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VOLUME:114 No.217, OCTOBER 3RD, 2017

THE PEOPLE’S PAPER: $1

WOMAN: BE POSITIVE ABOUT CHANGE AND GIVE BACK

Minnis: Our duty to help Dominica

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday pledged to send physicians to Dominica to assist with medical services after he and a delegation witnessed firsthand the widespread devastation wrought on the storm-ravaged island nation.

Last night, Dr Minnis appealed for empathy from Bahamians towards the Dominican people as he reiterated that schools and medical facilities have been decimated by Hurricane Maria.

In Dominica earlier that day, he pledged the Bahamas’ continued assistance to rebuilding efforts.

Registration is expected to begin today in Dominica for students who wish to continue their education in the Bahamas, and their

families. Earlier in the day, Education Minister Jeff Lloyd said he expected only about 20 students would take up the offer.

“I know that there were concerns about what we’ve offered before,” Dr Minnis told reporters at Jet Aviation last night. “There are still challenges with the medical fraternity, and being a part of CARICOM I’ve offered medical assistance.”

Dr Minnis continued: “I will meet with my minister of health and see how many physicians he can send to assist them. Medical services are greatly needed and if we were in this situation we would be seeking assistance not just from first world countries but from our neighbours.”

Responding to critics of the government’s offer to Dominican students, Dr Minnis said while SEE PAGE THREE

EDUCATION Minister Jeffery Lloyd has criticised those opposing the government’s decision to accommodate Dominican students and others following the destruction Hurricane Maria brought to their country, challenging naysayers to re-evaluate their Christian values and decide

“for ourselves if we want to live it or we want to just talk it.”

Speaking on the sidelines of a dedication service for the re-opening of the Stephen Dillet Primary School, Mr Lloyd said he understood that as few as 20 students may opt to come to the Bahamas, with preliminary indications pointing to all of them enrolling in the private school system.

SEE PAGE THREE

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

THE murder of 74-year-old American Janice Mildred Kessinger has left her home community of Pigeon Cay in Cat Island “reeling,” a friend of the victim told The Tribune yesterday, adding the tragedy has left residents terrified and afraid to carry out their daily activities.

Lashing out at the country’s “stupid” judicial system, the emotional woman insisted SEE PAGE FIVE

FNM FACES THREE-WAY FIGHT FOR PARTY CHAIR

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

THE FNM may face a three-way battle for the party’s leadership when members vote for a new chairman in an internal election later this month.

ALIV Chairman Carl Culmer and former Senator Heather Hunt are expected to be the front runners in the fight.

According to sources close to the matter, Mr Culmer has been backed by party leader Prime Minister Dr Hubert SEE PAGE SIX

LLOYD: ATTACKS ON AID UNCHRISTIAN

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

ISLANDERS’ FURY OVER US WOMAN’S MURDER

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis (right), Immigration Minister Brent Symonette (centre) and Christian Council President Delton Fernander in the air yesterday as a Bahamas delegation visited hurricane-hit Dominica. Photo: Yontalay Bowe

59 DEAD, 527 INJURED IN LAS VEGAS MASSACRE LAS VEGAS (AP) — The motive behind the deadliest mass shooting in modern US history remained a mystery as police sought to learn more about the apparent “lone wolf” gunman who opened fire on thousands of concertgoers from the 32nd floor of a Las Vegas hotel.

At least 59 people were killed and more than 500 others injured in the shooting, which happened during a Sunday night performance by country music star Jason

Aldean at the Route 91 Harvest Festival.

The gunman hammered out a window at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino and began firing with a cache of weapons. Authorities who stormed the suspect’s room found that he had killed himself.

The Bahamas sent a diplomatic note to the government of the United States expressing solidarity at the “horrendous” mass shooting.

“The United States was assured of the prayers of the

Bahamas and our people for the families of those fallen and injured in the attacks,” a statement issued by the government noted.

A spokesman from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: “We are always saddened by such inexplicable violence and we commiserate with our friends and neighbours in the United States over this tragedy.

“There have been no reports of any Bahamians affected by the incident.”

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

SEE PAGE NINE

FINANCE CHIEF LET GO AHEAD OF AUDIT

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net JOHN Bain, the chief financial officer at the Gaming Board, was terminated last week, The Tribune understands.

According to sources close to the matter, Mr Bain’s position “was brought to an end under the terms of his contract.”

Last month, Gaming Board Secretary Verdant Scott was directed to take a vacation as the regulatory body prepared to SEE PAGE SIX

PAGE 2, Tuesday, October 3, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

BAHAMIAN DELEGATION IN HURRICANE-HIT DOMINICA PRIME Minister Dr Minnis yesterday conducted an aerial tour of Dominica with Immigration Minister Brent Symonette; NEMA Director Stephen Russell; Christian Council President Bishop Delton Fernander; and Bahamas Union of Teachers President Belinda Wilson, in order to survey the damage to the island from Hurricane Irma. Photos: Yontalay Bowe

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, October 3, 2017, PAGE 3

MINNIS: OUR DUTY TO HELP DOMINICA FROM PAGE ONE

individuals were entitled to speak their minds, he was obligated to take a global view as leader of the country.

Dr Minnis conducted an aerial tour of the island with Immigration Minister Brent Symonette; NEMA Director Stephen Russell; Christian Council President Bishop Delton Fernander; and Bahamas Union of Teachers President Belinda Wilson.

Mrs Wilson said she did not expect a large number of students to take up the opportunity to study in the Bahamas as many students have already gone to neighbouring countries like Barbados, Antigua, and Trinidad.

Mrs Wilson reported that Dominica had 40 primary schools, 20 secondary schools, and one tertiary institution, adding that those few structures that had not been destroyed were being used as shelters.

For his part, Bishop Fernander said there was an overwhelming sense of brotherly love, adding that he was proud that the Bahamas stepped up to the plate in the face of dire need.

“There was a sense of we’re glad you’re here,” Bishop Fernander said, “we’re glad that you’re looking after us and you’re concerned about us.

We as a diaspora are setting a precedent to how we will be

taken care of if this were to ever happen to us.

“I don’t think in the areas we flew over there was one building untouched, every place had tremendous damage. Mud still everywhere, not just water, mud. You have to wear masks in

“We are a part of your family. Being brothers and sisters, part of the CARICOM nation and we would continue to assist and rebuild you and bring you back together as the force you were as soon as possible.”

Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis some areas from what is taking place and the concern in the community.”

Bishop Fernander recalled that standing on a hill in Roseau there was a cross still standing, symbolising hope and “that God was still in control”.

The Bahamian delegation found ongoing assistance from such developed countries as the United States, and Canada, neighbouring countries like Venezuela and far flung countries like Palestine.

MEMBERS of the Bahamian delegation in discussions during yesterday’s visit to Dominica. Photo: Yontalay Bowe

In Dominica, Dr Minnis addressed the island nation in a brief press event that was posted to Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit’s Facebook page.

He underscored that Dominica had been instrumental in the development of a newly independent Bahamas, stressing that it was the country’s duty and responsibility to assist as a part of CARICOM. “Many of your doctors, including myself and many of our doctors in the Bahamas have been trained in Jamaica. We are all trained through the Caribbean system and I’ve offered to send some of our medical personnel here to assist you in rebuilding your medical facilities and ensure that the quality of care for the Dominican populace does not deteriorate to any degree.”

He continued: “As soon as I return and receive word from

the government of Dominica as to what type of medical personnel and the numbers they might need we will ensure that those individuals are here.”

Dr Minnis urged Dominicans to understand that the Bahamas could have easily been faced with the same level of devastation, adding that the tragic event has demonstrated the importance of family.

“We are a part of your family,” he said, “being brothers and sisters, part of the CARICOM nation and we would continue to assist and rebuild you and bring you back together as the force you were as soon as possible.”

Following his aerial tour, Dr Minnis landed in Roseau by helicopter. He later told reporters that the main city had been under some four feet of water.

Last night, he remarked on the indomitable spirit of Dominicans, whom he said were all

working together to clean and rebuild the country.

Dr Minnis presented Mr Skerrit with a cheque valued at $60,000 on behalf of the private sector, and advised that a Royal Bahamas Defense Force vessel would be departing with supplies. He added that the vessel will first stop in Jamaica to pick up containers with supplies from that country.

