorials and public stance on the sins of gaming addiction. We differ, slightly, but the good cleric, is right on.

Gaming should not be the expectation of individuals to earn a living.

In conclusion, beloved, remember that you are playing your “numbers” every day of your life and still live in the ghetto while the numbers people live in gated mansions? Something is wrong with this. The Bet Vegas people, however, to my knowledge, have remained in their original spheres of influence while contributing back, daily, to the varied communities.

Yet, the big boys/girls say: Shut the ---- Down? The Devil is a liar. To God then, in all things, be the glory.

ORTLAND H. BODIE, Jr. Nassau, August 23, 2018.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, August 24, 2018, PAGE 5

Why we’ve turned down our honours from page one

PERRY CHRISTIE

“What I indicated was that firstly the law was conceived and presented to Parliament by my government so therefore it is nothing I would walk away from,” Mr Christie said, “but I told her (Governor General Dame Marguerite) in the letter that due to the circumstances and developments that have taken place since the elections, I would not wish to accept the award at this time.”

Mr Christie continued: “This is the Order of the Nation, it’s to my position as the prime minister of The Bahamas that position

was contributed to by two persons, or three now, who have been charged before the criminal courts.

“Whilst those cases are going on, I deemed it not appropriate for me to accept any kind of honour until such time as justice is done and seen to be done, and I believe without commenting any further, that should be understood.”

The pair informed Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling of their rejection of the award in separate letters sent to Government House, but had both previously declined to elaborate on the matter.

Reverend Sebastian

Campbell, chairman of the National Heroes Committee, has called the phenom an “embarrassment” for the Minnis administration.

However, he noted the Minnis administration should have asked them if they wanted the award before announcing them as recipients earlier this summer.

The former leaders were among 38 people selected to be awarded the national honours this year in accordance with the National Honours Act, the first group of honourees selected.

On the sidelines of a ceremony to bestow the ‘Order of the Nation’ upon former Governors General

Sir Orville A Turnquest and Arthur D Hanna, Mr Ingraham said he was disappointed Bishop Laish Boyd had not been named.

He noted Bishop Boyd had refused similar honours from the Queen in favour of a Bahamian award just like Mr Hanna.

Mr Ingraham added: “I’m disappointed that Bishop Boyd didn’t get his own because he was the one minister of the gospel that they (the British) offered who said he would wait until the Bahamian had their own honours, and I hope that he will be on the list soon, that he gets his own soon. But they are both deserving.”

HUBERT INGRAHAM

Our finest sons

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

FORMER Governors General Sir Orville Turnquest and Arthur D Hanna were yesterday heralded as the country’s “finest sons” as they were bestowed the Order of the Nation national honour.

Both men were recognised for their historic contributions to the country’s development through decades of public service during an investiture ceremony at Government House.

At yesterday’s ceremony, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis reiterated the honour was an important and overdue milestone in the history of a sovereign and independent Bahamas.

“A nation’s wealth cannot be solely measured in terms of economics and natural resources,” Dr Minnis said.

“A nation’s wealth and well-being must equally be measured by the quality of service and generosity of its people in the promotion of the common good, and in the fostering and development of the talents of a people.

“In honouring those who served with distinction, we offer current and future generations fine examples of national and community service. Our national honours express the grateful

thanks of a people and a nation to those who deserve special recognition.”

Sir Orville and Mr Hanna were pinned by Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling, who became chancellor of the Societies of Honour at an earlier ceremony that day.

“I’m glad for AD Hanna,” former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham said yesterday, “because he’s one of the Bahamians who refused to accept the awards from her majesty.

“Very, very happy that he has gotten it today. He had been offered it (the British honour) several times and the last time was when he was demitting office and he refused. He always wanted it to be a Bahamian honour.”

Sir Orville was the country’s sixth governor general, and served as the deputy prime minister, attorney general and minister of foreign affairs.

Mr Hanna was the eighth governor general, and held a number of Cabinet posts, most notably as minister of education, minister of trade and industry, minister of home affairs with responsibility for immigration, and minister of finance with added responsibility for the public service.

He was part of the delegation that represented the Progressive Liberal Party at a constitutional conference in the United Kingdom, and played a leading role in

FORMER Governors General Sir Orville Turnquest, left, and Arthur Hanna, right, each pictured with current Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling as they receive their honours.

Photos: Derek Smith/BIS the path to the country’s independence in 1973.

Yesterday, former Prime Minister Perry Christie noted Sir Orville presented him at the Bahamas Bar as an aspiring lawyer, and he had always considered him, and the late Paul Adderley, as his mentors.

Mr Christie said Mr Hanna had always been one of the extraordinary men in his life, and in the life of Mr Ingraham.

He recounted when he

and Mr Ingraham were denied the nomination for their respective constituencies by the Progressive Liberal Party during the Pindling-era, Mr Hanna supported them as a sitting deputy prime minister.

“He took a position in support of Mr Ingraham and myself,” Mr Christie said, “and in doing that it was an extraordinary sacrifice and an extraordinary statement because he saw two young men

who he thought could be something in the political life in the country, whose positions should not have resulted in any degree of diminishment…and he took a stand on our behalf which resulted in him having to leave the office of deputy prime minister and as deputy leader of the party.

