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Volume: 118 No.206, September 21, 2021
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BRAVE’S FIRST ROUND PICKS Davis unveils first ministers who will ‘get things done’ By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net NINE people were sworn in as government ministers yesterday as Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis’ Cabinet begins to take shape. The new ministers include a mixture of
SEE PAGE TWO
VAT REDUCTION MAY BE VICTIM OF DOWNGRADE The Davis administration’s pledge to slash the VAT rate to 10 percent has been undermined by Moody’s downgrade of The Bahamas’ creditworthiness, Tribune Business was told yesterday. Matt Aubry, the Organisation for Responsible Governance’s (ORG) executive director, said such a cut would “not hold the line with Moody’s and other rating agencies” that are watching very carefully to see how the new government tackles The Bahamas’ fiscal, economic and COVID-19 crises.
experienced hands and new figures. They are Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Senator Ryan Pinder; Minister of Foreign Affairs and Public Services Fred Mitchell; Minister of Works and Utilities Alfred Sears; Minister of National Security Wayne Munroe; SEE PAGE THREE
Dr Hubert Minnis on positions he took. There will be an FNM executive meeting held today and a council meeting tomorrow where, according to one council member, party leader Dr Minnis and another FNM member of Parliament-elect will be asked to resign. The Tribune was told a
- SEE PAGE EIGHT
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
SEE BUSINESS SECTION
‘CABINET SHOULD HAVE SPOKEN UP’ By TANYA SMITH-CARTWRIGHT tsmith-cartwright@ tribunemedia.net BEFORE a meeting of Free National Movement executives to map the way forward for the party, a high-ranking council member is blaming Cabinet ministers for not “challenging” former Prime Minister
FACE TO FACE: TEMPLATE FOR SUCCESS – EVEN IN A PANDEMIC
‘TAKE TOUGH DECISIONS NOW - NOT IN TWO YEARS’
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
MINISTER of Foreign Affairs and Public Service Fred Mitchell is all smiles during yesterday’s swearing-in ceremony for the new Cabinet at Baha Mar Convention Centre. PHOTO: Donavan McIntosh/Tribune staff
US SETS NEW VACCINE ENTRY POLICY
By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net
NEW restrictions coming into force in November in the United States will require all adult foreign visitors who are travelling by air to show full COVID-19 vaccination status. The new Biden administration policy says foreign nationals flying into the country must be fully inoculated and show proof of vaccination before boarding
JEFF ZIENTS, White House COVID-19 response coordinator.
a plane. US officials have not said which vaccines will be accepted under the new policy.
Jeff Zients, the White House COVID-19 response coordinator, told reporters foreign travellers will also have to obtain a negative COVID-19 test within three days of travelling. However, those international travellers who are fully vaccinated will not be required to quarantine upon their arrival in the US. Mr Zients told reporters the move “follows the science,” adding, “requiring
Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper
SEE PAGE FOUR
AN EX-GRAND Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) counsel has urged the Davis administration to take all “nasty” decisions, such as selling-off loss-making state-owned enterprises (SOEs), during its first two years in office. SEE BUSINESS SECTION
PETER YOUNG: NEW SECURITY PACT FINDS FRIENDS AND FOES
- SEE PAGE EIGHT
PAGE 2, Tuesday, September 21, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
‘CABINET SHOULD HAVE SPOKEN UP’
FROM PAGE ONE decision will be made on who succeeds Dr Minnis as party leader and a list made of the best candidates to run in a possible by-election. “We lost because we fell out of touch with the Bahamian people,” the council member said. “What is worse is that the Cabinet sat there week after week in front of Dr Minnis and refused to tell him how unpopular his positions were in terms of governance, that he was falling out of touch with the people and that they were generally unhappy with his leadership. They just sat there, thinking of themselves and not putting him in check.” The council member asked to remain anonymous in order to speak candidly about internal party matters. “Worst of all is that we neglected our real party supporters. We did not address outstanding matters with them and we pushed them to the side like we did not need them. They repaid the favour by not going to the polls.” The FNM insider also wants Long Island MP-elect Adrian Gibson to resign his seat. Mr Gibson was ensnared in a controversy ahead of the general election involving contracts issued by the Water and Sewerage Corporation during his time as executive chairman. Mr Gibson has denied any wrongdoing and was one of seven FNM candidates who won their races last week. After conceding the party’s defeat on Thursday, Dr Minnis announced his intent to stay on as leader of the party and the official opposition. The FNM council member said he does not think the Killarney MP-elect has wide support. “Dr Minnis has been calling around since election night asking for support to stay on as leader,” the council member continued. “Many people have told us that he has called and made promises of Senate seats and the likes.
I don’t think he is going to get the support he needs. He has to face us and he has to resign. Feelings may be hurt, but the place must be gutted out. “We are not going to allow Dr Minnis or anyone else who has upset our supporters or the wider public, to continue on with affiliation to this party to cause more upset. In the FNM we stand for certain things and we have obviously
WAYNE Munroe is sworn in as Minister of National Security. FORMER Prime Minister Hubert Minnis. let our supporters down. We have allowed this party to take on a different look and personality that is foreign to us and we must now seek to move away from that image and regain what we were.” The party insider said the FNM has moved away from its core ideals and now has supporters who have migrated from the Progressive Liberal Party “hungry for contracts.” “With the influx of this new breed of PLP/FNMs comes the withdrawal of our real party supporters,” the source said. “FNMs who always supported the party have stayed away so as not to be associated with the new breed who seem to be running the party with the doctor’s blessings. This has to stop and now.” FNM chairman Carl Culmer declined to comment when contacted about the reported issues yesterday. Meanwhile, the council member said the FNM hopes to accomplish a great deal of “healing” within the party and establish a new regime before the opening of Parliament on October 6.
Munroe plans a multifaceted approach in fight against crime By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net NEWLY appointed National Security Minister Wayne Munroe promised to build a multifaceted approach to the crime fight while pledging not to infringe on the independence of the commissioner of police. Mr Munroe also said yesterday that he will discuss the need for a new coroner to be appointed so that inquests into police involved killing cases can resume. Mr Munroe was among nine ministers appointed to Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis Cabinet yesterday. He assumes the role at a time when serious crime appears to be on the rise. He said crime prevention should entail more than just policing communities.
“As the prime minister said, attitudes about police are important, attitudes around crime are important and simply the desire and commitment by the Bahamian people to be lawful and law abiding would go a long way to stemming the tide of crime,” Mr Munroe said. “The police become involved after crime is committed in most cases so it is our responsibility to create a society where people do not feel it right and fit to kill one another, to take other people’s possessions, and so it will be a multifaceted approach. Law enforcement is at the end of it. Proper socialisation is at the beginning of it.” As a lawyer, Mr Munroe took legal action on behalf of several assistant commissioners of police who were reassigned under the previous administration.
Some of those officers, including Clayton Fernander, Ken Strachan and Leamond Deleveaux, celebrated and greeted Mr Davis over the weekend when he arrived in New Providence after securing victory in the general election. “Some in the Progressive Liberal Party, nonetheless, say the Minnis administration paved the way for police officers to be openly partisan in the upper ranks of the force when it diminished the roles of the officers. Mr Munroe said those officers will return to work at police headquarters this week. “It was likely a matter of the view of the previous minister because I’m understanding they will be back in police headquarters tomorrow if not the following day which has nothing to do with
me but everything to do with exit of previous minister of national security, because as you can tell I was just sworn in today so that could tell you some of what was likely happening under the previous administration,” he said. “I believe that the commissioner of police constitutionally is independent, he’s independent of politics. “I certainly won’t be violating any constitutional independence that the commissioner has.” As for inquests into police-involved killings, Mr Munroe endorsed the need for hearings to resume. “A speedy system benefits not only the families who say something went wrong but officers whose careers may be languished and held up while these matters drag on and that will be a matter I will be discussing,” he said.
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, September 21, 2021, PAGE 3
DAVIS UNVEILS FIRST MINISTERS WHO WILL ‘GET THINGS DONE’
FROM PAGE ONE Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Michael Darville; Minister of Economic Affairs Senator Michael Halkitis; Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs Clay Sweeting; Minister of Education Glenys Hanna Martin; and Minister of State for Legal Affairs Jomo Campbell. Mr Davis said the politicians received their appointments because of the determination. “They are the initial members of a Cabinet which will reflect the breadth and depth of the competencies and characteristics of our team: experience combined with innovation; expertise combined with a willingness to see things anew; integrity and a strong sense of purpose,” Mr Davis said. “They are receiving these appointments because of their determination to get things done.” Mr Davis said he invited Mr Mitchell to serve as foreign affairs minister— a post he has held in the past—because of his “experience and vast network of connections”. “Our country’s role in international affairs has not been especially clear or prominent in recent times. Yet during a global pandemic and in a time of economic upheaval that transcends borders. International cooperation has never been so important,” he said. He said “no one believes more fiercely” in the country’s children than Mrs Hanna Martin. “I know she will work all day, every day, to ensure young Bahamians are fully prepared to participate and succeed in our economy, and in our national life,” he said. Mr Sears, he said, will bring intelligence, integrity and efficiency to the Ministry of Works at a time when there is concern about the lack of transparency at Bahamas Power and Light and the Water and Sewerage Corporation. As for Dr Darville, he said: “We take office at a time when our public health system is collapsing under the weight of the COVID19 virus. As well as being a distinguished family doctor, he is a successful businessman. He will focus on saving lives, and strengthening our
THE NEW Cabinet ministers pictured yesterday. (Photos: Donavan McIntosh/Tribune staff)
ATTORNEY General and Minister of Legal Affairs Senator Ryan Pinder. public health capacity, in partnership with medical professionals and with the private sector. I know he will implement our COVID-19 action plan with both urgency and professionalism.” Mr Davis said Mr Halkitis, who served as minister of state for finance in the last Christie administration, “will oversee the financial services industry and trade, take on the crucial task of improving our country’s ease of doing business, and direct our country’s digitalisation efforts.” He will play an important role in helping to stabilise the country’s finances, Mr Davis said.
ENGLERSTON MP Glenys Hanna Martin is sworn in as Minister of Education, Technical and Vocational Training.
