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The Tribune

Volume:115 No.214, SEPTEMBER 28TH, 2018

Established 1903

Weekend

WEEKEND: NATAJIA GOES EAST FOR CHINESE ADVENTURE

THE PEOPLE’S PAPER: $1 puzzles history

books theatre film fashio n music travel gardening

Weekend

Friday, September 28, 2018

GAIL DOES MAKE-UP Pages 8 & 9

Room to grow

Travel broadens island girl’ s horizons pages 4-6

ABOVE THE LAW

DEPUTY Provost Marshall Tommy Sands attempts to serve an execution order at Nygard Cay yesterday shortly before 1pm. However, he was refused access to the property.

Photo: Shawn Hanna and Terrel Carey Sr/Tribune Staff

Court officer denied entry to Nygard Cay

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net AFTER waiting more than four hours, the Deputy Provost Marshal of the Supreme Court was yesterday denied entry to Nygard Cay as he attempted to execute a court order to seize the property.

The developments, which saw both marshal Tommy Sands and a team of police officers denied access yesterday, led attorney Fred Smith to declare Canadian fashion mogul Peter Nygard had set himself “above the law”.

The order follows a petition by Save The Bays to have Nygard Cay sold

to satisfy the $2.2m debt Mr Nygard owes in legal costs from illegal dredging activities.

Mr Sands told The Tribune the purpose of the court order was to allow him to take stock of all goods and chattel and seize them for the court.

“The court’s order is being executed on Mr

Nygard,” said Mr Sands shortly before 1pm, “that’s the purpose of this order but I’m not physically moving anything. But I am seizing properties and making sure that nothing is removed from this property. So I’m taking an actual stock of everything that’s here and I’m seizing them.”

Mr Sands said: “(Mr

Nygard) he’s allowed access to the property but he can’t move anything until this judgment is settled.

“I’m just making sure that the owners or the actual person who Mr Nygard owes these funds to, that they will recover their funds.”

Mr Sands was accompanied by two security

officers, and could be seen speaking with someone through the bars of the massive gate that protects the entrance to the property.

After some twenty minutes, The Tribune was told Mr Nygard was on his way and that the marshal had agreed to await his arrival.

SEE PAGE THREE

BUYERS LINE UP FOR GRAND LUCAYAN

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

LUCAYAN Renewal Holdings Limited, the government’s special purpose vehicle given the task of finding a purchaser for the Grand Lucayan, has received “several” expressions of interest from prospective buyers.

Finance Minister K Peter Turnquest confirmed this, but would not reveal

how many enquiries were received. Of those, he said there were “some” Bahamian groups wanting to purchase the Grand Bahama resort.

While government officials are not yet publicly revealing what the volume of responses to the EOIs could look like, The Tribune understands there may be as many as 12.

However, the process to choosing a reputable and capable buyer comes down

to proper vetting, sources familiar with this kind of process said. The Tribune was told the government is keen on preventing this deal from mirroring that of the controversial Oban Energies oil refinery deal proposed for Grand Bahama.

The special purpose vehicle is planning to use several international due diligence mechanisms to ensure the prospective purchasers are SEE PAGE FIVE

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

A COMIC’S VIEW: LOOKING FOR A SLOW FIVE

SEE PAGE EIGHT

PAGE 2, Friday, September 28, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

Excuse me, but can I hitch a ride?

A LEMON shark pictured biting the motor of James Munroe’s boat.

By RIEL MAJOR A BAHAMIAN fisherman encountered a pleasant surprise when he discovered a 4ft long lemon shark clenching on the motor of his boat.

James Munroe, an Eleutheran resident, was fishing for barracudas off Current Island, Eleuthera when he realised the

shark had bitten the bait from his fishing line.

The fisherman then cut the line to release the massive animal. The lemon shark then wrapped its jaw around the motor of his boat.

Mr Munroe raised the engine out of the water in an attempt to get the shark to release his grip but the shark refused to let go.

Mr Munroe said, “I was

so shocked…I didn’t expect that at all. I cut the line and shook the engine slightly and he came off.”

He captured the unimaginable experience and posted the photo on his social media page. The Facebook post went viral and received over six thousand likes, 1.9 thousand comments, and 14 thousand shares.

Man killed as car hits wall

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net

• • • •

6 PIECES OF CHICKEN LARGE FAMILY FRIES LARGE MASHED POTATOES 4 BISCUITS

1786

$

+VAT ®

20

$

A MAN was killed in a traffic accident in Long Island on Wednesday afternoon.

Chief Superintendent Craig Stubbs told The Tribune yesterday the victim was travelling south on Queen’s Highway, near McKenzie’s.

The driver lost control

of his blue 2008 Honda Accord and hit a concrete wall on the northern side of the street, which caused the car to become airborne, he said.

The Tribune understands the victim was Marcel Turnquest of Mortimers, Long Island.

CSP Stubbs said a team was sent to Long Island to investigate the incident, but “preliminary indications” suggested speed

To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394

was a factor in the crash.

Regarding last week’s collision between a car driven by an off-duty Royal Bahamas Defence Force Marine and two pedestrians who were killed, CSP Stubbs said the investigation is continuing.

The Tribune understands the victims, both adults, were brother and sister.

The deaths of the man and woman, reportedly hit by a 2010 Toyota car, pushed this year’s number of traffic deaths to 55 – higher than the total for the whole of last year.

In 2017, 54 people died in traffic-related accidents, while 44 died in 2016.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, September 28, 2018, PAGE 3

Above the law from page one

At 2.15pm, a police car with four police officers pulled up and could also be seen speaking through the gate to several people on the property alongside Mr Sands. At one point, it was understood that staff had been given thirty minutes to vacate the property.

Mr Sands could be seen affixing a notice to the entrance gate which stated: “This property was seized by order of the court.”

The police officers left in their car after about an hour of waiting around and talking back and forth amongst themselves and to several people through the gate.

At various times, several people behind the gate appeared to be laughing, but it was not clear in what context.

At 4.12pm, the matter still had not progressed.

“Right now we are still waiting for Mr Nygard,” Mr Sands said at the time. “Mr Nygard was supposed to be here, apparently he got word and for some reason he is not here, but the court has made an order, that order is going to be enforced as sensibly and as humanely as possible, but it will all depend on what they do.”

Mr Sands continued: “Mr Nygard has one or two recourses – he can settle the matter, or then he can have his goods and chattels possessed. Once the matter is settled, everything ends.”

When asked whether he would enter the property by force yesterday, Mr Sands said: “I am minded to be as patient as possible and to deal with this matter, but to resolve this matter.

“I’ve already requested access and it has been denied at this point,” he said.

“Also you would have noticed that the police were here and the police were prepared to enforce this order.”

Mr Sands stressed that he had used his discretion not to force entry onto the property at that time, in a demonstration of patience.

When asked how long his patience would last, Mr Sands said: “That I will keep to myself.”

When asked what recourse the courts had after being denied access, Mr Sands said: “There is always recourse for the court, for the deputy provost marshall. The deputy provost marshall could walk on that property right now with police in hand and they just take possession of the property.”

He reiterated his desire for the matter to be resolved peacefully.

However, at around 4.45pm, Mr Sands advised that he would return in the morning – today.

Yesterday, Mr Smith insisted the ordeal was a “slap in the court’s face”.

“Nygard has once again shown to the entire government of The Bahamas that he thinks he is completely above the law,” Mr Smith said. “(Nygard) He has repeatedly defied the orders of the Supreme Court…he’s been found in contempt

DEPUTY Provost Marshall Tommy Sands attempting to serve an execution order at Nygard Cay yesterday. by the supreme court on three occasions. He is to be sentenced tomorrow and on the eve of that hearing he is yet again defying the deputy provost marshal, who is armed with the writs of execution by the Supreme Court.

Mr Smith continued: “Despite even the police being present, Mr Nygard has denied the most senior marshal of the Supreme Court entry to levy execution. I wonder how any other Bahamian would fare against the provost marshal and a squad of police knocking at the door if they can just tell them to go away and just wait for Mr Nygard to come back?”

“I find it appallingly undignified that the provost marshall should hang around outside of Nygard gate for nigh on four hours waiting for Mr Nygard to show up,” Mr Smith said, “or just waiting to be given entry, I mean that is just so disrespectful of law and order in The Bahamas.”

“This is the Republic of Nygard,” he added, “apparently we need a passport to enter the Republic of Nygard, even the provost marshal can’t go in.”

Mr Nygard is expected to appear in Supreme Court Justice Indra Charles’ court to be sentenced on two contempt convictions by Justice Rhonda Bain, who has retired.

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ATTORNEY Fred Smith at the scene outside Nygard Cay yesterday.

Photos: Shawn Hanna and Terrel Carey Sr/Tribune Staff

PAGE 4, Friday, September 28, 2018

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-

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Upholding public education standards CRITICISM of the educational system in this country is never-ending.

There is a widespread view that it does not work effectively to deliver the standards expected of it by the public, with observers citing as evidence low average test scores for the annual Bahamas General Certificate of Secondary Education examinations. Some contend that this assessment is confirmed by local employers who may have found it hard to recruit suitably qualified workers amongst the large numbers of young people who come on to the jobs market every year.

There is some doubt, however, about using such a measure to determine overall educational standards and to reach conclusions about our educational system, not least because the Ministry of Education has an obligation to provide education to all residents between the ages of five and 16. This means that schools in the public sector must accept all concerned irrespective of origin, language capability or intelligence level and all are compelled to sit examinations. Such requirements, added to the lack of performance of disruptive pupils unwilling to learn, inevitably affect the resulting figures which often compare poorly with those of private schools which can be selective and tend to perform better. So, an overall BGCSE score, while being clearly relevant, may not necessarily be a useful tool in determining the effectiveness of academic achievement in government schools.

It is generally accepted that there is a demonstrable link between education, training and knowledge and a country’s economic performance and that what is termed human capital contributes significantly to achieving growth.

This applies not only to the basic skills of language and counting but also to acceptable levels of literacy and numeracy, together with the potential for more specialised skills and learning sought by employers.

In The Bahamas, where government schools are spread over 22 islands in a 400-mile long archipelago, it is a challenge to provide teaching at pre-school, primary and secondary levels for, in some cases, just a few pupils in certain islands as well as much higher numbers in, for example, the heavily populated New Providence.

From what we have heard and from our own recent experience, the Ministry of Education is delivering well in many instances in relation to its mission statement to provide opportunities to all pupils to receive education and training that will equip them for the demands they will face in their adult lives. The Ministry is responsible for all public institutions offering education services including the Bahamas Technical

and Vocational Institute and there is currently an emphasis on preparing students for further education in technical, as well as more academic, subjects.

We know of numbers of dedicated, well trained and responsible teachers who are providing high quality instruction with a commitment to their pupils that includes help with afterhours learning and involvement in extracurricular activities. As part of their professional development, they are also required continually to upgrade their teaching skills.

In a well-ordered society, education should also be a matter for parents and other family members who can provide help and guidance to children. We are confident that society as a whole believes in the importance of education.

But, sadly, in today’s conditions of a lack of personal responsibility and commitment, such support is missing in too many cases.

For some school children from poor backgrounds in areas over-the-hill, who live in an environment that is hardly conducive to study and learning, it may be difficult even to attend school regularly (and be dressed in the required uniform) let alone to have done the previous evening’s homework. But there is often evident pride in overcoming those challenges and simply getting to classes – and one has only to look at the hundreds of youngsters emerging from schools in their smart uniforms at the end of their day to know that that is the case.

It is heartening to discover the Ministry’s new goal of increasing the graduation rate in government schools from 50 per cent to 80 per cent by 2030.

The current rate appears to be low, but that is hardly surprising given the extent of illiteracy amongst young people.

This is a major problem and should be addressed as a matter of urgency, as should the widespread adult illiteracy in this country.

Given the pressure on government spending, the money available for new initiatives to help meet the Ministry of Education’s objectives may well be limited. So we hope it will seek to develop more partnerships with the private sector. One example that has come to our notice is the annual essay competition that has become a national event organised by the Ministry in collaboration with the think tank, The Nassau Institute. We hope that other similar projects can also be developed.

Meanwhile, literacy and numeracy can be attained by those willing and able to commit themselves to study and learning. To acquire information through reading is essential for anyone to prosper in today’s world – and it enables people both to fulfil themselves at a personal level and to contribute to society.

Mandela legacy EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE Mandela speech at the UN yesterday... seeing that ZNS News was in full flight, suggesting that Prime Minister Minnis had some special choice or position in this UN event, may I clear the air?

In 2009, the UN Assembly agreed to have a day in September to remember the leadership of Nelson Mandela.

