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Volume: 118 No.213, September 30, 2021

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THE PEOPLE’S PAPER: PRICE–$1

‘FOOD ASSISTANCE COSTS TOO MUCH’

FRONT PORCH: NO HIDING FROM SHAMEFUL VITRIOL TOWARDS MIGRANTS

- SEE PAGE EIGHT

Obie questions why aid programme bill is $800k per week

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net SOCIAL Services and Urban Development Minister Obie Wilchcombe has questioned spending related to the government’s National Food Distribution initiative as his ministry prepares to take over the programme.

The National Food Distribution Task Force’s work is set to soon come to an end and Mr Wilchcombe said his ministry is working

to move with “haste” to introduce a new food programme “as soon as possible”.

“So as far as the food programme is concerned, it comes to an end and then we have to absorb the individuals. I just don’t understand why we’re spending 800 plus thousand dollars a week. I have a difficulty with that and they’re buying through a second hand while it makes more sense to have warehouses SEE PAGE FOUR

ATLANTIS PASSING BILL FOR TESTING TO STAFF

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE hotel union last night said it has referred Atlantis’ plan to make all unvaccinated staff pay for weekly COVID-19 tests from tomorrow to the Department of Labour.

Darrin Woods, the Bahamas Hotel, Catering and Allied Workers Union head, told Tribune Business he maintained his belief that the Paradise Island mega resort and other

employers cannot mandate that workers pay because it would represent a violation of Bahamian law.

Asserting that the newly-elected Davis administration “haven’t got time to fiddle their thumbs”, he reiterated that the Health and Safety at Work Act’s section nine forbids Bahamian employers from imposing any financial “levy” on staff to ensure they comply with this law’s stipulations.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

‘WHAT DID FITZGERALD DO THAT WAS SO BAD?’

IN this picture that was tweeted out then deleted, Jerome Fitzgerald was announced as head of the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit.

Damian Gomez QC has spoken out in Mr Fitzgerald’s defence after previous controversy during his time as Education Minister. See PAGE FIVE for the full story.

DOCTORS WARN COVID INAGUA RESIDENTS FEAR DROP OFF IS NOT CLEAR OVER REFUGEES INFLUX

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE head of the Consultant Physicians Staff Association has said it is too early to determine if COVID-19 infections are

trending downward, noting several factors could be contributing to the drop in confirmed virus numbers seen over the last few days.

Her comments came as the Ministry of Health SEE PAGE FOUR

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

SOME Haitians in Inagua have been disorderly while being detained, according to Island Administrator Marlon Leary, who told The

Tribune accommodating a large number of migrants has been challenging.

Mr Leary said the situation has brought to light the need for a detention facility in the southernmost island.

SEE PAGE THREE

FNM YOUTH’S SUPPORT MUST BE EARNED

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE Free National Movement’s youth association president wants young FNM supporters to carefully consider who should be the party’s next leader and to support someone who will acknowledge the party’s mistakes and commit to addressing them.

Carlyle Bethel, speaking during a general body meeting of the Torchbearers

CARLYLE BETHEL Youth Association last night, said young people can expect leadership candidates to come requesting their support as the race intensifies.

“We have a convention

on the horizon, where we will elect a new leader, deputy leader, chairman and other executive party officers,” he said last night in one of the final meetings of his tenure.

“Many people will come to you for support. They will try to break up the bonds that we have in an effort to add votes to their count. We must not let them. We know the issues that we faced as Torchbearers.”

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

SEE PAGE FOUR

STATESIDE - A PROBLEM WE STRUGGLE TO FIND A SOLUTION FOR

- SEE PAGE NINE

PAGE 2, Thursday, September 30, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

Man shot dead while walking

ANGUISH from onlookers at the scene of last night’s fatal shooting on Windsor Lane.

A MAN was shot dead on Windsor Lane last night, the second person to be killed in the area in the past two days.

Police said while there is a possibility the two homicides are related, this link has not been confirmed.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Audley Peters said police received a call around 8.30pm of a man being shot on Windsor Lane west. Officers discovered a man’s body lying in bushes on the northern side of the street. The victim had apparent gunshot injuries and paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.

“Initial investigations in this matter is that the male was walking along Windsor Lane when he was approached by a gunman who shot him several times about the body,” ASP Peters said at the scene.

This comes after a man was shot dead before noon on Tuesday on the same street, which is known as the Big Yard.

ASP Peters told reporters that it is possible last night’s homicide is connected to Tuesday’s shooting.

“It is a possibility that may be the case, but we have not confirmed that and so we would wait for the investigation to lead us into the direction that it would confirm that suspicion at the moment,” he said.

He also said there is no

THE BODY of a man shot dead while walking on Windsor Lane is removed from the scene.

Photos: Donovan McIntosh/Tribune Staff “They should now seek information to suggest the loved ones were visibly two victims are related to upset about the incident. to bring about a healing in each other but said they They were heard wailing in their community either by may have known each anguish as police processed offering prayers for one other as members of the the scene. ASP Peters was another, seeking comfort asked about family mem- for one another because this community.

Last night’s victim is the bers being upset about the is going to be a hard process fifth person to be killed shooting taking place a for the family members who since Sunday. Asked if he day after another man was have lost their loved ones in this community.” had concerns about what killed in the area.

“They have a right to be ASP Peters said for the appeared to be an increase in homicides, the police angry, it’s a part of the griev- most part the Big Yard is ing process, we understand a “loving community”, but press liaison officer said: “It is an increase (in that as (the) initial stages he said there are one or homicides) and it is a trou- of the grieving process and two individuals who are not bling one. However, we they want to vent. They have of good character who are are also appealing to mem- that right to vent and we causing problems in the area.

Anyone with informaion bers of the public to share understand that. I want to the information that they assure them that the police on this killing or any other department is working on incident is asked to call would be aware of.

“We appeal to the com- their behalf, and if they police at 502-9991, the nearmunity to assist us to bring know something, call their est police station or Crime police department to assist Stoppers at 328-TIPS these matters to a closure.”

(8477).

Family members and us in solving this matter.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, September 30, 2021, PAGE 3

Inagua residents fear over refugees influx from page one It has also been overwhelming for some residents who have expressed concerns that those being detained could escape custody and “take over” the island.

Additionally, there is also a fear of the spread of COVID-19 and cholera.

The official said there was currently an outbreak of cholera in Haiti, so health officials were keeping a watchful eye and have separated sick people from those who are healthy.

Mr Leary was contacted yesterday after a video and voice note were shared on social media platforms purportedly giving some insight into the ongoing situation.

In the video, a group of Haitians being held under a tent appeared to be rowdy.

A man was heard saying the detainees “run hot, (and) retaliate out here”.

A separate voice note claimed residents were overwhelmed.

Asked about it yesterday, the island administrator said both the Royal

THE ROYAL Bahamas Defence Force intercepted another Haitian sailing vessel off Ragged Island on Wednesday morning. The Haitian sloop was seen 24 nautical miles east of Ragged Island.

HMBS Lawrence Major and Lignum Vitae were directed to intercept. A total of 137 migrants were removed from the sloop and will be taken to Matthew Town, Inagua, to be handed over to Immigration officials for further processing. They will join the 423 migrants currently housed on the island. A total of 292 migrants were also removed from Flamingo Cay and adjacent cays in the Ragged Island chain on Tuesday after their vessel became disabled, bringing the total to 429 going to Inagua. One migrant was deceased.

Bahamas Defence Force you’ll always have persons and Department of Immi- with lil’ discrepancies or gration officers had done a lil’ arguments or whatever good job bringing order. and get lil’ riled up, but “Any time you have a immigration and defence large number of persons force, they controlled the

PAHO: HAITI NEEDS VACCINES

By TANYA SMITHCARTWRIGHT tsmith-cartwright@ tribunemedia.net

WITH droves of Haitians showing up in the southern Bahamas, the Pan American Health Organization has revealed that fewer than one percent of that country’s citizens have been inoculated against COVID-19.

Over the past five days, roughly 900 Haitians escaping extreme poverty in their country arrived in the area of Inagua and Ragged Island.

Thousands more have found themselves on the border of Mexico and Texas.