To this, Mr Skerrit said: “We’re very grateful to the people of the Bahamas for this very generous gift. In this situation everything helps, every assistance helps, in relieving the pain and the suffering of our people here.”

Dr Minnis and his delegation left yesterday morning for Dominica, returning the same evening.

Education Minister Jeffrey Lloyd acted as prime minister in his absence.

LLOYD: ATTACKS ON AID UNCHRISTIAN FROM PAGE ONE Mr Lloyd said government officials were still working to determine the extent of the country’s assistance to Dominica.

The South Beach MP was asked to respond to the scathing commentary by Pineridge MP Rev Frederick McAlpine in Parliament last week.

Rev McAlpine, a Free National Movement backbencher, recommended that wealthy Cabinet ministers take money from their own pockets to contribute to the Dominica’s restoration efforts, rather than give its citizens safe haven in the Bahamas.

He also recommended the government pay Bahamians to work in Dominica and help with restoration instead of allowing storm victims to have safe haven here, as he suggested they may never leave once they get used to a better standard of living.

Destruction And in what appeared to be a swipe at Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, who wiped tears from his eyes earlier in the day as he spoke of the destruction in Dominica and the harsh reactions some have had to his plans to help citizens there, Rev McAlpine said he was crying for his own people.

Mr Lloyd, who yesterday hadn’t heard or read the comments first hand due to his recent trip to Washington for the Inter-American Committee on Education, said he had to accept the remarks through the prism of freedom of speech and democracy.

However, Mr Lloyd said as a man who took his Christian beliefs and responsibilities “seriously,” he could not subscribe to any viewpoint that set aside

compassion, generosity and willingness to extend oneself as prescribed by Christianity.

“This is what [Christians] are called to do,” the South Beach MP told reporters.

“Jesus spoke of: ‘I have come to serve, not to be served.’”

Mr Lloyd, clearly irritated by the nature of public discourse since the government’s initial decision, questioned how the Bahamas could call itself a Christian nation, if its people are hesitant to help those in need.

Constitution “I subscribe to that which is enshrined in our Constitution, that we are country undergirded by spiritual and Christian values. And I take my Christian commitment seriously.

“I don’t talk this, I live this and one of the principal expressions of Christianity is compassion and generosity and a willingness to extend yourself even beyond your own needs, to assist a needed brother and/or sister,” Mr Lloyd said.

He continued: “So we have got to take a look at ourselves in the mirror as a Christian country, supposedly, and ask ourselves if we understand what that ethic really means. And then we can determine for ourselves if we want to live it or we want to just talk it. And it is easy, of course, which of those we can do.”

“But I am a serious Christian and I mean that. I live that in every fibre of my being. I don’t have time to talk it.”

Of the Minnis administration’s decision, Mr Lloyd said: “The government would have done what any Christian, compassionate, sensitive people would have done; people who

would have done for us in our time of need when our own country was afflicted by the passage of natural disasters.”

He said the Bahamas, following many natural disasters, has been the recipient of donations from many countries throughout the Caribbean; specifically a $100,000 donation in aid from Dominica post Hurricane Matthew last year.

Mr Lloyd also said countries in more dire straits than the Bahamas have offered up greater aid.

Referring to the twoisland nation of Antigua and Barbuda’s decision to accept roughly 1,000 Dominicans despite the destruction Barbuda sustained during the passage of Hurricane Irma last month, Mr Lloyd called

MINISTER of Education Jeff Lloyd speaking yesterday. Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff that country’s efforts “mag- off of the map and yet, this offering this extension of nanimous” and a stellar Antigua and Barbuda coun- generosity.” example for the rest of the try is receiving over 1,000 “How magnanimous. . ..

Caribbean.

Dominicans.

How we in the Bahamas, as Mr Lloyd added: “Here “They themselves reeling blessed as we are, cannot do is a country, a twin country, from this serious damage. the same?” that itself has suffered from But yet they are there Prime Minister Dr Minnis the most damaging effects offering, in this time of des- led a team to Dominica yesof Hurricane Irma, where peration for themselves, terday to assess damage Barbuda is virtually wiped there.

PAGE 4, Tuesday, October 3, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

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Our Sister’s Keeper AS Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis led a delegation to Dominica yesterday to view firsthand the devastation left

by Hurricane Irma, we wondered how anyone could be so cold, so callous, so hard-hearted as to believe that by helping others we deprive ourselves of the ability to help Bahamians.

Did they forget the most basic fact that giving is not a zero-sum game?

What you give to others does not take away from what you have for yourself.

When you give love, you get love. You do not draw from a well and leave less love behind. Giving is not a competition, nor is it a court case. It is neither eitheror, nor is it us vs. them. It is not help us or help them.

There is, and likely never will be, a line item in the budget that allows for foreign assistance for an unforeseeable disaster. This is a matter of humanity helping humanity, of being our brother’s keeper.

Because the debate continued to be fueled by fiery rhetoric tapping into baseless raw emotion, we wanted to address the origin of being our brother’s keeper and apply it to the world around us, including the heinous lone gunman attack in Las Vegas Sunday night that left at least 58 dead and 500 injured.

The concept of being our brother’s keeper dates back to Adam and Eve, long before the birth of Christianity. The story is first told of Adam and Eve whose union in the Garden of Eden resulted in the birth of two sons, Cain, the elder, who became a farmer and Abel, the younger, a shepherd. For being the consequence of disobeying God’s wish, the two sons were commanded each to sacrifice a lamb. Abel offered his prize lamb, Cain, the runt of the litter. But at the time of the sacrificial burning, Cain’s lamb smouldered and would not burn.

Incensed, he presumably lost his temper, took his little brother for a walk, struck and killed him. God asked why and Cain replied, “I don’t know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” And God replied, “Cain, how can you be so cruel…?” So the story appears first in the Torah and whether written by the hand of Moses or in the 1300s, it predates the King James and Douay Versions of the Bible.

We note this only to say that as far back as religious memory takes us, from Judaism to Christianity there has been a consistent theme that we are, in fact, our brother’s keeper and in today’s world our sister’s. We might speculate that had Cain and Abel been Alice and Arianna, such murderous behaviour might never have taken place, but that is mere speculation, though we suspect probably a good guess.

The theme repeats itself in the famous poem by the metaphysical poet John

Donne originally published in 1624, “No man is an island, entire of it self, (sic) every man is a piece of the Continent, a part of the main.”

At this writing, we do not know what the Bahamian delegation will find in Dominica and what impact it will have on those in the delegation like Belinda Wilson, President of the Bahamas Union of Teachers, who had voiced her concern about admitting students from Dominica into Bahamian classrooms.

We have seen enough images on TV, in print and online to know that without assistance, the people of Dominica will suffer immeasurably.

The island experienced near total devastation. There is no drinking water, no power, no schools to attend, no economy.

Yet, in the background, the debate still raged about whether or not coming to the aid of our sisters and brothers was the right course of action.

We said last week it was the ONLY course of action and reiterate in even stronger terms today following the attack in Las Vegas when innocent people who were enjoying the final concert of a 3-day country western music festival were mowed down mercilessly in an attack by a single man with arms, ammunition and a grudge.

Did the police officers and security guards whose quick action is credited with saving hundreds, if not thousands, of lives, ask themselves, “Should we come to their aid?” No, they did the only decent thing, the thing they were trained to do. They rushed into action, putting their lives on the line to help others. Dominica is not asking us for our lives, merely a matter of seats in a classroom, a place to lay their head while they figure out next steps, a safe haven in a storm.

We watch the behaviour of American President Donald Trump dealing awkwardly with storm-ravaged Puerto Rico, home to 3.5 million Americans, trying to figure out whether he is Cain or Abel.

Like Dominica, Puerto Rico was devastated and rendered helpless by winds and water of a powerful storm that ripped off roofs, cut off power and communications, destroyed water supplies and uprooted lives that may never be the same again.

May President Trump choose the right path for Puerto Rico, lend assistance that can lead to the economic recovery the bankrupt island desperately needs and may the same charitable and JudaicChristian action quiet the discord of those in this nation who fail to understand that it is when we help others that we help ourselves. We are, and always shall be, our brothers’ and our sisters’ keepers.

ADVISORS LEFT THE PM OUT TO DRY

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Remember the “Bend or break” speech? Remember the “I will prosecute their backsides to jail”? Sir Lynden Pindling and Sir Cecil Wallace Whitfield.... comments never forgotten.

