THURSDAY i’m lovin’ it!
HIGH 89ºF LOW 79ºF
The Tribune Established 1903
24/7 BREAKING NEWS ON TRIBUNE242.COM
Biggest And Best!
OBITS
VOLUME:117 No.208, SEPTEMBER 24TH, 2020
OFFICIA
CLASSIFIED TRADER: CARS, CARS, CARS & MORE CARS
$1
INSIDE
END IN SIGHT?
L SOUR CE
FRONT PORCH BY SIMON
SEE PAGE EIGHT
PM declares second wave shows signs of ending on day of 151 new cases By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net AS he declared The Bahamas appears to be nearing the end of the second COVID-19 wave, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said several relaxed measures will precede the expected end to the COVID-19 Emergency Powers Orders on October 31. However, the day also saw 151 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed along with two deaths from the virus. Dr Minnis said that given global trends the country could easily face a third wave of the virus and urged all to wear masks, social distance and practice proper
hygiene. He said specific, partial area lockdowns might be a tactic used in the future to curb COVID-19 spread, depending on the situation. As he moved a resolution in Parliament to have emergency orders extended, Dr Minnis said commercial and social activities on several islands can now return to normal. These include Andros, Acklins, Berry Islands, Bimini, Cat Island, Crooked Island, Eleuthera, Exuma, Grand Bahama, Inagua and Mayaguana, with physical distancing and mask wearing protocols in place. The 10pm to 5am curfew has been removed from these islands, except for Grand Bahama. SEE PAGE THREE
IT’S NOW OR NEVER - FREEPORT COULD SAVE WHOLE ECONOMY By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
COVID-19 has given Freeport a “now or never opportunity” to fulfill an economic potential that could ultimately generate 40-60 percent of Bahamian GDP, a prominent attorney argued yesterday. Robert Adams, who heads the Revitalization and Economic Expansion of Freeport (REEF) committee, told Tribune Business that “the road to the economic turnaround of The Bahamas goes and lies” through the nation’s second city - especially when it comes to diversification and attracting new industries. He disclosed that the 20-person committee, launched quietly some six months ago by the Grand
Bahama Port Authority (GBPA), is proposing that Freeport build on its existing strengths through the container port, shipyard and harbour to “rebrand as the Maritime Centre for the Americas”. Mr Adams argued that this, together with plans to establish Freeport and wider Grand Bahama as “a centre of excellence” for the so-called “Blue Economy”, which involves maximising the benefits of marine resources in a sustainable way, could “perhaps define Freeport’s identity for the first time”. The committee’s wideranging suggestions, covering reforms in areas such as Immigration, tourism, the ease of doing business and land and real FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS
POACHERS - $20,000 A MAN MORE than 80 Dominican fishermen were apprehended by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force after they were caught fishing in Bahamian waters. They were brought before the Chief Magistrate and Deputy Chief Magistrate for sentencing. See page seven for the full story. Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
CRISIS TAKING HEAVY TOLL ON NURSES DON’T WANT By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net ONGOING staff shortages coupled with rising COVID-19 cases continue to strain nurses on the frontline fight against COVID. President of the Nurses Association of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas Rebecca Johnson raised alarm about the situation yesterday, which she said has not only exhausted workers physically, but also mentally. “Definitely, you have
burn-out,” she said. “You have a lot of nurses who were working a lot of hours because we’ve always had a shortage of nurses so you could imagine with this (pandemic) putting extra strain on our nurses. “You have nurses who are, because of the COVID-19 situation in some instances, have been exposed and have to stay away from their families and have to stay away from their friends so it is not a good feeling.” Since the onset of the COVID-19 crisis in The Bahamas, there has been
fear and uncertainty among nurses, with officials telling this newspaper that workers “feel burnt out” and “discouraged from volunteering their services” due to the country’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Yesterday, Ms Johnson spoke briefly about the vulnerability of healthcare workers. She said while workers had known from the beginning what their job would entail, “no one figured that we would sign up to this extent”. SEE PAGE FOUR
MILLER GOES ALL IN AND JOINS PLP By TANEKA THOMPSON Tribune News Editor tmthompson@tribunemedia.net GOLDEN Isles MP Vaughn Miller has joined the Progressive Liberal Party, nine months after quitting the Free National Movement to become an independent representative. He made the revelation while giving a contribution in the House of Assembly last night on a resolution to extend the country’s state of
VAUGHN MILLER MP emergency to October 31, a move Mr Miller said he does not support. He said he decided to
join the official opposition after much personal reflection and consultation with family and advisors. “It has always been, Mr Speaker, my desire, my dream... to serve our great country and to make life better for other people, particularly the poor, the indigent, the marginalised, the disenfranchised, the downtrodden,” Mr Miller said.
Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper
SEE PAGE FOUR
OIL DRILLING? - SIGN HERE By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
ENVIRONMENTAL activists behind a 10,000strong petition opposing oil drilling in Bahamian waters yesterday argued “we cannot afford to jeopardise our existing economic drivers” with such a “risky” venture. The petition had gained 10,562 signatures by press time last night and is now targeting 15,000 . FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS
STATESIDE
THE GAME OF THRONES HAS NOTHING ON DC
SEE PAGE NINE
PAGE 2, Thursday, September 24, 2020
THE TRIBUNE
FNM CHAIRMAN: NO GO-AHEAD FOR RE-ELECTION CAMPAIGNING YET By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net FREE National Movement chairman Carl Culmer said the FNM has not authorised any parliamentarian to campaign for re-election but supports elected officials reaching
out to their constituents. Pictures and videos of FNM supporters traversing a neighbourhood in red t-shirts and talking to residents circulated on social media over the weekend, raising questions about whether the people were campaigning. There were also reports
of some MPs visiting homes over the weekend with supporters. Some critics raised alarm, saying campaigning should not happen when New Providence continues to have a lot of COVID-19 cases. “We’re not campaigning,” Mr Culmer said yesterday.
“We are out there assisting our people wherever we can. We’ve been helping with financing and giving information to help people so they can maintain their standard of living. This pandemic is a serious thing and this is worldwide so I would be very disappointed if the MPs fled from their
constituents and left them defenseless. “This is the time to reach out to the people who elected you to make sure their welfare is attended to. These guys doing what they were elected to do, represent the people.” Mr Culmer noted the FNM supporters were wearing masks. “The thing is how would you know who is in need in your community if you don’t go and see them? They’re not campaigning, they’re visiting their constituents.” Asked about the FNM paraphernalia, usually worn when campaigning or engaging in party activities, Mr Culmer said: “The PLP and DNA wear their colours when they go out,
hey? “Persons must identify who they are, hey? When I was in the constituency as an officer, every time I went out I wore my red shirt to say, ‘hey I was an FNM.’ “At the end of the day you can’t tell an MP how to go out there and look at his constituents. The FNM supports MPs going out there and helping their constituents and finding out what the views are and how best to assist them. We have not authorised anyone to go out there and campaign. “From we won in 2017 our mantra was to tell our MPs to stay with the people and represent them to the best of their ability. If MPs do what they’re supposed to do there will be no need to campaign.”
MURIEL Nottage with her prize of a laptop.
KELLYS HANDS OUT BACK TO SCHOOL CONTEST PRIZES KELLY’S House and Home announced the winners of its back to school giveaways on Friday. In a year far from normal for back to school, the store said it wanted “to make it an easy transition for both you and your kids”. Customers buying $50 worth of school supplies were eligible to fill out an entry form to participate in the giveaway, with prizes including two Huffy Granite bikes, two fully loaded
back to school baskets and an HP Laptop with backpack. The winners were: Indiana Bain, of Sunset Park, who won a school basket; Leoward Forbes, of Blue Hills, who also won a basket; Kendra Dames, of Fort Fincastle, who won a Huffy Bike; Oswald Johnson, of Pinewood Gardens, who won a Huffy Bike; and Murriel Nottage, of Elizabeth Estates, who won a HP laptop w/bag.
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, September 24, 2020, PAGE 3
PM declares second wave shows signs of ending on day of 151 new cases from page one Beaches in the capital will remain open from 5am to noon, but in Abaco they will now open until 10pm daily. Dr Minnis went on to defend his government’s COVID-19 strategy, hitting out at critics who have said they were not needed and were too harsh. Among these has been attorney Wayne Munroe, QC; Elizabeth MP Dr Duane Sands and Pineridge MP Frederick McAlpine have in recent days also said they will not vote in support of an extension. The opposition Progressive Liberal Party has also said it will not support the extension of the state of emergency. “There are people who oppose my government for various reasons,” Dr Minnis said. “That is their right. This is a democracy.
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday. However, it is unreasonable for any critic to say this is not an emergency and these powers are not necessary. “That argument is simply wrong. One cannot say that we do not need certain emergency orders and at the same time say that the virus remains very serious. Saying both of these at the same time is wholly contradictory and makes no sense. “Emergency Powers Orders give the government the necessary ability
to act quickly to prevent or lessen viral spread. The provisions in the Emergency Powers Orders have been prescribed as narrowly as possible. No activity by citizens and residents is prohibited or constrained unless required for public health and safety purposes. “Our health teams survey the circumstances, analyse the data and make recommendations to combat the virus based on the situation at hand. We take that advice and use the emergency powers orders to save lives. Without Emergency Powers Orders, the virus would run wild in our communities killing a large number of people in record time. “This is how serious this crisis is. That is how infectious and deadly this virus is.” The softened measures also mean weddings on all islands in the country may be held in a religious facility
following protocols and Ministry of Health approved guidelines currently in place for church services, but for Abaco and New Providence, wedding receptions may be held outdoors only with physical distancing and mask wearing protocols. On all other islands, wedding receptions may be held indoors and outdoors with physical distancing and mask wearing protocols. Also, on all islands, including Abaco and New Providence, funerals may be held in a religious facility following protocols and Ministry of Health approved guidelines currently in place for church services. Additionally, in Abaco and New Providence, graveside services may be held with 10 people in attendance, not including officiant and mortuary workers. Repasts (postfuneral gatherings) are not
permitted for Abaco and New Providence. On all other islands, graveside services and/ or interment may be held with 30 people in attendance. Repasts may be held with no more than 20 in attendance. Gyms are also permitted to open in all islands, subject to protocols and guidelines approved by the Ministry of Health. Facilities will be inspected periodically by health officials. While the relaxation of measures is welcomed Dr Minnis again noted officials could revert to partial lockdown in portions of islands if cases again begin to rise. He also said: “This government does not like lockdowns. We understand they are hard on family life, they are hard on businesses and individuals’ finances. They are hard on people’s
mental health.” He said when virus cases increase, officials try first to impose other restrictive measures but if cases rise exponentially and virus spread is out of control, there may be no choice but to order a specific area lock down to save lives as most governments have done around the world. “But thankfully, based on the data at hand we appear to be nearing the end of our second wave of this pandemic. “Mr Speaker if each and every one of us would cooperate, stop the late social gathering, those are our challenges today, we would be able to come out of this viral infectious phenomenon very, very quickly. “Let me be very clear, the second wave is not yet over. Additionally, given global trends we can likely face a third wave.”
SANDS: WE’RE NOT WINNING FIGHT By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net ELIZABETH MP Dr Duane Sands said yesterday the county was not winning the battle against COVID-19, despite ongoing Emergency Powers Orders that the government now seeks to extend. Speaking in the House of Assembly yesterday, the former Health Minister said just three months after successfully flattening the curve, COVID-19 cases skyrocketed to more than 3,000 and 80 people have died. Of the 213 countries affected by the deadly respiratory virus, Dr Sands said The Bahamas ranks 136th in total or absolute number of cases, 36th in number of cases per capita and 38th in deaths. “Notwithstanding the noble intention,” the MP said at Parliament, “the hard work and the resources expended to date, we are not winning this battle. “And we have paid an incredible price to date. Our economic performance though ably guided and managed by the member from East Grand Bahama is facing hurricane force headwinds. “Businesses like gymnasiums, and restaurants are struggling for survival. I could continue, if the treatment is worse than the disease, perhaps
we should change the treatment.” Dr Sands also took exception to the powers conferred to the competent authority. He said the emergency orders have seized the power of the people, possibly in defiance of the constitution. He said he supported the initial emergency orders, but now they are not needed. “I supported the initial emergency orders. I believed then and I believe now that they were necessary. They were a constitutionally sanctioned means to achieve an end. We had good intentions. “The road to hell is paved with good intentions. We are a democracy. The power of the people is vested in a minimum number - no less than 38. Even with the emergency orders, the framers of our constitution envisioned a balance of power shared by the executive, the legislature and the judiciary. “While not explicitly enshrined it was imagined that each would check the other and the fourth estate would hold all accountable. “What we have done at first for good reasons is to consolidate power into not 39, but one. What we have done is to weaken the power of the 39 to provide checks on the one. “We have seized the power of the people… possibly in defiance of the constitution.
“We have concentrated it into one person. The expectation was, the hope, the prayer was that there would be a more efficient approach to the emergency. “The proof of the pudding is in the eating. We have surrendered the people’s power and what have we gotten?” The confirmed COVID19 cases in Parliament were also a point of criticism for Dr Sands yesterday. He suggested Parliament should find an alternate way to meet, instead of in person, given the COVID19 threat. “I am reliably informed that we have 39 MPs, 17 staff members and 16 senators. To date, six staffers or MPs have been stricken with COVID-19, 8.3 percent of us. “That cluster of cases confirms that we are challenged in this ancient edifice. How many more should be infected before we act? Many of us, like the population, have comorbidities. “While we are individuals we hold offices. Even if we are willing to risk our individual health issues… we must protect the institutions we serve. “This is not about us. That reality ought to push us to an alternative venue or platform. “We have not adopted a technologically appropriate solution - Zoom or any other suitable secure digital platform.”
