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VOLUME:117 No.210, SEPTEMBER 28TH, 2020

HO US E & 12 THE PEOPLE’S PAPER: $1

MINNIS: DISASTER ASSESSMENTS ‘OUTDATED’ - PAGE 8 PAGES

SUSPECTS QUIZZED IN ‘$200k’ NIB FRAUD

‘13’ held and more arrests expected as police investigate

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net THE Royal Bahamas Police Force is expected to charge several people today over allegations of fraud at the National Insurance Board.

Officer-in-charge of Financial Crime Investigations Chief Superintendent Matthew Edgecombe said several suspects were assisting police.

NIB officials did not respond to Tribune inquiries yesterday. However, The Tribune was told the investigation looked into how a ring of people in New Providence and Andros allegedly defrauded NIB’s unemployment programme.

The fraud amount is allegedly somewhere in the vicinity of $200,000 and involves 13 people, sources close to the matter told The Tribune.

However, according to those sources, this number is expected to grow.

“The Royal Bahamas Police Force’s Financial Crimes Investigation Branch is conducting an investigation into a complaint of fraud at the National Insurance Board,” Chief Superintendent Edgecombe said in a brief statement.

“As a result of those investigations, we have a number of suspects that are assisting with this investigation.

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE deputy prime minister yesterday indicated the Government’s COVID19 support initiatives will likely extend beyond their end-September expiry given the delayed re-openings of many major hotels.

While not wanting to “pre-judge” any Cabinet conclusions, Peter Turnquest said the Minnis administration will “decide

this week” whether to continue programmes such as the Government-funded unemployment benefits extension given many Bahamians will need such assistance “for a bit longer”.

He added that continued spending will not require the Government to undertake additional borrowing beyond that already approved by Parliament to cover the 2020-2021 Budget’s projected $1.327bn fiscal deficit.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

NEW RULES ON TRAVEL DUE TO BE REVEALED

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

A CABINET minister yesterday signalled that post-arrival COVID-19 testing for tourists may be part of the solution to “easing” the mandatory 14-day quarantine impediment to the industry’s revival.

Dionisio D’Aguilar, minister of tourism and aviation, while declining to provide details on talks between his officials and the Ministry of Health said an announcement on a proposed solution could “hopefully come this week”.

Mr D’Aguilar said all government agencies involved in the discussions were now “working on the mechanics” of how it would be implemented and rolledout nationwide.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

CARIBBEAN HIGH FOR RATIO OF JAILINGS

SEE PAGE SEVEN

GOVT AID PROGRAMMES LIKELY TO BE EXTENDED

HOME

LOST TO LIGHTNING THE FAMILY of Timothy Sweeting is in mourning after the 55-year-old was struck by lightning on Monday of last week. He died on Thursday in Princess Margaret Hospital. See page three for the full story.

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas leads the region in prison occupancy rates, coupled with the third highest rate of repeat offending, according to a new Inter-American Development Bank report.

The report adds that the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services is overcrowded by 173 percent, with overcrowding affecting the majority of inmates.

Additionally, the report found that differences in The Bahamas were very pronounced when compared to other countries in the region where 65 percent SEE PAGE THREE

OIL EXPLORER ‘DRILLING BY CHRISTMAS’ INSIGHT

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas may gain an exploratory oil well Christmas ‘present’ for 2020, it was confirmed yesterday, as the project’s proponents urged environmental activists to give “a fair representation of the facts”.

Simon Potter, Bahamas Petroleum Company’s (BPC) chief executive, told

Tribune Business its rig supplier has committed to providing “one of the world’s most advanced drilling ships” for the

Perseverance One well that the company plans to dig in waters several hundred miles south-west of Andros near the maritime boundary with Cuba.

And he confirmed that Stena had indicated its Stena IceMAX vessel will arrive close to the start of the planned drilling period, which is December 15, 2020, thus making it possible for drilling to start just before Christmas 2020.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

CAN’T WE JUST GET ON WITH ITSEENOW? PAGE NINE

PAGE 2, Monday, September 28, 2020

THE TRIBUNE RESIDENTS have complained about the state of ponds in the Westridge area.

New Act planned but what about now?

By TANYA SMITHCARTWRIGHT tsmith-cartwright@ tribunemedia.net AMID complaints of illegal use of land and destruction of natural ponds and animal habitats, Minister of Environmental Health and Housing Romauld Ferreira revealed that the Forestry Unit in his ministry is in the process of drafting a legal framework to repeal and replace the Forestry Act 2010.

This will allow for legal protections of forested areas and forest reserves.

He made the comment during a press conference where he presented a report on his ministry’s work on Thursday.

Photos reaching The Tribune recently showed where natural ponds in the Westridge area were allegedly being filled in for the purpose of the construction of buildings. Residents are up in arms about the ponds, which are believed to be protected, being filled in with soil and rocks. The irate residents say they have complained to the Ministry of Environment to no avail. The Tribune asked about the protection policy of these natural areas.

“There has always been a wetlands policy in place,” said the ministry’s director, Rochelle Newbold. “What

we have lacked is the regulations under which we can protect them. Minister spoke about the new acts

BERA Performance

Bahamas Economic Recovery Average (BERA) Second Wave Performance For the period ended September 18 - 24, 2020

For the period ended September 18—24, 2020

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that are coming into play for the Forestry Unit and under those Acts, mangroves are actually going

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As at Sept, 24

Weekly Change

% Change

Active

1,626

+ 108

+ 8%

Recovered

1,962

+ 283

+ 17%

Hospitalized

90

+ 18

+ 25%

Deaths

86

+ 13

+ 18%

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Represents a positive indicator

+ %

Represents a negative indicator

Active / Hospitalized

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Weekly Commentary

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• BERA & its movers continued to show a positive trend

supported by significant increase in recovered cases in spite of an increase in active cases.

• This suggests that hospitalized cases, and deaths continue

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to increase, at slower rate relative to recovered cases.

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• The decline in active cases over the last 3 weeks suggests

that the primary surge of the virus seem to be rescinding.

• The increase in hospitalized cases by 25% is concerning

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during the week as it represents a substantial reduction in available hospital beds.

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• Second wave is tittering; the country has been averaging

50 cases per week, BERA shows a decrease in active cases to 30-40 per week on average.

Recommendation

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Follow the Ministry of Health COVID-19 guidelines

to be declared a protected tree species. So that’s going to help a lot when people seek to remove or damage mangroves.

“As it relates to the filling in of wetlands for the development, in full transparency, what we have to consider is the Act that was passed is only nine months old and under that Act we now have the legal ability to control or to limit or to totally eliminate any consideration of construction in wetlands. But prior to that Act, permits may have been issued for areas that were considered low lying where there was not a requirement for an EIA (environmental impact assessment) to be undertaken therefore identifying the area as a wetland or as a stormwater management area, because that‘s what wetlands that are landlocked do, no consideration may have been given to ecosystem benefits that they would have accrued to the surrounding neighbourhood.”

Director Newbold said with the passage of the Act the ministry has the authority and legal power to request that those areas that may have been illegally filled in, be returned to their natural state.

“So the passage of this Act is truly a monumental and historical point in our history as we seek to move forward, 43 years later as a country,” she noted.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, September 28, 2020, PAGE 3

Lost to lightning

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

LIGHTNING struck Timothy Sweeting in the “twinkling of an eye” last week Monday and changed his family forever.

The 55-year-old was pronounced dead at Princess Margaret Hospital on Thursday, several days after he was airlifted from Harbour Island.

His death brought an abrupt end to the 25-year marriage he had with Adrianna Sweeting, the 54-year-old mother who rescued his body from the water and is now struggling to cope with his death.

“Everything happened so fast,” she recalled yesterday. “I haven’t faced reality yet.”

In anticipation of inclement weather, Mr Sweeting and his wife left home early to secure his boat at the dock.

“It was only raining at that point and knowing him, if he knew the lightning was coming he wouldn’t go into the water,” Mrs Sweeting said.

“He’s been a fisherman all his life and he knows about those kinds of things.

This happened in the twinkling of an eye.”

Mrs Sweeting said while

her husband attended to his boat, she sat in a golf cart as the sky became cloudier and the weather deteriorated.

“I had the umbrella in my hand in the cart and the lightning struck where I was and broke the umbrella into two,” she said.

“I was shocked. After it did that I took my mind from him and was looking at the umbrella. I thought he was safe in the boat. It was only after I didn’t see him for a while I called his name twice but he didn’t answer so I went to the edge to see what was happening. If I knew it had hit him I would’ve gotten off quicker.

“I went over and saw him floating in the water, his eyes were open, he was moving his hands trying to call me but nothing was coming out of his mouth.

I went into the water and pulled him to shore. One policeman and some other people heard me hollering and they came and took him to the clinic. I had to go home and call his sons and when I got to the clinic he was still laying on the pavement outside with foam coming out of his mouth.

We were waiting for the doctor.”

The local clinic lacked relevant supplies, Mrs

Sweeting said.

“We really need a respirator, or whatever that machine name is, on Harbour Island. The nurses were using a blue balloon pumping air to his lungs,” she said.

“The doctor told me he was already dead. He was unresponsive from the time we took him out of the water until I brought him to Nassau. He never regained consciousness. He was brain dead, he didn’t have any function in the brain but his heart was still strong. They were only waiting. There was nothing they could do anymore. They say they couldn’t pull the respirator until all the organs in his body were dead. He was pronounced dead Thursday evening.”

Mrs Sweeting said the lightning also destroyed the motor of her husband’s boat and has left her jittery.

“I’m trying to hold up,” she said. “The kids are distraught. If it rains or something right now I get afraid and come inside. We were married for 25 years.