HANNA MARTIN: MANY CHILDREN HAVE FALLEN THROUGH THE CRACKS DURING PANDEMIC By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net GLENYS Hanna Martin, newly appointed education minister, has pledged to help transform the face of education in the country, noting that too many students have “fallen between the cracks” amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Ms Hanna Martin spoke to reporters shortly after being sworn into office yesterday. The longtime Englerston MP was appointed minister of education and technical and vocational training. Asked about her plans for the ministry, Ms Hanna Martin said she plans to address a number of critical issues pertaining to education. “Well, I think I’m going to start with the premise that there’s a lot of work to be done to transform the way in which our children are educated and empowered intellectually, culturally and as humans in this country and so I have to begin there and understand what the landscape is,” she said. “I do have some idea of it. We know that during this pandemic, many, many children have fallen between the cracks, mostly from our working-class communities for various reasons in the remote learning environment and so we’re going to have to look at that very closely to see how we can close that gap because the implications are very serious. “And then one of the things I would love to see is the history of our people brought into our schools so our children gain an education of who they are and whence they have come and so they understand where they will go as people. I think that’s very important for children to have a sense of being and a sense of pride and consciousness of who they are. Then we have to look at the performance rate which normally attracts annual attention and we have to find a way to stimulate our children (to) excellence,” she said. Ms Hanna Martin was also asked about the possibility of face-to-face instruction soon resuming in public schools. In person classes ended in March 2020 due to the pandemic but resumed in a phased approach after the summer break last October. Last month, the Ministry of Education announced all public schools would open with a virtual learning format due to the current resurgence of COVID-19 cases in the country. Yesterday, Ms Hanna Martin said she will not be able to say when in person learning will resume until she has spoken with health officials. “This is a very dangerous virus. It has had a huge toll,” she said. “We know it has no regard for age, gender and we have to be properly advised along with the health officials so I’m not in the position now to speak to that without being properly advised.”
MINISTER of Foreign Affairs and Public Services Fred Mitchell.
MINISTER of Works and Utilities Alfred Sears.
MINISTER of National Security Wayne Munroe.
MINISTER of Health and Wellness Dr Michael Darville.
MINISTER of Economic Affairs Senator Michael Halkitis.
MINISTER of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs Clay Sweeting.
MINISTER of Education, Technical and Vocational Training Glenys Hanna Martin.
MINISTER of State for Legal Affairs Jomo Campbell.
Mr Sweeting, he said, will bring an intimate, first-hand knowledge of his area. “A former fisherman and businessman, and deputy chairman of the Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation, he is ideally positioned to spearhead our administration’s agenda in the green and blue economies,” he said. Mr Davis also pledged that a broader approach will be taken toward national security matters. “Issues relating to national security have, in recent times, tended to be viewed in the narrow context of policing,” he said. “But national security should encompass a broader set of concerns. We
will secure our borders, and we will maintain civil order. Law and order are essential governmental functions. “But we are also determined to ensure that the rights of the Bahamian people are respected. Too often in recent years Bahamians had reason to believe that laws were being unfairly and unevenly enforced. A democracy cannot be strong when citizens with fewer advantages believe they are living under a different set of rules than the more privileged. “As minister of national security, noted human rights lawyer and formidable legal expert, the Hon Wayne Munroe, QC, will bring balance and fairness to the way
that the state interacts with the people.” Mr Davis cited Mr Pinder’s background as a tax attorney as one reason he chose him to be attorney general. Mr Pinder served as minister of financial services in the last Christie administration before quitting the post in 2014 for a job at Deltec, a private bank. However he left that post a year later to become a partner at Graham Thompson & Co. “He (Mr Pinder) brings valuable expertise to the role of the government’s chief legal advisor,” Mr Davis said. “In particular, I will be asking him to focus on ensuring that our proposals to
encourage and support Bahamian entrepreneurs, business people and investors, are translated into effective legislation, and to review existing legislation to understand the impact on the business community and make amendments as necessary to support kick starting our economy and job creation.” As for Mr Campbell, Mr Davis said: “As a litigator with enormous experience in both criminal and civil matters, he will be responsible for much of the ordinary business of that office.” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation Chester Cooper was sworn in last week.
PAGE 4, Tuesday, September 21, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
US SETS NEW VACCINE ENTRY POLICY FROM PAGE ONE passengers to be fully vaccinated, we will protect Americans here at home.” Citizens of the US who are unvaccinated and returning home will need to show proof of a negative test taken within 24 hours of travel. As part of the new international air travel system, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is also requiring airlines to collect phone numbers and email addresses from inbound international travellers as part of an enhanced contact tracing system. The CDC will also determine which vaccines will be accepted under the new policy. The new requirements don’t affect land travel from Canada and Mexico, which is still restricted. The move from the Biden administration comes a year and half after former President Donald Trump announced the US would be restricting travel for foreign nationals coming from much of Europe, the United Kingdom, China, Brazil and other countries in an effort to combat the spread of the virus. The restrictions remained when President Biden was elected in January, and the White House said in July it would maintain the restrictions due to the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant, which drove a rise in COVID-19 infections and hospitalisations. The new policy now eases these entry restrictions for foreigners. Yesterday, the US Embassy in Nassau released a statement about the new vaccine requirement. “As announced by the White House on September 20, beginning in early November, all adult foreign nationals travelling to the United States by air must demonstrate proof of full vaccination against COVID-19,” the US Embassy said.
Travellers “This requirement will end the need, as of early November, for travellers from certain geographic regions to obtain national interest exceptions under the current presidential proclamations in order to travel to the United States. “Adult foreign nationals will be required to be fully vaccinated and show proof of vaccination prior to boarding a US-bound international flight. “Fully vaccinated aircraft passengers departing from any foreign country with a destination in the United States will continue to be required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of departure (or written or electronic documentation of recovery from COVID-19 after previous SARS-CoV-2 infection in the form of a positive viral test result and a letter from a licensed healthcare provider or public health official stating that the passenger has been cleared for travel). “The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) will continue to strongly recommend against air travel by US citizens and legal permanent residents (LPRs) who are not fully vaccinated. “With the new order, unvaccinated US citizens and LPRs who return to the United States will be required to do the following prior to boarding a US-bound flight: provide proof of a negative test result taken within one day prior to their departure; provide proof that they have purchased a viral test to be taken after arrival,” the US Embassy said. The embassy said it will “look to CDC to guide which vaccines will be accepted, as part of their standard role in determining who is considered fully vaccinated for the purposes of recommended or required international travel protocols.” The embassy added it will provide further information for visa applicants and US citizen travellers as it becomes available on its website: travel.state.gov. According to the government’s latest vaccine tracker, 73,901 people are fully vaccinated in the country, including those who have taken the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Officials said 114,33 people have received one dose of the vaccine, excluding J&J. Official said 3,773 people have taken vaccines abroad.
ATTORNEY General and Minister of Legal Affairs Ryan Pinder and Minister of Health & Wellness Michael Darville at yesterday’s swearing in ceremony. (Photos: Donavan McIntosh/Tribune staff)
Legislation to replace COVID-19 Emergency Orders ‘a top priority’ By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net NEWLY appointed Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Ryan Pinder said completing legislation that will replace the current COVID-19-Emergency Orders will be a top priority for the government during its first months in office. Speaking to reporters after he was sworn into office yesterday, Mr Pinder also committed to increasing transparency and accountability and eliminating the “legislative and bureaucratic impediments” of doing business in the country for the sake of good governance. “We cannot tolerate any kind of perceived corruption whether it exists or not and we cannot tolerate the appearance of impropriety whether it exists or not. We have to operate in a fashion where we’re conducting ourselves in honest and transparent ways,” the senator told reporters at the Baha Mar Convention Centre. “I’m very excited to advance this country and we don’t have a lot of time. We have to hit the ground running and my focus is to advance it for the whole Bahamian people and part of that is ensuring that we’re viewed as a transparent and honest jurisdiction.” He also said: “We hear the cry, and myself as a private practitioner in law representing a number
of business persons, a cry about how difficult it is of doing business in this country—the legislative and bureaucratic impediments to business and getting into business and succeeding in business, especially a Bahamian. “I think it’s very important that we loosen those reins and allow businesses to thrive.” Mr Pinder also expressed support for campaign finance legislation, but said a final decision on the matter as well as other reform initiatives will ultimately be made by Cabinet. Mr Pinder was one of nine Cabinet ministers who took the oath of office yesterday. He served as minister of financial services under the last Christie administration before quitting that role to for a “mind blowing offer” at Deltec bank. At the time, he said his departure from Cabinet did not mean he had lost faith in the Christie administration. Mr Pinder left Deltec bank a year later to become a partner at law firm Graham Thompson and Co. He is also a former member of Parliament for Elizabeth. The Cabinet appointments come at a time when the country is seeking to arrest control of the raging COVID-19 pandemic. Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis told Bahamians on the campaign trail that his party, once elected, would stabilise the country’s COVID situation through increased testing,
expanded contact tracing among other things. He also pledged to end the current COVID19 Emergency Orders and govern by ordinary legislation. Yesterday, Mr Pinder insisted the Davis-led administration will live up to its promises. He said: “I think the prime minister is clear in his messages before election in that we’re looking to not go to emergency order to emergency order but to set up a framework (and) an existence in legislation that will allow us to govern in these instances and pandemic without having to put emergency orders in place and have that oversight of the Bahamian people. “So, we will be fully transparent, and we will progress in the fashion and we have to address the pandemic and we also have to address a fair and reasonable place and way to treat our people.” For his part, newly appointed Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Michael Darville said his ministry will formulate a plan on the way forward once discussions have been held with health officials. However, he also noted that the government is ready to activate its tenpoint COVID action plan. Dr Darville served as minister of state for Grand Bahama in the last Christie administration. “Tomorrow morning, I would be at the Ministry of Health first of all getting a
panoramic view of what is happening. “I will speak with the experts and after speaking with the experts we would be able to make an assessment of where we are and what would be some of the first initial protocols that we would have to implement to swiftly get the pandemic under control,” Dr Darville said yesterday. He said that officials are seeking to strike a health and economic balance, suggesting the government will not utilise lockdowns as done before by the former administration. “We’ve (understood) that that has devastated our economy,” Dr Darville said. “We have to work with the business community. We have to work with our Bahamian professionals and develop the kind of partnership that is necessary to get our economy moving while at the same time we are not at risk and we’re not actually creating more of a problem as it relates to COVID. It’s a balancing act.” As for vaccinations, Dr Darville reiterated the party’s policy that it will not be mandatory but encouraged all Bahamians to get the shots. “It’s important for us to keep our vaccination programme at an optimum level and begin to open up more sites where Bahamians who want to be vaccinated can have access to the vaccinations not only the first dose but the second dose,” he added.