On July 7 this year, Haiti saw the assassination of its President, Jovenel Moise.

Then on August 14 the southwest portion of Haiti experienced an earthquake measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale. Two days later, on August 16, the country experienced a direct hit from Tropical Depression Grace.

Newly appointed Health and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville came under fire over the weekend on social media because while addressing the apprehended Haitians he let them know that serious health precautions had to be taken as they might have had diseases not experienced in The Bahamas.

“We are now in a situation where it is important for us to ensure that the public health situation in The Bahamas is kept,” Dr Darville said.

“You are from Haiti, because of your country and the way how it is, you are exposed to more pathogens than exist in our country. It is important for you to follow the instructions of our healthcare professionals to protect you and to protect us.”

On Monday, Immigration Minister Keith Bell said various tests have been conducted on migrants for the detection of COVID19 and other diseases but none of the results so far have created any cause for concern.

Addressing the organisation’s weekly webinar on COVID-19, Dr Carissa Etienne, PAHO’s director, not only revealed the low percentage of COVID-19 inoculations in Haiti, but also said PAHO is working diligently with the Haitian government to increase allocations of the vaccine.

“In Haiti, fewer than one percent of people have been protected so far,” Dr Etienne said. “We are on the ground in Haiti helping the country make the most of the vaccines it has on hand and working with the Haitian government and international partner NGOs

to plan for additional allocations of vaccine supply in the coming months. Special attention is also focused on uptake of vaccines in the areas affected by the earthquake.

“Looking ahead, we must use all possible strategies to access more doses.

Our Revolving Fund is in advanced discussions with vaccine manufacturers to purchase additional COVID vaccines on behalf of our member states, to complement bilateral deals, donations, and doses they are receiving via the COVAX mechanism.”

Inagua residents have spoken to the press about their fears of contracting the deadly COVID-19 virus from the 500 Haitian migrants being held on that island. And, a senior officer in the Royal Bahamas Defence Force feels the government is not acting fast enough.

“I realise the new government is trying to take a more humane approach to all of this,” the officer said. “I commend them for that, sincerely, however, the more the Haitian nationals are kept on our islands, the more exposed our staff is.

“Because of the large amounts arriving on our islands, we need to make their repatriation different from practices in the past and as quick as possible. We

can see from international news that keeping them in the same place for long periods not only risks COVID and other diseases, but it also gives them time to organise themselves in terms of violence, etc.

“We have to be very deliberate and quick in our approach to this. We are pretty much outnumbered if something goes down.

Another thing is that right now is the time to ask the US to assist us in beefing up our borders. The US is conducting deportations with Haitian migrants. They are not letting them in.

We have to follow suit and make it quick.”

PAHO reported the region is showing nearly 1.5 million new COVID infections and more than 26,000 COVID related deaths which is more than any other global region.

Officials in the organisation said in North America, Canada is witnessing a rise in COVID infections and deaths. In the USA, cases have been declining during the last week, however, deaths have been increasing.

More than a billion COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered in our region. And 35 percent of people in Latin America and the Caribbean have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

situation, and everyone is back to normal right now,” Mr Leary said.

Since last Wednesday, more than 900 Haitians have been apprehended by local officials.

About 500 migrants are said to be detained in Inagua, again raising the issue of needing a detention facility on the small island.

“We don’t have the proper facilities,” Mr Leary told The Tribune. “We have to make use and make do with whatever facilities we have.

“The thing is we don’t have a real detention centre like Nassau, so a detention centre is needed, but we make do with what we have.

“This is a large operation.

The migrants have to be processed and they have to be taken before the courts and all that kind of stuff so it’s a lot of work.

He continued: “It was known prior to this that we need a facility here even though this is probably the most that you would have had at one particular time, but it really highlights even more the need for a facility here. This is the southern border.”

Residents on the island have had mixed feelings about the situation.

According to the

administrator, some have expressed fears. Inagua has a population of about 900 residents.

“Some persons have been saying they are afraid the island could be taken over and there could be a shortage of supplies and things like that. Like in any other kind of situation there would be that kind of concern because you see a bunch of persons coming here illegally you have that concern,” he said.

Novelete Turnquest was among those who yesterday said she believed that Inagua could not handle large numbers of migrants.

“It’s never happened before and I don’t think we are in the position to handle it,” Ms Turnquest said yesterday. “We’ve been having migrants for years and it was never to this magnitude so right now you can’t say what could happen from what can’t happen you could only hope for the best.

“Some are in fear, of course. Some of the migrants started to carry on yesterday shouting out and stuff like that and so some people were like it’s getting out of hand. So, there were a few keeping watch in case anything happened and that is to be expected.

People want what’s best

for Inagua and we are not used to this. We are used to being peaceful people, but if it comes to a place where we have to take things into our own hands, I am quite sure Inagua people are not afraid of it.”

Another resident, who did not want to be named, said the government should do whatever is necessary to help the Haitian nationals who have fled their native land in search of a better life here in The Bahamas.

She said: “I feel that Haitians are humans just like us. Can you imagine what they are going through?

“I feel like the government needs to find a mass of land to give them because they are spending more money having to take them back to Haiti and it’s going to be a problem for a very long time because in the space of one week you see how many of them came to Inagua?

“You can’t help everybody, but help some.

They had something with the Haitians singing their national anthem yesterday, but I don’t think it was anything to put fear,” she also said.

The country is experiencing an influx of migrants from Haiti due to increasing social and political turmoil there.

PAGE 4, Thursday, September 30, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

Doctors warn COVID drop off is not clear from page one reported another 77 new COVID cases and eight virus-related deaths on Tuesday. Health officials said the deaths occurred between September 2 and September 23. The victims were all from New Providence and their ages ranged from 46 to 70.

On Monday, there were 65 new infections recorded, while 67 cases were confirmed on Sunday.

This means the country now has 20,984 confirmed COVID-19 cases in addition to 531 virus related deaths.

In an interview with The Tribune yesterday, CPSA president Dr Sabriquet Pinder-Butler said it’s important for Bahamians not to let their guards down as the confirmed tally does not accurately reflect the true COVID numbers.

She said many people with COVID-19 are still not getting tested or are

either being diagnosed by way of the rapid antigen test, which is not reflected on the Ministry of Health’s COVID dashboard.

This is also compounded by low-virus testing, with the COVID positivity rate for Monday and Tuesday’s data at some 19.8 and 18.9 percent respectively. The World Health Organisation recommends countries keep that rate below five percent.

“I think it’s too early to determine a trend just because we’ve seen with data before that sometimes things fluctuate and that’s for different reasons,” the CPSA president.

“I think in part it could be related to the testing capabilities because we know that we use a PCR test as it relates to the dashboard and not the antigen test and I think anecdotally, we know that we have a lot of persons utilising the antigen test so we can’t say for sure if that’s a possibility.”

She added: “Another

thing is we know that persons are still perhaps having symptoms and not getting tested are being treated at home which in a lot of instances is quite appropriate, especially if they’re having mild disease.

“Unfortunately, we also know that persons having severe disease are oftentimes presenting to the hospital late and so we don’t know if that’s a factor if persons are succumbing to illnesses and we don’t know so those type of things, sometimes it takes a while for us to catch up with the trend… so I don’t think we could certainly say that we’re having a decrease or a decline or a flattening at this time.”

Added to this uncertainty is the possibility of further COVID spread as a result of recent election activities.

“We are still concerned about that and watching to see what will happen because a lot of things that we learnt from in the past is that history tends to play

out in a lot of instances and so we’re still waiting to see what could potentially happen,” Dr Pinder-Butler added.

Between September 1 to September 28, there were 2,524 cases recorded, a notable decline from the 3,219 reported during the same period in August, which was considered the worst month in terms of new COVID-19 cases.

In addition to the declining virus numbers, COVID-19 hospitalisations have also decreased in recent weeks, from a record 195 hospitalised cases on September 8 to 146 as of September 28.

However, there were 140 people in hospital with the virus the day before, September 27.

Noting the overall drop in hospital numbers as a good sign, Dr Pinder-Butler said there is still much work to be done before the system experiences some relief.

