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VOLUME:115 No.217, OCTOBER 4TH, 2018

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CLASSIFIED TRADER: CARS, CARS, CARS & MORE CARS

INSIDE

Money for nothing

Mortgage Corp borrowers - half won’t pay debt

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

AS he made an impassioned plea for Bahamians to take care of their financial obligations, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest said the Bahamas Mortgage Corporation is “insolvent” if it were not for the government’s guarantee of its debt, with 47 percent of its loans in arrears.

He was speaking in the House of Assembly yesterday during debate on a resolution to acquire a tract of land that would facilitate the relocation of the BMC. The debate came against the backdrop of the BMC’s

recent repossession of homes of people who have accumulated arrears for a number of years, a move the Progressive Liberal Party has condemned as “cruel”.

The number of loans being repaid right now to the BMC is 2889, 1366 of which are in arrears.

The value of the loans in arrears is more than $34m.

Mr Turnquest said the BMC is currently owed $194,246,667.

Meanwhile, it owes $395,026,146 to bondholders, including interest.

“When you say leave them in the house you have to understand that the loan is not going anywhere,” he said.

SEE PAGE FIVE

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and his brother, Gregory, both came to the defence of newly-appointed Contractors Registrar Omar Archer amid concerns over his qualifications for the post.

The defence comes as Mr Archer himself spoke out over the concerns, referring to construction experience dating back to his childhood.

The appointment of the controversial figure has been met with speculation his selection could be viewed as cronyism - given his outspoken support for the Free National

Movement in the lead up to the 2017 general elections.

The FNM has denied receiving any support from Mr Archer for its election campaign, and its chairman Carl Culmer has also declined to confirm his party membership.

Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis shrugged off those assertions in an interview on Tuesday evening, telling reporters that Mr Archer was entitled to work.

“As far as Omar Archer,” Dr Minnis said, “he’s a Bahamian like anybody else. Is he not entitled to work, is he not entitled to eat, is he not entitled to sleep?”

SEE PAGE SIX

L SOUR CE

CONCH SHELL ATTACKER FOUND GUILTY OF KILLING

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net A SUPREME Court jury yesterday convicted a 24-year-old man for beating a 64-year-old man to death with a conch shell three years ago.

The jury found Ashley Hield guilty of manslaughter by a vote of 10-2 for striking John Frazier multiple times to the head with the conch shell on August 24, 2015.

Hield will receive his sentence from acting Justice Andrew Forbes on November 19.

During trial, the Crown’s key witness, Ronald Scott, said he saw Hield from a distance of about 25ft exchange words with Frazier, bash him with a conch shell multiple times in his head and then, after two bystanders stepped in to separate them, pursued him up a street.

SEE PAGE TEN

RESORT WORLD HIT WITH $8M LAWSUIT

MINNIS (AND BROTHER) BACK ARCHER’S ROLE

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

$1

EXUMA VICTIM’S ORDEAL DRAGS ON STEFANIE SCHAFFER, 22, who lost both her legs after being injured during the 4C’s boat disaster, has been receiving support from victims of the Boston Marathon bombing as she recovers. See page three for the full story of her fight.

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

A BEACH club promoter yesterday confirmed he is pursuing Resorts World Bimini for a minimum $8m in damages, and warned: “I hope they understand we have staying power.”

Garrick Edwards and his Therapy Beach Incorporated entity recently had the Court of Appeal uphold a $9.67m damages award against Bimini Bay’s original developer, Gerardo Capo’s RAV Bahamas and are now targeting the Malaysian partner, Resorts World Bimini.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

MP ‘OWES’ $100K IN UNPAID UTILITIES

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

FOX Hill MP Shonel Ferguson’s investment company owes over $70,000 in real property taxes, having never paid them since it assumed responsibility for the maintenance and operation of a building in Centreville some 13 years ago, court documents allege.

Court documents seen

SHONEL FERGUSON MP

by The Tribune claim Ms Ferguson’s company, Turtle Creek Investments Limited

(TCI), owed $74,069.22 in real property taxes as of December 6, 2017, in alleged contravention of a hire purchase agreement it entered into for the building in December 31, 2005.