ANOTHER WORK PERMIT WARNING By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
WITH staggering rates of unemployment due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Immigration Minister Ellsworth Johnson has again issued a warning on work permits, saying not all work permit holders in the country will be able to get their documents renewed. Instead, Mr Johnson said foreigners granted work permits would be replaced by Bahamian workers who have been deemed “competent” by officials to take over those roles. This, according to the minister, is part of the government’s efforts to tackle unemployment amid the pandemic. “We know that 50 percent of the population is (estimated to be) unemployed, some work permits will not be renewed. Where we have fit and proper competent Bahamians to do the job, they will be given that opportunity to do the job,” he said on Tuesday. “And so, what we have done in the increment because persons are sheltering in The Bahamas, the competent authority has extended annual work permits with the understanding that we’ve already refused some work permits. “(For example if) you’re a training manager, how many training managers (do) we have in the Bahamas who can do that job now? And so, we’re
going through that process along with (the Department of) Labour to do it as humanely possible as we possibly can.” According to Mr Johnson, this also applies to other areas of work where Bahamians are found to be equipped with the necessary skills to complete the job. “We are a brilliant and competent people and so no areas are really exempt,” he said. “Once you come ahead and you could prove at the end of the day because when you ask somebody to come into the country to work by way of a work permit, we should’ve done our due diligence to ensure that there’s no fit and proper Bahamians to do it who have the skills. “But when you find that there is that skill set, then you bring someone in.” He continued: “Also, there’s supposed to be a component where you’re training to build capacity so where you find that someone comes in by the way of the permit and at the end of the day, you would find that if they would train ten Bahamians, we love this person. “Because he’s helping to build capacity in the country. But when you bring someone and after 10 years… you find that there is nobody who can acquire this skill, something is wrong, so we have to do it in a tactful and meaningful way.” In August, Mr Johnson
said the government will not be issuing any new work permits, except under “urgent circumstances”. Earlier this year, Labour Director John Pinder noted that more than 40,000 work permits have been granted in the country. At the time, he also said officials have been finding that work permit applicants are not being completely truthful about the roles foreign employees are taking. Asked Tuesday if applicants could see the process for getting work permits become more stringent, the minister suggested it potentially could. Mr Johnson also lamented the need for full digitisation in the Immigration Department to effectively respond to the needs of its applicants, especially those applying for citizenship. “What we’ve done in the Immigration Department is we’re forcefully pushing the digitisation process. We’re tired of persons saying they can’t find their documents. COVID-19, as devastating as it is, has reassured us of the urgency to fully digitise,” he said. “There’s no reason why you should not be able to upload your application online, pay online and get a temporary response and for the system to produce an algorithm to say within a reasonable time, this is when we’ll deal with your application – we’ve appointed a steering committee to that.”
151 NEW CASES AND TWO DEATHS ONE hundred and fifty-one new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed yesterday, while two more people have died from the disease, according to the Ministry of Health. There are now 3,618 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country, 2,550 of which are in New Providence.
The latest deaths include two New Providence men: a 73-year-old and a 49-yearold, both of whom died on September 22. Another death previously under investigation is now confirmed as COVID19 related. This person is a 40-year-old New Providence woman who died
on August 30. These cases decrease the number of deaths under investigation to 19, and the confirmed death toll is now 80. Of the new cases confirmed yesterday, 128 are in New Providence, four are in Grand Bahama, 17 are in Abaco, while there is one each in Andros and Inagua.
PAGE 4, Thursday, September 24, 2020
MILLER GOES ALL IN AND JOINS PLP from page one
“Mr Speaker, the people of the great constituency of Golden Isles have given me that opportunity.” He referenced his decision in 2018 to vote against the government’s value added tax increase, which led to him being fired as a parliamentary secretary. He revealed he is a cancer survivor, saying the disease took a financial toll on him. He said when he thought about voting against the VAT increase, he knew it would not be a financially wise decision because of the inevitable fallout. Still he said he made the decision based on his conviction. Speaking about the move to join the PLP, he said: “I have been in constant conversation with my wife, I’ve spoken, Mr Speaker, to members of my family, constituents, church leaders, religious leaders and others. “I’ve also thought and prayed long and hard. It has become extremely clear to me what I must do. It is time for me to do what I believe is best for me. Mr Speaker, I’ve been in conversation with the leader of the opposition and after careful reflection, I have decided, Mr Speaker, to join the Progressive Liberal Party. “I spoke to the leader of the opposition about joining the PLP and sitting with his parliamentary caucus from now until the general election, offering to be the next representative of the great Golden Isles constituency as a Progressive Liberal Party member of Parliament. He assured Mr Speaker that he would welcome me into the party and into his caucus.” In a statement released after Mr Miller’s announcement, PLP leader Philip Davis revealed the decision had only been formalised yesterday morning. “I received a call this morning (Wednesday) from Vaughn Miller, the member of Parliament for Golden Isles,” Mr Davis noted. “He indicated to me that after months of reflection and prayer, and following extensive consultations with his wife, family members and his constituents, he had decided to join the Progressive Liberal Party. “I have been speaking to him for some time. I think his experience mirrors that of many Bahamians, who wanted to believe the promises made by the Free National Movement in 2017, but who came to realise that this government has neither
the intention nor the capacity to keep those promises. “For many Bahamians, things have never been harder. We are a nation in crisis. Vaughn Miller could have chosen to leave public service, but instead he wants to work for change, and hope, and relief. As a young man in Green Castle, Eleuthera, he dreamed of helping people and building a stronger nation. We share the belief that when things get hard, you work even harder. I welcome him to the Progressive Liberal Party. There is a lot of work ahead. It’s an all hands on deck moment. “On behalf of all of my colleagues in the parliamentary team, I welcome Vaughn Miller to sit with us in our caucus and to become a member of the party. I look forward to the work we will do together for the people of Golden Isles,” Mr Davis said. Mr Miller quit the Free National Movement in December 2019, moments after he lambasted the Minnis administration for entering into a lease agreement with Town Centre Mall to house the General Post Office. The mall is partly owned by St Anne’s MP Brent Symonette. Mr Symonette was a sitting Cabinet minister at the time the lease was entered into. At the time, Mr Miller was making a contribution during debate on a confidence resolution in Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis in the House of Assembly. The debate started as a vote of no confidence in Dr Minnis brought by Mr Davis, however it was amended to a confidence vote by the governing side. Mr Miller was fired as parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Social Services in June 2018 for what the government said was breach of the Manual of Cabinet and Ministry Procedure. Bain and Grants Town MP Travis Robinson was also fired as parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Pineridge MP Frederick McAlpine from his post as chairman of the Hotel Corporation for the same reason after they, along with Centreville MP Reece Chipman, voted against the VAT increase. Mr Miller and Mr Chipman later became independent MPs. Mr Robinson remains in the FNM and was recently reappointed as parliamentary secretary. Mr McAlpine also remains in the party, despite his frequent criticism.
THE TRIBUNE
Crisis taking heavy toll on nurses from page one She said: “This is our profession and this is what we signed up to do but no one figured that we would sign up to this extent because even soldiers when you go to war, you go to war with hopes you’re coming back home. “So being faced with a potentially deadly disease is not easy and so we put on our mask because we fear and we feel that we can help and we are being trained to help but at the same time, there’s fear and there’s concern for us and our families.” Despite these concerns, the association president said nurses are willing to work and do what’s necessary to protect the health of the country. “We’re willing to do what we have to do to maintain the health status and help to get our country back in terms of health status, economic status, but it is not
easy for the nurses,” she added. “Whether you’re working directly with the COVID patients or in the regular health setting, it’s a lot of extra stress on the nurses that we didn’t have before in the beginning of the year. “So, we’re going to do our best. We are determined and we are committed to journey on. We have to because we have to preserve our country.” She added the association is also willing to work with the Public Hospitals Authority to address nurses’ concerns. “We met with some of the nurses first and found out what some of the issues were and some of the main concerns,” she told reporters yesterday. “So, we had a meeting with the Public Hospitals Authority on September 1 and we outlined some issues and concerns of the nurses and we also gave some recommendations and some ideas and we
have assured the Public Hospitals Authority that we are willing to work together because we have to do this together.” Earlier this month, Health Minister Renward Wells said more than 190 healthcare workers have been taken out of the system due to COVID-19 exposure. Mr Wells also said the government is hoping to hire nurses from abroad to aid in the fight. Yesterday, Ms Johnson said the association welcomes the move. This comes amid numerous complaints from patients alleging mistreatment from staff at Princess Margaret Hospital. Asked by The Tribune about the issue yesterday, Ms Johnson said she did not want to directly comment on the matter as investigations are still ongoing. However, she lamented that there is always a concern when the healthcare provider and patient
relationship is being strained. She said, “We saw some of the articles in the paper because we don’t like to speak to things in the public domain, especially if it is being investigated, but it is always a concern when the public and the healthcare workers are not together and getting along. “So, we need to look to do as an association to strengthen whatever needs to be in the healthcare system…but we encourage persons to speak out if they feel some injustice to the proper authority, the proper channels and I just want to encourage the nurses. “We have a lot of nurses in this country doing an awesome job, great job and I spoke to some of the nurses in my area when they mentioned some of the things they read and I encouraged them to be that type of nurse who is giving good service and who is taking this profession seriously.”
JULIENNE JOHNSON, president of the Student Nurses Association, speaking to the media yesterday. Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
VOUCHERS TO HELP NURSING STUDENTS By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
THE Nurses’ Association of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas distributed grocery vouchers to some 35 nursing students yesterday, who have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The vouchers, valued at approximately $50 each, were donated to the association through an anonymous donor, who wanted to lend a helping hand to the aspiring nurses. Yesterday, NCAB President Rebecca Johnson referenced the selfless act as “a circle of caring”. She said the organisation was called to action after being told by representatives that there was a great need among student nurses. “The president of the Student Nurses Association, she saw the need in her members in the (nursing) students and she reached out to see if we were able to assist,” she told reporters at the association’s headquarters yesterday. “And in turn, the nurses
association we reached out to our corporate partner who is more than willing to assist the nursing student so it was really important for us to show the nursing students that we support them in their journey to becoming nurses because as we know, we are really in need of healthcare workers to maintain our health status and economic status.” “We were very happy to assist the nurse’s students,” she added. “This is what I call a circle of caring. President of the Student Nurses Association Juliene Johnson said the donations will go a long way. “Most of the students here are single parents,” she said. “They would’ve been laid off from their jobs because they are the sole breadwinners of their family and so as a result of that, we did that to help them.” “So, we would’ve compiled a list of students who would’ve expressed need due to these unprecedented
circumstances to an anonymous sponsor and we compiled a list of their needs and as a result they solicited some vouchers to disperse to them. “…And so, most of them are very appreciative because they said it will go a very long way.” Delray Davis, a voucher recipient, added: “I am very thankful for it. It is a great help, the initiative. I feel as though they were cognisant because like (the president) said some of us are the sole breadwinners for our family and so it’s a lot going and so this is a help and we feel encouraged.” Ms Johnson also thanked the NACB for the group’s willingness to assist the nursing students, adding that students will be looking forward to future initiatives. “I would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the nurses association for the collaborative effort for being very congenial towards us in this time of need and we look forward to future initiatives.”
BAHAMIAN HIT BY TRAIN A BAHAMIAN living and working in Canada died after being hit by a train earlier this month. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement saying it was saddened to learn of the death of Judith Taylor who lived outside Toronto. According to information received by the ministry from Canadian authorities, on September 7 Toronto police received a report of a collision near the area of Weston Road and Black Creek Drive. “According to police
officials, a UP Express train was heading east at the location when it struck a woman situated on the rail line,” the ministry’s statement noted. “Shortly after 6am, emergency crews were called to the scene where she was pronounced dead. Upon further investigation by the relevant authorities, it was confirmed that the body was that of Ms Judith Taylor.” The spokesperson for the Toronto Police Service said the death will be treated as suspicious
and anticipates that their preliminary investigation report will be completed at the end of this week, the ministry added. Ministry officials in conjunction with the Bahamas High Commission in Ottawa will remain in contact with Taylor’s family as well as, Bahamian and Canadian police, to obtain more information and to facilitate the transshipment of Taylor’s remains from Toronto to The Bahamas the statement added.
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, September 24, 2020, PAGE 5
Waterloo ‘may be forced to shut’ By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net POPULAR bar, nightclub and restaurant Waterloo said it could be forced to shut down and make 50 workers redundant if it allegedly continues to be the target of “arbitrary, unfounded harassment” from police. Waterloo general manager Kenny Mackey said that the establishment has strictly adhered to mandatory safety protocols during the COVID-19 crisis but has “fallen victim to a persistent campaign of intimidation, unsubstantiated raids and unprovoked shutdowns” by police that has caused damage to its operations and reputation. However, when contacted yesterday, Commissioner of Police Paul Rolle said police have received several complaints about large gatherings at Waterloo over the past few weeks, most recently on Sunday where he said police found “hundreds” of people gathered inside and outside. He said any suggestion police are targeting the restaurant is not true, adding officers are only doing their jobs and ensuring laws are being upheld. “Waterloo has been operating at a substantial loss for several months now, persevering to keep the doors open as responsible employers to look out for the interests of its staff during these unprecedented times,” Mr Mackey said. “Unfortunately, it is proving impossible to maintain a loyal customer base when faced with large groups of fatigue-wearing, machine gun outfitted officers descending upon the property with patrol lights flashing, terrifying guests and disrupting business repeatedly throughout the day, every day. “The constant unprovoked interruption of business, the intimidation of our guests and staff members and the
issuance of multiple unsubstantiated citations, which we can disprove with concrete evidence, leaves us dumbfounded. “Closure would be a huge blow to our employees and their families not to mention the various food and beverage vendors and sanitation teams we contract with on a daily basis. The Prime Minister pleaded with employers in an impassioned address to hold on to their staff for as long as financially possible – this is what we have been trying to do.” Mr Mackey said Waterloo officials suspect officers have been provoked by misinformed people who spread fake news. He said the property is only operating its restaurant and not the nightclub. “Waterloo is unlucky in two senses: the property’s parking lot fronts onto a very busy thoroughfare and the venue has a previous history, under totally different management, as a crowded nightclub,” he said. “Under the circumstances it is understandable that passersby might see 50 or more cars and draw incorrect conclusions. However the matter has now reached such a level of absurdity that raids to ‘break up the crowd’ are taking place on days when the property is closed. We have made multiple efforts to meet with Police Commissioner Paul Rolle and other officials to set the record straight, but there has been no response. “Contrary to the claims on social media, although licensed to operate as a restaurant, bar and nightclub, Waterloo adjusted its business model to focus solely on its restaurant offering in adherence to the emergency orders. We are well within our legal rights in this regard.” Waterloo said although it is capable of accommodating 500 people under the Prime Minister’s emergency order, its policy is to seat a maximum of 190 guests.
FROM left, Sarah Kirkby, board member of Grand Bahama Children’s Home; Darren Cooper, assistant area governor of Rotary District 6990; Billy Jean Ferguson, area assistant governor District 6990; attorneys Hadassah Swain and Jethlyn Burrows of FIDA, and Sheila Johnson-Smith, executive director of GB Children’s Home. Photo: Denise Maycock
WELCOME HOME PARADE FOR DISPLACED CHILDREN By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
A GRAND welcome home celebration will be held for the 30 displaced children of the Grand Bahama Children’s Home, who will be returning to Grand Bahama on Friday, October 2. The International Federation of Women Lawyers Grand Bahama Chapter (FIDA) and the Rotary Clubs of District 6990 have partnered to welcome the children back, with a grand procession throughout the streets of Freeport. Hadassah Swain, FIDA regional vice president for North America and the Caribbean, said the children would be welcomed under the theme ‘Tie a Yellow Ribbon’. She said the yellow ribbon symbol became widely known in the 1970s as a reminder an absent loved one would be welcomed home on their return. “We are inviting our business community and residents that will be on the procession route as the children arrive at the airport, and travel throughout streets of GB, to dress their businesses and homes in yellow,” Ms Swain said. On September 2, last year, the children experienced
the worst impact of the storm when a surge flooded the facility, causing extensive damage. The children’s home - built by GBPA at a cost of $2.5m in 2003 - catered to 32 children ranging from six weeks to 15 years old. They were relocated to New Providence at the Ranfurly Homes for Children while awaiting the restoration of the facility. The GBPA had insured the building, which was rebuilt at a cost of $850,000. Darren Cooper, Rotary assistant area governor for District 6990, said they are pleased to partner with FIDA in welcoming the children back. “As you may be aware, these are our kids. So, it is very important we continue to lend them support and show them love and how important they are to us,” said Mr Cooper. The children will be departing New Providence at 8.30am, arriving in Freeport at 9.15am. The procession will take the children from the airport to Settler’s Way, and onto Coral Road, then onto East Sunrise Highway, and East Mall, and Pioneer’s Way, and to GBCH. Homes and businesses on the procession route are asked to tie a yellow ribbon on their buildings.