She said staff shortages and limited resources are

challenges plaguing public health that still needs to be addressed.

Further, the COVID-19 situation has also led to a backlog of critical services for non-COVID patients, something Dr Pinder-Butler described as an added stress for burnt-out workers.

“It’s a good thing in the sense that we have less COVID cases to deal with,” the CPSA president told The Tribune. “However, because it fluctuates and also, we have non COVID patients that still have always needed to be cared for, we still have the same team of people working with all of these various scenarios so the burden itself with having to provide healthcare hasn’t necessarily been relieved because you still have to take care of sick patients.

“We still haven’t had any additional assistance as it relates to staffing and so you’re still working with the same crew of persons who have been in this work for

a very long time so bear in mind too, we’re still going to have exposures from work and from community because these persons are in the community so we still have those elements.”

She added: “And we’re still caring for persons who don’t have COVID – some of whom we had delayed certain services for so trying to get them back in line is still healthcare management so it’s a lot on the system... and persons you would’ve been trying to delay certain services, they’re now coming in so we’re still not necessarily seeing this quote unquote ‘break.’”

Yesterday, Dr PinderButler repeated her plea for Bahamians to get vaccinated and continue to follow the current public health measures.

“We cannot afford to let our guards down as it relates to those preventative measures and I think that’s really the key,” she said.

‘FOOD ASSISTANCE COSTS TOO MUCH’

from page one

of food and cause for the distribution and we can buy them directly from the manufacturers or the producers of the factories.

“Why are we spending an incredible amount of money going through second and third parties when it’s costing the state so much and still not getting as many people the food as I’d like them to have?

“Seventeen thousand we’re told were fed, my thinking is you have much more than that who are suffering and so we have to find a better way to do it.”

Susan Larson, chair of the task force, previously revealed that the Department of Social Service will be taking over the programme on October 4 but the minister said he was not certain about that date.

“I know whatever is continuing today will continue because I think some food stamps have been issued already and people are going to be able to use those vouchers and go to the food stores and get (food) but in the meantime we are going to be introducing a new programme, so we are

MINISTER of Social Services and Urban Development Obie Wilchcombe with Lisa Rahming, Minister of State for the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development.

Photo: Racardo Thomas/Tribune Staff going to work assiduously to cause that to happen as quickly as possible.”

Asked when the new programme will be rolled out, he said “hopefully we’ll have something done within two weeks.”

Mr Wilchcombe also said he is committed to bringing positive change to the country’s needy as soon as possible. He said his ministry wants to help homeless people find short-term housing as well assist them

in gaining employment so they can transition to independence.

On the issue of his ministry giving out rental assistance, Mr Wilchcombe said the response time was taking “too long”.

“We would discuss with the acting director, people would call and ask for assistance and it takes a long period of time to get assistance and we want to reduce that. We’re going to put in place a timeframe to reduce the response time because the difficulty we’re having is people are hurting they don’t have tomorrow, they have today.”

The minister told reporters that he was briefed that $14m of his ministry’s budget has been spent so far and $10m of that went to the food programme.

Asked if he believed there was an adequate budget right now, the minister answered: “We’ll always need more, but we have to work with what we have given where we are in this country.

“We’re not going to pretend as if we don’t have COVID, we don’t have global issues, we don’t have economic problems. We do and so we have to work with it but it just tells me we have to be more efficient in the delivering of the service.”

He spoke to reporters after he and Minister of State for Social Services and Urban Development Lisa Rahming met with Urban

Renewal representatives and toured Department of Social Services offices.

Mr Wilchcombe said the Davis administration wants to expand the Urban Renewal programme. Of his plans for this initiative, he said: “When we look at what’s wrong in our innercity, when we look at what’s wrong in our urban areas, we have some work to do. We should have more green space, some buildings ought to be moved and we’re going to get rid of all these vehicles that are sitting there and should have been taken away a long time ago... we’re going to make the area much more cleaner, make the environment better... we’re going to introduce more programmes for young people — yes we have the bands, but I want to see young children after school going to dance lessons. I want to see them going to sporting events... participate in art and culture. I want to see them being more occupied, so let’s keep their mind occupied so that they’ll move away from the negativity.”

He said Ms Rahming will oversee the Urban Renewal programme.

FNM YOUTH’S SUPPORT MUST BE EARNED from page one

“We know what it is to arrive first and be seated at the back. We know what it

is to be cut out and cast to the side. We have walked through that fire but we are

still here.

“We know the complaints that young people

around this country have expressed to us about our party and we’ve made the recommendations.

The leadership team that we elect at this convention will be instrumental in rebuilding our party over the next five years in preparation for 2026. That rebuilding process started September 17, 2021.

“We must not throw our support behind people lightly. We must ensure that anyone who wishes to gain the full support of TYA, one of the largest voting blocs at convention, is fully committed to acknowledging the mistakes and making the necessary changes to fix them. As your president, I promise to you today, that I will lead this charge. I will not throw my support behind anyone until I, after consultation with you, am satisfied that they will address our issues and concerns.”

After its general election loss, the FNM is gearing up for a November convention where top positions will be up for grabs. Party leader former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has said he will not offer himself for reelection to the post.

Mr Bethel highlighted some of the success of the TYA during his tenure, including its doubling of members in good standing, its successful launch of associations in Family Islands and its success in boosting its average bank balance “from the negatives” to over $5,000 prior to the pandemic.

“We held info sessions on issues like marijuana, digitisation, land ownership

and much more,” he said.

“We held debate competitions and broke down national budgets for young people to understand. We had givebacks, walkabouts and charity events for the less fortunate. We renovated the TYA office and completed a constitutional review that gave more power to our members.

“We held a fundraiser for Hurricane Dorian victims that raised over $15,000 that went directly to those affected by the storm. When COVID-19 first touched our shores, we moved quickly to establish an emergency relief fund that operated throughout the height of COVID to ensure that we were able to provide some financial relief to our members who were laid off.

“We held virtual meetings to give our input and feedback on how we can tackle the problems from COVID. During COVID, we purchased, prepared and distributed back to school supplies for young people and care packages for the elderly. We actively worked to find jobs for our members and we were key partners in planning and organising one of the largest blood drives for PMH when they were at critically low blood supply levels.

And we did all of this while planning and executing the largest political youth convention in this country’s history.”

Mr Bethel also highlighted the group’s media visibility and its success at maintaining a 50/50 ratio of men and women on its executive board.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, September 30, 2021, PAGE 5

‘What did Fitzgerald do that was so bad?’

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

A TOP Progressive Liberal Party Queen’s Counsel says former Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald did nothing that should disqualify him from a senior post in the Davis administration.

In a now deleted tweet, the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit on Tuesday said Mr Fitzgerald is the new senior policy advisor and head of PMDU. Administration officials have since said Mr Fitzgerald’s role has not yet been finalised.

The Free National Movement, meanwhile, has been silent on the matter as the party waits to see if the former Marathon MP will be confirmed in the role.

Mr Fitzgerald was embroiled in controversy after The Tribune revealed in 2017 that he sought contracts from Baha Mar for his family’s business. Emails showed he requested brokerage, trucking and limousine contracts worth millions.

Critics claimed he breached the Manual of Cabinet and Ministry Procedure, which states a minister must not “solicit or accept any benefits advantage or promise of future advantage whether for himself, his immediate family or any business concern or trust with which he is

DAMIAN GOMEZ QC, who was also part of the Perry Christie administration alongside Jerome Fitzgerald.

associated from persons who are in, or seek to be in, any contractual or special relationship with the government.”

Damian Gomez, the state minister for legal affairs in the last Christie administration, said yesterday that while what Mr Fitzgerald did was not appropriate, it should not disqualify him from a top-level post.

However, he added: “I don’t know that Jerome has done anything that crosses the criminal line. I’m sure that if the FNM had thought so he would have

been prosecuted in the way that they prosecuted Shane Gibson and Ken Dorsett and Frank Smith. The fact that they didn’t suggests that they tried but couldn’t find anything. Now you got to give the guy the benefit of the doubt. I don’t know him to be an evil person.