Additionally, TCI allegedly owes the Water and Sewerage Corporation $22,173.15 as of July this year when it was disconnected, having not paid “any utilities and SEE PAGE SEVEN

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

DIANE PHILLIPS: THAT EUREKA MOMENT FOR SWIMMING PIGS

SEE PAGE EIGHT

PAGE 2, Thursday, October 4, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

HUNT FOR MISSING TEEN POLICE are seeking the public’s help in locating a teenager who has been reported missing by family members.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Philippa Kelly, 14, of Mark Avenue, Pinewood Gardens is asked to contact

police at 502-9991 or the Crime Stoppers hotline at 328-TIPS. Police are also hunting for two suspects who stole a woman’s car on Tuesday night.

The incident happened shortly after 10pm.

A woman was standing

outside her 2008 purple Nissan Note, licence AQ2627, on Victor Street in Twynam Heights when she was approached by two men armed with firearms.

They robbed her of her purse before getting into her vehicle and speeding away.

PHILIPPA KELLY

Check it, catch it free scans to beat cancer

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394

THE Island Luck Cares Foundation yesterday launched its third annual “Check It, to Catch It” breast cancer screening initiative, with officials expanding the programme to Grand Bahama.

“Check It, to Catch It”, according to Island Luck CEO Sebas Bastian has benefitted more than 700 Bahamian women since its inception, with three of them detecting the disease at early stages.

Mr Bastian, addressing reporters during a press conference at his Collins Avenue office, said the programme’s success rate in New Providence continues to be the largest driving force behind its growth and expansion.

He said the initiative, which allows IL patrons to present their IL cards at the Fourth Terrace Diagnostic Centre in Nassau, and now the Lucayan Medical Centre in Freeport, offers clients a chance to access the critically important screening, free.

“Having lost many friends and loved ones to the deadly disease, cancer, I know first-hand the importance of early detection,” he said. “… I would like to encourage all of our patrons at Island Luck to seize this opportunity to ‘Check It, to Catch It’.”

On hand for yesterday’s launch was Fourth Terrace Diagnostic Centre CEO Elizabeth Darville and Cleopatra Cooper, supervisor of the Radiology Department at the Lucayan Medical Centre.

For her part, Mrs Darville implored all IL clients to take advantage of the opportunity being offered.

She said while screenings are recommended and offered throughout the year, initiatives offered throughout the month of October provide a tremendous opportunity for persons that

• • • •

don’t usually consider mammograms.

“Screening is extremely important, and screening means that you have your mammogram before you have any sickness,” she said.

“That is when you can catch it early and when it is curable rather than, we are just trying to make you comfortable.”

Mrs Darville added: “So we are hoping that many people take advantage of this opportunity and come and get their mammograms done.”

Meanwhile, Mrs Cooper said her organisation is ecstatic to be on board with the initiative, insisting that the opportunity will benefit scores of Grand Bahamians.

“Being the first one, I would really like to encourage all of the Grand Bahamian women to take advantage of this free mammogram initiative that is going to be available for the month of October.

“Lucayan Medical Centre, we are known for our participation in the community and we have been around for 50 years and we have to look forward and thank Mr Bastian for extending his hand out and using our facilities for such wonderful initiative as this,” she added.

According to Mrs Cooper, seven out of ten patients screened at Lucayan Medical who are diagnosed, are diagnosed in the early stages of the disease, which allows for quality treatment and care.

She said with initiative, more women would be exposed to better preventative care.

The IL Cares Foundation is considering a further expansion of the initiative to Family Island communities, according to Mr Bastian.

However, he said the locations being considered would depend on the scope and ability of the health facilities on those islands.

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

1786

$

+VAT ®

20

$

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, October 4, 2018, PAGE 3

THE BLAZE that ripped through the 4C’s boat, killing one woman and injuring ten people.

Exuma victim’s ordeal drags on after boat blaze

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net

THE young American dancer who became a double amputee as a result of the 4C’s Adventures boat explosion is recovering in Massachusetts and receiving support from survivors of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.