This year being Mandela’s 100th birthday... sponsored by South Africa and Ireland, a special celebration was organised.

The committee some months ago issued an invitation to all Heads of State and Prime Ministers to speak…very correctly The Bahamas was one.

For historical reasons, it is imperative that we were there, as Mandela’s release from prison, and the collapsing of the inhumane Apartheid policy of South Africa, the process all started at CHOGM -Nassau with the leadership of Sir Lynden Pindling and the Commonwealth action to abolish apartheid.

Before we all forget and ZNS News writers write this

out of our history - ironically it was the FNM under the late Sir Kendal Isaacs, who protested outside of the now Melia Hotel, with placards against Sir Lynden Pindling and PLP Government of the time.

The Commonwealth Nassau Accord is so historically significant, may I propose that a bipartisan committee be established to raise funds to erect an appropriate statue on Cable Beach.

F HUDSON, Nassau, September 25, 2018.

The true heroes of the nation EDITOR, The Tribune.

THERE recently has been much in the press and on radio and TV about Bahamian Heroes.

I can’t understand why many Bahamians think that politicians and past Governor Generals, who lived on Mount Fitzwilliam are heroes. They filled a necessary function but most of them were in the positions they held, because of their desire to be recognized.

Few of them had a genuine desire to serve the Bahamian people.

The true Bahamian Heroes are people like the Gallant 30, who volunteered to serve during the First World War. The Bahamian Heroes of the Second World War, are people like George Moseley, Warren Lightbourn, Michael McKinney and others who went off to war and did not return. A full list of these heroes are on

and volunteered to join the RAF as a flight engineer.

After 25 trips in a Lancaster Bomber over occupied letters@tribunemedia.net Europe, he volunteered the walls of the Cenotaph for 25 more. The last 47 of and the walls of the Lynch these sorties were in the Gate at the RAF Cemetery. elite Pathfinder Squadron, No Bahamian Govern- which flew the most danment has ever recognised, or gerous missions of the war. paid tribute to the members The odds that he would surof the Bahamas Volunteer vive 25 missions were less Defense Force. People like than fifty percent. The odds CB Antrobus, AF Adderley, that he would survive 50 Christopher Foster, G Lunn missions were infinitesimal.

After the war, and before and George VE Higgs, who gave up all their precious returning to Nassau, Basil leisure time during WW II, was sent throughout the to man look-out stations British Commonwealth, as throughout New Providence an example of the heroism and Hog Island (Now Para- that turned the tide and won the war. dise Island).

I look forward to readMy father who served in the Royal Flying Corps ing about Basil and seeing (RFC) and royal Air Force a statue of him, among the (RAF), during the First first group of Bahamian World War, thought that heroes honoured.

Basil Johnson was the epitJOHN A WANKLYN ome of a true Bahamian hero. Basil, the father of PE, Nassau, Ivan, Felicity, Janet and Jill, September 19, 2018. left his job at BEC in 1941

LETTERS

Where are all the projects?

EDITOR, The Tribune.

IT IS now 16-17 months since May 2017 and a change of Government and the sole, only one, project that has been approved is the Wynn West Bay Condo/ condo-Hotel project… struggling is the revamp of the Ginn Grand Bahama project on life support it seems.

On taking office, the outgoing PLP Government had led everyone to understand there were at least

10-18 major projects in the process of being approved PM Minnis is this true and if so why hasn’t your Government approved more?

Name them, please.

Let’s not forget a project which showed potentially extreme economic impact on Grand Bahama - Carnival Cruise Line Hub port - Carnival proposed to “hub” ships there and cruises would start in Freeport. Imagine all those air arrivals, ground transfers, hotel rooms, nights out,

alas the Minnis government does not want it. There has to be an explanation as the Minnis Government talked this week about their policy of a green tourism concept for Grand Bahama!

Hundreds of jobs would be created by the Carnival Port project. Far better having a port on Grand Bahama than spoiling one of our pristine islands.

ABRAHAM MOSS Nassau, September 22, 2018.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, September 28, 2018, PAGE 5

THE GRAND Lucayan Resort.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

Buyers line up for Grand Lucayan from page one not from the black market and are financially capable of running the hotel.

Last week, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis told House members EOIs had already started to trickle in.

He made the disclosure as he revealed the government made the decision to step away from the Wynn Group’s proposal for the hotel because its CEO, Paul Wynn, wanted extraordinary concessions in a deal that would have cost the Minnis administration $159.65m.

Those concessions featured discounted electricity rates and permission to employ hundreds of foreign workers, including some without work permits, among other things, he told Parliament last week Thursday.

Dr Minnis noted the cost of this would have been “substantially” more than the $65m his administration will now pay to temporarily own the hotel. However, opposition parliamentarians noted in their speeches that the $65m far from captures all the costs associated with acquiring and

operating the resort, with Exuma and Ragged Island MP Chester Cooper “conservatively” putting the overall cost at $100m.

Dr Minnis said Mr Wynn’s requests earlier this year made it clear the only option was for the government to purchase the resort in Grand Bahama.

He said of the Wynn Group’s requests: “I don’t want to say where I told them to go and how deep, but the government made it clear, Mr Speaker, that the requested concessions could not be agreed.”

In his speech, Dr Minnis

CRYSTAL PALACE RESORT AND CASINO WILL BE DEMOLISHED ON MONDAY

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE former Crystal Palace resort and casino will be demolished on Monday.

Baha Mar, the owner of the structures, obtained a permit from the Ministry of Works this month.

This will be the first major demolition in New Providence since the Montagu Beach Hotel was demolished on April 23, 1993, 25 years ago.

In total, four towers and the old casino structure will be destroyed.

As part of the permit approval process, Baha Mar submitted an environmental management plan that was conducted by Caribbean Coastal Systems LTD to the BEST Commission.

The implosion of the buildings will begin 7.30am and be completed by 9am.

According to Lenovo Construction, traffic delays and road diversions may take place on West Bay Street between 5am and 9am, with a possible extension of delays until 1pm.

“To ensure safety and security, the impacted area will be fenced off five days prior to the commencement of demolition and access will be restricted from that time onward. A safety zone of 500ft will be established around the site, overseen by local authorities. Law enforcement and security officers will be stationed at security check points 24/7, and the Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association (BASRA) will be patrolling the adjacent waters.”

“To protect nearby infrastructure, Melia and SLS are taking measures to ensure no impact to the ongoing operation of their respective resorts.

Twenty-four hours prior to the day of the demolition, winds will be monitored, and authorities will make the final decision to move forward with the scheduled date or postpone due to weather conditions.

“On the morning of the demolition, immediate areas will be temporarily closed for safety considerations.

“Public access to the area and to the beach from the Melia Resort to the Rosewood Baha Mar will be subject to a temporary closure and monitored by law enforcement until an all clear notice is issued.

“Temporary closures also including main entrance to Melia Nassau Beach Resort, ingress and egress from the SLS Baha Mar; internal roads and parking fields located near the Baha Mar Convention Centre; Baha Mar Academy; the Baha Mar pier; Pompey Market, Taxi Stand at Pompey Market and the Baha Mar beach.

“At Melia, all outdoor pool areas and beaches will be temporarily closed. All temporary closures will be reopened once the official all clear has been given by the local authorities.

“There are no anticipated impacts on the public infrastructure, including roadways surrounding the area of Cable Beach with the exception ingress and egress to and from the Melia Hotel and the SLS Baha Mar from approximately 5am until 9.30am.

“For the safety of the general public, there will be no public viewing areas established. Access within the safety zone will be strictly controlled to only those with appropriate credentials issued prior to October 1.”

“The three towers will be raised through an induced collapse in succession, beginning with the Casino Tower followed by the Marlin Tower and Hibiscus Towers, 90 seconds later.

Each demolition will take approximately 7 seconds.

“During the demolition process, dust will be actively suppressed by ten large machines providing airborne mist that is designed to bond with dust particles and minimise mitigation.”

“Following the demolition process, dust is expected to plume for a period of 15 to 20 minutes, during which time crews and heavy equipment designated for clean-up will deploy to clear the areas of dust and debris. Following the induced collapse, the site will be inspected to ensure that it is safe for continued demolition activities and public entry into the established safety perimeter.

“Following a favorable inspection, the safety perimeter will be fully reopened to the public and the hard demolition process will commence which will include the fragmentation and recycling of the remaining concrete on site in conjunction with the mechanical demolition of all low-lying structures.

“Perfect Luck (No 2) Ltd is actively communicating all updates and safety procedures directly with surrounding business, hotel guests and associates, in advance of the demolition commencement, as well as working closely together with local authorities and government officials. Perfect Luck (No 2) Ltd is working in partnership with community members and neighbours to ensure a smooth and safe process for demolition.”

said in July Mr Wynn asked to be given a 20 percent electricity discount rate, permission to employ 420 non-Bahamians for work on the project and an ability to have 15 percent pre-approval on non-Bahamian employment without the need to apply for work permits.

He also explained Mr Wynn wanted to be exempt from paying any increase in taxes along with an annual marketing subsidy of $750,000, no casino taxes and a commitment from the government to either buying or building a new airport within two years.

Further, Dr Minnis said the government would have also had to agree to pay Mr Wynn for any losses he may have incurred with a guaranteed profit of seven percent.

The prime minister made these revelations in parliament among several others last week as the government by way of a resolution seeks to borrow $35m to complete the purchase of the resort.

Prior to the May 2017 general election, Dr Minnis said Mr Wynn, a Canadian developer, entered into a letter of intent with Hutchinson Whampoa

– the Lucayan’s outgoing owners – with the intent to purchase the properties for more than the price the government will now pay.

At the time, Mr Wynn asked the government to pay them $2m 60 days after closing; $8m per year for the first three years for property subsidy; another annual subsidy of $7.2m for the following two years; and a $1.5m casino subsidy for five years.

Another $7m was also requested for three years for an airlift subsidy, along with an agreement for Most Favoured Nation status.

PAGE 6, Friday, September 28, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

Cargill settlement reached over firing from NIB role

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

PUBLIC Services Minister Brensil Rolle confirmed yesterday the government reached a settlement with former National Insurance Board Director Algernon Cargill over his firing from NIB under the former Christie administration.

Mr Rolle, who has NIB in his portfolio, refused to reveal the settlement value, but said from the government’s view it was a “fair” package.

However, he denied that THE Mr TRIBUNE Cargill received $500,000 as has been reported in various forums.

“The NIB board did

settle with Mr Cargill,” Mr Rolle told reporters yesterday following the morning session of Parliament.

“He has separated from the board and the condition by which he separated we regard as fair and what I can tell you is it’s not $500,000 that was agreed to for separation.

“It has to do with the whole issue with how he was separated and we thought that we offered him a fair package and we both are satisfied that the separation was justified and we move on.”

He also said: “He had been agitating from he was fired by the PLP and we just determined that we wanted to have a clean separation and that’s what we did.

“He wasn’t attached to NIB, but there was exchanges between his lawyers and himself with NIB over that period.

He was threatening legal action from day one and we determined that it was appropriate that we separate and after negotiations with him we agreed on a settlement and that’s it.”

In late 2012, the Christie administration launched a forensic investigation into allegations against then suspended NIB Director Algernon Cargill and fired A11MAIN NIB Chairman Gregory Moss. Mr Cargill was eventually dismissed.

However, the forensic audit did not confirm any wrongdoing and Mr

Cargill’s action for a 2013 wrongful dismissal had gone before the courts.

Mr Moss had accused Mr Cargill of conflict of interest and abuse of millions of dollars of NIB funds. The PLP Board also accused Mr Cargill of being in conflict because he rented an apartment from his brother, Godwin Cargill, and further accused him of spending $240,000 on NIB’s credit card within a period of three years.

It was later revealed that the probe cost the government $861,606.

Although several accuTuesday, September 25, 2018, PAGE 11 sations were made against Mr Moss and Mr Cargill, no one ever faced any charges in connection with the ALGERNON CARGILL allegations.

Talks with physicians after demonstration outside hospital DOCTORS MAY TAKE STRIKE VOTE NEXT WEEK

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter

By RASHAD ROLLE rwells@tribunemedia.net

Tribune Staff Reporter DISCUSSIONS are rrolle@tribunemedia.net underway between the Public

Hospital

Author-

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DOCTORS during a recent protest at Princess Margaret Hospital.

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Photo: Riel Major still require

that flat-out.” ful process, 16th of thismitted initially in January themonths govto maternity benefits”. subventions month, licensing since and theEarlier we would all see the value in agreements, over the from past nine Theto the CPSA has been July, theprotocols PHA has CPSA not made fundamental added the PHA ernment met and has PresidentofDr 2016.