He’s never done anything in the 30 years that I’ve known him that would characterise him as such.”

Mr Fitzgerald played a leading role coordinating activities for the PLP’s

THE NOW deleted tweet from the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit. general election war room.

“From what I know, I don’t see that there is anything that disqualifies him,” Mr Gomez said. “I don’t pretend to know everything but from the matters I know of I don’t see him as being disqualified. In terms of academic qualifications, he is eminently qualified for the

post. He’s a pretty good businessman and he’s done well in his career.

That particular post requires someone who understands business and the reality of doing business in The Bahamas. Jerome is definitely qualified to give advice on that.”

As for claims Mr Fitzgerald broke the Cabinet code of conduct, Mr Gomez said “that’s a matter of practice, not the rule of law.”

“If there is to be a political debate on it, one would expect those who would raise that issue when they had an opportunity to codify the code of conduct as a criminal statute would

have done so,” he said.

“If looking at it as a purely legal matter, there is nothing to disqualify Jerome at all and from a practical point of view he brings a lot of skills to the table and a lot of knowledge as to what business people look for when they are shopping to do business that would be helpful to the new government.

“One of the dangers the new administration has is you got to pick people who are business savvy because they tend to be people with the contacts. If you choose someone with an academic background you might not find many foreigners willing to do business.”

PAGE 6, Thursday, September 30, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

The Tribune Limited NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI “Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”

LEON E. H. DUPUCH,

SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH,

jamaaltheartist@gmail.com

Publisher/Editor 1903-1914 Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt .

Publisher/Editor 1919-1972 Contributing Editor 1972-1991

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C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B. Publisher/Editor 1972-

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Ask those on front line how to make food scheme better OBIE Wilchcombe wants to reinvent the wheel.

For more than a year now, people have been receiving food assistance from the government as the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have left them out of work, out of pocket and out of food.

The need was real. This was a major effort across the country to make sure people survived.

The National Food Distribution Task Force was charged with the duty of ensuring that supply of food kept people going – but the new Minister of Social Services and Urban Development thinks things could be done better.

Improvement is always something to strive for, and should be welcomed. But we hope that lessons learned by those at the sharp end over the past year, getting food to those most in need, will not be lost in the transition.

It’s a huge task. You have to ensure there are multiple distribution centres, because a lot of people can’t travel far, especially if they’re already short of money. There’s no money for gas, for jitney fares. At some of the food giveaways, we have seen people arriving on broken-down old bicycles to be able to get something for their families.

There are others who can’t even get out of their homes – those who are disabled, for example.

Mr Wilchcombe feels that the cost of feeding those in need should not be as much as $800,000 a week – but it’s not the most comforting of messages to hear from the new Social Services Minister that the government is spending too much on feeding people. That sounds like cutting back.

Mr Wilchcombe’s concern he says is “why are we spending an incredible amount of money going through second and third parties when it’s costing the state so much and still not getting as many people the food as I’d like them to have?”

He hints at buying food directly from

manufacturers or producers and having warehouses of food – but that of course requires having the warehouse space.

Do we need to buy that? Rent it? If so, who from and at how much cost? What security would need to be in place? Are the storage facilities appropriate to stop food from spoiling?

Mr Wilchcombe is hoping to have a new programme ready to replace the task force – which was due to end on October 4 – in two weeks. That’s quick work for a scheme that has to reach so many people, especially if you also have to identify and obtain properties to use for storage and distribution.

By now, we hope the costs of the scheme are already starting to come down as well. The country has opened up more, jobs are being advertised and we hope some of those who have been dependent on the helping hand have been able to start earning salaries again, and have less need for food support.

But we also hope that any scheme that is introduced draws upon the expert knowledge of those who have been helping people all this time.

The previous scheme certainly had its issues. One of the problems facing people was the short notice given on whether the food aid would be extended for extra time, for example, bringing anxiety for those who might be wondering where their next meal might be coming from, only to see the extension confirmed close to the deadline.

Whatever scheme is introduced has to be focused on those in need. We have to understand their situation, their financial and physical difficulties, and meet those the best we can.

If we can do that better, then that would be very welcome. But let’s do it as a team, and draw upon the knowledge of those already doing this, and listen to them to find out what the obstacles are in the way.

The goal is feeding our Bahamian brothers and sisters – and anything we can do to reach that goal is welcome.

A looming refugee crisis ahead EDITOR, The Tribune.

A POTENTIAL crisis and grave political embarrassment for the new administration has collided with hundreds of Haitian refugees entering our waters. We are facing a refugee crisis of historic proportions and it does not involve the coronavirus.

Over the past decade, Haiti has suffered from extreme natural disasters, poverty, and as of late, political unrest. And many of these Haitian families have uprooted their lives fleeing the violence and instability in their country and trying to make good their escape even if it means sacrificing their own lives for a better life. This tells me, this country is in a very bad state for these individuals to carry out such a suicidal attempt.

It is alleged that nearly nine hundred refugees are in the hands of the Department of Immigration and they are being held on the island of Inagua.

Those resident islanders are uneasy with all of this recent development. And

I cannot blame them as it relates to health and safety concerns.

We need a solution to this crisis. Far too long our policies have been weak as it relates to immigration.

We need a tune balance of security, efficiency, and humanity. We need a comprehensive immigration reform that provides more resources, such as immigration judges that would allow people to have their claims promptly considered and either relief or be deported.

These numbers are increasing and will continue to increase possibly. This is a grave concern and should be a concern for all citizens alike. While it is we sympathize with these people, we must too take into consideration that we are still in a global pandemic where cases are continuously increasing, and the death toll is rising. We are not in the position or should ever be in the position that puts the lives of the Bahamian people at risk.

This is becoming an obdurate problem and we have to set our minds to

address these components.

These refugee crises are not just here in the Bahamas, but also around the world.

Namely, America at the southern border as they are too dealing with this same trend.

If we are going to fix this crisis before it gets out of hand, it requires international participation. Seeking help from other countries. We have to devote all of our resources at this time to process quickly and humanely those individuals that are entering illegally.

We must make the world know that we do not have an open entry policy for migrants so that our waters and islands are not filled with thousands of refugees with the thought that entry to the Bahamas is easy, legal, and free.

If we are going to save ourselves this crisis, we need reinforcement and we must act now before it is too late.

DR MATHEO SMITH Nassau, September 29, 2021.

The FNM quagmire EDITOR, The Tribune.

I AM not and have never been an FNM member or supporter. I have long seen that entity as an unapologetic enclave for the so-called political elite and middle and upper classes.

Not that anything is inherently wrong with that but the unwashed masses in the inner city areas of New Providence and Grand Bahama have always excited my public sensibilities and passion.

It must be borne in mind that the electorate did not abandon the now rutted FNM, but it simply wanted to get rid of Dr Minnis in the same sincere manner in which it wanted to get rid of Perry Christie a few years ago. The FNM has a stellar opportunity to rebuild and rebrand itself into a viable and cohesive political machine. Who will lead the charge within that formerly formidable machine?

According to constitutional conventions Dr Minnis who led his party into its worst electoral defeat in its history should immediately step down from the leadership. He says, however, that he will stay on as leader of the Opposition until such time as a convention is held.

That, of course, with the lingering pandemic, may not occur anytime soon.

Parliament will be convened within a few short days. Opposition senators will have to be appointed by the Governor General on the advice of whomever is leader of the Opposition.

If Minnis stays on he will, as a lame duck leader, have the solo privilege of so recommending. Is this fair to whomever emerges as the de facto leader of the FNM following a literal or virtual convention?

Many of our politicians have these oversized egos and just love to be centre stage. Minnis has had his one shot deal at being Prime Minister. It is, in my view, time for him to go home and stay there. Who will emerge as leader and

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net who has the public qualities so to do?

All Bahamians know that if I were unfortunate enough to be an FNM that I supported the Hon Dionisio D’Aguilar, former MP for Free Town and Minister of Tourism & Aviation, bar none, to eventually become leader of the crumbling FNM. As deputy I have long advocated that the Hon Shannendon Cartwright (FNM-St Barnabas) would have been my choice. Now that D’Aguilar has lost his seat the only sitting FNM MP, in my view, who’d be able to carry the FNM forward is Cartwright.

