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DAVIS AGREED RAISING REDUNDANCY CEILING Deal with unions included doubling layoff payouts - and promise of land for new HQs By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net PRIVATE sector representatives yesterday warned the Progressive Liberal Party’s deal with the two umbrella trade unions threatens to “bankrupt companies” if fully enacted post-general election. Peter Goudie, the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation’s labour division chief, said that the pledge to double the redundancy pay ceiling from 12
to 24 months could inflict an “astronomical” cost on struggling businesses at a time when the country was reeling from its worst-ever economic and fiscal crisis. He spoke out after this newspaper obtained a copy of the pact between the PLP and two umbrella union bodies, the Trades Union Congress and National Congress of Trades Unions of The Bahamas, which revealed the extent of the Opposition party’s labourfriendly law and policy reform promises. FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS
CANDIDATE’S SILENCE ON HIS $53M FORTUNE By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net
KEVIN King, the Kingdom Government Movement’s leader who is vying for the East Grand Bahama seat, yesterday evaded questions to clarify his declared net worth of $53,129,820. The figure makes Mr King the wealthiest person on the list of election candidates according to his disclosures. He claimed his assets include $35m in securities and $8m in real estate.
However, his total income is only listed as $38,500. He listed no securities income on his declaration. The financial declarations of candidates vying for election on September 16 were published in The Tribune yesterday. The disclosures have renewed questions about the veracity of candidate nomination declarations after officials from the Parliamentary Registration Department and Public Disclosure Commission in 2017 SEE PAGE THREE
‘WE SEEM TO HAVE AGREEMENT’ DEPUTY Prime Minister Desmond Bannister during a “listening tour” at Bahamas Power and Light yesterday - where he said that negotiations over issues at BPL were “completed, essentially” and awaiting unions to ratify them with their members - but that would have to be concluded in a second term for the Minnis administration. See PAGE THREE for the full story. Photo: Tanya Smith-Cartwright/Tribune Staff
DEATH TOLL SOARS BY 27 ‘GIBSON ACCUSATIONS AS GB CASES CONFIRMED MUST BE LOOKED INTO’ By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net
MORE than 3,200 COVID-19 cases were recorded in August as a surge in new infections continues to plague the country.
The country also recorded 67 new deaths this month. There have now been 18,139 COVID19 cases in addition to 381 virus related deaths. Yesterday, the Ministry of Health confirmed 27 SEE PAGE FOUR
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party leader Philip “Brave” Davis has called on the Attorney General and the Commissioner of Police to instruct the
Anti-Corruption Unit at the Royal Bahamas Police Force to launch an investigation into allegations regarding contracts awarded at Water and Sewerage Corporation. Documents were leaked SEE PAGE SEVEN
BANK GAVE LOAN KNOWING CAR WAS STOLEN By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
BANK of The Bahamas secured a $34,000 loan on a vehicle despite being informed three days before that it had been stolen in Florida, a Supreme Court judgment has revealed. Justice Indra Charles, in an August 20 verdict, revealed the BISX-listed institution also failed to disclose that knowledge
A 2007 Cadillac Esplanade similar to the stolen car. to its funeral home chief borrower and allowed her to go through with the purchase of the suspect vehicle.
Denalee Penn-Mackey, of Evergreen Mortuary, subsequently bought a second vehicle from the same person who sold her the stolen car. Another loan from Bank of The Bahamas was obtained for the second purchase, but the funeral home chief only had use of them for 18 months before both were seized by Bahamas Customs for nonpayment of import tariffs. FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS
Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper
PETER YOUNG: WHAT DO YOU DO TO HALT THE FLOOD OF REFUGEES?
- SEE PAGE NINE
PAGE 2, Tuesday, August 31, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
THE RBPF Marine Division in a joint operation with OPBAT, DEA and US Coast Guard personnel intercepeted a vessel in the area of Long Island containing 24 kilos of suspected cocaine with a street value of around $500,000. Two suspects who are nationals of Venezuela and the Dominican Republic were detained. Photos: Donovan McIntosh/Tribune Staff
COCAINE SEIZED NEAR LONG ISLAND
A SUSPECT being held by officers of the RBPF Marine Division last night.
A JOINT operation with local police, OPBAT, the US Drug Enforcement Administration and US Coast Guard netted a large quantity of cocaine in the Long Island area yesterday. Police said a vessel was intercepted in the area and after a search, a large quantity of cocaine was discovered. Two men were arrested. The suspects and drugs were brought to New Providence last night.
SOME of the suspected drugs seized near Long Island.
PETER GALANOS DIES, AGED 80 By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
FORMER parliamentarian and insurance businessman Peter Galanos died at his home early yesterday morning at the age of 80. The popular realtor leaves behind a wife and several children. When contacted by this newspaper yesterday, his son, Collin Galanos said he received the shocking news around 3.30am Monday. “It was very unexpected because there weren’t any telltale signs that he was in any life-threatening situation,” he told The Tribune yesterday. “He was healthy and, yes, he was 80, but people are living longer these days and personally I expected him to be around much longer. It wouldn’t surprise me if he had reached 90 or 95 so it
was unexpected from my perspective.” Although Mr Galanos could not confirm his father’s cause of death, he said family members believe he died due to food poisoning. “He had eaten some fish and started to have pains in his stomach, and he was taken to the doctor on Friday and my brother said they examined him and he took him home and (the doctor) said it was food poisoning,” he said. Describing his father’s character yesterday, Mr Galanos said he was a “quick-witted” person who loved to make people laugh. “My personality is the same as his and I’m always cracking jokes and he was always very jovial and he liked to make people laugh,” he said. Meanwhile, the deceased’s nephew, Phillip Galanis labelled him as a “family” man who had a
knack for business. “He was a very kind, gentle and caring individual,” Mr Galanis said yesterday. “He was an outstanding businessman having started his career in banking and then he moved to insurance where he spent most of his life. He was very enterprising and had ideas for businesses and always thought to share those ideas with anyone who’d listen. “He was also a Member of Parliament for the Pinedale constituency from 1992 to 1997 for the FNM and he was a wonderful family man.” Tributes also poured out on social media after news circulated of Mr Galanos’ death. “RIP to a giant of a man loved by many,” one Facebook user said. Another added: “My condolences go out to the family. May the soul of the dearly departed RIP and rise in glory.”
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, August 31, 2021, PAGE 3
‘We seem to have agreement’ By TANYA SMITHCARTWRIGHT tsmith-cartwright@ tribunemedia.net WORKS Minister Desmond Bannister said there are a number of issues of concern at Bahamas Power and Light that require his involvement but added that they will have to be dealt with in the Minnis administration’s second term. Mr Bannister, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, spoke to The Tribune at BPL yesterday just before engaging in a “listening tour” based on union concerns that caused its last demonstration. Those concerns are primarily about COVID protocols and claims of insensitivity by executive management. Members of Bahamas Electrical Workers Union walked off the job on June 28 and again on August 19 protesting alleged inhumane treatment by management, disrespect
shown to the union and failed negotiations on an industrial agreement that expired four years ago. The union has named CEO Whitney Heastie and a human resources director as the main perpetrators of these allegations and has called for their immediate resignation. Mr Bannister was asked if outstanding union matters will be dealt with before the September 16 general election. “I am concerned about a number of issues at BPL that I am going to have to personally look into, but they are matters that I am going to have to deal with in our second administration,” Mr Bannister told this newspaper. “But, there are a number of things here in respect to efficiency that have to be improved. I will have to ensure that they will be improved. “I think that the negotiations were completed, essentially. It is now for the
union to see whether their members are going to ratify what has been done in their interest. “I know the president held back on some issues that were very important to the union and he ensured that management agreed to it. We had a group of unbiased individuals who were involved – Mr Paul Maynard who is a former president of the union and Dr Ranford Patterson – they were mediators.” Mr Bannister is hopeful that an industrial agreement will be agreed upon soon. “I believe that both sides were pleased with the determinations because management came with several offers which the union rejected,” he said. “They held out for what they thought were in the best interest of their members. So as soon as the union membership ratifies that, management will have to put it into place.”
For some time, president of Bahamas Electrical Union, Kyle Wilson, has stressed that Mr Bannister had tried his best to be a mediator between the union and executive management in order to get matters resolved. However, Mr Wilson said executive management was resisting recommendations that had been made by the minister in good faith. The Tribune asked the minister if this was the case. “No, I think management here has been looking at a number of financial challenges,” Mr Bannister said. “Remember I am the minister and BPL is an independent company that is governed by a board. And so the board has to ratify and approve what has to be done. So as the minister I make recommendations. “All of us want to appreciate that if we are moving the country ahead to where we say we want to move it, then the minister ought not to be interfering with
BPL Chairman Dr Donovan Moxey speaking to reporters yesterday.
the board. So I only get involved where situations such as this one have come up where it’s important to have my input. “In this case it involves money which has to come from the Treasury and other issues. So it was important for me to get involved so that issues could be dealt with. If it involves the wellbeing of the workers that is paramount and that is where I get involved also. And, that’s why I’ve gotten involved.” Asked if the union will be satisfied at the end of the day, he said he could not answer that, but said his government had done its best. “I cannot say that,” Mr Bannister said. “The union leadership has indicated that they are pleased with the agreement that we have come up with. They have to now get their members to ratify that. That is a question for the union. I cannot speak for them. Mr Wilson, the president, will speak to
that.” Mr Wilson was also present for the “listening tour” with the minister. He said he is pleased with the proposed contract so far and once again thanked government officials for their input. “Tomorrow the union will be putting it to the people,” Mr Wilson said. “Based on what the country has faced … based on what we are going through, we are beyond satisfied. I am elated at what has been placed on the table for the Bahamian people. They can have more bread on the table. So I am happy. “Usually you don’t get the level of involvement in contracts the way we have and I appreciate the permanent secretary, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Prime Minister for their level of involvement and showing that it is still the people’s time. I really appreciate what they have done for the people at BPL.”