Lock- A She registration coming table because all the but“agreed their to boards, with the incoming Boardthey on have sleywith Munroe and address several longItrying believe to thatsecure they undernon-financial with an indusany formal contacts us revealed aspect his of any negotiation to bearticles innovate stand that they are valuable standing adverse working union was seeking a strike August 24th, and discussed that Association”. trial agreement from the to forward this negotiation process is you submit a proto improve their revenue certificate after failing to maternity benefits, holito our healthcare delivery conditions.

The PHA Managing PHA and forthatseveral process.

They have not had posal, a counterproposal is of time capture to added make financial their day pay, and length finalise an industrial agreeThe BDU was supported system whatever years.

Director It hopes themake, agreement theunion respect, the decency, produced theonother side with new contracts ment withto the PHA despite bygiven President progress that we we by nurses terms are currently being organisations sustainable. doctors. more years Amancha Williams.

Thewith must make as a team.” negotiated, with the has last would allow senior doctors make contact anythan of twoand youofsit junior and negotiate a I cannot say that PHA Mrs Weech also said the meeting held on July 6th.

Last Wednesday, the PHA is also facing strike negotiations. to get an increase in their us to indicate that they are reasonable, amicable resodone that.

I don’t know if Mrs Weech addressed the PHA extended an invi- According to Mrs Weech, Bahamas Doctors Union threats from its nurses. benefits. to come lution with to what thattoproposal thea government has given tation the BDU for statustoofthe negotiations The willing following day, back staged a walk-out at Prin“conflicting schedules” between the the Consultant table and that is a each totaloflack is.” follow-up meeting to them dis- have these organizations PhysicessNegotiations Margaret Hospital. the deferment that caused mandate to raise cuss any furtherlast matters of of the on Friday. cians Staff Association The sources contention last agreed meeting CPSA andofthe PHA appear of respect for persons like While the PHA funds.

The government noting the offer date.

Regarding theweek BDU,said she itconcern, (CPSA) ourselves. members tempoincluded the PHA’s refusaldown, to have broken does not have as well as PHA needs to to honour maternity rarily vacated their posts to said the PHA is “of the still stands.

There was no indication however,overtime with Dr pay, Munroe “To date, we opinion have not the are funding to doctors just like BPL,if Shepay noted the PHA figure has byout, that there no stand in solidarity with the benefits, Mrs Weech yesterday saying:pay, “Despite what ought received more money, Dr Munroe negotiated with the CPSA outstanding matters related BDU and BNU. a counter-proposal holiday work duration when talks continue.

WSC,or just like will Bahamasaid yesterday the PHA sAir, how will you raise the has ignored doctors advice funds to meet standards about how it could raise needed to be met. There critical revenue. are revenues being lost in “The PHA is a quasi- this organisation and we have achieving made universal suggestions meeting will be useful Dr Sands government thanked “the organisation health the council forsimilar the “disin enabling countriesand to there by 2030. to BEC, the WSC are records from share experiences tinguished honour of they Dr Sands succeeds and when are facingand gain 2014 where we have forrepresenting The Baha- consensus”. He also high- Octavio Sanchez Midence, challenges, their boards, our positions of Minister mas as president” and lighted the importancewarded of Health on of their work direc-towards how Honduras. you might improve expressed his their hope managers, that continuing tors, create ways to get revenue capture in this funding,” he said. organisation.”

MINISTER ELECTED TO PRESIDENT ROLE FOR PAHO MEETING MINISTER of Health Dr Duane Sands has been elected as president for the Pan American Health Organization’s (PAHO) 56th Directing Council.

Dr Sands will preside over the council meeting, which runs until September 27, where ministries of health from throughout the region will discuss plans

to reduce the shortage in health personnel, lower the number of deaths from cervical cancer, and improve the health of women, children and adolescents.

Elaborating on steps the PHA could take to raise revenue, Dr Munroe said: “From the department of surgery, there are a significant number of industrial accidents that take place, persons get injured on their jobs, they fall off roofs and so forth; those persons are supposed to be covered under national insurance and the business office has the authority to bill NIB for such patients. Again, road traffic accidents, which we see a lot of, many of those persons have their insurance.

“Again those potential sources of revenue are not accessed significantly in this organisation. There is a huge deficit and I know for a fact they are trying to close that gap in terms of the skillset of their business office, with coding of diseases and accidents, to be able to send a valid statement to an insurance company. There are many areas where revenue is being lost.

“Persons asking for legal reports; there’s a statement; that is usually paid for. The department of anaethesia and surgery actually proposed to the former board members to put in place a pilot project to assist with this sort of thing. That was in 2014, this is 2018. Again, those proposals, those suggestions have fallen off deaf ears. We are more than aware of how they can be done.”

$80,000 DRUGS FOUND IN CONTAINER

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

MORE than $80,000 worth of suspected marijuana was discovered in a metal container tied on the bottom of a cargo vessel at the Grand Bahama Shipyard, police reported yesterday.

No arrest was made, but police seized 86 pounds of marijuana with an estimated street value of $86,000 shortly before midday on Wednesday at the shipyard.

Assistant Superintendent Terecita Pinder reported that officers of the Drug Enforcement Unit, along with Central Detective Unit

officers, were called to the facility where they found a metal container attached to the bottom of a cargo vessel.

On searching the container, officers discovered 38 wrapped packages of suspected marijuana inside.

ASP Pinder said police are continuing their investigations into the matter.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, September 28, 2018, PAGE 7

Judicial review bid rejected in case against URCA ruling

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net A SUPREME Court judge has refused Navette Broadcasting’s judicial review application in its case against the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA).

Supreme Court Justice Ian Winder in a ruling handed down yesterday, rejected the application by lawyers for the broadcast company and granted the relief sought by URCA with cost.

In that ruling, Justice Winder further ruled that a

decision in his hearing of a second Navette application for a “rolled-up” hearing would now stand “otiose” that is serving no practical purpose or result.

The application for judicial review was lodged on April 16 and sought to have reviewed URCA’s decision to rule that Navette was not the true holder of the 103.5 FM radio licence.

On June 15, 2017, URCA found Olympic triple-jump medalist Frank Rutherford and the late sports broadcaster Phil Smith were the true holders of the 103.5 FM licence.

URCA further found

that Navette Broadcasting only operated ZSR Sports Radio on Messrs Rutherford’s and Smith’s behalf, with the two men being the actual licensees.

Navette countered by claiming URCA ignored the fact the licence could not have existed without it following passage of the 2009 Communications Act, which required all broadcast licences to be held by incorporated companies.

ZSR’s licence, issued pre-2009, was in the names of Messrs Rutherford and Smith and thus non-compliant with the new law.

Navette sought to appeal

URCA’s decision, but the attempts were rejected by both the Utilities Appeal Tribunal (UAT) and the Supreme Court.

Both judicial forums declined to hear the matter on jurisdictional grounds.

Navette then sought relief from the Court of Appeal on the issue, and was only waiting for a date to have its matter heard.

Last month, however, the appellate court dismissed Navette’s appeal of URCA’s decision, but only after it was informed that Navette, by way of a notice of discontinuance filed on April 17, withdrew its own

appeal against the regulator’s decision.

The matter then shifted back to the Supreme Court before Justice Winder, who, after hearing submissions from counsel on the issue, reserved his decision on whether or not URCA’s June 2017 decision can be sustained.

Navette’s battle with URCA stems from the former’s opposition of Island Luck chief Sebas Bastian’s radio joint venture, Paramount System’s majority takeover of ZSR Sport’s Radio’s FM licence.

Mr Bastian’s majorityowned Paramount Systems

joint venture was supposed to use the 103.5 FM frequency formerly employed

by ZSR Sports Radio.

Mr Rutherford and Mr Smith’s widow are Mr Bastian’s minority partners in Paramount Systems, but they - and the 103.5 FM frequency - subsequently became embroiled in the legal challenge mounted by Navette Broadcasting.

Navette Broadcasting had opposed the station’s majority takeover by Mr Bastian on the basis that it – and not Mr Bastian – is the true holder of the 103.5 licence.

FOUR FACE COURT AFTER GUNS AND AMMUNITION FOUND

FROM left, Neil Quarrie, Roseline Quarrie, Andre Kikivalakis and Liniska Cornish.

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net POLICE yesterday arraigned four residents of Abaco in Magistrate’s Court on a firearm and ammunition-related charges in two separate cases.

In the first matter, Andre Kikivalakis, 44, and Liniska Cornish, 31, appeared before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson Pratt, charged with possession of a black 9mm Beretta and 18 live rounds of ammunition.

Both pleaded not guilty

to charges and the case against them was adjourned to December 18 for trial.

In the second case, Neil Quarrie, a 37-year-old Jamaican, and Roseline Quarrie, 32, both of Abaco, also appeared before Chief Magistrate Ferguson Pratt, charged with possession of an unlicensed silver and black firearm and possession of six live rounds of ammunition. Roseline Quarrie was said to be five months pregnant.

Both pleaded not guilty to charges and the case against them was adjourned

to December 4 for trial.

All four were denied bail and remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correction in the interim.

Police arrested 26 persons during a surprise operation in Abaco on Tuesday.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander said the operation started at 5pm Sunday with a sea campaign. Those officers were joined on Monday by a team that arrived by air.

Of the 26 people arrested, 21 were men and five were women, he said.

TWO ACCUSED OF MURDERS

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

TWO men were arraigned in Magistrate’s Court yesterday, accused of two separate murders.

In the first matter, Mark Kemp, 39, of Cox Street, stood before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson Pratt faced with one count of murder concerning a Friday, August 7, incident.

It is alleged that on that date, Kemp murdered Lamon Johnson at Dorsett Street. Fox Hill.

According to police reports, a group of men were sitting in front of a tree on Dorsett Street shortly after 9am when a dark coloured Kia Sportage jeep drove towards them.

Shots were reportedly fired from the vehicle in the direction of the men, hitting two of them before the jeep sped off.

The injured men were taken to the Princess Margret Hospital by private vehicle, police said.

One of the victims, later identified as Lamon Johnson, died at the hospital of his injuries.

The second man was treated and released.

Kemp was not required to enter a plea to the charge and the case was adjourned to December 4 for service of a voluntary bill of indictment.

Kemp was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services in the interim.

In the second matter, Rashad Reed, 26, was also arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ferguson Pratt, charged with the murder of Keira Musgrove and attempted murder of Austin Pinder.

According to reports, Musgrove and Pinder were sitting in a car on Peach

Street, Pastel Gardens, with a man when another man, sitting in the car’s back seat, pulled out a firearm and shot them both around 10pm on Saturday, June 30.

Pinder escaped the vehicle and ran to a house for assistance. The suspect reportedly drove off in a brown Nissan Cube with a wounded Musgrove still inside.

One day later, on Sunday, July 1, Musgrove’s lifeless body was found in a field off Cowpen Road. A worker cleaning the farm had alerted police to the body shortly after 6pm that day.

Reed was not required to enter a plea to the charges and the matter was adjourned to December 4 for service of a voluntary bill of indictment.

The two were remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

The men can apply to the Supreme Court for bail.

ISLAND LUCK WORKER ACCUSED OF STEALING $165,000

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

A 31-YEAR-OLD Island Luck employee was charged in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday with stealing more than $165,000 from her employer over a four-month period.

Christianna Taylor stood before Magistrate Derence

Rolle Davis faced with six counts of stealing by reason of employment, in connection with the theft of sums of $3,262 on Monday, April 30; $39,067.50 between May 3 and May 31; $38,187.58 between June 4 and June 27; $30,016.50 between July 3 and July 30; $53,005 between August 2 and August 20; and $2,340 on

Tuesday, September 4.

Taylor, who was represented by attorney Ian Cargill, pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Her case was adjourned to October 16.

Taylor was denied bail and was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Corrections until that time or until she applies to the Supreme Court for bail.

PAGE 8, Friday, September 28, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

Looking out for brothers under modification E

VERY neighbourhood, food Store and mall parking lot has them. Fish Fry and Potters Cay Dock may be the factories from whence they came.

No, I’m not talking about rodents, stray dogs or cats.

Nor do I refer to garbage piles higher than the Water Tower.

Still no luck?

Okay, the answer is ‘BUMS’. Yes, Brothers Under Modification.

Now before you get all fired up, please let me state that I truly have compassion for those less fortunate and homeless, and I will be the first to join a good and charitable cause.

The pejorative “bum” had a distinct and defined meaning less than a decade ago, today not so much.

I’ve heard the word used in everyday settings and in corporate boardrooms, each time describing persons as different in socio-economic backgrounds, education and lifestyle as east is from west.