Some have said that he lacks cabinet level experience. That might well be a good thing in that he’s not caught up in all of the bogus trappings and ego tripping. Hard work lies ahead for whomever becomes the leader of the FNM. It is more than likely that Brave, the Lord willing, will seek a second term once he stands and delivers for an expectant Bahamian nation. He will have little choice other than to live up to the aspirations of the unwashed masses. That being the case, Cartwright would have a few years to rebuild and rebrand the demoralized FNM. Others have been so brazen as to suggest that the Hon. Michael Pintard (FNM-Marco City) would be more suitable to rake over the leadership of the FNM. In my view this would be a terrible move and would hold up the FNM to constant attack and ridicule by the now ruling PLP. We are all able to recall the alleged meetings between Pintard, Togo and Bobo some years ago when there was an apparent disinformation campaign against my good friend and former patron Peter Nygard.

Apparently, Pintard

was a “hired” lobbyist for Lewis Bacon, a then arch ‘‘enemy” of Nygard within the Lyford Cay conclave.

He was also an integral part of the environmental advocacy group led by my other very good friends, Frederick Smith, QC, and Joe Darville. Pintard admitted to meeting with Togo, et al, on several occasions at the Sheraton British Colonial Hotel to plot strategies for whatever purposes.

Whether or not monies exchanged hands was never admitted or disclosed. A bad taste, however, was left in my mouth if no one else’s.

Brother Iram Lewis (FNM-Central Grand Bahama), God bless him too, could at some future point become the wind beneath the collective wings of the FNM but right now, having been a literal disaster at the Ministry of Disaster, he comes across, to me at least, as a light weight of the highest order. Who else is there?

Adrian White (FNMAnn’s Town) has just reached and is, unfortunately in my view, a white Bahamian and regarded as a scion of the long dead, or so they say, United Bahamian Party (UBP).

His selection would not go down too well with the rank and file of the badly mauled FNM. It is, therefore, my considered view that brother Cartwright would be most suited to take charge of the FNM and take it to the next level. Keep in mind, however, that I anticipate “Brave” serving The Bahamas for a minimum of then (10) years if the Lord continues to tarry.

Good bye, Dr Minnis, you should go home and go now. I doubt that many people, especially me, would miss you. Your short lived era, such as it was, is over. The FNM is in a quagmire but there is balm in Gilead.

Jr

ORTLAND H BODIE, Nassau, September 27, 2021.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, September 30, 2021, PAGE 7

Ferguson praises new govt’s labour relations

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

THE new Davis administration has already started to “put money where their mouth is” as it relates to labour relations, Trade Union Congress president Obie Ferguson said yesterday.

As he expressed optimism for better worker conditions in the years to come under the newly elected Progressive Liberal Party government, Mr Ferguson said he saw recent meetings with medical workers as officials holding up their end of the bargain.

He said this was laudable as the government changed only two weeks ago.

“We are very optimistic because obviously the two doctor unions, Dr (Sabriquet) Pinder-Butler, Dr (Milisande) Bassett and the (Bahamas Nurses Union)

president Amancha Williams that (are) critical for our movement. They are a part of the Trade Union Congress, and the government has gone on record by indicating that they will deal with them and deal with them immediately,” he said.

“The Minister of Health has said they will meet with the nurses and resolve their differences. That is evident.

That’s not even speculation.

They are doing what we agreed to do in the memorandum of understanding.

So, all the other issues, all the other areas involving the bargaining unit will be dealt with and dealt with in a timely basis.

“They have only been in office not even a month yet, but the evidence so far suggests clearly that they have fulfilled a portion already of the agreement and that is to meet with the doctors, to meet with the nurses because they are the key

people for this COVID-19 fight. It’s a serious issue so the government is putting money where their mouth is, which is what we expect to happen and apparently it is happening.”

Three weeks before the September 16 general election, the TUC and National Congress of Trade Unions Bahamas signed a MoU committing the PLP to ensuring that long-standing union issues were resolved, and the functions of the united unions continued in the best interest of workers.

At the time, what was in the MoU was not disclosed. However, later Peter Goudie, the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation’s (BCCEC) labour division chief, told Tribune Business the pledge to double the redundancy pay ceiling from 12 to 24 months could inflict an “astronomical” cost on struggling businesses at a time when the

country was reeling from its worst-ever economic and fiscal crisis.

Nonetheless, Mr Ferguson said yesterday the umbrella unions were in the process of scheduling a meeting with the government on the MoU. “We are in the process of scheduling a meeting with the government with a view of addressing all of the issues that we have agreed to, but we realise they are a new government, and they have to sort themselves out,” said Mr Ferguson.

“The new ministers will have to become familiarised with their functions and I am satisfied that all efforts have been made to begin that process to bring industrial relations to where it ought to be and to have workers issues respected and we intend to do just what we agreed to do,” he said.

“So, I would suspect that in short order we would

begin the process. We know the government has done a very fantastic thing and that is acknowledged that they will deal with, negotiate with and consult with the two doctor unions under the Trade Union Congress and the nurses under the Trade Union Congress. The government has fulfilled at least one of its promises and that is to respect, consult and to negotiate with the labour movement.”

As for calls for a livable wage, which is also another part of the MoU, Mr Ferguson said it was still high on their agenda. However, he said the government would be given time on this aspect as the economy was still not at its best.

“We are going to give them time. The economy is not in the best shape. We understand that and we understand the implication of a living wage and me and my colleagues we will

discuss with the government. We will take all the variables into consideration, and we will come up with something that is mutually beneficial for the economy and mutually beneficial to the working people of our country,” he said.

The country’s minimum wage is currently $210 a week and in its Blueprint for Change, the Progressive Liberal Party promised a minimum wage to increase to $250 if elected.

Previously Mr Ferguson had said that any political party not talking about a “living wage” was out of touch with the needs of Bahamian workers.

He supports the University of The Bahamas’ previous study that a living wage for New Providence and Grand Bahama should be $2,625 and $3,550 per month respectively.

He told The Tribune recently his position on this was “very strong”.

By TANYA SMITHCARTWRIGHT tsmith-cartwright@ tribunemedia.net

those on the list in an attempt to garner votes for the outgoing Free National Movement government.

In an interview with The Tribune, former executive chairman Adrian Gibson defended the promotions saying they were above board and deserving. The general manager refused to speak to The Tribune.

Yesterday, WSMU president, Montgomery Miller reached out to The Tribune and said he is of the firm belief that the general manager is responsible for explaining the logic behind the recent promotions and not Mr Gibson.

“What stands out to me is that the general manager who is the tenured general manager from 2018 until the present is not willing to speak to the media,” he said. “I think that should raise some concerns, because at the end of the day we know that chairmen of boards are political appointees so they come

and go with the changing favour of the political electorate.

“The person that one will really hold responsible is the general manager who is the chief executive of the organisation. Any of the documents that have been seen in the public domain, are not signed by Mr Gibson. They are signed

by Mr Donaldson.

“The second issue is this whole concept, which is very foreign and new to the corporation, of Mr Gibson’s position to begin with: this whole idea of executive chairman. If you were to take a review, of the 1976 Water and Sewerage Corporation Act which creates and gives the authority, it says that the general manager is the person who is responsible for the day-today entity. This is correct and appropriate.”

Mr Miller threw speculation on the executive chairman’s authority.

“When you create an

executive chairman, the general manager’s role becomes in question depending on the type of individual,” he continued.

“If I am a very conservative and reserved person, I may submit and bow to what I perceive to be my superior.

“The chairman is defending the action, but I think we have to accept that he has to be defending politically not operationally. There are some other questions that arise. For example, when the chairman says these people who were promoted were well deserving. We are talking about between 62 to 70 persons that have been promoted multiple times during the course of that administration.

“Were they the only persons deserving? I would submit to you that if you are only promoting 62 of 400, about 15 percent of the staff, and you’re promoting these people

multiple times, you have to ask yourself the question: are they the only ones who were worthy of promotion and how was this exercise conducted?