34 NEW CASES OF COVID-19, 164 IN HOSPITAL WITH VIRUS THE Ministry of Health reported 34 new cases of COVID-19 yesterday. The figures, contained in the September 19 dashboard, means the country now has had 20,249 confirmed cases of the virus since the start of the pandemic. Twenty-eight of the new cases are in New Providence, four are in Grand Bahama, while there is one each in Exuma and Mayaguana. Officials also said 164 patients are in hospital with the virus. Five hundred and ten people have died from the disease.
THE TRIBUNE
‘THE RIGHTS OF WORKERS NEED TO BE ADDRESSED’ By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net WITH a new Minister of Tourism in office, the president of the Bahamas Hotel Catering and Allied Workers Union said workers’ rights in general are important issues that need to be addressed. Darrin Woods said while much focus always seems to be geared towards investors, it must also be noted workers are just as valuable. He was contacted after Chester Cooper was sworn in as Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation on Saturday. This comes as some Atlantis staff are still furloughed, which Mr Woods estimated to be about 45 to 50 percent. “While we believe that the investors are important, the workers are equally as important. . .people don’t come here to invest unless they’re sure that they could make a good return and we believe that the workers particularly in the hospitality industry have been disenfranchised. “We believe that more care, more focused attention needs to be paid to the rights of the worker and also creating an environment that is conducive to workers to really perform at optimum,” he said yesterday. He also called for those in the tourism sector to look at heads of agreements when they sign them and to make certain that the union is represented around the table, particularly when concessions are offered. “In most instances, the concessions are tied to jobs,” Mr Woods said. “They’ll say ‘we’ll give so much concessions…give so much jobs’. . .Any time there’s a downturn or something happens the jobs are the first to go away but the concessions remain the same and this is something that we would’ve mentioned to the former minister of labour in his capacity. We need to look at these concessions because when the jobs begin to go away the concessions should equally go away.” Mr Woods said once Mr Cooper has settled into office, his union would like to have an audience with him to see what his plans are to revitalise the tourism industry. “. . .We still have a lot of people from the hospitality (industry), not only hotel workers but the hospitality industry as a whole who are displaced in terms of they’re still home and so what is necessary how can the union from our standpoint help,” he said. “We also want to give some insight on what we believe needs to happen to also protect people in the hospitality industry going forward. Pretty much it’s a wait and see. “If the success that he’s had in a personal capacity, if he’s able to translate that into or take that with him into tourism and the other ministries that he has, we believe that he will do well,” Mr Woods told The Tribune.
Tuesday, September 21, 2021, PAGE 5
Governor General urges Bahamians to unite as one By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
GOVERNOR General Sir Cornelius A Smith yesterday urged Bahamians to put their political differences aside and unite as one during a swearing-in ceremony for several government senators and ministers. His comments came after nine Cabinet ministers took the oath of office at the Baha Mar Convention Centre on Monday. The new ministerial appointments come at a time when the country is facing one of its worst economic and health crises ever seen and days after a bitter general election campaign. In his first address to Cabinet ministers yesterday, Sir Cornelius congratulated the officials on their new roles and also recommended several books they can use as a guide to success. “We have just witnessed and participated in that time honoured tradition of deepening our democracy,” the Governor General said yesterday. “Arriving at this stage, we’ve had great challenges but I want to first of all collectively on behalf of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II and on behalf of the Bahamian people offer our sincerest congratulations to the ministers who have just been appointed. “I also want to take this opportunity to say to ministers that there are four guidebooks that I would recommend – the Holy Bible. There is a code of conduct by ministers. There is a manual for Cabinet procedure and lastly, the Constitution. I really believe that if every minister would follow the procedures laid down in those four books, we will certainly be guaranteed success.”
GOVERNOR General Sir Cornelius A Smith speaks yesterday. (Photo: Donavan McIntosh/Tribune staff) He also called for political unity, stressing that now is the time for everyone to join as one in helping to create a better Bahamas. Sir Cornelius said: “I also wish to encourage Bahamians
everywhere to recognise that the time has come for us to be united. The differences in politics are to be set aside until the next five years and instead of worrying about tomorrow, let us unite
ourselves and let us together make a better Bahamas. “I wish Godspeed to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and I wish you all the success that the Bahamas needs.” Monday’s ceremony saw several familiar faces as well as some new ones take on Cabinet posts. Senator Ryan Pinder was appointed attorney general and minister of legal affairs, while Fred Mitchell was sworn in as minister of foreign affairs and public service. Mr Pinder was minister of financial services in the last Christie administration however he quit the post in December 2014 to take up what was called a “mindblowing” offer at private bank Deltec. However he left Deltec a year later to become a partner at Graham, Thompson & Co. Mr Mitchell served as minister of foreign affairs in two Christie administrations. Glenys Hanna Martin, who also served in both Christie Cabinets, was appointed minister of education and technical vocational training; while former Education Minister Alfred Sears has now been appointed minister of works and utilities. Other familiar faces include two former Cabinet ministers: Dr Michael Darville, who has been appointed minister of health and wellness; Senator Michael Halkitis, who is minister of economic affairs and leader of government business in the Senate. First time Cabinet appointees include Wayne Munroe QC, as minister of national security; former PLP Senator Clay Sweeting as minister of agriculture, marine resources and Family Island affairs and attorney Jomo Campbell as minister of state for legal affairs.
MAN MURDERED ON SUNDAY ‘WAS DEALING WITH A MURDER TRIAL’ By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
WALTER Johnson was shot dead on Sunday.
A FATHER murdered on Sunday was dealing with a murder trial and was being electronically monitored with an ankle bracelet, according to his girlfriend. Walter Johnson was fatally shot in his car while on Milton Street on Sunday afternoon. Felicia Major, the 24-year-old’s girlfriend, told The Tribune the couple share a one year daughter together. According to a July 2018 Tribune article, Johnson stood before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt charged with a single count of murder. It was claimed that Johnson
killed Shanindore Neely on July 8, 2018. He was later released on bail. Ms Major explained every time he had a court appearance, the matter was adjourned and he was given another date. However, she felt her boyfriend was staying away from a life of crime. On the day of Johnson’s murder, she recalled getting a call from a neighbour while she was at work that her boyfriend was dead. Asked if she went on the scene, she said: “To be honest with you, I couldn’t even go there. “I went straight to my mom’s house. I couldn’t see him in that condition.” She said she is not doing well in the aftermath of
the killing and is wondering how she will break the news to her daughter. “When she gets a little older now…when she asks me questions, I’m going to have to answer her and right now I don’t know how I’m gonna to tell her. “She calls his name. . .I think after a while knowing that she can’t see him around, she’s going to notice something.” Ms Major described the young father as a quiet person who did not talk much. However she said he could also be the “life of the party” and was “always smiling”. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call police at 5029991, Crime Stoppers at 328-TIPS or the nearest police station.
PAGE 6, Tuesday, September 21, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
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More companies pledge ‘net-zero’ emissions to fight climate change, but what does that really mean? You’ll probably hear the term “netzero emissions” a lot over the coming weeks as government leaders and CEOs, under pressure, talk about how they’ll reduce their countries’ or businesses’ impact on climate change. Amazon, for example, just announced that more than 200 companies have now joined its Climate Pledge, committing to reach net-zero emissions by 2040. But what does net-zero emissions actually mean? “Zero emissions” – without the “net” caveat – means emitting no greenhouse gases. “Net-zero emissions” has more wiggle room. It’s like balancing a checkbook. The country or company cuts most of its emissions through efficiency and clean energy, then offsets the rest by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere or eliminating emissions elsewhere. For example, trees absorb carbon dioxide from the air, so they’re often considered “negative emissions.” The tiny Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan can claim net-zero emissions because almost all of its electricity comes from hydropower, and its forests sequester about three times more carbon than its vehicles, factories and other human activities emit. Companies have another way to claim net-zero emissions – they can take advantage of carbon reductions elsewhere by buying carbon credits. For example, a U.S. company might pay to protect forests in South America and then subtract those trees’ negative emissions from its own emissions to say that its operations are “net-zero.” Other carbon credits support sustainable development projects, such as installing wind or solar power in poorer countries. But counting on carbon credits also draws criticism, because it allows those companies to keep generating greenhouse gases. Other concerns are that some projects would happen anyway, the emissions reductions might not be permanent or even verifiable, or they might get double-counted by more than one entity. Some projects, like tree planting, can take years to pay off in emissions reductions while the companies buying forest offsets continue emitting greenhouse gases. Why does net-zero emissions matter? Greenhouse gases trap heat near Earth’s surface. When their concentrations get too high, they fuel global warming. In 2015, countries around the world agreed to limit global warming to well under 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 F) compared with preindustrial times, with a goal of 1.5 C (2.7 F). To keep warming under 1.5 C with the least disruption, the United Nations says the world needs to be on a path to reach net-zero emissions by about 2050. To put those temperatures into perspective, global warming today is just over 1 C (1.8 F) above preindustrial levels, and rising seas and extreme weather are already a problem.
Several countries, including the United States, have pledged to meet the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. But when the U.N. analysed each country’s commitments under the Paris Agreement in mid-September, it found they still fall short by so much that even if every pledge is met, temperatures will rise about 2.7 C (4.86 F) this century. How a company gets to net-zero emissions To see how a company might get to net-zero emissions, let’s imagine a hypothetical company, ChipCo, that makes, packages and distributes potato chips. ChipCo purchases electricity from a local utility to run machinery at its factory. It also has boilers to generate steam to heat the building and for some production processes. And it uses delivery trucks to transport its products to customers. Each step generates greenhouse gas emissions. To achieve net-zero emissions, ChipCo’s first step is to ramp up energy efficiency. Improvements in insulation and equipment can reduce the amount of energy needed or wasted. A simple example is switching out incandescent light bulbs that use 60 watts of energy with LED bulbs that give off the same brightness, yet consume only 8 watts. The second step is to switch from fossil fuels – the leading source of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions – to renewable energy, such as solar or wind power, that doesn’t produce greenhouse gas emissions. Once the company’s electricity is renewable, using electric delivery vehicles further cuts emissions. Homes and office buildings can also be built to net-zero, or carbon-neutral, standards. In that case, the focus is on making them extremely energy-efficient and relying on heating and electricity from clean energy sources. ChipCo’s third step is finding negative emissions. It might be too expensive or not yet technologically possible for it to replace its steam boiler with a carbon-neutral product. Instead, ChipCo might purchase carbon credits that would remove the same amount of carbon from the atmosphere that would be generated by the boiler. Companies are increasingly under pressure from governments, activists and their customers, as well as some powerfulinvestors, to cut their emissions. To tell if a company is taking its responsibilities seriously, look for its action plan and performance so far. A company that announces a net-zero target of 2030 can’t wait until 2029 to take action. There needs to be a consistent trajectory of improvements in energy efficiency and clean energy, not just promises and carbon offsets. (This article is by Amrou Awaysheh, Indiana University, for theconversation.com)
READERS
AFTER former Prime Minister Perry Christie lamented the low voter turnout on Election Day, saying the reports have concerned him, readers posted their responses on tribune242.com.
which one got elected, things would not get better but only worse.”