For PM Minnis the moment where his advisors left him out to dry over the simple visit to the bereaving family of the young boy shot accidentally was also one of those moments.

The PM came out looking as if he cared more for the suffering residents of Dominica than the grieving Nassau family.

Politicians have to be aware of the savage/ cruel social media in The Bahamas.

SPY AGENCY? What a lot of fuss over nothing - the Police always had an Intelligence branch - possibly the sale issue was that the PLP named the Agency without support of Law but then why all the fuss?

The National Intelligence Agency must be under the command of the

Commissioner of Police there is no other alternative. Minnis & Co don’t be tempted to do a PLP on this and create a massive ‘RED’ employment Agency.

The Police have done this work well for years.

It is not the cadre of Officers dealing with intelligence it is the support personnel, HR, Secretariat etc, suddenly you have a 300 strong Agency!

BEACH CLEANING wow ZNS shows negative news video of the sea grass on two popular beaches..... come off it Minister of Environment Junkanoo Beach so popular for cruise visitors was so dirty with sea grass - go to Goodman’s no different - are we really serious about Tourism or is it all talk?

These beaches should be spotless.

BP&L ..... wow privatising seemingly.

How on earth were the Board able to write a detailed RFP document and only last week PowerSource were shown the door?

Was the PLP planning their exit? Why isn’t the supply of fuel included?

Surely there is not some link to the shareholders in FOCOL? Caring I Believers are commanded to look after your neighbour like yourself - giving assistance to the affected islands is correct the problem is and was how the message was delivered and even after an explanation how many hurricane evacuees will there be?

There is the fear there will be no strict time limit and like those Haitians detained during an earlier hurricane, released by Mr Ingraham and told to return in 21-days are all still free.

Minister Bannister please investigate the sale of BTC to Cable & Wireless.....if not explain…. a lot of very strange things went down like how on earth did Cable & Wireless end up the buyer without bidding in the RFP? W THOMPSON Nassau, September 29, 2017.

Fred Mitchell’s hypocrisy on Dominica EDITOR, The Tribune.

In two non-consecutive terms as Foreign Minister, Fred Mitchell never passed up an opportunity to travel to the Caribbean or to wave the Caricom flag.

Sometimes his zealousness got him in trouble. Most of his travel around the region was on the taxpayer’s dime, with the exception of the years when he was out of office and he had to spring for his own fare.

In a speech to the prestigious Institute of International Relations at the St. Augustine’s campus of the University of the West Indies in 2014 Fred shamelessly lionized Caricom as a true-true friend of the Bahamas. Said he at the time: “The Bahamas took great comfort in 2013 when Caricom issued a statement in support of the Bahamas in the face of withering criticism by Cuban American protesters in Miami. We knew we were not alone. Someone (Caricom) had our back”.

In what can only be described as brazen hypocrisy Fred let us know that when it comes to politics he is nothing but a low-down, two-timing, fair weather friend.

In Caricom there are only two countries that are officially styled as commonwealth – the Bahamas and Dominica. The legal foundation of a commonwealth is that the supreme authority of the state is vested in the people and their government must act for the common good of those people.

The Commonwealth of Dominica was, until hurricane Maria struck, one of two rain forests in the Caribbean (the other being just 60 miles away in the Basse-Terre National Park on the French territory of Guadeloupe).

On a clear day, from a perch high in the tony village of Sainte-Anne on Guadeloupe, you can see past the French island of Marie Galant and gaze upon Mount Diablotin which, at almost 5,000 feet above sea level, is the highest point in Dominica.

Dominicans are our Caricom partners. They speak a lilting English that betrays their French heritage but they are a former British colony who have organized themselves pretty much the same as us. They have embraced

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net

modernity but hold fast to their English and creole ways.

The island was struck by a category five hurricane that damaged or destroyed 80 per cent of the buildings on the island and sent hundred-yearold stately trees rolling down the mountainside towards the sea.

Life, as the people there knew it, took a decided turn for the worst. They are destitute. They are hurting and they look to their Caricom neighbours for help. This crisis was practically made for Fred Mitchell.

But our Sometimey Caricom statesman decided that the suffering of the Dominican people must take a back seat to his political grand standing. Prime Minister Hubert Minnis and his government had bruised Freddie’s ego and he was determined to make the poor suffering Dominicans take a back seat while he exacted his comeuppance.

Fred took to social media to essentially say to the Dominicans “go to hell, my career is on the line now. Your suffering will have to wait”.

His hypocrisy could hardly have come as a surprise to those people who know the uncensored parts of Fred Mitchell. In my opinion he is a grand-standing, self-serving, two-timing poser who will make a deal with the devil if it gets his name in the headline the next day.

The hosts of an internet blog tried to give Fred a diplomatic ladder to climb down on after he stuck to the silly PLP propaganda of “message discipline” instead of practising the kind of humanity that Archdeacon Ranfurly Brown preaches to a congregation of the Sunday morning faithful at St. Agnes Church, Fred’s home parish.

Dominica is also the birthplace of his great friend and ally, the Baroness Patricia Scotland of the UK, still uncomfortably ensconced as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Secretariat in London, a job she got partly through Fred’s conniving.

Said Fred of the Prime Minister’s attempt to build a national consensus around

his compassionate effort to help Dominica tangibly as well as figuratively: “I am not going to help you out with your problems. You called us stupid, crooked, corrupt and dishonest and now you want us to join hands and say we are all together.”

Really! Fred doesn’t want to go down that road.

Since when is this a Minnis problem?

Petty is only one word to describe Fred’s crocodile tears. But his behaviour towards Dominica also borders on wilful neglect.

Dominicans are still in a daze and this charlatan who harbours dreams on one day becoming Prime Minister could not see the lesson Dr. Minnis was giving, right before his eyes.

Minnis schooled Fred and his colleagues in the PLP on leadership. Minnis was proactive. He was empathetic.

He was compassionate. He was decisive and he was unequivocal in his belief that he was doing the right thing.

We are so used to the detached ruminations that some lawyers bring to the business of governing. Most Bahamians were unwittingly brought to tears during the communication to the House of Assembly by a physician (who knows about trauma and about physical and emotional suffering), embracing the better angels of the Bahamian people by acting on behalf of a sister nation.

The great Caricom flammer Fred bet that Bahamians would oppose their Prime Minister and do so in such numbers that he would back down.

But then the Christian Council came out of shadows as did the teachers union, followed by businessmen, the Bahamian-Dominican community and every day run-of-mill Bahamians who understood and could appreciate that our religious convictions and our humanity compel us to help Dominica.

As for Fred. He remained on the PLP’s message of disingenuous reasoning. What he fails to recognize is that the Bahamian people deleted that message on May 10.

We ain’t checking for Fred.

THE GRADUATE Nassau, September 30, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

ISLANDERS’ FURY OVER US WOMAN’S MURDER FROM PAGE ONE Kessinger’s death could have been avoided had the system “done its job.”

Affectionately called “Jan”, Kessinger had been a year-round resident of Pigeon Cay for the last 17 years and was “well loved and well known,” according to her friend, who requested anonymity, in a telephone interview yesterday.

She said one of the suspects for the murder is a repeat offender who served time at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. He was released on bail about two weeks ago.

The Cat Island resident believes had this “hardened” criminal stayed behind bars, on the basis of his status as a repeat offender, Kessinger would be alive today.

Tragedy “It’s a tragedy. It shouldn’t have happened (and) it could have been avoided,” the emotional woman told this newspaper yesterday.

“The person that we believe did it, a hardened criminal, shouldn’t have been allowed back here on the island. It’s awful.”

She continued: “Jan was part of the Humane Society, she was active in the community. She knew the people that hurt her, she knew them from they were babies. It’s an awful tragedy.

“The stupid judicial system let him out.”

She added: “Cat Island is such a great place and we are living in terror now.

We shouldn’t be afraid to

resort vacationing outside of the country.

However, Supt Williams said police were unsure of this as the owners are still vacationing. He said details of this could only be confirmed upon their return.

Meanwhile, Chief Superintendent Solomon Cash, attached to the Central Detective Unit (CDU), said officers were still on the ground in Cat Island continuing investigations.

MURDER victim Janice Mildred Kessinger. go for a walk or live life.

Something needs to be done to protect the people that just want to live here in peace.”

Another friend of the victim who did not want to be named said his prayers go out to Kessinger’s family.