“Mr Woods’ statement, which I affirm, that from the manager’s union point of view, we have an agreement that lays out certain criteria for promotions. The criteria are the qualifications of the individual, the seniority of the individual, the performance of the individual and the recommendation of the individual which is the recommendation of their supervisor.”

The Tribune once again reached out to company executives, but was unsuccessful.

However, a WSC source confirmed the corporation’s Act does not include an “executive chairman”, but also warned that Mr Miller and Mr Woods’ position against the chairman and general manager is

politically motivated.

“The media should be very careful of those union presidents, Woods and Miller,” the source said.

“They have a political agenda regardless of who the chairman or the general manager was under the former administration.

Those two would have been against them, anyway.

“Now I must admit the Act does not call for an Executive Chairman per se, but under Gibson the corporation went to another level and the public can attest to it. No island was left behind, in terms of having running water and that was regardless of who represented it in Parliament.”

The WSC source said it is highly unlikely the promotion list consists only of FNM supporters and that the list would show political balance, if the political persuasion of the recipients were made known.

WATER UNION PRESIDENT CRITICAL OF WSC PROMOTIONS THE president of the Water and Sewerage Management Union has agreed with the union representing line staff over recent promotions and is calling on the Water and Sewerage Corporation’s general manager to publicly address the matter.

During the days leading up to the general election a number of staff at WSC received promotions. Their letters were dated September 1. In another letter dated September 23 and again signed by general manager, Elwood Donaldson, the promotions were rescinded.

Following this, Dwayne Woods, president of the Bahamas Utilities Service and Allied Workers Union, accused the former chairman and the general manager of promoting

STATE-RECOGNISED FUNERAL FOR REV TIMOTHY STEWART A STATE-RECOGNISED funeral for Reverend Timothy Stewart, senior pastor of Bethel Baptist Church, will be held on Friday at 11am.

According to a statement from the Cabinet Office, the funeral will take place at Bethel Baptist Church on Meeting Street. He will be buried in the church’s cemetery, which is also on Meeting Street.

Rev Stewart’s body will lie in repose in the foyer of the church from 9am to 5pm today. The general public will be able to view his body from 12.30pm to 5pm. The funeral will be broadcast on the ZNS Radio Network.

Rev Stewart was a long-serving pastor of the historic Bethel Baptist Church. He also was the first international president of the Progressive National

Baptist Convention.

He died on September 17 at the age of 64.

Last week, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis lamented his death and praised the pastor as a “giant in the international religious community, a consequential national leader, a community leader and builder and a supporter of the progressive movement”.

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PAGE 8, Thursday, September 30, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

No hiding from the shameful vitriol directed at those who would risk everything for a better life THERE is a regional and global context to the approximately 1,000 Haitian migrants who recently landed in Inagua. There may also be a domestic and political back story. We are experiencing national and global fractures from COVID-19 which are turning into deep economic, social and political fissures.

Just as we do not yet more fully appreciate longterm COVID, we are still coming to a realization of the long-term effects of the pandemic on The Bahamas and the global commons.

Last year, Henry Kissinger offered an analysis of the geopolitical impact of the pandemic: “When the COVID-19 pandemic is over, many countries’ institutions will be perceived as having failed… Whether this judgment is objectively fair is irrelevant. The reality is the world will never be the same after the coronavirus.

To argue now about the past only makes it harder to do what has to be done.

“Leaders are dealing with the crisis on a largely national basis, but the virus’ society-dissolving effects do not recognize borders.

While the assault on human health will – hopefully – be temporary, the political and economic upheaval it has unleashed could last for generations.”

In reportage from across the Americas, a Wall Street Journal team published a story on September 22, detailing the harrowing stories of why thousands of Haitian migrants risked their lives to get to the Texas-Mexico border in the past few weeks to reach the United States.

Many migrants, deeply fearful of returning to Haiti because of the violence and poverty in our regional neighbour have stated emphatically that they would prefer to die than return to Haiti.

The Journal observed that it “reflects a stark change in migration patterns to the US, driven by COVID-19” and that “in Panama, Haitian migration drove a record 70,000 undocumented migrants from January through August, more than the previous three years combined, according to government figures.”

Some of the migrants who went to the US via

South and Central America fled after the further instability triggered by the assassination in July of President Jovenel Moïse.

Haiti is in a state of near anarchy, with rival gangs holding sway over swathes of the country.

The great majority of those who showed up in Del Rio, Texas, originally left Haiti in the years following the catastrophic 2010 earthquake which left approximately 200,000 or more people dead. Of a population of approximately 10 million, nearly one-and-a-half million people were left homeless.

DIRE

The already dire living conditions in Haiti worsened after the earthquake.

Because Haiti is practically a failed state with weak institutions, there was never really much reconstruction after the 2010 calamity.

Most Haitians live on five dollars a day, with some living on less.

Much of the aid promised for reconstruction never materialized. Some aid was siphoned both by corruption on the part of Haitian officials and the practices of various international aid groups.

Joseph Jr Cloremus is a researcher in Haiti. He remembers that after the 2010 earthquake: “Outside, corpses littered the streets of the capital.”

Last year, 10 years after the disaster, Cloremus, along with two others, wrote a story on recovery efforts. They noted that despite billions spent, Haiti has not recovered. Further,

COFFINS at a funeral service in 2019 for 22 Haitian nationals who lost their lives at sea. international funds often end up being repatriated to donor countries.

Because of a weak government, a series of unstable administrations and the dysfunction and lack of coordination by international aid agencies, the country has still not recovered. One compelling conclusion: international partners “failed to meet a humanitarian challenge of such magnitude.”

Many Haitians decided to migrate to Chile and Brazil after 2010, countries with more “lenient immigration rules” and which had more liberal governments at the time. Both are now led by more conservative governments, less sympathetic to Haitian refugees.

As middle-income countries suffering intensely from the social, economic and public health shocks from the pandemic, migrants are even less welcome now.

When COVID-19 struck, the Haitian migrants in those countries and other republics, who were at the lower rungs of the various economies, were even more vulnerable to the social and economic effects of the pandemic.

The Journal reported the observation of the chief of Panama’s migration agency, Samira Gozaine: “We can’t answer why a citizen of Haiti living in these countries would decide to sell

all his belongings and start such a dangerous trek north with no documents, but this is what’s happening.”

Some 26 million jobs have been lost in Latin America and the Caribbean because of the pandemic. As noted in The Journal, the International Monetary Fund reported the region “as a whole suffered the world’s steepest economic contraction last year, and the region’s biggest decline since the Great Depression.”

There are likely a number of reasons for the evolving migration pattern, including the dire economic fallout from the pandemic in the countries in which they originally found refuge, a recovering and potentially booming US economy, and the sense that President Joseph Biden’s administration would be more welcoming. A number of migrants also have family ties in the US. The treacherous journey to the United States “has involved violent attacks, robberies in the countries that they pass through, sometimes sexual violence, attacks by gangs.”

The migrants traversing Central America and Mexico have faced imprisonment, an inability to make a living, the loss of possessions, daily indignities, overwhelming fear and constant anxiety.

In Haiti, the misery

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continues to compound because of natural disasters like the more recent 7.2 earthquake which hit the country on August 14 and the ironically named Tropical Storm Grace, which hampered earthquake rescue efforts.

Nearly 2,200 people died with approximately 12,000 injured after the recent earthquake. But many thousands may have lost their homes and many are still in need of assistance.

UNICEF estimated that half a million children have been affected.

EMPATHY

Moral imagination includes deep empathy, an attitude and consciousness to understand and stand in solidarity with others, especially those who suffer from circumstances and injustices beyond their control.

Imagine if New Providence was devastated by Hurricane Dorian, with most of our central government, critical infrastructure and much of our tourism facilities destroyed or damaged. How would we have coped?

As noted by the InterAmerican Development Bank: “The estimated damages and losses from [Dorian] amount to $3.4 billion (IDB, 2019), a number equivalent to a quarter of the country’s GDP.” The devastation from Dorian was restricted to Abaco, the Abaco Cays and Grand Bahama.

Had the monster storm hit New Providence, the devastation and consequences would have been far worse. We would have clamoured for international assistance. Quite a number would have tried to flee to the United States and other jurisdictions.