These days being a “bum” does not necessarily imply poverty, homelessness or substance addiction.

In all cases, however, there is an implication of wanting something for doing absolutely nothing, except for asking.

Indeed, many food store parking lots and corners with traffic lights and stop signs are where certain individuals in our society enter our conscious space and inspire split-second decisions of whether to give or not to give.

Some of these characters have become immortal fixtures in Bahamian society as much as they are fixtures in our days. These are the ones I reminisce about, the ‘BUMS’ of old, who were around when I was grinding up.

“Bums” who entertained on multiple levels, both young and old.

There was “American Bob,” who spoke in a perfect Southern American drawl even though he hailed from West Street.

“American Bob’s well told stories (meant to cajole hands to wallets) were always impeccable and we all knew where it was going to end up, with him asking for some loose change.

The rollercoaster ride that was his story—rife with exaggerations, one liners,

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truth and cow manure— were worth the spare change you would send his way on entertainment value alone.

If one takes “bravado” into account then the great “Raker” was a major player in the game, and his place in the “BUM” hall of Fame is reserved.

“Raker’s” open consumption of Bacardi 151 (meant to mystify, and cajole hands to wallets) was legendary; straight from the bottle with no chaser.

This was only topped by “Raker’s” closing act, which was to extinguish an El Cuno cigar on his forearm while recounting his days as one of the winningest jockeys in Florida Horse racing history (true fact) for coins.

“Maggie Jason” was a slick basketball player that thought he could juggle sports, women, and vices.

He was wrong, but even during the lowest point in his life that crossover dribble of his was a killer, and

for a couple of dollar bills “Maggie Jason” would snatch quarters off the top of the backboard with his out-of-this-world vertical leap, thank his sponsors and vanish into thin air.

Only to reappear later with a shopping cart full of coconuts that he would shuck with his teeth.

Like today’s NBA, when compared to the Magic, Bird, and Jordan eras doesn’t seem to quite measure up, today’s “BUMS” can’t measure up to their counterparts from the past either.

They have let the ‘trade” of “bumming” go down immensely.

They lack entertainment value, while their sales pitches lack imagination and strategy.

A prime example of this is “Boogie Down”.

“Boogie” has been knocking around the hood in what he describes as a “lazy period” for himself for the last twenty years.

Gone is the “Boogie” shuffle which he made popular in front of the old Zoo Night Club every Sunday night as patrons invaded the parking lot lining up to get in. “Boogie” was like the Bahamian Gregory Hines--impressive.

Today, he is a shell of his former self, going straight

to the point, no more shuffle, no more jokes.

A direct “Can I borrow a slow three or five?”

(FYI “Boogie” in these tough times, plus add 12%, there is nothing slow about three or five dollars).

On top of that he has been unemployed for the same said twenty year period he’s been hanging on the blocks.

It’s not just “Boogie,” it’s also the legion of “BUMS” that invade Bay Street or the foot of the PI bridge, on a regular with their “gimmie dollar” routine.

I think these “BUMS” are hanging their baskets a little too high asking for “dollars”. They need direction.

(No they don’t need to Unionise).

They also need a business plan, and I have just the one for them.

(Trust me, I watch SharkTank religiously, I’ve got the perfect plan).

In fact, I’ve gotten it copy written and registered.

So, I shall share it with you all.

All practising “BUMS” should ask for a quarter, every time they approach some random stranger for a loan.

If you open with anywhere between one and five dollars you have priced

yourself out immediately.

Persons who are approached have those amounts (between $1 and $5) predetermined as to where they are going; ninety-nine cent breakfast, the dailies, the numbers that danced through their head while they slept, or they have their own vices which they need to fund.

Asking one person for $3 is excessive, ask that same person for a quarter it’s yours.

Now do the math, if a “BUM” asks 20 people for the day for a quarter and collects that’s $5.

I guess what I’m trying to say is, anything worth doing, is worth doing well.

Like your predecessors, if it means throwing in a dance or performing a feat of strength or agility to impress your potential Change Provider by all means do it.

This may turn the quarter you asked for into a dollar.

One thing is certain, in these economic times everyone should expect to have to make an effort to earn their keep.

Indeed, this global economy has even separated the bums from the BUMS. By the way, if you are enjoying this article might I ask…um..do you have a slow five?

A VISIT to the children’s ward by the Rotaract Club of Nassau Sunset.

In addition to donating Rotaract Club of books, the club visited the Nassau Sunset children’s ward in order to spend time with and read to the kids. This initiative Rotaract Club of Nassau Sunset. - September is not was so well-received that only the month of ‘Back the nurses were all asking To School’ fever here in “Where is my book?”.

The Bahamas, it is also the Luckily, the club had books month during which Rotary that were age-appropriate International celebrates and they were able to be a basic education and literacy part of the literacy love.

Nassau Sunset was worldwide - and the Rotaract Club of Nassau Sunset excited to partner with executed several initiatives BreAnne’s Care Closet.

BreAnne, the founder, is to mark the month.

Nassau Sunset gathered just a sixth grader. She credonated books and paid a ated the foundation with the visit to the maternity ward mission of providing school to donate baby-appropriate uniforms to less fortunate books to mothers who had students each school year. just given birth in an effort This year, the club assisted to encourage them to act on with the distribution of supthe importance of reading plies in addition to making to children at a tender age. a financial donation.

THE CLUB supporting BreAnne’s Care Closet.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, September 28, 2018, PAGE 9

EU standoff as Britain needs a trade deal

By PETER YOUNG

businesses in the UK are hampered by the regulatory burden imposed by BrusWHILE Britain’s deparsels which affects all even ture from the European though the vast majority Union in March next of small and medium-sized year is fast approaching, businesses do not trade Prime Minister Theresa with the EU. The UK May’s government is still would no longer be subject embroiled in negotiations to the European Court of about the nation’s future Justice or to EU directives economic relationship that have become part of with the bloc after Brexit UK law, but in all other – a term now firmly in the areas it would continue modern lexicon. to cooperate with EuroIn The Tribune last week, pean partners, not least in I described briefly the areas like security, policing, history of Britain’s involvecounter terrorism, the enviment in Europe and looked ronment and transport. at issues related to her EU Notwithstanding these membership and the decidiffering views, the point sion to end it following the in the withdrawal process United Kingdom’s in/out has now been reached when referendum in 2016. it is in Britain’s interest to The arguments for and strike a trade deal with the against leaving are finely remaining 27 EU countries balanced with a substantial rather than leave with no body of opinion on both deal on World Trade Organsides of the debate. ization terms. But many Against a background believe that such an agreeof so-called Project Fear ment cannot be reached in and its gloomy predictions time for endorsement at about Britain’s potential the next EU summit meeteconomic collapse with a ing in October and they weaker currency, job losses fear that the lack of a deal and a soaring cost of living, could potentially lead to Remainers regard it as madeconomic chaos affecting ness to withdraw from an both Britain and the EU EU of 500 million consumeven though Project Fear ers which may have takes about been exag‘As a major world 45 per cent gerated. of the UK’s economy seeking So, as exports negowith no to restore its global tiations tariff bar- competitiveness, intensify rier, and following they con- and with a Mrs May’s sider that permanent seat on unpleasant the flow confrontaof immi- the UN Security tion with grants fuels EU leadCouncil as well as economic ers at last growth. an independent week’s Being top level nuclear deterrent, outside meeting in the bloc together with Salzburg -would not when they only result leadership of roundly in a loss a rejuvenated rejected of trade her latest with the Commonwealth, proposals country’s Britain is too big for future neighbours trade but also a player to be cooperamake it less tion -- it is fobbed off with attractive worth lookto foreign an inferior deal.’ ing at investors recent no longer developments despite the able to export tariff-free situation changing almost to the huge EU market daily. from a manufacturing base To put these in conin the UK. Britain would text, some background is also lose the influence and needed. power gained from EU It has been argued that membership. the outcome of the 2016 By contrast, Leavers see referendum was not legally the issue primarily as one binding because Parliament of sovereignty. They want is sovereign. However, a Britain to regain her indesmall majority voted, in pendence by taking back effect, not to be a part control of her borders, laws of the EU’s progression and money. They maintain towards ever-closer union that the huge annual cost of and a supranational fedEU membership outweighs eral state; and, since Mrs the benefits in return, and May’s government last year any loss of trade from leavinvoked Article 50 of the ing the single market would Lisbon Treaty that trigbe offset by managing her gered the UK’s withdrawal own trade and regulatory within a negotiating period policy and being able to of two years, the process of do new deals with the rest its departure may now have of the world. They say that

become unstoppable.

At the 2017 UK General Election, both the Conservatives and the opposition Labour Party stood on manifesto commitments to respect the referendum vote and deliver Brexit.

But, with the continuing controversy and time running out, there have been calls for another referendum in a bid to settle the issue. Mrs May has ruled this out on the grounds that to deny the legitimacy of what was the largest public democratic exercise the UK has ever undergone and to frustrate its result would threaten the nation’s democracy. Furthermore, she has also rejected any idea of a snap election.

At the outset of the Brexit negotiations, it was agreed that budgetary and citizenship matters should be settled before moving on to the details of a new trading relationship. But, after fruitless negotiations about the latter, in July Mrs May presented new proposals at a gathering of her ministerial colleagues at Chequers, the country retreat of British prime ministers.

These represented, in her view, the best way to deliver on the referendum result while respecting the fundamental political need to keep the border open between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland as part of the UK. The Chequers proposals were aimed at ensuring trade cooperation while allowing Britain to reach its own global deals and with no hard border for Northern Ireland because of a “facilitated customs arrangement” whereby the UK would collect tariffs at the border for the EU. But for many Tories, including government ministers who have resigned over the issue, this is unacceptable, as are the provisions to stay in the single market for goods and agricultural products though not for services, and to maintain a common rulebook for all goods as well as allowing some continuing involvement of the European Court of Justice.

Add to this an agreement to continue to pay annual contributions to the EU budget, and the critics of Chequers say the whole package does not reflect the outcome and the spirit of the referendum. They say the plan leaves Britain committed to extensive regulatory alignment and acceptance of a role for European courts in Britain’s domestic affairs so that the nation would remain half-in and half-out of the EU. Nor are Remainers happy since they believe that the plan does not go far enough to achieve a “soft Brexit” with the UK staying fully in the

single market and customs union.

Not surprisingly, at the Salzburg summit EU leaders considered that the Chequers plan “will not work” and that key parts of it would undermine the integrity of the single market.

The plan was therefore unacceptable to them as well, not least because the EU also does not want to make it too easy for Britain to leave in case others may be tempted to follow suit.

On return to London, Mrs May complained about her rough treatment at Salzburg by other leaders who did not put forward any ideas of their own.

But, while still maintaining that a bad deal was worse than no deal, she pledged to keep negotiating in good faith with Brussels on the basis of the Chequers plan and to stay focused on obtaining the most advantageous position for Britain that would do the least damage to the nation’s economy. However, this strategy looks to

be doomed since none of the parties involved agrees to Chequers, and it will surely be a waste of time to try further to separate the EU from what have been termed its sacred dogmas.

As a major world economy seeking to restore its global competitiveness, and with a permanent seat on the UN Security Council as well as an independent nuclear deterrent, together with leadership of a rejuvenated Commonwealth, Britain is too big a player to be fobbed off with an inferior deal.

Moreover, given her large trade deficit with the EU, it is in the latter’s interest to agree new trade arrangements that ensure access to the lucrative UK market.

The question now is why a choice has to be made between a disguised sell-out (Chequers) and a fear-laden pull-out from the EU with no deal, neither of which seems to be in Britain’s national interest. Thus, there is growing pressure on Mrs May to ditch Chequers and consider a Canada-style

trade agreement that would eliminate tariffs and quotas for almost all products and ensure that Britain would have her own independent trade and regulatory policy and an ability to reach trade agreements with other countries.

In addition, there would be no budgetary contributions or free movement of people and special arrangements could be agreed for the Northern Ireland border. A leading free-market think tank in London, the Institute of Economic Affairs, has advocated such a deal and it has already been supported by leading Brexiteers.

The next step, domestically, is the upcoming annual Tory party conference where, given their split on Europe and with so many variables and different interests at stake, tensions will be high.

The hideously complicated Brexit saga rolls on.

Only the brave or foolhardy would dare to predict the eventual outcome.

PAGE 10, Friday, September 28, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

Fiery Kavanaugh denies quiet accuser Ford

Funeral Service For Albertha Shurnette Ferguson, 36 a resident of #6 Twins Close, Ridgeland Park West, will be held at Golden Gates Native Baptist Church, Lobster Avenue, on Saturday, September 28, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. Officiating will be Rev. Dr. Alonzo Hinsey, assisted by other Ministers of the Gospel. Interment follows in Old Trail Cemetery, Abundant Life Road.