The Cat Island resident said: “Our prayers are with Jan’s family and friends as we collectively process this horrific tragedy and senseless act. She was a loving and selfless person who served so many on Cat Island. She will be missed by all.”

Police said yesterday they are looking at robbery as a motive for the murder.

Kessinger was found dead in bushes in north Cat Island Sunday.

Superintendent Harry Williams, officer in charge on the island, told The Tribune yesterday authorities also received some information that a safe was missing from Shanna’s Cove, the resort Kessinger was looking after for friends – owners of the

“Jan was part of the Humane Society, she was active in the community.

She knew the people that hurt her, she knew them from they were babies. It’s an awful tragedy.”

Janice Mildred Kessinger He said the team was expected to return to the capital today. Once in New Providence, Chief Supt Cash said police will have

36 ARRESTS IN ANTI-CRIME OPERATION POLICE conducted an island wide anti-crime operation over the weekend which saw a large contingent of officers from the Uniform Division fan out across New Providence.

As a result, 36 people were arrested for a number of major and minor offences.

During the operation, police targeted people involved in criminal activities such as drugs and firearm possession.

Suspects wanted for various criminal offences including prolific offenders and people wanted for outstanding court warrants were among the arrests.

Police also said Mobile Division officers arrested seven people and ticketed 11 drivers during a 24-hour period as they conducted patrols intended to reduce crime and to minimise the ability for criminals to commit crimes.

CIBC FIRSTCARIBBEAN DONATES VITAL FIRE PUMP TO DOMINICA

MEMBERS of the Dominican fire brigade and personnel from the Colombian and Mexican firefighting teams who have flown into Dominica to help their colleagues.

IN the aftermath of the passage of Hurricane Maria, the local fire brigade in Dominica has been pressed into service for much of the clean-up and restoration, along with its day-to-day firefighting duties in the capital of Roseau and beyond.

Urgent Last week, the brigade issued an urgent appeal when a fire pump, a vital piece of equipment, needed urgent replacement. The loss of the pump meant that the brigade would have been severely hampered in the assistance it could render to communities in dire need of help.

CIBC FirstCaribbean’s country head in Dominica Stephen Lander became aware of the urgent need

and contacted the bank’s Comtrust Foundation, the charitable arm of the regional bank, for assistance in last Friday.

Transported In less than a day, the fire pump was sourced in Barbados, purchased and transported by the Barbados Coast Guard, to Dominica where it was handed over to Jisiah Dupuis, the fire chief of the Dominica Fire Brigade, by Mr Lander over the weekend.

The fire chief expressed his gratitude on behalf of the fire brigade and the people of Roseau and the surrounding communities and said the prompt purchase of this pump would assist in the recovery and fire- fighting efforts of his force.

a better idea of where they are regarding charges to be brought, if any.

Kessinger was discovered after police activated a missing person’s alert.

She was last seen on Friday around 3.30pm at Shanna’s Cove.

The gruesome discovery, police sources said, also came after an SUV owned by the victim was found burned.

Kessinger was found with cuts about the body, sources also said.

Three suspects are in custody assisting police with this investigation, according to Senior Assistant Commissioner Stephen Dean.

Kessinger was one of two people killed on the weekend after a man who was shot outside his Marshall Road home in New Providence died in hospital early Sunday morning.

The incidents marked the 106th and 107th murders in the country for the year.

Kessinger’s death was the first killing recorded in Cat Island this year. The quiet community has an estimated population of 1,600.

CIBC FirstCaribbean has committed up to US$100,000 for relief efforts in Dominica, in addition to a previous US$450,000 which the bank and its parent, CIBC, gave to those Caribbean countries affected

by Hurricane Irma.

Since the bank started in 2002, it has committed a minimum of US$1M per year for worthy causes across the Caribbean, totalling well in excess of US$20M in the 15 years since.

EVERY MONDAY IN THE TRIBUNE

INSIGHT FOR THE STORIES THAT MATTER

Tuesday, October 3, 2017, PAGE 5

POSSIBLE WITHDRAWAL OF CHARGES ADJOURNED AFTER VIRTUAL COMPLAINANT FAILS TO APPEAR IN COURT

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

THE CROWN’S possible withdrawal of charges against two brothers accused of abducting a woman by throwing her into the trunk of a car was adjourned for another three weeks after the virtual complainant failed to appear before court to testify, The Tribune understands.

Police prosecution officials told The Tribune that Khalilah Farrington was due to take the witness stand before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt yesterday to give testimony to support her previous request to have the one count of causing harm against 27-year-old Travis Knowles and 29-year-old Valentino Knowles withdrawn.

Testimony However, after Ms Farrington failed to appear, the matter was adjourned to October 28. The Tribune understands that after she gives her testimony, the Crown will withdraw the charges against the two brothers.

Ms Farrington is the woman who was previously seen in a cell phone video being thrown into the trunk of a car in an alleged abduction on August 20.

Shortly after 7pm on the day in question, police received a report of an

alleged abduction of a woman by two men in a Honda Accord on Taylor Street.

Mobile Division officers on routine patrol were immediately dispatched to the area, where they intercepted the vehicle at the corner of East and Taylor Streets.

Vehicle During a search of the vehicle, police said they found a woman “hidden in the trunk in good health.”

The two male occupants of the vehicle were subsequently taken into custody.

At the initial arraignment of the two brothers in late August, both of whom had entered not guilty pleas to the charge they were each faced with, Ms Farrington informed the chief magistrate of her intention to withdraw the charges against the two accused.

At the time, Ms Farrington admitted to Chief Magistrate FergusonPratt that the circumstances that led to her alleged abduction “was my fault.”

In response to Ms Farrington’s statements, police prosecutor Sergeant Timmy Saunders told the court he would need at least a week to receive instructions from the Office of the Attorney General on how to proceed.

The matter was subsequently adjourned.

PAGE 6, Tuesday, October 3, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

FNM FACES THREE-WAY FIGHT FOR PARTY CHAIR

FROM PAGE ONE

Minnis while Mrs Hunt holds the support of others in the organisation.

It is understood there could be a third contender FNM Deputy Chairman Brad McPhee who has also indicated an interest in vying for the position.

Mr Culmer confirmed his nomination with The Tribune; however, Mrs Hunt declined to comment and Mr McPhee did not return a call made to him yesterday.

Mr Culmer currently holds the position of deputy treasurer with the party.

For his part, he told The Tribune that if elected, he would focus on elevating political party discourse and ensuring the party stayed on message and committed to its campaign pledges. “I’d like to see where we step up our

game nationally,” Mr Culmer said.

“We need to get away from the (PLP Chairman) Bradley Roberts type of politics, that belittles people rather than talk about the issues. Under my leadership, the FNM will continue in that vein.

“We’re the party for the people and you’ll see more things to make sure we not only look at Bahamian voters but the ways that we can go and prepare younger folks to be community leaders, through education opportunities.”

Mr Culmer said: “The FNM has a plan that we put forward during the campaign, I was very much involved in that campaign.

[As FNM chairman] I’ll be working along with the government and my job would be political, making sure that we keep the Bahamian people. We can’t go back under the PLP.”

Outgoing Chairman Sidney Collie’s resignation becomes effective on October 19, at which time the party will hold an election to fill the post.

Mr Collie was appointed Bahamas ambassador to the United States in Washington, and will also serve as the permanent

CURRENT FNM Chairman Sidney Collie’s resignation becomes effective on October 19.

representative to the Organisation of American States (OAS) and nonresident ambassador to Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil.

Mr Collie, a former ambassador to CARICOM, told The Tribune he was looking forward to serving again at such a high

level after more than four decades in public service.

He declined comment on the nominees for FNM chairman, stating only that “the field is wide open.”Nominations for the post will close on October 12 at 5pm.

FINANCE CHIEF LET GO AHEAD OF AUDIT

FROM PAGE ONE issue a request for proposals for a forensic audit. The audit, which The Tribune understands has not yet started, will also investigate the board’s decision to award bonuses and increased salaries. One reported bonus was awarded as a result of the completion of Baha Mar’s casino licence.

According to the source, there is currently no review of Baha Mar’s casino licence despite the alleged bonuses of up to $60,000.

Baha Mar received government approvals for its gaming licence in April.

Former Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe at the time said the approvals for a gaming licence and associated certificates of suitability were granted after a comprehensive probity investigation and on the recommendation of the Gaming Board.