“The aforementioned are the facts,” Mr Mackey said. “What appears on social media is misinformed opinion. We do not harbour any ill will toward members of the public for voicing their concerns—these are frightening and unprecedented times for everyone, ourselves included. All we ask is to be treated with respect and extended the courtesy of being allowed to operate uninterrupted and without persistent, unjustified harassment by law enforcement — those entrusted to protect and serve.” However Commissioner Rolle pushed back at these claims. “Some weeks ago the Royal Bahamas Police Force began receiving complaints from members of the public regarding the conduct of the operators of the Waterloo restaurant. We summoned the operators to police headquarters, a meeting was held with them regarding our concerns,” the police chief said. He said police met with the operators and shared their concerns and later accompanied the operators to the site where they conducted an inspection and the operator promised to ensure that the rules would be complied with. He said an officer informed the operator that the police will conduct periodic visits. “The following week we received numerous complaints from members of the public about large gatherings at the establishment accompanied by a video of the operation.” He said officers warned the property again to follow protocol. “On Sunday past the police again received numerous complaints from motorists in the area about large crowds at the establishment. I personally received reports from members of the public as well. I instructed Police Control to dispatch officers to investigate.” He said officers reported “roughly 300 persons
gathered outside and about 250 patrons on the inside.” He said officers ordered people to disperse and issued citations to the operator. “The suggestion that the police have been harassing the operator of the Waterloo restaurant is not so. The
Royal Bahamas Police Force has expended a considerable amount of police resources in an effort to assist the operator in getting his business organised and again responding to complaints. As the matter is now in the arena of the Magistrate’s
Court, I will not comment on the actions taken by the police officers on Sunday other than to commend them for doing their job. I encourage all businesses to do their part to assist in keeping all safe during these most difficult times.”
GN-2444
PAGE 6, Thursday, September 24, 2020
THE TRIBUNE
The Tribune Limited NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI “Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”
LEON E. H. DUPUCH,
SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH,
jamaaltheartist@gmail.com
Publisher/Editor 1903-1914 Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt .
Publisher/Editor 1919-1972 Contributing Editor 1972-1991
EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON,
C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B. Publisher/Editor 1972-
Published daily Monday to Friday
Shirley & Deveaux Streets, Nassau, Bahamas N3207 TELEPHONES
News & General Information Advertising Manager Circulation Department Nassau fax Freeport, Grand Bahama Freeport fax
(242) 322-1986 (242) 502-2394 (242) 502-2386 (242) 328-2398 (242)-352-6608 (242) 352-9348
WEBSITE, TWITTER & FACEBOOK www.tribune242.com
@tribune242
tribune news network
Now is the moment for Freeport NEVER has the saying “it is now or never” felt more urgent than in the case of Freeport. Worn down by years of unrealised potential, bludgeoned by Hurricane Dorian and paralysed by COVID-19, it is a place troubled by unemployment, with a population that has seen family members move to Nassau in search of a brighter future. It doesn’t have to be that way. A committee of 20 people quietly came together six months ago to take matters into their own hands. Build on our strengths, that’s the plan. Because Freeport does have strengths – it just needs the opportunity to realise them. Around the world, there are places that would envy Freeport’s model for the potential it offers. The committee has looked at how to do that – building on the container port, shipyard and harbour to become “the Maritime Centre for the Americas”. That would see improved use of marine resources, reforms in immigration, tourism, and that old bugbear of The Bahamas - the ease of doing business. Indeed, the committee wants to turn a negative into a positive and turn the island’s experience with hurricanes into a magnet to attract industries focused on climate change, weather and disasters. The best thing about these proposals is that they come from the community rather than being imposed from above by government. Like it or not, we have seen too many times when reforms introduced by one government get tossed out by the next. Having the proposals come from Freeport means it’s not a matter of being able to claim political victories or score points. The owners of the Grand Bahama
Port Authority are behind it. Members of the community are behind it. Both major political parties have expressed support. “I think describing it as a ‘now or never opportunity’ is a good way of putting it,” said the committee’s head, Robert Adams, who says that the revitalisation of the second city could revive The Bahamas as a whole. Now or never. We’d best make it now. Never isn’t an option.
Vaughn who?
Vaughn Miller MP has joined the PLP. You will not be alone in saying “Who?” when you hear this news. His time with the FNM will largely be remembered for voting against the increase in Value Added Tax then being fired from his post as parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Social Services as a result. He said after that firing that he would not quit the FNM, dismissing claims he would quit to become independent or join the PLP. He subsequently quit the FNM and yesterday joined the PLP. At times, he spoke up about the disconnect between the Minnis administration and Bahamians, although the FNM area association chairman later said Mr Miller had been absent both physically and “mentally” long before he resigned from the FNM. Having taken to choppy waters as an independent, it now looks as if Mr Miller is leaping from the lifeboat back on to the Titanic. He joins a PLP party listless in direction and hoping to capitalise on the FNM’s handling of COVID-19. We’re not sure what he will bring to the PLP. It’s hard to say he brought much to the FNM.
Prison outbreak would be disaster EDITOR, The Tribune. WHEN the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services was relocated at Fox Hill in 1952, it was built to house a total of 334 inmates, with the main facility having a capacity of 224; a first offender’s facility being able to accommodate 80 inmates and a female’s facility, 30 inmates. Her Majesty’s Fox Hill Prison, as it was formerly named, houses at any given time, upwards of 1,200 inmates, with overcrowding and slopping being perennial problems in the maximum security block of the prison facility. Prison isn’t meant to be an exotic vacation
Be opposite of Trump EDITOR, The Tribune. Re: It’s time people grow up and really throw themselves at this crisis. The Tribune, Insight, September 21, 2020 Aside from appearing to support the failed medical strategies of Trumpery, if any considerate person has difficulty complying with the well-proven guidelines of dealing with COVID-19 in public, perhaps it might be helpful for them to think of WWTD – and then simply do the opposite. (WWTD: What Would Trump Do?) KEN W KNOWLES, MD Nassau, September 22, 2020.
experience, but if you treat human beings like savages, they will act like savages. In an interview with NB12 Our News Bahamas, 18 18-year-old Deon Duverny spoke of his sevenday ordeal at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services for violating the national curfew imposed by Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis. Unable to pay the $500 fine, he was incarcerated, being placed in a cell with about six other inmates. The entire narrative stemming from the Duverny incident will undoubtedly figure prominently in the 2022 campaign cycle, as Progressive Liberal Party campaign operatives will remind those on the bottom rung of the socioeconomic ladder that they were disproportionately singled out by law enforcement agencies during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was mainly this demographic Minnis appealed to in the lead up to the 2017 general election. Minnis’ intentions of wanting to save lives are indeed noble, although some of the decisions made will come back to haunt the Free National Movement (FNM) in 2022. The attorneys who paid Duverny’s fine acted like good Samaritans, although one might have concerns about them parading an 18-year-old before the cameras. Perhaps it was done to bring awareness to what the emergency orders are doing to people who are
less fortunate. In any event, kudos to the attorneys. As for Duverny, his claim of being placed in a crowded cell should raise concerns within the FNM administration, the Public Hospitals Authority, the Ministry of Health and the COVID-19 Task Force about the possibility of there being a COVID-19 outbreak in Fox Hill Prison, especially given the fact that physical distancing, a practice subscribed by the World Health Organization, the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and John Hopkins Medicine, is virtually impossible in a facility that is overcrowded, particularly in the maximum security area. One would hope that prison officials are seeing to it that that facility is not only sanitized, but that inmates are given masks and are routinely washing their hands with clean running water. The Bahamas simply cannot afford a similar situation in the prison that occurred at the Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre, in which 23 patients were tested positive for COVID-19, and one nurse, Bernadette Rolle, dying as a result of the virus. An outbreak at the prison would be an unmitigated disaster, which would expose the inmates and prison officials to the high risk of being infected. KEVIN EVANS Freeport, GB August 23, 2020.
Test strips could end lockdown EDITOR, The Tribune. THE response to the COVID-19 pandemic has created a public health and economic crisis leading to psychological suffering and economic pain for all Bahamians. The key to stopping the spread of the SARSCoV-2 virus– the cause of the COVID-19 disease in humans – is mass testing of every Bahamian to identify those who are contagious and quarantining them until they are no longer contagious. The motto is: test for the virus, isolate infected individuals, repeat. The problem is that the Bahamas is not doing complete population testing. We are not testing everybody, but only a select portion of a country’s population at any given time, leaving the vast majority of individuals at any given time untested. To compound matters, many of those undiagnosed individuals infected with the COVID-19 virus who are contagious show no symptoms (are asymptomatic). Unaware of their infectious state, they end up infecting other individuals. When too many individuals get infected, and hospital resources are in danger of being overwhelmed, the government’s response has been draconian social and economic lockdowns of both the unhealthy and the healthy. Both the healthy and unhealthy are locked up as without mass testing, the Bahamas government cannot distinguish between the two: everyone is presumed guilty. If only we tested all individuals, we would never need lockdowns, as we would only have to quarantine the infected. Why don’t nations engage in systematic population testing as selective testing alternating with lockdowns doesn’t work? One reason is the test mandated by government health agencies: the Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test is known as the “gold standard” of testing. It can detect SARS-CoV-2 particles in microscopic amounts: a PCR test can usually detect a single molecule of RNA in a microlitre of solution. Unfortunately, PCR tests fail for nation-wide testing for three reasons: PCR tests can take from a day to weeks to get test results when what is needed is a test that can give quickly. PCR tests require specialised and expensive lab equipment that requires specially trained personnel to administer and interpret the test.
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net PCR tests cost from $100 to $300, making frequent testing prohibitively expensive; when what Bahamians need is a cheap test that people can afford to take daily. What is needed is a COVID-19 test that is easy to administer, like a home pregnancy test. Such a test should be sensitive enough to detect when people have a high viral load — when they are most contagious. It should be affordable enough to be used frequently, i.e., daily. It needs to give immediate results that are easy to interpret, like a pregnancy test. What I have described sounds like a miracle, doesn’t it? Except that it is not a miracle. Multiple companies – including 3M, E25Bio, Sherlock, and Abbott – have developed such COVID-19 antigen test strips, and they work perfectly for screening purposes. These firms can manufacture them quickly in the billions, and their retail cost is less than $1 per strip test. How do they work? Where the PCR tests look for viral particles and antibody tests look for antibodies in those who have recovered from the virus, antigen tests look for antigens your immune system creates when your body responds to a COVID-19 infection. They can be easily used, at home or work, and don’t require a blood test, but only require a nasal or saliva sample. These little pieces of strips of paper change colour when they detect antigens to the virus. They are an inexpensive and elegant free-market capitalist solution to the population testing problem. Like a home pregnancy strip, $1 home antigen tests are not as sensitive as a $300 lab test, but they are more than good enough to catch the majority of cases that are being missed. They sacrifice a little sensitivity for massive scalability and are the best option as a home and work screening tool: catching people who otherwise would go untested. So why aren’t these inexpensive test strips available to the general public for screening purposes? Because central government planners at the FDA are using the police power of the state to prevent $1 test strip producers from selling them for consumer use. Comments Michael Mina, of the Harvard T
H Chan School of Public Health on this regulatory problem: “I’m usually not against regulation, but it’s just gotten so extreme here, and it’s truly been hindering every step of the way our ability to test our way out of this virus since February…We could reduce maybe by 90-95% transmission in this country in the next few weeks if everyone could have one of these tests tomorrow.” One of the regulations stopping the use of over the counter (OTC) tests must be at least 90% sensitive (antigen tests are typically 70-90% sensitive). The government regulator’s argument against lower sensitivity tests completely misses the point. A home test with low sensitivity is better than no home test. Even if the test only catches 50% of the people not caught before, it is an improvement over no test. Right now, the best Bahamians can do at home or work is to take their temperature with a thermometer – which essentially is no test at all. In cases where greater accuracy is required, people can still opt for a PCR test: the two – antigen test strips and PCR tests – are not mutually exclusive alternatives. Only mass-scale testing will put an end to the need for mass-scale lockdowns permanently. Such testing, in conjunction with other public health measures, will put a severe dent to the spread of the COVID19 virus, ending the need for mass lockdowns in the Bahamas permanently. These cheap antigen strip tests are available now, and we have nothing to lose but our lockdown chains by using them. Though the US government has prohibited these cheap antigen test strips, there is no reason the Bahamas government must do so. The Bahamas government should repeal all laws banning the sale and use of $1 home COVID-19 tests, and take those measures necessary for Bahamians to get access to these test strips. Laissez-faire COVID-19 home testing! •This article is an abbreviated version of a ten-page article that first appeared in Capitalism Magazine. If you would like the longer, referenced copy of this article, you can contact the author at mark@bahamas2000.com. MARK DA CUNHA Grand Bahama, September 23, 2020.
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, September 24, 2020, PAGE 7
Poachers fined $20,000 a man By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net THE captain and crew of two Dominican vessels caught poaching in Bahamian waters late last week were charged in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday. Over 80 Dominican poachers appeared before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt and Deputy Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes after members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force caught them fishing in Bahamian waters on September 17.
According to the RBDF, the Dominican fishermen were apprehended in the southwestern Bahamas, off Diamond Point, Great Bahama Bank last Thursday. Acting on information received from the US Coast Guard, RBDF patrol craft HMBS Lignum Vitae, under the command of Lieutenant James Cox, intercepted “El Ship” and “Angel Gabriel”, before boarding and searching them. The Dominican fishermen were then cautioned, arrested and taken into custody after they were found with a number of fishery products.