WASHINGTON Associated Press IN an emotional day like few others in Senate history, California psychology professor Christine Blasey Ford quietly but firmly recounted her “100 percent� certainty yesterday that President Donald Trump’s nominee for the Supreme Court had sexually assaulted her when they were teenagers — and then Brett Kavanaugh defiantly testified he was “100 percent certain� he did no such thing.

That left senators to decide whether the long day tipped their confirmation votes for or against Trump’s nominee in a deeply partisan fight with the future of the high court and possibly control of Congress in the balance.

Showing their own certainty, Republicans quickly scheduled a recommendation vote for this morning in the Senate Judiciary Committee, where they hold n 11-10 majority. They’re hoping for a final Senate roll call next week, seating Kavanaugh on the court for the October start of its new term.

In the committee’s packed hearing room for hour upon hour yesterday, both Kavanaugh and Ford said the alleged assault and the storm of controversy that has erupted 36 years later had altered their lives forever and for the worse — perhaps the only thing they agreed on during their separate testimony marked by a stark contrast of tone and substance.

Ford recounted for the senators and a nationwide TV audience her long-held secret of the alleged assault in a locked room at a gathering of friends when she was just 15. The memory — and Kavanaugh’s laughter during the act — was “locked� in her brain, she said. Ford delivered her testimony with deliberate certitude, though admitting gaps in her memory as she choked back tears at some points and said she “believed he was going to rape me�.

Hours later, Kavanaugh entered the hearing room fuming. He angrily denied her allegation, alternating

Left to cherish her memories are her Children: Anthony Seymour & Jada Ferguson; Parents: Verline and Nelson Moxey; Grandmother: Albertha McKenzie; Sisters: Joanna Munroe, Nadia Nottage, Nelticka Capron, Aniskha Moxey, Vanessa Buchanan, Delores Edgecombe, DeAndra McDonald, Charmaine Wallace, Monique Thompson and Vandetta Rolle; Brothers: Marvin Duvalier, Damien and Omar Ambrister; Brothers-in-Law: Robert Munroe, Bertis Capron, Craig Buchanan and Salvataro Beneby; Aunts: Sarah Turnquest, Linda Evans, Paulette Bing, Shelia Ferguson, Valerie Green, Angela Phillips, Patricia Robinson, Stephanie Higgs, Ivamae Simmons, Doreen Russell, Sherry Duvalier and Terry Duvalier; Uncles: Carlton, Wellington, Jonathan and Neil Duvalier, Patrick Evans, Roger Simmons; Nieces: Mekell, Romeka and Arianna Munroe, Skylar Capron, Latisha Bain and Zyrra Munnings; Nephews: Trevor Thompson Jr., Robert Munroe Jr., Kristen Brown Jr., Ashanti Arthur Jr., Bertis Jr. and Bernaj Capron, Craig Buchanan Jr.; Cousins: Dario, Carlton, Karran and Crystal Turnquest, Deangelo Moss, Andrenique Hanna D’Antae Moss, Vashenique and Vashtiann Johnson, Welldaisha Rolle, Sherwell, Wellesha, Leo and Ahmad Duvalier, Carla Colebrooke, Tara, Brakell, Carlisa and Renaldo Duvalier, Kareem and Akeem Taylor, Deshawn, Corey and Neil Jr. Duvalier, Carysia Higgs, Jonelle Williams, Johnathan Jr. and Johnae Duvalier; Special Friend: Travis Richards; and a host of many friends and relatives: Stephanie & Shelia Forbes and Family, Dames and Nottage family of South Andros, Emette Munroe and Family, Maria Forbes & family, Woods family, Dana & Anthony Lyas and Family Ramona Bell, Dwayne McKenzie, Leon, Lucy& The Staff of Market Place Atlantis, The Staff of the Old Johnny Canoe, The Staff of the old Bahamas In-Flight Service, Norma Dawkins and family, Sunshine Park Community, and many others too numerous to mention.

Our Flower has wilted her petals have flown away but precious memories of her in our hearts they will always stay.

Friends may pay their last respects at Demeritte’s Funeral Home, Market Street, from 12-6:00 p.m. on Friday & on Saturday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until service time.

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EMAILS leaked from a ther’s The emails were obtained data breach of China ConThe Tribune following a struction America’s (CCA) by in December highservers show that from story the breach of CCA as early as 2013, Jerome lighting by a San Francisco Fitzgerald was seeking to servers China Construction secure millions of dollars hacker. paid 24 bitcoins in brokerage, trucking, and eventually equivalent of $24,000) limousine contracts at Baha (the have access to their servMar while he sat in Cabinet to restored; however, it apas the Minister of Educa- ers that emails forwarded tion, Science and Tech- pears relating to personnel or nology, The Tribune has to, at CCA were compromised, learned. top officials at Baha The emails contradict the despite they were not saying Minister, who this week de- Mar by the hack at nied ever using his office to concerned time. direct contracts to himself the Mr Fitzgerald writes, “I In an email dated May 18, that interior maor his family from the multo Mr Izmirlian am aware sent 2013, have began to arrive ti-billion dollar resort.

Mr Fitzgerald, with terials hotel. I would really Mr Fitzgerald - the Pro- by Porter, Shelly Cur- for the gressive Liberal Party MP QuentinAlarice Fill copied, appreciate it if we could be and your official brofor Marathon - appears also tis Fitzgerald indicates his appointed 1st 2013.� to be requesting $20,000 Mr to start brokerage ker for June a month from Baha Mar’s He then makes a request McRib readiness is trucking services for original developer Sarkis and of Mr Izmirlian for limouex- the Baha Mar project and sine services at Baha Mar, Izmirlian, citing the Back! brokers of rethe remain penses that were necessary as he touted the level of i’mthelovin’ property. for it! to cover the cost of his fa- cord

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Island is so devastated on the island has

Ragged remained “Every home The Nobody Minnis warns with those whohomes last week.

Does it Better! their NEW PROVIDENCE Minister Dr Hubert en Rag- discussion battered has been destroyed.

GRAND BAHAMA facilityABACO has been health on storm-strick Min- cane Irma 242.394.5555 residence Prime ELEUTHERA destroyed. The 242.350.3500teachers’ There is no water. and safety conditions EXUMA to deteriorate, urged the 18 been has been destroyed. The is 242.367.4204 no light. 242.332.3211 HEALTH the he smell242.336.2304 school will only continue destroyed. There about, you can yesterday as The in the afterged Island Minnis said to evacuate “As we walkcarcasses, dead animals. deister Dr Hubert on the island reduced will of dead stench(BAHAMAS) of the individuals remaining residentsIrma, which has REPORT LIMITED. INSURANCE we get them that of rubble and SPECIAL health conditions Russell, BROKERS & math of Hurricane it’s essential said.

AGENTS there to piles Words: Khrisna W Carey www.Insuran ceManageme teriorate and most structures Dr Minnis the only ntBahamas.c Pictures: Terrel island unlivable. Dr Minnis to leaveom off this island,� for rendered the bly reluctant stay here,� saw for the understanda home, expressing concern “They cannot as A1MAIN Many were and a delegation and days ever known through said after he damage left by Irma place they’ve hurricane ripped of their residences, first time the Five monster will have about the safety personal belongings. behind. We Defence concerned left are by the smell after the Category island. have “They may and the exacerbated of all esmaterials they the small southern a vessel here the same physical condition, the destruction still whatever Force dispatch the cleanup and at The island’s carcasses and strongly urge those said. the Defence Dr Minnis of rotting animalled Dr Minnis to small community can Force will try to commence security,�Established SEE PAGE 1903THREE that there is sential services, to leave until the ensure time Island has been on Ragged Ragged Island and be restored. to the residents; a walk through “I’ve spoken Minnis said following i’m lovin’ it!

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energy. solar, to produce of agreeof Works The heads the governMINISTER said challenges, Desmond Bannister ment requires to “address concerns� pressed certain and BPL delayed today marks which he suggestedof docu- he has “serious Power and ment and consistent WHILE with Bahamas to “keep the reliable of electricity on the for both sitsubmission the deadlineformer parlia- the tell- supply Providence, Light’s ability are chal- lights on this summer,� of island of New ting and to file financial ments. the abiliAmong these the lack will include finans mentarians Public Discloing The Tribuneprevent the whichmeet the requirement with obtaining may ty to disclosures, Chair- lenges from spouses, cial records in situations reliability from fulfilling of the project.� sure Commission the instalLaroda told requireoper- government This involves supporting man Myles yesterday that particularly Mar all the necessary they may have all to lation “of The Tribunestill some that wherebank accounts prior ments in the Baha re necessary ated there were He said there heads of agreement.he is al- infrastructu g�. that SEE PAGE FIVE are “outstandin yesterday, to marriage. some unwilling-n He added at new, alIn an interview in his dis- was also ready “looking including and apprehensio said ways,�

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By NICO SCAVELLA do much more to “fully Tribune Staff Reporter derstand this senseless unnscavella@tribunemedia. net of killings,� and have set law PRIME Minister Perry enforcement respond “as Christie yesterday likened quickly as possible� and in a “very meaningful way� the Bahamas’ crime in situation to the “Wild West,� their crime fighting efforts.

These efforts, Mr Chrisas he said the recent wave of murders in the capital tie suggested, would likely include dedicating must solicit a “major� and stantial� number a “sub“continuous� effort by Manhis ers to patrol the of officEmergency actiadministration to “flood streets The National New Providence and of t after they agement Agency (NEMA) the streets� with officers sithe police managemen in multaneously cations with from entering the vated its emergency evacuation a bid to do “all that is necesgiving them and an A DORSETT were blocked sary to bring this madness “the capacity to interdict at the Kenplan yesterday the movements of peopleBy SANCHESK area. were also shelter was established to a halt�. at the Staff Reporteret Several persons with respira- dal G L Isaacs Gymnasium Mr Christie, speaking on the streets,� incorporat- Tribune bunemedia.n Centre to the hospital ing more reserve police of- sdorsett@tri Elizabeth Sports with reporters yesterday, during Gar- rushed on Queen as a shelter S in Jubilee tory complaints. said the “madness� occur- ficers, and “if necessary�

Tribune arrivedwere which was used - for displaced RESIDENT to evacuate their When The ring is due to gang activity incorporating Royal Baharesidents forced last hurricane mas Defence Force marines dens were after a massive the scene, severaltheir roofs, as the the and retaliation. believed on landfill homes yesterday in the dump is smaller policing homes. residents.

Providence thick, pouring water efforts.

He said the past bloody The fire at by a in closer to their fire at the New Mr Christie also said blaze grew Parliament for Tall to have been started Road. weekend is a “shocking he blanketed the community of would be speaking also assist- bush fire off Fire Trail development� that will with black hazardous smoke. Bahamas Member Miller was AND THREE the Royal Pines Leslie in hosing down their quire the government rePAGES TWO SEE PAGE THREE entrance Members of to SEE the residents transportaing blocked Police Force as visibility homes and providing help. who needed residents to the subdivision tion for those zero. Angry dropped to in verbal alterbecame involved of human trafficking. fire off Fire Suppression Act, Chapter James Coakley, 53, a smaller bush to the city of 106. after a spread have ed by Cargill Creek, Andros Movement fre- Trail Road that blanketed Jubilee Gardens yesterday The former boxer was was brought before Fire Trail Road. fire the smoke in Jubilee the Free National areas in Chief in bushes off to prevent dump. The flees from the Magistrate Joyann Fergu- also charged with three A DORSETT YOUNGSTER done enough the New Providence Gardens and surrounding landfill that started counts of rape filed under at and threatened A at the New Providence to evacuate their homes. Hanna/Tribune Staff

By SANCHESK son-Pratt to answer to Reporter quent fires have caused some of thick, black smoke officials fire two Section 6(a) of were asked et Photos: Shawn Tribune Staff prompting issues. counts of trafficking in the Sexual Landfill that Many residents bunemedia.n perseveral homes, sdorsett@tri to develop respiratory sons contrary to Section Offences Act, Chapter 99. It SEE PAGE THREE came as a masJubi- them 3(1)(a) of the Trafficking is alleged that he engaged in owners in Their comments at the landfill, raging ANGRY home in Persons Prevention was startyesterday expressed sive fire was SEE PAGE SIX and lee Gardens concern that neither which officials believe nor disgust and Liberal Party the Progressive had any redespite not having many purchase WELLS sponse to his Mar’s former

By RICARDO offers, as Baha Izmirlian said cases of im- Tribune Staff Reporter enced alleged developer, Mr “stands ready, officials solicit- rwells@tribunemedia.net ROLLE migration from migrants