“We owe him a great deal of gratitude because the ultimate result of all that he did was seen in the fact that

Hubert Ingraham became prime minister and I was able to succeed him. From an historical point of view, he made an extraordinary decision to support both of us.

“History has now given the wonderful perfect vindication of him,” Mr Christie added, “so this was very special for me to be here to see him…for him to be one of the first recipients of the highest order…it’s been a good day for me.”

‘BPL INQUIRY SET-UP SHOULD INCLUDE DAVIS’ from page one

whose judgement will be accepted and respected by the majority of Bahamians. The prudent course of action would be for the prime minister to confer with the leader of the opposition and get his advice on who ought to be a part of that inquiry so that at the end of the day the investigations and its conclusions will generally be accepted by the government and the opposition.

“It would be a tremendous measure of maturity for the prime minister to confer and to follow through on the suggestions made by the leader of the opposition as to who ought to be a part of that inquiry so that when a report is presented, they don’t engage in political theatre and waste the time and money of the Bahamian people.”

In a letter released on Sunday, former members of BPL’s board, Darnell Osborne, Nicola Thompson and Nick Dean, said Mrs Osborne, ex-chairwoman, was disrespected and undermined while another faction on the board was allowed to “run amok”.

In response, Mr Bannister said he only interfered to prevent BPL from covering the personal expenses of Mrs Osborne, including make-up services and the installation of a home security system.

It was later confirmed the home security system had been approved by the board, during a period of tense negotiations at BPL. It was also alleged by sources close to the matter

that the security system was agreed by the board after BPL Executive Director Patrick Rollins shared an experience of having his car destroyed by fire as chairman of Nassau Flight Services. Mr Rollins said only Mrs Osborne among the board members upgraded her home security after he had recounted his story.

The Tribune understands there was a make-up bill submitted for services rendered in connection with a company branding photoshoot, which included scores of other employees. Mr Bannister - made aware of this explanation - contended he was referring to a different bill which reflected make-up services for only Mrs Osborne.

Mr Cash said while the letter of the former board was an appropriate reaction to their dismissal, Mr Bannister’s counterresponse was not.

“The debate about what was happening within the corporation was not about $750 or $900 or $3,000 decisions,” he said.

“The debate was about decisions aggregating to millions and millions of dollars and so it seems to me that the public’s responses ought to be about the issues surrounding the million dollar decisions as opposed to the hundred dollar decisions. The former directors’ public statements were not about the government or any accountability body seeking to hold them accountable for the hundred dollar decisions.

Disputes or conflicts about hundred dollar decisions

and reimbursements for make-up ought to be held in private.”

A million dollar decision that appeared to divide the board concerned whether it should buy two pairs of turbochargers for the ageing Clifton Pier plant.

Mrs Osborne’s faction of the board is understood to have been concerned about a lack of documentation to support a $4m proposal for the turbochargers, including lack of shipping, duty, VAT and installation cost details. However, Mr Bannister said this week that delay in purchasing the critical parts subjected Bahamians to load-shedding and power outages this year, a predicament that will cost millions.

Mr Bannister declined to discuss the matter and the impending BPL investigation yesterday, saying it would be improper to do so now that Dr Minnis has taken over.

No stranger to boards of public companies, Mrs Osborne is a major backer of the FNM. Her fundraising prowess generated thousands for the party ahead of the last general election, The Tribune understands. Nonetheless, Mr Cash said he does not believe the fallout from the BPL saga will have ramifications for the FNM’s internal party dynamics.

“The overwhelming majority of people who assume responsibility for leading boards as chairman do so at tremendous sacrifices to themselves and their own professional involvement because the overwhelming majority of these organisations

require substantial amount of time and energy to do a good job,” he said. “The implication is more-so what it means as far as any government encouraging other professionals to leave their businesses, their work places to serve in these roles if they cannot be assured of being treated with dignity and respect by the government that appoints them. If they decide not to serve because they cannot be assured of being treated with dignity and respect and having

their reputations protected, then they will not serve and the country will be worse off because of it. Whatever ramifications rebounds to the party are of significantly less importance.”

A fellow certified public accountant, Mr Cash said Mrs Osborne had cultivated a strong reputation in the accounting community over the years.

“She has been an outstanding leader in the financial services sector, leader of the Bahamas Institute of Chartered

Accountants,” he said.

“In her last tenure she did outstanding work and as president both in her previous affiliation with BICA and in her tenure as president has earned the stellar reputation and respect of her peers. In that regard, she is certainly a person of integrity and someone with an outstanding reputation.

The pettiness that has been suggested certainly don’t appear to be consistent with her reputation as a professional who knows the value of corporate governance.”

PAGE 6, Friday, August 24, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

Lucayan purchase ‘a waste of money’ from page one “They are dreaming and that dream is nothing but a nightmare for the Bahamian people.

“They are on an errand of folly,” he told reporters at Government House.