Photo: Racardo Thomas/Tribune Staff
MOXEY: WE’RE MAKING THINGS BETTER FOR OUR CUSTOMERS By TANYA SMITHCARTWRIGHT tsmith-cartwright@ tribunemedia.net
BAHAMAS Power and Light chairman Dr Donovan Moxey announced that the power company has advanced its customer service unit so citizens with unclear land titles can now have access to electricity. Speaking at a press conference held at BPL yesterday, Dr Moxey expressed excitement about upgrades in the corporation’s customer service unit which includes an
indemnity agreement for those seeking electricity on properties that might be in commonage or tied to other family members; an expansion of the call centre and the beta testing of a mobile app. As for the indemnity agreement, Dr Moxey said too often BPL was the target of lawsuits, accused of encroaching on the land of others. Customers were also turned away because their land titles were not clear cut. “We at BPL are very excited about some of the developments within our customer service
CANDIDATE’S SILENCE ON HIS $53M FORTUNE from page one said they were not responsible for verifying the data put forward by candidates, insisting that responsibility lies with other government agencies. The Tribune contacted Mr King, who first agreed to discuss his $35m in securities. that phone call he said: “I can say, and I will say but let me get back to you on that because I’m at the Rand Hospital in Grand Bahama. I’m not in a place where I can discuss that, but I will call you back and we can go over it, okay?” Several more attempts were made to contact Mr King, without success. On the last try, a woman answered the call claiming that he had gone out to campaign and the day was simply “a busy day”. Further inquiries were made to acting Parliamentary Commissioner Lavado Duncanson about the veracity of documents filed for candidates. Mr Duncanson said it is expected that candidates fill out the forms “truthfully.” He said: “Remember there’s a process
where the applicant, the person who is nominating, basically fills out a form and it is expected that the form is filled out truthfully. “If it’s determined otherwise then there are certain steps that take place as the process continues on. “There is a process that takes place along those lines where a person disqualifies themselves,” Mr Duncanson also said. Mr King describes himself as a pioneer of natural medicine. Court documents show he was convicted of indecent assault in 2002. He was sentenced to imprisonment for one year. However, it was “suspended pending prosecuting of appeal”. The appeal was dismissed, and the conviction and the sentence affirmed by Justice Dame Sawyer, who was at the time appellate court president, Justice Lorris Ganpatsingh and Justice Emmanuel Osadebay. KGM was formed in 2018 “to uphold the preamble of the Constitution of The Bahamas, which recognises The Bahamas as a Christian Nation under the supremacy of God”.
department over the last several months,” the BPL chairman said. “We are excited to announce the fact that for our customers in the Family Islands, mostly, and also in New Providence we’ve included a new agreement as part of the onboarding process and that is the indemnity agreement. “One of the challenges that many of our customers have faced is they didn’t have clear ownership or title to their properties and so as such, BPL under its existing policies, had a difficult time in providing them electricity services.
“What we’ve done, recognising their challenges with respect to land ownership, with respect to commonage property, government Crown land grants, many persons were building on these lands but had a very difficult time getting electricity from BPL. What we’ve done is created an indemnity agreement. This allows that particular customer to connect to our services and if there is a dispute regarding the land, then they would agree through that agreement to essentially indemnify BPL.” He said this is a significant issue experienced,
especially in the Family Islands. BPL has launched its new call centre with longer hours and has said that the new system has already assisted 7,000 more customers. “The other very important thing that we want to announce that we are excited about is the expansion of our customer service function at BPL,” Dr Moxey said. “As many of you would know, we introduced the call centre some months ago at BPL. That call centre has been working extremely well for us.
“Since that call centre was introduced we’ve been about to train about 60 percent of our customer service personnel within the new policies and procedures of the call centre. Of course you know we had expanded the call centre hours from 7am to 7pm.” He said new software was put in place to better manage calls. The call centre can be reached at CALLBPL (225-5275). BPL is currently carrying out beta testing for a mobile app that is also connected to the customer service unit.
PAGE 4, Tuesday, August 31, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
33 GB candidates make their pitches to voters By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
“It is about the people, it is not about the theatrics; it is about service to the people,” he said, after GRAND Bahama is filing his nomination papers experiencing for the first on Friday. “I have served time the largest surge of well in Grand Bahama for independent candidates over 19 to 20 years. So, and new political parties for me, it is about service. to contest the five con- That is what it takes, and stituency seats in the 2021 I have proven that, and general election. this is what I want to do Of the 33 persons nomi- and will continue to do in nated on Friday, 23 are Pineridge.” either independent candiMr Bootle plans to assist dates or candidates of new women in the community political parties. Some of through educational and them have split from the vocational assistance. He two major political parties – also wants to address other the FNM and PLP. issues like road repair. With the second largest Ginger Moxey is the population in the country, PLP’s candidate for Grand Bahama has always Pineridge. played a significant role in There are four other the overall outcome of the candidates contesting that elections. In 2017, the elec- seat, including incumbent torate voted and elected Frederick McAlpine, Tavia all FNM candidates in the Lowe, Belinda Williams, five seats, giving the FNM a and Shandokan Wilson. landslide victory in the genIn Marco City, incumbent eral polls. Michael Pintard, and seven During nomination day other candidates are nomiin Grand Bahama, many nated. There are a total candidates were excited of 6,289 eligible voters in and eager to finally be offi- Marco City. cially nominated. PLP candidate Curt HolIn Pineridge, FNM can- lingsworth is an educator. didate Welbourne Bootle, He claims that infrastruca veteran senior police ture upgrades are needed in officer, said he is about Marco City. giving service to the people. He also said that he
wants to ensure there are opportunities for young people. “As a former coach and athlete and educator, I have been doing this all of my life; I have been serving all my life providing opportunities for young men and young women, and this is just another level in which I am prepared to serve the people of Marco City and Grand Bahama.” Educator Stephone Forbes, the candidate for the DNA, said the party is still a viable choice. “Going forward I intend to hit the ground even more and let the people know our presence is felt here in Marco City. We want to let them know the DNA is still here as the alternative for change.” Crystal Smith, a candidate for Coalition of Independents, said Marco City is ready for change. “A small victory has been won for the people of MC. This is the first step into a new Bahamas. I want the people of Marco City to know change is coming and change is here.” Also nominated was a candidate for Marco City, Demetrius Symonette. “The prayers of the
Bahamian people have been answered and we will show the nation how we are ready to serve,” he said. Kevin Ferguson, a former supporter of the PLP, has also been nominated as an independent candidate in Marco City. “My plan is to hit the road running trying to get the message out to the Bahamian people of MC that change has to come. We have to look at what people have to offer, what they are talking about,” he said. Mr Ferguson said he has served as former chief councilor for the City of Freeport. Candidate Albert Cleare is urging residents to vote. “After this election, we still are all Bahamians. We still got to live together. I say to the Bahamas, follow your heart, don’t follow your head,” he said. Dexter Edwards, the candidate of the Righteous Government Movement, said this is time for righteous men and women in government. “God wants righteous men and women in positions who are going to fight this battle. So, I am excited
to be in position at this time,” he said. In Central Grand Bahama, incumbent Iram Lewis said the FNM is the best party to move the country forward. Mr Lewis, a native of the small community of Water Cay, is a former Olympian and an architect by profession. “I feel honoured that I would have been nominated again to represent CGB,” he said. “I am just continuing to work with the residents of Central GB. The FNM is the best party to move this country forward, we are on a trajectory that we don’t need to break. Yes, there were some challenges, but those challenges made us even stronger and more resilient, and we believe we are even more prepared to lead this country forward.” The PLP’s candidate is Kirkland Russell, a chef by profession and veteran trade unionist. “I am excited, and I am confident and ready to serve,” he said. Mr Russell said that his track record speaks loudly. “My track record in the labour movement fighting for workers spans over 20 years, working in my
community as a local government practitioner and as chairman of my township, working with my church at St Vincent, and working with youth organisations in West Grand Bahama,” he said. Latanya Strachan, the candidate for Coalition of Independents, believes that the Bahamian people are ready for new governance. United Coalition Movement candidate Troy Garvey said both major political parties must go. “I want to tell people don’t get fooled again,” he said. “We have been taken advantage of too long by… the two political parties. The fact of the matter, (their) time is up, time to go home, time to sit down and let the youths take over who has the interest of the people at heart.” In West Grand Bahama and Bimini, incumbent Pakesia Parker Edgecombe will go up against the PLP’s former representative Obie Wilchcombe, who lost to her in 2017. Also nominated as candidates are Randall Cooper, Stefon Hall, Mario Mott, Wesley Peet, Hyram Rolle, Obrien Rolle, and Daquan Swain.