By RASHAD Reporter his company

By AVA TURNQUEST buy Baha

By SANCHESKA DORSETT developer ing bribes and able to The bill will allow Tribune Staff beatings of Tribune Chief Reporter THE originalMar resort willing complete it emedia.net and alleged prisoners in commissioner of police, the an law as it placed author- Tribune Staff Reporter today and Bahamian rrolle@tribun aturnquest@tribunemedia or a ity solely in the of the Baha the resort’s Mar with .net person acting on migrants and hands of sdorsett@tribunemedia.net his behalf, the independent States has de- immediately Bahamian conyesterday said judiciary, THE United Bahamas custody. the Ministry continued completiondates workers and chronic delays ATTORNEY General to obtain a warrant from a adding that POLICE are investigatthe Yesterday, the The opening highlighted Allyson Maynard-Gibson Supreme Court judge to in- international the ICB met ing the “intimida- of Foreign Affairs said lays, missedsupposed stag- tractors. by CCA for either ’s circumstances surtercept and examine standards government ental created yesterday defended the had “inaccurate� and “now or patent incomIn- son’s communicationsa per- and also addressed recent rounding the death of a of the ention of non-governm terception of Communicaefforts report cases “incom- gered opening� late next self interest stop now. The from criticisms of the and some three-year-old s� in must boy who was into Listening organisation tions Bill as an important telecommunications opera- Devices and au- and information. better.� tire property found unresponsive in Sarkis petence plete� a car an incident year shows that superi- Bahamas deserves by the government anti-crime tool that would tors, internet providers and Council. Act by the Privy in front inhibit “free of his daycare yesReferring to SEE PAGE SIX Minpostal services. offer “is thorities to enhance the privacy of criminal Education Izmirlian’s She said any suggestion terday afternoon. lawIn a statement yesterday, Fitzgerald or� to the current situation. for in which speech through abiding citizens rather that the The body of the toddler as problems this, and than ister Jerome libel laws� encroach upon it, as detrac- Mrs Maynard-Gibson ex- “spying legislation was a was discovered However, despite SEE PAGE 12 in its latest bill� was false. plained that this move shortly the Bahamas report. tors claim. was ter 2pm on Monday afunprecedented in Bahamiby a human rights also referSEE PAGE FIVE The report SEE PAGE SIX

ONE DEAD, THREE HURT IN LATEST

ANY LARGE PIZZA SPECIALTY

POLICE LAUNCH FOX HILL OFFENSIV E

The Tribune

Nassau & Bahama

MONDAY

4 No.72, MARCH

Newspaper

certain neighbourhoods� and the suggestion to do is “emotional and makes so no DESPITE the country sense�.

His comments came recording 13 homicides 13 days, Commissioner in hours after the country reof corded its 27th homicide Police Ellison Greenslade the year. Seven people for said the Bahamas is not have ROLLE a state of “crisis� and in been killed since Friday.

By RASHAD Reporter On Monday afternoon, average Bahamian can the conTribune Staff emedia.nettinue to “go about their day police also reported that a rrolle@tribun man was stabbed outside as normal day� without the an establishment Nottage’s fear be on Nassau of being attacked.

DR Bernard forever will At a press conference Street while two men were “footprints the Bahamian shot while in the at police headquarters etched on tal landscape� on Ross Corner. These area of Monday victims after a weekend of were developmen work as a forsaid “carnage�, Commissioner condition to be in stable through his of the Bahain hospital. mer president of Greenslade Athletic said the only soCommissioner lution to the country’s crime mas Association Greenslade said s, the Bahamas problem Association , theis to “keep prolific ply not enough it is simoffenders for people Medical Association and as a behind bars�. He to “point the finger said the at the af- Royal Bahamas police MinDoctors’ Union consumer in times of crisis�

FORMER Prime Police Force reminister for health and (RBPF) is not yet refuse to “manage to accept the ister Perry Christie their a defeat, was as I did when I fairs, education, considering Opposi- implementing for it arrears, into pictured yesterday. W. a curfew or “locking down SEE PAGE THREE COMMISSIONER national security, who was in sponsibility response to Photo: Terrel of Police Ellison Greenslade Philip “Brave� airport tenant described recent resigned,� he said in levelled speaking at a press e Staff tion Leader conference yesterday. as the criticism recent Carey/Tribun Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune on from accusations Mr Christie in Davis said Wednesday. questions on 71, died Staff administrati e spending, misfea- moves made by the government pandering at his administration Dr Nottage, the Cleveby a party of irresponsibl WELLS at a “misstep� thought

By RICARDO Reporter Wednesday He will receive sance and cronyism. that weeks. never any

By RICARDO WELLS he was “disap- to its base. acceptmaintained Tribune Staff “There was land Clinic. the three most recent He also said allegations being in arrangenemedia.net that I was degree Tribune relating Mr Christie inci- a double shooting Staff Reporter by the rwells@tribu gova state funeral announced, documents on my part any dents, which have left on Ross By LAMECH Per- pointed�around by the new to berwells@tribunemedia.net a review of controversies would ing responsibility for one irreMinister that secments man dead and three others Corner yesterday, lamented Tribune Staff JOHNSON Prime two tossed matters any the press of criminality,notion FORMER Reporter the “too bold� as to these his administration of according to Office of the the whatsoever yesterday condemned ernment concerning his last term spending andbare’ is just that much the country and po- in hospital in serious condi- crimes occurring nature of ljohnson@tribunemedia.net absolve ry Christie retary for the AS Anthony and prove as noth- sponsible Minnis administra- transpired during tion. is in the caplice is wrongdoing efforts by the his government in ital recently, as he insisted Prime Minister, continue to grapple that ‘the cupboard Officer-in-charge of prime minister.at accusations from of the FNM’s rhetoric slogans.�

A MAN appeared with the latest spate of slogans.� the that a “handful tion to portray as he challenged back in Newbold. vio“political political adminisHitting Central Detective light, PAGE SIX lent SEEcrimes, ing more than challenges I have Unit, offenders� remainof prolific Magistrate’s Court yesterthe Minnis SEE PAGE THREE a negative leader to carry out a law enforcehell-bent day accused of members of the controverment officials are seeking Chief Superintendent Clay- on terrorising “One of the the nation’s te examination of the sexually asled the governthe public. ton Fernander, speaking tration concerning than $8m to as the person who saulting a woman during the public’s assistance to “dispassiona out of more led the government in the media on the clean up at sial pay SEE PAGE THREE the Christmas holidays. scene of ment and who for hurricane record�. interview an to vendor lengthy one She is alleged to be a victim off of $1.2m During a home on Thursand the write his Cable Beach defended his day, Mr Christie

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FORMER PM TELLS OF LAST TALK WITH NOTTAGE

G concern ADMITTIN Bernard Notin over what Dr have battled last tage may his isolation during Prime Minisdays, former yesterday for ter Perry Christie admiration the expressed forth by the effort put security to former national the build-up minister in election. the May general from his Breaking away since being public silence office in hisof a voted out last month, toric fashion Mr Chrishis visibly troubled portions of his tie detailed with last conversation and longfriend childhood colleague on time political Thursday.

Centreville The former Nottage as Dr MP saw “fought tehis someone who throughout naciously� he loved and life for thosetrait he said he a supported, up to their saw on display . last conversation PAGE SIX

By SANCHESKA DORSETT SEE Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.n et

SEE PAGE SIX

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunem edia.net

IGHT AS PROM

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RS IN THE SPOTL

the holiday would on the actual date be observed of the historic event, Tuesday, January The change in the 10. public holiday calendar has been perceived by many as an attempt by the government to strike success of a seconda blow to the event by We March Bahamas.

CHIEF Superintendent Clayton Fernander, in-charge of the officerDetective Unit, Central drivers yesterday warned to tra cautious� after be “exmen forced a couple armed to stop their vehicle in the of the road before middle shooting and killing the driver.

Chief Supt Fernander said police believe armed robbery may be the for the killing. He motive incident could havesaid the “happened to anyone�.

The murder took place shorty after 9pm day in the area on Tuesof nium Gardens, off MillenWilliams Darling Tonique and brought the Highway, murder count to country’s 109 for the year, according to The Tribune’s records.

Chief Supt Fernander tee next month, said the victim, committee mians, identiChairman James Smith said former most of the foreign fied by police as Kendrick yesterday. employees Simms, was driving ceive all that is duewon’t reSince the money his wife, when anotherwith to Mr Smith said theythem. pulled en on an ex-gratia was givcar will, basis by however, ahead the China Export-Import receive a “high ing them to of them forcstop. figure�.

Bank (EXIM) and “The man was tended primarily was indrivfor BahaSEE PAGE FIVE ing through Millennium SEE PAGE FIVE

PARTIAL PAYMENT FOR

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemed ia.net

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By SANCHESK During a emedia.net A DORSETT address fromlive national Tribune Staff Reporter homicides WITH as his office sdorsett@tri the guarding the well as safefore- last night, Dr cast for Hurricane bunemedia.n residents of et Minnis Fox Hill.

Maria said: “Hurricane projecting the ACTING Maria is Commission storm to pass another During a near the Southeast of Police Anthony potentially er walkabout dev- son Fergu- Fox Hill on Tuesday, Baha- astating hurricane in mas Friday that we the announced yesterday Commission Acting Minister Dr morning, Prime must carefully monitor.� establishme Hubert Minnis Ferguson nt of two said the er He added: is urging residents Though most separate Royal Anti-Gang Bahamas Firearms of those of the Bahamas and islands to was spared Police Force anti-crime tigation Tracing and Invesbe vigilant units aimed and Unit will operate SEE PAGE TWO gang activity at eliminating out of the Central Detectry, reducing in the coun- tive Unit (CDU) the number while the of SEE PAGE 11

INSURANCE MANAGE MENT

Seniors go big for

‘We will still march without permission’

seats: Encaptured four Island and Cat were spent under to South Aners’ dollars administration. glerston; 1,900 votes and San Salvador; Christie the win with is evidence 2017 the as well as Exuma

By SANCHESKA A DORSETT Mr Christie’s 1,875. unofHe said if there�, the new dros VIRGIL ELECTION Islands.

DORSETT

By SANCHESK Reporter to the Tribune Staff Reporter

By KHRISNA Reporter the same route as seat, Fox According the the Ragged of “criminality et planned� even Tribune Staff from the Parwill allow SPEAK An additional being resdorsett@tribunem Deputy Chief without the government’s bunemedia.n ganiser Ranard Henfield ficial results Registration government course.

THE PEOPLE edia.net nemedia.net sdorsett@tri PAGE 4 was still permis- that “after revealed nounced its kvirgil@tribu sion. his Hill, law to take several weeks of last month that the to press time. and liamentary , Mr Chipman after ON’ back planned a decounted up DESPITE being In an interview and forth� the Cabinet his parMoments DNA ‘TO GO PAGE 5 march to mark the PLP IN a surprisingat the Departmentout of 12 pollwith The Tribdenied the as the na- This marked the worst in Office on anniversary AFTER leadinglandslide use of Rawson 50th defeat party won seven maiden speech Minand Parliament une, Mr Bostwick II said “there Wednesday rejected the group’s of Majority Rule.

LOSE humbling leader, Dr Prime Min- ing divisions in the former Squares ty to a stunning feat for a governing will be no compromise� application to protest for a protest This latest development Mr tion’s next PLP BIG NAMESPAGE 7 dealing a parapolls, outgoing that under recent history. in Rawson and the and Parliaments Rule Day in January,on Majority group will “not is yet victory and to the ProgresChristie lost PLP stronghold, while will nis promised victory came MPS ister Perry Squares because another set back for the organiBahamians The FNM’s won five. Bahamas organiser We March attempt towardbe deterred by this the “event lysing blow Party last night, years the Centreville his watch, YOUR PROJECTED conflicts with another sation that planned to protest fascist his seat in last night by Christie John Bost- and a rocky five PAGE 9 to fear from Mr Christie wick sive Liberal on II said yesterday Monday, January the abuse of our coercion event� already booked challengIn 2012, have nothing , pointing to despite conPrime Minister constituency representing the demon- constitutional 9 - the original rights and date.

FAR included two for that observance incoming the Centrevillestration said that Dr Minnis’ leadership, the government RESULTS SO PAGE 14 freedoms�.

Minnis declared date 25 votes aftermore than 40 won the eighth “will go on as planned, on n, which he Dr Hubert In a post on Facebook, Progressive Majority Rule Day.announced for of a fracstituency for time with have abused victimisatio tional� “im- es to area for reports the Liberal unofto lead or- Chairman Party that those who trust “have continued and ultimately However, earlier consecutive He defeated is “unconstitu MORE COVERAGE Bradley Roberts of years, according party this month it “wrong�.

