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VOLUME:115 No.215, OCTOBER 2ND, 2018

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WOMAN: A WINDOW ON LIFE AFTER SURVIVING CANCER

Not fit for sea

• 4C’s home-built boat never inspected • First mate in disaster was owner’s 12-year-old son • Questions raised over safety of other Exuma vessels

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

to a recognised standard, or to naval architectural or technical drawings; and the craft’s construction and THE Exuma tour com- equipment materials were pany involved in a deadly not verified for suitability of boat explosion that killed use”. a woman and injured ten Investigators also others in June broke the concluded that the law by operating a boat that Port Department of was neither registered Exuma has not been nor ever inspected by the “adequately resourced Port Authority, the Baha- to control and regulate mas Maritime Authority commercial water crafts revealed yesteroperating on the day. island”, noting The verin their report dict about 4C’s that a “signifiAdventures was cant number in the BMA’s of commercial report on the crafts operating Exuma inciwithin the waters dent, which was of Exuma are released during not registered a press conferwith the Port ence yesterday.

Department “Under no despite having MINISTER Renward circumstances” submitted valid should 4C’s have Wells said a cease and applications. operated the desist order is still in The mechanical, “craft on a com- place on 4C’s. structural, and mercial basis”, safety standards investigators wrote in their required to be met cannot report. be verified”.

Among the findings were The exact cause of the that the home-built boat’s boat’s explosion could not “fuel-fill and vent hose be determined because the did not appear to meet the damage the vessel sustained required specification for its was too great. intended purpose; the craft SEE PAGE THREE had not been constructed

THE BLAZE in June which ripped through the 4C’s boat, leaving one woman dead and ten other people injured.

WATER BOARD STARTS CRUISE LINER CALL-UP TURN-OFF OFFENSIVE DEALS GB NEW BLOW

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net THE Water and Sewerage Corporation yesterday commenced a mass disconnection of delinquent accounts across the country, with thousands expected to be affected.

The corporation’s executive chairman, Adrian Gibson, in an interview with The Tribune yesterday confirmed that planned disconnections were underway across the New Providence.

Last week, Mr Gibson said in a bid to collect “nearly half” the $45m owed to the corporation, officials would begin disconnections at some point this week.

When contacted yesterday for an update on the status of that exercise and when it was expected to get underway, Mr Gibson responded: “Today.”

When asked which groups were being targeted and how many people SEE PAGE SEVEN

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net THE Grand Celebration cruise ship has been called upon to provide housing for workers in Massachusetts after a series of gas explosions there last month - bringing fresh concerns for the economy of Grand Bahama.

Residents were last night hoping that the blow of losing the Grand Celebration for a second consecutive year will be “cushioned” by

continued service from its sister cruise ship.

Government ministers and senior private sector executives said the Grand Classica’s presence should minimise the fall-out from losing the Celebration for the next two months.

Kwasi Thompson, minister of state for Grand Bahama, last night said the cruise line had pledged to “do what they can to mitigate the loss” of the Celebration.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

WE’RE GOING TO NEED A BIG DUSTPAN

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net “THE end of an era” was how some onlookers described yesterday’s structural demolition of the former Crystal Palace Resort and Casino.

The blasts began precisely at 7.30am, with the three towers and old casino structures coming down in quick succession.

The last major demolition

CRYSTAL Palace Resort and Casino comes tumbling down in yesterday’s demolition. in New Providence occurred 25 years ago, when the Montagu Beach

Hotel was demolished on April 23, 1993.

Yesterday morning, crowds gathered at vantage points including Go Slow Bend on West Bay Street and the Baha Mar Grand Hyatt parking lot to beyond to watch the iconic hotel fall.

Cheers and shouts erupted at the end, with some onlookers exclaiming, “It gone! It gone!”

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

SEE PAGE TWO

FACE-TO-FACE: A VOICE THAT MADE US PROUD

SEE PAGE EIGHT

Going... going... gone

PAGE 2, Tuesday, October 2, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

THE SCENE yesterday morning as the Crystal Palace Resort and Casino was demolished.

Photos: Terrel W Carey/Tribune Staff

Crowds watch as Crystal Palace falls from page one In July, Tribune Business reported the demolition of the resort and casino was a key part of Baha Mar’s expansion plans beyond the May opening of the Rosewood hotel.

Lenovo Construction was contracted by Perfect Luck Ltd to carry out the structural demolition. Allison North Jones, Lenovo Construction public relations consultant, spoke with reporters yesterday shortly after the buildings were demolished.

“Lenovo Construction was contracted with Perfect Luck, who owns the property under Crystal Palace, to do a planned demolition of the three towers that were Crystal Palace,” Ms Jones said.

“And we brought in experts from all over the country and world to go ahead and proceed with the planned demolition in the safest and most effective way possible.”

When asked what was done to ensure environmental and public safety, Ms Jones said Lenovo worked with governmental and environmental entities to conduct safety inspections and receive requisite permits and approvals “so that everyone was assured of the utmost safety and efficient demolition during today’s planned demolition”.

“We are extremely grateful for the governmental entities that did various walk-throughs, safety inspections (and) approvals, that allowed us to make sure that this was done in the safest and most effective way, also preserving the local environment of Cable Beach and making sure we were mitigating any of those challenges that could have (arisen).

“If you…look at some of the buildings, you’ll see there’s a geotextile fabric that was wrapped around some of the buildings that are in business currently.

“A lot of those floors…

CRYSTAL Palace before the demolition yesterday.

did not have any guests in them in preparation for this planned demolition and we also wrapped the buildings with extra fabric to protect them from any environmental dust, particles, things like that getting in the building.”

Ms Jones estimated guests would be able to return to those areas yesterday morning, once safety inspections were finished, and some clean-up was done around the demolition site, hotel properties, and surrounding businesses.

Shortly after 10am yesterday, Lenovo released a statement announcing that the demolition was a success.

Director Rondon Williams said: “The entire Lenovo Construction team is pleased to confirm that the planned induced collapse of the three towers of the former Crystal Palace was completed successfully.

“We are grateful to the Bahamian government, and the various law

THE END of an era - the rubble following the demolition. enforcement agencies who worked on the preparation, planning and safe execution of the demolition of the Crystal Palace property earlier today.”

Senior project manager John Moretto added: “At this time, we are very happy to report, that various safety inspections have been completed immediately following the structural demolition, and as anticipated the demolition was successful and there were no negative

impacts for the surrounding businesses, infrastructure, or Cable Beach.”

In July, Baha Mar president Graeme Davis told Tribune Business it hoped to “clear the site” by Christmas to make way for family-friendly amenities such as pools and waterbased features - ambitions it has harboured since Chow Tai Fook Enterprises (CTFE) was selected as Baha Mar’s new owner.

Listing the developer’s plans, Mr Davis said: “We

have some additional restaurants we have to finish; the opening of a steakhouse; the opening of a restaurant by the pier and beach, and demolition of the Crystal Palace to create some additional family amenities, which we will share at a future moment.”

The beachfront hotel first opened as the Cable Beach Casino in 1983. It was later rebranded as the Crystal Palace in 1988 under the ownership of Carnival Cruise Lines.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, October 2, 2018, PAGE 3

Not fit for sea from page one The explosion scenario could not be reconstructed because of absent “technical drawings, electrical circuit diagram and a schematic of the permanently installed fuel system,” the report said.

Nevertheless, investigators determined with a “high degree of probability” that the explosion originated “in the proximity of the starboard fuel tank resulting in the release of a last wave on the starboard side, beneath the front three rows of seats.”

The captain of the boat, a 42-year-old man, had a valid master’s licence. The first mate on the vessel was a 12-year-old boy, the son of the 4C’s owner, and had no “qualifications or endorsements”. It is not unlawful to have a minor as a first mate.

Denise Lewis-Johnson, chairman of the BMA, said the authority’s investigation reports are provided with the understanding that they will “not be used as evidence in any legal proceedings anywhere in the world”. The aim of the reports is to prevent marine casualties and incidents, she said.