PMH: IF YOU’VE HAD A COVID TEST, BRING THE RESULTS IF YOU NEED CARE
PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL
PUBLIC hospital officials are asking people who show up at Princess Margaret Hospital for medical care to present a recent PCR or rapid antigen test if they are able to do so. The test should have been taken within 72 hours. In a statement, Public Hospitals Authority officials said this is being asked in an effort “to expedite the triage process for persons seeking emergency care and subsequent treatment” at PMH. “The presentation of recent COVID-19 test results will greatly assist in the hospital’s ability to mitigate the wait time experienced by patients seeking care,” officials said. As a result of an increasing number of cases presenting for emergency care, PMH’s Emergency Department is operating at capacity, officials said. With respect to suspected COVID-19 emergencies, the public is strongly urged to use the COVID19 prevention protocols before coming to the hospital including: Call the COVID-19 hotline at 511 if you suspect that you or someone you know has COVID-19 symptoms or has been exposed to the virus and follow the instructions that you are given; if you are experiencing
a medical emergency call 919 and advise the emergency medical dispatcher that you suspect COVID-19 infection; or if you are coming to the Emergency Department by private vehicle, please call the Emergency Department at 326-7014 before you arrive to allow the staff to prepare. People are also reminded to only access the Emergency Department in the event of a medical emergency. A medical emergency is an acute injury or illness posing an immediate risk to a person’s life or long-term health, sometimes referred to as a situation risking “life or limb”. Medical emergencies include chest pain, head injury, uncontrollable bleeding, loss of consciousness, major trauma or accident, asthma, severe allergic reaction, extensive burn injuries, fractures/broken bones, deep lacerations and cuts, obstetric emergencies, complications of seizure disorders, and psychiatric emergencies (suicidal ideation/attempt, aggressive/violent behaviour). If you are unsure whether you, or someone you know, is experiencing a medical emergency, please call 919 and speak to an emergency medical dispatcher or call the PMH Emergency Department at 326-7014.
DEATH TOLL SOARS BY 27 AS GB CASES CONFIRMED from page one
new deaths all involving Grand Bahama residents. Fourteen of these deaths occurred this month. In its August 28 dashboard, the ministry said: “The Ministry of Health
reports today 27 COVID-19 related deaths from Grand Bahama over a period of five months from April 16 to August 24. During this period some 18 females and nine males succumbed to the COVID-19 virus. “This means some 66.67 percent of these reported
deaths were females and 33.33 percent were males.” On August 1, three people, two 47-year-old men and a 61-year-old woman, died. Three days later on August 4, an 82-year-old woman lost her battle with the illness.
Two women, 59 and 46, died on August 5 and August 6, while an 89-yearold woman died on August 12. Three deaths were recorded on August 13. These were women ages 44, 67 and 51. A 72-year-old woman died on August 15, a 52-year-old man died on August 16, a woman, 61 died on August 19 and a 30-year-old man died on August 24. Thirteen deaths were recorded in the previous months from April 16 to July 29. Health officials could not be reached for comment yesterday. However, in the August 28 dashboard, officials reminded Bahamians that vaccines are the way out of
this crisis. “Remember, vaccination is our greatest defence to minimise deaths. Again, the general public is encouraged to get vaccinated at the earliest opportunity – the life you save may be your own,” the ministry said in its latest dashboard. On Saturday, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said more than 13,000 people were vaccinated in The Bahamas last week. The jabs were administered in New Providence, Grand Bahama and Abaco, he said, adding that on one of those days 2,975 doses were given. This was the highest number of doses administered in a single day since the vaccine campaign was launched, Dr Minnis said. Speaking to supporters
Saturday night during a Free National Movement political event, Dr Minnis said data showed that parents were bringing their children for the vaccines in “very good numbers.” Further, he said, of the doses administered in New Providence in the past week, 90 percent were first doses. On Sunday, government officials said 146,738 COVID-19 vaccines have been administered as of August 28. The latest vaccine tracker says 91,967 people have received one dose of the vaccine while 57,593 people have been fully vaccinated. Despite the progress made, the Prime Minister said more deaths will occur as many remain unvaccinated.
SUSPECT FACES ATTEMPTED MURDER CHARGE By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net
A MAN was charged in the Magistrate’s court on Monday with attempted murder. D’roy Mackey, 36, appeared before Magistrate Samuel McKinney accused of trying to cause the death of Anthoine Hamilton on August 11. He was arraigned with Vernique Simmons, 18, who
was charged with being an accessory after the fact. Police alleged that Simmons knew Mackey was the party to an offence and assisted him by enabling him to avoid the due process of the law. Due to the nature of the offences, neither man was required to enter a plea and the case was adjourned to November 29 for service of a voluntary bill of indictment. Mackey and Simmons
were both denied bail and remanded into custody until that time. They have a right to apply to the Supreme Court for bail. Yesterday, Mackey was also charged with dangerous drug possession with intent to supply after officers found 3.14 ounces of marijuana at his residence and in his car. He owned up to the offence and was fined $700 or six months behind bars.
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, August 31, 2021, PAGE 5
Minister hails exam result improvements By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net EDUCATION Minister Jeff Lloyd, pictured, yesterday highlighted several improvements in this year’s national exam results, which showed more students achieving A, B and C grades in 2021 when compared with 2020. Mr Lloyd presented the statistics during a virtual press conference hosted by the Ministry of Education. Compared to 2020, the education minister said the number of BGCSE grades awarded this year increased by 18.19 percent, with more students achieving A, B and C grades overall than the year before. Of the 17,874 grades awarded this year, ten percent of candidates received an A, representing the “highest for this period”; 12.80 percent received the grade of B while 27.55 percent were awarded a C. This represents a 50.44 percent average of total BGCSE grades awarded for the 2021 year. “There was a significant increase in the number of candidates receiving grades between A and C,” Mr Lloyd said at yesterday’s press conference. “This year, 1,804 or 10.09 percent of the 17,874 grades given during the 2021 BGCSE sittings were A’s. Of course,
this is commendable, and we believe this was a positive trajectory that we are excited to see our students proceed. Overall, 50.44 percent of the grades awarded were to candidates earning A through C.” There was also a 50.68 percent increase in the number of students awarded at least a C grade or above in five or more subjects than the year before, according to Mr Lloyd. He said yesterday: “Additionally this year, a total of 550 candidates received at least a C grade or above in five or more subjects. Again, this is 10.66 percent of the overall 5,159 candidates and a 50.68 percent increase when compared to last year’s 365 candidates who achieved the grade C or above in five or more subjects. “In this year 2021, a total of 875 candidates obtained a grade of D or above in at least five subjects. This represents 16.96 percent of the overall candidature and a 46.32 percent increase when compared to last year’s 598 candidates who received a grade of D or above in at least five subjects.” The number of candidates who sat the 2021 BGCSE exams totaled 5,159 compared with 6,074 in 2020, representing a 15.06 decline. Still, education officials said of the 27 subjects
tested, there was improved performance in 20 of them, including English language, mathematics, history, literature, chemistry, physics, religious studies, bookkeeping and accounts and music, etc. Meanwhile, as it relates to the Bahamas Junior Certificate (BJC) test results, Mr Lloyd said more students were awarded C grades and above this year in five or more subjects compared to 2020. The total number of BJC grades awarded this year also rose by 8.2 percent even though there was a 9.65 percent decrease in the number of people sitting this year’s BJC examinations. “We are pleased to report that of the 9,552 BJC candidates, 1,164 of them received a grade of C or higher in five or more subject areas,” he continued. “This represents an outstanding 12.19 percent of the overall candidature and 7.48 percent increase when compared to last year. Last year, we only had 1,083 (candidates) who obtained this distinction. “This year, 1,630 candidates achieved a grade of D or above in at least five subjects. That represents 17.6 percent of the overall candidature and a 1.62 increase compared to last year’s 1,604 candidates who again achieved this distinction.” The improved figures
come after a grim performance last year, which saw worsened results compared with 2019 with fewer students achieving A, B and C grades and more students receiving D, E, F and G grades. Yesterday, Mr Lloyd attributed this year’s improved performances to the hard work of students and dedication of educators and parents. He said despite the challenges of COVID-19 coupled with the naysayers who called for the
cancellations of exams, students continued to persevere. “Our exams result this year demonstrate the capacity of our children and the support they receive from our educators and from this great team here at the Ministry of Education, from their parents and the regular society,” Mr Lloyd stressed. “And so I congratulate them and I’m proud of them for what they demonstrate. Remember, there were many who told us to
cancel the exams. Cancel it, they said because we are putting our students at a disadvantage and that we’re being unfair to them, and our students proved otherwise. “So, what do I attribute it to – their great magnificence, their inner splendor and the value that they bring to the work that they have and they do and they continue to do under the guidance of our team, administrators, teachers, parents and their support staff,” Mr Lloyd added.
online learning platform was operating “quite well” and had not experienced any systematic issues as was seen last year. “Today is the first day of school and we are returning in the virtual modality. We have our LMS (learning management system) and EMS systems functioning quite well to what we know,” Education Director Marcellus Taylor said at a press conference yesterday. “I have not been advised of any glitches and I’ve spoken to my colleagues who are dealing directly with that up to 9.30 am so we are confident that things are going quite well. At this point, as far as we know things are going quite well.” However, the BUT president dismissed those comments yesterday, saying
the platform still remains inadequate and ineffective more than a year later. She claimed some teachers and students were unable to access the Ministry of Education’s virtual learning system on the first of the new school term, despite officials saying the process went smoothly. Because of this, Mrs Wilson said educators had to resort to alternative measures to teach students for a consecutive year. “Despite the rhetoric from Minister Jeffrey Lloyd, on day one the virtual platform is still not working. After 18 months of pontificating, the Ministry of Education learning management system is still inadequate,” she said. “Teachers and students on the first day of school
could not get onto the platform. Teachers and students do not have passwords. Teachers do not have their class lists, many have not been given laptops and internet access at schools are non-existent or inoperable. Administrators are frantically trying to key in students’ names, classrooms and personal information.” She added: “Some of the tablets that were given to students still need to be upgraded so they are compatible with the Ministry of Education’s platform. So today, day one August 30, 2021, teachers have resorted again to using Zoom and Google classroom and other educational virtual platforms. “The BUT impresses upon the Minister of Education to please stop talking.