Yesterday, 37 members of “El Ship” appeared before Deputy Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes, charged with unlawfully taking fish within the exclusive fishing zone of The Bahamas on September 17. The prosecution said RBDF officers also found 211 pounds of undersized Nassau grouper – each weighing three pounds or less – along with several illegal spear guns onboard the vessel. During the arraignment, all the men pleaded guilty to the offences. Their attorney, Keevon Maynard, said
the fishermen were very remorseful for their actions and understood the fishing industry was a treasure to The Bahamas. Mr Maynard argued that detaining the defendants would do more harm than good in view of the global COVID19 pandemic and asked the magistrate to consider fining and deporting the men rather than sentencing them to prison. Magistrate Forbes said while he was sympathetic to the plight of the circumstances in their home country, he found it regrettable that they would
decide to enter Bahamian waters and engage in an activity that would be detrimental to the local fishing industry. He fined each of the crew members $20,000 or six months in prison. The vessel’s captain on the other hand, was fined $30,000 or nine months in custody. Magistrate Forbes said as soon as the fines were paid, the men would be deported back to their country. Forty-four members of the “Angel Gabriel” meanwhile appeared before Magistrate Ferguson-Pratt after they were accused of engaging in illegal foreign
fishing and being in possession of 211 pounds of undersized Nassau grouper on September 17. The prosecution said RBDF officers also discovered 2,154 pounds of crawfish – each measuring less than 3 ¼ inches. They further accused the fishermen of using 13 spear guns and 14 dive compressors – two types of prohibited apparatus – to illegally catch marine life. During the arraignment, all of the defendants pleaded guilty. They return to court today for sentencing.
TRIO DENIED BAIL AHEAD OF TRIAL IN $3M DRUGS CASE By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net
FROM left, Andrew Pratt, Adrian Mackey and Omar Chisholm. Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
GOING FOR PARTS COSTS MAN $350 FINE By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net
A MAN who claimed he violated the curfew because he was trying to get a part to fix a Mac computer was fined $350. Police arrested Akil Demeritte, 26, after they found him near the intersection connecting Baillou Hill Road and Carmichael Road around 10.15pm on August 20. He pleaded guilty to violating the curfew during a hearing before Deputy Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes on Tuesday and was fined $350 or one month at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. The court heard officers stationed at a checkpoint in the area, observed a white Chevrolet Malibu travelling south on Carmichael Road. Officers questioned the lone male occupant who identified himself as Akil Demeritte. He told officers he was aware of the curfew, but had left his home to
collect a part for a Mac computer. When given an opportunity to speak, Demeritte told the magistrate he stopped somewhere on his way home from work. He said somebody asked him to help them fix their computer. Demeritte claimed the person’s device was missing a part, so he decided to “turn around and try to go somewhere to get it”. In response, Magistrate Forbes told the defendant he could not choose which laws to abide by. As a result, he accepted Demeritte’s guilty plea and fined him. Meanwhile, Ted Stevens, 53, and Jarrad Dupuch, 26, were charged after officers found them on East Street around 10.38pm on August 17. The court heard that officers observed a black car with two male occupants. When they beckoned for the car to stop and questioned Stevens, he told them he had just picked up a friend from Potter’s Cay dock. Both men were
arrested and the prosecution said in interview, they both admitted to the offence but gave no “reasonable reason”. During the hearing, both defendants pleaded guilty. When given an opportunity to speak, Dupuch told the magistrate he only violated the curfew because he was trying to get diapers and food for his baby. He claimed while he was walking home with the items, Stevens drove past so he hiked a ride with him. Still, the prosecutor said Dupuch did not give the officer that explanation when they questioned him. He also said the officers did not mention seeing any of the said items in the vehicle. As a result, Magistrate Forbes fined Dupuch $350 or one month behind bars. In sentencing Stevens, the magistrate noted how he had been fined $500 for breaking the curfew in April. As a result, he told Stevens the penalty increased and fined him $700 or two months in prison.
MAN ACCUSED OF RAPING CHILD By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net
A MAN was remanded to prison yesterday over allegations he raped a child over the span of four years. Maurice Sherman appeared before Senior Assistant Chief Magistrate Subusola Swain charged with five counts relating to sexual abuse of the young girl. The prosecution alleged the man engaged in unlawful sex with the child sometime during June 2016 when she was just 10-years-old. It is also alleged he raped the young girl again in June 2018 when she was 11 and sometime between February and June of 2019 after she turned 12-years-old. The defendant was also accused of engaging in unlawful intercourse with
the child in January and September of this year. Due to the nature of the charges, the man was not required to enter a plea and the matter was adjourned to November 14 for service
of a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI). Bail was denied and the defendant was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until trial.
THREE men accused of illegally smuggling drugs into the country in connection with a $3m drug seizure in the Exuma cays earlier this week were yesterday denied bail ahead of their trial. Omar Chisholm, 42, Andrew Pratt, 37, and Adrian Mackey, 37, appeared before Deputy Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes accused of conspiring to possess a quantity of Indian hemp sometime between September 17 and 21. The prosecution alleged the men had plans to sell the drugs found in their possession. During the arraignment, the men were also charged with one count each of marijuana possession with the
intent to supply, conspiracy to import dangerous drugs, and importing a quantity of marijuana into the country on September 21. The prosecution further argued the defendants assaulted three officers with a white twin engine boat and accused them of causing harm to Sergeant 2009 Newton when officers approached them that day. According to police reports, members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, US Coast Guard and other American agencies launched a joint operation on Monday morning. That day, a team was conducting surveillance along the Ragged Island chain, when they came upon a speed boat with four occupants on board. The vessel was asked to stop, however the captain failed to comply and a chase followed.
Police Commissioner Paul Rolle said a police boat was launched from Exuma to intercept the vessel. He said the chase lasted “roughly one hour and 15 minutes” and ended in Barraterre, Exuma where the defendants rammed the police boat in an effort to escape. One police officer was injured during the encounter. During the hearing, Chisholm, Pratt and Mackey denied all of the allegations brought against them and the case was adjourned to February 25, 2021 for trial. Due to the nature of the charges, the men were denied bail and remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until that time. They all have a right to apply to the Supreme Court for bail.
PAGE 8, Thursday, September 24, 2020 BARBADOS Prime Minister Mia Mottley, who has risen to the leadership of her nation despite facing sexist, misogynist attacks.
POLITICS is about the long game, with even the most egotistical and self-possessed politicians requiring the capacity for growth, learning and humility to succeed and to realize their ambitions, including becoming Prime Minister in our system of government. Some succeed because they are able to check their extraordinary egos and ambition, sublimating and subsuming them when necessary to win a greater prize. Others fail, often miserably and spectacularly, because their massive egos and overweening ambition blind them to political reality and the exigencies of the
Nature of Work
moment. Success in politics requires much more than intellectual acuity or exceptional ability in certain professional fields. Ambition can be a killing thing, if one is incapable of restraint and patience and the ability to heed good advice. Such restraint requires humility and the capability to listen to others and not constantly believing that one is not the most brilliant or insightful person in the room. Abraham Lincoln and other political giants who possessed extraordinary talent often noted that their success was due to
THE TRIBUNE
In politics you need more than blind ambition to lead try humility and an ability to learn
talent, luck and good advisors, including family members and often former opponents. From antiquity to classical literature to examples from Bahamas political history from the 1940s to today, there are numerous examples of politicians who failed to go the distance because they lacked the political stability, stamina and clarity of vision to both bide their time and to seize certain moments when they materialized. Those who experience the roar and supposed love of the crowd, should also realise that such support can quickly dissipate
Master Mechanic
To perform preventive maintenance, inspection and repairs to heavy equipment with both gasoline and diesel engines. Must be able to lead and manage a mechanic team, preparing work orders, requisition parts for equipment repair and prepare departmental reports. As lead mechanic, you will be responsible for driving/traveling to various job sites, inspecting engines and equipment, carrying out services, conducting repairs, and providing routine maintenance. Must have proven experience working with CAT, Cummins, Detroit Diesel, John Deer, Komatsu etc., and be physically fit, able to troubleshoot issues. Knowledge of: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic systems, engine and drivetrain systems on numerous different kinds of units Truck mounted equipment Tools and equipment for repairs Equipment operation and safety Equipment, grease fitting locations, filter locations, fluid capacities, fluid types and proper applications Equipment inspections, tolerances and specs for component wear Inspecting trucks, cranes, bulldozers, and other heavy equipment for proper performance. Diagnosing faults using computerized testing equipment. Adjusting equipment and replacing faulty parts Repairing damaged equipment parts. Cleaning, lubricating, and conducting routine services on heavy-duty vehicles. Cleaning and servicing of machine attachments like winches, blades, and side booms. Performing major repair work when necessary. Consulting with other mechanics on smaller jobs. Reporting damaged or faulty equipment to management. Adjust breaks and clutches; adjust and replace carburetors, remove and repair transmission Perform welding and metal work duties
Skill in: • • • •
Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature Performing basic mathematical functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, and ratios Assigning, prioritizing, monitoring, and reviewing work assignments
Ability to: • • • • • • • •
Meet schedules and deadlines of the work Understand and carry out oral and written directions Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files Maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries Read and understand service and parts manuals Read diagrams and schematics Must be able to lead a team and provide training Must be able to implement and manage equipment preventative maintenance program
Minimum Training and Experience •
At least 10 years of experience performing automotive/heavy equipment/ small engine mechanical repair and maintenance;
•
Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities
Please send resumes to jjosey@bahamasstriping.com
or become a tsunami of disapproval, crushing the ambitions of those riding on the crest of public affection and acclaim. Then there are those like Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, now 54, who entered frontline politics in 1991 at the age of 26, losing her first contest for the House of Assembly by less than 200 votes. Over the ensuing decades, Mottley stayed the course, despite the sexist, misogynist and personal attacks on her, and the machinations of her mentor Owen Arthur, who seized the leadership of the Barbados Labour Party from her. Today, she is the first female Prime Minister in Barbados, and widely acclaimed regionally and internationally. It has been a long and arduous slog, for which she has been rewarded because of her political resilience, stamina and stability.
CAPACITY
was never enacted. Because of his deep commitment to the labor movement and his progressive vision for worker’s rights, Sir Randol became known as the Father of Labour. He had a number of progressive ideas for national development. He was pivotal in the legislation for a Labour Day holiday, which now bears his name. In 1956 at the age of 32, Sir Randol ran along with Sir Lynden on the PLP ticket for the New Providence South seat in the House of Assembly. Prior to political reforms after the 1962 election, in which the PLP won the popular vote but not the majority of seats in a highly gerrymandered system, some constituencies had two members, and even three, as was the case in Harbour Island. Because he was more popular than Sir Lynden at that time, Sir Randol won more votes than the former, becoming the Senior Member for the seat, with Sir Lynden as the Junior Member.
This week’s and next week’s columns will explore how the capacity for growth, learning and humility can help to tame the political ego and to cool political passions in the In 1962 and 1967, he ran pursuit of power and the unopposed by the PLP for highest elected office in the the House, winning in both land. contests. He supported As a former senior jour- the PLP and became a nalist often reminds me, member of the first majorbecause of his knowledge of ity rule cabinet as Minister history: “It’s the long game! of Labour. It’s the long game!” Like in On the evening of all fields of endeavour and January 10, 1967, the numareas of life, the capacity bers trickled in from the to grow, to various conchange and ‘Sir Randol Fawkes stituencies, to mature was an activist, cut along are pivotal farcicalboundfor success attorney and aries largely and personal trade unionist, unchanged contentment who possessed from 1962. and a certain But this peace, espe- tremendous charisma time, the cially toward and talents and PLP won the end of majority abilities in a number the one’s life. of the popof fields. Though his ular vote Before Sir Lynden cadence and voice and tied Pindling was the United lionised as were not as sonorous BahaMoses, the as Sir Lynden’s, Sir mian Party champion of Randol was a good, (UBP) 18 the masses to 18 in the who could articulate orator who number of lead The was able to inspire seats in the Bahamas to and to hold a crowd.’ House of the promAssembly, ised land of with Sir racial equality and majority Randol winning his seat as rule, there was another lion did independent candidate who was initially deemed Sir Alvin Braynen. the Bahamian Moses. The political arithmeSir Randol Fawkes tic on the 10th meant that (1924-2002) was an activist, minority rule was effecattorney and trade unionist, tively finished. The masses who possessed tremendous immediately understood charisma and talents and the new arithmetic and the abilities in a number of new political calculus. fields. Though his cadence Celebrations erupted that and voice were not as sono- night as soon as the final rous as Sir Lynden’s, Sir results were tallied and Randol was a good, articu- despite the tie, which some late orator who was able to revisionists putatively and inspire and to hold a crowd. incorrectly assumed and The founder of the assume still to have been an Labour Party and the Baha- inconclusive result. mas Federation of Labour, Waves of celebrants Sir Randol proved an marched from Over-theexceedingly capable organ- Hill to Bay Street, flooding izer. He was well-read and a the precincts of the UBP’s progressive who studied the political and economic global labour movement. power with songs and He single-handedly drafted chants of freedom and choa labour bill, though the bill ruses of appreciation for
UNOPPOSED
To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394
new-found empowerment. Majestic sounds of cowbells and goat skin drums shook some of the oligarchy’s most hallowed grounds, announcing a new era for a mass of people locked out of economic and political power and historically allowed limited access to Bay Street where they were discriminated against and segregated into inferior status. The celebrations were euphoric, spilling over into a new dawn. Throughout the night car horns trumpeted the victory. There were spontaneous rush-outs throughout Nassau with jubilant crowds gathering at various places such as the Taxi Cab Union complex on Wulff Road. Now that the change had come, it was time to form a government. There is often the temptation to historical revisionism by some, for all manner of reasons. Yet the facts and reality of certain events often prove stubborn. Sir Randol, a PLP ally, was part of the progressive movement, running with the full support of the PLP. It was inconceivable that the firebrand, often regarded as being even more radical than the PLP, would betray the movement and support the UBP. His expected support afforded the PLP a majority.
BLANDISHMENTS He famously and publicly resisted the blandishments offered by Sir Roland Symonette to join forces with the UBP. With Sir Randol’s support secured, there was the need to elect a speaker. Had Sir Alvin supported the UBP, there would be a tie of 19 to 19, with another election almost inevitable, a contest in which the UBP would have been slaughtered, as they were in the 1968 general election subsequent to the death of PLP MP Uriah McPhee. But it was widely known that Sir Alvin was not on good terms with the UBP and that the idea of becoming Speaker of the House of Assembly was not unappealing to him. The story is told that when Sir Lynden telephoned Sir Alvin the conversation began: Sir Lynden: “Mr. Speaker!” Sir Alvin: “Yes, Premier!” For all of his giftednesss and the role he played in modern Bahamas politics, Sir Randol was often hobbled by certain political traits that should have served and may still serve as classic political lessons for contemporary politicians. Sir Randol often proved politically unreliable, volatile and impulsive, which harmed his political credibility and viability. Over the last several decades as the country has developed politically, The Bahamas has witnessed a parade of ambitions and personalities, a number of whom never realized their higher ambitions because they kept bouncing from one political home to another, often creating vanity parties or undermining their own parties while in government. Some proved so volatile, unstable, impulsive and recklessly egotistical that despite their initial promise and their talents, the country turned to others seeking stability, resilience and reliability, which citizens and voters crave and reward. Next Week: The Conceits of Blind Ambition
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, September 24, 2020, PAGE 9
Game of Thrones had nothing on this tangled web spun through the courts and corridors of DC
G
ender and race politics are dominating the news in the US these days. What else is new? Ruth Bader Ginsburg died over the weekend. Diminutive but fiery and determined, she was known most of all as a fierce fighter for women’s rights. In a lengthy appreciation of Ginsburg, former New York Times reporter and current Yale Law School professor Linda Greenhouse wrote about Ginsburg’s similarity to Thurgood Marshall. Marshall and Ginsburg devoted most of their long professional legal lives to advancing the rights of, respectively, blacks and women. Greenhouse wrote: “The analogy (to Marshall) was based on Ginsburg’s sense of strategy and careful selection of cases as she persuaded the all-male Supreme Court, one case at a time, to start recognizing the constitutional barrier against discrimination on the basis of sex.” Ginsburg was indeed a legend in her own time. As the leader of what is now a minority bloc of four liberals on the nine-member US Supreme Court, she was
celebrated for her outspoken advocacy and trenchant opinions. Widely known as simply RBG, she was the subject of a much-viewed 2018 documentary entitled “RBG,” as well as a bestselling biography “The Notorious RBG” that came out three years earlier. RBG enjoyed such renown that she routinely got big speaking gigs on a subject about which she was passionate even when she was explicit beforehand that she would refuse to dish on the highest American court or on the myriad political issues which partisanship in Washington has turned into judicial crises.