We had three children and two step-children. He was a good fisherman from (the time) he was 14, he loved the sea. He was a loving husband, a caring father and everyone loved him in the neighbourhood.”

TIMOTHY SWEETING

CARIBBEAN HIGH FOR RATIO OF JAILINGS from page one

of males compared to 23 percent of females resided in overcrowded conditions.

The details were outlined in the IDB’s Regional Comparative Report - Survey of Individuals Deprived of Liberty: Caribbean 2016-2019.

The Bahamas, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago were the countries surveyed.

“In all countries, male inmates experienced overcrowding to a greater extent than female inmates,” the IDB noted. “These differences were very pronounced in The Bahamas, where 65 percent of males compared to 23 percent of females resided in overcrowded conditions, and in Guyana, where 62 percent of males compared to 21 percent of females lived in overcrowded cells.

“The lowest levels of overcrowding were in Barbados, where two percent of the males and none of the females lived in overcrowded conditions.”

The report also added: “The highest overcrowding overall was in The Bahamas, with 77 percent of inmates on remand and 62 percent of those sentenced living in overcrowded conditions, and the lowest in Barbados (sentenced, one percent; on remand, two percent).

“The biggest discrepancy was in Trinidad and Tobago, with 23 percent of sentenced compared to 51 percent of on remand inmates living in overcrowded conditions. In contrast, in Jamaica, more sentenced inmates, 43 percent, were overcrowded than inmates on remand - 18 percent.

“In The Bahamas, recidivism, understood as self-reported re-incarceration, was high among prisoners in most of the countries studied, with the highest rate found in Barbados with 60 percent, followed by Trinidad and Tobago.

The Bahamas, and Suriname, were each approximately 50 percent each.

“Most of the repeat offenders in

all countries have been to prison two or more times before their current incarceration.

“In The Bahamas, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago, the largest proportion of the inmates roughly 50 percent had been in prison more than three times. In Guyana - 49 percent, Jamaica - 41 percent, and Suriname 39 percent, the largest proportion had been in prison only once previously. “…Looking at the time between the current confinement and the immediately previous incarceration, two groups make up most of the recidivists: those re-incarcerated more than two years later and those re-incarcerated within the first year.

“About half were re-incarcerated more than two years after being released - Jamaica, 59 percent compared to roughly 45 percent in the other five countries, and, except in Jamaica 24 percent, another roughly 40 percent were imprisoned again within a year. In Guyana, Barbados, Suriname, and The Bahamas, roughly a quarter lost their freedom again in less than six months, and the very quick return to prison is cause for concern.”

The IDB also studied homicide rates in the region, finding that homicides in The Bahamas have increased “significantly in recent years, from 25 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2000 to 32 in 2014, well above the regional average, 16, and approaching the high rates in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.

“The homicide rates in Barbados

homicides per 100,000 inhabitants in 2013 and Suriname, five in 2013 have remained relatively stable since 2000 at substantially lower levels than other Caribbean countries.

“Suriname had the lowest homicide rate of the six countries examined and was below the global average of 6 per 100,000 inhabitants. Finally, the homicide rate in Guyana (roughly in the middle of the group of six countries) rose from 10 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2000 to 20 in 2013.”

Disaggregating Caribbean data by the countries studied, the IDB said the highest percentage of homicides committed with firearms occurred in The Bahamas with 82 percent, while the lowest percentage was in Suriname and Guyana both at 25 percent during the specified period.

The Bahamas also leads nations in relation to access to firearms by civilians. “…The list is headed by The Bahamas, with 19 weapons per 100 inhabitants, followed by Suriname,16, Guyana, 16, Jamaica, 9, Barbados four and Trinidad and Tobago, three.”

The survey data showed no clear relationship between the homicide rate and the rate of firearms in the hands of civilians. For example, while Suriname had the lowest homicide rate and the highest rate of firearms in the hands of civilians among the six countries examined, Trinidad and Tobago had one of the highest homicide rates and the lowest rate of firearms in the hands of civilians.

FOUR IN HOSPITAL AFTER SHOOTING AND STABBINGS FOUR people are in hospital after a shooting and two stabbing incidents over the weekend.

Police said a shooting in New Providence on Saturday night left two men in hospital. Shortly before 9pm, officers were called to an incident at Quakoo Street. On their arrival they were told a small white vehicle was travelling west and a masked man exited the car and opened fire in the direction of two other men, injuring both before fleeing the scene. The victims were taken to hospital by ambulance where they are listed in stable condition.

About two hours later, shortly before 11pm Saturday, a man in New Providence was stabbed.

Police were called to Derby Road, Yellow Elder, where officers found a male victim lying in a pool of blood. When questioned as to what occurred, he was “initially combative and then refused to answer the officer’s questions,” the RBPF said in a release.

The victim was transported to hospital by Emergency Medical Services where he is listed in critical condition.

Meanwhile, a Grand Bahama man is in hospital after he was stabbed in the chest during a fight on Saturday.

Shortly after 7pm, police were called to a residence off Albacore Drive in Freeport, where it was reported that an altercation had occurred between a group of men that resulted in one

of them stabbing another in the chest area. The man was rushed to hospital where he is listed in serious condition.

A male is in police custody who is assisting police with this investigation.

Investigations continue into these matters.

• POLICE are looking for a suspect who stole a man’s car and forced him out of the vehicle.

Shortly before 11pm Saturday, a man was seated in a vehicle on Podoleo Street, when an unknown man jumped into the car and drove off with him.

The suspect then produced a black handgun and demanded that the victim exit the vehicle before robbing him of the silver 2008 Nissan Altima. The suspect escaped in the area of Marathon Road, police said.

• A CYCLIST is dead after he was struck during a hit-and-run accident on Saturday, police said.

The man’s body was found shortly after 7am when police were called to the scene at Coral Harbour Road north.

When officers arrived, they found the man’s unresponsive body lying face down on the western side of the street. A gray bicycle was a short distance away from the body with extensive damage, police said.

Paramedics pronounced the man, who is believed to be between 65 to 75 years old, dead at the scene.

Up to press time, police had not located the driver involved in the incident.

An investigation is ongoing.

CHIPMAN ‘NOT INTERESTED’ IN MAKING A SWITCH TO JOIN THE PLP

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

CENTREVILLE MP Reece Chipman said yesterday he is not interested in joining the opposition Progressive Liberal Party.

The independent member of Parliament told The Tribune party politics has not worked for his constituency, adding there was evidence all around the area to support his position.

Mr Chipman resigned from the governing Free National Movement nearly one year ago citing the government’s handling of Hurricane Dorian along

with institutional and partisan politics as reasons for his decision.

He defeated former Prime Minister Perry Christie by four votes for the seat in the May 2017 general election. Mr Christie had represented the area for eight consecutive terms.

“Centreville is not interested in that direction at this time,” Mr Chipman said in response to questions from The Tribune on claims circulating that he planned to join the PLP, days after former independent Vaughn Miller joined the official opposition.

“We dealt with a party for the past 40 years, the

Progressive Liberal Party and basically schools were still dilapidated, poor living conditions in the area and even with maybe the contractual jobs that people got there was no insurance or pension.

“Centreville decided to give the FNM a chance and I think it was a slap in the face for the people in our constituency - increasing taxes, reducing social services, most importantly taking away the civil liberties of the people. Their freedom is all they really have now to try to make some money to make some sort of means for their families.

“And so no we are not directed to go from one party to another party.

“I believe that this is a period of transition. I believe that the people who were chosen were chosen for such a transition as this. Not such a time as this and transitioning to me doesn’t mean transitioning from one party to another. What it means to transition is to go into something bigger, something better and brighter for our Bahamas and our people.”

Mr Chipman believes that independent candidacies are the way forward in Bahamian politics.

“Bahamians have not had an opportunity to be educated about what independent candidates can do,” he said. “Being independent allows me to speak for the people and not for the party. So, I am not in there now (in Parliament) as an independent representing a party, which means the party that didn’t educate us or miseducated us, I am there representing the people so I have a direct responsibility now to ensure that the people are educated.

“So independent candidates from my perspective will work and (are) working because it’s helping the

people lift the scales from our eyes.”

On October 10, 2019, Mr Chipman sent resignation letters to FNM Chairman Carl Culmer and House Speaker Halson Moultrie.

In those letters he said he believed he could do more for the constituency as an independent representative.

“Please accept this letter as resignation from the Free National Movement,” Mr Chipman wrote. “At this time, I am of the belief that partisan politics is not helping the people of Centreville or the country at large.”

PAGE 4, Monday, September 28, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

‘Happy’ at charge delay - but the fight goes on

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net ALTHOUGH “happy” that a storm recovery and stabilisation (SRS) charge by the Grand Bahama Power Company has been further suspended, the Coalition of Concerned Citizens pledged to continue to fight its implementation.

During a virtual town meeting under the theme, ‘Change Must Come,’ president of CCC Pastor Eddie Victor said he was pleased that GBPC had decided not to implement the extra charge as planned next month.

“This is a time to say, ‘praise the Lord’. We are happy it is not being implemented October 1, but still not happy it will be implemented at all, and that is going to be a case of further advocacy by the CCC and others who are going to fight for justice in this economy of GB; change must come,” said the local clergyman and civic leader.

Ahead of CCC’s planned town meeting Thursday evening, GBPC issued a statement that morning announcing that it was

deferring the SRS charge to recoup $15.6 m in hurricane restoration costs over five years.

The company had initially planned to implement the charge on April 1 but deferred it after consultation with the Grand Bahama Port Authority due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy of Grand Bahama.

Pastor Victor indicated that the high cost of power has adversely affected the island’s economy for many years, and has caused several major businesses to close on the island.

“We have to bring change in GB when it comes to the energy sector. Our main objective is to bring down the cost of electricity,” said Pastor Victor.