Cut the rhetoric and try to put together an efficient LMS. Enough time and enough money has been wasted. The children of our nation are being negatively impacted.” When contacted for an update yesterday, Mr Taylor maintained that challenges experienced by teachers were not because of system issues. He said there may have been instances where students could not access the platform because they either forgot their log in passwords among other reasons. “It’s not a systematic problem,” said Mr Taylor. “In some instances, some students may have forgotten their passwords or one or two of the administrators may not have assigned the teachers to a class yet.
Last year, we had an issue where the system had trouble accommodating people logging in at the same time, but that kind of problem, we didn’t experience any of that today.” Public schools opened in a virtual learning format this year due to rising COVID-19 cases in the country. Mr Lloyd has previously said officials will continue to closely monitor the changing situation to determine when it is safe for students to return to campuses. However, if infection rates continue and the public healthcare system remains overwhelmed, the education minister said it is likely that online learning will be the dominant model of instruction for the new school year.
DAY ONE DIFFICULTIES WITH VIRTUAL LEARNING SYSTEM By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
THE first day of virtual school was plagued with several challenges for some public school students and teachers who were unable to access the Ministry of Education’s virtual learning system yesterday, according to Bahamas Union of Teachers president Belinda Wilson. In a statement to The Tribune yesterday, Mrs Wilson said despite the lessons of last year, education officials have yet to learn from their mistakes and heed the advice of the union concerning the reopening of schools. Her comments came hours after education officials told reporters its
PAGE 6, Tuesday, August 31, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
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The cost of those PLP promises to the unions PROMISES, promises. It’s election time, and that means that candidates are making their pledges to would-be voters in hopes of winning their support. Last week, there was a striking – if short-lived – piece of news about a deal between the PLP and two umbrella trade unions. It turned out many unions hadn’t been consulted and the so-called deal came crashing down. But what was in that deal? At the time, the PLP didn’t say, but The Tribune received a copy and the contents were startling to say the least. The PLP pledged, for example, to double the redundancy pay ceiling from 12 months to 24 months. That’s two years of redundancy pay ceiling – the PLP certainly hasn’t been vocal to employers about that detail. At a stroke, that would add a huge cost for employers – and possibly stifle new employment as businesses would have to look at the increased costs attached to senior workers before they could hire new staff. That promise was signed by PLP leader Philip Davis and the party’s labour spokesman, Fred Mitchell, who is also the party chairman, so it goes right to the heart of the party’s plans for the future. What else is in there? Well, the party also promised to support non-union members in a workplace having to pay service fees to the union to cover costs of collective bargaining agreements. Regulations were also promised “where necessary and possible” including “allowing for at least 16 hours of rest between shifts for each employee”, and redefining wages to include all income, including tips and gratuities. Oh, and as a cherry on top, the heads of registered trade unions and their secretary generals would become Justices of the Peace, and the TUC and NCTUB would each get land to build headquarters upon. Now some workers may be reading this and nodding eagerly, but be careful what you wish for – because with each of these promises there is a cost, and it may not be a cost that an employer, or indeed the country, can afford. That promise to double redundancy payouts to two years for example – it is often noted that we have an overly large civil service. If a future government were to try to slim down the civil service, that would add a mammoth cost to the nation. And if the country can’t afford it, that leaves two options – either bankrupt the
nation carrying it out, or just not live up to the promise. As Peter Goudie, of the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation, said: “It’s silly season. They can promise anything they want. It doesn’t mean they’re going to deliver on it.” As it happens, another party’s leaflet dropped through the letterbox recently – the Coalition of Independents – with one candidate promising free education, free healthcare, free water, free electricity, free internet, and a cheque of $100,000 every year to every Bahamian with a passport. Nonsense, of course. But that’s the thing people should beware of – anyone can make a promise, but make sure they show you what the cost is, how that will be paid and what the consequences will be – otherwise, you can expect to be disappointed.
Declarations Kevin King is worth $53m. That’s what he says on his election forms. It’s an eyecatching sum indeed for the leader of the Kingdom Government Movement. Alas, Mr King was unable to clarify to The Tribune details of his declarations, after we wanted to know more about his fortune given his income of $38,500. He said he would get back to us, but never did. We would love to know more about his success, and his $35m of securities and $8m of real estate. We are sure it would be an inspiration to others to see how he has thrived despite his limited income and his former court conviction in 2002 for indecent assault and subsequent jail sentence. One of the difficulties with the financial declarations, of course, is that it is self-reported and the Parliamentary Registration Department and Public Disclosure Commission have shrugged their shoulders and said it’s not up to them to check the data put forward by candidates. So who is to check it? What’s to stop a candidate declaring that they own the moon and the stars with no one to contradict them? At present, nothing, it would seem. So do take things with a pinch of salt, unless the candidates are willing to prove it. Or better yet, if elected, to promise to make sure all the candidates have to prove their declarations.
Stealing from the poor EDITOR, The Tribune.
I AM writing this letter to you because I am fed up with the unscrupulous practices by merchants across the Bahamas. The stores have decided to take on the reversed philosophy of Robin Hood. In my opinion it is the perfect example of the rich stealing from the poor. I believe that these wealthy merchants have profited from poor Bahamians long enough. Why are merchants being allowed to price their goods in pennies? Does the new government regulation on the discontinued use of pennies only apply to the consumers and not the merchants? One can only conclude
that price gouging during a state of emergency has become a legal practice in the Bahamas. We need an Amendment to the Price Control Act and the Consumer Protection Act. It should be against the law to price goods in pennies when the consumers are no longer allowed to use pennies. I urge all residents and Bahamians to read the Bahamas Government laws on Price Control and Consumer protection and you will see why they must be amended because of the discontinued use of pennies. I am also asking all consumers to file complaints with the Consumer Affairs office in Nassau at 356-9391/5 and the Office of the Prime Minister
Disclose our debt EDITOR, The Tribune.
Election date has been set, Parliament has been dissolved and the Bahamian people are ready to go to the polls to select the next government to run the country. I am concerned about the fiscal situation of our beloved Bahamaland. I wish on behalf of all Bahamians for the Government to disclose to us how much debt the Bahamas owes. The Bahamian people have the right to know. And we want to know before the election. CONCERNED CITIZEN Nassau, August 27, 2021.
in Freeport, G.B. at 352-3414 if you discover any merchant pricing goods in pennies. While waiting on our government officials to reply to you and correct this wrong-doing, I suggest that consumers do the following: Boycott the grocery stores that price their items in pennies instead of rounding off to five and 10 cents. Only support the grocery stores that are not pricing their items in pennies. When you receive a total that exceeds an amount in silver coins such as 5 and 10 cents, only pay the change in silver that is rounded below the penny amount. For example, if your total is $8. 63 cents; pay $8.60 cents and if they do not accept it leave the items there and go to another store. This is highway robbery and these merchants and retailers must be made to discontinue this practice. If the government officials do not put a stop to this practice immediately, the only thing I have left to say to consumers is; “The General Election is in less than four weeks!” A CONCERNED BAHAMIAN CITIZEN Nassau, August 19, 2021.
Navigating the grim EDITOR, The Tribune. ACCESS to medicine and health care should be a basic human right but with our hospitals beyond capacity who will take precedence? Of course, we have been here before and knew this time would return as we watched restrictions ease, masks slip and numbers soar amidst the rampant rise of the delta variant. With daily infections at an all time high and COVID fatigue deep seated in many, it’s perplexing to comprehend as to why emergency power restrictions are as benign and unencumbering as they currently are. But, of course, with an election looming and votes to secure the futile 9pm curfew is drenched in appeal. Compared to the authoritarian lockdowns of 2020 (which flattened the curve of COVID and sadly that of our GDP) I’d say things are different. And they are different. Now over a year and a half into this pandemic our hospitals are once again overflowing, but unlike early COVID days, this could be avoided. There are now a number of effective vaccines that could eliminate hospitalizations and deaths. but a staggering 86% of Bahamians
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net are simply refusing. When there was no vaccine, triage was troubling but straightforward. But with vaccines readily available, things are different and a system must be established as the hospitals cannot be expected to provide quality healthcare whilst on the verge of continued collapse. Currently, the vast majority of the sick calling on our capital’s hospitals have turned down the vaccine that could have prevented their infection entirely. And so a distressing ethical question looms: should eligible, unvaccinated people be given the same priority as vaccinated patients? Of course, if hospital capacities weren’t at their max this would be irrelevant but unfortunately this is our reality. It’s an enormously difficult point to navigate but when hospital resources are as scarce as ours are the decision to not vaccinate becomes one of moral responsibility or lack thereof. If you choose not to get vaccinated and that decision results in your hospitalization which then takes a bed away from someone else who is
vaccinated but critically injured and without it will die, we must ask if this is ethically fair? It is of course everyone’s choice but choices have consequences. The unvaccinated dismiss the science that they later burden with saving their lives... This hypothetical scenario is happening every day and we need to decide if it is right? Inevitably, this jarring reality will affect you at one point. You will know someone critically ill who requires immediate care but an unvaccinated COVID patient is given the last available bed and so their condition deteriorates or worse they die. Is it fair that the unvaccinated are crippling healthcare systems worldwide and people are dying of unrelated ailments because they cannot get the care they need? I am sure that the eligible and willingly unvaccinated might think differently if they were deprioritized during these desperate times. We have the tool that we need to progress past this pandemic, but it is impossible without collective action and complete solidarity. EMMA LIDDEL Nassau, August 26, 2021.