Address That subject was opera. Ginsburg was a regular at opera venues throughout the Washington DC area and also in her native New York City. She once gave a very much anticipated address at a popular New York venue, noting as usual that she would not be drawn into politics. Nearly 5,000 people showed up anyway, hoping their enthusiasm would change her mind. Several years earlier at the same venue, then
Supreme Court Justice Anthony had a similar experience. He too attracted a big crowd hoping for high court gossip. Kennedy, whose non-judicial passion was constitutional American history, delivered instead an academic lecture. The audience was disappointed. Kennedy and RBG’s audiences were similarly frustrated, but the two justices are linked much more significantly by decisions they took late in their Supreme Court tenures. Kennedy, then 86, resigned from the high court two years ago in what was reportedly an explicit deal with President Donald Trump that Kennedy’s protégé Brett Kavanagh would be named as his replacement. That’s the way it went down, with Kavanagh the subject of perhaps the most rancorous Senate confirmation hearings in 30 years. But he and his Republican sponsors prevailed. Ginsburg succumbed to cancer at age 87. But this was no sudden-onset condition. She had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2009. A favourite of President Obama, she was linked to discussions
PRESIDENT Donald Trump gestures to the crowd as he finishes speaking at a campaign rally at Bemidji Regional Airport, Friday, in Bemidji, Minn. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
SMALL PIECES OF MEN, GIANT LEAP BACKWARDS FOR MANKIND
T
rump is out campaigning these days. He’s out in the sticks in swing states, trying desperately to rally his base of undereducated white men. On a recent visit to Minnesota, he avoided big cities like Minneapolis and St. Paul. Instead, he landed in Bemidji, a city of some 56,000 in far north-central Minnesota. He would expect to attract farmers, retirees and some miners from the eastern part of the region. Edging closer to dispensing with code words and simply coming right out with an overtly racist theme, Trump started talking about genes and superiority. Here’s some of what he had to say: “You have good genes, you know that, right? You have good genes. A lot of it is about the genes, isn’t it, don’t you believe? The racehorse theory. You have good genes in Minnesota.” The racehorse theory holds that it makes sense to buy the horse with the best pedigree, because breeding is a huge key to success in horse racing. Applied to humans, this becomes a very thinly disguised racist screed. And it was given a fancy name in the latter half of the 19th Century: eugenics. Eugenics was the brainchild of a British scientist who strove to demonstrate that purity of breeding produced
superior humans. Eugenics research was actually supported by major American philanthropies like the Carnegie and Rockefeller Foundations, but the movement died, or least moved underground, until Trump arrived on the national scene. Unfazed by the fundamentally unsavoury, racist and unjustifiably discriminatory aspects of eugenics, Trump pushes ahead on his nativist course in the face of growing evidence that it won’t work in November.
Polls But are the polls correct in showing Joe Biden with a big lead? A leading Latino academic doesn’t think so. University professor Antonio Lopez has written that: “Trump in his own way has a more sophisticated understanding of how race works in American politics than many progressives or journalists. Trump understands that a majority of Americans may be susceptible to these messages of racial fear and understand them not as racism but as common sense.” It’s always good to keep in mind that Republicans rarely go wrong in never overestimating the acuity or engagement of the average American voter.
SUPREME Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, file)
SPOELSTRA STILL SPINNING HIS MAGIC
D
during his eight years in the White House that would see her resigning so Obama could name her successor. But unlike Kennedy, RBG turned her back on the idea. She was clearly reluctant to give up her rock star status any earlier than absolutely necessary. And like many Washington Beltway liberals, she couldn’t imagine that Trump would actually win the 2016 election, so her decision didn’t attract the attention it might have otherwise gained.
Election We all know how that election turned out. And now the headlines are dominated by the Republican determination to confirm a conservative anti-abortion justice before the likely end of Trump’s tenure as President. It’s a fluid situation, but the smart money is on GOP success. Two Republican women have said they will not vote to support a hastilynamed Trump nominee. One is extremely vulnerable Republican Senator Susan Collins, who faces an uphill re-election struggle in Maine due partly to her
vote to confirm Kavanagh two years ago. The other is Alaska’s maverick Lisa Murkowski. But since the Republicans enjoy a 53-47 Senate majority, that only brings their margin down to 51-49, and they only need 50 votes to confirm RBG’s successor because Vice President Mike Pence can break ties. It’s not at all clear whence would come the remaining two votes needed to block Trump and Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell, partly after Utah’s Mitt Romney said he would support a vote for Trump’s nominee. Never mind all the noise about GOP hypocrisy, since they are unapologetically ignoring all the high-minded blather they spouted just four years ago in denying a hearing to Obama’s Supreme Court choice in similar circumstances. Trump and his allies know they’d better try to sneak this last nominee onto the court, because the probability is that he won’t be in the White House after January 20. And it’s all because Ruth Bader Ginsburg decided to bet on Hillary Clinton’s success and Ginsburg’s own continued survival four years ago.
o you remember when the Miami Heat president Pat Riley named Eric Spoelstra as head coach in 2010? Riley had just pulled off one of the great magic tricks in pro sports history, enticing LeBron James from Cleveland and Chris Bosh from Toronto to join Heat draftee Dewayne Wade in a team that would make four straight NBA finals appearances and win two world championships. If you recall that day ten years ago, chances are you didn’t think young Spoelstra, the first Asian-American head coach in major American sports, would be up to the job. But he was, and, still guided by Hall of Famer Riley, he still is. Spoelstra has now been with the Heat for 25 years, rising from the basketball equivalent of the mailroom to a corner office on the top floor. Quite a story. The Heat are locked up with the Boston Celtics in the finals of the Eastern Conference playoffs, and it might not be too wise to bet against them advancing to the finals, where they would seem likely to face James and the Los Angeles Lakers. James, avowedly angry at missing out on another MVP title, seems suitably motivated to replace that with what would be his fourth world title with three different NBA franchises. Greatest of All Time, anyone?
PAGE 10, Thursday, September 24, 2020
LONG LINES OF MOURNERS PAY RESPECTS TO GINSBURG AT COURT By MARK SHERMAN and MATTHEW BARAKAT Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — With crowds of admirers swelling outside, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was remembered Wednesday at the court by grieving family, colleagues and friends as a prophet for justice who persevered against long odds to become an American icon. The court’s eight justices, masked along with everyone else because of the coronavirus pandemic, gathered for the first time in more than six months for the ceremony to mark Ginsburg’s death from cancer last week at age 87 after 27 years on the court. Washington already is consumed with talk of Ginsburg’s replacement, but Chief Justice John Roberts focused on his longtime colleague. The best words to describe Ginsburg are “tough, brave, a fighter, a winner,” Roberts said, but also “thoughtful, careful, compassionate, honest.” The woman who late in life became known in admiration as the Notorious RBG “wanted to be an opera virtuoso, but became a rock star instead,” Roberts said. Ginsburg’s two children, Jane and James, and other family members sat on one side of the casket, across from the justices. With her portrait on display nearby, Ginsburg’s flag-draped casket sat in the court’s Great Hall for the private service before it was moved outside so the public could honour her. Health precautions because of the pandemic led the court to limit the number of people inside the building, which has been closed to the public since March. Through the day, thousands of people paid their respects to the women’s rights champion and leader of the court’s liberal bloc. As darkness fell, the line stretched nearly half a mile from the court as people filed past. The casket was to be on public view until 10 p.m. Wednesday and from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday. Inside earlier, the members of the court were arrayed in their seats in order of seniority, now changed by Ginsburg’s death so that Justices Clarence Thomas and Stephen Breyer flanked Roberts. Breyer took the spot Ginsburg held when the court last gathered for a justice’s memorial, in 2019 following the death of John Paul Stevens.
THE TRIBUNE
LOUISVILLE POLICE OFFICER SHOT AMID BREONNA TAYLOR PROTESTS By DYLAN LOVAN and PIPER HUDSPETH BLACKBURN Associated Press/ Report for America
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Hours after a Kentucky grand jury brought no charges against Louisville police for the killing of Breonna Taylor and protesters took to the streets, authorities said an officer had been shot Wednesday night during the demonstrations expressing anger over the deaths of Black people at the hands of police. Several shots rang out as protesters in downtown Louisville tried to avoid police blockades, moving down an alleyway as officers lobbed pepper balls. People covered their ears, ran away and frantically looked for places to hide. Police with long guns swarmed the area, then officers in riot gear and military-style vehicles blocked off roadways. The condition of the officer is unclear, and police have not yet released more details. The violence comes after prosecutors said two officers who fired their weapons at Taylor, a Black woman, were justified in using force to protect themselves after they faced gunfire from her boyfriend. The only charges were three counts of wanton endangerment against fired Officer Brett Hankison for shooting into a home next to Taylor’s with people inside. The FBI is still investigating potential violations of federal law in connection with the raid at Taylor’s home on March 13. Ben Crump, a lawyer for Taylor’s family, denounced the decision as “outrageous and offensive,” and protesters shouting, “No justice, no peace!” immediately marched through the streets. Scuffles broke out between police and protesters, and some were arrested. Officers fired flash bangs and a few small fires burned in a square that’s been at the centre of protests, but it had largely cleared out ahead of a nighttime curfew as demonstrators marched through other parts of downtown Louisville. Dozens of patrol cars blocked the city’s major thoroughfare and more police arrived after the officer was shot. Demonstrators also marched in cities like New York, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Atlanta and Philadelphia. Taylor, an emergency medical worker, was shot multiple times by white officers who entered her home on a no-knock warrant during a narcotics investigation. State Attorney General Daniel Cameron, however, said the
PROTESTERS chant near police, Wednesday, in Louisville, Ky. A grand jury has indicted one officer on criminal charges six months after Breonna Taylor was fatally shot by police in Kentucky. The jury presented its decision against fired officer Brett Hankison Wednesday to a judge in Louisville, where the shooting took place. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) investigation showed the officers announced themselves before entering. The warrant used to search her home was connected to a suspect who did not live there, and no drugs were found inside. Along with the killing of George Floyd in Minnesota, Taylor’s case became a major touchstone for nationwide protests that have drawn attention to entrenched
BREONNA Taylor (Courtesy of Taylor Family attorney Sam Aguiar via AP, File)
racism and demanded police reform. Taylor’s image has been painted on streets, emblazoned on protest signs and silk-screened on T-shirts worn by celebrities. Several prominent African American celebrities joined those urging that the officers be charged. The announcement drew sadness, frustration and anger that the grand jury did not go further. The wanton endangerment charges each carry a sentence of up to five years. Morgan Julianna Lee,
a high school student in Charlotte, North Carolina, watched the announcement at home. “It’s almost like a slap in the face,” the 15-year-old said by phone. “If I, as a Black woman, ever need justice, I will never get it.” Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat, said he authorised a limited deployment of the National Guard. Beshear also urged Cameron, the state attorney general, to post online all the evidence that could be released without affecting the charges filed. “Those that are currently feeling frustration, feeling hurt, they deserve to know more,” he said. The case exposed the wide gulf between public opinion on justice for those who kill Black Americans and the laws under which those officers are charged, which regularly favour police and do not often result in steep criminal accusations. At a news conference, Cameron spoke to that disconnect: “Criminal law is not meant to respond to every sorrow and grief.” “But my heart breaks for the loss of Miss Taylor. ... My mother, if something was to happen to me, would find it very hard,” he added, choking up. But Cameron, who is the state’s first Black attorney general, said the officers acted in self-defence after Taylor’s boyfriend fired at them. He added that Hankison and the two other officers who entered Taylor’s apartment announced themselves before entering — and so did not execute the warrant as “no knock,” according to the investigation. The city has since banned such warrants.