“This is being done without any coherent plan as to how they are going to, for example, recoup this money. What business plan have they developed? How will this be beneficial for the government at the end of the day? Have they settled a business plan to say, well the capital we are going to invest is $65m?”

Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis revealed after a tour of the resort on Wednesday the government has made a $10m down payment to acquire the Grand Lucayan at a price tag of $65m. Dr Minnis said he expects to complete the purchase from owner Hutchinson Whampoa within the next 30 days.

He did not give many details about the purchase or specify the government’s plans for the three-hotel property, saying he will make a comprehensive communication when Parliament resumes after its summer break next month.

However, he said once the government’s acquisition is complete, a concessions package will be available to prospective

THE GRAND Lucayan Resort. buyers of the hotel, the terms of which will be more favourable to Bahamian investors than foreign ones.

The government is not considering re-opening the 500-room Breaker’s Cay, but will keep the 196-room Lighthouse Pointe open, and is considering re-opening the 400-room Memories property, he said.

Yesterday, Mr Davis noted anecdotal figures on the cost of renovations, ranging from $70m to

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff $100m. He further underscored the decision to move forward with the purchase in the absence of any conclusive details as evidence of government’s shortsightedness.

Last week, Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar said the government was forced to act to save the Grand Lucayan hotel properties because its owner Hutchison Whampoa had been threatening to shut down the property.

At the time, Mr D’Aguilar stressed the move was “the best of a bad choice” in an “emergency” situation.

Mr D’Aguilar reportedly told The Nassau Guardian the government did not intend to renovate the property.

During Wednesday’s tour, Dr Minnis acknowledged the Memories property would require some renovations prior to reopening.

He said the government will assess the costs of reopening it before making a decision.

Yesterday, Mr Davis said: “What that means is they are sinking $65m into a property and then going to leave it there, for what?

I mean $65m they spent being flushed down the toilet, and for what?

“What are the plans, what is the economic impact for Grand Bahama, to sink $65m in an entity that is

closed? It’s not a going concern and there is a distinction to be made when you are acquiring property that is a going concern than one that is just shut and closed because you spend the $65m now you have to embark on renovations.”

Mr Davis continued: “That will take time. The impact of that will not be felt immediately, you will not feel it I dare say within the next two years. It’s just a waste of money.”

‘DON’T JUST RELY ON HOTEL - BECOME ENTREPRENEURS’

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE government’s purchase of the Grand Lucayan resort will certainly boost economic activity on Grand Bahama with local MP Iram Lewis encouraging residents to be prepared not just as job seekers, but as entrepreneurs to service the property.

Grand Bahamians, he said, should not to simply wait on jobs at the hotels, but consider opening their own businesses to take advantage of spin-off opportunities that would be available when the hotel reopens.

“Let’s get prepared to go beyond getting a job and create opportunities for yourselves…and start our own businesses,”

said the Central Grand Bahama MP. Mr Lewis stressed there would be additional services the hotel will require from local businesses.

Although there has been some public criticism about the government’s decision, many residents on Grand Bahama support it as the island has been struggling since October

Funeral Service For

Florence Deleveaux-Anderson, 91 of #23 Soursop Street, Pinewood Gardens and formerly of Major’s Cay, Crooked Island, will be held on Saturday, August 25th, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Dolphin Drive and Edmond Street. Officiating will be Bro. Calvin Thompson. Interment will follow in Lakeview Memorial Gardens, John F. Kennedy Drive and Gladstone Road.

Memories that will last a life time will forever remain in the hearts of her Children: Betty Mae Brown (Lemuel), Gloria McPhee, Sheralyn Anderson, Joan Anderson, Claudibelle Deveaux Farquharson (Nial), Suzette Pamela Ferguson; Grandchildren: Denise Cox (Jermaine), Anishka Irving (Neil), Shelley Knowles (Anthony), Lincoln McPhee (Roshan) Crystal McPhee, Tanya Pinder (Mathew), Valentino Brown, Alexandrea Kemp, Mikeiko Brown, Whitley Brown, Kissenger Anderson, Ryan Oneal Anderson, Monique Catalano (Lissette), Kendra Dorsette, Kendrick Anderson, Anastacia Anderson, Quincey Anderson (Michelle), Veronica Ferguson, Trishon Hanna (Chaswell) Trivoughn Sturrup, Tonya Cartwright (Devon), Tremaine Deveaux, Talehiah Deveaux, Courtney Ferguson; Great Grandchildren: Dominic, Dimitri, Dondre, Danielle, Tamika, Cleavon, Jaden, Joshua, Kobe, Karssa, Calee, Jared, Mckaln, Brent, Quincey, Shaquon, Quinaage, Wyatt, Summer, Chaswell Jr., Charlotte, Breon, Tario, Chloe, Trevor, Jarvis, Lennique, Kissadee; Great Great Grand: Two (2); Brother: Eddison J. Darville; Nieces and Nephews: Hudon, Alvin Jr, Beauford, Rodman Deleveaux, Annette Polhemus, Dollemae Hanna, Jance Deleveaux, Ronald and Guilford Lloyd, Yvonne Coakley, Wyomie Hanna, Jennie Humes, Shirley Greene, Rose Rolle, Mizpah Strachan, Judy Chisholm, Leonard Miller, Doralyn Miller, Vercena Simmons, Karen David, Beryl Folkes, Paulette Brown, Rev. Dr. Phillip McPhee, Maedawn Munroe, Prince McPhee, Edison, Endric, Kinson, Valierel, and Geoffrey Deleveaux, Rionda Godet and Gia Deleveaux; Other Relatives and Friends including: Olga Meadows, James, Thelma, Dennis, Lionel, and Hudley Anderson, Eloise Humes, Anthony Gibson, Joanne Sands, Charmaine Collie, Robertha Deleveaux, Gretal Deleveaux, Charlene McPhee, Ronald Deveaux, Deneace Lloyd, La-Verne Deleveaux, Marcia Deleveaux, Zina Deleveaux, Darilyn Deleveaux, Geno and Kaylinda Knowles, Hermis Chisolm, Cliff Folkes, Ismae Deleveaux, Antoinette Deleveaux, Dion Godet, Phyllis Johnson and family, Dressler Sherman, Adeltis Bain-Stubbs and family, Liesl Wright, Sis Jocelyn Newbold, Bithia (caretaker), Jerry and Greta Meadows, Stephanie Hamilton, Eleanor Pinder, Anatol Knowles, Calvin and Sharon Thompson, Grace Burrows, Melvina Pratt, Eastern District, Department of Education, Ellen Strachan, Barry Brice.