He noted there were no written comments or objections from the public within the designated 21-day period after the application was advertised, in compliance with requirements of the Gaming Act 2014.

The gaming application was submitted

by Chow Tai Fook Enterprises (CTFE) subsidiary Sky Warrior Bahamas Ltd, trading as Baha Mar. Gaming Board Chairman Kenyatta Gibson declined to comment when contacted yesterday.

He told The Tribune in August an audit of the board’s finances and a status review of the gaming house industry were top of the new board’s agenda.

Mr Gibson, at the time, said these things would need to be done before any potential recommendations from the board are given to the government of the Bahamas.

THIS undated image from a video released by the National Transportation Safety Board shows the stern of the sunken ship El Faro. (AP)

COAST GUARD REPORT: CAPTAIN ERRORS LED UP TO EL FARO SINKING

By TERRY SPENCER, Associated Press

A COAST Guard report released Sunday says the primary cause of the 2015 sinking of the cargo ship El Faro, which killed all 33 aboard, was the captain underestimating the strength of a hurricane and overestimating the ship’s strength.

The report said Capt.

Michael Davidson should have changed the El Faro’s route between Jacksonville, Florida, and San Juan, Puerto Rico, to avoid Hurricane Joaquin’s 150 mph (240 kph) winds. When the 790-foot vessel got stuck he should have taken more aggressive measures to save it.

Speaking at a news conference in Jacksonville, Florida, Capt. Jason Neubauer also said the Coast Guard would have sought to revoke Davidson’s license if he had survived.

Davidson “was ultimately responsible for the vessel, the crew and its safe navigation,” said Neubauer, who chaired the investigation.

He said Davidson “misjudged the path of Hurricane Joaquin and overestimated the vessel’s heavy weather survivability while also failing to take adequate precautions to monitor and prepare for heavy weather.

During critical periods of navigation ... he failed to understand the severity of the situation, even when the watch standards warned him the hurricane was intensifying.”

Davidson, 53, was recorded telling a crew member a few hours before the sinking, “There’s nothing bad about this ride. I was sleepin’ like a baby. This is every day in Alaska,” where he had previously worked.

The report also says the ship’s owner, TOTE Maritime Inc., had not replaced a safety officer, spreading out those duties among other managers, and had violated regulations regarding crew rest periods and working hours.

The Coast Guard said it will seek civil actions against TOTE but no criminal penalties as there was no criminal intent.

TOTE Maritime released a statement Sunday saying the report “is another piece of this sacred obligation that everyone who works upon the sea must study and embrace. The report details industry practices which need change.”

The 40-year-old El Faro went down on Oct. 1, 2015, sinking in 15,000 feet of water to the sea floor near the Bahamas. No bodies were ever recovered. It was the worst maritime disaster for a U.S.-flagged vessel since 1983.

Voice recordings recovered from the ship show an increasingly panicked and stressed crew fighting to save the ship after it lost propulsion as they battled wind, shifting cargo and waves.

Lifeboats Davidson ordered the ship abandoned shortly before it sank but its open air lifeboats likely would have provided insufficient protection, the Coast Guard said. The agency said it would recommend that all ships now be equipped with modern enclosed lifeboats - if the El Faro had such lifeboats, the crew may have survived, Neubauer said.

El Faro was one of two ships owned by TOTE Maritime Inc. that navigated in constant rotation on shipping runs between Jacksonville, Florida, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. It brought everything from milk to Mercedes Benzes to the island.

Other findings included: — A few weeks before the accident, TOTE stopped employing in port helpers who assisted its ships’ crews to safely load cargo. The Coast Guard said the El Faro’s crew had difficulty keeping up with the pace needed to get the ship out on schedule. A manager at the port took a photo of the El Faro the

day before its final launch because unbalanced loading had caused it to lean heavily to one side, more than he had ever seen. He alerted stevedores, who added containers to the other side to rebalance the ship.

— When the El Faro departed Jacksonville the oil level in its main engine was below the manufacturer’s recommendation although still within the range for operation. That became crucial when the El Faro began leaning in the storm as the oil level no longer reached the pump.

That starved the engine, shutting it down. The loss of propulsion left the El Faro helpless against Joaquin and its waves.

— Four of the five Polish workers who had been temporarily assigned to the El Faro spoke little English and none of them had been briefed on safety procedures. The wife of one of the men told investigators “he had never seen or worked on a hulk like this” and that as he worked, rust would fall into his eyes.

— A weather prediction system that would have sent emailed updates about Joaquin to Davidson had not been activated.

— Less than six hours before the El Faro sank Second Mate Danielle Randolph, who was in charge of safety, was recorded telling another crew member that drills were not taken seriously. She added that crew members rarely try on their survival suits to make sure they fit. As the ship was going down and Davidson ordered the ship abandoned, Randolph was heard leaving the bridge to find life vests either because none were stored there as required or she didn’t know where they were.

— The National Hurricane Center should re-evaluate the effectiveness of its forecasts for storms that may not make landfall but may impact ships.

Writer Jason Dearen in Gainesville, Florida, contributed to this report.

THE TRIBUNE

AG: CONCERNS IN MY OFFICE WERE NEVER MENTIONED TO ME Carl Bethel responds to claims over salary increases, back pay ATTORNEY General Carl Bethel said yesterday he was “surprised” to learn there were concerns in his office regarding salary increases and back pay when no one “including the prosecutor who raised the matter with the prime minister,” has “never once” mentioned any problems to him.

In an interview with The Tribune, Mr Bethel, who is currently out of the country, said he will “deal with the matter as soon as he gets back.”

According to a letter obtained by The Tribune, a prosecutor said lawyers in the Office of the Attorney General haven’t received increments and salary increases in accordance with the industrial agreement the government signed with the Bahamas Public Service Union in 2013.

In a letter dated September 5 and sent to Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, a prosecutor described the complaint as needing “urgent” attention.

“I feel a sense of duty to bring to your attention an urgent matter concerning discriminatory practice of the Office of the Attorney General in denying lawyers, over these many years, and who are duly employed in the civil service, benefits and

SURPRISED: Attorney General Carl Bethel

salary increases that have been brokered and obtained by the Public Service Union on behalf of all civil servants

“I am puzzled that a matter of such seriousness will be raised in this manner.

However, it will be dealt with as soon as I get back in town. It is certainly an irregular situation and I knew nothing about it.”

Attorney General Carl Bethel in the Bahamas, including ourselves, that has been practised from my knowledge and belief from time immemorial,” the prosecutor

wrote. “This unjust practice ought to cease under your administration, in my humble opinion.”

Mr Bethel said he knew nothing of the complaint and was “disturbed” that the author of the letter would write to the prime minister before bringing the concerns to him.

“I am surprised and disturbed when I read the letter and when I saw the article in the paper allegedly sent by an attorney in the Office of the Attorney General to the prime minister,” Mr Bethel said.

“Especially since no one, including the writer, raised that issue with me and I have spoken to that person personally on a number of occasions and it has never been raised with me.

“I am puzzled that a matter of such seriousness will be raised in this manner.

CARIBBEAN NEWS

A POLITICAL party banner waves over a home damaged in the passing of Hurricane Maria, in the community of Ingenio in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, Monday. President Donald Trump is planning to visit the U.S. territory on today. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)

MANY PUERTO RICANS ANGRY OVER TRUMP’S COMMENTS ON ISLAND

By DANICA COTO, Associated Press

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Outside of official events, many Puerto Ricans say they won’t be welcoming President Donald Trump with open arms during his visit to the storm-wracked island today.

People in the U.S. territory were angry or dismissive Monday when asked about Trump’s description of some Puerto Ricans who have criticised the U.S. government’s aid after Hurricane Maria as “ingrates” and about his assurances that the relief effort is going well.

“He’s a piece of trash,” Rachel Cruz, a linguist, said as she head home after buying groceries in the capital, San Juan. “He makes a fool out of himself and a fool out of his country.”

Furious Cruz said Puerto Ricans are furious with power still cut off on most of the island, schools and many businesses closed, and much of the countryside struggling to find fresh water and food, but she said even the angriest were unlikely to openly insult the man ultimately responsible for helping them.

“The majority of people here feel that way, but we have to be more balanced because we need help,” she said.

Even those happy with the federal aid effort for the U.S. territory’s 3.4 million people said they resented Trump’s tweets about some Puerto Ricans being lazy and ungrateful.