Atlantis workers EDITOR, The Tribune. I READ with disgust and dismay the article in the August 27th edition of The Tribune regarding the letter from Atlantis informing its staff that they would have to pay for their own COVID testing as of September 1st. and the union’s response. Atlantis has a duty to its guests to guarantee as far as possible, their safety while staying at the resort, and to allow non-vaccinated staff members on the premises cannot guarantee that. I can’t believe how ungrateful some Bahamians can be! Atlantis employees are the envy of many in that they have good jobs at a time when so many are still out of work. Instead of complaining about having to pay for a weekly COVID test, which they have had gratis, free
and for nothing up until now, those who do not have a medical condition prohibiting it, should get vaccinated, which is FREE, FREE, FREE, and which has been obtained after a great deal of effort by our Government. It is the civic duty of ALL citizens to get vaccinated, not only for their own protection, but for the protection of their family members and all persons they come in contact with. I can only assume that these anti-vaxxers do not read the papers, do not watch the news, and have absolutely NO IDEA what is happening in our country, but only pay attention to the garbage that is spewed out on social media. God help anyone who has a heart attack or a serious accident, they’ll die in the street before they can get a hospital bed!
Of the greatest concern right now is the spread of the Delta variant. Variants occur when the COVID virus enters an un-vaccinated body, where it meets no resistance and can mutate easily. Getting vaccinated not only helps the body to fight the virus, but helps prevent mutation. All businesses whose employees come into contact with the general public should be allowed to insist on vaccination unless contra-indicated. We all deserve the right to go to the grocery store, pharmacy, restaurant, etc, and know that we are not being served or waited upon by someone who had COVID test a week ago, but has unknowingly become infected since. JOANNA ROBERTSON Nassau, August 29, 2021.
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, August 31, 2021, PAGE 7
‘Gibson accusations must be looked into’ from page one
to the media showing that Water and Sewerage Corporation contracts worth hundreds of thousands of dollars were awarded to Elite Maintenance. A woman listed as director of the company in 2018 — a lawyer — is said to be close to executive chairman Adrian Gibson. On Sunday, Mr Gibson would not confirm or deny that the woman lawyer was his fiancé, however she shares the same name as a woman identified as such in a leaked police report he filed in 2020. However, the Long Island incumbent has said he had no beneficial interest or any other interest in the company and said “false allegations” regarding the issue were the sad reality of “silly season” and “mudslinging” that have become features of Bahamian politics. Yet, Mr Davis stated that these reports are “deeply concerning” and the
ADRIAN GIBSON chairman’s actions which specifically to investigate were revealed to date show charges such as these.” that he is “not fit to hold Mr Davis said if the public office”. allegations are ignored, it “The Attorney General would show Prime Minister and the Commissioner of Dr Hubert Minnis is also Police must both uphold unfit to lead. their statutory duties and “If the Prime Minister instruct the Anti-Corrup- thinks that this scandal will tion Unit at the Royal go away, and continues to Bahamas Police Force to support Gibson’s re-eleclaunch an investigation tion, there is no clearer immediately,” Mr Davis indication of the characsaid. “This unit exists ter of the team the Prime
Minister chooses to surround himself with, which makes him equally unfit for office,” the statement read. The leaked documents purported to show payments made to the company between November 2018 to January 2021. The largest of these was $263,206 on January 7, 2021. Another large payment of $131,601.12 was received by the company on July 7, 2020. There was also a $15,600 payment in November of 2018 along with numerous other payments from then to the early part of this year. However, on Sunday, Mr Gibson responded saying nothing untoward had taken place, adding this lawyer had been engaged by the company to act on its behalf. He further insisted that the maintenance services agreement between the water provider and the company went through the corporation’s normal contracting process. Ultimately the contract went to the company with the lowest bid. WSC awarded a contract to a company whose
principals engaged the attorney in question to provide corporate services and, pursuant to Bahamian law, to act as subscribers/nominee shareholders to form the company as is legally required, The Tribune was told. “I am advised that sometime after the formation of the said company, the shares were distributed to the beneficial owners as directed. I am advised that while they were in the process of formalising their corporate affairs and even after she was legally authorised to act on their behalf,” he said on Sunday. Mr Gibson said the attorney did not solicit any contract on behalf of the company. The attorney, he said, was engaged by private individuals and it was upon that basis that the corporation interacted with her. He continued: “I am further advised that - having legal authority to represent her clients - the attorney was authorised to sign on their behalf. I have been
‘INCITING A RIOT? HE HAS NO CASE TO ANSWER’ By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net
THE attorney representing a social media entertainer who was last year accused of inciting a riot yesterday argued that his client does not have a case to answer. Prosecutors alleged that Wellington Roberts, Jr, used a megaphone to encourage a crowd of people to “throw the mace out of the House of Assembly” during a protest on Bay Street last year. Roberts, Jr, was arrested in October 2020 when furloughed Atlantis workers seeking severance pay demonstrated on Bay Street. At the time, he was accused of inciting a riot and behaving in a disorderly
manner. He maintained his not guilty plea during his trial before Magistrate Samuel McKinney. Yesterday, his attorney, K Melvin Munroe, told the magistrate he planned to present a no case submission. In his arguments, he said he found it “interesting” that one of the officers who testified had said that Roberts Jr was arrested for hosting an illegal demonstration, although he claimed it was stopped before anybody could do anything or go anywhere. When Sergeant Steven Duncombe took the stand last month, he said he was stationed at the demonstration, which was headed by Adrian Francis as part of the
‘Enough Movement’. He said during the protest, a group of about 100 people were shouting slogans like: “Minnis got to go!” He added that “in the midst of the crowd” was Roberts, who was holding a megaphone in his hand. “He was encouraging the crowd to stand up for their rights,” Sgt Duncombe testified. “He shouted in the megaphone: ‘The Queen is in charge of the country and she is in London.’ He then told the crowd they should throw the mace out of the House of Assembly again while the House was in session (before) proceeding toward the House of Assembly (while) instructing the crowd to follow him.” Yesterday, Mr Munroe noted that all of the prosecution’s witnesses
admitted the accused did not have a weapon. He also said none of the witnesses said anything that would suggest that the crowd was violent that day. “None of the witnesses said any other people were arrested besides the accused,” he continued. “This confirms that he did not incite or provoke anyone to act in a violent manner. The prosecution has not made out a prima facie case therefore my client should not be called upon to answer to the charges. The trial judge should stop the trial and direct an acquittal because there is no evidence that a crime was committed by him.” Magistrate McKinney will deliver his ruling on the no case submission on October 22.
MARINE ACCUSED OF PULLING GUN SAYS HE WAS EXTORTED By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net
A MARINE accused of pulling a gun on his former girlfriend and her new lover yesterday claimed the couple tried to extort him of $5,000 to drop the charges. Demeko Simms was arrested after his former partner and her current boyfriend told police he pointed a gun at them when he visited her residence on December 20 last year. He denied two counts of assault with a deadly weapon when he first appeared before Magistrate Samuel McKinney and maintained his not guilty pleas during his trial. When he took the stand yesterday, he said the woman invited him to her house. He also claimed she told him her boyfriend pressured her to press charges and she did not intend for the situation to escalate. Simms said he and his
ex-girlfriend were “talking” for about eight to nine months. He said their relationship “started off good” but over time he noticed she had a “tendency to lie for no reason” so he called it quits. The accused said around 3pm, he and his shipmates were at Fish Fry “enjoying themselves” after being out to sea for a month. He said he and his ex-girlfriend had “stopped talking” for about two weeks. “I then posted a few WhatsApp statuses when she replied to one of them asking me how I come back from sea and didn’t come to see her yet,” he said. “After ignoring the initial message, she proceeded to call me… I then told her ‘I’m out right now I’ll probably come see you later’. I told her I’d message her when I’m on my way and she said ‘Okay’, so I hung up.” Simms said when he messaged to tell her he was coming, she did not respond. When he arrived, he said she
PUBLIC NOTICE
INTENT TO CHANGE NAME BY DEED POLL The Public is hereby advised that I, SUSAN JANET CLARKE of Mosquito Drive, Foxdale, Nassau, Bahamas, intend to change my name to SUZANNE JANET CLARKE. If there are any objections to this change of name by Deed Poll, you may write such objections to the Chief Passport Officer, P.O.Box N-742, Nassau, Bahamas no later than thirty (30) days after the date of publication of this notice.