What would become of the residents of Nassau if we became climate refugees after losing loved ones and homes because of the effects of climate change? Perhaps we will understand the sting of our own xenophobia, prejudice and venom when we are demonized and reviled in the very manner some of us

are doing unto others.

It is depressing how smug, self-absorbed and arrogant some of the residents of New Providence were after Dorian, including those who were demanding pay increases despite the fresh devastation from the most powerful hurricane ever to strike The Bahamas. There is a pernicious and vulgar selfishness and disregard for others by many in our society.

We cannot sustain unchecked immigration to The Bahamas. There must be orderly immigration and the protection of our country’s borders. But we can still be humane in understanding the plight of Haiti and those risking their lives to flee the desperation and sense of hopelessness in that unfortunate country.

What is shameful is the vitriolic language directed at Haitians including from weekly churchgoers who claim to be Christian, but who are often seething with xenophobic puss and bile, with little humanity or empathy for those who would risk everything for a better life.

It is a difficult task for governments to balance a respect for migrants and human rights. Political leaders need to be careful with their statements, which might easily trigger a reaction in Haiti. Why were there so many migrants rushing to the country almost immediately after the recent general election?

There is a conceit and ignorance by many Bahamians of the global and regional circumstances in which we find ourselves, including the deep-seated problems in Haiti and the ongoing and upcoming shocks from the pandemic, both of which are going to continue to shatter our isolationism and narrow worldviews.

The arrival of more migrants to The Bahamas and the economic reckoning from COVID-19 both portend even more difficult days ahead for the country, posing very hard choices for all of us, including our capacity for empathy and decency.

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THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, September 30, 2021, PAGE 9

THE DENSELY-populated Jalousie neighbourhood of Port-au-Prince, in Haiti, pictured on Tuesday.

Photo: Rodrigo Abd/AP

THE WHEEL TURNS AGAIN CONFRONTING US WITH A PROBLEM FOR WHICH WE STRUGGLE TO FIND A SOLUTION

MOST of us would agree that a generation is about the time it takes for us to grow up, get married, have children and begin the process of passing the torch to those children – the next generation. So a generation becomes a measure of time.

About 27 years, perhaps.

And that’s just about how long it has been since we last experienced the sort of massive outmigration from our neighbours in Haiti that threatens to overwhelm our ability to manage such an influx of desperate souls seeking refuge from the calamitous events that seem to occur as part of tragic routine in that stricken island nation.

Many older readers might recall 1994 as the year during which Queen Elizabeth II visited The Bahamas, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh and travelling on the Royal Yacht Britannia. That visit was a dazzling occasion indeed and, among other things, seemed to serve as a kind of commemoration of the relatively new administration of then-Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, whose electoral triumph two years earlier had ended Sir Lynden Pindling’s 25-year reign as Prime Minister of an independent Bahamas.

By the time of the Queen’s visit, the country had mostly completed rebuilding efforts in Eleuthera and elsewhere from the devastation of Hurricane Andrew in August 1992. Andrew had arrived in The Bahamas almost at the exact time as the new Ingraham administration was being sworn in.

During that same period, however, events were unfolding nearby that would lead to a crisis atmosphere here that foreshadowed what we’re experiencing now.

In 1991, reformist progressive Jean-Bertrand Aristide won an overwhelming mandate to serve as President of Haiti in that nation’s first-ever democratic election. Aristide was charismatic and inspirational. But his performance as the head of government in a nation beset by countless tribulations was uneven.

Early in that significant year of 1994, a military coup led by an officer named Raoul Cedras overthrew Aristide and he fled into exile. The Cedras regime quickly took its place in the rogues’ gallery of semi – or altogether illegitimate Haitian administrations that mainly served their own maintenance of wealth and power over the people whose interests they largely ignored. It did not take long for discouraged Haitians to try to escape for a better life elsewhere – almost anywhere within reach, as it turned out.

Many Haitians found ways to escape from their homeland by boat, and large numbers washed up on our shores in The Bahamas.

Most were

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merely “transiting” Bahamian waters en route to the promised land in Florida and the southeastern US. Nearly every day for months brought reports of a new Haitian vessel foundering or beached in one of the Family Islands. Haitian enclaves in Nassau and Abaco in particular saw their numbers swell with new arrivals who managed to penetrate a de facto maritime blockade.

The impact here was profound. The Royal Bahamas Defence Force and various elements of the US Navy and Coast Guard patrolled our waters relentlessly. While some Haitian migrants were eventually judged to have valid claims for admission to The Bahamas as refugees, most of those caught were detained until they could be repatriated.

The Carmichael Road Detention Centre was established and began to fill up with Haitians awaiting deportation. They were joined by Cubans who were seeking asylum in the US after fleeing the Castro regime in Havana and similarly winding up in The Bahamas.

Cooperation between the Bahamian government and the various responsible American government agencies was both generally smooth and absolutely essential to prevent our being inundated.

US President Bill Clinton, like Mr Ingraham relatively new in office in 1994, was also similarly beset by a variety of internal and external crises. The tragic 1993 “Blackhawk Down” helicopter incident in Mogadishu, Somalia resulted in 19 American military deaths and made the US look feckless and impotent.

US-led NATO intervention in Bosnia and elsewhere in the former Yugoslavia was problematic and fraught with downside risks. Genocide was raging in Rwanda.

Down Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington brash new Republican congressman Newt Gingrich from the Atlanta suburbs was leading a Republican revolt against Democratic political hegemony with his so-called “Contract with America”. Clinton and the Democrats got walloped in the 1994 by-elections.

So young leaders in Nassau and Washington were both busy. The Haitians kept coming.

Eventually, after a prolonged early resistance, Clinton authorized an American military invasion of Haiti by 25,000 troops to rid the country of Cedras and restore Aristide to power. The American move stunned the ruling military

junta in Port au Prince and initially seemed to be a great success, especially since there were no US military casualties.

But the intermediate and longer-term lessons of this American action were profoundly cautionary and retain an important influence on current US thinking about Haiti. An American special envoy to Haiti recalled the main lesson was US intervention guaranteed nothing beyond the immediate restoration of peace. Many historians still feel the American actions and their aftermath have sown the seeds of Haiti’s persistent disorder and murderous chaos.

Critics charge that by essentially uprooting the Haitian government and unilaterally replacing it, the US deprived Haitians of the possibility of developing their own governmental and societal solutions to problems that seem almost impossibly obdurate and insoluble.

Others point out that Cedras & Company reportedly killed 5,000 political opponents and represented a cancer on the Haitian body politic that needed to be excised. The debate persists.

So now what? The US is now beset by a Haitian migrant problem of significantly broader scope and dimensions than what confronted it 27 years ago. As thousands of Haitians shocked the Biden administration by appearing in Mexico across the Rio Grande River from Texas seeking asylum, the Biden administration certainly seemed to be caught off guard. The image of an American Border Patrol agent on horseback appearing to use his lariat on cowering Haitian migrants as cowboys often cracked whips to herd cattle on the open range was not a good look, to put it mildly.

That unfortunate picture may linger in minds and in newsrooms and TV studios long after the current crisis subsides.

Maritime migration by Haitians is now keeping the US and Bahamian authorities busy. Every day we see new reports. The new government of Prime Minister Davis might well curse its bad luck in facing such a crisis so early in its tenure.

There are reports the government might install a new detention centre on Great Inagua island. A Haitian sloop capsized the other day near Ragged Island.

We are all being reminded anew that ours is indeed a sprawling island nation whose southern reaches seem both more and less remote during a crisis such as the current one.

Repatriations and deportations eventually had their desired effects in 1994 and the migrant crisis subsided.

Temporary restoration of American-imposed law and order in Haiti played a role too. But many Haitians from that era remain here, often as productive members of our society. Others from that time wound up elsewhere in the Caribbean

basin or in Central America. Some of them doubtless are among those gathered at the Texas-Mexico border.

It still seems quite unlikely the US will again resort to an armed invasion of Haiti to help end the current crisis. President Biden has a lot on his plate these days, as he faces the resolute challenge of a recalcitrant Republican Party still dominated by his predecessor. International rivals China and Russia stand menacingly by as the US continues to writhe in its domestic politics. And so forth. It’s a complex and competitive world.