Moncurcool said: “It is amazing that Christie does not recognise that the snap election was not the primary reason people did not show up. The choice between Minnis and Davis was the reason. No matter
And Cobalt had this to say: “Christie shouldn’t be surprised that there was a drop in voter participation. First of all, petty Hubert Minnis called a snap election in the midst of a global pandemic when
COMMENTS
the electorate was least expecting it. Secondly, and more importantly, people have lost confidence in the FNM and PLP. It’s obvious that both parties are detached from the wishes of the Bahamian people. Can you imagine??? Forty plus years of independence; billions of dollars borrowed and spent; yet no new hospital or hurricane shelter has been built???” Don’t miss your chance to join the conversation on tribune242.com.
Five years to organise polling EDITOR, The Tribune. Elections come and go usually every fiveyears so the organisers of them have the luxury of four plus plus years to get things together...all it takes is an eight-month jump forward and chaos. Oh we want debates like the US for what God only knows as here we issue a manifesto 81 pages long and are expected to read it and understand it....the Party and candidates ain’t got a clue what’s in them. Then these polls..... as in the US-UK and most western countries they fail to be accurate and starters it is always the same.....where is the sample being taken from? They don’t take replies from only cellphone subscribers .... maybe as high as 90% of the voters. There is no cellphone directory in public domain.... I stand to be corrected BTC nor ALIV may sell our private information so if somehow they get hold of a list legally they may not use that..... can Cable Bahamas let Rev media
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net
use their customer list and emails for a survey/ Poll? I say no without a breach of confidentiality so what are the poll people legally left with? Old faithful BTC very much reduced sample of BTC fix line customers... legal, yes, because the directory is circulated and any customer may and many do refuse to list their names.... details/ address and telephone numbers. Using BTC directory is far from the best sample platform. There are 39 seats in parliament many on islands and any pollster must take a proportionate sampling throughout the whole country, not just Nassau and Freeport. Are polls accurate and the recent ones did they make sense any of them? No - none is accurate....The one which required you to complete an emailing format well everyone can respond for every different email
address you have..... as that format is only open to someone finding the Poll and not a deliberate sample how accurate and how proportionate demographically could it be....sorry failing grade. I don’t think any of the Polls published made any scientific sense. Government needs to require that all polls disclose precisely their sampling and their platform list from which they contact respondent persons. We can’t forget nearly 20% of the 194,000 electorate will not cast their vote. We have five-years to get organising polling ie: voting correct finally and five-years to clean up polls the taking of opinions of the electorate as to who they will support. I close with a comment ..... how can you have Party ‘A’ winning and the same party ‘A’ being described as lacking planning 67% response. Hey someone really trying to fool us? AMBROSE SMITH Nassau, September 16, 2021.
Election nonsense EDITOR, The Tribune. The usual PLP stalwarts have come out with the predictable drivel in your letters page reference the election. The election was lost by the Minnis government as it was handed in poker terminology a dead man’s hand. Dorian followed by COVID sealed their fate. FNM fate as per Trump who would have won by a landslide if not for the COVID pandemic. One of your contributors tried to allude to the FNM being the party of the rich. What unadulterated twaddle. Regardless of which party has
historically been in power money has always been raised off the backs of the majority and will continue to do so. He is forgetting the politicians are all very wealthy people. It was the PLP led by Christie who introduced VAT to the Bahamas. VAT is very much a tax on the working/middle class. The status quo of Bahamian politics will be unchanged. THE REALIST Nassau, September 20, 2021.
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, September 21, 2021, PAGE 7
Court of Appeal DR LINDA DAVIS APPOINTED affirms sentences of VICE-PRESIDENT AT BTVI two men convicted of firearm charge By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net
THE Court of Appeal has confirmed the sentences of two men convicted of using a firearm to put another man’s life in danger over seven years ago. In May 2014, there was a shooting in Yellow Elder Gardens. People who witnessed the incident said they saw a blue Honda Civic pull up outside a house on Lightbourne Street before an armed man got out of the passenger side of the vehicle and fired several shots at Jaquan Rolle, who was standing outside the house. Lavardo Forbes was singled out during an identification parade as the driver of the blue Honda, while Shirvon Stubbs was identified as the person who discharged a firearm in the direction of Mr Rolle. The men were later charged, tried and convicted of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and one count of damage after a 2008 Nissan Altima that was parked in the yard in which Mr Rolle was standing was damaged during the shooting. They both appealed their convictions after arguing that the trial judge erred in law and in fact when she allowed the statements of Trevor Campbell and Mr Rolle to be admitted into evidence as they were more “prejudicial than probative”. They further argued that the trial judge failed to give directions on a joint enterprise and that the learned judge failed to withdraw the case from the jury on the basis that the quality of the identification evidence was poor. Forbes also appealed his sentence on the ground that he was not receiving the benefit of his remand time which the judge had reduced from his sentence.
After reserving their decision in June, Justices Maureen Crane-Scott, Roy Jones and Milton Evans denied Stubbs’ application for an extension time and affirmed his sentence and convictions. The panel also affirmed Forbes’ conviction, but directed a Supreme Court registrar to correct his certificate of conviction to correctly reflect the sentence imposed on him at the end of his trial. In their judgement delivered by Justice Jones, the panel noted the trial judge properly exercised her discretion when she admitted the evidence of Mr Campbell and Mr Rolle. “Counsel for the intended appellants Forbes and Stubbs contends that the contents of the statements of Trevor Campbell and Jaquan Rolle unfairly prejudiced their client,” Justice Jones said. “There was nothing wrong with the police investigators getting several statements from the witnesses and there was no suggestion from the evidence that the police compelled the witnesses to give statements.” Justice Jones noted that the trial judge took the view that the inconsistencies between the statements of the witnesses were a “matter of credibility” to be determined by the jury after giving them appropriate directions. “We are of the view that the trial judge properly exercised her discretion to admit the evidence of the absent witnesses, Trevor Campbell, and Jaquan Rolle, and adequately directed the jury on the caution required in considering their evidence,” he continued. “The judge warned them of the risk involved in using that evidence and the special need for caution as they have not seen the witnesses in the witness box and that they should give it such weight as they deem fit.
TWO DENY HAVING LOADED PISTOL By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net TWO men who denied having a loaded pistol were yesterday sent to prison pending a bail hearing. Police said Chavez McPhee, 21, and O’Neil Louis, 21, were found with a .9mm Taurus pistol along with four rounds of .9mm ammunition on September 17. They denied the allegations when they appeared
before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt. However, before the matter of bail could be addressed, the prosecution requested a brief adjournment to consider their position. As a result, the case was adjourned to September 24 for a bail hearing. McPhee and Louis were taken to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until that time.
MAN ACCUSED OF HAVING SEX WITH UNDERAGED GIRLS By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net
A 32-year-old man was yesterday remanded to prison over allegations that he had sex with two underaged girls earlier this year. Zendel Stubbs was arrested after he was accused of having sex with a 15-year-old girl and producing a video of the incident between July 13 and 14. Prosecutors also accused Stubbs of having sex with a 12-year-old girl and alleged that he was found with a partially nude image exposing the minor’s chest
sometime between July 1 and August 31. When he appeared before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt, he was not required to enter a plea to the charges of unlawful sex, producing child pornography and possession of child pornography. His case was subsequently adjourned to December for service of a voluntary bill of indictment. In the meantime, Stubbs was denied bail and remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional of Services. He has a right to apply to the Supreme Court for bail.
“We see no error in the directions given by the trial judge and accordingly find that there is no merit on this issue in these grounds of appeal.” Justice Jones said that for those reasons, the panel would deny the appellants’ applications and affirm their convictions and sentences. “As it relates to the identification evidence, the judge took the view that the quality of the identification regarding both intended appellants Forbes and Stubbs was not deficient,” he said. “He was of the view that the evidence involved eyewitness testimony, issues of credibility and were matters for the jury. “Second, there was an identification at the identification parade of the (intended appellant Forbes) which supported Trevor Campbell’s visual identification. For these reasons, the judge was not in error in refusing to withdraw the case from the jury.”
THE Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute has appointed Dr Linda Davis as its first vice-president. Dr Davis, the vice-president of academic affairs, has served in higher education administration at the senior level for more than 20 years. Her journey has taken her from the former College of The Bahamas to the former Wheelock College in Boston, MA, and back to University of The Bahamas where most recently, she served as provost. BTVI President Dr Robert Robertson expressed delight in having Dr Davis join the team, adding that her knowledge, along with extensive experience and expertise in higher education are key to the role she now assumes. “I am excited and honoured to be working alongside a veteran, well respected academician. I believe she will execute her duties with precision, helping to support the transformation of processes – all in alignment with our strategic objectives,” said Dr Robertson in a press release. “We are incredibly fortunate to have Dr Davis
serve the BTVI community; I believe she will become one of the architects of a strong future for our organisation which has a very serious national mandate, particularly in bridging the skills gap,” he added. Beginning her career in higher education as a faculty member at COB, Dr Davis subsequently moved into the administrative track, first as assistant chair, then dean, two vicepresidential level positions and the international deanship at Wheelock before being appointed UB’s first
provost. Dr Davis said she is looking forward to the exciting journey ahead. “I consider it a privilege to have been selected to serve as BTVI’s first vicepresident of academic affairs at such a critical time in our country. “Our challenge as an institution will be to think out of the box, finding new ways to educate and help students adapt to the rapidly changing needs of industry. I am looking forward to the exciting journey ahead,” Dr Davis said.