Viewing will be held in the Halcyon Suite at Restview Memorial Mortuary and Crematorium Ltd., Robinson and Soldier Roads on Friday (TODAY) from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and at the church on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until service time.

2016 when the resort closed its doors following hurricane damage. Mr Lewis said people should look at starting tour and souvenir businesses and that local businesses such as restaurants and bars should upgrade, and fishermen and farmers should step up their game.

The MP believes the hotel purchase by the government is a ‘win, win’ situation.

“Grand Bahama needs this injection. I don’t see why anybody would not want this to take place, because it cannot hurt GB. The money will be invested on the island, and there will be a trickle-down effect,” he said.

Mr Lewis believes people must be willing to open businesses and partner with the hotel.

“The Bahamas government is not saying they are going to be in the hotel business forever, but they realise GB needs to be rescued,” he said.

He noted it would not be a good thing to allow what happened to Royal Oasis, which closed down and fell into a state of disrepair more than 12 years ago.

When asked about the closed Royal Oasis property near the International Bazaar, Mr Lewis said that

CENTRAL Grand Bahama MP Iram Lewis. some offers are on the table regarding the property.

“There are offers on the table, but I don’t want to speak out of turn. Harcourt, they are a motivated seller right now, and they are looking to partner, and they are motivated,” he said.

The MP suggested Bahamasair could be a major role in the success of Grand Lucayan resort and possibly turn a profit in the process.

“Why can’t Bahamasair become the direct shuttle to feed the hotel rooms? We take on the same model as the Princess. The domestic routes that (the airline) is operating give it up.

Western Air and Southern Air, Sky Bahamas are doing pretty good. Let them deal with the domestic routes and let Bahamasair become

PUBLIC NOTICE Due to the amount of calls received, the Family of the late Franklyn Donaldson advises the public that persons and business houses wishing to make payment for newspapers already received, can do so by contacting his Mother, Sylvia Sands at 323-4787, 556- 3925 or 455-0278.

We take this time to thank all those persons for their act of kindness during this most difficult time.

May God continue to bless you all.

Franklyn’s Family!

the junket that brings these people to GB by picking international routes from Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, New York and LA. “Bahamasair has not made a profit, but it has a safety record and a good operational record. If we bring the airline into the mix with the resort, perhaps it may be the first time it turns a profit,” Mr Lewis stated.

On the topic of taxes, the MP for Central Grand Bahama said with the exception of value added tax, Grand Bahamians need a tax break.

“There needs to be a three to five-year tax relief programme implemented in Grand Bahama. We need to take a fresh look at Grand Bahama and its current taxation method and cost of living and give the Grand Bahamians people a break,” he said.

“When we look at Freeport, we need to look beyond the east-west incentives for those same incentives to be given to the east and southern shores, such as Hunters, Lewis Yard, and Smith’s Point, and the western side of Eight Mile Rock to West End. So I am encouraging those sort of same incentives to take place outside of Freeport.”

The MP believes high airport taxes are hindering airlift to the island.

“With respect to other taxes, we have issues with airlift and issues with landing fees, and that is why (flights) are so scarce. That is why I say the Grand Bahama Port Authority needs to partner with government wherever they can offer additional incentives so we can get people on the island,” said Mr Lewis.

When asked about VAT, Mr Lewis said: “I am not talking about VAT. VAT is what it is. No one love tax, people see it as punishment, but it is not, it is an effort to rescue and stabilise the country. We know we are all a part of what is happening and collectively we are in crisis as a nation.”