Investigators recommended that officials amend the Commercial Recreational Watercraft Act to require that all self-built boats undergo “survey by a recognised

THE REMANTS of the boat following the blaze. organisation to verify the and could not operate boat’s seaworthiness” and pending the conclusion of all owners of self-built the investigation. Yesterboats submit construction day, Transport Minister plans for approval by a rec- Renward Wells told The ognised organisation for Tribune the order is still in compliance with all current place. It is not clear what applicable safety standards the future holds for the before construction. tour company, the larg4C’s was issued a cease est of its kind in Exuma. and desist order in July Mr Wells said he received

the BMA’s report the same time the media did, adding: “We wanted it to be free and independent and that required I not know much that was going on.”

He said he will take the report to Cabinet and expects the office of the Attorney General to be involved in what happens next.

4C’s owner, Patterson Smith, said yesterday that he has not seen the report.

“I’m pretty sure I’ll have something to say but I just don’t know what it will be yet because I haven’t seen it,” he said. His lawyer, Elliot Lockhart, had no comment when contacted

by The Tribune.

A Georgia woman, Maleka Jackson, was killed in the June 30 accident. Among the ten other people injured were Tiran Jackson, Mrs Jackson’s husband who lost, a leg and Stefanie Schaffer, a 22-yearold woman from Vermont, who had both of her legs amputated.

THOMPSON CONFIDENT OF GRAND LUCAYAN SALE

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

GRAND Bahama State Minister Senator Kwasi Thompson revealed that there is “high interest” from prospective buyers to purchase the Grand Lucayan resort property in Grand Bahama.

He reported that a number of proposals from Bahamians and foreigners have been presented to the government, which wants to sell off the hotel as quickly as possible.

Mr Thompson gave an update on the government’s purchase of the hotel on Sunday. He said: “We anticipate a smooth closing.”

Although there are still a few minor issues that the government, the Office of the Attorney General, and the lawyers for Hutchison Whampoa, the hotel’s previous owner, are completing, he is confident that a resolution would be reached and the sale would proceed.

In the meantime, the junior minister stated the government was very pleased with the level of interest in the property by prospective buyers.

“The board and government have been receiving a number of applications and letters of interest and offers for the purchase of the Grand Lucayan. The board is going through the due diligence process and would release a prospectus to give all the information to the buyers,” said Mr Thompson.

He noted that the board of special purpose vehicle Lucayan Renewal Holdings Ltd will be issuing a deadline on when it will stop entertaining offers and make recommendation to the government on an appropriate buyer for the hotel.

Michael Scott, chairman of that board, told The

THE GRAND Lucayan Resort.

Nassau Guardian recently there are more than half a dozen interested buyers.

“At the moment, we are pleased with the interest from Bahamians and non-Bahamians,” Mr Thompson said. “And this is really going to be a wonderful time for Bahamians to step forward and put their best offer in. For those Bahamians who have the ability, the government will look seriously at their proposals.

“We do not want to give any details on any of the proposals that are presented to us. There are a number of people who have presented proposals and it would be very unfair to those persons who have not yet provided their proposals to hear what kinds of proposals have already been submitted. We do not want to prejudice anyone,” he said.

“The government is processing them and doing their assessments on all of them. We are working hard to sell it (the hotel) as quickly as we can, and at the moment there is high interests.”

Mr Thompson noted that the board is expected to soon obtain the scope of work for the renovation of the hotel property.

Two of the three hotels that make up the Grand Lucayan strip have sustained substantial hurricane damage following Hurricane Matthew in 2016.

The Lighthouse

Pointe is the only property that is open.

According to Senator Thompson, the board’s priority is the continued operation of the Lighthouse Pointe, the sale of the Grand Lucayan property, and providing the scope of works for renovations.

“The government’s full focus is on the sale, but also ensuring that employees are dealt with, and as best as we can, the renovations to provide additional employment opportunities for Bahamians,” he said.

On the matter of a dispute concerning monies owed to Hutchison Whampoa as a result of the Christie administration’s continued payment of $300,000 per month to Hutchison Whampoa, despite the Memories resort’s closure, Mr Thompson said that those issues

are being worked out by the attorneys.

Last week, Tribune Business revealed that, as part of the deal to entice Canadian tour operator, Sunwing, to open the former Reef hotel with its Memories brand, the former government agreed to guarantee its monthly lease/rental payments to the Hong Kong-based conglomerate.

“The AG’s Office is having some discussions with respect to resolving those issues. So, obviously, I would not want to make any kind of public comment while they are actively being dealt with by the lawyers.

“I am confident though that it is going to be resolved and the closing is going to proceed, and that eventually we will have a sale and a new destination

provided,” Mr Thompson stated.

Mr Thompson said the board will continue to meet with employees to ensure a smooth transition and that all employment issues are dealt with.

He thanked the employees for their continued patience. “We made a very important step and that was to purchase the hotel, and so the employees can rest assured that the government, in our continued deliberations with the unions, will have their best interest at heart.”

Mr Thompson also extended thanks to the board and those from Grand Bahama who were appointed, including CPA Linda Turnquest, attorneys Willie Moss, Terrence Gape, and Carey Leonard, and hotelier Russell Miller.

PAGE 4, Tuesday, October 2, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

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Nobel Literature prize entangled in scandal COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — The man at the centre of a sex abuse and financial crimes scandal in Sweden that is tarnishing the academy that awards the Nobel Prize in Literature was convicted of rape and sentenced yesterday to two years in prison.

Jean-Claude Arnault, 72, a major cultural figure in Sweden, had faced two counts of rape for the same woman in 2011. He was found guilty of one rape but was acquitted of the other because the victim said she was asleep at the time and judges said her account wasn’t reliable. Arnault had denied the charges.

Stockholm District Court said the ruling by the judge and three jurors was unanimous.

The victim’s lawyer, Elisabeth Massi Fritz, said Monday’s verdict was important both for her client and for the #MeToo movement. “(It was) a big relief for my client, who today believes in justice,” she said.

“No rape victims should be silent, no rape victims should feel guilt or shame.”

Judge Gudrun Antemar said the role of the court was to decide whether the prosecutor had proven the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.

“The court’s conclusion is that the evidence is enough to find the defendant guilty of one of the events,” she said, adding that the evidence “has mainly consisted of statements made during the trial by the injured party and several witnesses”.

In Sweden, rape is punishable by a minimum of two years and a maximum of six years in prison.

“We are obviously disappointed,” Arnault’s lawyer, Bjorn Hurtig told TT. “I spoke to him a few minutes ago and his order was to start working on an appeal.”

Prosecutor Christina Voigt had demanded three years in prison for Arnault, a French photographer who ran a cultural centre in Stockholm that had financial ties to the Swedish Academy and who was a key figure among Sweden’s cultural elite.

Despite Arnault’s prominence in Sweden, Voigt told Sweden’s news agency TT that “this case is no different from any other rape trial”.

Arnault is married to a Swedish Academy member and poet, Katarina Frostenson, and is the reason that the famous yet secretive literature body is in such turmoil right now.

The case began in November, when 18 women came forward in a Swedish newspaper with sex abuse accusations against Arnault.

In April, the Swedish Academy said an internal investigation into sexual misconduct allegations found that “unacceptable behavior in the form of unwanted intimacy” had taken place within the ranks of the prestigious institution. That led to the police investigation.

A bitter internal debate then erupted over Arnault’s behavior, with seven of the academy’s 18 members either being forced to leave or quitting in April, including his wife and the first woman to lead the academy, Sara Danius.

To many in the Scandinavian nation, which is known for promoting gender equality, it seemed that women again were taking the fall for a man’s alleged bad behavior. That and the abuse allegations shredded the academy’s reputation.

Commenting on Monday’s verdict, Peter Englund, one of the Swedish Academy members who quit in April, told TT he was “very pleased” that justice was done.

After the sex abuse allegations surfaced, the Swedish Academy’s annual funding of $14,000 to Arnault’s cultural center was immediately stopped. The academy stressed it had not been paid to Arnault personally.

In May, the academy announced that no Nobel Literature prize would be awarded this year and two — for 2018 and 2019 — would be awarded next year. Still, there is no guarantee that will happen.