PAGE 8, Tuesday, September 21, 2021
Template for success – even in a pandemic
THE TRIBUNE KIM WALLACE (Photo by Blair Meadows)
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USINESSES that have not learned to adapt to the new normal of a pandemic by implementing digital aspects to their operations are getting left behind. Some businesses have closed their doors for good in light of restrictions, a change in the economy and an inability to adjust and adapt. Kim Wallace refused to let that happen to her. As the owner of Template, a company with “very different invitations, programmes and favours,” she could have very well been closing her doors. Gatherings were restricted to ten - so all of the birthday bashes, extravaganzas and weddings nearly came to a halt. In April of 2020, when many were still trying to wrap their heads around the economic effects of the pandemic, Kim acted swiftly and moved her business online. She knew nothing would keep Bahamians from finding ways to make their special events personal and memorable. “We began our online store with Mother’s Day, which allowed customers to shop safely from their devices,” Kim recalls. “We offered curbside and delivery. It was indeed a success as we were one of the first to implement a local gift shop online store in a short time during a pandemic. We then continued with Father’s Day and Christmas. “Today our online store is still thriving as we now offer an entire section called ‘My Gifting’ where you can build and customize your gifts 24/7. We have all the favourites, including gifts for the bridal party, books, local teas, wine and sauces from our own Naturally Bahamian, Mama Sassy’s Gourmet and Believe Wines companies. We also offer indulgences like Bath & Body Works and have introduced local authors in our book section such as life coach Anastarcia Palacious and young and talented writer Tomia Shearer.” There are so many unique items to be found at Template. The store was a regular go-to for me when I planned my wedding. It was so important to be able to have a place to go to where I could personalise items for the wedding, and make things look and feel like my own. I met Kim in the store back then, and she graciously assisted me. For her, this is a labour of love that started 26 years ago. She said: “Back then, I bought a Hallmark Card CD, which allowed me to make beautiful personalized greeting cards for my family and friends. “They were so well received because of the customization and because they expressed exactly what you wanted to say. I began being paid to make them. Eventually I got many other requests to make birthday invitations and then wedding stationery. “My wedding invitations were very special to me. I created them using whatever I had left from other invitations for clients. Hence they were very different and unique. In my mind, it was like taking the best from all that I had designed and making a masterpiece.” This month, Template celebrates its 16th anniversary as a storefront business, located on Jerome
Avenue above Classy Kids boutique. To celebrate, the entire on-line and in-store line of products is 16 percent off. “Surely it is the year of 16 for us,” Kim said. “My marriage to my amazing partner for life turned 16 in April. Our storefront business celebrates 16 years this month and, of course, we know what happened on September 16th. How funny is that. One can only chuckle, stay humble and be thankful.”
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im is supported by her husband, Mark Wallace who is very involved in the business. From time to time, they allow their children Adam and Ava to be involved too, so that they can get a sense of ownership and responsibility. Kim grew up in a family business and she found it very instrumental in shaping her ability to manage and maintain a small business. She is the eighth child out of nine born in Nassau to Bishop Karl and Mary Dawkins. They were the owners of the well-known neighbourhood grocery store Dawkins Meat Market. So, Kim always felt that entrepreneurship was in her DNA. “Being a small business owner is not easy in The Bahamas,” she said. “Having a wedding business is even more challenging due to the pandemic. It takes a special type of mindset and determination with the right amount of business sense and creativity to stay in the game productively.” Kim has worked extensively in setting the standards for quality stationery that is Bahamian designed and produced. Template is also possibly the only brick and mortar in the country where you can purchase unique and custom wedding stationery, accessories and other gift items in one location. Why would invitations make much of a difference for any event?
“Invitations set the tone for your event by giving guests the first insight of what is to come,” Kim explained. “Your vision is seen and sets the precedence, preparing guests for the occasion. Our goal is to get clients to know, like and trust us. We in turn assist, create and design stationery that inspires guests to feel what the couple feels – the importance of their occasion, their joy, love and intimacy. The invitation should evoke for the guest the honour of their presence and how special they are to have been invited.” As times have changed, so has the way we live and experience occasions. Kim had to figure out how to advise her customers to safely celebrate during a pandemic. She has partnered with friend and colleague, Donnette Sands to form a company called Pink Sands Events that specializes in ceremonies and intimate events, making them safe and stress free. Kim also has partnerships with Windermere Day Spa & Salon, and Naturally Bahamian. These new ventures forged new relationships and opportunities. Clients enjoyed seeing the versatility and appreciated their ability to stay focused and redirect new avenues of trade. As Template is niche business, it would be challenging to locate many items found at the store locally or even abroad because of the many unique services and products offered. As a hands-on stationer, Kim has been intricately involved with promoting and participating in the Annual Bahamas Bridal Show. Each year, her company introduces new ideas and trends that many thought were only available internationally. Kim’s early career began at The Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas as a video news editor. She then moved to Cable Bahamas Limited as a Pay Per View assistant where she was instrumental in the
early set up days of the Pay Per View Department. Her sales and marketing skills then led her to Shell Bahamas Limited (now Sun Oil Limited) where she managed many major commercial accounts across the Bahamas. Kim is an alumna of the University of Miami (MBA), has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast Communication from Barry University in Miami, Florida and an Associate of Arts degree in Journalism with a minor in Mass Communications from the College of The Bahamas (now University of The Bahamas). Her greatest role and most proud achievement is her family. She is happily married to Mark a Christian Education Teacher at Kingsway Academy. They have two primary school aged children. Kim attributes her success of balancing a career and family to God’s grace and obedience to His will and purpose for her life. To learn more about Template, visit www.templatebahamas.com.
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, September 21, 2021, PAGE 9
PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN, joined virtually by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, speaks about the national security initiative from the East Room of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2021. Photo:Andrew Harnik/AP
New security pact finds friends and foes - especially the French S
UCH is the continuous news cycle in today’s world of instantaneous communications that what is top of the agenda today can all too readily be ignored tomorrow when it is overtaken by fresh events. One important exception has been Afghanistan. After recent wall-to-wall coverage, last week’s Senate hearings - when there was almost total condemnation of the Biden administration for its ill-planned and poorly executed evacuation - have been carried extensively on TV. Similarly, the media has also fully reported the revelations about the recent drone attack that killed 10 civilians in Kabul. Having earlier insisted they were legitimate terrorist targets, the US military have now admitted it was a tragic mistake - and they still wonder why so many of their actions induce such hatred around the world. However, the media has now turned its attention to a new cause celebre of huge global significance that emerged last week - a major defence pact which has precipitated a massive row among the Western allies. At a virtual press conference on September 15 attended by Joe Biden and British and Australian Prime Ministers, Boris Johnson and Scott Morrison, the US President announced a ground-breaking agreement between the three countries called AUKUS. Under its terms the three nations will co-operate in the development of the first nuclear-powered fleet for the Australian navy. The impetus for this is security concerns in relation to China’s increasingly aggressive moves and military expansionism in the
South China Sea and the consequent need to defend the West’s interests in the Indo-Pacific region. The historic trilateral defence and security pact will focus on military capability and is separate from the “Five Eyes” intelligencesharing alliance which also includes Canada and New Zealand. It will involve sharing of information as well as co-operation over a range of issues and, specifically, the provision of the technology and capability to enable Australia to develop and deploy nuclear-powered submarines, though without nuclear weapons. Australia will become only the seventh country in the world to have nuclear-powered submarines which have a powerful deterrent capability; and Mr Morrison has said explicitly and firmly that the nation “is not seeking to acquire nuclear weapons or establish a civil nuclear capability”. The downside or negative aspect of all this is the cancellation by Australia if its 2015 multi-million dollar agreement with France to supply 12 diesel-powered submarines. The French have reacted fiercely to the scuppering of this deal and,
in the resulting diplomatic storm, they have recalled their ambassadors in Washington and Canberra. Their government have strongly criticised the new pact and the way it was handled with great secrecy and no consultation, and have condemned Australia for reneging on its commercial obligations, describing it as a “stab in the back” - as well as other more colourful language which reflects the seriousness of the disquiet in France. Australia had been a strong trading partner of China but relations became strained after it backed a global inquiry into the origins of COVID-19. Reportedly, it had felt isolated in the face of China’s growing military and economic aggression and influence in the region and had concluded the submarines it had agreed to buy from France were inadequate to ward off the threat posed by this. Instead, Australia needed nuclearpowered ones which were faster, stealthier and did not require regular refuelling - and overall it was seeking the heavier and deeper backing the US and the UK could provide in helping to preserve a stable and secure Indo-Pacific region. For Britain, the AUKUS pact fits with the objectives set out in the government’s foreign policy review last March entitled “Global Britain in a Competitive Age”. The review recognised that while the US will remain the UK’s most important strategic ally and partner - and NATO remains the bedrock of defence and security in the Euro-Atlantic sphere there was a need partially to shift Britain’s focus towards the Indo-Pacific region which was increasingly the
geopolitical centre of the world - countries such as India, China, Japan and Australia among others which are home to a quarter of the world’s population and make up 40 percent of global GDP. As regards the US, the timing of AUKUS is significant because it comes so soon after the country’s exit from Afghanistan which had raised doubts about American commitment in the region. This is not the place to examine the US’s broader foreign policy or its relationship with an ally like France, but AUKUS demonstrates a combined stance in facing China as a threat to the Indo-Pacific region which has enjoyed 70 years of prosperity, including that of China. It is also a further indicator of America’s support for countries in the region like Japan, South Korea and Thailand. Predictably, China has reacted strongly, saying AUKUS risked “severely damaging regional peace… and intensifying the arms race” while Taiwan has welcomed it as a response to China’s new aggression. The pact is also significant in so far as it shows the US and UK are willing to export nuclear technology in this way to a trusted ally. China’s expansionism is currently the biggest threat globally to Western security and it is reassuring the US is still prepared to engage seriously in the IndoPacific region. Whatever the difficulties last month in relation to the lack of consultation with the US’s allies over the withdrawal from Afghanistan, the rest of the free world needs such American engagement - and AUKUS is a step in the right direction.