Through their campaigns and ongoing agitation since 2013, he noted that CCC was able to achieve a “small victory” in getting the fuel surcharge reduced to 10 cents. However, he noted that the base rate is the highest in the Bahamas.

“We pay more in base rate than Nassau,” Pastor Victor said.

Kirkland Russell, vice

president of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas Trade Union Congress, accused Emera and GBPC of misleading residents of Grand Bahama in its letter.

He claimed that in the statement GBPC had indicated it had not implemented any cost recovery associated with Hurricane Matthew when in fact it had.

Mr Russell noted that according to the company’s 2018 financial report, GBPC/EMERA was approved to recoup the cost over five years.

The trade unionist was also concerned about how the SRS charge to recoup the $15.6m cost associated with Dorian would be applied to consumers on Grand Bahama if the charge, according to GBPC, is based on consumption.

GBPC indicated that the SRS charge is based on consumption and will fluctuate month by month depending on the customer’s power usage.

The company said with prudent use, customers can reduce the SRS charge and overall bill.

Mr Russell wants to know of the $15.6 m, which portion is forecast to be

paid by major companies in the industrial sector. These are the largest consumers of electricity on GB. He also noted that GBPC has not done any restoration work in East Grand Bahama, from the Casuarina Bridge to East End settlements.

The trade union leader indicated that more than 60 percent of Grand Bahamians are not working, and the economy is shut down.

“One of the sad stories of this whole thing is the mere fact that this island has only survived after Dorian because of the monies being invested by National Insurance Board, Social Services and other government agencies, and… because of great work and contribution of NGOs,” Mr Russell said.

He indicated that Grand Bahamians have been paying millions in costs for GBPC operations for many years and getting nothing in return.

“What does EMERA want the people of GB to do? You want us to take the little money we getting…to pay levy for you to run a 100 percent cost-free operation?

We pay 100 percent of the

fuel surcharge to run turbine engines; pay $80m to build the new power plant; we pay every penny for the restoration of Matthew; and now you want us to pay every penny for the restoration of Dorian. We cannot be your partners as you would have us to be to pay the bills to restore your company, and we receive not a dime.

“We are in a serious financial crisis in GB,” Mr Russell said.

Engineer Alan Ingraham stressed that GBPC cannot continue to pass on the cost and loss to customers.

“How much longer are we going to milk this cow, beat the poor people to death? We don’t mind paying for what we getting but we don’t want to be raped,” he said.

Mr Ingraham noted that other businesses in Grand Bahama must protect their operations against fire and flood by buying insurance.

“But you tell me a multimillion-dollar company is providing electricity generation to GB and, if something goes wrong,” he asked, “the clients are responsible for restoring their equipment? What happened to insurance?”

Meanwhile, civil engineer Judson Wilmott is calling on the Prime Minister to change the system relating to energy and other utilities in the country. He recommends the establishment of a commission to oversee public utilities.

Mr Wilmott suggested establishing an integrated commission that can develop a system of providing a combination of generating electricity from a landfill through methane gas, and also creating electricity using solid waste, biomass and other debris, and biomass from hurricanes to generate electricity in tandem with solar, thus providing affordable electricity for citizens.

He also offered a modern approach, such as a hybrid system integrating solar and conventional power using fossil fuel, and biomass in a system for affordable, reliable power.

EMERA is a 100 percent foreign-owned Canadian company. In 2017, the company forced the minority Bahamian shareholders, which held 20 percent ownership in the power company, to sell their shares to EMERA.

SENATOR Kwasi Thompson (centre) stands in the newly renovated and expanded warehouse at Bahamian Brewery, during a tour of the facility on Friday. Standing with Mr Thompson is James Sands, president of Bahamian Brewery (right) and Ian Rolle, president of the Grand Bahama Port Authority.

Photo: Andrew Coakley/BIS

BREWERY BACK ‘BIGGER AND BETTER’ MINISTER of State for Grand Bahama Senator Kwasi Thompson says the reopening of the Bahamian Brewery Company’s production facility is an example of what it means to go through hard and difficult times and come back out bigger and better.

His comments came during a private tour of Bahamian Brewery on

Friday morning, where president of the company James Sands took Mr Thompson, along with Ian Rolle, president of the Grand Bahama Port Authority, on a tour of the renovation of the facility, which is expected to restart the production of their line of products on Monday.

“We want to

congratulate the Sands family, because they have done an excellent job in rebuilding this business,” said Mr Thompson.

“This really is an example of a Bahamian-owned business, with roots in Grand Bahama, having gone through Hurricane Dorian and having gone through the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns and coming

back successfully.

“It sends a very positive message to the entire island that one can go through difficult times, but you can also come back and come back better. Not only has this place been rebuilt, but it has been expanded.”

Mr Thompson noted that one of the commendable things Mr. Sands and the company did following the destruction of the business by Hurricane Dorian, was to keep

all of the staff members employed.

At present, some 85 percent of the employees are back on the job, with the others furloughed.

However, as the production line kicks into gear on Monday, more members of staff are expected to be re-employed.

“That says a lot about this company and about the people who own Bahamian Brewery,” said Mr Thompson.

“Keeping all of the

employees on during the time the company was shut down was important for the employment numbers on Grand Bahama. That was a huge investment and it is noteworthy. It really is just a good message. It sends the right message to Grand Bahama and to the rest of the country that businesses can go through a storm like Dorian and still come back.”

Bahamian Brewery was adversely affected by Hurricane Dorian that struck Grand Bahama with Category Five winds in September 2019, destroying much of the building and flooding the production building with over five feet of salt water. It took some months for the employees to clean up the facility and have the building repaired.

With an added investment for repairs and renovation, Bahamian Brewery in Freeport, Grand Bahama, is now a bigger facility, with the capability of increasing its production.

Mr Thompson called the success story and the reopening of the company’s production facility “another good day in Grand Bahama.”

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, September 28, 2020, PAGE 5

Indoor dining resumes on many islands

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE latest Emergency Powers (COVID-19 Pandemic) Order permits indoor dining to take place on all islands except New Providence, Abaco and Paradise Island.

The order gives effect to the shifts Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced in the House of Assembly last Wednesday.

The maximum seating of restaurants can be 50 percent of maximum occupancy with a minimum of 30 square feet per person.

Social gatherings of more than 20 people at a private residence or facility remain prohibited, however.

Dr Minnis announced on Wednesday that Grand Bahama and most Family Islands can resume normal commercial and additional social activities.

The curfew has been discontinued for Andros, Acklins, Berry Islands, Bimini, Cat Island, Crooked Island, Eleuthera, Exuma, Inagua and Mayaguana.

“While a curfew will no longer be in effect for these islands, health officials recommend that a 10pm to 5am curfew remain in effect for Grand Bahama,”

Dr Minnis said this week during his contribution to the debate to extend the Emergency Proclamation to October 31.

“Health officials also recommend that beaches remain open daily in Grand Bahama from 5am to noon for the time being.”

New Providence also remains under a curfew.

Dr Minnis also announced that gyms will be permitted to open on all islands subject to guidelines approved by the Ministry of Health.

He foreshadowed changes to the country’s quarantine requirements, saying a plan will soon be presented to “remove both domestic and international quarantine, related to travel.” His comment reflected the difficulty officials have had enticing visitors to the country if doing so requires them to “vacation in place” for 14 days.

Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism Travis Robinson said Friday that Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar will announce the new requirements for visitors some time before October 15, the date tourism officials hope to begin reopening the sector.

THREE NEW DEATHS AND 139 NEW CASES CONFIRMED THE Bahamas recorded three new confirmed COVID-19 deaths on Friday and 139 new cases of the virus on Friday and Saturday.

The new cases included 132 on New Providence, three on Grand Bahama,

EMPLOYEE AT HEALTH MINISTRY POSITIVE THE Ministry of Health on the corner of Meeting and Augusta Streets was deep cleaned and sanitised on Saturday, Cabinet Office announced.

This comes after an employee tested positive for COVID-19. A

statement from the Cabinet Office said the worker has not been into work since Thursday, September 17.

“The Surveillance Unit has initiated contact tracing to determine the level of exposure to all employees, and all other protocols

are being followed,” the statement said. “Out of an abundance of caution, the sanitisation process will be executed and completed on September 26, so that operations can resume as usual on Monday, September 28, 2020.”

CONSTRUCTION work has begun on booster stations in Long Island.

WATER CORP STARTS WORK ON LONG ISLAND STATIONS THE Water and Sewerage Corporation has started construction of booster stations in the areas of Mangrove Bush, Petty’s and Grays.

“The booster station in Mangrove Bush has been completed,” WSC executive chairman Adrian Gibson said. “This station will provide better water pressure for 25 households/ connections in the Mangrove Bush area.

“The booster station in Petty’s is currently under construction. We expect BPL to electrify that station in short course.

“The slab for the booster station in Grays has been

completed. Further construction will be undertaken upon completion of the booster station in Petty’s.

“These booster stations heighten the water pressure in areas experiencing low-to-no water pressure or at high elevations. All of these initiatives are a part of a comprehensive Non-Revenue Water (NRW) programme for Long island. These works are intended to provide a sustainable supply of water and minimise leaks and related system disruptions.

This project will also save the Water and Sewerage Corporation thousands of dollars that would’ve been

lost due to the leakage of water along the distribution network.

“Once the drilling of deep wells in McKenzie’s is completed, a brand new reverse osmosis plant and storage tank will be installed. We expect the deep wells to be completed in short course.

Once these apparatuses are installed, water will be turned on in both lots one and two of phase one (central and south).

“Works are continuing in lots three and four in the north. We are also exploring further avenues for additional water works throughout the island,” Mr Gibson said.

one on Abaco, one on Exuma and two with pending locations.