Stefanie Schaffer, 22, of Vermont, was a passenger on the 4C’s boat with her mother and stepfather, Stacy and Paul Bender, and 13-year-old sister.

Her relatives’ injuries ranged from cuts to broken bones.

On Monday, the Bahamas Maritime Authority released a damning report of the incident, finding that 4C’s operated a boat that was neither registered nor inspected by the Port Authority.

The investigators also revealed that there were technical and structural issues with the home-built boat, ultimately declaring that “under no circumstances” should 4C’s

have operated the “craft on a commercial basis”.

One woman was killed and ten others injured in the Exuma explosion.

My Champlain Valley reported Ms Schaffer has been receiving care at Spaulding Hospital in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

According to the news site, Ms Schaffer also has weekly appointments with plastic surgery, orthopaedic, and hand specialists at Massachusetts General Hospital and is on dialysis “three times a week”.

However, family friend Amy Merrill noted “her kidney function seems to be improving”.

Ms Merrill also described the support Ms Schaffer has received from multiple survivors of the Boston Marathon bombing, many of whom lost limbs.

“A couple have actually made them dinner and brought it to the hospital,” she said.

“Now she has somebody to talk to who understands what she’s going through.

“They’ve been really

empathetic and really educating her and helping her kind of walk this next line that she has to go through.

“I think Stefanie has good days and bad days and I think she is a very strong person and it’s that strong will that’s keeping her spirits up. I think the love and support from everyone is definitely well needed.”

The community of Rutland Vermont has also been rallying around Ms Schaffer.

The girls’ soccer team has been raising money by selling “Stef Strong” t-shirts, and during a football game last month, requested that the crowd wear blue and raise funds.

Lori McClallen, Ms Schaffer’s high school soccer coach said: “Stef is such a week girl. One of those kids that everyone is drawn to because she’s just very unassuming but very compassionate, always super kind to people.

“To know Stef and to know what a spirit she had, and she still does, always a smile on her face and to

think that a tragedy like that takes your smile away for a really long time.”

On September 23, the Palms restaurant in Rutland also hosted a collaborative fundraiser for Ms Schaffer and her family.

Ms Merrill also said Ms Schaffer’s Stacey Bender mother is “still recovering” and “starting to walk for short periods of time.”

“I would like to thank the Rutland community and the beautiful state of Vermont for opening up your hearts to our family during this most difficult of times,” Ms Bender wrote in a statement.

“All of you, as well as all those we have met on this road to recovery have shown how truly good people are. It has truly amazed us! The theme tonight is ‘Stef Strong’, but please know that her strength and ours has been maintained by all the love and prayers on our behalf.

We thank you so much.”

To donate to Ms Schaffer and her family, visit: https:// www.gofundme.com.

MINNIS: I’LL TAKE A BACKBENCHER ON EVERY INTERNATIONAL TRIP

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussel l@tri bunemedia.net WHILE still not providing any details as to the cost of his recent trip to the United Nations’ 73rd General Assembly, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis tabled in Parliament a list of 17 officials, including his wife, Patricia, who made the trip to New York.

Asked yesterday to reveal the cost of this trip, Dr Minnis said his international travel budget is published within the annual budget released every June.

The group also included Foreign Affairs Minister Darren Henfield, Transport Minister Renward Wells, State Grand Bahama Minister Kwasi Thompson and his wife, Tamicka, and Parks and Public Beaches Authority chairman Shanendon Cartwright.

Bahamas Maritime Authority chairwoman Denise Lewis Johnson, Viana Gardiner, chief operating officer of the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit, senior policy advisor Joshua Sears and deputy permanent secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Eugene Newry also attended.

Additionally, both Dr Minnis’ personal assistants – Yontalay Bowe and Katherine Stewart Marche – travelled along with two of his police aides, an aide to Mrs Minnis and a reporter and cameraman from the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas.

The delegation left Nassau on September 23 and returned on September 29.

Dr Minnis also told parliamentarians yesterday that moving forward and for the sake of succession planning, one backbencher would attend every international trip.