EARTH SAVERS ON OUR OWN DOORSTEP
I
n London last Friday, Prince William unveiled a shortlist of the first-ever 15 finalists for his ambitious $75 million global Earthshot Prize to help repair the planet over the next 10 years - and what a pleasure it is to report the wonderful news that a Bahamian group is among those finalists. Reportedly, the Prince has been working on this project for the last three years. He was persuaded to launch it because of what he saw as the constant negative headlines and pessimism in connection with climate change, and his purpose was to inspire specific action beyond what governments were doing. The Earthshot Prize initiative is designed to encourage innovative solutions to the world’s greatest environmental challenges. It is divided into five different categories and Coral Vita based in Grand Bahama has been chosen as a finalist in the one listed as “Revive our Oceans”. The 15 finalists have been chosen out of 750 nominations in a rigorous screening process. Of these, five winners will be selected and will receive some $1.4 million in prize money while
all will receive tailored support from a network of private businesses around the world. The winners will be announced next month. A look at its website shows that Coral Vita’s teams are working to restore dying and damaged reefs. Based in Freeport, it was founded in 2015 by environmental entrepreneurs with a passion for preserving coral reefs. Coincidentally, I spotted recently a new study, led by the University of British Columbia, about the importance of coral reef systems. This study found that coral reef cover around the world had diminished in size by more than a half since the 1950s due to climate change as well as overfishing, pollution and other human impacts. It went on to warn that the continuing degradation of global reef systems will threaten the well-being and development of coastal, reef-dependent communities.
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So there can be no doubt about the importance of Coral Vita’s work – and others will surely join me
in congratulating them on being chosen as one of the finalists for the prestigious Earthshot Prize.
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE ELECTION LOSER?
F
ollowing last week’s general election, it occurred to me it might be interesting to look at the procedure - under the Westminster system of government - for the losers. From researching the issue, it appears there are no clear rules about the position of outgoing incumbent Prime Ministers after they have stepped down. As a statement bordering on the obvious, the leading UK think tank, the Institute of Government, says that, if an incumbent PM wins an election, then he (or she) simply continues in office, and, if an election produces a clear majority for another party, then its leader becomes the new PM. The incumbent PM formally resigns the morning after the election, though nothing is said about losing PMs stepping down from their party leadership which should be a matter for the party itself. Britain does not have a written constitution in the sense commonly used around the world which means there is no single document setting out the structure of government and its relationship with its citizens. So the nation relies on constitutional conventions. PMs are appointed based on their ability to command the confidence of the House of Commons, and this power to appoint them is one of the remaining prerogative powers of The Queen who is normally advised about who can command that confidence. But there is no suggestion a PM can be forced to resign as party leader after losing an election. There is also, of course, the issue of outgoing PMs continuing to serve
as an MP if they retain their parliamentary seat. As a point of historical interest, there are numerous instances of PMs resigning because of a particular issue. For example, Anthony Eden was forced out in 1957 after the Suez debacle and, much more recently, Margaret Thatcher had to resign as PM in 1990 on the advice of her own cabinet because it was considered she no longer enjoyed the support of the Conservative Party. In 2016, David Cameron chose to resign after he had campaigned for Britain to stay in the European Union but “vote leave” won the 2016 Brexit referendum. Then, in 2017, Theresa May resigned as PM after losing the confidence of the Conservatives over her handling of Brexit but continued to serve as an MP. It is also interesting to note how some leaders of the opposition have reacted to losing an election. Ed Miliband, whose Labour Party was defeated in the 2015 election, famously said “I take absolute and total responsibility for the result and our defeat at this election” and he stood down as party leader. In the 2019 election, when Labour again suffered heavy losses, Jeremy Corbyn said immediately after the election that he would remain in his post as party leader while all concerned reflected on the result but would not lead the party into another general election. This triggered a leadership election which was won by the current leader Keir Starmer. But Corbyn stayed on as an MP after retaining his own parliamentary seat.
PAGE 10, Tuesday, September 21, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
US OFFICIALS DEFEND EXPULSION OF HAITIANS FROM TEXAS TOWN By JUAN A. LOZANO, ERIC GAY, ELLIOT SPAGAT and EVENS SANON Associated Press DEL RIO, Texas (AP) — More than 6,000 Haitians and other migrants have been removed from an encampment at a Texas border town, U.S. officials said Monday as they defended a strong response that included immediately expelling migrants to their impoverished Caribbean country and using horse patrols to stop them from entering the town. Calling it a “challenging and heartbreaking situation,” Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas issued a stark warning: “If you come to the United States illegally, you will be returned. Your journey will not succeed, and you will be endangering your life and your family’s life.”
Horseback Mayorkas and Border Patrol Chief Raul Ortiz said they would look into agents on horseback using what appeared to be whips and their horses to push back migrants at the river between Ciudad Acuña, Mexico, and Del Rio, Texas, where thousands of migrants remain camped around a bridge. Both officials said they saw nothing apparently wrong based on the widely seen photos and video. Mayorkas said agents use long reins, not whips, to control their horses. Ortiz, the former chief of the Del Rio sector, said it can be confusing to distinguish between migrants and smugglers as people move back and forth near the river. The chief said he would investigate to make sure there was no “unacceptable” actions by the agents. Mayorkas said 600 Homeland Security employees, including from the Coast Guard, have been brought to Del Rio, a city of about 35,000 people roughly 145 miles (230 kilometres) west of San Antonio. He said he has asked the Defense Department for help in what may be one of the swiftest, large-scale expulsions of migrants and refugees from the United States in decades. He also said the U.S. would increase the pace and capacity of flights to Haiti and other countries in the hemisphere. The number of migrants at the bridge peaked at 14,872 on Saturday, said Brandon Judd, president of the National Border Patrol Council, a labor union that represents agents. Migrants in the camp are not in custody until they are put on buses, and “as long as they do not try to further their entrance into the United States, they’re free to go back and forth to Mexico,” Judd said Monday. Word of expulsion flights spread rapidly through the camp on Sunday, but few have turned back to Mexico, he said. “We’re achieving our goals; we’re getting there and getting to a point where
we can manage the population here,” said Ortiz, who blamed the surge on smugglers who spread misinformation. “We are already seeing a quickly diminished (population) and will continue to see that over the coming days.” Mexico also said it would expel Haitian migrants, and began busing them from Ciudad Acuña Sunday evening, according to Luis Angel Urraza, president of the local chamber of commerce. He said he saw the first two buses leave from in front of his restaurant with about 90 people aboard. “There isn’t room for them in the city anymore; we can’t help them anymore,” he said. Mexico’s immigration agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment. But a federal official told The Associated Press on Sunday that the plan was to take the migrants to Monterrey, in northern Mexico, and Tapachula, in the south, with flights to Haiti from those cities to begin in coming days. The rapid expulsions were made possible by a pandemic-related authority adopted by former President Donald Trump in March 2020 that allows for migrants to be immediately removed from the country without an opportunity to seek asylum. President Joe Biden exempted unaccompanied children from the order but let the rest stand. Any Haitians not expelled are subject to immigration laws, which include rights to seek asylum and other forms of humanitarian protection. Families are quickly released in the U.S. because the government cannot generally hold children. More than 320 migrants arrived in Port-au-Prince on three flights Sunday, and Haiti said six flights were expected Tuesday. The U.S. plans to begin seven expulsion flights daily on Wednesday, four to Port-au-Prince and three to Cap-Haitien, according to a U.S. official who was not authorised to discuss the matter publicly. Flights will continue to depart from San Antonio but authorities may add El Paso, the official said. The only obvious parallel for such an expulsion without an opportunity to seek asylum was in 1992 when the Coast Guard intercepted Haitian refugees at sea, said Yael Schacher, senior U.S. advocate at Refugees International whose doctoral studies focused on the history of U.S. asylum law. Similarly large numbers of Mexicans have been sent home during peak years of immigration but over land and not so suddenly. Central Americans have also crossed the border in comparable numbers without being subject to mass expulsion, although Mexico has agreed to accept them from the U.S. under pandemic-related authority in effect since March 2020. Mexico does not accept expelled Haitians or people of other nationalities outside of Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador.
PRESIDENT Joe Biden speaks with Colonel William (Chris) McDonald, Vice Commander, 89th Air Wing before boarding Air Force One for a trip to New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly, Monday, at Andrews Air Force Base, Md. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Biden looks to turn page on 20 years of war in UN address By AAMER MADHANI and JOSH BOAK Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — President Joe Biden begins his first visit to the U.N. General Assembly ready to make the case to world leaders that after closing the book on 20 years of war, the U.S. aims to rally allies and adversaries to work together on a slew of crises including the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and trade and economics. The president faced a healthy measure of scepticism when he arrived in New York on Monday to start a week of high-level diplomacy. The opening months of his presidency have included a series of difficult moments with friendly nations that were expecting greater cooperation from Biden following four years of Donald Trump’s “America first” approach to foreign policy. Eight months into his presidency, Biden has been out of sync with allies on the chaotic ending to the U.S. war in Afghanistan.
High-level week of diplomacy ahead in New York He has faced differences over how to go about sharing coronavirus vaccines with the developing world and over pandemic travel restrictions and the best way to respond to military and economic moves by China. Biden also finds himself in the midst of a fresh diplomatic spat with France, the United States’ oldest ally, after announcing plans — along with Britain — to equip Australia with nuclearpowered submarines. The move is expected to give Australia improved capabilities to patrol the Pacific amid growing concern about the Chinese military’s increasingly aggressive tactics, but it upended a French defence contract worth at least $66 billion to sell diesel-powered submarines to Australia. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Monday there’s a “crisis of trust” with the U.S. as a result of the episode.
WHITE House press secretary Jen Psaki speaks at a press briefing at the White House in Washington, Monday. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
Ahead of Biden’s arrival, EU Council President Charles Michel strongly criticised the Biden administration for leaving Europe “out of the game in the Indo-Pacific region” and ignoring the underlying elements of the trans-Atlantic alliance — transparency and loyalty — in the withdrawal from Afghanistan and the announcement of the U.S.U.K.-Australia alliance. Despite such differences, Biden is looking to use his Tuesday address to the General Assembly as well as a series of one-on-one and larger meetings with world leaders this week to make the case for American leadership on the world stage.