The number of confirmed COVID-19 deaths is 89.

Fourteen deaths are under investigation.

The newly confirmed deaths all include New

Providence residents: a 33-year-old man who died on September 19 and a 71-year-old man and 73-year-old woman, both of whom died on September 24.

Ninety-three people are currently hospitalised with

COVID-19.

Ministry of Health officials said they would not be releasing Sunday’s data yesterday, “due to circumstances beyond (their) control” adding that the next dashboard would be released today.

PAGE 6, Monday, September 28, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

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Our prison system is not doing its job WHATEVER we are doing, it is not working.

Our approach to dealing with crime and punishment can be debated back and forth – and has been many times – but it is when we take the wider view that we can see it in perspective.

An Inter-American Development Bank report has laid out the statistics that tell the story of our prison system.

In brute numbers, we lead the region, but not in a good way. We have the highest prison occupancy rates – and the third highest rate of repeat offending.

In other words, we have too many people in too little space, and too many committing crimes again after being released.

The report said 65 percent of male inmates lived in overcrowded conditions in The Bahamas, and 23 percent of women, the biggest disparity in the region between men and women.

Meanwhile, 77 percent of inmates on remand – remember, they haven’t been convicted of anything yet – were overcrowded, and 62 percent of those who had been sentenced were overcrowded.

As far as repeat offending, half of all offenders committed crimes again and ended up back behind bars. Half had been in prison more than three times.

So as we say, our current approach?

It’s not working.

Perhaps that should be no surprise – with a commissioner who doesn’t want anyone talking publicly about conditions at the prison.

Last week, Commissioner Charles Murphy denied there were any positive cases of COVID-19 at the prison after concerns were raised by his own officers. Days later, the Minister of National Security said a number of officers had tested positive.

More than that, the commissioner warned officers not to speak about conditions at the prison outside of the proper authority – or they could be fired.

There’s no hiding from the statistics provided by international experts though. Commissioner Murphy presides over a prison that is too crowded, and is ineffective at leading people away from a life of crime.

As for outside the walls, our murder rates have risen to well above the global average. That average is six murders per 100,000 inhabitants, we had more than five times that number in 2014.

How about access to firearms? Again, top of the list, with 19 weapons per 100 inhabitants.

This report shows deep and structural problems with how we deal with crime – the question is whether or not we have the sense to recognise that things aren’t going the right way, and the will to change it.

There’s a simple way to determine

that – look to see what action is taken about overcrowding. If nothing is done, then don’t expect any change anywhere else.

Date extended again Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest has an obvious dilemma.

He wanted – along with the rest of the government – to get the country back up and running and get people back to work. That would allow the tap to be turned off on the flow of money from government to support people while they are out of work. The ideal would be people getting back to work, and no need for that support from government.

As hotel after hotel took a look at the state of recovery from COVID-19 and the prospects of bringing tourists back into the country before shaking their heads and saying they weren’t opening yet, it became increasingly obvious that government would either have to extend that support a little longer – or leave people stranded with nothing.

It’s a tough situation to be in – but we can equally understand the position of the hotels. We have yet to get COVID-19 under control here, despite Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ perhaps over optimistic declaration last week that the second wave was coming to an end. Perhaps more, the hotels are looking at our biggest market, the United States, which has now suffered more than 200,000 deaths from the virus and still with high daily numbers of new cases, and deciding that perhaps now is not yet the time.

The hotels need confidence in how we will handle tourism, a confidence probably not helped that we are almost at the end of the month and that new rules for travel are still being talked about as “hopefully” coming out this week.

They need to know where they stand – and so does the rest of the country.

By now, we should know what we’re dealing with, the best practices from around the world to prevent resurgences – and hopefully be well enough stocked with tests and so on to be able to meet the needs of any scheme we implement.

We’re not there yet, it would seem, and the hotels aren’t going to take a gamble until we are.

We cannot help but notice that all these hotel declarations came after the government set its date – which suggests both sides are not on the same page. We would suggest doing everything possible to get on that same page – the only way forward is with confidence together.

That’s what we need to rebuild our tourism industry.

Parents, turn in child criminals EDITOR, The Tribune.

APATHY and indifference to crime remain the major reasons for the prevalence of criminality in our country.

Murder, rape and robbery all occur with the complicity of “good people” who cloak criminal family members.

Too many criminals, known to the police, are the “good sons” of sainted mothers and fathers in our churches.

Parents who know of the criminal behaviour of their

children must ask God for strength to turn in their sons or daughters guilty of criminal offences or more than likely, be prepared to bury them.

Nothing accommodates crime as much as “sanctified silence”.

It is painful for a parent to turn in their child guilty of a crime. But it would be twice as painful to call one of the funeral homes to arrange their funeral.

Too many criminals carry out their lawlessness

impervious to the pain they bring to their parents and other family members. But their acts are sustained by the silence of family members who often benefit from their crimes committed.

Family members who know of and benefit from crime have blood on their hands.

BISHOP SIMEON B. HALL Nassau, September 27, 2020.

How to prevent COVID-19 EDITOR, The Tribune.

IT IS the end of September 2020. Although we have learned a lot about the virus SARS-CoV-2 which causes the disease COVID19, the topic continues to be a political pinata and the public is on the losing end of the stick.

Many people have written to The Tribune and other media outlets to share their concerns and suggestions about COVID-19, as well as a variety of important topics.

Sadly, elected officials and people in powerful positions do not appear to be listening to the public and they have failed to present a robust plan to treat COVID-19 or to rebuild the economy.

Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis is a doctor, so some medical knowledge, creative ideas and access to resources for COVID-19 should have been in the cards.

But the consistent “solution” that PM Minnis has offered is lockdown after lockdown after lockdown, which has not solved the problem but instead resulted in the destruction of Bahamian businesses, massive unemployment, astronomical debt, overwhelming stress and a list of other serious problems.

When British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was hospitalised for COVID-19 in April 2020, PM Minnis sent best wishes to him for a speedy recovery.

Perhaps PM Minnis would inquire about the successful treatment protocol that PM Johnson received and they can share the information with the public so we have more knowledge and resources to tackle COVID-19.

Mr Philip Davis, leader of the PLP, went to the US in August to be treated for COVID-19.

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net He says “my daughter Philippa is a very senior doctor in the United States” and “the lead nurse in the hospital in Atlanta grew up in Andros”.

Perhaps Mr Davis would share the following information with his fellow Bahamians because it would help us combat COVID-19 and move forward with our lives: 1. What treatment did Mr Davis receive in the US that enabled him to have a speedy recovery and is the treatment available in The Bahamas?

2. How is he using his personal experience with COVID-19 and the medical contacts that he has in the US to help Bahamians prevent and treat this disease?

3. What are Mr Davis and his colleagues doing to improve medical care in The Bahamas?

As we continue to wait for elected officials to work in the best interest of the public and share COVID-19 treatments that saved their lives and the lives of countless others, a multi-faceted approach to prevent and treat COVID19 includes the following suggestions: 1. Speak with your medical practitioner regarding treatments used by doctors around the world and determine the best plan for you. Potential treatments include: a. Dexamethasone. b. Remdesivir. c. Hydroxychloroquine, zinc, and either azithromycin or doxycycline. d. Ivermectin, zinc and doxycycline. e. Budesonide inhaled via a nebulizer, zinc and clarithromycin. f. MATH+ Protocol. g. Any other protocols that you and your doctor

are aware of and would like to share with others.

2. Grow and enjoy Bahamian fruits, vegetables and “bush medicine” because they provide natural vitamins, minerals and essential nutrients that gently detoxify the body, support the immune system and reduce stress. Proper nutrition also helps to prevent and fight COVID-19, as well as other diseases.

3. Wear a safe, comfortable, protective face mask when necessary.

4. Use safe, environmentally-friendly products that are appropriate for personal hygiene.

5. Improve the air filtration system in the home and workplace.

6. Exercise to the best of your ability.

7. Enjoy the fresh air outside and absorb natural vitamin D for free from the sun.

8. Use safe methods to reduce your stress and the stress of others.

9. Help health care professionals and first responders so they have the knowledge, training and resources they need to do their job safely, efficiently and effectively.

Treatments for COVID19 will allow us to get back to work, open our doors to tourists, rebuild our economy and have fun again.

So let’s release the fear, treat COVID-19, and elect a first-class team of honest government officials who have a clear vision and a viable plan for the success of Bahamians and The Bahamas.

Please see “Part 2” of this article regarding a vaccine for COVID-19 (to follow in a later edition).

Thank you to The Tribune for allowing the public to express their concerns and suggestions.

FORWARD, UPWARD, ONWARD, TOGETHER Nassau, September 25, 2020.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, September 28, 2020, PAGE 7

Attorney claims church board was denied access

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net AN attorney on Friday accused the senior pastor of Golden Gates Assembly of “throwing jeers” at members on the church’s pastoral board and preventing them from having access within the church, in what was described as an abuse of power.

Attorney Ramona Farquharson-Seymour’s assertions against Trent Davis, senior pastor of Golden Gates Assembly, came during Friday’s hearing before Justice Ian Winder.

The church is currently embroiled in a disagreement stemming from Bishop Rostin Davis’ recent appointment of his son, Trent Davis, as senior pastor of the church.

Mrs Farquharson-Seymour is representing several pastors, listed as defendants in a lawsuit headed

by Bishop Davis, who are protesting the appointment of the organisation’s newly assigned leader.

In a hearing before Justice Winder on Friday, Mrs Farquharson-Seymour claimed Pastor Davis has been abusing his power as the church’s senior leader by restricting the pastoral board from entering in the church building and being involved in other religious services.

“They are being kept outside of the church, no restrooms in the morning.