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, August 24, 2018, PAGE 7

Still no word on date to reveal landfill manager

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net THE Office of the Attorney General is still evaluating matters relating to the government’s selection of a New Providence Landfill manager, according to Environment Minister Romauld Ferreira.

An announcement of the new manager was expected as early as late June but as September approaches it remains unclear when it will come, a fact that has irked environment advocates eager for the reformation of the landfill.

“Presently, the matter is in the Office of the Attorney General,” Mr Ferreira told The Tribune in Grand Bahama on Wednesday following a tour of the Grand Lucayan Resort.

“We are waiting to receive the green light from the Office of the Attorney General before we proceed with issuing the letter of intent and going through the contractual process. Once we submitted the Cabinet paper and it went through the Cabinet process, we referred the matter to the OAG for their final sort of due diligence. There has been some back and forth since then. It’s an active engagement process between my ministry and the OAG. We believe they should be satisfied very soon but I can’t speak to that. You’d have to ask the Attorney General himself if he’s satisfied. We hope once that process is open we could execute the letter of intent, which, of course, is a legal document, which would need the validation of the OAG.” After a highly criticised selective bidding process, the Christie administration chose Renew Bahamas to manage the landfill, but that

ENVIRONMENT Minister Romauld Ferreira during a tour of the Grand Lucayan Resort on Wednesday. company eventually pulled out in 2016, embarrassing the administration.

Before the 2017 general election, the Christie administration initiated a new, open bidding process, but that attracted few respondents.

Mr Ferriera said he hasn’t familiarised himself with the process that led to Renew Bahamas’ selection, but he said the Minnis administration’s tendering process has generated greater interest and participation than the processes initiated by his predecessor.

“We had 18 entities respond,” he said. “If you remember that in itself was narrowed down. We had wide response and participation. What you saw with the last administration is you had two entitles respond. One was offshore and you had a conglomerate of everyone local together. What we saw in this process is that amalgamation separated, they came under two different heads, and then we saw a lot of other entities participate.”

The government’s choice

ARAGONITE REAL VALUE JUST $2.5M from page one

Some have long believed the country could make much more.

“When I say substantially increase, we can go from, I think, it’s $40,000 up to $2.5m per annum,” Mr Ferriera said.

He said this could only happen if the country embraces the right extraction policy for the mineral, one “rooted in science”.

“Again it’s not a panacea, a silver bullet that will make every Bahamian a millionaire, but the amount of money that we as a country, as a nation make from it can be increased,” he said on Wednesday.

Aragonite is used to produce cement, glass containers, auto glass, soil, acid, neutralising animal and poultry seed, among other things.

“I want to say the study process was bifurcated into two streams because you have to look at how

is aragonite made or produced or precipitated out of the ocean and then you have to look at the financial component of it,” Mr Ferreira said.

“The first thing is we had a geology report that was prepared, more than one actually, initiated by the Ministry of Environment and also the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources because when you really consider it, aragonite really precipitates out of the ocean so it really is a marine resource.

“What we learnt about the creation of aragonite is that in a human lifetime it is not renewable. I mean when they did geological sampling, they used carbon-14 to date something. They determined the aragonite in The Bahamas, there are different patches of it throughout the country and it has different rates of formation, anywhere between 150 years and 200 years for one grain to precipitate

out of the ocean.

“So what we want to do is to make sure that our policy on aragonite is grounded in science so that the extraction rates are sustainable. One thing is for sure, the studies say there are millions of tons of aragonite scattered throughout the country.

Fourteen principle locations around the country were sampled. Those locations secrete aragonite at different rates. That being said, there are millions and millions of tons of it, just that the rate that it precipitates is not as fast as you might think. So we have to be very careful how we manage the resource.”

Mr Ferreira said legislation is being developed to establish a new regime for the substance.

“First you have to have a Cabinet conclusion,” he said, “then you engage the public, then you make a decision. We are close to a Cabinet conclusion. We have draft legislation.”

THEFT AND LAUNDERING CASE DELAY

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

A 23-YEAR-OLD man awaiting trial on three counts of theft and one count of money laundering in connection with more than $60,000 his girlfriend stole from her employer over a seven-month period, had the case against him adjourned to September 4 yesterday.

The adjournment came subsequent to L’Shabazz Forbes’ decision to give formal notice of change of attorney, with his new representative, Jomo Campbell, requesting the delay to familiarise himself with the case.

Forbes had been represented by Howard Thompson and Keevon

Maynard, the attorneys who represented his girlfriend Krystal Rolle, 23, in her case and subsequent sentencing earlier this month.

Rolle, a former assistant who had responsibility for payroll and bill payments at Simply Business Solutions, has been ordered to repay the $55,005.90 she stole from her employer between November 3, 2017, and June 5, or serve a threeyear prison sentence.

It was further specified that Rolle reimburse her former employer at least $30,000 of the sum before she is eligible for release from custody; and the remaining $25,005.90 in $2,500 monthly instalments once released.

However, The Tribune understands she is still in

custody at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

Rolle was accused of stealing a total of $66,585.84 from her former employer and funnelling the funds through her bank accounts and those of her boyfriend, Forbes.