Decisions “There are points of disagreement, including when we have disagreed with the decisions other countries are making, the decision points of when countries have disagreed with the decisions we’re making,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said. “But the larger point here, and what you’ll hear the president talk about tomorrow, is that we are committed to those alliances, and that always requires work from every president, from every global leader.” Biden met Monday evening with U.N. SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres. In brief remarks at the start of their meeting, Biden praised the international body for never being “short on ambition.” In an interview ahead of the meeting, the secretarygeneral told The Associated Press that he was concerned about the “completely dysfunctional” U.S.-China relationship and that it could lead to a new cold war. Psaki said the administration
disagreed with the assessment, adding that the U.S.-China relationship was “one not of conflict but of competition.” In his address Tuesday, Biden plans to put a heavy emphasis on the need for the world leaders to work together on the COVID-19 pandemic, meeting past obligations to address climate change, the need to head off emerging technology issues and firming up rules of the road on trade matters, White House officials said. Biden is expected to release new plans to assist the global vaccination effort, and will talk about the U.S. plan to meet its part of financial commitments that the U.S. and other developed nations made in 2009 to help poorer nations adopt clean energy technology, assistance that was due to kick in annually last year, according to a senior administration official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to preview the president’s remarks. Ahead of his departure, the Biden administration announced plans to ease foreign travel restrictions to the U.S. beginning in November. The U.S. has largely restricted travel by nonU.S. citizens coming from Europe since the start of the pandemic, an issue that had become a point of contention in trans-Atlantic relations. The new rules will allow foreigners in if they have proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test, the White House said Monday. Biden plans to limit his time at the UNGA due to coronavirus concerns. He’ll meet with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison while in New York before shifting the rest of the week’s diplomacy to virtual and Washington settings. At a virtual COVID-19 summit Biden is hosting Wednesday, leaders will be urged to step up vaccinesharing commitments, address oxygen shortages around the globe and deal with other critical pandemicrelated issues. The president is also scheduled to meet with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday at the White House, and also has invited the prime ministers of Australia, India and Japan, part of a Pacific alliance known as “the Quad,” to Washington on Friday. In addition to the gather of Quad leaders, Biden will sit down for one-on-one meetings with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga. Biden is also expected to speak with French President Emmanuel Macron in the coming days to discuss the strain caused by the U.S. submarine deal with Australia. Psaki stressed the long ties between the two nations and said a disagreement about “a single decision” would not disrupt the relationship or harm the United States’ standing across Europe. “You always have to work on your relationships and that includes global leaders,” Psaki said.
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, September 21, 2021, PAGE 11
Funeral Services for
ARNOLD “Buncie, Bulla, Corp” STRACHAN, SR., 80
a resident of #10 Redland Acres & formerly of Gaitor’s, Cat Island, will be held at New Covenant Baptist Church, East West Highway, on Thursday, September 23, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. Officiating will be Apostle Nelson Strachan Sr., assisted by The Rev’d Trajean Jadorette & Prophetess Valeria Strachan. Private interment follows at Gator Bay Cemetery, Gaitor’s Cat Island. Everlasting and cherished fond memories will forever be in the hearts of, his wife: Minister Debra Strachan; Children (Please pause to remember his children who has gone on before him to be with the Lord: Warren, Newland, Doral, Vanessa, Carl & Janice Strachan.) Sons: Alphonso Strachan Sr., Apostle Nelson Strachan Sr./Retired Chief Petty Officer of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Troy Strachan Sr., Sr. Eileen and Arnold Strachan of the United States, Anwar Strachan, Sergeant 2675 Arnold Strachan, Jr. of the Royal Bahamas Police Force and The Honorable Jamahl D. Strachan M.P.; Daughters: Leotha Strachan-Laing, Gretal Deleveaux, Sheena Dean, Garnell Strachan, Arnette Baker; Adopted daughters: Toni Mortimer and Roy-Ann Ford; Sister: Elva Scavella; Uncles: Timothy Brown and Donald Moore; Aunts: Lydia Brown and Thelma Moore; Daughters-in-law: Prophetess Valeria Strachan, Rose Strachan; Sons-in-law: Kenneth Laing, Sario Baker, Rodman Deleveaux, Demeico Dorsette, Sr. and Sean Ford; Sisters-in-law: Evangelist Esthermae Strachan, Minverva Strachan-Gardiner, Wendy Quant, Sandra Mackey, Claudette Gay (Atlanta), Stephanie Gay (Kent, England); Brothers-in-law: H.E. Sterling R. Quant, Ambassador to China, Simeon Mackey Sr., Captain Stephen Gay, Michael Gay, James Gay (Kent England); Grandchildren: Alphonique & Alphonso Strachan Jr., Nelson Jr., Mark, Isiah & Daniel Strachan, Troy Jr., Ricardo, Gabrielle, Jarad, Tray & Ariel Strachan, Kenneth, Keniqua, Kentonya, Kenria, Kendranique & Kenya Laing, Shireen Minnis, Demico Dorsette Jr., Thorn & Carl Strachan, Carliyah Russell, Anwanique, Britney Laing,Sariya, Zaria & Sario Baker Jr., Noel Strachan, Anwar Strachan Jr., Symone Hanchell, Demetria Dorsette, Arnold Strachan III, Mackenzie D. Strachan (of Maryland, USA), Princewently Dean, Luke Jackson, Thorn & Carl Strachan Jr. Ashley Strachan, Drucilla Pinder, Carlene Strachan, Vashti & Vashtin Mortimer, Santonio McDonald, Alton Rolle Jr., Sean Jr., Seth & Savannah Ford; Great Grandchildren: Fritznel Francois, Ke’royal, Amythst, Treaviea Laing, Fredrica Pickstock, Shircajwanae Mesidor, Jacazyah Fernander, Rodliyah & Rodlisia Moss; Nieces: Dedire Ann Scavella-Smith, Eloise & Shenique Scavella, Valerie Hiott of Fort Lauderale, Florida, Gina Murphy, Lisa Clarke, Luceta Hanna, Theresa & Kimberly Johnson, Monique & Margurite Oliver, Geretta Collie, Terez Strachan, Miriam Strachan, Vincent Strachan. Nephews: Corporal 905 Devon Cash of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Perry Oliver, Stephen & Kevin Strachan, Apostle Jason Strachan(Grand Bahama), Marine Seaman Frank Cooper. Numerous Grand & Great Grand Nieces & Nephews. Host of other relatives and friends including: `Prime Minister Philip Davis & Family, Mr. Ivan & Mrs. Eugie Bowe & Family, Maria Strachan & Family, Roland Brown& Family, Winnifred BrownBannister & Family, Jeffrey Ambrose & Family, Pastor Elmond King & Family, ASP. Leonard Rekus Ramsey of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Rev. George Turner & Family, Cedrick Laramore & Family, Pernell Edwards & Family, McCoy Family, Hepburn Family, Dorsette Family, Tyrone Strachan, Garth Strachan, Retired Assistant Superintendent of Police Apostle Elvis Ramsey & Family, Cleveland Ramsey & Family, Bishop Anthony Campbell & Family, Agnes Hepburn & Family, Sada Miller & Family, Nancy McPhee & Family Gaitor’s Cat Island, Carolyn McDonald & Family, Edison Ramsey & Family, Sandrina Dorsette Gaitor’s Cat Island, Mag & Debra McCoy & Family Industrious Hill Cat Island, Tan Dorsette & Family Gaitor’s, Cat Island, Phillipa & Lillimae Ramsey & Family of The Cove Cat Island, Pastor Eurina Turner & Family, the Cove, Cat Island, Fred Brown & Family, Eliza Brown & Family, Inspector Leonard Recus Ramsey, Mag McCoy, Preston and Deborah McCoy Industrious Hill, Cat Island, Mike Holmes & Family Industrious Hill Cat Island, Mr. Charles Mackey, Rodney Moss, Bishop Simeon & Minister Linda Hall, Pastor Trajean Jadorette, Pastor Sheila Tracey, Dr. Sonia Marshall, Mary Davis, Pastor Stephen Wells, Sr., Deacon Peter Rolle, Minister Harrington Nixon, R/ACP Juanita E. Colebrooke of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Lillimae Gaitor & Family, Roy Adams, Pastor Joseph Knowles, Mrs. Johnson & Family, McCola Bodie, Mrs. Monica Porter & Family, Kaivon Russell, Rayharnna Wright, Anna Thompson, Brad Smith, Carriemae Brown, Poitier Family, Holly Pearce, Cassandra Rolle, Jeanette Brown & Family, Cynthia Knowles & Family, Gertlene Dean & Family, Sultane Francois, Aniqua Pinder, The Redland Acres Community, The Montel Heights Community, Neighbors Wayde, Joyce Turnquest & Family, Raynor & Jarrad Bain, Tucker Family, Nicholls Family, Thurston Family, Bodie Family, Oreste Francois, Althea Hanna & Family, Tanya Knowles, The entire Cat Island Community especially the settlements of Carey, Gaitors and Industrious Hill and a host of other relatives and friends too numerous to mention. Special thanks to: Dr. E. Marcus Cooper & Nurse Shanell of Gastro Care Bahamas, Dr. Wesley P. Francis of Cancer Surgery Bahamas, Dr. Cindy Dorsette, Dr. Kerr, Dr. Oliver, Dr. Ian Cartwright, Dr. Keith Rivers, and Nurse Sylvia Smith. Friends may pay their last respects at Demeritte’s Funeral Home, Market Street, from 12-5:00 p.m. on Wednesday.