“We appreciate all the help that we’ve received, but his comments are not true,” said Nancy Rivera, a private school principal who was out buying bread. “We don’t deserve that.”

Rivera and her husband live in the north coastal town of Toa Baja, which was one of the hardest hit by Maria and where dozens of people had to be rescued from rooftops amid widespread flooding. The couple has moved temporarily to their son’s apartment in San Juan.

Gov. Ricardo Rossello, however, praised federal and state officials for the resources and help they have provided, but he also noted that Puerto Rico has long been struggling because of its territorial status.

“I invite all of you to consider, to think of Puerto Ricans as your constituents,” said Rossello, who supports statehood for the island.

“Think about it as a moral imperative because we are U.S. citizens but more importantly, we’re all equal as human beings.”

The governor said water service has been restored to about 50 per cent of customers across Puerto Rico.

Rossello said he hopes 25 percent of electricity customers will have power by the end of October.

Officials have said power would be restored to the entire island before March.

Rossello also announced that the wait time to buy gasoline had diminished from seven hours to one hour around San Juan in recent days and that nearly 40 per cent of cellphone clients have service.

Many Puerto Ricans, including Noelys Martinez, a call centre worker, expressed doubt that Trump’s visit would change anything.

“The lights are not going to come back on because of him,” she said as she strolled near a park eating ice cream.

Angel Tomas Crispin, manager of a convenience store that was doing brisk business as people sought to restock basic supplies, didn’t have kind words for the president.

“Donald Trump is not the solution for Puerto Rico,” he said.

Crispin said he was angered by Trump’s comments about the island. “All this money he has, and all the education he has, and he’s ignorant.”

Luis Torres, a retiree taking an evening walk with his wife, Marina, said Trump isn’t welcome.

“As far as I’m concerned, he shouldn’t come,” Torres said.

His wife nodded aggressively.

“He has expressed himself in such a disrespectful way. Extremely unnecessary and extremely insensitive,” she said. “It’s very sad.”

“However, it will be dealt with as soon as I get back in town. It is certainly an irregular situation and I knew nothing about it.”

In the letter, the prosecutor said prosecutors in the criminal department and civil litigators in the civil department of the Office of the Attorney General have had overdue increments and salary increases since 2014.

“Any lawyer in our office that has been duly employed as a ‘permanent and pensionable civil servant’ prior to and including 2013 is entitled, according to the law stated in the attachments, to our overdue increments and salary increases,” the prosecutor wrote.

“I believe that many senior persons in the public service are either blissfully unaware or intentionally malicious in denying the lawyers in the Office of the Attorney General our due and just entitlements under the said industrial agreement referred herein.

“Without us, the prosecutors in the Office of the Attorney General, no court, including ten Supreme Courts or the Court of Appeal, can function because the courts need a prosecutor to either present the evidence in these murder, rape, armed robbery, unlawful sexual intercourse, fraud or forgery cases, inter alia, or to answer the Court of Appeal, on behalf of the government of the Bahamas in any contentious litigation matter.”

The prosecutor said the issues in the letter to Dr Minnis have been raised with Director of Public Prosecutions Garvin Gaskin and the accounts department of the Office of the Attorney General.

Tuesday, October 3, 2017, PAGE 7

#FIXGRANDBAHAMA AIMS TO BRING AWARENESS TO ISLAND’S PROBLEMS

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net THE “Fix Grand Bahama” hashtag is gaining momentum on social media to bring awareness to the depressed economic state of the island.

Many persons residing on Grand Bahama are sharing the hashtag on Facebook and asking others to join in.

With Grand Bahama’s only anchor hotel property closed, tourist arrivals have declined, and the local economy is down.

One person, who shared the hashtag on Facebook, challenged others to post “Fix Grand Bahama” for the next five days.

“I want us to post three words. FIX GRAND BAHAMA. It’s time we get some real attention. I am not looking for likes on my page or criticism, only results. Maybe someone will finally hear our cries. No more closed businesses, no more closed food stores, more hotels, no more loss of lives,” said the Facebook user.

Another person responded saying they like the idea of #fixgrandbahama but wanted to know if it is directed at raising awareness from the Grand Bahama Port Authority or the government.

In response to some criticism about the hashtag, the creator said she was a former student of Hawksbill and has a background working in marketing and media.

“I am not an activist. Just a widow who has a child and refuse to give up on an island that I was born on. I wanted to run (away) for many years. However, I refuse to,” she explained.

“Grand Bahama was a beautiful city to live in as a child. No more. Not being ungrateful but it’s not the same. We can make noise but let us have one voice.

This is not about self but in fact about Grand Bahama,” she said.

The Grand Lucayan Resort closed last October following significant damage as a result of Hurricane Matthew. The owners of the property, Hutchison Whampoa, have put the property on the market.

Businesses at nearby Port Lucaya Marketplace, which relied on the visitor traffic from the Lucayan strip, are struggling. Some have closed up shop and left; some residents have to relocate in search of jobs.

The Minnis administration has said that it is aggressively working to resolve the situation at Grand Lucayan Resort.

PAGE 8, Tuesday, October 3, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

CHARACTERS COME TO LIFE AT ST THOMAS MORE SCHOOL DARTH VADER, Ironman and Minnie Mouse were just some of those making an appearance at St Thomas More Catholic School yesterday, as students and staff enjoyed their Storybook Character Dress Up Day. Photos: Shawn Moore

THE TRIBUNE

CATALONIA URGES MEDIATION WITH SPAIN IN SECESSION DISPUTE

By ARITZ PARRA AND CIARAN GILES, Associated Press BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Catalan separatists called for international mediation with the Spanish government as they pushed ahead Monday with plans to declare unilateral independence this week after a violent police crackdown scarred a disputed secession referendum.

The referendum debacle only deepened Spain’s most serious political crisis since democratic rule was restored in 1978. The violence on Sunday in the prosperous northeastern region left more than 890 civilians and 430 police injured when anti-riot squads moved into polling stations and dispersed voters.

Shocking videos and photos of police dragging people by the hair and kicking them were flashed around the globe, leading some European leaders to warn about any further escalation of violence.

Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont said a regional parliamentary commission would investigate why Spain’s anti-riot squads fired rubber bullets, smashed into polling stations and beat protesters with batons to disperse voters in the independence referendum that Spain opposed. He also urged the 5,000-strong contingent of special Spanish police forces deployed in Catalonia to leave immediately.

Puigdemont called Monday for the European Union “to stop looking the other way” and urged Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy to accept international mediation in the crisis.

He urged the EU to view Catalonia’s desire to break away from Spain as a Europe-wide issue.

“This is not a domestic issue.

“The need for mediation is evident,” Puigdemont said.

NATIONAL GUARDSMEN MOBILISE TO HELP WITH HURRICANE RELIEF

COLCHESTER, Vt. (AP) — The Vermont National Guard is sending helicopter crews to aid with hurricane relief in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Maj. Gen. Steven Gray praised the National Guardsmen delivering aid in a Friday statement. The Burlington Free Press reports that he said the volunteer force is providing aid when it is needed.

A team of 20 nurses, physician assistants, medical administration, combat medics and a doctor traveled on Sept.

15 to the island. The team provided medical services to National Guard personnel working in the disaster area.

The group remained in place as Hurricane Maria passed through the territory.

An additional team of 20 National Guardsmen with two medevac helicopters planned to mobilise Saturday to reinforce relief efforts.

Tuesday, October 3, 2017, PAGE 9

‘I’M GOING TO DIE’: HIGH-RISE GUNMAN KILLS 59 IN LAS VEGAS

By SALLY HO and REGINA GARCIA CANO, Associated Press

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The rapid-fire popping sounded like firecrackers at first, and many in the crowd of 22,000 country music fans didn’t understand what was happening when the band stopped playing and singer Jason Aldean bolted off the stage.

“That’s gunshots,” a man could be heard saying emphatically on a cellphone video in the nearly half-minute of silence and confusion that followed. A woman pleaded with others: “Get down! Get down! Stay down!”

Then the bang-bang-bang sounds resumed. And pure terror set in.

“People start screaming and yelling and we start running,” said Andrew Akiyoshi, who provided the cellphone video to The Associated Press. “You could feel the panic. You could feel like the bullets were flying above us.

Everybody’s ducking down, running low to the ground.”