“According to Kentucky law, the use of force by (Officers Jonathan) Mattingly and (Myles) Cosgrove was justified to protect themselves,” he said. “This justification bars us from pursuing criminal charges in Miss Breonna Taylor’s death.” Cameron said an FBI crime lab determined that Cosgrove fired the bullet that killed Taylor. Taylor’s boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, opened fire when police burst in, hitting Mattingly. Walker told police he heard knocking but didn’t know who was coming in and fired in self-defence. Cameron, who is a Republican, is a protégé of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and has been tagged by some as his heir apparent. His was also one of 20 names on President Donald Trump’s list to fill a future Supreme Court vacancy. At a news conference, Trump read a statement from Cameron saying “justice is not often easy.” He praised both
Cameron’s handling of the case and the governor calling up of the National Guard. Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden told reporters that he didn’t have enough information on the decision to comment fully but warned protesters to stay peaceful. “Do not sully her memory or her mother’s by engaging in any violence,” he said. Kamala Harris, Biden’s running mate and a former prosecutor, also told reporters she hadn’t fully read the decision. “But there’s no question that Breonna Taylor and her family deserved justice yesterday, today and tomorrow, so I’ll review it,” she said. Hankison was fired on June 23. A termination letter sent by interim Louisville Police Chief Robert Schroeder said he had violated procedures by showing “extreme indifference to the value of human life” when he “wantonly and blindly” fired his weapon. Mattingly, Cosgrove and the detective who sought the warrant, Joshua Jaynes, were placed administrative reassignment. Last week, the city settled a lawsuit against the three officers brought by Taylor’s mother, Tamika Palmer, agreeing to pay her $12 million and enact police reforms. ___ Lovan reported from Frankfort, Kentucky. Associated Press writers Bruce Schreiner and Rebecca Reynolds Yonker in Louisville, Kentucky, Kevin Freking in Washington, Aaron Morrison in New York and Haleluya Hadero in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, contributed. ___ Hudsbeth Blackburn is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
PEOPLE gather in Jefferson Square Wednesday. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, September 24, 2020, PAGE 11
Private Funeral Services For Reverend Elva Idell Johnson, 85 J.P., Senior Pastor Emeritus
Duncombe, Mavis Rahming, Minerva Higgs, Jennifer Murry, Maxine Wright, Alvin and Franklin Brown, Creg Thompson, Danne, Annamae, Kingsley, Rodney, and Eddie Hamilton, Julese Lewis, Luann, Talbert, Orman, Ervin, and Stanley McPhee, Paulette Richie, Kayla Jones, of #10 Emmanuel Drive, Soldier Road and Shavonne Moraine, Keva David, Richie, Sherrell and Tamia McPhee, formerly of Tarpum Bay, Eleuthera will be Shanae Roberts, Raquel Gaitor, Vernique Robinson, Dominic Hall, held on Saturday, September 26th, 2020 at Dashawn, Alexander Jr., Perez and Vashti-Eve Burrows, Remelda Woodlawn Gardens, Soldier Road. Officiating and Lemond Jr., Cartwright, Brenda Edgecombe, Garthlon, Prince will be Rev. Dr. Philip B. J. McPhee assisted by and Benjamin Charlton, Sheliamae Ferguson, Troy Sr., and Geoffrey Knowles Sr., Adrian Sr. and Dura Sr., Zanta Nottage, Cindy Sweeting, other ministers of the gospel. Akieno, Aiera, and Akeem Ferguson, Troy Jr., Shabreka, Tromarze, She was pre-deceased by Parents: Harold Trokoa, Shantavia and Veranda Knowles, Melissa, Jr., Geonisha Morley and Ophelia Clarke Morley; Husband: and Syann Knowles, Adrin Jr., Dura Jr., Duranique, Jordanna and Deacon Wellington Johnson Sr.; Siblings: Jasmine Lightbourne, Ramon and Herrera Lightbourne, Omarinque Eula Duncombe, Norris Morley; Son: Deacon Nottage, Keithra and Keiara Sweeting, Ruthmae Cartwright, Zante, Dennis, and Anthony Woodside, George and Nelson Burrows, Wellington Johnson II; Daughter: Deaconess Olga Meadows; Princess Wyms, Elceto (William) Gibson, Lionel, Burntle, Clyde and She is survived by her Son: Attorney Charles McKinney (Carolyn); Hasten Charlton, Brunell Jone, Alfreda Gibson, Rev. Judith Gibson, Daughters: Paige McKinney and Lorraine Johnson (Warren Berry); Joycelyn Pratt, Roselie Higgins and Anita Ferguson; Other Relatives Adopted Daughters: Deborah Marche (Dale); Lakeria, Shanderia, & and Friends Including: Mr. V. Alfred Grey and family, Hon. Carlton Carolyn Lewis; Daughters-in-Law: Carolyn McKinney and Maddie Moultrie Speaker of House of Parliament and family, Hon. Miriam Johnson; Godchild: Annosh Marshall-Sweeting; Nephews/Nieces: Neil Emmanuel Member of Parliament and family, Herbert Burrows and (deceased), Renee (Sandy Alexander) Burnett, Rhonda (Kennon) family, BricieMae Gibson and family, Nesbert and Cecil Higgins and Ramsey, Edward Jr. (Joan) Omar Duncombe; Anna Morley (Norris); family, Vernice and Curtis Gibson and family, Isamae Cartwright and Grandchildren: Charles Jr., Cameron and Chelsea McKinney; Corporal# family, Remelda Jones and family, Harriette David and family, Rev. 85 Dumaurier, Wellette, Dr. Kelly, Wellington Andre’ Johnson III; Dr. Elease Burrows and family, Beneath Gibson and family, Hubert Devenette Ferguson; Kennon Ramey Jr.; Great Grandchildren: Deisha, Mortimore and family, Nora Newry, Betsy-Sheron, Judy, Janice, Denajah; Grand Nieces & Nephews: D’Alan, Jaxume, Jaxumel, & Sidney, Answell, Antonette and Vandelvin Johnson and family. Norah Shaneil (Neil); Damien & Rashad (Renee); Alexander (Rhonda); and Althea Mcintosh and family, John Burrows and family, Edith Kadesha, Shaday, Corban, Ed, Malachi, Zoe & Layla (Ed); Skylah McKenney and family, Gladys, Angela, Hilda, Charlette and Myrtle (Omar); Alexander Taylor Duncombe Jr.; Life Long “Bestest” of 60 + Williams, Rev. Irene Charlton and family, Audrey Burrows and family, years: Rev. Merian Roberts & Family; Church Family: Amazing Grace Ethialy and Lillis Collie and Family, Arthur and Joanna Brown and Missionary Baptist Church; Beloved Care Takers: “Kay” & “Didi”; Family, Rosemary Missick and Family, Marion Brown and family, Other Relatives and Friends: Janet Cunningham; Mavis Jackson; Charles, Shervington and Prince Higgins and family, Roselene Gibson Merrilyn Major; Leroy Bowe of Freeport, Grand Bahama; Godfrey and family, Inez Williams and family, Norah Thompson and family, Bowe; Hortence Glinton; Alice Sands of Eleuthera; Leroy & Muriel Dorthline Edgecombe and family, Paulette Gibson and family, Carlton Farrington; Sharon Reckley; Catherine Major; Annette Paul; Virgina Gibson and family. Ella and Cheryl Walkine and family, Melvita Collie Smith; Jessiemae Sears of Freeport, Grand Bahama; Alice Ferguson and family, Roy Charlton and Family, Leatha, Henrietta, Daniel, of Freeport, Grand Bahama Sonia Marshall; The Johnson Family; The Jacob and Samuel Murphy and family. Deloris, Vanda, Beverly and Bannister Family The Duncombe Family; The Cooper Family and Elcie Murphy and family. Joy Johnson and family, Eulamae Storr and Morley Family from Exuma; Nurses: Mario, Morris and Team of The family, Ceva Sweeting and family, Geneva Williamson and family, South Beach Clinic; Dr. Gertrude Holder; Dr. Chrispin Gomez Rev. Dr. Lucetha, Armaline and Edmond Burrows and family. Miniley Forbs and family, Miriam Emmanuel and family, Jackie Romer and family, Philip Mcphee and the Mt. Calvary Baptist Cathedral; All Ministers MISSION STATEMENT: To provide consistent, sympathetic, caringofandGretle professional, withBernestine Excellence”Adderley serving the Commonwealth Collie “Service and family, and family, Doretha, theofGospel and theand entire Baptist Community especially Rev. Dr. Edris to the personal the Bahamas worldwide, with the highest level of consideration desires and financial comfort to our client families. Raymond, Valerie, Covena and Priscila Murphy and family, Anthony Bowe & Family; Rev. Sheila Mcphee & Family; Bishop Rev. Stephen Lewis and family, Robert Fertile and family. Linda Collie-Brown and Duncombe of the Jubilee Mission Baptist Church; Dr. Perry Newton & family, Vanda Collie-Capron and family, Cleolamae Hamilton and the Word of Faith Family; Rev. Eugene Bastian & The Canaan Baptist family, Lubertha Moncur and family, Dora Swain and family, Birkley, Family; Kathelene Frith & The Refuge Tabernacle; Rev. Dr. Marina Sands & Judea Baptist Church Family; Apostle Catherine Chisholm Eric, Shelton and Patric Collie, Prenetha Murphy and family, Adelphia & Good News Ministries; Bishop Carmel Gibson & Higher Ground Harrigan and family and Mary Hamilton and family; and a host of International Church; Rev. Victoria Barr-Burrows & Family; Rev. other relatives and friends. Dr. John Symonette & Rev. Dr. Elfreda Symonette of the Elevated Baptist Church; Rev. Hamilton & Helena Smith of Be Healed Revival To all of our family members and friends not mentioned, we do Tabernacle; Bishop Gloria D. Ferguson & Mt. Ararat Baptist Church; apologize for not naming each of you. You are also appreciated and Bishop Marilyn Thompson & The Mt. Paran; Pastor Anthony A. loved. Williamson; Timothy Bailey. Viewing will be held in the Halcyon Suite at Restview Memorial Mortuary and Crematorium Ltd., Robinson and Soldier Roads on MAY HER SOUL REST IN PEACE! Thursday (TODAY) from 10: 00 am to 6:00 pm. Viewing will be held at Amazing Grace Church, Andros Avenue & Wilson Tract on Friday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Death Notice For
Lurella Collie Burrows, 86 of Abraham’s Bay, Mayaguana will be held on Friday, September 25th, 2020 at Woodlawn Gardens, Soldier Road. Officiating will be Rev. T. G. Morrison assisted by Rev. Ulric Smith Jr., Rev. Anthony Sampson and other associate ministers of the gospel. The wonderful memories of her life will forever be cherished by all of her Children: Three Sons: Johnilee, Atwell and Winton Burrows; Five Daughters: Iva Saint-Ange, Era, Monique, Shavon and Cheryl Burrows; One Stepdaughter: Patsy Brown-Collie; Seven God Children: Rev. Dr. Ludon Gibson, His Excellency Sidney Collie, Donald Mcintosh, Advardo and McDonald Charlton, Valerie Bain, Idell Brown, Persephone Munnings and Hilbert Collie; Two Sisters: Eva Hamilton and Laura Louise McPhee; Two Daughters-inlaw: Isadora and Deborah Burrows; One Son-in-law: John Westly Saint Anns; Four Sisters-in-law: Coolie Osoria, Rosemary Gaitor, Cleomi and Valeria Burrows; Two Brothers-in-law: Alexander Burrows and Joseph McPhee; Grandchildren: Shabarone-Ajema, Latanya, Daboran, Thervessa, Sophia, Atwell Jr. Burrows and Shawell Baker. Shekera, Shecoya and Davante Turnquest, Doniel Weslyshia, Wesley Jr. Donowin and Donneshia Saint-Ange, Devon Robinson Jr., Latoya Charlton, Cowen, Coinett, Chekara, Winterly, Winton Jr., Jaden and Caitlynn Burrows, Kayuse, Clistene, Rudeshia, McKellen and Alexandria Burrows; Nineteen Great Grandchildren: Devon Ferguson Jr., Deshon, Deshonda, Judia and Nathaniel Brown, Adrienne Major, Devon, Devonyah, Malique and Janice Rolle, Luka Rolle, Eboni, Jaheim, Jayden, Philiciti, Addison and Ayden Burrows and Doniel Saint Ange Jr.; Eight Step Grandchildren: Idella Hanna, Shantell Hanchell, Terrance McIntosh, Hubert Jr., Karen, Valencia and Prestelo Brown and Tera Burrows; Numerous Nieces and Nephews: Rev. Reginal Charlton, Rev. Dwayne Williams, Christine McClean, Villadale Rolle, Hilbert, Elwood, Kirklyn, Constance, Derick and Malfred Collie, Lilimae
Hubert Remington Russell, 66 of Chase Avenue, St. Vincent and formerly of Murphy Town, Abaco died at Princess Margaret Hospital on Friday, September 18th, 2020. He is survived by his Sons: Travas Russell & Terrance Russell; Daughter: Kizzy Russell Maurice; Sisters: Joycelyn Bootle & Michelle Davis; Brothers: Ricardo Brown & Ray Pratt and many other relatives and friends too numerous to mention. Arrangements for the funeral service are being finalized and details will be announced at a future date.
Death Notice For
Sherlyn Ricardo McKenzie, 49 of Ferdinand Drive died at Doctors Hospital on Tuesday, September 22nd, 2020. He is survived by his Mother: Martha McKenzie; Daughters: Sherlycia, Shernee & Shernya McKenzie and Alexandria McIntosh; Sisters: Orinthea McKenzie, Keturah McKenzie, Register Nurse Nikisha McKenzie & Montess McKenzie; Brother: Alberto McKenzie; Grandmother: Kathleen McKenzie and many other relatives and friends too numerous to mention. Arrangements for the funeral service are being finalized and details will be announced at a future date.
MISSION STATEMENT: To provide consistent, sympathetic, caring and professional, “Service with Excellence” serving the Commonwealth of the Bahamas and worldwide, with the highest level of consideration to the personal desires and financial comfort to our client families.
PAGE 12, Thursday, September 24, 2020
THE TRIBUNE
Private Funeral Services For
Death Notices For
Mr. Alexander Strachan, 57
Mary Alicia Burrows Neymour, 84
of Jerome Avenue and formerly of Mangrove Cay, Andros will be held on Saturday, September 26th, 2020. Officiating will be Bro. Vance McKenzie. Cremation will follow. Left to cherish his memories are his wife: Sandra Mae Strachan; children: Clement and Michael Strachan, Diana Johnson; grandchildren: Alexandria ‘Punkie’ Johnson, Camari and Michaela Strachan; brothers: Leroy, Felix and Thomas Strachan; sisters: MaryAnn, Gwendolyn, Mavis, Maeruth and Paulette; Sonin-law: Alexander Johnson; Mother-in-law: Marina Adderley; Fatherin-law: Granville Adderley; Brothers-in-law: Kenroy Thompson, Allan, Bruce, Granville and Douglas Adderley; Sisters-in-law: Gaye Thompson, Lisa Adderley, Juliette and Ettamae Strachan; Nieces: Willimae Nekoal, Trudy, Brianna, Keva King, Alicia, Prenetta, Renia Sharon, Shirley Alice, Sophia, Gizelle, Nadia, Permal, Patricia Telsine, Lyndale, Janice, Dellerese, Tonya, Moira, Tamika, Bindy, Erica, Kimiley Ann, Elnecka, Samnatha, Gidget and Bethsheba; Nephews: Elvis, Cedreal Johnny, Nicolas, Leroy Jr., Mario, Orthnel Tommy, Anthony, Shanda, Kevin, Erlin, Marcus, Marvin, Jason, Derick, Jermaine, Nebraska, Justin, Necko, Mario Leroy Prescord, Clarence, Deon and Dominik; Other relatives and Friends including: Montague Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, The Old Centerville Congregation and all the congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Freeport, Grand Bahama, Club Landor family Paradise Island Beach Club Family, Peter Auberg and Miramar Villas, Dr. Alan and Tina Lyons, Tony Knowles, Yvonne Williams, Johnson Family Iva Bain and Family, Alder Brown and Family, Leola Bullard and Family, Francis Butler and Family, Lewingston Cash and Family, Jerilyn Brown and Family, Harold and Family, Tyrone Green and Family, Green Road community, Tony Adderley, Yvette Francis, Stafford Nairn and family. Alexander touched and came in contact with many persons, to all of our family and friends not mentioned we do apologize for not naming each of you. You are also loved and appreciated Viewing will be held in the Halcyon Suite at Restview Memorial Mortuary and Crematorium Ltd., Robinson and Soldier Roads on Friday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
of Fox Hill Road and formerly of McKenzie Hill, Long Island died at her residence on Tuesday, September 22nd, 2020. She is survived by her six sons: Pastor Derek Sr. (Lela) of Palm Harbour, Fl., R/Sgt. Warren (Karen), Dexter, Troy, Carlton and Keith (Melissa) of Clermont Fl.; daughter: W/R Sgt. Gaynell Neymour-Johnson(Felix)of Mount Hope, Abaco; two sisters: Remona Delaney and Annie (Winkie) Knowles nineteen grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and many other relatives and friends too numerous to mention. Arrangements for the funeral service are being finalized and details will be announced at a future date.