But in several ways, the situation now developing with respect to Haitian

migration is similar to what faced the American, Bahamian and other regional governments a generation ago. Both Biden and our new Prime Minister were around in 1994. Taking and heeding lessons from the past is a useful habit to develop, especially for national leaders.

But when it comes to the perpetually vexing situation in nearby Haiti, the question becomes which lessons from the past should we heed? Is there any solution that doesn’t involve another enforced regime change in Port au Prince? Surely the lessons of our collective earlier experience in this area are at least cautionary. But what are the alternatives?

PAGE 10, Thursday, September 30, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

Two accused over deadly gun attack

JAWAUN ARMBRISTER, left, and Damutri Thurston outside court yesterday.

Photos: Donovan McIntosh/Tribune Staff

By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net

A MAN and a teenager were yesterday remanded to prison accused of killing a man and attempting to kill another earlier this month.

Jawaun “Fat Boy” Armbrister, 20, and Damutri “DJ” Thurston, 18, appeared before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson Pratt after they were accused of unlawfully and intentionally causing the death of Devante Brown on September 18.

Prosecutors alleged that the men also attempted to kill Valverde Butler and used a firearm to endanger the lives of Mr Brown and Mr Butler on the same day.

Due to the nature of the offences, Armbrister and Thurston were not required to enter pleas and their case was adjourned to December 15 for service of a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI).

In the meantime, they were both denied bail and remanded to the Bahamas

Department of Correctional Services.

They both have a right to apply to the Supreme Court for bail.

In a separate matter, Frederick Heastie Jr, 28, was accused of trying to kill Desir Bien and Cindy Amisca on September 25.

Police further accused him of using a firearm to place Mr Bien and Ms Amisca in fear of their lives that same day.

He returns to court in January 2022 when he will be presented with his VBI. When Heastie, Jr, appeared before Senior Magistrate Carolyn Vogt Evans yesterday, he was also charged with threatening to kill and assaulting Philoxes Amisca with a deadly weapon on April 17.

He denied the allegations and that matter was adjourned to November 24 for trial.

Due to the murder charge, Heastie Jr was denied bail and remanded in custody.

He has a right to apply to the Supreme Court for bail.

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By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net

A MAGISTRATE yesterday discharged a woman who used foul language in the presence of officers who attempted to break up an argument between her and another woman.

Linique Brennen was arrested for behaving in a disorderly manner and using obscene language to the annoyance of a police inspector on September 10.

She admitted to the offences during her arraignment before Magistrate Shaka Serville.

The court was told that around 10.35 on the night in question, officers conducting a mobile patrol near Thelma Gibson Primary School observed a white Mitsubishi vehicle parked in the middle of the road. When they pulled over to check the car, they

found Brennen and another female engaged in a heated argument. The prosecution said when officers asked both of the women to get out of the vehicle, Brennen continued to curse and at one point, even attempted to walk off as officers were speaking to her. She was subsequently arrested and taken to a nearby station.

When she was questioned in custody, she admitted using profanity while she was arguing with the other woman, but denied cursing or behaving in a disorderly manner towards the officers.

Yesterday, Brennen told the magistrate she acted in the heat of the moment and insisted she was remorseful for her actions.

In response, Magistrate Serville granted her an absolute discharge, but warned her to use better judgement in the future.

‘I WAS A MINOR’ CLAIM IN SEX CASE

By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net

A TEENAGER has claimed he was a minor at the time he was accused of having sex with an underaged girl.

The 18-year-old voiced his objection when he appeared before Senior Magistrate Carolyn Vogt Evans charged with unlawful sexual intercourse.

Prosecutors alleged the accused had sex with a 15-year-old girl sometime

between June 1 and 30.

However, after the charges were read to him, the accused told the magistrate he was 17 years old in June and had not turned 18 until July 4.

After noting his complaint, Magistrate Vogt Evans transferred the matter to the juvenile court to be addressed.

The age of consent at which a person is considered legally old enough to agree to participate in sexual activity in The Bahamas is 16 years old.

CURFEW FOR BREAK-IN ACCUSED

By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net

A 29-YEAR-OLD man who denied breaking into another man’s house was yesterday placed on a daily curfew leading up to his trial.

Police said Giovanni Sweeting broke into Wisking Petithomme’s Minnie Street home sometime between 7am and 10am on September 15.

Prosecutors alleged the accused did this intending to steal.

Sweeting pleaded not guilty during his hearing before Senior Magistrate

Carolyn Vogt Evans and his case was adjourned to November 24 for trial.

In the meantime, Sweeting was granted $7,000 bail.

Magistrate Vogt Evans said as part of the conditions of his release, he must sign into his nearest police station every Sunday on or before 7pm. She also said the accused would be fitted with a monitoring device and placed on a 9pm-7am curfew.

If Sweeting violates the condition of his bail, he could risk being remanded in prison until his trial is complete and a verdict is delivered.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, September 30, 2021, PAGE 11

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MORE THAN 800LB OF BEACH TRASH IS CLEARED

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

MORE than 800 pounds of debris and trash were collected on Grand Bahama beaches during the 36th International Coastal Cleanup, with the help of various civic groups.

The initiative, which is spearheaded by the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation, had been cancelled for the past two years due to the major crises experienced with Hurricane Dorian in 2019 and the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic last year.

Aulenna Robinson, a senior executive of sustainable tourism with the Ministry of Tourism in Freeport, said even though school students did not participate this year, the event was well supported by organisations here that collected a total of 830.5 pounds of trash this year.

“This is the first one in three years since 2018, and we were able to complete it successfully, in compliance with COVID-19 guidelines,” she told The Tribune.

“This initiative always takes place the third Saturday in September, but because of Dorian there was none in 2019, and last year because of the lockdowns and quarantine we did not have it then either.”

According to data, the majority of trash collected were plastic bottles and tops, and bits of undetermined plastic, glass bottles, and cans.

Eight beaches were included in this year’s cleanup initiative, including Gold Rock Beach, Barbary Beach, Fortune Beach, Taino Beach, Williams Town Beach, Xanadu Beach, Lover’s Beach, and Bootle Bay Beach.

Of all the designated locations, the greatest amount of trash was collected at Williams Town Beach, where volunteers bagged some 217 pounds of garbage.

Ms Robinson indicated that because of COVID-19

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regulations, the number of volunteers was limited to 10 per organisation between 8am and 10am on September 18.

The Rotary Club of Grand Bahama, The Lion Clubs, Waterkeepers Bahamas, Kiwanis Clubs, West End Community Action Network (WECAN), Pilot Club of Freeport and Lucaya, Delta Sigma Theta, Omega Psi Phi, Sigma Gamma Rho, Kappa Alpha Psi, Phi Beta Sigma, Zeta Phi Beta, Alpha Phi Alpha, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Harmony Lodge, and Pride of Grand Bahama #7 participated.

Titi McKenzie Moss, community service chairperson of Rotary Club of Grand Bahama, said they collected over 70 pounds of trash at Taino Beach.

This included masks, plastic bottles, forks, spoons, bags, sanitary items, clothing, bottle tops, and glass bottles.

She said that Rotary is pleased to be able to give service and make a difference in the community by participating in the beach cleanup initiative.

“Just picking up one piece of litter makes a difference, and it’s all about creating awareness to the amount of pollution that exists on our beaches,” she said.

Rashema Ingraham, executive director of Waterkeepers Bahamas and Save the Bays, said they are always eager about partnering with other groups in Grand Bahama during ICC. “WaterKeepers is

focused on swimmable, fishable, and drinkable waters.

We know how important it is to have regular collections of data to tell the story of environmental conditions. Over the years, ICC has been able to paint a vivid picture of the coastal pollution issues throughout the world,” she said.

She indicated that the data collected during these cleanups helps to set the tone for legislation, policies, and bans on plastics around the world.

Ms Robinson said that Ocean Conservancy, a nonprofit group based in the US, collects the data to produce an annual snapshot of the marine debris problem.

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