PAGES 2-18 positions an- was announced the post 2,950 votes. moral� and to unofficial tured to fear�. ficial results. in Parliament that candidate Ella removal from has held Opsomething to thousands of According able his at the the Official Mr Christie 1977 and the FNM’s Speaking the FNM wasdefeat of leader of the House of by 1,349 votes at the Q House today. won all that results, the Lewis in the seat since of stunning a Christie pledged jubilant supporterslast night, ment position off Mr leader masDr Minnis on will give to pull has been Liberal Party time. polling division in securing a E Sports Centre but one administrati Terrance of the PLP, constituencies. Assembly. a long fought National MoveProgressive 39 “This was victory is not the Free also announced his General it sive 34 of ry Regsince 1997. released a but the Prime 2012. ment leader be sworn in as Auditor the resources AVA former is yours,�

Although he Bythe The Parliamenta TURNQUEST did battle, loss, The to seat about the his that he will fourth prime Bastianto probe how taxpay- istration Department re- mine - the victory Tribune islands thousands Chief Reporter of Bimini and Minister lost Movement statement didaturnquest@tribun not speak full election last Dr Minnis told on the carEleuthera, bringing The Bahamas’ at Govern- needs Christie not release 5pm the toemedia.net tal Free National packed with the and po- Mr minister at to 25 confirmed SEE PAGE SIX sults last night, in from the of FNMs cases By SANCHESKA DORSETT (FNM) candidate Reece nationwide. nival grounds. people’s time HEALTH officials numbers coming Tribune Staff Reporter litical newcomer is the yessecured agency around I “This “This terday and who is like a lull, quiet sdorsett@tribunem urged residents government from the and I am your servant Chipman, to period,� Dr remain vigilant edia.net McMillan 11pm. However it apagainst SEE PAGE THREE vironmental factors en- “We continue to get said. unofficial numbers, samFORT that ples as they the PLP only conbreedof the mosquitoes send them in for Dr Andre Charlotte MP peared that despite Rollins “The outcome the inspire “lull� intrust local transmis- testing but we have no fur- night that “there said last according to vention did not ther cases, which sioninofthe will be no theBahalast Zika virus.

Mark Humes is good. disciplinary results, said coming afor confidenceDirector but that’s of Public Health We’re still monitoring and against the action� taken “obvious� mian electorate sweeping defeat residents unofficial seven doing our surveillance.

Dr Pearl think that it is ROLLE tional Movement Free Nanow and IMcMillan yesterhave stood behind us day they night ter Fort Charlotte “I think we have

By RASHAD Reporter MPs who told him party would wonderfulthat there has aconfirmed been ousted party winning the the party have repeatedly lead- the progressing well and Tribune Staff stand the any a better chance been no as it relates Hubert Minnis Leader Dr to rebuild emedia.net new con- to could not he been victori- opportunity as leader rrolle@tribun getting the message firmed cases of the country per- election had since the deitself,� he said. leadership out the Official Opposition, of there and persons partment’s press for for- ership despite their beous in the PLP’sadding that reengineer heeding cause there is no release on it.

SIX longer, him.

AS HE called This Zika thing December legal basis THE REBEL SEVEN of, SEE PAGE RASPBERRY 5, which Minister Perry sonal affection for was pro- race in January, for such a move. made a mistake� mer Prime ard Lightbourn, Lorettafrom left, Hubert Chipman, Edison Key, the number of cases raised down in July, which came who ICED TEA “the party resign as leader is when RichMr Sears, He added that Butler-Turner, Neko in New we usually Mr Christie.

Free NaChristie to Providence from a formal Andre Rollins.

Liberal Grant, Theo Neilly, get our first case objection in choosing to lose to the 22 to 23. and Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune has been Al- jected Movement’s (FNM) of the Progressive There is one case last night, SEE PAGE SIX against “the bogus lodged solidify widespread support Staff each on the tional Party (PLP) charges� saw he FNM’s Executive around a new leader.� said levelled against him Commitfred Sears tee would not have His remarks came six other members and the a case ment who took of Parlia- e-mail in response to in an because the group’s actions part ques- “were consistent action of removing in the tions from The Tribune. constitutionally with the Dr Rollins echoed nis from the post. Dr Minprotected Dr Rollins sentiments the said a growing of Long Island right of parliamentarians to number of MP recall a parliamentary FNMs are admitting Loretta lead“that and St Anne’sButler-Turner er when they the best course of MP Hubert confidence no longer have action for Chipman, who the party to take in his/her ability last under present circumstances the said the if the matter week to lead.� were is to to be taken to court, the SEE PAGE THREE

ALFRED SEARS URGES

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30th, 2017

$24,498

By AVA TURNQUES T Tribune Chief aturnquest@tr Reporter ibunemedia.ne t WATER and Sewerage Corporation Adrian Gibson Chairman yesterday confirmed the existence of a “do not list populateddisconnect� by scores of elites at the government owned utility provider as he pledged initiate a crackdown to on delinquent accounts.

Mr Gibson told The Tribune the list� held “confidential 221accounts with a combined , total of $175,000 for ending June the period 2017.

He said that he plans to direct the corporation to notify all persons owing excessive arrears to resolve debts or face disconnectio n. “There is dential list,� a list confiIsland MP said.the Long “In fact, I that all the would think over the last corporations year or two, and more particularly May of this in year, there has been tion paid toclose attenthat list by the managemen t with a view to changing the way those lists usually operate. “As it stands, this confidential list of persons has a number on it, and really and truly used to notify it’s being courtesy call persons by or letters.

I can say too chairman of that as the the corporation I am going that all personsto direct excessive arrears owing who are SEE PAGE EIGHT

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FNM roars to

No.152, JUNE

DR PERRY GOMEZ

PROP

Volume:114

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OH, AND THERE’S AN ELITE WATER LIST TOO

LESLIE MILLER $42,219

WHO RUNS BPL

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By AVA TURNQUES T Tribune Chief officials could Reporter aturnquest@ not be reached up tribunemedia to .net According press time.

FOUR former to sources Progres- close to the sive Liberal Party Cabinet Monday Mr matter, as of ministers owed Wells has since more than paid $9,000 on $20,000 each his accounts at Bahamas with an outstanding Power and Light, balformer minister with one ance of some $8,600.

The source for some $60,000 in arrears also said as ARNOLD as of July, of Monday according to FORBES a list obtained in talks withMr Forbes was

by The Tribune. $62,023 to settle the the company The Credit and Collec- a three-monthbalance over tions Department period. Mr listing of Forbes, former MPs, senators PLP Mount and board Moriah MP, members for the period to Cabinet was appointed ending July in January that former 31, revealed and previously served 2015, State Minister chairman as the in the Ministry of the Bahamas Arnold Forbes of Works Agricultural and Industrial owed BPL Corporation. $62,023.14.

Others on The list obtained the “do not Tribune contains by The disconnect� list are: former delin- Minister of Health quent accounts of six Perry Gomez, former Dr former PLP Cabinet minisPines MP Tall ters, two former Leslie Miller, PLP MPs, former Minister two private of one sitting entities, and Dr Danny Johnson, Youth former Cabinet min- Nassau Village ister: Bamboo MP Dion Renward Wells. Town MP Smith, former Tourism Minister Obie Mr Wells, Wilchcombe DR DANIEL , $9,277.07 and who owed former South Beach MP JOHNSON two separate $3,703.96 at Cleola Hamilton $24,413 $12,981.03 in locations - former Minister of and total – did not for Legal State want to comment Affairs Damian yester- Gomez. day, and the other former SEE PAGE EIGHT

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By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business utility operator Editor nhartnell@tr ing to “walk is quite willibunemedia.n away� from et maximum $25m, five-yearit BAHAMAS BPL Light’s (BPL) Power & if themanagement contract board and hold a “crunchboard will administrati Minnis on with PowerSecur meeting�

The meeting,wish it to go. with the outcome e today, be attended which will ical in deciding likely crit- executives by PowerSecure and their attorneys latter remains whether the from the US, is viewed as manager.

Multiple Tribune CLEOLA as key to determining Business sources whether HAMILTON OBIE yesterday two sides will “kiss and the confirmed $6,118 make up� or WILCHCOMBE that the DAMIAN US FULL separate. $4,911 STORY - SEE GOMEZ BUSINESS NINE individuals $3,413 July. The sums named on the BPL “do HURRICANE not disconnect� do not include any payments list INSURANCE: made or furtherand the amount they owed at the end of debt incurred since that date.

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Marsh Harbour Healthcare Centre has a tortured history, one of missed deadlines and claims of shoddy of- workmanship, all without GOVERNMENT clear accountability. ficials commissioned the any The facility’s original Marsh Harbour Healthwent bankrupt. care Centre in Abaco yes- contractor the of Construction THURSDAY, terday, touting it as a longDECEMBER began centre 29, 2016 awaited boost to the island healthcare the former Ingraham TheTribune PRICE – $1 (Family and the Christie adminis- under Islands $1.50) tration’s National Health administration.

When the Christie adInsurance plans. came to power, Like the Child and Ado- ministration renovating the $" ) (0-% Ĺš $1m the new health centre in lescent and Robert Smith it spent PRIME Minister Perry Christie tours SEE PAGE SIX Abaco yesterday.

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Volume: 113 No.27

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FIREFIGHTERS yesterday battled a large blaze at the New Providence Landfill, nearly three weeks after tackling a massive fire at the city dump that burned for nearly a month.

Officer in Charge of Fire Services, Chief Superintendent Walter Evans said the current fire is “not connected� in any way to the previous blaze and at this time officials do not know PRIME Minister what caused the fire. HowDr Hubert Minnis meeting ever Environment Minister Kendera Woodside, the mother of Kenred Dorsett told remurdered Eugene Woodside. he RASHAD porters at the siteBythat TribuneinStaff ROLLE suspected “sabotage�

Three Reporter rrolle@tribun He said emedia.net Photo: Yontalay relation to the fire. after murder that days the Bowe team he “instructed� the struggle withpushed the country’s composure.

THE the hugs and have Dr Minnis said of firefighters towords comforting the national violent crime into he felt the fam- Each citizen has of Prime ily’s spotlight yet “before a responsibilit blaze extinguished Minister Dr her pain remained and again, even pain. “What makes Hubert y our countries.

Minnis and today and me feel has whatever information worse is that nomination day� “He ain’t even acute.

Patricia we must bring Yes one most we see in Minnis couldn’this wife God,�

Baha Mar’s live a life, certainly beforethe that forward. mother more than I feel for this the yard, of those These criminals my answer Mrs I can say.� questions Dr Minnis opening on Friday. that consumed “He’s a baby. Woodside cried. my years as a medicalI, during Mrs Minnis, live among us.� said he will Kendera shortly Woodside yesterday medical attention doctor, to ensure The blaze started breath right I could give my the family who emphasised Mrs she grieved is and provided to as now Wednesday that 3am for Woodside, after just for her appearher baby ance before year-old said officEugene, whoson, eight- my to be right here. They my “You can see who is pregnant.

Chief Supt Evans political move,them was not a heart out my take was killed four theago. the grieving fire body. ers expect to battledays to wear black called on women pain she’s going through,� and “This my “Why but daythese for at least another people ain’t he almost shoot only son. They in mourning one day this week said. “I assured her ing a “huge� tellthat somefor my daughter time today they he said the wind isme “As a mother, murder victims.

(Friday) too right now?� bringing my son and they inside (the medical personnel we will have I’m calling factor. house) with she cried between me. What all mothers screams they do to come because I upon after her as SIX SEE PAGE Dr Minnis my family? believe mothers because she’sto look really console the tried to What they do to us? would’ve delivered nant. can family at their “Why they most of them said Mrs Minnis, who stop this,� her I have to make surepregbud Road so Rosethey ain’ are carry home where and her that live 29 years, closer was tearful at times. “We was shot by Eugene He’s a baby.� me? I they are my formerto me knowing have both well and unborn infant are a stray bullet Tonio Woodside, patients,� Dr we cradle from birthour sons who arrangemen we will also Monday as Minnis, a gynaecologi on father, make he did his homework. and as Eugene’s become men consoled st by fession, said. we are still they necessary ts to make sure the as he struggled his wife even “The messagepro- them. We have medical personnel with we to speak with look after her to maintain must send to the entire and see is the police Bahamas them. I think all women can’t fight this wear should regular basis to ensure her on a alone. and black one day this the safety of her and her week mourn what’s unborn infant.� happening in SEE PAGE TWO PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Chairman Bradley Roberts lashed out at his former party colleague Vincent Peet last night, accusBy NEIL HARTNELL ing the former North AnTribune Business so alarmed dros and Berry Islands MP Editor by the Caribnhartnell@tr bean Financial ibunemedia.n of being a “political enemy�

Action Task By RASHAD ROLLE et Force’s (CFATF) Tribune Staff THE Attorney who mounted an independreIn June, Reporter ONE of the leaked emails showing a draft rrolle@tribun Gen- report on The he told Pareral yesterday ent campaign because he Sciliament emedia.net quest from Minister of Education, slammed that he instructed Bahamas the deficiencies was denied a nomination cost Bahamians to ence and Technology Jerome Fitzgerald.