“Due to conflicts in my schedule, member of Parliament for St Barnabas Shanendon Cartwright participated on my behalf and gave remarks with regards to non-communicable diseases,” Dr Minnis explained yesterday. “…There were other meetings which required the attendance of the minister of foreign affairs, officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the permanent mission of the Bahamas to the United Nations, the minister of transport and local government and the minister of state in the Office of the

Prime Minister in Grand Bahama.”

He also said: “The Bahamas has one of the world’s fastest growing ship registries with more than 1,570 vessels, placing the Bahamas within the top ten of the world’s flag states.

“The Bahamas is a member of the International Maritime Organisation and is a member of the Council of the International Maritime Organisation, Category C, for which we are seeking re-election.

“The Bahamas Maritime Authority hosted several events and participated in bilateral meetings with other countries to promote our maritime interests and our re-election bid.

“The presence of the minister of transport was

important in achieving these objectives.”

Dr Minnis said he also used the occasion to engage in investment promotion with particular regard to interest in Grand Bahama in the technology sector. In this regard, Mr Thompson hosted several important meetings and made meaningful contacts, which are expected to be pursued in the weeks to come, the prime minister said.

Critics, including FNM Pineridge MP Frederick McAlpine, have said the prime minister’s delegation was bloated, containing unnecessary personnel.

In response on Monday, Mr Wells defended the size of the delegation emphasising that “every Christ soul” that attended had a “function and duty”.

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PAGE 4, Thursday, October 4, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

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

LEON E. H. DUPUCH,

SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH,

jamaaltheartist@gmail.com

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

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A turning point in the war on cancer THERE are moments in the history of scientific achievement that benchmark the end of an era and the beginning of a new phase of reality for mankind.

The significance of these inflection points is sometimes readily apparent.

Other advances take many years for the historical significance to manifest, with an impact that appreciates over decades.

Attempts to rid people of their cancer burden date back to 1600BC when the disease was first recognised. But the idea of using a patient’s own immune system to eliminate aggressive cancers is more recent. Nobel laureate Paul Ehrlich first postulated that the immune system might control tumors more than 120 years ago.

This week, the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to James P Allison and Tasuku Honjo for discoveries that have led to new medicines that activate the immune system and drive it to fight cancers. These therapies can defeat even the deadliest malignancies.

Allison and Honjo have revolutionised our understanding of how the immune system recognises tumor cells.

To date, our best tools for treating aggressive cancers that have spread beyond the range of curative surgery have been radiation therapy and systemic chemotherapy agents.

For the most part, these treatments kill rapidly dividing tumor cells by damaging their DNA or disrupting other essential cellular processes. This has led to most of the significant treatment advances we have achieved in terms of long-term survival in patients with advanced cancers.

To understand the significance of Allison and Honjo’s discoveries, one must appreciate researchers have been trying to rally a powerful immune response against tumor cells for the past century. Prior to Allison and Honjo’s work, researchers believed that aggressive cancers grew unchecked because the immune response was too weak. The consensus was that if one could stimulate the immune system, it would respond and destroy the invasive tumor cells.

Allison and Honjo, however, made a critical leap when they characterised two very important and potent pathways – called “immune checkpoints” – that can shut down the immune response. These pathways inhibit T-cells – white blood cells that are charged with destroying virus-infected cells and tumor cells – and prevent them from “seeing” and attacking the tumor.

Allison and Honjo identified and characterised two different proteins, called CTLA-4 and PD-1, respectively, that sit on the surface of T-cells. When these proteins interact with matching proteins on tumor cells or other immune cells – the way a key fits a lock – the T-cells fall into “sleep mode” and don’t attack the tumor.

In many patients with cancer, these CTLA-4 and PD-1 pathways shut down anti-tumor immune activity. Without immune surveillance, the tumors grow and spread. This meant that our early attempts to activate the immune system were like trying to drive a car with the brake pedal pressed to the floor. No matter how we tried, or stepped on the gas, the brakes thwarted any progress.