came inside his car but did not close the door, saying she didn’t want to go anywhere. He said she was in his car for about five to seven minutes when he asked if she had someone else in her house. He said she did not respond but left the car and headed to her apartment. “As she was exiting I ask her where she was going and I followed behind her,” he said. “When she reach at her residence she started screaming ‘You know I have a boyfriend’ (repeatedly). I was in the hallway between the door and the kitchen. She went out to the room and started to open a door. That’s when a person emerge from the room. I asked him who he was two to three times, but did not get a response.” Simms said he was using
his “inside voice” and speaking in a “calm manner”. He said after his ex-girlfriend spoke with her boyfriend, she asked him to leave so he complied. He insisted he never grabbed, shouted, fought or threatened the couple. He also said he did not have a gun or knife on him. Still, the accused said when he went home, he was arrested for firearm possession and assault although officers did not find a weapon when they searched his car and home. He said when he was taken to CDU he was questioned and placed in a confrontation with both of his accusers. He said during the interview with his exgirlfriend, she became argumentative and “boisterous” which led police to
end the meeting. “After I was released from CDU (she) call my phone. I didn’t answer because I didn’t want nothing to do with her after that point. But she called me again on a regular call and said she wanted to apologise. She stated she didn’t mean for it to go that far and her boyfriend pressure her to press charges.” Simms said she contacted him on Snapchat. He said although he did not answer at first, he eventually sent back “one-word’ responses. “She told me (her boyfriend) is all about his money and said if I give him $5,000 he’d drop the charges,” Simms told the court. “I didn’t give it to him and haven’t heard from (my ex-girlfriend) since.”
advised that the attorney – at a later juncture – issued correspondence to the corporation’s general manager, advising that she was no longer authorised to act on behalf of the company as agent and requested an amendment of WSC’s records to reflect the same. A subsequent correspondence was received from the company. “At a later date, the company in question submitted a bid as part of the corporation’s normal contracting process. “That bid went through the internal procedures put in place and was found to be among the three lowest who were ultimately given work. At the time of that engagement, I am advised that the attorney was no longer involved with the company in any capacity,” he said. Attorney General Carl Bethel and Commissioner of Police Paul Rolle could not be reached for comment yesterday. Mr Gibson also could not be reached yesterday.
MAN ACCUSED OF DEFAMING DAVIS WALKS FREE By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net
A MAGISTRATE yesterday discharged the man accused of defaming Progressive Liberal Party leader Philip “Brave” Davis after the prosecution’s main witnesses failed to attend his trial to give evidence. Oswald Poitier was charged with intentional libel after he was accused of recording and distributing a voice note of himself accusing Mr Davis of instructing persons to “harm, take out and kill other people”. Prosecutors alleged he committed the act sometime before November 16, 2020, and further accused him of posting the recordings intending to defame the opposition leader’s character. When the case resumed yesterday, Poitier’s attorney, Maria Daxon, noted it was the second time Mr Davis, listed as the complainant, did not attend court. Magistrate McKinney said it was the responsibility of the prosecution to have their witnesses present. He also noted that there had been no appearance of the complainant nor the police witnesses and said no explanation had been given. Noting it was “unfair” to Poitier who had to travel between San Salvador and New Providence for trial, he stated: “In that case the defendant is discharged. The prosecution can have the charges reinstated within six months of today’s date.”
PAGE 8, Tuesday, August 31, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
Work hard, never settle added up to success for Antoinette S
HE climbed to the heights of her career in financial services and pioneered in her field, blazing a trail for women in The Bahamas. She has travelled the world representing her country, helping to secure the second pillar of the economy. She has led premier international companies with footprints in The Bahamas, always lobbying for this jurisdiction. Through it all, Antoinette Russell has never lost the common touch. To meet her is to meet a woman who exudes an exquisite nature yet a humble character. She has mastered the fine art of being relatable to people from all walks of life. In a corporate setting, she combines her down-to-earth nature with an air of authority and know-how that has allowed her to successfully galvanize many teams to success. But Antoinette says, it hasn’t come easy. As a woman in her field, she had to go well above and beyond to demonstrate and prove that she had what it took to be a leader. Her success and finesse led many to follow in her footsteps, and scores to become her mentees. Antoinette grew up in a single parent home in Malcolm Road with her younger brother and sister. Their mother, Julita Humes, always wanted her children to have a better life.. “My mom always pushed us to be our best selves,” said Antoinette. “She was a housekeeper and she worked long and hard. Before that, she was a receptionist at HG Christie Real Estate company. She always told us that she wanted us to be the best, and to get a good education and make a difference.” When it was time for Antoinette to go to high school, she took the entrance exams for both St Augustine’s College (SAC) and St John’s College. Although they were Anglicans, it was decided Antoinette should attend St Augustine’s, as it was considered the ‘premier school’ at the time. “SAC had an interesting cross section of students,” Antoinette recalled. “I wasn’t popular there, just another student, but I made a few lifelong friends. I could have easily been considered one of the least likely to succeed. At the time, SAC went up to Form 5. A few of us were very young, I graduated from SAC at the age of 15.” At such a young age, Antoinette found it nearly impossible to find a job. Businesses simply weren’t willing to hire someone they saw as still a child. Her father owned a business at King’s Court in down town, Nassau. So she worked there as a messenger, collected the mail, answered the phones and generally assisted her father in his business. When Antoinette was 16, her mother helped in securing a summer student position at the Central Bank of The Bahamas. This is where Antoinette first got her feet wet in the banking arena. She worked in the Exchange Control section, doing what most summer students did, helping with general tasks where needed. These experiences helped to shape her goals and take on a business and finance track as she pursued higher education. Antoinette decided to work and go to school at the same time. She began her tertiary education at the College of The Bahamas where she studied part time for her Associates Degree in Business. She was able to find work at a law firm and then at a couple of offshore banks over the years, while continuing to educate herself. She was ambitious and wanted to achieve more, pursuing courses and certifications related to her field, continu-
ANTOINETTE RUSSELL, pioneer in financial services. LEFT: Antoinette is a proud member of the newest Rotary Club, South Ocean charter. BELOW LEFT: Her sons Theodore and Jonathan. BELOW: Antoinette, left, attending the STEP Middle East and North Africa conference in Dubai.
ously striving to grasp the world of financial services. Remembering her mother’s words, always aiming to do better and not willing to settle, she went on to pursue a higher education. Antoinette enrolled and transferred to the College of St Benedict to continue her degree studies in the Bachelor’s programme, with classes held at St Mary’s Hall on SAC campus. Working, attending school, as well as pursuing professional courses over a period of long years was no easy feat. But, Antoinette persisted, laughing at the fact that her friends said she was “always in school”. As she worked, her certifications and degrees allowed her to climb the corporate ladder. She moved all the way up to the role of administrative assistant for the managing director of a well known trust company. Her know-how and effectiveness did not go unnoticed. Antoinette made her big break in the financial services sector in 1989 when she was recruited to launch The Bahamas branch of Mossack Fonseca and Company, an International Panamanian law firm (now defunct). The company offered corporate services in various jurisdictions. She literally went from being a personal assistant, to a boss. But Antoinette was up for the challenge. It’s what she had been preparing for all along. “I was given the task of starting from scratch,” she recalls. “I had to find office space, recruit staff and get all the necessary licences and approvals for us to operate. I got the keys to an empty office and had to go deep into the mechanics that made up
an efficient and functioning services provider.” Over a period of ten years, Antoinette built a top-class service for the firm. Due to the footprint of the company and being in the driver’s seat, she had to develop relationships at all levels, locally and internationally. She dealt with representatives at the various regulatory agencies and liaised with legislators, working closely with industry partners. These interactions over the years built excellent relations and she was well known and respected within the industry. Antoinette became an asset in the field because she was a leader in a world where most of the companies in the sector were headed locally by international representatives. As a Bahamian professional at the forefront, her perspective and input were vital for a growing sector, the nation’s second most lucrative industry. Her achievement showcased the talent pool of highly skilled and educated Bahamian professionals in the sector. The never-ending learner earned her Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Miami University in 1998 (classes were held locally). She also achieved the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (TEP) designation. Over a period of ten years while running the firm, Antoinette established a stronghold, with a staff complement of 14. In 2000, Antoinette moved on to become the head of Trust Services in the Bahamas for the Credit Suisse Group, the second largest bank in Switzerland. She worked closely with the Managing Director, who relied on her to manage the entire team and keep the office operating during his frequent travels. During this time, as
RIGHT: Antoinette (far left) enjoying the Red Ribbon Ball with Co-Chair Lady Camille Barnett (far right) and others. the regulatory landscape continued to evolve, Antoinette pursued the qualification as a Compliance Professional and in 2003, she completed the International Diploma offered by the University of Manchester. In 2009, Antoinette got another well-deserved big break. Credit Suisse offered her the position of Managing Director and Antoinette rose to the occasion. In a male dominated sector, the position did not come without its common and unique set of challenges. It was the first time a Bahamian woman sat in this position within the Trust Division of the Credit Suisse Group. “I had to gain the trust and the respect of the entire staff. It was hard won, but it came because I was always honest, transparent, and all-inclusive. I took everyone’s point of view into consideration. It all came together, but it wasn’t easy.” Antoinette successfully led Credit Suisse Trust Limited, Bahamas and built a strong brand before retiring on July 31, 2020, having spent 20 years of her working life with the organization. During this time, she served on the Board of Directors of the Association of International Banks & Trust Companies (AIBT), the Bahamas Financial Services Board (BFSB) and The Association of Compliance Officers (BACO). She made history as the first Bahamian woman to chair the AIBT. Antoinette made history once again as the first woman to serve as Chair of Bahamas Financial Services Board (BSFB). Her role included reviewing the jurisdiction’s international obligations, participating in the consultative process, and addressing issues of jurisdictional branding. She is the recipient of several awards, including the prestigious 2013 Ministers’
Award for Financial Services and the coveted Cheryl Bazard Founding President’s Award (2014) for outstanding performance and contribution to the growth and development of the financial services industry in The Bahamas and The Bahamas Association of Compliance Officers. She is also a former Council Member of the Bahamas Institute of Financial Services (BIFS) working mainly on the Education Committee. She is a Fellow of the International Compliance Association (FICA), member of Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (TEP) and the Bahamas Association of Compliance Officers (BACO). She holds memberships in the Society of Corporate Governance, Caribbean Governance Institute and the International Tax Planning Association. Antoinette has taken a steady rise from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of her career. All along the way, she took many under her wing who sought professional and personal development advice. She took joy in seeing others succeed, knowing that hard work and dedication paid off for her. Most recently, she has launched her own company - Maran Global Solutions Limited and the website, maranglobal.com. Her company specializes in professional and personalized consulting services that are aligned to business strategy. It covers areas including governance and risk compliance, company formation and administration, human resource management solutions, and more. She was
licensed by the Securities Commission in March of this year. But there are a few things even closer to her heart. A widow, Antoinette is a loving and supportive mother to two adult sons, Jonathan and Theo. She is also a devout Anglican, a member of St Christopher’s in Lyford Cay and a former Vestry member. She also takes pride in being a member of the board of the Bahamas AIDS Foundation, and Co-Chair of the Red Ribbon Ball. Over the years, she has enjoyed devoting her time and effort into advocacy and education in the fight against AIDS. The Bahamas enjoys one of the lowest ‘mother to baby’ transmission rates at just 2 percent, something the foundation is proud to have contributed to. Most recently, she has joined the newly chartered Rotary Club of South Ocean and is excited to find new ways to be of service to her community. She also served as a member of the recent University of the Bahamas Presidential Search Committee. Never one to shy away from learning, Antoinette became certified as a Charter Director through the Caribbean Governance Training Institute after her retirement. This week, Antoinette will become a John Maxwell certified coach as she completes the IMC - International Maxwell Certification course virtually. It’s all in keeping with her commitment to personal self-development while motivating and inspiring others to be their best - a lifetime commitment.