By Jan M Olsen, Associated Press

Raise age of consent EDITOR, The Tribune.

IF there’s one law in The Bahamas in dire need of a complete overhaul, it is the law regarding the age of consent for sexual intercourse. Under the Bahamian jurisdiction, adolescents aged 16 are legally able to consent to participation in sexual activity, even without gaining permission from their guardians.

Conversely, the legal age for drinking alcohol and voting is 18. The age of consent law undermines the fiduciary guardianship of Bahamian parents.

Bahamian parents are legally toothless in the event their 16-year-old daughters become intimately involved with men twice their age.

What legal recourse is there for a Bahamian parent if his or her 16-yearold son confesses that he is sexually involved with his 64-year-old female math teacher? What can a couple do if their 16-yearold daughter tells them that she’s pregnant for her married 55-year-old boyfriend?

According to Bahamian law, there’s no legal recourse under such scenarios because the adult intimate partners of the teens have broken no law.

The said adults are perfectly within the parameters of the law. Hence, the proliferation of sugar daddies in The Bahamas.

The Bahamian government is therefore stating that an adolescent who

knows absolutely nothing about paying mortgage, utility, medical, auto, insurance, school and grocery bills; and who knows nothing about holding down a job can have sex. How many 16-year-olds do we have living on their own in The Bahamas? The answer is undoubtedly few.

As a parent, this law deeply offends me. If there’s ever a silly law on the books that urgently needs overhauling, it is the law of the age of consent for sexual activity. The government should increase the age to 21 instead. Sixteen is way too low.

KEVIN EVANS Freeport, GB September 26, 2018.

All not well at BPL EDITOR, The Tribune.

BP&L - 80MW stand by generator RFP - are we supposed to accept what clearly from the letters published by The Tribune accept that the process was compliant with the norms? There was a serious breach of the Electricity Act 2015 and URCA who is responsible still is pussy footing around not doing what it supposed to do.

The comment from Whitney Heastie this week shocks me that it implies BP&L have already signed-off with some agreement with Shell America, a fuel company

not an electricity generating Company who somehow took the 80MW to 275MW? The Chamber of Commerce raised a serious complaint…that seemingly hit barren rock (as usual these days) - URCA has said nothing except months ago indicated that BP&L were not compliant but did not exercise their authority as the custodians on our behalf under the Electricity Act. If URCA says nothing We The People what can we do as the politicians seem disinterested.

What shocks me is that we hear from the Prime

Minister there will be an enquiry BP&L but it seems he has the wrong issue under his focus - no one cares about the squabbles in the Board but we care about this Shell America issue.

A thought the Attorney who survived the 2018 massacre and was again reappointed may bring some light on these issues…surely if process and compliancy was not correct as an Attorney he should comment?

JEROME SMITH Nassau, September 19, 2018.

Save our architectural heritage EDITOR, The Tribune.

SOMEONE at Public Works has no clue what Colonial Heritage in The Bahamas entails. Either Amos Ferguson, former lecturer of History of Architecture I and II at the College of The Bahamas, should run a special interest course for people interested in learning more about historic buildings, etc. before any structure, especially within the city limits, is constructed it should include Dormers, Quoins, Casement Colonial windows, etc. (Doric, Ionic and Corinthian columns, etc.)

I concur with Mr Abraham Moss’ letter to the editor in January 30’s issue of The Tribune, under caption: “Abomination will scar city of Nassau”. Not only is this atrocious, it betrays colonial heritage.

I have worked at Public Works for 13 wonderful years and what monstrosity and atrocity I see being pushed off is nothing short of ignorance and lack of education; the average University of the Bahamas (UB) student knows better and is more educated than some of our inspectors at Works.

According to an artist’s impression of the new phase of the $250m Pointe Project, it encompasses the development of a 100-room, eight storey condominium complex with oceanfront residences and a marina.

(See Tribune of Wednesday, October 25, 2017-Business Section) the project is expected to be completed by end of 2018; it must be stopped now and the design altered forthwith.

The spokesman of the development, Mr Leslie Pindling needs to have these people told that we have certain guidelines, rules and regulations that we abide by; that we don’t accept just any and every design to be constructed in The Bahamas. You have to be firm with the Chinese people or else we will be in for a total travesty and rape of our colonial heritage.

If you cannot adhere to the design rules and regulations of the Bahamas Building Code, etc, you can pick up your ‘Georgie’

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net bundle and scat; it’s as simple as that.

I have dealt with this matter on several occasions and believe you me, I am a little weary. See stories captioned: “Don’t let these Chinese take over our country”; see PunchlinesJune 6, 2016, Pointe lacks “colonial soul”.

Savannah State College Savannah Georgia runs an excellent course in Historic preservation, restoration and conservation of Historic buildings; perhaps the Government can offer scholarships to this end and I am sure it will reap excellent dividends.

Tony Jervis, the architect who wonderfully restored the Villa Doyle, now the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, back to its glory days. Perhaps Amos Ferguson and or either Tony Jervis can run a special interest course for interested people of Historic Buildings, etc.

“We are losing a lot of our historic buildings” claims Amos Ferguson of Amos Ferguson and Associates.

Ferguson has a master’s degree from the University of Kansas at Lawrence, Kansas. We can learn about varying styles of construction and the era built, etc.

Alicia Oxley who holds a master degree in Architecture from (Howard University in Washington DC) USA. Frank Lawrence Hall and Myself (Loxsley Lonford Bastian) were assigned to work with Ms Oxley at Public Works.

I found working in the trenches of old Buildings fascinating. I had the pleasure of working on Balcony House, Veranda House, Sands House, Vendue house, The Royal Victoria Hotel and Malcolm House, etc.

Ms Oxley confided in me that she is considering teaching part time, etc. ‘‘some personnel at the Ministry of Health consider old building a health hazard”. ‘‘Then we have demolition by neglect, it is very

frustrating’’ claims Ms Oxley then there is a question of money. Oxley’s last project was on the water Tower.

We need to embrace Ms Alicia Oxley who packed her bags and travelled all the way from Trinidad and Tobago to preserve an endangered part of our culture ‘‘Historic Buildings.’’

Oxley has rent to pay and she is only working part time at Antiquities and Monuments. She has interwoven and immersed herself into our culture and she should be praised. Oxley has also participated in our National Heritage Junkanoo. She needs us now. We would hate to lose such a talent she is also having problems with her car.

Moreover, Anthony Jervis has expressed the fact that he has no desire to teach, however losing buildings to parking lots is out my control expressed Jervis, it could be a little touchy, and one has to talk to Antiquities and Monuments about preserving buildings. Tony Jervis holds two Bachelor’s degrees from the University of Minnesota in Minnesota, USA. Tony Jervis has been instrumental in restoring the Villa Doyle now the National Art Gallery to the splendor of its glory days. (Congratulations to Mr Jervis).

Finally, I found Pamela Burnside’s article in The Nassau Guardian of February 1, 2018: “SOS. Save our (city’s) soul” very interesting and timely. Burnside claims, “Many old buildings which recorded our historical past and presented our architectural heritage have long since been destroyed in favour of cancerous growth of parking surfaces.

The greater part of those that remain are either in decay or threatened by demolition.” – Pamela Burnside.

Let’s organise ourselves so we can be proud of our heritage, of our colonial era and conserve, preserve and restore our architectural heritage.

LOXSLEY BASTIAN Nassau, September 26, 2018.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, October 2, 2018, PAGE 5

RBDF FIT FOR THE CHALLENGE MEMBERS of the RBDF recently completed their annual physical fitness test.

All officers and marines are required to complete a set amount of push-ups, situps, and pull ups, followed by a timed 1.5-mile run, a 300-metre swim, treading water for three minutes, and a 12ft dive to retrieve an object from the seabed.

“Many RBDF men and women push themselves to the limit, and feel a great sense of pride when they ‘make the 400 Club’ - an exclusive club for those members who achieve 100 percent scores in all categories of their fitness test, in addition to successfully completing the swim and dive segments,” a press release noted.