While some concertgoers hit the ground, others pushed for the crowded exits, shoving through narrow gates and climbing over fences as 40to 50-round bursts of what was believed to be automatic weapons fire rained down on them from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay casino hotel.

By Monday afternoon, 59 victims were dead and 527 wounded in the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history.

“You just didn’t know what to do,” Akiyoshi said. “Your heart is racing and you’re thinking, ‘I’m going to die.’”

INVESTIGATORS load a body from the scene of the mass shooting at a music festival near the Mandalay Bay resort and casino on the Las Vegas Strip. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

A WOMAN cries while hiding inside the Sands Corporation plane hangar after the mass shooting at the Route 91 Harvest Festival. (Al Powers/Invision/AP)

Gunman The gunman, identified as Stephen Craig Paddock, a 64-year-old retiree from Mesquite, Nevada, killed himself before officers stormed Room 135 in the goldcolored glass skyscraper. He had been staying there since Thursday and had busted out windows to create his sniper’s perch.

Paddock had 16 guns in his hotel room, Sheriff Joseph Lombardo said.

Two were modified to make them fully automatic, according to two U.S. officials briefed by law enforcement who spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation is still unfolding.

At Paddock’s home, authorities found 18 more guns, explosives and thousands of rounds of ammunition.

Asked about the motive for the attack, Lombardo said: “I can’t get into the mind of a psychopath at this point.”

The FBI said it found nothing so far to suggest the attack was connected to international terrorism, despite a claim of responsibility from the Islamic State group, which said Paddock was a “soldier” who had recently converted to Islam.

In an address to the country, President Donald Trump called the bloodbath “an act of pure evil” and added: “In moments of tragedy and horror, America comes together as one. And it always has.” He ordered flags flown at half-staff.

With hospitals jammed with victims, authorities put out a call for blood donations and set up a hotline to report missing people and speed the identification of the dead and wounded. They also opened a “family reunification center” for people to find loved ones.

More than 12 hours after the massacre, bodies covered in white sheets were still being removed from the festival grounds.

Gunfire The shooting began at 10:08 p.m., and the gunman appeared to fire unhindered for more than 10 minutes, according to radio traffic. Police frantically tried to locate him and determine whether the gunfire was coming from Mandalay Bay or the neighbouring Luxor hotel.

At 10:14 p.m., an officer said on his radio that he was pinned down against a wall on Las Vegas Boulevard with 40 to 50 people.

“We can’t worry about the victims,” an officer said at 10:15 p.m. “We need to stop the shooter before we have more victims. Anybody have eyes on him ... stop the shooter.”

Near the stage, Dylan Schneider, a country singer who performed earlier in the day, huddled with others under the VIP bleachers, where he

DRAPES billow out of broken windows at the Mandalay Bay resort and casino Monday on the Las Vegas Strip following the deadly shooting. (AP Photo/John Locher)

INVESTIGATORS work at the scene near the Mandalay Bay resort and casino on the Las Vegas Strip. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson) turned to his manager and asked, “Dude, what do we do?” He said he repeated the question again and again over the next five minutes.

Bodies were laid out on the artificial turf installed in front of the stage, and people were screaming and crying.

The sound of people running on the bleachers added to the confusion, and Schneider thought the concert was being invaded with multiple shooters.

“No one knew what to do,” Schneider said.

“It’s literally running for life and you don’t know what decision is the right one. But like I said, I knew we had to get out of there.”

He eventually pushed his way out of the crowd and found refuge in the nearby Tropicana hotel-casino, where he kicked in a door to an engineering room and spent hours there with others who followed him.

The shooting had begun as Aldean closed out the three-day Route 91 Harvest Festival. He had just opened the song “When She Says Baby” and the first burst of nearly 50 shots crackled as he sang, “It’s tough just getting up.”

He wasn’t finished with the first verse when he abruptly stopped singing and hustled off the stage.

Paddock apparently used a hammer-like device to smash out windows in his room and open fire. Muzzle flashes could be seen in the dark.

“It was the craziest stuff I’ve ever seen in my entire life,” said Kodiak Yazzie, 36. “You could hear that the noise was coming from west of us, from Mandalay Bay. You could see a flash, flash, flash, flash.”

The crowd, funneled tightly into a wide-open space, had little cover and no easy way to escape. Victims fell to the ground while others fled in panic. Some hid behind concession stands.

Others crawled under parked cars. Faces were etched with shock and confusion, and people wept and screamed.

Tales of heroism and compassion emerged quickly: Couples held hands as they ran through the dirt lot. Some of the bleeding were carried out by fellow concertgoers.

While dozens of ambulances took away the wounded, while some people loaded victims into their cars and drove them to the hospital.

People fleeing the concert grounds hitched rides with strangers, piling into cars and trucks.

Some of the injured were hit by shrapnel. Others were trampled or were injured jumping fences.

The dead included at least three off-duty police officers from various departments who were attending the concert, authorities said.

Two on-duty officers were wounded, one critically, police said.

Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman said the Sunday night attack was the work of a “crazed lunatic full of hate.”

The sheriff said authorities believe Paddock acted alone.

While Paddock appeared to have no criminal history, his father was a bank robber

who was on the FBI’s mostwanted list in the 1960s.

As for why Paddock went on the murderous rampage, his brother in Florida, Eric Paddock, told reporters: “I can’t even make something up. There’s just nothing.”

Nearly every inch of the Las Vegas Strip is under video surveillance, much of it set up by the casinos to monitor their properties.

That could yield a wealth of material for investigators as they try to piece together the attack.

Hours after the shooting, Aldean posted on Instagram that he and his crew were safe and that the shooting was “beyond horrific.”

“It hurts my heart that this would happen to anyone who was just coming out to enjoy what should have been a fun night,” the country star said.

PAGE 10, Tuesday, October 3, 2017

SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS TO BE HELD ON OCTOBER 30 NEWLY appointed Parliamentary Commissioner Philip Turner yesterday announced that his office will conduct school board elections for 64 of the 172 public schools on October 30.

Mr Turner, who was appointed to the post of parliamentary commissioner on September 1 and assumed functions of that office on September 18, said his office will, over the course of this week, furnish the public and the participating schools with all the necessary regulations needed to properly facilitate the elections.

Nominations have been scheduled for Friday, October 6.

According to the Parliamentary Registration Department, a total of 40 schools in New Providence, 12 in Grand Bahama and 12 in the Family Islands will hold elections.

Education Director Lionel Sands, on hand for the announcement, branded the exercise “important” to the continued development of education in the Bahamas.

Mr Sands said the establishment of functioning school boards will permit community involvement in the dayto-day running of all schools.

Mr Sands also implored all concerned parents and guardians to view the upcoming elections as the prime opportunity to play an even bigger role in their children’s academic development.

The Parliamentary Registration Department is expected to make further announcements on the proposed elections later today.

THE TRIBUNE

‘WAIT WAS WELL WORTH IT’ FOR STEPHEN DILLET PRIMARY SCHOOL

STUDENTS at Stephen DIllet Primary School yesterday after it reopened following lengthy renovations. Photos: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net STUDENTS and faculty of the Stephen Dillet Primary School were finally permitted to return to their Windsor Road campus yesterday following a lengthy and difficult renovations exercise.

Education Minister Jeffery Lloyd, who led members of the press and educators on a tour of the school Monday, said despite the many setbacks and issues experienced during the school’s renovation, “the wait was well worth it.”

Mr Lloyd noted that under ordinary circumstances, a renovation the size undertaken at Stephen Dillet Primary would take a full year.

He said under extraordinary circumstances, a well-trained construction crew, “working all week, most of the day,” would take a minimum of six to seven months to finish the job.

To the delight of many in attendance, the South Beach MP said: “In three months this is what we have: 30 new general classrooms, two preschool classrooms,

MINISTER of Education Jeff Lloyd chats with students at the school. a computer lab, a library, an art-room, a music room, a multi-purpose room, a sick bay, a staff lounge, student eating area, tuck shop, lunch pavilion, counsellors office, senior personnel office, vice principal’s office, principal’s office, PE office, janitorial office, receptionist and security office, students restrooms and dedicated restrooms for the teachers and administrator – say praise the Lord!”

The government spent approximately $4m on

repairs at the school. It was originally scheduled to open to teachers on September 4, and to students one week later on September 11.

Once it was determined that construction crews would not meet this deadline, education officials set up several satellite classrooms around New Providence. This decision led to a point of contention

between parents and administrators.