EVANGELIST NELSON “Nelly” CHRISTOPHER COOPER, 68 a resident of Doris Johnson Estates, will be held at Western Cemetery, Nassau Street, on Thursday, September 23, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. Officiating will be Pastor Reverend Ivan Smith, assisted by Minister Laverne Rahming & Deaconess Aluma Rahming. Left to mourn and cherish his memories are, Wife: Kala Rahming-Cooper; Children: Nevin, Nakera, & Naron Cooper; Grand-Daughter: N’Myah Cooper; Stepfather: Charles Stubbs; Sisters: Marsha Hanchell, Gena Stubbs, Charlene Stubbs-Brown, Nurse Krista StubbsWhylly, Christine Cooper-Rollins, June Cooper, and Kimely Phillips; Sisters-In-Law: Eula, Laverne, Donna, and Aluma Rahming; Brothers:Milton Cooper Jr., Mark Stubbs, Henry Hanchell; Brother-In-Law: William Calvin Rahming; Aunt: Peggy Lundy; Uncle: Paul Cooper; Nieces: Laisha Hanchell, Taj Stubbs-Skippings, Laurann Brown, DiMargo Stubbs, Symone Stubbs, Rielle Whylly, Dementria Seymour, Kenricka Sands, Kendesha Bonaby, Denequa Munnings, and Deketra Sturrup; Nephews: Lavar Hanchell, Derick Thompson Jr, Devon Thompson, Jack Lochart Jr., De’Shawn Stubbs, Marco & Marvin Strachan, Dr. Valdez Rahming, Kenrano & Kemmio Bonaby, and Ellan Rahming; Grand-Nieces: Kiara & Nhallya Hanchell, Danica Johnson, and Kailey Ebanks; Grand-Nephews: Lheeran & Lhayle Hanchell, Kaiden Kemp, Ali Seymour Jr., Mark Munroe Jr., Jayden Seymour, and Kaiden Charlton; Cousins: Patrice, Jonathon, & David Washington, Tasha Clarke-Lavara, Issabella & Raphaella Garofanelli, Robert, Immanuel, & David Lavara, Lanette, Laneir, & Logan Cartwright, Christine Stubbs, Linda Stubbs-Rahming, Cheryl Strachan, Dr. Kevin King, Julio (Ron) Brathwaite, Julia Brathwaite-Rolle, Janeille Brathwaite, Pamela Williams-Mott, Cherry Williams, Greg & Mark, Hedda Armbrister, Wendy Smith,Yvonne McKenzie, Brent Stubbs, Belinda Stubbs, and Patricia Martin. A host of other relatives and friends including: Narissa Albury, Dorothy Godet, Kendal Adderley, Trevor Adderly & Island Care Couriers Family, Bishop and Mrs. Nelson Johnson & Family, David Armbrister, Kendal Sands, Deandra Simmons & Family, Ali Seymour Sr., Brandon Ebanks, Mack Charlton, Hilton Rahming & Family, Ann-Marie Major, Jannean Bethel, Pastor Ivan Smith & the Messiah Baptist Church Family, Bahamasair (19692017), Duncanson Estates, Doris Johnson Estates Community, Kleine Ward
of Sandilands Rehabilitation Center, and the entire staff of Department of Agriculture, Gladstone Road. We apologize for any names that were inadvertently missed. Friends may pay their last respects at Demeritte’s Funeral Home, Market Street, from 12-5:00 p.m. on Wednesday.
Memorial Services for DEACONESS ERMA McGREGOR, 76 a resident of #25 Hollywood Subdivision, will be held at Life Changers Ministries International, Bacardi Road, on Thursday, September 23, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. Officiating will be Apostle Valentino Williams. Interment follows at Woodlawn Gardens, Soldier Road. Erma was predeceased by, Both parents: Raphaleta and Otis McGregor; Son: Leslie Hanna Sr.; Sister: Molly McGregor; Brothers: Eric McGregor Sr. and Creswell Walkes; Niece: Yasmine McGregor Nephew: Eric McGregor Jr. Cherished memories will forever linger in the hearts of her Daughters: Robertha (Pedro) Stuart, Gwendolyn (Troy) Pedican, Michelle McGregor, Dianna (Cartwell) Curtis, Anadell (Linkwood) Thompson, Annemieker (James) Bodie and Latoya McGregor Sons: Steve (Hyacinth) Hanna, Alexander McGregor and Hasley (Natasha) Sands; Stepchildren: Paula, Dianne, Stacy, Kenny, Yolanda, Trona, Shantell, Arlene, Jill, Alicia, Brent, Paul Jr.; Sisters: Jennifer Roberts, Degryand Lacitus McGregor; Brother: Tyrone McGregor (Traceyann); Grandchildren: Alphanique (Charles) Newbold, Shantre and Ebony Pedican, Brandon, Stephen Jr. (Toya), Dania, Otez, Leslie (Tiffany), Jasmine and Donavon Hanna, Darius Brown, Cardea and Cardeisha Curtis, Sarah and Abigail Thompson, Natario; Great-grandchildren: Renai, Alaina, Jaleel, A’Daisha and Layla; Nieces and nephews: Sharvis Sr., Shacoya McGregor, Melissa Thompson, Giovanni (Whit-tia) Barrett, Anishka (Delvon) Barton, Avard; Grandnieces and Nephews: Eric III, Sharvis Jr., Kevon Smith and Eran McGregor, Frederick Jr. & Theron Hepburn, Leondre Mackey, and Cordae, Jeron, Jeremy, Charisma &Latreco Mackey, Trumia, Shawny and D’Kai, Gavantae, Giovon and Kentrel, Milan, Caron, Trinity, Asaj; Godchilden: Shanrose, Marva, Jerome, Leandra, Tamaris, Leroy, Garvin, Montell; Numerous cousins: Cynthia Miller & Family, Meryl & Elva, Rose Mackey, Beryl, Alma, Esther & family, Pastor Monica Paul, Willamae, Garnet, Janet, Shervin & family, Ettamae & family, Doramae, Angela, Trevor, Ann & family, Granville & Shirley Brown & family, Una Sweeting & family, Rebecca Newton & family, Ellen, Linda, Irene & family, Dennis McIntosh & family, Sharon, Brenda and family, Hamilton family, Alphonso, Bishop Deon Mott & family, Patrice, Jeffrey, Preston, Dereck, Rose, Felix Munroe & family; Other Relatives and Friends: Pastor Vyreen Bain and St. Hope Baptist Church Blanket Sound, Apostle Dorinda Dean & family, Zion Convention, Rev. Elmond King and New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, Pastor Zephaniah Newbold & Revelation Church of Jesus family, Sheena Johnson, The Munroe, Marshall, Whyms, Frazier, Porter families from Staniard Creek, Hanna, Hinsey, Edgecombe, Mackey, Curtis, Brown families from Central Andros, Adline Fowler & family, BTC, Eric Sweeting & family, John Barrett & family, Mavis Duncombe & family, Hannah Brice & family, Susan Bethel, Maxwell & Valderine Altidor & family, Inez Gibson & family, Eltoya McPhee, Sherry Brown & family, Nicole Sweeting & family, Javan Gibson, Wesley Rahming, Truman Shield, Rakell Sands, Isabelle Pierre, Derek Smith (Rat), Maryann Brown, Merlee Conyers, Margaret Riley & family, Orthnell & Annie Colebrooke & family, Rev. Joseph Thompson & family, Monica Sweeting, Charles W. Saunders and Jordan Williams Baptist Schools, Accounts Division of the University of The Bahamas, Hollywood Subdivision family, The Blanket Sound, Stafford Creek and Central Andros Communities, Doctors Hospital Staff; and a host of other relatives and friends too numerous to mention. Friends may pay their last respects at Demeritte’s Funeral Home, Market Street, from 12-5:00 p.m. on Wednesday.
ERIC McGREGOR, 62 a resident of Venice Bay, Bacardi Road, will be held at Life Changers Ministries International, Bacardi Road, on Thursday, September 23, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. Officiating will be Apostle Valentino Williams. Interment follows at Woodlawn Gardens, Soldier Road. Eric was predeceased by, his Wife: Patricia McGregor; Both parents: Raphaleta and Otis McGregor; Son: Eric McGregor II Sister: Molly McGregor Brother: Creswell Walkes. Cherished memories will forever linger in the hearts of his 4 daughters: Annemieker (James) Bodie, Shacoya McGregor, Portia Knowles and Sherry Babbs; 4 Sons: Sharvis McGregor, Alvintino and Bronco Knowles, and Cleveland Rolle; Sisters: Jennifer Roberts, Degry and Lacitus McGregor; Sisters-in-law: Jackie, Anita, Sarah, Michelle Delancy, Ann (Wellington) Stuart; Brother: Tyrone (Traceyann) McGregor; Adopted Son: Dexter Collie; Grand children: Eric III, Sharvis Jr. and Eran McGregor, Teeria, Alvintina, Henstello, Aaron and Andrew Knowles, Antoinette (Terrance) Storr, Petra and Peter Johnson, Freeman and Claydon Rolle,, Jeff Nicohlas, Kevon Smith, Emerson Cooper, Devin and Cleveland Jr., Ovando Dawkins; Great-grandchildren: Re’shae, Freeman Jr., Ca’myri, Ca’mani and Teana Rolle and Jeff Nicolas Jr.; Numerous nieces and nephews: Robertha (Pedro) Stuart, Steve (Hyacinth) Hanna Sr.,Gwendolyn (Troy) Pedican, Anadell (Linkwood) Thompson, Dianne (Cartwell) Curtis, Michelle, Latoya & Alexander McGregor, Melissa Thompson, Anishka (Delvon) Barton, Giovanni (Whit-tia) Barrett, Avard, Jeron& Jeremy McGregor, Frederick Jr. & Theron Hepburn, Leondre McKenzie and Cordae Strachan; Grand nieces and nephews: Alphanique (Charles) Newbold, Shantre & Ebony Pedican, Cardea & Cardeisha Curtis, Charisma & Latreco Mackey, Trumia, Sarah and Abigail Thompson, Leslie (Tiffany), Jasmine, Donavon, Brandon, Stephen (Toya) Jr., Dania and Otez Hanna, Darius Brown, Shawny and D’Kai,, Gavantae, Giovon and Kentrel, Milan, Caron, Trinity, Asaj; Numerous cousins: Cynthia Miller & Family, Meryl & Elva, Rose Mackey, Beryl, Alma, Esther & family, Pastor Monica Paul, Willamae, Garnet, Janet, Shervin & family, Ettamae & family, Doramae, Angela, Trevor, Ann & family, Granville & Shirley Brown & family, Una Sweeting & family, Rebecca Newton & family, Ellen, Linda, Irene & family, Dennis McIntosh & family, Sharon, Brenda and family, Hamilton family, Alphonso, Bishop Deon Mott & family, Patrice, Jeffrey, Preston, Dereck, Rose, Felix Munroe & family; Other Relatives and Friends: Apostle Valentino Williams and Life Changers Ministry Family, Pastor William Pennerman and Family, Knowles Family, Delancy Family, Denalee Penn-Mackey and Family, Lilnique Murphy and Family, Anita Rolle and Family, Atlien Albury and Family, Kara Forbes and Family, Sean Laing, John Barrett & family, Fisher Family, Mildred Collie and Family, Barbara Musgrove and Family, Michelle Farrington and Family, Frankiesha Cartwright and Family, Vernencha and Family, Sonia Forbes and Family, Judith McPhee and Family, The entire Staff of Carmines, Bacardi Road Community, Kemp Road Community, Louis Sands-Stubbs and Family, The Blanket Sound, Stafford Creek, Staniard Creek and Central Andros Communities and a Host of other relatives and friends too numerous to mention. Friends may pay their last respects at Demeritte’s Funeral Home, Market Street, from 12-5:00 p.m. on Wednesday.