RBDF commander Commodore Tellis Bethel, who made the 400 Club, said: “Life in a military force that provides support for almost 20 government and nongovernment agencies can be very demanding. Our men and women serve in all environments – on land, at sea, in the air, and even under water as military divers. It is therefore important for our hard working members to remain fit at all levels – from commander, defence force to marine seaman – in securing our borders.

This annual programme helps us to accomplish this objective.”

He also commended officers and marines and expressed appreciation for the work done by the acting training officer,

Senior Lieutenant Origin Deleveaux, the director of the RBDF Fitness Training School, Chief Petty Officer James Darling, the training instructors and staff in coordinating the event for more than 1,400 people.

“With the defence force being the first line of defence for the country, it is imperative that we be prepared both mentally and physically. All of the participants gave a great effort where pride and camaraderie was evident,” said Chief Petty Officer Darling, who also noted that Commodore Bethel was one of the first persons to complete the 1.5 mile run.

The base fitness exam commenced on September 10 and concluded October 1.

RBDF officers during their annual fitness test.

Photo: Marine Seaman Michael Turner/RBDF

‘Stop drinking and texting while driving’

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net TRANSPORT Minister Renward Wells yesterday said the decision to amend the Road Traffic Act to make it illegal to drive or operate a vehicle while using a cell phone, or with an open alcoholic beverage is related to the “increase” in traffic fatalities, which the Minnis administration suspects is related to people texting and drinking while driving.

Addressing critiques that the proposed $1,000 maximum penalty is too steep, Mr Wells said the government wants the public to understand that it is “serious” about this endeavour.

However, he noted the fine is not necessarily “etched in stone” yet.

Mr Wells also eased premature worry over the law which is not yet in effect, stressing that the bill has

not been passed in Parliament as yet.

Although Mr Wells could not provide a date as to when debate for the bill will begin, he said the government has done more in the House of Assembly by passing legislation in one year “than any previous government has done”.

On September 19, a bill was tabled in the House of Assembly proposing amendments to the Road Traffic Act. If passed, the changes will make it illegal to drive or operate a vehicle while using a cell phone or with an open alcoholic beverage.

The penalty for contravening these provisions will be a fine not exceeding $1,000.

When asked what led to the decision to amend the law, Mr Wells pointed to the number of traffic related deaths. More than 55 people have been killed in traffic accidents this year

— exceeding last year’s total of 54.

“We’ve had an increase in a number of deaths that we suspect is related to people texting and driving and using mobile devices while they’re texting and driving,” Mr Wells said.

“And even perhaps a little bit of alcohol mixed in with all of that.

“I think (Bahamians) are well aware of the amount of time it takes, even though we believe it’s not a lot of time, when we pick up that phone to respond to Grandma Sue, or best friend Susie, to send the text. And by the time we look up we’re in the back of somebody’s car, we’re applying the brakes.”

Mr Wells said the Minnis administration seeks to make Bahamians more responsible, adding “most” modern societies already have laws in place that address the use of

WEB SHOP WORKER SHOT IN ARMED RAID

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A WOMAN employee of Chances Games was shot and sent to hospital on Sunday evening following an attempted armed robbery at the establishment in Hunters.

According to police reports, two masked men armed with firearms entered the business shortly after 9pm on Sunday and held up the security guard and a woman employee.

ASP Terecita Pinder said the culprits demanded cash and shot the woman in the leg as she ran into

a bathroom. She said the assailants escaped without any cash.

Police are investigating the incident and are appealing to anyone with information who can assist them with their investigation to call 350-3107 through 12, 911/919, or call the nearest police station.

electronic equipment while driving.

“We don’t want anybody dying on the streets as a result of those kinds of things,” Mr Wells continued. “And so we’re just moving The Bahamas forward in that regard. That’s what this is about.”

Regarding rumours that the Bill has already been passed into law, Mr Wells reiterated that it has only gone through its first reading.

“So I hear all of these voice notes about this law in place and that law— the law is not in place. It has to be debated.

“As most Bahamians would know, first reading is simply you tabling the bill, and the government saying, ‘this is our desire, this is what we would like to do for you, the Bahamian people.’ Second reading is the debate, when…all of us stand up and say why we support it or why we don’t

support it. And third reading is when we pass the bill.”

The transport minister also responded to critiques that the fine is too steep, saying the “intense pushback” illustrates that some people “are not going to want to obey.” However, he added this is not a finalised figure as yet.

“But we have to get folks to understand that we’re serious about this. Because not only are you endangering your life — you may not value yours. But I’m certain the person who’s next to you in that vehicle, or in front of you, or behind you, value theirs.

“So at the end of the day we want to be able to get the point across to the Bahamian people. And the fine is not necessarily etched in stone.

“Parliament obviously has to pass the law, (and) the extent of the penalty for such is going to be a part of

that debate. And at the end of the day, let’s talk about the bill, once the bill has been passed, and folks have voted on it.”

Mr Wells could not say when the debate for the bill will begin, noting the House of Assembly already has an “aggressive agenda about issues that need to come up.” These include ongoing work with the OECD and upcoming constitutional amendment bills.

“I think if you would look at what we have done in a year, this government – and I don’t want people to judge me like (US President Donald) Trump, when Trump says as president of the United States he did more than any other president before – but the record would show that this government has done more in the House of Assembly by passing legislation in one year, than any previous government has done. Go and check the record.”

PAGE 6, Tuesday, October 2, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

Mitchell: contractor’s shock resignation ‘daming’ on FNM

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net THE shock resignation of Leonard Sands from the top post at the Bahamas Contractor’s Association, as well as the Free National Movement, is “damning”, according to Progressive Liberal Party chairman Fred Mitchell, who yesterday drew parallels to the departure of another high-profile member - Darnell Osborne.

Mr Sands, former BCA president and FNM candidate, blamed “sinister and unprecedented” political pressure orchestrated by provocateur Omar Archer for forcing him to resign in a bid to protect the group’s advocacy efforts.

His sudden departure follows allegations leveled by former Bahamas Power and Light chairwoman Darnell Osborne, who claimed rampant political interference after she demitted office.

“The silence is deafening,” Mr Mitchell said. “In the last three weeks, two prominent members of the FNM have said goodbye to the organisation that they worked hard to get elected. They made a complete break. In doing so, they

talked about threats to their integrity and well being and attempts to silence them.”

Mr Mitchell continued: “First, Mrs Darnell Osborne who was virtually a lifelong FNM and one of their chief fundraisers left following a sexist attack on her integrity by the minister of works.

The minister has apparently struck again with the departure from the FNM of the long-time friend, supporter and associate of the prime minister (Leonard) Sands.”

Mr Mitchell added: “Mr Sands who stuck with the prime minister in his darkest days in opposition has now left the FNM.” Both Works Minister Desmond Bannister, and Mr Archer - who has been reportedly appointed as contractor registrar - have denied the claims, and claim to have no knowledge of any circumstances surrounding the resignation.

However, Mr Sands dug his heels into his claims that Mr Archer pressured BCA executives to get rid of him. He told The Tribune he had personally seen communications from Mr Archer to several members - however, he declined to provide proof to this newspaper in a bid to protect the BCA from further reprisal.

Mr Sands said he did not intend to take the matter further because any further fight would only be for a “moral victory”.

“I believe the attacks and eventually having me resign was important to the persons who wanted it because being the president of the BCA, I would have had a significant role in the appointments, and appointed Construction Contractors board,” Mr Sands said.

“If I am not president, I won’t have the opportunity to sit on that board, and that board controls the licencing of contracts, the policing of construction duties. Just ask yourself, why remove a passionate advocate who only want to see the best happening. Why remove that person? It to me seems like you want another set of persons to allow less than stellar activities to happen. That is my concern. And they succeeded.”

Yesterday, FNM chairman Carl Culmer said he was also surprised to read about Mr Sands resignation, telling The Tribune he had not spoken to him nor Mr Archer since last year’s general election.

Mr Culmer said: “I don’t know anything. I don’t get involved with the government, I stay on

the party. We’re not like the PLP where the chairman likes to get in and direct the government, that’s not the role we play in the FNM. Now if there is an injustice then we will speak with the person but to try to dictate the day-to-day running.”