BRENSIL anti-money in the nation’s to begin work on his staff of from the governing party.

Rolle, min- increases such addressing ister of laundering the flaws from was $10,149,738. regime as Speaking to PLP suppublic services for Limolink in The The revision “entirely unacand clientele with which his agent Mr Bethel early June. ceptable�, warning You are encour- porters at a rally in North blasted the said National Insurance, he included comes after limousine company was fa- Bahamas. between put The Bahamas they had former Christie more to get a reference from Andros last night, Mr Robaged miliar. “in great tration for failing adminis- 2016 and May December 1,700 workers that werethan if erts said “this is war� as danger�.

2017, the in his original not regard the the president of Viacom “Also withA1MAIN known weaknesses to tackle public purse count.

Carl Bethel wish. Please feel free he urged the crowd to vote ballooned Amid the told Trib- necessary urgency. with the $16,532,738 because limousine business we you by une Business contact me personally for incumbent Dr Perry Liberal Party’sProgressive of he had been FULL Christie are ready to meet with to administrati the of the criticism have your agents contact Gomez, adding that a vote STORY or he anytime,�

SEE people on’s Minnis your the BUSINESS hiring of new public Mr Porter our Managing for Mr Peet is a vote for service tion because ofadministraworkers during writes. its firings Free National Movement. directly.� that period. “As indicated we really Director SEE PAGE SIX SEE PAGE SIX only cater to highend cusSEE PAGES TWO & THREE tomers and are the official

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Minister’s repeated requests for contracts and deals exposed

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SUPREME Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh yesterday and, below right, his accuser Dr Christine Blasey Ford. a loud, defiant tone with near tears of his own, particularly when discussing his family. He decried his confirmation opposition as a “national disgrace.� He interrupted senators and dismissed some questions with a flippant “whatever�. “You have replaced ‘advice and consent’ with ‘search and destroy’,� he said, referring to the Constitution’s charge to senators’ duties in confirming high officials.

Democrats pressed the house party as Kavanaugh judge to call for an FBI was grinding and gropinvestigation into the claims, ing her. She said he put his but he would say only, “I hand over her mouth to welcome whatever the com- muffle her screams. Judge has said does not recall the mittee wants to do.�

Republicans are con- incident.

When the committee’s cerned, among other reasons, that further inves- top Democrat, Sen Dianne tigations could push a Feinstein of California, vote past the November asked Ford how she could elections that may switch be sure that Kavanaugh Senate control back to the was the attacker, Ford said, Democrats and make con- “The same way I’m sure I’m sideration of any Trump talking to you right now.�

Later, she said her certainty nominee more difficult.

Trump made his feel- was “100 percent.�

Her strongest memory of ings newly clear that he was sticking by his choice. the alleged incident, Ford “His testimony was power- said, was the two boys’ ful, honest and riveting,� he laughter.

Then Kavanaugh strode tweeted. “The Senate must into the committee room, vote!�

Trump nominated the arranged his nameplate, conservative jurist in what and with anger on his face was supposed to be an elec- started to testify with a tion year capstone to the statement he said he had GOP agenda, locking in the shown only one other court’s majority for years to person. Almost immedicome. Instead Kavanaugh ately he choked up. “My family and my name has seemed in peril and yesterday he faced the Senate have been totally and perhearing amid a national manently destroyed,� he reckoning over sexual said.

He lashed out over the misconduct at the top of time it took the committee powerful institutions.

The day opened with to convene the hearing after Ford, now a 51-year-old Ford’s allegations emerged, college professor in Califor- singling out the Democrats nia, raising her right hand for “unleashing� forces to swear under oath about against him. He mocked the allegations she said she Ford’s allegations — and never expected to share several others since — that publicly until they leaked have accused him of sexual in the media two weeks ago impropriety.

Even if senators vote and reporters started staking out her home and work. down his confirmation, he The mom of two testified said, “you’ll never get me to before a committee with quit�.

Kavanaugh, who has two only male senators on the Republican side of the dais. daughters, said one of his The psychology professor girls said they should “pray described what she says was for the woman� making a harrowing assault in the the allegations against him, summer of 1982: How an referring to Ford. “That’s a inebriated Kavanaugh and lot of wisdom from a tenanother teen, Mark Judge, year-old,� he said, choking locked her in a room at a up. “We mean no ill will.�

Newspaper

DUTCH POLICE ARREST SEVEN SUSPECTED OF PLOTTING ATTACK THE HAGUE, Netherlands Associated Press SEVEN men were arrested yesterday in the Netherlands on suspicion of plotting a large-scale extremist attack that Dutch prosecutors said they think was foiled following a months-long investigation.

The national prosecutor’s office said in a statement that heavily armed police arrested the men in the towns of Arnhem, about 62 miles south of Amsterdam, and Weert in the southern Netherlands close to the borders of Germany and Belgium.

The investigation was launched by intelligence suggesting the alleged ring leader, a 34-year-old man of Iraqi heritage, wanted to carry out an attack at the site of a large event and cause multiple casualties, according to the statement.

The suspects allegedly wanted to use bomb vests and assault rifles to do harm at the event, and planned to detonate a car bomb at another location, prosecutors said. An investigation of potential targets was continuing.

Prosecutors said the suspects ranged in age from 21 to 34. Three of them, including the 34-year-old Iraqi, were previously convicted of attempting to travel overseas to join extremist networks.

The men were attempting to obtain AK47 assault rifles, handguns, bomb vests, grenades and raw materials for bombs and were looking for opportunities to train with such weapons, according to the statement.

Prosecutors said that the investigation sped up this month because of the suspects’ “advanced preparations�.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, September 28, 2018, PAGE 11

GROUPER PROTECTION ‘NOT PRIORITY’

Credit union opens marketplace branch

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net ALTHOUGH environmentalists warn against the catching of Atlantic goliath groupers, Agriculture and Marine Resources Minister Michael Pintard has said changing the status of the fish is not currently a “priority”.

These remarks come after a viral social media video showed fishermen catching the massive fish, also known as a “jewfish”.

Two vessels are featured in the video. The recorder is on the larger boat, filming the two men on the smaller vessel as they pull the speared fish alongside the larger boat.

“It’s a jewfish they just spear,” one observer can be heard saying. “Five hundred-pounder.”

“That’s a monster,” a bystander says. “This thing still swimming you know…

You gotta brain shot him.

Head shot him right in his head and kill him dead.”

The group hoist the fish onto the larger boat, where it can be seen flopping on the deck. One man repeatedly whacks the fish in the head with a piece of wood.

“I hope we don’t go to jail for this [expletive],” someone says. “Ya done put ban on turtle, ya done put ban on grouper, ya done put ban on shark. So we need something we could [expletive] kill, and that’s the [expletive] right here,” someone says as the video ends.

In a Facebook post on Monday, Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF) executive director Casuarina McKinney-Lambert wrote the organisation “strongly advises against” catching Goliath groupers.

She noted the fish is recognised as a “critically endangered” species by the World Conservation Union.

“While not currently protected by law in The

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A PICTURE of the Goliath grouper on social media. great regularity”.

“And none of the fisheries officials I spoke to (are) aware of it being harvested in any large numbers,” Mr Pintard said. “And I think you could gauge by the reaction (in) the video that it was a shocker for those guys who appeared to be in the business.”

Mr Pintard said the Goliath grouper is not a “priority”, anticipating species such as the Nassau grouper and conch will “dominate the discussion”.

Concerns regarding the Nassau grouper include grouper stock and fishing locations being targeted by Bahamian fishers, American sports fishermen, and Dominican poachers. Of particular concern are the harvesting of young groupers and child-bearing grouper.

He said: “We still have concerns about the way in which and the extent to which conch is being harvested, and therefore wish to have another round of consultation with stakeholders on that. Those will take priority over discussion of the Goliath fish.”

Bahamas, they are very rare and we strongly advise against catching them,” Mrs McKinney-Lambert wrote.

“Goliath groupers are totally protected from harvest in US state and federal waters. Photographs can be taken, but only during the active act of release.

Photographs or any other activities such as measuring the fish should not delay release in any way.

“Large goliath groupers should be left in the water during release. The skeletal structure of large goliath grouper cannot adequately support their weight out of the water without some type of damage. If a large goliath is brought onboard a vessel or out of the water, it is likely to sustain some form of internal injury.”

Mr Pintard told The Tribune the fish is currently not protected, adding a marine species can only receive such a designation after consultation with stakeholders. He said Goliath groupers are “not regularly seen in The Bahamas” and thus are “not fished with

DEPUTY Prime Minister Peter Turnquest this week opened the Grand Bahama Cooperative Credit Union’s newest branch office in the Port Lucaya Marketplace.

He said the company’s decision to open a second branch signals not only an expansion for the company, but confidence in the Grand Bahama economy.

Mr Turnquest noted that the island’s economy is very important to the country, and added that his government is committed to the economic recovery of Grand Bahama.

“Our government remains committed to creating an environment to have Grand Bahama fully rebound, he told persons attending the opening Wednesday evening. This island’s economy is critical to our national growth.”

However, Mr Turnquest said Grand Bahama will not automatically move, unless “people with ideas, dreams and thorough plans, and a commitment to work with their resources make things move”.

Mr Turnquest, who also recently opened the Freeport Insurance Agents and Brokers new building, commended GBCCU for taking steps to expand its business.

The company employs 14 Bahamians, and has 2,800 client members. Three employees will be located at the Port Lucaya branch.

The finance minister noted that GBCCU’s bond free status, now allows them to attract clients from throughout The Bahamas.

“Bond free status also eliminates the restriction of what professions and the type of workers you can service. Indeed, this organisation has done a remarkable job. And your board, management and

staff members deserve to be commended,” he said.

“Your move distinguishes this institution as a leader of the pack,” Mr Turnquest said. “This move to Port Lucaya Marketplace is a noted expansion. It is no doubt, a calculated and deliberate decision. Again, it demonstrates confidence in the Grand Bahama economy.”

The institution has maintained steady growth over the years, according to Mr Turnquest. He noted that GBCCU has come a long way since 1980 when it first opened in the Kipling Building, and then years later to its new building in the Four Way Co-op Plaza.

“The Grand Bahama Co-operative Credit Union has made extraordinary leaps. The stable achievements owe credit to visionary leadership, both past and present, a committed, knowledgeable and dedicated staff, excellent products and services and a growing client membership of residents who believe in and trust this financial institution,” he said.

The finance minister talked about the need for Bahamians to develop financial skills and habits that will help maximise their earnings.

He said: “One of the most important choices we can make with our money is finding the right institution to invest it in. The various financial institutions available offer different opportunities for the consumers. Choosing the right one is critical in how we position ourselves financially throughout our lifetime.”

One good thing about the credit unions, he said, is that they were created to benefit people.

“They are non-profit organisations that focus on the financial success of their members, rather than profits. This means

that the money earned is directly invested back into the membership…. Talk about getting more for your money,” he stressed.

Mr Turnquest also said the credit union offers higher interest on savings and low rates on loans.

“While spending is good for the economy overall, I think we can all agree that during this time, the greatest demand on our spending should be to employ disciplined budgeting and prioritising our medium and long term financial decision making,” he added.

“Yes, we all want nice things, and the government is working and constructing new ideas to ensure that the people of Grand Bahama are in a position to satisfy yourselves with your needs, but until then it is imperative that you practice good stewardship with your finances,” Mr Turnquest said.

He encouraged Bahamians to take advantage of the credit unions to save. “The money deducted out of your salaries are yours, and there are experts here to guide you through financial management if need be,” he said.

The credit union, he said, offers the same consumer services as a bank; savings accounts, debit cards, home and auto loans, and so on.

“When you open an account with a credit union, you are an equal owner, rather than a customer. You will have a say in the decisions of the union, and how those decisions can impact you and your money.

“I am proud to say that Grand Bahama is seeing a steady increase in development. This is one of a few new business additions over the past few months that are certainly adding to our economic growth organically, and we’re expecting more in the coming years,” said the deputy prime minister.

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