Rolle’s former employer discovered the scheme after being questioned by the bank about various transfers made from the company’s credit card to at least two RBC accounts.

The accounts were later identified as being registered to the couple.

According to account records, $11,579.94 of the sum was stolen by Rolle, while concerned with Forbes, between Tuesday, January 30, and Thursday, March 1.

to manage the landfill has been narrowed to three contenders: Bahamas WTP LTF; Bahamas Waste; and Providence Advisors and the Waste Resources Development Group (WRDG).

Providence Advisors is headed by the well-known local investment banker, Kenwood Kerr. His partner, Waste Resources Development Group, features all the other Bahamian waste disposal groups bar Bahamas Waste.

Bahamas Waste is the BISX-listed company of

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

the same name, while Bahamas WTP is a consortium that also features two US companies, Delawareincorporated Ameresco Ltd and Louisiana-based Furnace and Tube Services Inc. Cedric Scott, the actor, producer and uncle of former Cabinet minister, Jerome Fitzgerald, is listed

by Bahamas WTP LTD’s website as one of its five principals. Its two other Bahamas-based principals are banker, Ivylyn Cassar, and permanent resident, Fay Russell. The company’s

physical address is listed as Ms Cassar’s Equity Bank & Trust, based in western New Providence.

Seventeen bidders submitted expressions of interest for the New Providence landfill, but just seven qualified for the request for proposals round. Four out of the seven firms responded and paid the registration fee, but APAPA International’s submission was received after the closing date of April 9 at 4pm, resulting in its bid being summarily rejected by the Tenders Board.

PAGE 8, Friday, August 24, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

Random reasoning from our roads E

VERY weekday morning at 4.20am my day starts.

I’m on the road by 5am and on air by 6am.

Thankfully, I am spared the torture of morning traffic.

I do, however, live vicariously through my throng of loyal listeners.

Quite frankly some of their stories leave me near death - either from shock or laughter.

Now that I have five minutes to reflect, here are some of my personal questions and tales from the roads of New Providence… and some of the characters involved.

catch on the Montagu foreshore the other morning, especially with Bamboo fly fishing rods?...Wrong pond, “Kim Soung”.)

POLICE PRESENCE

First off, why is there a Chinese national driving throughout Farrington Road and Bain Town on a tractor?

What is his purpose or mission in the “hood”?

Even more interesting is the fact that my local “brethren” and “sistren” aren’t even fazed by his presence.

(Also, while we are on the subject of our friends from the land of the “Rising Sun”, I’m wondering what were the three dozen Chinese fishermen trying to

Getting back to the roads — regretfully — I think if we must be further annoyed and inconvenienced by certain police officers directing traffic, I’d rather take my chances with the perennially broken street lights.

And now to enhance the experience, the antiquated black and white striped boxes, on which the officers stand to direct traffic, have been brought out of retirement.

Seriously?

Those boxes have been in existence for decades.

Those boxes are the exact same ones I used to pass every Tuesday and Saturday, driving with my mother as a young boy on the way to pick up my father (who was Captain of the Emerald Seas at the time) from Prince George Wharf.

Those boxes haven’t changed since then. And if I’m not mistaken, at least one of the officers directing traffic on top of those boxes has been there equally as long – scary!

Continuing with the fine

JOIN THE CLUB

Rotaract Club of Nassau Sunset

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 502-2373 or 447-3565.

Rotaract Club of Nassau Sunset. - The Rotaract Club of Nassau Sunset partnered with WeLife Foundation here in Nassau, to host a fundraiser on July 28, geared toward providing school supplies for children in need. Rotaractors, Rotarians and members of the community alike all supported by donating $5 or more in cash, purchasing

MADE IN CHINA

TRAFFIC jammed up recently at the Mall at Marathon with the traffic lights out - but would it be better with police officers directing? members of our Royal Bahamas Police Force, I need answers as to why a certain officer on foot patrol in front of John Bull on Bay Street stopped traffic to coordinate his pick up time with a driver who was illegally blocking traffic while handing the officer his chicken in the bag.

Unbelievable!

WHO REALLY OWNS THE ROAD?

And can someone please tell me, is there an official document or bill of sale that shows proof of purchase of cupcakes and/or donating brand new school supplies.

The drive was a success.

Donations are still being accepted and we look forward to distribution day in Freeport.

Rotary Club of New Providence Rotary Club of New Providence. - On Saturday, August 4, the Rotary Builders of the Rotary Club of

the Bahamian roads by the Taxi drivers who infest our roads?

If there is such a document I would like to apologise to the Taxi drivers for all the obscenities hurled your way over the years.

If the document does not exist, well I meant every scathing word.

(Well maybe not every word, but probably most of them).

Jitney drivers please see the above taxi driver disclaimer.

GENDER FENDER New Providence (RCNP) teamed up with the Genesis “Warhawks” Junkanoo organisation to host a culturally infused community outreach day camp on Strachan’s Alley Park in Kemp Road. This youth focused community enterprise sought to bring positive intervention and inspiration to the lives of children between the ages of 8-13 in the Kemp Road and neighbouring communities.