Mr Culmer continued: “It’s funny that (Mr Sands) he’s president, and Omar Archer is not a member of the group that he leads so why would he resign from the group that Omar Archer is not a member of? Something is not right, but it definitely ain’t with the FNM. I don’t have a beef with him (Mr Sands). He could pick up the phone and call me. I haven’t heard or seen him since the elections. I haven’t seen none of them since elections.”

Archer is a registered member of the FNM, The Tribune was told.

However, Mr Culmer declined to confirm this yesterday when asked whether Mr Archer could be considered a party campaign general.

To this, Mr Culmer said: “No. Omar Archer spoke on behalf of himself and he knew things we didn’t know. He didn’t speak on behalf of the party.”

Mr Archer backed Prime

Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and the Free National Movement during last year’s election cycle and is known for making controversial allegations through social media.

He was convicted last year of threatening to harm a senior police officer through a post to his social media page nearly three years ago. An appeal of that matter is pending at the Court of Appeal.

In the face of questions relating to intentional libel allegations in 2015, he jumped out of a second storey window at the South Street Court Complex and broke his legs in the fall. He was at the court for an unrelated matter at the time.

When asked about Mr Archer’s recent appointment, Mr Culmer said: “If the guy apply for the job and got hired, I can’t say anything on that. I heard he was a smart guy. We have to stop discriminating against persons, give people second chances.

“I didn’t even know he was hired until I heard the other side,” Mr Culmer added.

In his statement yesterday, Mr Mitchell called the developments “damning”, adding the country needed the PLP “now more than ever”.

EVERYONE HAD A DUTY ON UN TRIP, SAYS WELLS

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net

TRANSPORT and Local Government Minister Renward Wells yesterday defended the size of Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ nearly 20-member delegation to the United Nations’ 73rd General Assembly, emphasising that “every Christ soul” that attended had a “function and duty”.

Mr Wells, who was part of the delegation, detailed his role on the trip, which was particularly focused on The Bahamas remaining a part of an International Maritime Organisation (IMO) council.

Mr Wells’ remarks came on the sidelines of the official handover ceremony regarding equipment procured under a $1.8m Japanese grant aid to The Bahamas. He added that he will be travelling to Japan in November to open a Bahamas Maritime Authority office there.

The UN General

Assembly was held in New York between September 23-29. According to a Cabinet Office press release, 16 people accompanied Dr Minnis, including his wife and three Cabinet ministers.

When asked to respond to critiques that the UN trip was bloated with unnecessary personnel, Mr Wells said: “We are in the business of politics, and at times the politics trumps the overall national interest.

Every Christ soul who went on that trip had a function and a duty that was needed.

I can tell you, this was not some merry-go-lucky party. I want the Bahamian people to understand that.

“I went as minister of transport and local government, responsible for the Bahamas Maritime Authority, and at the end of the day, what ended up happening was that everyday my day was packed with bilateral meetings from various countries around the globe, requesting their assistance that they would keep us on the Group C Council that’s

a part of the IMO. The competition in the international arena has become stiff, very stiff. And The Bahamas seeks to ensure, seeing as there’s only 20 countries on that board and we’ve been there for 20 years, that we stay. Last year, we were the 20th country — just skirt by.

“And so the prime minister in his wisdom decided that we were going to increase our strategies at the UN and become a whole lot more relevant in the issues that are at the UN. So he took the requisite team he needed to get the results he needed.”

When asked about those who have criticised the administration’s travel, including FNM Pineridge MP Frederick McAlpine, Mr Wells said sometimes conducting the nation’s business requires going to other countries.

He added what differentiates this administration’s travel from the Christie administration’s travel is purpose and transparency.

“The proof of the

MINISTER of Transport and Local Government Renward Wells shakes hands with Japanese Chargé d’Affaires Shinichi Yamanaka in the front of equipment donated to The Bahamas.

Photo: Terrel W Carey/Tribune Staff pudding is in the eating,” travel. And we…inform The National Emergency he said. “When we go and our bosses, the Bahamian Management Agency has travel, look in the House people, why we went and received $1.8m of assistance of Assembly, there’s always how we spent their money.” from Japan to improve a report as to what we did When asked if a report logistics capability in the and what we accomplished. will be given at the next event of a major hurricane.

“You don’t hear us going session of the House of The equipment includes off on some furlough, some Assembly, Mr Wells said more than 200 handheld trip, and then we come back the prime minister will radios, 40 base radios, and the Bahamian people “probably” present it. water pumps and balloon don’t understand why we “He’ll probably include lights, NEMA director Capwent, what we did while my portion of the IMO, tain Stephen Russell said. we were there, and what but if he doesn’t, then he’ll Other equipment we brought back for the give both myself and the includes a wheel crane, Bahamian people. That is Minister of Foreign Affairs flatbed cargo trucks, tracthe difference. Purposed, (Darren Henfield) the tor head, 40ft semi-trailers, we are purposed with our opportunity to speak to it. refrigerated container, and But more than likely he will “other supplies which are speak to it.” en route,” said Mr Wells.

With reference to his Mr Wells said NEMA’s Japan trip, he said: “So as aim is to have equipment the prime minister said at in the disaster relief warethe airport, please don’t say houses of Hawksbill, Grand we off having a jolly good Bahama, Coral Harbour, time in Japan. We are doing New Providence, and Great the people’s business. We’re Inagua — representing the making money for the north, central, and southern Bahamian people.

Bahamas respectively.

“The BMA contributes “I really want to thank about $5.4m to the economy the people of Japan for of The Bahamas - $5.4m. their assistance,” Mr Wells The government (doesn’t put said. anything) into the (BMA).

“They have been more And so we’re going to open than gracious in the equipup another office in Japan to ment that they would have try and increase our ship reg- given to us and we truly istry and to try and dominate look forward to developing the Asian market.” the bilateral relationship Regarding yester- with Japan. Asia is the day’s handover, Mr Wells emerging market, and The thanked the people of Bahamas intends to be fully Japan for their assistance. engaged in Asia.”

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THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, October 2, 2018, PAGE 7

Water board starts turn-off offensive from page one

would be affected, Mr Gibson added: “Everyone who has an account that may be delinquent; hundreds, possibly a few thousand.”

Mr Gibson said WSC officials have conducted a two-week campaign to make account holders with large balances aware of the impending disconnections.

He said the campaign has also included media reports and television news appearances by him.

The Tribune accompanied a WSC unit carrying out disconnections in the Stapledon Gardens area yesterday.

While on the route, servicemen disconnected water services to three properties - each with outstanding balances of more than $1,000.

One resident, who asked to remain anonymous, yesterday said she was unaware that she had an account with WSC. “I wasn’t aware that we paid water,” the woman said with a slight grimace. “I am not the one who pays the bill here. I wasn’t aware that we paid a water bill, so I wasn’t really keeping up with it.

“We’ll have to check it out,” she told The Tribune.

Her bill was just over $1,100. To be reconnected, servicemen told her she would have to pay a $100 reconnection fee, plus value added tax expenses. She stood watch as two of her neighbours, one two doors north and another just across the street, also were disconnected.

In a press statement yesterday, Progressive Liberal Party Leader Philip “Brave” Davis said it was incumbent upon the government to “ensure” that it doesn’t “cause more harm than good” in its disconnection process.

Mr Davis said while the Official Opposition does believe that all resident “must all pay” their bills, the party is of the view WSC should make every attempt to “work with customers,” particularly families with children to ensure the supply of water stays on.

“Here is the issue with the FNM:

dismissals in the thousands from the public service since they came to office; disconnections from the power supply; people being expelled from their homes by the Bahamas Mortgage Corporation,” Mr Davis noted, “police out en masse fining people for minor infractions at elevated levels and now mass disconnections of water.

“It simply comes off as a cruel and inhumane,” he added.

Last week, Mr Gibson revealed that the corporation had also enhanced its accounts receivables and legal services departments to go after defaulters with demand letters, disconnection warnings and other notifications being issued through all communications mediums.