They are being prevented from entering the church to host prayer meeting, Bible study. They cannot even access the restrooms… the locks have since been changed,” she told the judge. “This is what is happening.”

The defense attorney also accused Pastor Davis

TRENT DAVIS, who has been appointed as senior pastor of Golden Gates Assembly. of “throwing jeers” at pastors, a situation which she said is “bordering now on ungodliness.”

“Bishop is barely visible,” she added. “His son is taking over all of the church and all of the services, throwing jeers and preventing the pastors from entering the church.”

Mrs Farquharson-Seymour subsequently called for Justice Winder to issue an order, allowing pastors to conduct prayer meetings and have access to the

church building.

She also asked Justice Winder to allow the pastoral board the ability to participate in an upcoming communion service, which are usually led by the religious group.

Asked by Justice Winder how his order was preventing the board from doing so, Mrs Farquharson-Seymour replied she did not know, only saying his orders were somehow being “construed” in a certain way.

“My lord, I don’t know

READY TO CELEBRATE A WEEK OF PRIDE

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net PRIDE Bahamas 2020 will kick off next week and organisers say it will be a week-long series of virtual events geared toward making The Bahamas a country that is more accepting and inclusive of LGBTQI+ people.

“Pride 2020 for our committee, and we hope it will soon be for all of you, is more than just a moment; it’s a movement, the culmination of years of advocating and energy to make The Bahamas a more accepting and inclusive space for its LGBTQI+ citizens,” organisers said in a press release.

“For this reason, Pride 2020 has been constructed as a safe space for education and awareness for both the LGBTQI+ community and the wider Bahamas

to best facilitate a muchneeded dialogue on the concerns of the LGBTQI+ community.

“We have sessions focused on safe sex practices, the inclusion of LGBTQI+ persons in art, media and writing, the importance of religious faith in the lives of LGBTQI+ persons, and a variety of other timely topics for discussion.

“We also will not hesitate to bring to light the deep trauma faced by community members and will commemorate the LGBTQI+ lives lost over the years to various incidents of violence, neglect and hate at the hands of homophobic societal norms.

“In all, Pride 2020 is a call for the wider Bahamas to recognise the rights of its LGTBQI+ community and citizens. It is the first step in sensitising The Bahamas to the vital role its LGBTQI+

community plays in the societal and cultural structures of The Bahamas.

“Pride 2020 will make it clear that the needs and concerns of the LGBTQI+ community can no longer be pushed aside, it’s a reminder that we have a voice and will not be afraid to advocate for a more welcoming and inclusive country.”

The events had to be retooled due to restrictions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.

In May, Pride Bahamas spokesperson Alexus D’Marco said the events, which initially were set to be hosted in a public forum, would likely be hosted virtually in view of the COVID-19 social distancing guidelines.

The event’s theme is “The Rebirth of Pride Bahamas: Centering LGBTIQA+ People in The Bahamas’ Future”.

SUSPECTS QUIZZED IN ‘$200K’ NIB FRAUD

no one had been excluded “insofar as the operations of the church”.

However, he also noted that the church is regulated “under the direction of the archbishop”.

After hearing both arguments, Justice Winder told the attorney he would make a decision on whether the board will participate in the upcoming communion service and thereby inform them of his decision on Tuesday.

As it relates to other issues, Justice Winder said

Death Notice For Jorge Enrique Bacardi affectionately called “TJ” On Wednesday, September 23rd, 2020, Jorge Enrique Bacardi, loving husband of Leslie Bacardi, passed away peacefully alongside his wife of 46 years, at their residence in Lyford Cay at the age of 76.

Jorge, better known as “TJ,” the youngest of four siblings, was born on April 6th, 1944 in Santiago de Cuba to Caridad and Joaquin Bacardi. TJ obtained his bachelor’s degree in Economics from Stanford University and obtained his degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Miami. Jorge dedicated over 20 years of his career to the Bacardi rum family business, serving most of those years at the distillery in the Bahamas and nearly a decade on the company’s Board of Directors.

Of the many interests TJ pursued, he was passionate about everything related to the ocean and to his soulmate Leslie, whose connection of minds, their mutual respect, and unconditional love was evident throughout their entire loving relationship. He was a wonderful uncle and mentor to 17 nieces and nephews who remember him as “funny, loving, smart, affectionate, generous and caring.”

Jorge became an active advocate for organ donation, after his renewed lease on life from a double lung transplant. His appreciation to his proclaimed guardian angel “Gabriel,” was the young donor Christopher Gregory. In honor of Christopher, Leslie and Jorge founded the Gabriel House of Care, in Jacksonville Fl, at the Mayo Clinic hospital. The Gabriel House, now in its tenth year of service is the haven for patients and their caregivers in need of extended lodging after receiving their organ transplant or cancer treatment. Also, in honor of Christopher and to further build awareness for organ donation, Leslie and Jorge funded the soon to be released movie “2 Hearts.”

from page one

“Those suspects are expected to be arraigned in Magistrate’s court... on Monday.”

In a separate fraud related matter, a woman is expected to be charged today in relation to alleged theft at the Post Office.

The arraignments are scheduled for noon, police said.

how it’s preventing it, but it is being construed in a particular way so we need from you unequivocally to say that these pastors can access the church sanctuary for Bible study, prayer meeting and for the communion service that is coming up,” she told the judge.

In response to the claims, Wayne Munroe, QC, who heads the counsel for plaintiffs Bishop Davis, Donna Turnquest, Genesta Williams, John Rigby and Joyous Picstock, said he had been instructed that

he would deal with it at a later date.

Mrs Farquharson-Seymour’s assertions against Pastor Davis came after she failed to cross examine Bishop Ross Davis during Friday’s hearing following a back and forth exchange with Mr Munroe.

The exchange happened after Mrs FarquharsonSeymour made known her intentions to cross examine the plaintiff on “two sets of minutes” from committee meetings in 2007 and 2018.

However, Mr Munroe argued that his client had not had a chance to thoroughly examine the documents, which would place him at a “disadvantage.” He also said “it was unfortunate” that the documents were not in the initial affidavit and sent to him well in advance.

He further argued that he and his client would need to consider the “veracity” and “context” of the minutes.

“I could understand very clearly why Mrs Farquharson-Seymour would love to cross examine somebody on pieces of material where the person would have not had the occasion to review the entirety of the material,” he said.

In response, Mrs Farquharson- Seymour argued that all of minutes were “in the purview” of the archbishop, who she claimed had the documents from previous years.

Mr Munroe subsequently asked Justice Winder for a “formal case management” order to state that no further affidavits be filed “without leave and notice.”

Justice Winder then ordered that no further documents will be filed after October 9 without leave or notice.

The matter continues on October 22.

Jorge is predeceased by his brothers Joaquin and Alberto and survived by his sister Carmen, wife Leslie, 17 nieces and nephews, 43 grand nieces and nephews and one great grand nice.

A private funeral service was held on Saturday, September 26th, 2020 at Saint Paul’s Catholic Church on Western Road at 10:00 am.

THE NATIONAL Insurance Board building.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to “Hands for Hunger” at www. handsforhunger.org or (242) 327-1660.

PAGE 8, Monday, September 28, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

Minnis: In era of disasters, assessments are outdated

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has questioned why nations prone to disaster are still being assessed by international financial institutions using “outdated” methodologies.

Such countries, Dr Minnis said, are under constant assault from external shocks beyond their control.

In recent months, The Bahamas has had to deal with fallout from Hurricane Dorian and is now combating implications from the COVID-19 pandemic.

He made the remarks to world leaders in a prerecorded address at the 75th United Nations General Assembly on Saturday.

“Tourism serves as the main economic earner for The Bahamas,” Dr Minnis said. “Like other countries, we had to temporarily close our borders and regulate the movement of people to limit the spread of COVID-19.

“Our priority was, and will always be, to protect lives and ensure the safety of those within our borders.

The temporary closure of our borders caused one of the largest declines in visitor numbers since the advent of modern tourism in The Bahamas. The slowdown in economic activity in some areas of the private sector caused an unprecedented increase in unemployment prompting the activation of an Unemployment Benefits Programme and Self-Employed Assistance Programme, as well as other social safety programmes, including the National Food Distribution Programme, the largest feeding programme in our history.

“Mr President, small island developing countries like The Bahamas always appear to be operating in a vicious recovery mode cycle, having to deal with successive exogenous shocks and climatic events.

The Bahamas experienced major hurricanes in 2015, 2016, 2017, and in September 2019, Hurricane Dorian, the largest Atlantic storm in recorded history.

“UN initial assessments valued the loss and damage incurred at $3.4 billion.

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis.

Infrastructure and housing projects are ongoing, while we grapple with the impact of COVID-19, we continue to reach out to international partners for the much-needed assistance to restore and rebuild those islands.

Dr Minnis also said: “The economies of small island developing states, including those of the Caribbean community, are under constant assault from various external shocks beyond their control.

“This group of countries is among the most disaster-prone areas in the world. Pandemics, hurricanes, or climatic events, do not discriminate between

low-income countries, middle-income countries, and developed economies.

“Hence the compelling question remains, as to why middle-income countries are still being assessed by international financial institutions using outdated methodologies that give no consideration to a country’s level of exposure, vulnerability and ability to recover from exogenous shocks.”

The United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean’s review of the COVID-19 impact estimates that developmental achievements in the Caribbean and Latin America have been reversed by at

least a decade.

World Bank projections point to at least 100 million people falling into extreme poverty.

As a result, Dr Minnis reiterated a call for a vulnerability index.

“I therefore reiterate the call for the institutionalisation of a vulnerability index in the decision-making processes of the international financial institutions and international donor community,” he said.

“I also echo the call of the region for the capitalisation of a Caribbean Resilience Fund.