Mrs. Vernita Nita Smith Coakley, 81 of Gardens Hills #2 and formerly of Burnt Ground, Long Island died at her residence on Saturday, September 19th, 2020. She is survived by her one and only daughter: Carolyn Coakley; 2 sons: Charles Coakley and Jerome Coakley; 2 sisters: Mrs. Marina Adderley and Charolette Bowe, grandchildren; great grand; nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Arrangements for the funeral service are being finalized and details will be announced at a future date.
Stanley McPhee Sr., 95
MISSION STATEMENT: To provide consistent, sympathetic, caring and professional, “Service with Excellence” Commonwealth of Wilmar Road,serving Soldierthe Road and formerly of of the Bahamas and worldwide, with the highest level of consideration to the personal desires and financial comfort to our client Johnson Bay, South Andros died at families. his residence
Jan Allison Johnson, 46
of Pinewood Gardens and formerly of James Cistern, Eleuthera will be held on Saturday, September 26th, 2020 at Woodlawn Gardens, Soldier Road. Officiating will be Bishop Victor Cooper assisted by other ministers of the gospel. She was predeceased by her sister: Jenniemae McLeod. Cherished memories will always linger in the hearts of her daughter: Angelica Bethel; mother: Claramae Johnson; husband: Anthon Miller; stepchildren: Anthon Jr., Taneko, Daishaa and Charm Miller; sisters: Rhonda Saunders, Keysha Johnson, Sil Brinetta Johnson, Rowena McLean, Demetrius Carpenter, Mayfield Cash; brothers: McNeil Johnson, Clement Johnson, Derek Whyte, Ricardo Johnson, Eldon, Ashley, Arthur and Julian; uncles: Henry Johnson, Basil Johnson; grandchildren: Cyril Johnson; grandaunt: Sylvia Johnson; close friends: Thomas Francois; nieces and nephews: Walisha Pinder, Wentanique, Shakem Campbell, Frederick Delancy, Agassi Saunders, Jacoby, Jeremiah Johnson, Clendina Johnson Smith, Shavanya Johnson, Katrina Kelly, Clement Akeem Johnson, Chantae Johnson, Clementina Johnson, Zeena Simmons, Braddeisha Wallace, Clemnardo Johnson, Charlton Cash, Omar Cash, Justin Cash, Nekera Saunders, Lakera Miller, Tarfari Saunders, Malissa McLean, Rico, Ambrose, Nello Johnson, Zitalia Fox, Jenice McKinney, McNeil Jr., Maxine, Mac Donna, Quintero, Dena, Vantasha; grandnieces and nephews: Lashenik Finley, Skyla Saunders, Frederick Delancy Jr., Kalani, Cairo Delancy, Mellony, Cristello Johnson, Ambrose Rolle Jr., Azari Brown, Sanchez Duncanson; godchildren: Delano, Coby, Cadesha; brothers-in-law: Bille Saunders, Darius Johnson, Wentworth Campbell; sisters-in-law: Virgie, Judith Johnson; cousins: Delcie, Quincy, Calvin, Desmond Johnson, Ethlyn, Aretha, Keith, Cema, Julius, Kenny, Roscoe, Lamono, Henry Jr., Dale, Delano, Natino, Nateko Thompson, Quinn, Michelle, Caroline, Brian Jr., Brieth, Keno, Torey, Keith Jr., Latoya, Rosco Jr., Julieann, Keino, Kadesha, Robin, Tacari, Dania, Bishop Theophilus and Evonna Rolle, Sybil Johnson, Michelle Lewis, Nurse Michelle Johnson; other relatives and friends including: Sarah, Berkley Williamson, Lena Johnson, Richard, Esterlene, Jerry, Timertha, Shadrach, Jean, Levi, Andrea, Johnny, Roland Evans, Cheryl, Emma, Jane, Priscilla, Jeralene, Alphemia, Thomas, Isaac, Tyrone, Stephanie, Vivian Rahming & Family, Paula Clark, Sandra, Elsie, Lula, Wora, Florie, Norma, Delarese Rolle, Estermae, Judy, Mack Rolle, Helen Johnson, Peggy, Maryann, Wendy, Shirley, Lillian, Virginia, James, Jemima, Rosemary Johnson and Family, the Whyte Family, Ward Family, Pinder, Bethel Family, Matilda and Family, Christopher and Family, Judy Norman, Rudy Gardiner, Gregory Town Family, James Cistern Family, Robinson A.M.E. Church Family, Hatchet Bay Family, New Bethany Church Family, Audley Dean, Pastor Orlando and Clarice Thompson, Clifford Butch Scavella Family, Alvin Smith and Family, Akeira Nancoo and Family, Kimbo, Nioshe, A.F. Adderley Class of 1992, Nadine, Shatina, the Rolle Family, Ernest, Miss Grace McIntosh and Family, Richard Family, Ciara McIntosh, Sharine, Evans Family, Higgs Family, Ferguson Family, Thomas Francois, Finely Family and the Jacaranda Street Family and many others too numerous to mention. Viewing will be held in the Halcyon Suite at Restview Memorial Mortuary and Crematorium Ltd., Robinson and Soldier Roads on Friday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
on Wednesday, September 16th, 2020.
He is survived by his Wife: Erma McPhee; Sons: Charles McPhee, Glen McPhee & Lavardo McPhee; Daughters: Earlene Munnings, Alimae Dean, Jenetha Patrice McPhee & Victoria Nicole Rolle; Sister: Ruthlee Smith; Brothers: Arthur McPhee, Reuben McPhee &Howard McPhee; Others: Giselle McPhee, Sharon McPhee, Alfred Munnings, Roderick Rolle, Catherine McPhee, Grace McPhee and many other relatives and friends too numerous to mention. Arrangements for the funeral service are being finalized and details will be announced at a future date.
Ted Anthon Tarless, 79 of Moore’s Island, Abaco, died at his residence on Monday, September 21st, 2020. He was predeceased by his daughter: Patrice Tarless. He is survived by his Wife: Christine Gaitor Tarless; Son: Anthon Tarless; Step son: Nolan Stuart; Daughters: Candice Lewis & Anthonette (Softy) Tarless; Ten Grandchildren; Others: The entire Moores Island Community, The Moore’s Island Clinic and many other relatives and friends too numerous to mention. Arrangements for the funeral service are being finalized and details will be announced at a future date.
Terrel Alvin Adderley, 37 of #7 Sanders Aches of Fire Trail Road died at Princess Margaret Hospital on Thursday September 17th, 2020. He is survived by his Wife: Schamell Adderley; Children: Sapphire, Carter & Carson Adderley; Mother: Lula Mae Adderley; Brother: Dyran Adderley; Sister: Carla Adderley and many other relatives and friends too numerous to mention. Arrangements for the funeral service are being finalized and details will be announced at a future date.
MISSION STATEMENT: To provide consistent, sympathetic, caring and professional, “Service with Excellence” serving the Commonwealth of the Bahamas and worldwide, with the highest level of consideration to the personal desires and financial comfort to our client families.
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, September 24, 2020, PAGE 13
Private Funeral Services For Mr. Lawrence Carl Burnside, 61
Mitzie Papageorge, Glenda Mae Papageorge Scott, Marion Papageorge Davis, Vivian Smith, Gloria Smith-Moore, Arline Neeily, Alistine Mortimer and Margeret Cook; Aunts: Loretta McKenzie; of #78 East Beach Drive, Freeport, Grand Nieces: Romina, Charise, Raquel Evans, Vernishka Scott, Termecka Bahama and formerly of Nassau, New PaPaGeorge, Pedro, Ashdonte, Ariana, Determine, Tevion, Providence will be held on Sunday, September Tertanya PaPaGeorge-Miller, husband Leandros, Alexis Hinds, 27, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. Officiating will be Dymond Hinds, Antonia, Ladema Smith, Tabatha ArmstrongPastor Eric D. Clarke, assisted by Pastor Comarcho, Antoinette Butler-Smith (Lulu), husband Brian Smith, Andrew Burrows Pastor Henry R. Moncur Tekessa Armbrister, Lucha Rolle, Monique and Kenny Knowles, and Pastor Dr. Rudy Roberts. Monique, & Bridgette, Antwan Smith, Tamecia, Trinque Smith, Daliyah Smith, Denise Smith, Ashley Smith, Dondrea Smith, Precious Memories will linger in the hearts Donisha Smith, Nija Smith, Monique Snith, Bridgette Rahming, of his loving Wife: Dianna Russell-Burnside; Nicole Williams, Shante Smith, Shalanfra Smith, Rashanae Smith, Sons: Lashando Carl, Aliandro Antonio and Rashane Smith; Nephews: Carlos Evans, Delano Evans, Tevarrus Lorenzo Carl; Daughters: Lauren Latika and Lanelle Amanda; PaPaGeorge Wilmot, Verdant Scott, Jr., Alonzo Hinds, Antonio Grandson: Aliandro Antonio Jr.; Grand Daughters: Reagan Ashley PaPaGeorge, Tony PaPaGeorge Jr., Stephan Butterfield, Kendrick Shepherd and Payton Nyla Burnside; Daughter-in-law: Nakera Armstrong, wife Monique Armstrong, Sibrion Johnson, Carlton Burnside; Brothers: Anthony Burnside and Michael Richardson; Haven, Tommy Smith Jr. Jacarro Smith. Marvin Smith Jr., Drakaro Sisters: Lanchalla Denise Richardson and Aldise Williams; Sisters- Smith, Deandra Smith, Damari Smith, Damonte Smith, Demonte in-law: Bernice Parker, Shefell Russell, Kimara Fowler and Charm Bishope, Donnie Smith Jr., Antonio Smith, Dontay Smith, Teles Burnside; Brother-in-law: Abrich and Kirklyn Russell, Erron Smith, Wedell Smith jr. Kevin Moore and Steven Moore; Cousins: Fowler, Cochise Parker and Lorenzo Williams; Father-in-law: Bertram, Vernon, Denise, Jaravgo, Jovan, Jannal, JJ, Kevin, Dwight, Alpheus Russell; Mother-in-law: Marionette Russell; Adopted Thomasina Bowe-Mendez, Flossy Mae Bowe (Addy), Edison children: Willard Roberts Jr. Shawntaque Johnson, Andre and Bowe, Esther, Debbie, Patrice, Floyd McKenzie, Leslie, Susan, Aaliyah Arthur, Rocky and Tara, Isabelle Petty, Brandi and Brynae Janet, Nancy Smith, Diane Smith, Carroll (Tater), Hansel, Garnnel, Finley, Talia Burrows, Antonia Roberts, Dominic Hanna, Davanna Adelaide, Jan Bowleg, Marie Sands, Dorothy & Leo Rolleand Suttles, Keajanae Ferguson; Nieces: Abriah and Maronette Russell, Family, Jannette McKenzie and Family, Thomas & Sandra Glass and Charphane Burnside, Britney and Sheila Richardson, Orscanique Family, Myra and Family, Philippa Pratt and Family, Paula Mae Pratt Armiscat, Alayna Darling, Abigail Bridgewater, Roganne and and Family, Hon. Philip Brave Davis, Alyn, Dianne, Craig, Dom, La’ Krystal Moncur, Bre Pratt, Nier Cunningham, Eronda, Eriel Trevor, Eleanor Smith, Patsy McDonald, Sheila Minnis, Andrea, and Eashia Fowler, Talice Russell, Shassé Shepherd, Cassinique Sandra, Don, Gloria Aiken, and Family, Betty Sweeting and Family; Burrows; Nephews: O’brien Parker, Christopher Scott, Everette Grandnieces: Melissa Armstrong, Nardia Store, Nikita Comarcho, and Richardo Richardson, Abrich Jr. and Deon Russell; Grand Mesha Comarcho, Tanaz Cunningham, Jade Wright, Vaughnte Nieces: Crystal Scott and Zion Williams; Grand nephews: Everett Rolle, Isabella Ingraham, Quineisha, Letajh, Letanya, Demitria, Richardson II, Darico Bastian and Jordan Delancy; Aunts: Daiquania, DaNique, Delanique, Davonnae, Davonnique, Elicia, Wilderlaen Roberts, Ellamae, Lovely, Deloris (Delo), Samantha and Sheldia, Sastrie, Theresa, Marquanique; Grandnephews: David Loris Russell, Elizabeth Ambrister, Florina Rolle, Althea (Fanny) Adams, Frank Butler, Delvwyn Miller, Demetruis, Dion Jr., Dakota, Roberts, Carmeta Thompson, Topie, Rebecca, Uthama, Yevette, Siran, Rashad, Carlos, Jr., Dario Jr., Derek, Shamiko, Kylyn, Tevin, Catherine and Madisa, Myrtle and Betty Roberts, Dorcas (Goddie) Terano, Serano, Mark, Jr. Tervaruss ll, Terrique, Tervante Ikelle Mitchell, Hetlin Smith, Evelyn and Vernal McIntosh; Uncles: Alfred Campbell, Denrick Knowles, Dentry Mortimer; Great Grandniece: and John Russell, Richard Ambrister Bernard (Spike) Rolle, Rev Tatum-Blu Kemp; Great Grandniece: Tevin, Jr.; Best Friends: Merl, Rudy, Malichi, Phillip and Willard Roberts, Nelson McIntosh, Rev. PJ, Una, Myrah, Mitzie, Fred Moss and Susan Moss; First Baptist MISSION STATEMENT: To provide consistent, sympathetic, caring and professional, “Service with Excellence” serving the Commonwealth Rufus Cooper; Special list: Gina Grey, Lisa and Allen Arthur, Church Family: Rev. Dr. Keith A. Russell, Pastor and Associate of theand Bahamas andTaylor, worldwide, with the highest level of consideration the personal desires and financial comfort to our client families. Robert Eleaine Pastor Eric and Patrice Clarke, Ena and to Ministers, Officers and Members, Berean Class teachers, Sis. Shirley Carney Cooper, Dale and Carleta Carolina, Lawrence and Eleanor Weech, Sis. Eleanor Russell, Sis. Yvonne Smith, Bro. Donald Glass Palmer, the entire Jervis Family, Frankie and Arleen Sands, David and members of the Sanctuary Choir, Dudley and Maryann Ward, and Charmaine Wallace, Antanet Kerr, Falcon and Jean Pratt, Fred and Susan Moss; and a Host of Friends: Bishop Isaiah Musgrove Onetta Williams, Henry (Juice) Outten, Calvin, Mervin and The and IMMI Family, Bishop Henry & Carol Fernandez along with Macel Team, Nurse Patsy Johnson, Dr. Curling Roberts, Ash and The Faith Center Family, Derek & Joanna Spencer, Una Elliot and Collie, Violet Stubbs Uchee Pines, New Life Pastor Henry Moncur, Family, Girl Time Experience LLC. and Family, Chala Cartwright C.B. and Debbie Zonicles, Tammy and Ron Pratt, Shiann Moncur, and Family, Christine Lindsey and family, Inez Smith and Family, Aretha Bain, Sis. Una Cooper, Sis. Ida Dean, Kelly Lightbourne, Dolly Mae Pratt and Family, Lorraine Rolle and Family, Corrissa Sister Tanya Russell, Bro. Frank and Carolyn Rigby, Regenal Rolle and Family, John & Bernaette Chamberlin and Family, Pastor Forbes, Ralph Rolle, Donna Hall, Mavis Grant, Dora Hepburn, Glen & Mikara Russell and the Church Family, Monique Archer Etta Ewing and Sister Mutel Parker, Rev. Brian Sands, Sister and Family, Rose Mary Jean and Family, Denise Fox and Family, Chesse Smith, Ethyln Richie, Trevor and Synobia Smith, Wilber Monique Archer and Family, Carla Forbes and Family, Gayle Rodgers, Garth and Lisa Russell, Lenard and Kathy Forbes, Sis Seay and Family, Charmaine Brown and Family, Heather Hall Des Forbes, Keith and Daphne Barr, Ernest and Era Gibson, Philip and Family, Pastor Linder Gilbert and Family, Charlene Betheland Maggie Smith, Raslyn and Trevor Miller, Cynthia Williams, Rolle and Family, Apostle Mike & Chavonne Francis and Family, Fran and Antonia Scott, Hydan and Barbara Hanna, Michael and Marrinette Mottimore and Family, Ena Mae Padella and Family, Juliette, Princess Williams, Lamond Evans, Edwin Pinder and The Allie Pinder and Family, Evangelist Shirley Walstine and Family, Trading Team, The Lions Club Freeport, Lucayan, Omega and Bernadette Comparato and Family, Karen Coakley and Family, Lions International) Billy and Kelly Albury, Stanley Davis, Staff Anita Ambrister and Family, Kevin Ferguson and Family, Kelda and Students of G.B.A., Pauline Bowen-Forbes and Social Service, Sweeting and Family, Dave Barr and Family, Rigby and Family, Nema, Cecil Thompson, Samuel (Snoopy) and Ruth Rolle, Pastor Delvon & Latrieva Miller and Family, Musgrove and Family, Mama Andrew and Karen Burrows, Violet and Vince Patrick, Ryan Gole and Family, Rigby and Family, Obbie Wilchcombe and Family, Shepherd, DPM. Peter and Sonia Turnquest, PM. Iram Lewis, The Irma Bain and Family, Tameka and Family, Ernest & Joyce Murray staff of Bro. Mac’s Restaurant, Edwin Pinder and Team, Elvis and and Family, Shanna and Family, Ms. Joyce and Family, Hepburn and Susan Hepburn, The F.S.D.A Sound room team past and present, Family, Angela Flemming and Family, Jason & Chyna Lowe and The F.S.D.A church family and the entire Adventist church family Family, Patrice Johnson and Family, Dorothy and Family, Elizabeth Aretha Swann and family, Conrad and Banea Jennings, Michael and Family, Sarah and Family, Lena Anne Johnson, LaQuisha and Lynn Smith, Paul and Joan and other relatives and friends. Williams and Family, Paulette Stuart and Family, Janet and Family. The Straw Vendors Association, Five Pound Lot, Mayfield Park Community and Rolleville Community.