Mr Gibson, at that time, said no one had an excuse not to know of the impending disconnections, adding that he planned to aggressively pursue non-payers who were ultimately inflating the annual $20m$30m taxpayer subsidy that covers the corporation’s operating losses and capital works costs.

He further promised a “major accounts receivables reduction.”

The Long Island MP told Tribune Business last week: “My intention is to claw back most of it. It was around $45m. I’m hopeful we can collect more than half of it.

“At present, I can tell you that metre readers are in the field. Right now, it’s a mass metre reading exercise to make sure everyone’s metre is read. Next week we begin mass disconnections.

“Those disconnections will take in the western district of New Providence all the way around through Carmichael to Yamacraw and Eastern Road, and take in East Street, South Beach and downtown Nassau. All the major areas in New Providence, disconnection teams will be out for those persons.”

He also noted that Family Island residents would not be spared in the exercise, insisting that they will be held to the same standard as their fellow delinquents on New Providence.

A WATER and Sewerage Corporation worker disconnecting a delinquent account holder yesterday in Stapledon Gardens.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

PAGE 8, Tuesday, October 2, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

A voice falls silent, one which made us all so proud I

T WAS difficult for me to accept I had to write this edition of Face to Face posthumously. I had every intention of interviewing Audrey Dean-Wright in person. I had already told her as much. I was excited and, when I started writing this column, I let her know that it would be my honour to tell her life story – one so fulfilled I hadn’t even figured out how I would compact it into a single page. But I knew it was necessary, because so many great Bahamians who have contributed so much don’t have their stories told… they are not celebrated enough.

When Audrey, a noted singer, choral director, pianist, adjudicator, composer and poet, passed away last week, I was in shock.

I knew she was ill, but I thought she would bounce back, because that’s the kind of person she was.

She was such a giant in personality, so strong and vibrant in spirit, it is hard to think she would have left us anytime soon. I was expecting that come Christmas time, Audrey would be calling upon me as she always had over the years, to do promotions for her beloved Rennaisance Singers and

Face to Face

AUDREY DEAN-WRIGHT

By FELICITY DARVILLE

University of The Bahamas Choir. Her departure from this world leaves a void in our history and culture that will not easily be replaced.

She was a composer and pianist who has performed around the world and contributed to music in such a way that she is internationally recognised for her work.

To watch Audrey conduct a concert was a joy; she injected so much intensity into it that she created an electricity in the room. The singers, musicians and other performers seemed to be an extension of this spirit in such a way that in experiencing one of her concerts, the endless hours of preparation and devotion to the craft obviously rubbed off on all involved.

In the same way Audrey imbued a part of her spirit into her students and fellow performers, she also did so to every person she met.

This is why, when she died

AUDREY performing during a University of The Bahamas Choir Christmas concert.

last week, there was an outpouring of tributes on social media, in arts and educational circles and in homes and offices around The Bahamas, and her name could be heard and her laurels sung.

Born in 1949, Mrs Wright was heavily influenced by the music of her day. She grew up in Bain Town and as a child, she was influenced by choirs and groups that sang sol-fa, or solfeggio, a common practice in The Bahamas at that time.

The result was the choirs were unusually proficient in sight reading.

Audrey sang in choirs from her earliest years and her first music lesson was at age ten with Muriel Mallory. By the time she was 12, she formed her own choir and directed the Transfiguration Baptist Church Children’s Choir.

The foundation of her music career was built on the mentorship of music educators Meta DavisCumberbatch and the late E Clement Bethel, two extraordinary nation builders.

Bethel and an “Aunt Hilda Barrett”, a choir director, provided encouragement as she continued her music studies, and in 2004, she presented “An Evening of Enchanting Music”, featuring a full concert of her original music at the College of The Bahamas in memory of her beloved mentor Bethel.

Audrey graduated from

the Bahamas Academy of Seventhday Adventists in Nassau in 1967.

She studied at the Jamaica School of Music in Kingston in 1970-1971. After teaching for two years, she travelled to New York City where she attended the Manhattan School of Music as a scholarship student from 1973 to 1977, and obtained a bachelor’s degree in music.

During that time, she directed the Cherub Choir and Women’s Chorale at the Mount of Olives Seventh Day Adventist Church in Brooklyn, New York.

She continued her studies at the Jamaica School of Music and later at the Manhattan School of Music, New York, where she obtained her bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

Upon her return to The Bahamas in 1977, she began teaching music at the College of The Bahamas and taught there ever since, except for a study leave when she returned for graduate work at Manhattan School of Music in 1981, and other leaves later in that decade and the middle years of the next.

She completed a master’s degree in music education in 1983, with an emphasis on choral conducting and a performance area of clarinet.

While studying for her master’s, she married Carlton Wright in 1982. He would become one of the country’s noted ambassadors. His calm and gentle yet decisive nature made him a well-loved diplomat.

I even saw that play out in their home, where he was a diplomat as a husband as well. He provided every opportunity for Audrey to grow in her passion, and fuelled it rather than stifled it.

He even sang in the Renaissance Choir and took direction from her, just as she did from him on a personal level. It was rare to see the kind of relationship they had; one so nurturing and one that seemed to have become even stronger with each passing year. He must have had every reason to commit to her causes, as she was so supportive as the wife of a diplomat.

Audrey had the opportunity to extend her music ministry throughout and beyond the boundaries of The Bahamas during her husband’s years of service. This happened when they lived in Miami from 1983-1985, following her graduation from MSM, and when they worked in the Bahamian Embassy in Haiti from 1985-1988. She also founded and directed the English Choir at the Institut Adventiste Franco Haitian, now the Universitè Adventise d’Haïti, and raised $3,000 to assist in the building of the college auditorium.

From 2005-2008, when The Bahamas was establishing an embassy in Cuba, she was listed as Education

the eighth annual Children and Youth International Choir Festival, where it placed second out of 65 choirs. In 2012, they were bronze medal winners in the 11th China International Chorus Festival and International Federation for Choral Music.

Her sister, the late Patricia Bazard, laboured with her for many, many years for the children’s choir, which was her love.

Patricia was also the comedienne every year when the RenaisAUDREY (centre) sance singers and and her sister performed for Cultural Patricia with the Christmas conAttasenior director certs.

Patricia ché and for the Bahamas died less than worked Ministry in Toura year ago, and with ism in Canada Paul it is hard not to her husStrachan after a think that the band in National Children’s two sisters are the setChoir performance. singing their heavting up of enly tunes together in the ambassaa higher realm. dor’s office and Audrey was chosen as residence.

While residing in Cuba, Woman of the Year by the Biographical she read some of her poetry American for leading Caribbean Institute in 2006, and she writer George Lamming has also been listed twice at a festival in his honour in the International Who’s in 2007, dedicating a poem Who of Professional and “The Journey”, that she Business Women. In 2008, had written two years ear- she was chosen as one of lier to him. She also formed the 25 Most Outstanding a choral group, Cantabile, Women in The Bahamas in to perform for diplomatic recognition of her contributions to the arts in that and church events.

I remember when Drexel country and was also given Munroe flew a Cuban a “Living Legend Award” group in for a special per- that same year. She was formance at Audrey’s the first non-American to home. It was simply amaz- be a featured composer ing to hear Bahamian folk with the Southeast African songs played with a Cuban American Collegiate Music flair and at that moment I Festival, which gave her realised just how impactful a Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2015, she was her reach was.

She has over 250 original awarded Woman of Discompositions, including tinction by the Celebrating International favourites like: “Ode to Women Music” (for the late Kayla Organisation.

As I wrote this week’s Lockhart Edwards); “Hallelujah” (for the late column, tears fell from my Winston Saunders); “Thou eyes as I thought of the fact Wilt Keep Him in Perfect that she is actually gone.

Peace” (for the late Paul- I can still hear her voice; ine Glasby); “Bahamian when she spoke it even Carol” and “If Jesus was sounded like a song.

I can still see her smile, Born in Nassau Town”.