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, August 31, 2021, PAGE 9
AS AN ISLAND NATION WHAT DO YOU DO TO HALT THE FLOOD OF REFUGEES?
WITH surprising candour, even the minister responsible for immigration has admitted it. In the words of the Home Secretary, Priti Patel, the UK’s current asylum system is “broken”. This is an issue of prime importance in Britain, not least because the nation’s lack of control over its own borders was one reason for withdrawing from the European Union. So perhaps it is worth examining the current situation in some detail. What has contributed to a growing crisis is the large numbers of migrants crossing the English Channel in small overloaded boats from France and landing illegally in the southeast of England. The numbers have now reached record highs and Mrs Patel has said the British public is “absolutely fed up” with what is going on. So far this year, some 10,500 – 2,000 more than the entire total for last year which was itself a record – have made the perilous 21-mile journey, with an unprecedented total of 430 landing in one day in July. The British tradition of tolerance and forbearance is stretched to the limit when holidaymakers relaxing on beaches during the summer months witness these small boats brazenly landing illegal immigrants alongside them in full view of all. They regularly express their outrage that this is being allowed to happen. In a worsening situation, many are accusing the government of a craven attitude and feeble response to such brazen disregard for the law. Rather than protecting the UK’s frontiers by sending illegal migrants straight back, the Border Force is seen to be stepping in to protect them on landing – after sometimes having to save them while still at sea – by providing accommodation and cash support while the lengthy process of their asylum requests begins. There are others, however, who applaud this softly, softly approach and maintain Britain should support such crossings because of its moral obligation to assist those fleeing persecution in their own countries, with such campaigners for refugees’ rights saying there is also a humanitarian obligation to accept distressed people arriving on Britain’s shores. Moreover, the nation has international obligations as a signatory of the 1951 Refugee Convention that forms the basis of the work of the UNHCR (UN High Commissioner for Refugees) - also known as the UN Refugee Agency - and outlines the rights of refugees as well as the legal requirement for states to protect them. It is well known that historically Britain has a proud record of offering a
The Peter Young column safe haven to those suffering persecution in their own countries – to cite just three well-known examples, the Huguenots in France in the 17th century, those escaping Nazi tyranny in the 1930s and the Ugandan Asians fleeing the appalling rule of the egregious Idi Amin in the 1970s. Given such a background, few would argue that in modern times the UK should not assist genuine refugees as it has always done – and the pre-pandemic level of Britain’s legal immigration was running at about 700,000 people a year. However, as noted in this column in the past, that is a far cry from mainly socalled economic migrants descending en masse in an uncontrolled manner on a prosperous and ordered country like Britain in the quest for a better life there. What is more, the illegal channel crossings, which are undermining the credibility of the legitimate asylum process, are being exploited by human-trafficking criminal gangs. As the influx accelerates, the situation may spiral completely out of control. So, with the most recent polls already showing 61 percent of Britons in favour of blocking asylum for migrants who have arrived legally through a “safe” country – instead of applying for asylum in that country – illegal channel crossings in what has been described as a grotesque free-for-all on the beaches of the county of Kent can no longer be tolerated. Clearly, it is absurd to pretend all those making this crossing are terrified victims in search of a safe haven from oppression. In reality, they are mostly economic migrants who have travelled from Africa, Asia and the Middle East through several European countries to northern France and thereafter to England with its bountiful social security system based on need irrespective of past contributions. Last year’s figures showed that some 74 percent of these were aged under 40 and 87 percent were male. That said, following the withdrawal
TALL TALES AND TRIVIA WITH September upon us tomorrow, it is said the silly season this year has already passed us by. Known also as the “slow news season” and the “cucumber season”, it is defined in northern hemisphere countries as a period in late summer – mainly August – when traditionally most people, including school children, are on holiday, parliaments and public institutions are closed and normal business activity is slow. A typical example is the virtual closing down of Paris while its citizens make their annual pilgrimage to the South of France in search of the sun – and, such are the large numbers, it is invariably wise to avoid their mass return (known as ‘la rentree’) during the first week of September. In Britain, in particular, an aspect of the silly season is often a major lack of news stories. So to provide material for newspaper columns or broadcasting airtime the media have tended to focus on trivial or frivolous matters to fill the void and produce attention-grabbing
headlines to boost sales. Some of them play on people’s enjoyment of the absurd and news is sometimes designed to confuse, leaving people wondering whether a story could be true or not. One famous example was the report about teaching school children to prevent seagulls from swooping down to steal their sandwiches by staring the birds down and detailed guidance was provided about how to do this. Another was a report of a gardener who grew a 23-foot high sunflower and nicknamed it the Eiffel Tower – and the list goes on. Sadly, however, much of this has been overtaken by the 24/7 news cycle of modern times. CNN, which was founded in 1980, started the process and now newspaper websites are updated and refreshed on a continuing basis. Nonetheless, it seems the silly season survives because there is still space in the media world for what have been termed puffed-up stories – and long may that continue!
from Afghanistan of US and other NATO forces, the number of people genuinely seeking a safe haven from the Taliban will inevitably increase, in addition to others escaping a humanitarian crisis there that has been predicted by the UN. As a result of all this, the British government is introducing tough new legislation in the shape of a Nationality and Borders Bill which has already passed its second reading in the House of Commons with a comfortable majority. The Home Office has stated the rise in dangerous small boat crossings of the English Channel is unacceptable and it will crack down on the “despicable groups” behind people smuggling who – under the draft legislation - will face imprisonment. Britain has offered France financial aid to stop the boats leaving its coast, but this increase is still happening because of a surge of illegal migration across Europe and the draw of the UK which is seen as treating migrants generously. Meanwhile, the government has made it clear it wants an immigration system that is “firm” and “fair” and with “safe routes for people to come legally”. The proposed new law will make it easier to deport illegal migrants, but access to the UK’s asylum system will continue for those who make authorised arrivals – for example, by air with a travel visa. Anyone attempting unauthorised entry could be sent for processing in a “safe third country” and could face a prison sentence. It will be interesting to see how this plays out as increasing numbers of people are saying – without exaggerating the problem – that a nation without enforced borders is not a nation at all but just a land mass without the bonds of legitimate citizenry. Sounds familiar? Yes, that was what former President Trump was saying to justify his border wall.