The Genesis-led “Junkkno Camp Cul’ Cha” aimed to expose young people to the history of Junkanoo in The Bahamas and show them Junkanoo music, costume design and construction.

The event attracted almost 100 young people and activities kicked off with a history lesson about Junkanoo led by Ean Maura, Genesis director of community outreach.

Then they learned to use different Junkanoo instruments and to play a “Warhawk drum beat” on a goat skin drum.

The final instructor taught them how to cut, shape, construct and design their personal camp costume.

After an exciting day, the kids were happy to be treated to food, cool drinks and treats and the Rotary

PARTICIPANTS at Camp Cul’ Cha.

BENDERS

LADIES: Moving on to you ladies, for the final time, no matter how hard you try to sugar coat it, driving with one knee while applying your make up, eating your tuna and grits, texting on your smart phone, yelling at your wild kids, all while unleashing your road rage at the jitney blocking traffic is NOT multi-tasking.

It’s INFURIATING! GENTLEMEN: As for you some of you fellas, you do not receive cool points for driving one mile an hour in your Honda, to avoid the bumps in our roads.

I know the safety of your chrome rims is imperative, but if your rims cost more than your car, you need to sell your rims and use the money to put a down payment on a new car, with factory rims.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

Well, I’ve got to hit the road, and only God knows what awaits me.

Nonetheless, my iPhone is fully charged and ready for new photo and video material.

Safe travels and happy trails, until we meet again.

SOME of those taking part in the $5 Fill Up Fundraiser.

Builders of RCNP did not hesitate to pitch in along with the organizers to serve delicious meals to those enrolled in the camp. Additionally, the Genesis teen arm, “GJO Teen Hawks” assisted.

The day culminated with a lively, upbeat and fierce “Junkanoo Rush Out” where the kids got a chance to join the brass and drum section of a sample of the Genesis Junkanoo group.

• Days earlier, RCNP received a donation of $5,000 from Freddie

Lightbourne, owner of the Poop Deck West (the meeting homestead of RCNP), towards their Road to Peace project. This is a community-based initiative to address crime and related social ills.

Road to Peace is the inspiration for many RCNP-sponsored peace gardens created within Interact schools such as CC Sweeting and most recently created (July 28) for Rotaractors and other students of the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute.

PAGE 10, Friday, August 24, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

STARS LINE UP FOR FRANKLIN MEMORIAL

AN ALL-STAR lineup that includes Stevie Wonder, Faith Hill, Jennifer Hudson, Fantasia, Shirley Caesar and many more will perform at Aretha Franklin’s funeral next week.

The Queen of Soul’s service will be held in Detroit on August 31. Also slated to perform are Ron Isley, Chaka Khan, Yolanda Adams, Jennifer Holliday and Franklin’s son, Edward Franklin.

The service will reflect Franklin’s strong gospel roots. Among the gospel stars performing will be Marvin Sapp, the Clark Sisters and Vanessa Bell Armstrong. The Aretha Franklin Orchestra and the Aretha Franklin Celebration Choir are also on the programme.

MIGRANTS ‘WERE PUSHED TO SIGN DOCUMENTS THEY COULDN’T READ’ US IMMIGRATION authorities coerced dozens of parents separated from their children at the border to sign documents they did not understand, according to a complaint filed yesterday.

In some of the cases, parents gave away rights to be reunited with their children when the non-English speaking mothers and fathers signed documents in English they could not read, according to the complaint.

In other cases, parents who had been reunited were threatened with another separation if they didn’t agree to be deported with their children, the complaint said.

The complaint was filed by the American Immigration Lawyers Association and the American Immigration Council, who say attorneys spoke with 76 parents who said they were asked to sign forms affecting their rights to reunify with their children.

NOT A HACK, JUST A TEST A WOULD-BE hacking attempt into the national Democratic Party’s massive voter file wasn’t that at all. It turns out to be the work of a technology company hired by Michigan Democrats, all in the name of testing how secure the party can keep information on tens of millions of Americans.

“This was an unauthorized test, not an attack,” Bob Lord, the Democratic National Committee’s chief security officer, said yesterday.

A PENGUIN reacts with a zoo keeper as it stands on weighing scales for the Zoo’s annual weigh in, in London, yesterday. Home to more than 19,000 animals in their care, 800 different species, zookeepers regularly record the heights and weights of all the creatures at ZSL London Zoo as a key way of monitoring the residents’ overall wellbeing.

Photo: Frank Augstein/AP

National Enquirer kept safe of secret Trump stories WASHINGTON Associated Press THE National Enquirer kept a safe containing documents on hush money payments and other damaging stories it killed as part of its cozy relationship with Donald Trump leading up to the 2016 presidential election, people familiar with the arrangement told The Associated Press.

The detail came as several media outlets reported that federal prosecutors had granted immunity to National Enquirer chief David Pecker, potentially laying bare his efforts to protect his long-time friend Trump.