“The decision of the G20 group to suspend debt service payments for the least

developed countries is commendable, and I offer that this concession should be extended to other economic groupings as well.”

Regarding the COVID19 pandemic, Dr Minnis said The Bahamas is cautiously optimistic about a viable vaccine.

“Given the immeasurable stress and strain placed on global health care systems and supply chains, I commend the SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres for his continuous efforts to combat the pandemic.

“While we remain cautiously optimistic for a viable COVID-19 vaccine in the not too distant future, we note the collaborative efforts of the COVAX facility to secure arrangements for developing countries.

“Developing countries should be able to access vaccines via a transparent

AS children return to school, Urban Renewal Fox Hill provided supplies for them.

PHOTOS: Ulric Woodside/BIS

procurement process at affordable market rates. We salute the doctors, nurses, other healthcare workers and all on the frontline, who have sacrificed their own health in order to assist tens of millions of people around the world.

“They are the real heroes, to whom the global community owes immense gratitude,” Dr Minnis said.

On the issue of climate change, the nation’s leader said The Bahamas “continues to play its role in the preservation of a healthy marine and land environment which includes the expansion of marine protected areas and heritage sites”.

During his speech Dr Minnis also reiterated the country’s support “for an end to the economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba.”

THE STORIES BEHIND THE NEWS

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2020

LET’S PICK UP THE PACE AND GET THE WORK DONE NOW

Why are we waiting?

By TANYA SMITHCARTWRIGHT tsmith-cartwright@ tribunemedia.net THE transformation of the city of Nassau might seem slow in coming, but the work of the Downtown Nassau Partnership cannot go unnoticed. Slowly but steadily Nassau is being moved from a sleepy town into a world-classed port area for post-COVID tourists, be they here on business or vacation. The work will require a focus on culture and heritage, a physical redevelopment and a systematic effort to remake the city’s image.

“The city of Nassau has its issues, but there is little balance afforded when it comes to what was, what is and what will be,” said Ed Fields, managing director of the Downtown Nassau Partnership.

“It is never unfair to seek to improve, but it is unfair to ignore the successes.

That is typically what occurs here.”

The Downtown Nassau Partnership was established in 2009 to assist with overseeing the restructuring of urban space on New Providence. This includes a social and economic transformation of the city of Nassau.

The partnership is a joint venture of the private and public sectors geared towards achieving a progressive redevelopment of Nassau. One of its goals is to develop a framework for government to legislate a self-financing business improvement district that will manage and promote the city.

If one takes a ride in all the areas between Chippingham Road to Mackey Street, one would have accessed, what was, what is now and what is to come.

The Tribune took that ride and saw the good, the bad and the ugly. Some buildings are in tip top shape while others are sorely in need of attention. What was more overwhelming was the “silence” of Bay Street due to its practical closure because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Recently, the director

PLANS show the extent of the redevelopment project.

general, Joy Jibrilu, put forward that Downtown needed to step up to the plate in order to be ready for the re-opening of our tourism economy.

When Ed Fields was asked for his thoughts he did not hold back. Maybe he is looking for just a little bit more support from the Government of The Bahamas in pushing things forward, quicker.

“I cannot say I disagree, but with qualification,” Fields said.

“From the Hilton to East Street, except for government-owned properties, the state of properties is relatively acceptable. Take a drive around the area and there is actual charm to much of downtown.

We have been maintaining Pompey Square and Rawson Square with the meagre resources we have in our coffers.

“We are working with the Nassau Cruise Port to ensure that we rejuvenate the sidewalk cleaning. Marlborough Square has been transformed from an ugly

parking lot to a pedestri‘These developments anised space. The will change huge government and The Pointe swathes of the city are actively and it will result in an engaged in exciting blending of improving drainage.” the old and the new, Continuresulting in economic ing to speak to possibilities for the successes of the Partnera wide range of ship’s work, Fields stakeholders...’ pointed out the following.

“The Pointe is near completion.

The Post Office is about to be demol- percent done and construcished. It’s the site of the tion is ongoing, and the new Supreme Court. The Nassau Cruise Port which Central Bank is not far will be the envy of the away from commencing region, will spark rejuvenaconstruction on its new tion of Bay Street, Woodes headquarters, (the exist- Rogers Wharf and the ing Central Bank will immediate area. Demolibecome a museum), the tion of the buildings at the new US Embassy is under existing cruise port is 30 construction, the PMH percent completed with renovations of the Acci- Festival Place and the Port dent and Emergency wing Building slated for demoliis near completion,” Fields tion over the next several said. weeks.”

“A boardwalk connectEarly last year, Prime ing the Prince George Dock Minister Dr Hubert to Potters Cay is about 60 Minnis - while delivering contributions in the House of Assembly - confirmed that plans for the revitalisation of historic downtown Nassau were underway and will realise jobs and business opportunities for Bahamians.

The Prime Minister’s contributions were a part of a debate for a Resolution to Convey Property and Land from the Government of The Bahamas to the Central Bank of The Bahamas for the building of a new bank.

Mr Fields went on to say that plans are in the early stages for the development of the Kelly Property and it is hoped that the relaxing of building heights will spark residential development.

“These developments will change huge swathes of the city and it will result in an exciting blending of the old and the new, resulting in economic possibilities for a wide range of stakeholders, especially in the area of entertainment and culinary,” Fields noted.

“In addition, draft legislation is waiting to go before Cabinet in order to give the DNP statutory authority to manage the city and to enforce appropriate ordinances, such as garbage collection, signage, parking etc. Finally, the Downtown Nassau Partnership has engaged local law firm Higgs and Johnson to look at updating laws as they relate to loitering, vagrancy, peddling, solicitation and noise pollution, so that the sanctions are more appropriate and the penal code addressing those issues has more teeth.”

Mr Fields is touting the aforementioned as the Partnership’s successes and says what is left now is for owners - including government - to make sure their buildings are painted or cleaned. He said what is seen now is desolation as everything is boarded up.

“The real issue is East of East Street,” stated Mr Fields.

“The building blight is glaring. We have suggested to government that they consider condemning many of the buildings between Elizabeth Avenue and Armstrong Street and placing a mandatory demolition order in place. If the owners don’t comply, then the government can create job opportunities by demolishing it themselves and placing liens on some

very valuable property.

“There are one or two buildings I would have put the bulldozer to a long time ago, specifically the building that recently burnt down.

It is a great opportunity to give that part of Bay Street a new look by bulldozing the blight. I call on government to do continue to be engaged in the process, but to take this time to expedite projects that will contribute to the transformation.”

Fields said the forts, the cemeteries, government buildings and public spaces will all play a significant role in turning the city to that which Bahamians want to see. As an example, he said the DNP was on the cusp of reaching a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Works for the transformation of the Clifford Park and Haynes Oval area from Chippingham Road to Marcus Bethel Way into an iconic “central park”, but somehow it came to a standstill.

Continuing, Fields said: “Not only does this clean up the area but lends to quality of life issues, but for some reason or the other it got bogged down and then Dorian came into play.

“We have got to be able to move swifter. There is no reason why the Ministry of Tourism Building on George Street, should have taken longer than Baha Mar to complete. It is still not finished.”

Concluding, Fields said he feels Bahamians should be excited about what is planned for the city of Nassau. All that’s needed is for the obstacles to be removed that prevent excellent plans from coming to fruition, he said.

PAGE 10 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2020

INSIGHT

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

If they’re only in it for themselves, then who has our best interests at heart?

By MALCOLM STRACHAN

careful reflection, I have decided, Mr Speaker, to join the Progressive Liberal Party.

MORE than nine months “It is time to do what I ago, disaffected Member of believe is best for me” – not Parliament for Golden Isles, the Bahamian people. Was Vaughn Miller resigned there ever a conscience that from the governing Free spoke so loudly the true National Movement. Citing intentions of the Bahamian issues with the party during politician. And yet, we his tenure, ranging from the are surprised when we’re decision to increase VAT stricken with a five-year from 7.5 to 12 percent and sentence of being disapthe controversial lease sign- pointed and disillusioned ing with Brent Symonette with the politics of our to rent space in the Town country.

Centre Mall to relocate the Certainly, this would be Post Office, Mr Miller’s rea- a harsh generalisation, as sons for leaving the party there are still some who to become an independ- throw their hat in the ring ent were allegedly based with the desire to do some on what he felt was the good. But somewhere in best decision the middle for the Baha- ‘We have of towing the mian people. downgraded party line and Last week, he becoming became a newly our vote to the yes men and minted member level of the women, that of the Progrespeople-centred Bahamian penny. sive Liberal drive to work And make no Party towards the Now, with mistake, they common good one particular of everyday soundbite from know this. They Bahamians his address in continually do becomes more Parliament ring- what is best hazy. ing more loudly Mr Miller, in the ears of for them; only unfortunately, the Bahamian promising from is of the mind people as elec- the campaign that any future tion season in politics, if approaches, we stage that better he wants to must ask our- days are on do any good selves, who has the horizon.’ by the Bahaour best interest mian people, at heart? will only come “It has always been, Mr through joining one of the Speaker, my desire, my major political parties – dream... to serve our great parties that for the past 53 country and to make life years have not done enough better for other people, for the Bahamian people. particularly the poor, the We can simply look at how indigent, the marginalised, unprepared we’ve been for the disenfranchised, the the perilous times we are downtrodden,” Mr Miller engulfed in. said.

We are in the wilderness “I’ve also thought and without tourism dollars and prayed long and hard. It a complete lack of viable has become extremely clear infrastructure for anyto me what I must do. It is thing else that could carry time for me to do what I the load. For 53 years, all believe is best for me. Mr we’ve had were opportuSpeaker, I’ve been in con- nities to explore what this versation with the leader would look like – recessionof the opposition and after

proofing our economy – and yet here we are.