But Allison and Honjo’s research led to the development of a new type of drug: monoclonal antibodies that block the regulatory pathways controlled by CTLA-4 and PD-1. These drugs, called

immune checkpoint inhibitors, basically attach to the CTLA-4 and PD-1 proteins and prevent them from switching off the T-cells. These new antibody-drugs have led to dramatic tumor regressions. The results are so impressive that the FDA has approved their use for a variety of advanced cancers such as: metastatic melanoma, lung cancer, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, head and neck cancers, and other tumors.

The excitement surrounding cancer immunotherapy is due, in no small part, to the fact that these new medicines are revolutionising how we treat advanced malignancies in which chemotherapy, surgery and radiation have failed. Furthermore, cancer immunotherapy has already become the preferred first option treatment for some cases of metastastic melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. It is currently being evaluated as the first line option over traditional chemotherapy in other cancers.

CTLA-4 and PD-1 represent only the first two well-characterised immune checkpoints among an expanding list of targets that have been identified on immune cells and are believed important for modulating T-cell tumor fighting.

There are more than a dozen immune checkpoint inhibitors that have already entered clinical development and there are endless possibilities for combining these new inhibitors with those that have already been shown to improve clinical responses in treated patients.

Although immune therapy is a breakthrough, it is not without risks to the patient. Taking the brakes off the immune system can trigger undesirable and in some cases deadly consequences for patients treated with drugs. The killing power of the immune system is tightly regulated to protect normal cells from attacks that can damage critical tissues. Removing the brakes with immune checkpoint inhibitors can cause damaging inflammation in the skin, gut, heart, lungs and other vital organs. These risks can add up when these potent inhibitors are combined. And, the long-term side effects of immune checkpoint inhibition are not fully understood.

While the clinical responses to these treatments can be dramatic, long-term tumor regressions are achieved only in a minority (usually less than 20 to 30 percent depending on the tumor type) of treated patients. Also, the use of the PD-1 and CTLA-4 checkpoint inhibitors has not proven effective against all tumor types.

Thus, we have much still to learn and significant room for improvement in order to maximise the benefits of immunotherapy for all patients. Nonetheless, we have definitively entered a new era of clinical medicine with an accelerated progress in oncology treatments.

More than one in three individuals will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime. Despite our continued advances in cancer prevention and early detection, a significant proportion of these individuals will be faced with advanced disease. With continued rapid progress building on Allison’s and Honjo’s pioneering discoveries, it is increasingly likely that a patient’s own immune system will prove the most effective strategy and final defense against an advancing and relentless malignancy.

By Duane Mitchell, University of Florida, published in The Conversation

Britain’s Brexit dilemma EDITOR, The Tribune.

UK and the EU - their Brexit, March 2019 is turning out to be the most laughable event in UK political history. UK never really wanted to join the EU - reluctant from the beginning and then only after the EU being an enormous economy force UK saw the advantages and asked to join.

When PM Theresa May exercised her right to remove the UK using Article

50 of the Lisbon Treaty, clearly she never read it or her advisors never told her what Article 50 implied and required - so you have still the UK demanding terms for exit when solely those terms are controlled governed by the EU. With the public opinion of the UK being as it is now, probably more wish to stay than leave the EU will be totally within its authority to require in the terms of exit that a referendum, up and down, stay or leave

must be held… I suggest not. With a General Election, the purity of the vote will be messed up with who wins or loses Government.

A straight vote - you want to stay or you want to leave and agree/disagree with the terms stated?

So ironic that Ireland in so many ways will determine the fate of UK in Europe.

ABRAHAM MOSS Nassau, September 29, 2018.

Lighthouse Point and Disney deal EDITOR, The Tribune.

I AM an environmental proponent but I am also of the opinion that where there appears to be a conflict between protecting the environment at the expenses of creating sustainable jobs/employment opportunities for real people that the latter should take precedent.

The cries of the so-called environmentalists and their misguided allies, in most cases, are now starting to come out of the woodwork in agitation against the proposed development of Lighthouse Point by Disney Cruise Lines.