Trump’s former lawyer Michael Cohen pleaded guilty this week to

campaign finance violations alleging he, Trump and the tabloid were involved in buying the silence of a porn actress and a Playboy model who alleged affairs with Trump.

Several people familiar with the National Enquirer’s parent company, American Media Inc, who spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity because they signed nondisclosure agreements, said the safe was a great source of power for Pecker, the company’s CEO. The Trump records were stored alongside similar documents pertaining to other celebrities’ catchand-kill deals, in which exclusive rights to people’s stories were bought with no intention of publishing

to keep them out of the news. By keeping celebrities’ embarrassing secrets, the company was able to ingratiate itself with them and ask for favors in return.

But after The Wall Street Journal initially published the first details of Playboy model Karen McDougal’s catch-and-kill deal shortly before the 2016 election, those assets became a liability. Fearful that the documents might be used against American Media, Pecker and the company’s chief content officer, Dylan Howard, removed them from the safe in the weeks before Trump’s inauguration, according to one person directly familiar with the events.

It was unclear whether the documents were

destroyed or simply were moved to a location known to fewer people.

American Media did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Pecker’s immunity deal was first reported yesterday by Vanity Fair and The Wall Street Journal, citing anonymous sources. Vanity Fair reported that Howard also was granted immunity.

Court papers in the Cohen case say Pecker “offered to help deal with negative stories about (Trump’s) relationships with women by, among other things, assisting the campaign in identifying such stories so they could be purchased and their publication avoided.”

The Journal reported Pecker shared with

prosecutors details about payments that Cohen says Trump directed in the weeks and months before the election to buy the silence of McDougal and another woman alleging an affair, porn star Stormy Daniels. Daniels was paid $130,000, and McDougal was paid $150,000.

While Trump denies the affairs, his account of his knowledge of the payments has shifted. In April, Trump denied he knew anything about the Daniels payment.

He told Fox News in an interview aired yesterday that he knew about payments “later on”.

In July, Cohen released an audio tape in which he and Trump discussed plans to buy McDougal’s story from the Enquirer.

US LEAKER REALITY WINNER JAILED FOR FIVE YEARS AUGUSTA, Georgia Associated Press

A FORMER government contractor who pleaded guilty to mailing a classified US report to a news organisation was sentenced to more than five years in prison yesterday as part of a deal with prosecutors, who called it the longest sentence ever imposed for a federal crime involving leaks to the news media.

Reality Winner, 26, pleaded guilty in June to a single count of transmitting national security information. The former Air Force translator worked as a contractor at a National Security Agency’s office in Augusta, Georgia, when she printed a classified report and left the building with it tucked into her pantyhose. Winner told the FBI she mailed the document to an online news outlet.

Wearing an orange jail uniform and shackles in court yesterday, Winner said she took responsibility for “an undeniable mistake that I made”.

“I would like to apologise profusely for my actions,” she told the judge. “...

My actions were a cruel betrayal of my nation’s trust in me.”

Authorities never identified the news organisation. But the Justice

GN 2079

Department announced Winner’s June 2017 arrest the same day The Intercept reported on a secret NSA document. It detailed Russian government efforts to penetrate a Florida-based supplier of voting software and the accounts of election officials ahead of the 2016 presidential election. The NSA report was dated May 5, the same as the document Winner had leaked.

NO DEAL BREXIT MEANS HIGHER FEES - AND SPERM SHORTAGE LONDON Associated Press

Cecilia Strachan

REALITY WINNER

BUSINESSES could face red tape at the border, customers could see higher credit card fees, patients could endure delays to medical treatment and there could even be a sperm shortage if Britain leaves the European Union next year without a deal, the UK government acknowledged yesterday.

But Prime Minister Theresa May’s Conservative government vowed it would limit the instability that could be triggered by a disorderly Brexit, releasing documents outlining its plans to cope.

Even if Britain crashes out of the bloc next year without a trade deal, its plans include unilaterally accepting some EU rules and giving EU financial services firms continued access to the UK market.

Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab said Britain was determined to “manage the risks and embrace the opportunities” of Brexit.

With seven months until Britain leaves the EU on March 29, negotiations have bogged down amid infighting within May’s government about how close an economic relationship to seek with the EU. The government insists it’s confident of getting a

deal, but is preparing for all outcomes. On Thursday, it published the first 25 of more than 70 papers covering “no-deal” planning for sectors including financial services, medicines and nuclear materials.

The documents urge people and businesses not to be alarmed, and say the government will work to “minimise any disruption to the economy”.

Raab dismissed alarming headlines suggesting the UK could run out of sandwich supplies and other staples because of economic barriers between Britain and the EU. One of the thorniest questions — how to maintain an open border, free of customs posts, between EU member Ireland and the UK’s Northern Ireland — remains unanswered.

Brexit could also affect the supply of semen for fertility treatment, the papers say. Almost half of Britain’s donor sperm currently comes from EU member Denmark. If there’s no deal, Britain will be outside the EU’s directive on organs, tissues and cells, and UK fertility clinics will need to strike new written agreements with their suppliers.

And millions of Britons could find online shopping more expensive, with a rise likely in credit card costs.