We were sitting on our hands, and as a result, shell-shocked.

All we’re doing is hoping that prayer, nature or science provides us with relief sooner rather than later. But in the meantime, however, our people – your people – are suffering.

The fact we can be so insensitive to the plight of our brothers and sisters through the veil of political allegiance is frightening, to say the least.

And tragically, we don’t have anyone to blame but ourselves as we have largely traded our identities as Bahamians – our true identity – for that superficial emptiness that comes along with supporting a political party.

We have downgraded our vote to the level of the Bahamian penny.

And make no mistake, they know this. They continually do what is best for them; only promising from the campaign stage that better days are on the horizon.

They make false assurances in hopes we buy into their vision for the country. However, what they’ve too often failed to mention is how that vision leaves out everyday citizens.

Yet you can set your clock on it every five years.

The pendulum swings to either one of the major

‘I’ve also thought and prayed long and hard. It has become extremely clear to me what I must do. It is time for me to do what I believe is best for me.’

Vaughn Miller

political parties. I’d say a 50 percent chance to govern a country are odds that anyone should like when the trappings are so attractive.

No disrespect to Vaughn Miller. He is just the most

recent example of a politician doing what is best for him. That said, this diatribe has far less to do with the person of Mr Miller than it has to do with what has become the mould of the Bahamian politician – one who becomes a self-serving puppet at the behest of the party leader rather than serving all Bahamians.

Friends, unless we change - which will ultimately force the system to change - we need not delude ourselves with the notion of a better Bahamas.

Likewise, the time we take to understand the issues in this country before casting our vote increases

its value to us, and more importantly, to the people vying for it.

If we consider how much our lives have changed during the current administration, we should be reminded of how long and how much can happen in five years.

The bar for securing the mantle of leadership has to be placed higher than it currently is. The prerequisite has to be more than a comparison between what you as an individual got from them versus their predecessor.

Simply consider the hardship you and your neighbours experience and ask yourself if it has to be this way.

If the answer is no, now, the question to ask yourself is, “How do we make it better for us all?”

It’s time to do what’s best for Bahamians.

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

INSIGHT

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2020 PAGE 11

Caribbean wouldn’t tolerate external interference on Republics OF all the fanciful reasons imputed to the decision of the government to make Barbados a Republic, shedding its monarchical status with Queen Elizabeth II as Head of State, the most surprising has come from the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the British House of Commons, Tom Tugendhat.

The Foreign Affairs Committee, comprised of parliamentarians from all political parties in the House, is a serious body.

It has produced important and influential reports in the past. Therefore, when its chairman makes a statement, it would be imprudent just to dismiss it.

The Times newspaper quoted him as saying on September 23, eight days after the Barbados Government’s decision was declared: “China has been using infrastructure investment and debt diplomacy as a means of control for a while and it’s coming closer to home for us. British partners have long faced challenges from rivals seeking to undermine our alliance. Today we’re seeing it in the Caribbean. Some islands seem to be close to swapping a symbolic Queen in Windsor for a real and demanding emperor in Beijing.”

As head of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Mr Tugendhat should have been better informed. The Barbados government was no more influenced by China to change its status to a Republic, than it was under pressure by the British government to continue to share Queen Elizabeth

World View

By SIR RONALD SANDERS

as the Head of the two separate realms.

It is unfortunate that some in the international community regard small states as inexpert, seeing them as ready objects of manipulation by big powers through either coercion or enticements. Thus, the presence of China in the Caribbean - where it has made investments that have aided economic development - is characterised as “a means of control”, as Mr. Tugendhat puts it.

Discounted altogether is that, in many Caribbean countries, China has given much needed loans and grants when others have been significant by their absence, or where, by their presence, they institute unhelpful policies of ‘black listing’ countries without consultation, or blocking much needed loans from international financial institutions on criteria that takes no account of the vulnerability of small states.

Do loans translate into coercive influence over small Caribbean states?

The answer is unreservedly no. Loans must be repaid, including Chinese ones whose main attraction is their longer repayment periods and lower interest rates. If their rivals met their terms, competition would win out.

In any event, amid the COVID-19 crisis, China has shown no desire to forgive debt nor to defer interest payments to give developing countries more breathing space. However, unlike the members of the Paris Club of official creditors (mostly G7 countries), China has deferred principal payments on loans.

If anything, it is other powerful states that provide space for China in the Caribbean by not offering money on competitive terms and by refusing to support issues that are vitally important to Caribbean states. Among those issues are curbing Climate Change, promoting debt forgiveness in the epoch of COVID-19, and removing the skewed criteria of per capita income that prohibits many Caribbean countries from access to concessionary loans.

Whether large and powerful nations accept it or not, governments of small states are not vassals; in making foreign policy and domestic decisions, they make them in the context of what is in their best interest. That choice may result in upsetting one or other of powerful rival states, but it would be wrong for them to believe that Caribbean governments are incapable of making reasoned decisions

in their country’s interests.

On other comments made about Barbados’ wish to proceed to Republican status, should it do so it will not cease to be member of the Commonwealth of Nations which stopped being “British” in 1949 on the independence of India and Pakistan and their becoming Republics.

At that time, it was accepted the British Crown would be the “Head of the Commonwealth” and, as such, “the symbol of the voluntary association” of its members. Of the 54 member states of the Commonwealth, 31 are Republics.

There also appears to be a perception that, in swearing allegiance to Queen Elizabeth II in Barbados and other Caribbean countries, fealty is being sworn to the Queen of the United Kingdom. This is not so.

The Queen is head of state of each of her realms separately. So, in each country when the oath of allegiance is made, it is to

Nature of Work

QUEEN ELIZABETH II the sovereign as head of that state only.

Another point worth making is that if, in becoming a Republic, the choice is made for a non-Executive President (as was recommended by a Constitutional Commission headed by Sir Henry Forde in 1998), no change in the system of government will occur in Barbados or any other county that follows that pattern.

The decision of the Barbados government, which has been in contemplation for 17 years, resides in one overarching consideration. It is this: the people of Barbados have a right to decide that their Head of State should be a symbol of their nation – someone who is from, and of the country, who lives within it, who shares its challenges and its benefits and who encompasses their common identity.

That decision has not one jot to do with external influences. It is simply a national conclusion whose time has come,

logically, emotionally and intellectually.

Will other Caribbean monarchical states do the same? Highly likely they will, for the same important reason that motivates Barbados. But because their constitutions, unlike Barbados’, requires them to hold a referendum in which the majority of the electorate vote in favour (and they have to obtain a two-thirds majority vote in the elected House), the political parties – in government and opposition – have to agree to proceed.

More importantly, they will have to jointly explain the implications to the people, or political rivalry and distrust of politicians will defer the change.

Unless they do so, “God Save the Queen/King” may still be sung alongside the national anthems of remaining Caribbean realms for another decade.

• Responses and previous commentaries: www.sirronaldsanders.com

Master Mechanic

To perform preventive maintenance, inspection and repairs to heavy equipment with both gasoline and diesel engines. Must be able to lead and manage a mechanic team, preparing work orders, requisition parts for equipment repair and prepare departmental reports. As lead mechanic, you will be responsible for driving/traveling to various job sites, inspecting engines and equipment, carrying out services, conducting repairs, and providing routine maintenance. Must have proven experience working with CAT, Cummins, Detroit Diesel, John Deer, Komatsu etc., and be physically fit, able to troubleshoot issues.

Knowledge of: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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Diagnosing faults using computerized testing equipment.

Adjusting equipment and replacing faulty parts Repairing damaged equipment parts.

Cleaning, lubricating, and conducting routine services on heavy-duty vehicles.

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Performing major repair work when necessary.

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Adjust breaks and clutches; adjust and replace carburetors, remove and repair transmission Perform welding and metal work duties

Skill in: • • • •

Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature Performing basic mathematical functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, and ratios Assigning, prioritizing, monitoring, and reviewing work assignments

Ability to: • • • • • • • •

Meet schedules and deadlines of the work Understand and carry out oral and written directions Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files Maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries Read and understand service and parts manuals Read diagrams and schematics Must be able to lead a team and provide training Must be able to implement and manage equipment preventative maintenance program

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At least 10 years of experience performing automotive/heavy equipment/ small engine mechanical repair and maintenance;

•

Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities

Please send resumes to jjosey@bahamasstriping.com

PAGE 12 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2020

INSIGHT

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

What makes hurricanes like Dorian stall and why is that so hard to forecast?

By KIMBERLY WOOD Assistant Professor of Meteorology, Mississippi State University A LOT can go wrong when hurricanes stall.

Their destructive winds last longer. The storm surge can stay high. And the rain keeps falling.

During Hurricane Sally, Naval Air Station Pensacola reported more than 24 inches of rain as the storm’s forward movement slowed Hurricane to walking speed Dorian slowed along the coast. to one mile per We saw similar effects when hour in 2019 as the decayits winds and ing Hurricane rain battered Harvey sat over Houston for The Bahamas four days in 2017 for two days. and dropped up to 60 inches of rain in some areas – that’s five feet! Hurricane Dorian slowed to one mile per hour in 2019 as its winds and rain battered The Bahamas for two days.

Post-Tropical Storm Beta was the latest stalling storm, flooding streets in Houston as it slowly crept up the Texas coast and eventually moved into Louisiana.

Research shows that stalling has become more common for tropi- HURRICANE Dorian pictured as it stalled over Abaco and Grand Bahama and, right, the cal cyclones in the North damage in the aftermath of the storm in Abaco.