They encompass a broad so graceful and shining so spectrum of music, includ- bright from within. I can ing Bahamian folk songs, still taste her beautiful spirituals, standard choral Bahamian food. Dinners at music, and works for her home in Skyline Lakes piano and flute. Her music would include all the native has been performed fre- dishes you could think of, quently in The Bahamas topped off with drinks like and in the United States, guava juice, coconut water and her music and poetry and an array of Bahamian have led to performances bush teas.

She always raved about in Prague and London as well as in Poland, Ghana, her four biological children Surinam, Haiti and but somehow, she made all of the children she taught Jamaica.

Audrey has directed and everyone who came as many as five different under her mentorship feel choirs at the same time and as if she was a mother to is the founding director of them too.

Christmas won’t be the the Bahamas Seventh-day Adventist Meistersingers same for me without Mrs (now director emeritus), Wright. If it weren’t for her, minister of music at the I may have not attended a Centreville Seventh-day Christmas cantata, I may Adventist Church and not have spent such a sigdirector of its youth choir, nificant amount of time at and director of music for Government House and the South Bahamas Con- I may not have appreciference of Seventh-day ated that, right here in The Bahamas, exists people Adventists.

As co-founder and co- with the ability to not just director of and pianist for follow a tune, not just ride a the Bahamas National Chil- beat, but create music from dren’s Choir, Audrey has scratch – beautiful music taken Bahamian children that is so touching that around the world, perform- people all over the world stopped, listened, and honing in eight countries.

In 2004, the choir returned oured as touching to the to Russia to participate in soul and timeless.

THE TRIBUNE

‘MY CAR WAS A DIFFERENT COLOUR’ SAYS SUSPECT

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net A 23-YEAR-OLD man was arraigned in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday over allegations that he was the person a prison officer shot in the shoulder outside of a bank last week after he had robbed a man of $4,000 cash, which belonged to a fast food chain.

His right arm in a cast and sling, Malik Smith stood before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt charged with one count of armed robbery stemming from the September 24 incident near Royal Bank of Canada on Prince Charles Drive.

Another man, 31-yearold Akandi Gibson, was charged with abetting Smith in committing the armed robbery; however, he claimed he could not see how he got mixed up in the matter given that the colour of the car he drove on the day in question was different from that of the alleged getaway car.

Concerning Smith, it is alleged that on the date in question, he robbed Kevin Major of $4,000 belonging to Dominoes Pizza while armed with a handgun.

According to initial reports, shortly after 11am on September 24, a man was about to enter the RBC branch in the Prince Charles Shopping Centre

A 21-YEAR-OLD man was sentenced to two years in prison yesterday after pleading guilty to being found in possession of nearly $300,000 worth of

Man accused of series of armed raids

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

MALIK SMITH

AKANDI GIBSON

when he was approached by a male who robbed him of a number of deposit bags before getting into a champagne coloured Toyota Passo with another man.

As they were attempting to flee the area, they were confronted by officers from the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDCS), who were in the vicinity at the time of the incident.

At some point, one of the suspects was shot by police while the second escaped into a nearby residential area.

The injured suspect was subsequently taken to hospital where he was detained under heavy police guard.

Several deposit bags were recovered at the scene.

Neither Smith nor

Gibson were required to enter a plea to their respective charges.

Gibson, however, claimed that while he had rented a vehicle that he would have used on the date in question, his rental car was purple, as opposed to the champagne colour police alleged to have been the colour of the getaway vehicle.

Chief Magistrate Ferguson-Pratt fielded his claims, but ultimately adjourned the matter to December 12 for service of a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI).

Both Smith and Gibson were remanded to the BDCS in the interim.

They have a right to apply to the Supreme Court for bail before December 12.

TWO YEARS IN JAIL FOR MARIJUANA

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

Tuesday, October 2, 2018, PAGE 9

marijuana last week.

Kendrick Humes was sentenced by Assistant Chief Magistrate Subusola Swain following his admission of guilt concerning his involvement in the September 27 incident.

According to reports, shortly before 9pm on

September 27, Eastern Division officers conducted a search of a residence at Twynam Heights and recovered six packages of suspected marijuana.

The drugs weighed 283 pounds and are worth $283,000.

A 20-YEAR-OLD man was arraigned in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday charged with robbing nine people of more than $50,000 worth of cash and merchandise in the last six months.

Edward Colebrooke, also known as “EJ”, stood before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt charged with nine counts of armed robbery stemming from incidents that occurred between April 8 and September 16.

He was further accused of attempting to rob two people at gunpoint in two separate incidents on May 30 and 31, and of being in possession of a shotgun that he used to put one of those two persons, a woman, in fear.

However, Colebrooke claimed that police only interviewed him in relation to five armed robberies.

According to the prosecution, on April 8, Colebrooke robbed Alexander Hall at gunpoint of $280 cash, a Samsung S7 cell phone worth $200, a gold chain worth $800, a Michael Kors watch worth $499 and a diamond ring worth $600.

Days later on April 10, Colebrooke is accused of robbing Eranique Stubbs of one Apple iPhone 7Plus worth $900; a HP laptop worth $350 and $250 in cash.

It is further alleged that on May 22, he robbed Gardaina Lightbourne at gunpoint of an Alcatel 3

EDWARD COLEBROOKE, 20, faced multiple armed robbery allegations yesterday.

Photo: Nico Scavella/ Tribune Staff Plus cell phone worth $300 and one 2015 Kia Sportage vehicle worth $25,000, the property of Stacy Williams.

A few days later on May 29, Colebrooke allegedly robbed Vincent Mackey of a Nissan Morano worth $11,000 and $140 in cash.

Colebrooke also allegedly robbed Jeffrey Butler of a white, four-door 2000 Ford Taurus; a Samsung S7 worth $500; an Alcatel A3 Plus cell phone worth $250; an Alacatel Pixie worth $180; two iPhone 6s worth $300; and a Galaxy Tab worth $159.

Colebrooke is also accused of robbing Oswald Moss of one Blu cellphone worth $80, one blower worth $800 and one 2004 champagne-coloured Nissan Sylphy on that same date.

On May 30, Colebrooke also allegedly robbed Alfred Rolle of one black, Nokia cell phone worth $100. He also attempted to rob Milton Fowler at gunpoint on that date.

On May 31, Colebrooke allegedly attempted to rob Courtney Hall at gunpoint of one silver coloured Honda Accord, and is also accused of having a shotgun to put her in fear.

Then on September 7, Colebrooke allegedly robbed Khadijah Deveaux of $420 in cash and one Gucci handbag. Then on the 16th of that month, Colebrooke is accused of robbing Brenton Dames at gunpoint of a pearl-white 2008 Toyota Camry worth $9,000, as well as an iPhone 6 worth $700 and $50 in cash.

Colebrooke was not required to enter a plea to any of the charges and the case was adjourned to December 18 for service of a voluntary bill of indictment. He was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services in the interim.

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

Meanwhile, a 38-year-old man, Fred Kelly of Laird Street, was charged with robbing Itelio Estima of an undetermined amount of cash belonging to My Desire Convenience Store on September 19.

He was not required to enter a plea to the charge and was remanded to prison until he is served with a voluntary bill of indictment at a later date.

PAGE 10, Tuesday, October 2, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

$600,000 donated to kickstart Junkanoo in Grand Bahama

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net MORE than $600,000 in seed money was distributed to some 14 Junkanoo groups on Grand Bahama by the Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Lanisha Rolle.

The presentation of funds was held at the Office of the Prime Minister on Friday where Mrs Rolle got an opportunity to meet with members of the various Junkanoo groups on the island.

Mrs Rolle said that this year’s seed funding for the

New Year’s Day Parade in Grand Bahama totaled $648,000, and is being distributed to the groups much earlier than in previous years.

“This is the earliest distribution of seed funding in the country’s history,” she told Junkanoo group

Heavy equipment mecHanic TROPICAL SHIPPING USA, the Premier Logistics Company in the maritime industry is seeking senior level HEAVY EQUIPMENT MECHANICS for port maintenance in Marsh Harbour, Abaco, The Bahamas.