Of the issue Mr Lloyd stated: “Let’s be honest, parents, let’s be honest because you all have written me on Facebook and threatened me; we had our hiccups. If you are undertaking a task of this nature, you are going to have a little set back. Okay, and, of course, we did.”

He added: “Yes, we were supposed to have started

this exercise September 11. Eventually we had to have a meeting over at (D W) Davis and then we had to use a couple of satellite classrooms. Amen, but look at today. To God in all things be the glory. I believe, you must confess that the wait was well worth it.”

In separate interviews with The Tribune, school officials and representatives of the construction company hired to renovate the school confirmed that the full scope of construction was completed as of Monday, however they admitted that several cosmetic details still had to be done.

A tour of the school showed no major issues, with construction crews still having to install a handful of switch panels and properly install classroom and office furniture.

Meanwhile, Education Director Lionel Sands announced Monday that the Department of Education will supply the students at the school with all text books needed for the 20172018 academic year.

STUDENTS at the Dedication Ceremony of Stephen Dillet Primary School.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, October 3, 2017, PAGE 11

FROM LEFT: Gerran Nottage, CEO of My Own Water Sports, and Genae Nottage presenting a cheque to representatives from BTVI for two scholarships in marine outboard engine preventative maintenance. Photo: Jay Isaacs/JKL Media

MY OWN WATER SPORTS AWARDS TWO BTVI MARINE MAINTENANCE SCHOLARSHIPS MY Own Water Sports, in partnership with the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), presented two students with scholarships to complete a 12-week course in marine outboard engine preventative maintenance.

BTVI student Devon A Cox received the Clifford ‘Admiral’ Nottage Marine Maintenance Award and a full scholarship while Jalon E Dames earned the Evangeless ‘Benji’ Williamson Marine Maintenance Award and a partial scholarship to attend BTVI. The local tour company, formed by CEO Gerran Nottage in 2009, made the donation to the institution during its annual back to school community event held in Nassau Village in August.

Both awards are named after two pioneers in the water sports industry.

“We are pleased to partner with BTVI to offer scholarships to two deserving students and I would like to personally congratulate the recipients,” said Mr Nottage.

Mr Nottage, a licenced boat captain with a certificate in marine motors from the Marine Mechanics Institute in Orlando, FL, recognises the importance of formal training and education in the field.

“As a company, we are committed to helping young, talented Bahamians on their path to success.

“I am honoured to present the scholarships in the names of my father, Clifford Nottage, founder of Paradise Ocean Sports and his business partner and close friend, Evangeless ‘Benji’ Williamson.

They helped to pave the way for so many including myself and because of them we can now support others in this industry.”

Alicia Thompson, associate vice-president of fund development at BTVI, thanked the team at My Own Water Sports for making the scholarships possible.

“We are grateful for this investment into the lives of two very deserving young men, and we thank My Own Water Sports for having the foresight to make such an investment.

We trust that this kind gesture will serve as a catalyst for others to step forward and help to make additional educational dreams come true,” Ms Thompson said.

My Own Water Sports will continue to work with BTVI to offer additional scholarships in the future for students interested in marine outboard engine preventative maintenance.

BTVI is awarded for excellent international certification exam results from Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA). From left to right are: students, Darian Smith and Cenize Louissaint; Director for CompTIA Latin America-Caribbean, Leonard Wadewitz; BTVI’s President, Dr. Robert W. Robertson; Associate Vice President, Academic Affairs, Leroy Sumner; Chair, IT department, Anthony Ramtulla and Certification Centre Coordinator, Craig Albury. Photos: Hadassah Hall

BTVI HAS HIGHEST RESULTS OF 40 TESTING CENTRES

THE Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institution (BTVI) was recently recognised as the single largest consumer of Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) exams in the Caribbean and Latin America, in addition to obtaining the highest results of over 40 testing centres.

CompTIA is a leader in the information technology (IT) industry worldwide, issuing professional certifications. BTVI has over 300 students taking CompTIA exams annually.

Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs Leroy Sumner said the institution is intentional about having its IT students sit for international certifications.

“The numbers are not by accident.

They are strictly by policy. All students in IT are eligible to take the certification exams and they know that from they register. We understand the importance of certification,” he stated.

Programmes BTVI President Dr Robert Robertson concurred, adding that as a technical school, the institution sees certifications as supplementary to the academic side of programmes.

“Certifications carry a lot of weight.

They work hand in hand with experience and can go a long way in advancing one’s career. They keep you on your toes because in order to keep up with the latest technology, there is a need to earn the latest certifications,” said Dr Robertson.

Director for CompTIA Latin America-Caribbean, Leonard Wadewitz, also spoke to the significance of certifications in a very competitive IT industry.

“Any certification is a validation measurement of your skills. It is an objective, as opposed to subjective,

Company (BTC) and attempted to become a member of the IT department; however, she was initially unsuccessful.

“Passing these exams opened doors for me. It assisted me in getting a promotion. I believe it really helped,” said the 29-year-old who has been an IT associate for the past six months.

Meanwhile, Ms Louissaint knew from 7th grade that she wished to enter the IT field. She said the journey to passing the international certifications have not been without challenges.

Classmates THREE of BTVI’s students who passed the CompTIA A+ and Network+ exams are, from left to right, Cenize Louissaint, Shavonne Strachan and Edmund Lewis. measurement. Don’t put on your resume computer technician. You are IT infrastructural support specialists,” he said.

Meanwhile, BTVI’s Chair of IT Anthony Ramtulla is pleased with the students’ success.

“We changed the paradigm. We are meeting and exceeding standards.

Our record speaks for itself. In sheer volume of taking exams and passing them, we are top. We have adopted CompTIA’s standards. They produce a syllabus that changes every three years; it is therefore relevant,” said Mr Ramtulla.

Students Shavonne Strachan, Cenize Louissaint and Edmund Lewis, who passed the A+ and Network+ exams, proudly wore their pins as evidence of their success.

Ms Strachan was a sales associate at the Bahamas Telecommunications

“I was intimidated as some of my classmates were already in the field.

I studied hard to prove to them that I could do it. They motivated me. I love technology. I am passionate about it,” said the 22-year-old.

For Mr Lewis, achieving his certifications gives him the impetus to go on.

“This is like having a second chance, particularly after losing my job. It has given me a chance to develop myself.

BTVI has a lot of hands-on experience.

The IT programme is very useful,” said the 31-year-old who enrolled in BTVI in January 2016.

The students are now preparing for the CompTIA Project+ certification.

BTVI is an authorised Pearson Virtual University Enterprises (VUE) testing centre. It also has a mobile site, as there are also certification exams taken at BTVI in Grand Bahama.

BTVI’s certification centre coordinator, Craig Albury, is pleased with the results of both internal and external candidates.

“I know we always had the potential to do it. There is some work to be done, but with Mr Ramtulla as IT head and his faculty, I am very confident we are moving in the right direction,” he said.

PAGE 12, Tuesday, October 3, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

SHAUNAE IS A CLASS ACT ON SCHOOLS TOUR

SHAUNAE Miller-Uibo speaks with children at the Stapledon School.

All Photos: BTC

BTC endorsed athlete and Olympic gold medalist, Shaunae Miller-Uibo was in town a week ago, and she toured several schools sharing an inspiring message.

Mrs Miller-Uibo’s tour started with her meeting BTC’s new interim CEO Dexter Cartwright, then moving over to H O Nash Junior High School where she spoke to the students during their assembly. She shared the importance of having a good education and the significance of finding your passion. She also talked with the students about the importance of commitment and shared her personal stories of failure and how she used it to propel herself to where she is now.

BTC PR Manager Indira Collie said: “Shaunae Miller has been an endorsed athlete of BTC for several years now.

We are truly proud of her accomplishments over the years. Shaunae serves as an inspiration to our young people. We are grateful that she is passionate about giving back to the community. We are sure that these school visits will leave an impressionable mark in the lives of these children.”

Mrs Miller-Uibo also visited Stapledon School, Gambier Primary, St Cecilia’s Primary School, St Francis and Joseph’s Primary School and Thelma Gibson Primary School.

OLYMPIC Gold medalist Shaunae Miller-Uibo signs her autograph for students at Gambier Primary.

SHAUNAE Miller-Uibo visited the Thelma Gibson Primary School recently as part of a school tour.