Atlantic since the mid-20th century and that their aver- storm systems move and by the winds around them. slower, the leaf slower. age forward speed has also why they sometimes slow We call this the atmospheric moves to a crawl. flow. If those winds are When the flow slowed. moving fast, they’ll move turns, the leaf So, why does this Why do some storms move the storm fast. You can pic- turns. happen? Here are answers fast and others slow? ture it as a leaf floating on a What the to some questions I hear as Hurricanes are steered stream. If the stream moves atmospheric a meteorologist about how flow is doing in a given location on a day-to-day basis can be pretty variable.

How quickly a given storm will move depends on such things as whether a high-pressure ridge is nearby, or if there is low pressure where air flows counterclockwise.

And steering currents can weaken if a storm is caught between different kinds of flow.

One factor that affects flow in the Atlantic is a high pressure system called the Bermuda high. Many hurricanes that form east of the Lesser Antilles get steered by the Bermuda high.

What does climate change have to do with it?

The Arctic has been warming about twice as fast as the mid-latitudes, where most of the US is located. That’s reducing the temperature distribution, or gradient, between the Arctic and the mid-latitudes. And that can affect the steering currents, such as those associated with the Bermuda high.

On average, the forward speed of hurricanes has been slowing down.

Simulations of tropical storm behaviour have suggested that this slowing will continue as average global temperatures warm, particularly in the mid-latitudes.

A warmer atmosphere also means storms can tap

into more moisture. As temperature increases, it’s easier for water to evaporate into vapour. Imagine setting your laundry out to dry on a hot day versus a cool day. Your laundry will dry faster if it’s hot out because the liquid water can become vapour more easily. Your laundry also feels cool when water evaporates from it because evaporation is a cooling process. In a hurricane, the opposite happens – water vapour reverts to liquid as cloud droplets, which means energy gets released, and that energy powers the storm.

If a storm slows, and if it has access to more moisture, it can dump more rain and produce a greater storm surge due to the slow motion.

Why are slow-moving storms so dangerous?

When a hurricane approaches land, there are multiple possible effects: the wind from the hurricane itself, the rainfall the hurricane produces and the storm surge that’s pushed by the hurricane.

Inland, excessive rain can cause low-lying areas to fill

DAMAGE from Hurricane Dorian in Abaco.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

with water and also leads to river and stream flooding.

Slow-moving storms mean longer periods of heavy rain near the coast, so the inland flooding that heads downstream can meet the storm surge moving upstream, which is terrifying.

North Carolina saw that in 2018 when Hurricane Florence pushed a 10-foot storm surge into the Neuse River while dumping more than 20 inches of rain across a large part of the state.

Why is it so hard to forecast a slow mover?

To forecast a storm, we look at what we call “dynamical guidance” – computer models that simulate the atmosphere and make a prediction based on our knowledge of physics. Forecasters put in variables such as the current wind, temperature and pressure, and the computer uses that starting point to simulate what the weather could be hours or days into the future.

But our initial picture of the atmosphere is not perfect, and the computer can work only with what we give it. Each computer model is also a little different. They’re all based in the laws of physics, but the assumptions they make and how they take in data can vary from model to model.

When a storm is moving slowly, what could be a small difference in the initial atmospheric picture can result in big differences over the next few days.

Why? When steering currents are weak, like 5mph, a speed difference of 2mph in the initial flow has a bigger impact than when the currents are strong, so it’s easier for the models to produce forecasts that end up looking different from what eventually happens.

• Originally published on theconversation.com

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, September 28, 2020, PAGE 13

PRESIDENT Donald Trump at a news conference at the White House yesterday.

Photo: Carolyn Kaster/AP

‘Trump paid just $750 in income taxes in 2016, 2017’

By JOSH BOAK Associated Press US PRESIDENT Donald Trump paid just $750 in federal income taxes the year he ran for president and in his first year in the White House, according to a report on Sunday in The New York Times.

Trump, who has fiercely guarded his tax filings and is the only president in modern times not to make them public, paid no federal income taxes in ten of the past 15 years.

The details of the tax filings complicate Trump’s description of himself as a shrewd and patriotic businessman, revealing instead a series of financial losses and income from abroad that could come into conflict with his responsibilities as president.

The president’s financial

disclosures indicated he earned at least $434.9m in 2018, but the tax filings reported a $47.4m loss.

The disclosure, which the Times said comes from tax return data it obtained extending over two decades, comes at a pivotal moment ahead of the first presidential debate Tuesday and weeks before a divisive election against Democrat Joe Biden.

Speaking at a news conference on Sunday at the White House, Trump dismissed the report as “fake news” and maintained he has paid taxes, though he gave no specifics. He also vowed that information about his taxes “will all be revealed”, but he offered no timeline for the disclosure and made similar promises during the 2016 campaign on which he never followed through.

In fact, the president has fielded court challenges against those seeking access to his returns, including the US House, which is suing for access to Trump’s tax returns as part of congressional oversight.

During his first two years as president, Trump received $73m from foreign operations, which in addition to his golf properties in Scotland and Ireland included $3m from the Philippines, $2.3m from India and $1m from Turkey.

The president in 2017 paid $145,400 in taxes in India and $156,824 in the Philippines, compared to just $750 in US income taxes.

Trump found multiple ways to reduce his tax bills.

He has taken tax deductions on personal expenses such as housing, aircraft and $70,000 to style his hair while he filmed “The

QUICK SUPREME COURT VOTE PLANNED WASHINGTON Associated Press PRESIDENT Donald Trump said yesterday that confirmation of his Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett will go “quickly” but his Democratic rival, Joe Biden, implored the Republicanled Senate to hold off on voting on her nomination until after the Nov 3 election to “let the people decide”.

Speaking at a press conference at the White House, the president spotlighted Barrett’s Roman Catholic religion, portraying her as a victim of attacks on her faith. But it’s her conservative approach to the law, particularly health care access that is drawing opposition from Democrats, not her private beliefs.

“It’s a disgrace,” Trump said. He vowed she will be confirmed “very quickly”.

Trump’s announcement of Barrett for the seat held by the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is launching a high-stakes, fast-track election season fight over confirmation of a conservative judge who is expected to shift the court rightward as it reviews health care, abortion access and other hot-button issues.

Biden yesterday appealed directly to his former colleagues in the Senate to “take a step back from the brink”.

Biden urged Senate Republicans not to fan a controversy during an already tumultuous election year for a country reeling from the coronavirus crisis, a struggling economy and protests over racial

injustice. If Trump wins the election, Biden said the president’s nominee should have a vote. But Biden said he should choose the next justice if he prevails on Nov. 3.

“This is time to deescalate,” Biden said in Wilmington, Delaware.

No justice has ever been confirmed to the Supreme Court so close to a presidential election with early voting already underway in some states. Republicans believe the fight ahead will boost voter enthusiasm for Trump and Senate Republicans at serious risk of losing their majority. Democrats warn Barrett’s confirmation would almost certainly undo Americans’ health care protections as the high court takes up a case against the Affordable Care Act in the fall.

Apprentice”. Losses in the property businesses solely owned and managed by Trump appear to have offset income from his stake in “The Apprentice” and other entities with multiple owners.

During the first two years of his presidency, Trump relied on business tax credits to reduce his tax obligations. The Times said $9.7m worth of business investment credits that were submitted after Trump requested an extension to file his taxes allowed him to reduce his income and pay just $750 each in 2016 and 2017.

Income tax payments help finance the military and domestic programs.

Trump, starting in 2010, claimed and received an income tax refund that totaled $72.9m, which the Times said was at the core

of an ongoing audit by the IRS. Richard Neal, D-Mass, the chair of the House Ways and Means Committee who has tried unsuccessfully to obtain Trump’s tax records, said the Times report makes it even more essential for his committee to get the documents.

“It appears that the President has gamed the tax code to his advantage and used legal fights to delay or avoid paying what he owes,” Neal wrote in a statement. “Now, Donald Trump is the boss of the agency he considers an adversary. It is essential that the IRS’s presidential audit program remain free of interference.”

A lawyer for the Trump Organisation, Alan Garten, and a spokesperson for the Trump Organisation did not immediately respond to a request for comment from

The Associated Press on the report.

Garten told the Times that “most, if not all, of the facts appear to be inaccurate”.

He said in a statement to the news organisation that the president “has paid tens of millions of dollars in personal taxes to the federal government, including paying millions in personal taxes since announcing his candidacy in 2015”.

The New York Times said it declined to provide Garten with the tax filings in order to protect its sources.

During his first general election debate against Democrat Hillary Clinton in 2016, Clinton said that perhaps Trump wasn’t releasing his tax returns because he had paid nothing in federal taxes. Trump interrupted her to say, “That makes me smart.”

FORMER CAMPAIGN CHIEF ‘TRIED TO HARM HIMSELF’ FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida Associated Press

PRESIDENT Donald Trump’s former campaign manager Brad Parscale was hospitalised yesterday after he threatened to harm himself, according to Florida police and campaign officials.

Police officers talked Parscale out of his Fort Lauderdale home after his wife called police to say that he had multiple firearms and was threatening to hurt himself.

Police Sgt DeAnna Greenlaw said Parscale was hospitalised under the

BRAD PARSCALE state’s Baker Act, which allows anyone deemed to be a threat to themselves or others to be detained for 72 hours for psychiatric evaluation.

“Brad Parscale is a member of our family and we love him,” said Trump

campaign communications director Tim Murtaugh.

“We are ready to support him and his family in any way possible.”

Parscale was demoted from the campaign manager’s post in July but remained part of the campaign, helping run its digital operation.

Parscale was originally hired to run Trump’s 2016 campaign by Jared Kushner, the president’s powerful sonin-law. While the Republican National Committee owns most of the campaign’s data, voter modeling and outreach tools, Parscale ran most of the microtargeted online advertising.