Performs a full range of maintenance, repair and service activities on heavy equipment including but not limited to heavy-duty trucks and semi-tractors, Reach Stackers, Jockey Trucks, high pressure pumps, cable inspections, crawler tractors and trailers, aerial towers and man lifts, and other engine components.

Ideal candidates will possess excellent written and oral communications skills, computer entry skills, along with 5+ years’ experience preferably in the shipping or transportation-related industry, possess a valid driver’s license, and ability to travel abroad.

This position will be filled immediately. To apply, interested candidates should register at the www.tropical.com website and select CAREER to view current opportunities. Please include your resume; additionally to tgibson@tropical.com . Third-party agency candidates need not apply.

Tropical Shipping USA, LLC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.

leaders, explaining that the reason is to allow for a great Junkanoo parade.

There are five Division A groups, the reigning champions Platinum Knights, the Swingers, Superstar Rockers, the New Life Classic Dancers, and Kingdom Culture. There are seven Division B groups and two Fun groups.

Mrs Rolle thanked the Junkanoo groups, stakeholders, and spectators for keeping the cultural expression alive on Grand Bahama.

She said the government is committed to making certain that Junkanoo is a success for all – both Bahamians and visitors alike.

“Indeed, this government is committed to ensuring the preservation, success, and growth of our cultural product. We believe the spirit and ideals of Junkanoo, its rhythms and sounds are at the heartbeat of who we are and what we do,” said Mrs Rolle.

“It tells the story of who we are and how far we’ve come. It is important that we continue to ensure we preserve our identity and our history through this rich culture experience we call Junkanoo,” she said.

Junkanoo, said Mrs Rolle, is what makes Bahamians unique. She said it is a “uniting force” that “transcends the

MINISTER of Youth, Sports and Culture Lanisha Rolle. political landscape and ‘Cultural Month’ and a breaks through religious host of activities will take place, including a Christmas barriers.”

Mrs Rolle also said that tree-lighting in downtown the month of Decem- Nassau and in the Family ber has been designated Islands.

BODY FOUND AFTER MAN JUMPS INTO CANAL

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net GRAND Bahama police are investigating a suspected drowning of a man in a canal on Sunday.

ASP Terecita Pinder reported that shortly after

1pm, officers were called to Silver Palm Street where a group of persons had gathered after a man had failed to resurface from the water after jumping in a canal there.

Another man went into the water and retrieved the male. CPR was performed

but the man could not be resuscitated. The male victim was taken by ambulance to the Rand Memorial Hospital, where a doctor pronounced him dead.

Police are awaiting the results of an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, October 2, 2018, PAGE 11

USMCA deal a ‘win-win-win’ WASHINGTON Associated Press PRESIDENT Donald Trump hailed his revamped North American trade agreement with Canada and Mexico as a breakthrough for US workers yesterday, vowing to sign it by late November.

Embracing the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which the Canadians joined just before a Sunday midnight deadline, Trump branded it the “USMCA”, a moniker he said would replace the 24-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA. With a satisfied smile, the president said the new name had a “good ring to it,” repeating U-S-M-C-A several times.

But he noted that the agreement would need to be ratified by Congress, a step that could be affected by the outcome of the fall elections as Democrats seek to regain majorities in the House and Senate.

When a reporter suggested he seemed confident of approval after his announcement, he said he was “not at all confident”

— but not because of the deal’s merits or defects.

“Anything you submit to Congress is trouble, no matter what,” Trump said, predicting that Democrats would say, “Trump likes it so we’re not going to approve it.”

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that his country was in a more stable place now that it had completed the negotiations.

He said the deal needed to be fair since one trading partner was ten times larger. He said Canada did not simply accept “any deal”.

“We got the right deal.

We got a win-win-win for all three countries,” Trudeau said.

Likewise, outgoing Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto said via Twitter that the deal negotiated over the past 13 months “achieves what we proposed at the beginning: a win-win-win agreement”.

Despite Trump’s jibe at the Democrats, their comments on the agreement were largely muted, though many lawmakers said the way the provisions of the deal are enforced would be critical.

PRESIDENT Donald Trump gives a thumbs up to the media as he walks along the colonnade near the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington yesterday.

Photo: Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP

NOBEL PRIZE FOR MEN WHO PUT THE BRAKES ON CANCER By the Associated Press

TWO researchers from the US and Japan won the Nobel Prize in medicine yesterday for discoveries that have revolutionised cancer care, turning the body’s immune system loose to fight tumors in an approach credited with saving an untold number of lives.

James Allison, of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Tasuku Honjo, of Kyoto University, learned how cancer can put the brakes on the immune system — and how to release those brakes.

Their work, conducted separately during the 1990s, led to the development of drugs known as “checkpoint inhibitors”, first used to treat the deadly skin cancer melanoma but now used for a growing list of advancedstage tumors, including those of the lungs, head and neck, bladder, kidney, colon and liver.

The drugs marked an entirely new way to treat tumors, a kind of immunotherapy that uses the patient’s own body to kill cancer cells. Up until then, the standard arsenal consisted of surgery to remove the tumor and radiation and chemotherapy to poison the cancer.

The research was “a landmark in our fight against cancer,” the Nobel Assembly of Sweden’s Karolinska Institute said in announcing the award. The two scientists will share the $1.01m prize.

“Not all patients respond to this, but for the ones that do, it has made a huge difference to their lives,” said Dr Arlene Sharpe, co-chair

DR JAMES P ALLISON

TASUKU HONJO

of microbiology and immunobiology at Harvard Medical School. “There are patients over a decade ago who had an incredibly poor prognosis and now, a decade out, they are living normal lives.”

Dr Jedd Wolchok, chief of the melanoma and immunotherapeutics service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, said: “An untold number of lives ... have been saved by the science that they pioneered.”

Indeed, a drug based on Honjo’s research was used to treat former President Jimmy Carter, who was diagnosed in 2015 with melanoma that had spread to his brain. A year later, he announced he no longer needed treatment.

Allison, 70, who was in New York hotel for a scientific meeting, said at a news conference that the Nobel committee evidently had trouble reaching him to break the news. But his cellphone lit up with a call from his son at 5.30am, when the names of the winners were released.

And soon, “there were people beating on my door at six in the morning with

Champagne,” he said.

At a news conference in Kyoto, Honjo, 76, told how a member of his golf club once walked up to thank him for the discovery that was used to treat his lung cancer.

“He told me, ‘Thanks to you I can play golf again,’” he recalled. “That was a blissful moment. A comment like that makes me happier than any prize.”

Scientists had been trying for a century to harness the immune system against cancer, but it was a struggle. Normally, key immune system soldiers called T-cells seek out and attack invaders. But for poorly understood reasons, it was hard to rev them up against cancer.

In an interview yesterday, Allison said he wasn’t trying to cure cancer but to understand how T-cells work when, at the University of California, Berkeley, he was studying a protein named CTLA-4. He learned that the protein could put the brakes on T-cells, creating what’s called an immune “checkpoint”.

He then created an antibody that blocked the protein’s action — in other words, it released the

brakes so the T-cells could do their job.

Working separately, Honjo discovered another protein, called PD-1, that also hampers T-cells’ ability to attack cancer, but in a somewhat different way.

Allison’s research led to development of the drug Yervoy, approved in 2011 after studies showed it extended the survival of some patients with latestage melanoma. A few years later, developers created drugs that release the PD-1 brake Honjo discovered — Keytruda and Opdivo, now commonly

advertised on TV. Allison said the biggest challenge with immunotherapy now is to learn why it helps some patients but not others — and how to combine it with traditional therapies to improve outcomes and reduce side effects.

“It’s a great emotional privilege to meet cancer patients who’ve been successfully treated with immune checkpoint blockade. They are living proof of the power of basic science,” he said.

His research also inspired the name of the

Checkpoints, a musical group of cancer researchers for which Allison plays harmonica.

The Nobel in physics will be announced Tuesday, followed by the award for chemistry on Wednesday and the peace prize on Friday. The prize in economics will be announced next Monday.

No Nobel in literature is being given this year because the Swedish Academy, the body that selects the winner, has been in turmoil after sex abuse and financial scandal allegations.

PAGE 12, Tuesday, October 2, 2018

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