Mrs. Althea Smith-Knowles, 72 of #5 Schooner Close, South Bahamia, Freeport, Grand Bahama will be held on Friday, September 25, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. Officiating will be Rev. Dr. Keith Russell. Precious Memories will linger in the hearts of her Children: Janice Rolle-Johnson, Ron Frazier and Jermaine Stubbs; Son-in-law: Kevin Johnson Sr.; Daughter-in-law: Sonia Frazier and Nicola Stubbs; Grandchildren: Kevin Johnson Jr., wife Nakia, Tashnekqua Johnson, Thaao Johnson, wife Janne, Nicholas, Alicia, Ashley, Aldrin, Jertayah, Jermaine Jr., Lauren, Jermiyah, Jathan and Jertaziah; Great Grandchildren: Kamahri, Tahirah, Harmonie, Isaac Rolle and Datermine Davis; Godchild: Sipeachra Johnson; Brothers: Tony PaPaGeorge, Alvin Smith, Dwayne Smith, Tommy Smith, Dwight Smith, Donnie Smith, Marvin Smith, Richard Smith and Wendell Smith; Spiritual Son: Lorenzo McKenzie; Spiritual Daughter: Carmen Torres, Doris Whyms and Charmaine Brown; Sister-In-Law: Etta Smith; Brother-In-Law: Oswald Evans; Sisters:
Mr. Michael Glenn Thompson, 81 Professional Businessman of #161 Poinciana Drive, Freeport, Grand Bahama and formerly of Mangrove Cay, Andros will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. Officiating will be Canon Norman Lightbourne. Precious memories will linger in the hearts of his family: Eudane Thompson; children: Michael Jr. and Helena Thompson, Latina M. Thompson, Dr. Melisa and Cedric Hall, Peter Thompson and Cashena Thompson; grandchildren: Glenn Thompson, Meoshie Thompson, Justice Hall, Peter Thompson Jr., Tkai Thompson, Hillary Thompson, Cedric Jr. Nathan Hall, Anton McKinney; great grandchild: Glenn Thompson Jr. and Anthon McKinney Jr.; sister: Curlena Forbes and a host of other relatives and friends.
MISSION STATEMENT: To provide consistent, sympathetic, caring and professional, “Service with Excellence” serving the Commonwealth of the Bahamas and worldwide, with the highest level of consideration to the personal desires and financial comfort to our client families.
PAGE 14, Thursday, September 24, 2020
THE TRIBUNE
Private Funeral Services For
Death Notices For
Mrs. Marjorie May Storr, 72
Nesly Merilien, 44
of #62 Nelson Road, Freeport, Grand Bahama and formerly of Arthur’s Town, Cat Island will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. Officiating will be Canon Norman Lightbourne and Canon Curtis Robinson. Interment will follow at Grand Bahama Memorial Park, Frobisher Drive, Freeport, Grand Bahama. Precious Memories will linger in the hearts of her Sons: Dion, Rhett Sr., Jose, Kevin Sr., Sean and Ian Sr.; Adopted daughter: Robyn Adderley; Daughters-in-law: Bridgette and Rona Kelleyanne Jackson-Storr; Grandchildren: Natalia, Iesha (Mike), Jordan-Ashley, Mariel, Icia, Rhea, Gabrielle, Ian II, Jeffrey, Kyle, Kevin II, Justin, Rhett Jr., Keanus, Haley, Jade, Rhys, Rhyan and Ryan; Sister: Margaret Pintard; Brother: Stafford Storr; Sisters-in-law: Maltina, Michaela and Mildred, Beverly and Florence Storr, Sheila Varner; Brothers-in-law: Roger (Althenia) and Frank (Winder); Nieces: Dominique, Georgia, Tanya (Tamiko), Cherry-Lee, Shannen, Bernadette, Colleen and Erin; Nephews: Clifford (Amaryllis), Christian, Martin, Gregory, Ian, Edward, Osbourne Jr., Marcus, Bernard, Kennen, Nino, Theo, Florentino, Dwight (Michelle), Tyrone (Lashawndra) and Devon (Trish); Relatives and Friends including: Davia Walt and family, Vincent, David Jr., Georgia, Patrice, Alicia and Edward, Mario, Shaliniqua, Marissa, Teheilla, Krizia, Demetria, Arin, Adrielle, Ariel, Ann Farrington and family, Sanford and Mary Culmer and family, RH and Darlene Culmer and family, Harold Adderley and family, Sandra Clarke and family, Lollamae Farquharson and family, Deidre Martin and family, Anita Doherty and family, Debbie Archie and family, David and Ruby Knowles and family, Cecilia (James), Andre, Karen (David), Anthony, Sylvia Russell and family, Wilson family (Smith’s Point), Alice Hudson and family, Cat Island communities, Marvin Hudson and family, Allison Campbell (the late Patrice Campbell) and family, Auntie Val and family, Rev’d Canon Curtis Robinson and family, Venerable Harry Bain and family, Rev’d Marie Roach-Hepburn and family and Canon Norman Lightbourne.
Ms. Maltide Time, 50
of Murphy Town, Abaco died at his residence. He is survived by his Wife: Junie Dumercy Merilien; Parents: Helene Francois & Duversave Merilien; Son: Mackenly Merilien; Daughter: Neisha Merilien; Sisters: Mathela Merilien, Elianise Merilien & Herlande Merilien; Brothers: Vilet Merilein, Sonet Merilien, Cladius Merilien, Vernio Merilien, Vily Merilien, Ronald Merilien & Wilner Merilien; Grandparents: Herode Octave & Matina Eleusinor; Nephews: Osnel Eleusinor, Wedson Merilien, Roslin Eleusinor, Lacvena Merilien, Weedlaine Merilien, Chinaidine Merilien, Mika Merilien, Judline Merilien, Guilande Merilien, Leudine Merilien & Carline Merilien and many other relatives and friends too numerous to mention. Arrangements for the funeral service are being finalized and details will be announced at a future date.
Paul A. Simms, 70 of Casuarina, Abaco died at his residence on Friday, September 18th, 2020. He is survived by his Wife: Katty Simms; Sisters: Angela Simms, Elaine Malone, Gloria Bauer & Alice Medley; Brother: Larry Simms & Terry Simms; numerous nephews & nieces and many other relatives and friends too numerous to mention. Arrangements for the funeral service are being finalized and details will be announced at a future date.
Curtis Elton Michael Cartwright, 74
MISSION STATEMENT: To provide consistent, sympathetic, caring and professional, “Service with Excellence” serving the Commonwealth #68 Esherwith Court Freeport, Bahama to the personal desires and financial comfort to our client families. of the Bahamas andof worldwide, theB,highest levelGrand of consideration of Freeport, Grand Bahama, died at Princes died at Marsh Harbour, Abaco will be held Margaret Hospital on Monday, September 21st, on Saturday, September 26, 2020, 10:00 a.m. 2020. at Hunters Public Cemetery, Hunters, Grand Bahama. Officiating will be Pastor Sidney He is survived by his Sons: Michael (Andrea), McIntosh. Evan (Larissa) & Curtis Jr. Cartwright; Daughter: Tonya L. Cartwright; Sisters: Bernadette Tirelli Precious memories will linger in the hearts of (Raffaele Peppi), Mary Carroll, Rachel Knowles her Husband: Denis Servius; Mother: Odette; (Chris Solo); Brothers: Winston Cartwright; and Stepfather Choisilien Belot; Children: James many other relatives and friends too numerous Timie and his wife Shontavia Timie, Evans Justin and his wife Cassie Justin, Melinena Moise, Merlin Tasha and Yvner Philome; to mention. Grandchildren: Macquell Justin Rakyia Moss, Tymer Moise, Maliyah , Jada & Jayden Michel, Matthew, Elijah and Divine Timie’and Deon Arrangements for the funeral service are being finalized and details Philome; Sisters: Germaine Dumond, Layitille Tilme, Enoula Tilme, will be announced at a future date. Elizabeth Tilme Desir, Ismona Tilme, Edna Tilme, Risianette Tilme, Maude Tilme and Licitha Tilme; Brothers: William Tilme, Maxene Tilme, JeanMona Tilme, Rodger Jean Tilme, Prospere Tilme, Antome Fritz, Gerald Tilme, Lesly Tilme and Neslie Tilme; Brother-in-law: Charles Civilian; Sister-in-law: Jenny Bertilus; Aunts: Elusia Thervil Lubin, Janette Thervil; Uncle: Wilpane Thervil; Nieces and Nephews: of #705 Lucayan Towers South Freeport, Grand Witlin Civilien, Tristen D Civilien, Sebastian K. Civilien, Roger Basil, Bahama died at the Rand Memorial Hospital, Ricardo Basil, Yula Basil, Wilimine Basil, Joshua Basil, Jocelyn Basil, Freeport, Grand Bahama on Sunday, September Molly Bertilus, Lindalee Alcenor, Brian Sylvester, Judelande Charles 20th, 2020. Stanley Judson Raymond, Anaiyah Bailey Raymond; Cousins: Milouse Louissaint, Juselle, Joe and Djemply Lubin, Emanuel Aly, Guerda, He is survived by his father; five (5) brothers; Kerlose, Erlande, Rosenie, Wilna, Roselourde, Eriseline, Marisha, three (3) sisters; three (3) daughters; two (2) Sony, Soniel, Jimmy, Bernick and , Nickson Thervil; numerous uncles; four (4) aunts and many nieces and Godchildren and other Family and Friends too numerous to mention. nephews as well as a host of cousins, friends and relatives.
Mr. Edward Kent Farquharson, 54
Death Notice For Mrs. Mary Albury, 79 of Grand Cay, Abaco and formerly of Crown Haven, Abaco died at the Rand Memorial Hospital, Freeport, Grand Bahama on Wednesday, September 16th, 2020. She was predeceased by her son: Sinclair Albury. She is survived by her devoted husband of 63 years: Joseph Nehemiah Albury, also known as Myer; sons: Calvin (Valarine), Joseph “Myer Jr.”, Eddison (Tanya) and Elan (Celena) Albury; daughters: Ulamae Hield, Kathrina Cooper (Maxwell), Tisha Seymour (Alie), Minister Jacklyn Albury, Minister Deita Russell and Denise Duncombe; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren; sisters: Veronica Russell, Myrtis Russell-Green and Agnes Curry; brother: John Russell; numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins and a host of other relatives and friends including the island of Grand Cay, Abaco. Mrs. Albury’s funeral service is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, October 10th, 2020 at The First Chosen Pentecostal Church of God, Grand Cay, Abaco.
Arrangements for the funeral service are being finalized and details will be announced at a future date.
Matriarch Margie nee Smith Saunders, 88 affectionately called “Marjorie” of Watlins Street formerly of Staniel Cay, Exuma died at Princess Margaret Hospital on Saturday, September 19th, 2020. She is survived by her Sons: Perry and Robert Saunders; Daughter: Judy Edwards, Agatha King, Jinnett Ann Bowles, Pastor Nicole Taylor, Kathy Saunders; Brothers: Burke Smith and many other relatives and friends too numerous to mention. Arrangements for the funeral service are being finalized and details will be announced at a future date.
MISSION STATEMENT: To provide consistent, sympathetic, caring and professional, “Service with Excellence” serving the Commonwealth of the Bahamas and worldwide, with the highest level of consideration to the personal desires and financial comfort to our client families.