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis talks to attendees at the FNM drive-in rally. Photo: Racardo Thomas/Tribune Staff
FIXED-TERM ELECTIONS – WHY NOT? The Prime Minister’s decision to hold an early general election on September 16, instead of in May next year when he is obliged to go to the country five years after the 2017 poll, has reopened debate about fixed-term elections. The Bahamas inherited from Britain the system that allows a sitting Prime Minister to call an early election at a time of his choosing. So it might be of interest to look at the current situation in the Westminster Parliament. Before the UK’s Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011 (FTPA), which provides that Parliament is dissolved automatically after five years, dissolution was a Royal Prerogative power that was exercised on the advice of the Prime Minister – and this meant, in effect, the choice lay with the latter. Now, under the 2011 legislation, the triggering of an early election requires a vote in Parliament – a motion of no-confidence in the sitting government being passed or a motion for a general election being agreed by two thirds of all MPs in the House of Commons, thus ensuring cross-party support. The essential difference brought about by the FTPA is that it removed the ability of Prime Ministers to call an election at a time of their own choosing. However, another method available to a sitting government is to table a short Bill setting aside the provisions of the FTPA which only requires a simple majority. Prime Minister Boris Johnson used this strategy to secure a general election in December, 2019, after claims that the FTPA “led to political paralysis at a time the country needed decisive action”. This was, of course, a reference to Brexit in relation to which it could be claimed that
any paralysis was due to a minority Tory government lacking sufficient parliamentary support for its Brexit plans. Some critics maintain the sitting government should not have been helped out in this manner while others say the only way to resolve the issue at the time was to put it to a test of public opinion through a general election. A drawback of the FTPA is that it can allow a weak government to remain in office. But its main advantage is to produce certainty and stability around which people can plan. Its aim of ending the governing party’s ability to call an election for political gain at a time of its own choosing – for example, because of some potential development affecting its electoral chances – received much support because many consider that in a democracy such a procedure is unfair and against the interests of the electorate and therefore undesirable. According to reports, new legislation is now going through the UK Parliament to repeal the Act and restore the Prime Minister’s dissolution powers. In Britain, opinion on the issue varies. But, according to the UK press, there seems to be a general view that in a mature democracy it is preferable to hold elections at set intervals that are known to all in advance. On balance, this produces clarity and transparency together with fairness for opposition parties and increases people’s trust in the electoral process while also helping voter registration. No doubt the issue will continue to be debated here in The Bahamas, with former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham reported in the press last week to have said a fixed date is necessary to ensure people are properly advised and prepared for a general election.
PAGE 10, Tuesday, August 31, 2021
THE TRIBUNE A US military aircraft takes off from the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, yesterday. Photo: Wali Sabawoon/AP
Last US troops exit Afghanistan WASHINGTON Associated Press THE United States completed its withdrawal from Afghanistan late yesterday, ending America’s longest war and closing a chapter in military history likely to be remembered for colossal failures, unfulfilled promises and a frantic final exit that cost the lives of more than 180 Afghans and 13 US service members, some barely older than the war. Hours ahead of President Joe Biden’s Tuesday deadline for shutting down a final airlift, and thus ending the US war, Air Force transport planes carried a remaining contingent of troops from Kabul airport. Thousands of troops had spent a harrowing two weeks protecting the airlift of tens of thousands of Afghans, Americans and others seeking to escape a country once again ruled by Taliban militants. In announcing the completion of the evacuation and war effort, Gen Frank McKenzie, head of US Central Command, said the last planes took off from Kabul airport at 3:29pm Washington time, or one minute before midnight in
MAJ Gen Chris Donahue, commander of the US Army 82nd Airborne Division, XVIII Airborne Corps, boards a C-17 cargo plane as the final American service member to depart Afghanistan. Kabul. He said a number of American citizens, likely numbering in “the very low hundreds”, were left behind, and that he believes they will still be able to leave the country. Secretary of State Antony Blinken put the number of Americans left behind at under 200, “likely closer to 100”, and said the State Department would keep working to get them out. He praised the
military-led evacuation as heroic and historic and said the US diplomatic presence would shift to Doha, Qatar. Biden said military commanders unanimously favored ending the airlift, not extending it. He said he asked Blinken to coordinate with international partners in holding the Taliban to their promise of safe passage for Americans and others who want to leave in the days ahead. The airport had become a US-controlled island, a last stand in a 20-year war that claimed more than 2,400 American lives. The closing hours of the evacuation were marked by extraordinary drama. American troops faced the daunting task of getting final evacuees onto planes while also getting themselves and some of their equipment out, even as they monitored repeated threats — and at least two actual attacks — by the Islamic State group’s Afghanistan affiliate. A suicide bombing on August 26 killed 13 American service members and some 169 Afghans. The final pullout fulfilled Biden’s pledge to end what he called a “forever war” that began in response to
the attacks of September 11, 2001, that killed nearly 3,000 people in New York, Washington and rural Pennsylvania. His decision, announced in April, reflected a national weariness of the Afghanistan conflict. Now he faces criticism at home and abroad, not so much for ending the war as for his handling of a final evacuation that unfolded in chaos and raised doubts about US credibility. The US war effort at times seemed to grind on with no endgame in mind, little hope for victory and minimal care by Congress for the way tens of billions of dollars were spent for two decades. The human cost piled up — tens of thousands of Americans injured in addition to the dead. More than 1,100 troops from coalition countries and more than 100,000 Afghan forces and civilians died, according to Brown University’s Costs of War project. In Biden’s view the war could have ended ten years ago with the US killing of Osama bin Laden, whose al-Qaida extremist network planned and executed the
9/11 plot from an Afghanistan sanctuary. Al-Qaida has been vastly diminished, preventing it thus far from again attacking the United States. Congressional committees, whose interest in the war waned over the years, are expected to hold public hearings on what went wrong in the final months of the US withdrawal. Why, for example, did the administration not begin earlier the evacuation of American citizens as well as Afghans who had helped the US war effort and felt vulnerable to retribution by the Taliban? It was not supposed to end this way. The administration’s plan, after declaring its intention to withdraw all combat troops, was to keep the US Embassy in Kabul open, protected by a force of about 650 US troops, including a contingent that would secure the airport along with partner countries. Washington planned to give the now-defunct Afghan government billions more to prop up its army. Biden now faces doubts about his plan to prevent al-Qaida from regenerating in Afghanistan and of suppressing threats posed by other extremist groups such
as the Islamic State group’s Afghanistan affiliate. The Taliban are enemies of the Islamic State group but retain links to a diminished al-Qaida. The final US exit included the withdrawal of its diplomats, although the State Department has left open the possibility of resuming some level of diplomacy with the Taliban depending on how they conduct themselves in establishing a government and adhering to international pleas for the protection of human rights. The speed with which the Taliban captured Kabul on August 15 caught the Biden administration by surprise. It forced the US to empty its embassy and frantically accelerate an evacuation effort that featured an extraordinary airlift executed mainly by the US Air Force, with American ground forces protecting the airfield. By the evacuation’s conclusion, well over 100,000 people, mostly Afghans, had been flown to safety. The dangers of carrying out such a mission came into tragic focus last week when the suicide bomber struck outside an airport gate.
HURRICANE IDA TRAPS LOUISIANA RESIDENTS NEW ORLEANS Associated Press
RESCUERS set out in hundreds of boats and helicopters to reach people trapped by floodwaters Monday, and utility repair crews rushed in, after a furious Hurricane Ida swamped the Louisiana coast and ravaged the electrical grid in the stifling, late-summer heat. Residents living amid the maze of rivers and bayous along the state’s Gulf Coast retreated desperately to their attics or roofs and posted their addresses on social media with instructions for searchand-rescue teams on where to find them. More than one million customers in Louisiana and Mississippi — including all of New Orleans — were left without power as Ida, one of the most powerful hurricanes ever to hit the US mainland, pushed through on Sunday and early Monday before weakening into a tropical storm. The damage was so extensive that officials warned it could be weeks before the power grid was repaired. As the storm continued to make its way inland with torrential rain and shrieking winds, it was blamed for at least two deaths — a motorist who drowned in New Orleans, and a person hit by a falling tree outside Baton Rouge. But with many roads impassable and cellphone service knocked out in places, the full extent of its fury was still coming into focus. Christina Stephens, a spokesperson for Gov. John Bel Edwards, said that given the level of destruction, “We’re going to have many more confirmed fatalities.” The governor’s office said damage to the power grid appeared “catastrophic”
TRAFFIC diverts around downed power lines in Metairie, Louisiana, after the impact of Hurricane Ida. Photo: Steve Helber/AP — dispiriting news for those left without refrigeration or air conditioning during the dog days of summer, with highs forecast in the mid-80s to close to 90 by midweek. In hard-hit LaPlace, squeezed between the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain, rescuers saved people from flooded homes in a near-constant operation. Debbie Greco, her husband and her son rode out the storm in LaPlace with Greco’s parents. Water reached the first-floor windows, then knocked down the back door and filled the brick home with 4 feet of water. They retreated to the second floor, but then screaming winds collapsed the roof. They were finally rescued by boat after waiting in the only dry spot, five people sharing the landing on the stairs. “When I rebuild this I’m out of here. I’m done with Louisiana,” said Greco’s father, 85-year-old Fred Carmouche, a lifelong resident. Elsewhere in LaPlace, people pulled pieces of chimneys, gutters and other parts of their homes to the curb and residents of a mobile home park waded through floodwaters.l The hurricane blew ashore on the 16th
anniversary of Katrina, the 2005 storm that breached New Orleans’ levees, devastated the city and was blamed for 1,800 deaths. This time, New Orleans appeared to escape the catastrophic flooding city officials had feared. And the governor said Louisiana’s levees, heavily overhauled since Katrina, “performed extremely well.” But he said the storm still inflicted “tremendous damage” to homes and businesses. Stephanie Blaise returned to her home with her father in New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward after evacuating. It only lost some shingles. But with no idea when electricity would be restored, she didn’t plan to stay long. “We don’t need to go through that. I’m going to have to convince him to leave. We got to go somewhere. Can’t stay in this heat,” she said. New Orleans police reported receiving numerous reports of theft and said they made several arrests. The city urged people who evacuated to stay away for at least a couple of days because of the lack of power and fuel. Also, 18 water systems serving about 255,000 customers in Louisiana were knocked out of service, the state Health Department said.