Lighthouse Point is privately owned and I fail to comprehend, as a lawyer by training, just how and why any Bahamian government could; would or should interfere in a private transaction between The Related Group (the current owner of the land in question) and Disney.

A few years ago, the then Christie led administration approved building plans and development for Lighthouse Point. I do not recall any public protest being launched by anyone or any so-called environmentalists.

Where were they at that time or was it not fashionable back then?

The economy is still in the

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net doldrums as far as I am concerned. No one, I submit, really knows or is even checking for the true statistics on unemployment and under employment. Some say that here in New Providence it hovers around 14.5 percent. In Grand Bahama some opine that unemployment is beyond 16 percent.

Whatever the true figures are, it is clear to all that jobs; jobs and more jobs must become the mantra of all Bahamian politicians, across the board.

I would encourage Disney to do three things if it wishes its proposed project to advance. One, a town hall style series of public meetings should be held in Eleuthera and here in New Providence to allow the wider public to have an input; two, local media related companies (print; radio and television) should be engaged and three, competent and well-connected Bahamian lobbyists must be consulted and retained.

It is noted that there are several “private” environmentalist groups that are echoing the same sad refrain - “Save Lighthouse Point” which sounds good and may well be sincere.

What will these individuals and groups say or offer as alternatives to real human beings with financial and other commitments? What gives a handful of people to determine the overall good of the nation?

Common Cause, my nonprofit community based organisation welcomes Disney’s plan of action to transform the Eleuthera economy and to make available employment and business opportunities for Bahamians.

It is also to be noted that there is a Bahamian organised consortium, led by Sir Franklyn Wilson, which has a development plan on the board for Eleuthera but, for whatever reasons, this project seems to have stalled.

The good people of Eleuthera and other Bahamians cannot wait any longer for this to emerge from out of its foundations.

We need jobs and business opportunities now rather than later.

To God then, Who in His wisdom, has presented the PM and his administration with a win/win situation unlike the “fake” Oban deal, in all things, be the glory.

ORTLAND H BODIE Jr Nassau, September 27, 2018.

Follow the process EDITOR, The Tribune.

IT SEEMS some people wish to avoid due legal process in this issue of Lighthouse Point-Eleuthera.

Least we forget this private property - 700 acres - had obtained town planning approvals for a mega mixed quite high density development which was cancelled.

The property was put on the market - either Disney have an option to purchase or have subject to

approvals. It would seem Disney is in that process.

It is exceptionally important to note the property had town planning approval and there was not a squeak out of anyone including the BNT or the environmentalists.

Process has to happen.

Disney’s application must be given its time - public hearing, EIA, economic and social studies and a decision.

After that, BNT, and the Eleuthera Foundation can make a move if they wish

and their process will start.

BNT’s issue contradicts seemingly Town Planning and the zoning Town Planning gave the site so that has to be reversed if BNT’s way can be swayed.

The environmental commentator - has she ever visited Disney’s other island? Does she know from first hand that very few Bahamians work on the cay?

JENNIFER SAWYER Nassau, September 25, 2018.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, October 4, 2018, PAGE 5

‘Residents buying homes without paying a dollar back’

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net THERE are “reckless” Bahamas Mortgage Corporation clients who have not paid one dollar toward home loans, Housing Minister Romauld Ferreira revealed, adding that in one instance a delinquency is 15 years old, dating back to 2003.

It is unclear if this is the most extreme case, but the minister told the House of Assembly there were many similar instances.

He painted a sober picture of the BMC’s financial state, which appeared to be pushed back in response to those who have castigated the government for evicting homeowners.

According to the minister, in many cases the corporation “bends backwards” in its attempts to accommodate borrowers with more flexibility than other lending institutions.

However, he said, most refuse to engage the BMC when they become delinquent, despite having “sufficient time” to do so.

Mr Ferreira spoke on the issue yesterday as Parliament debated a resolution for the BMC to acquire 2.91 acres of land where the former Ministry of Foreign Affairs is located on East Hill Street.

The BMC will relocate from its offices at Russell Street in Oakes Field because its needs and staff complement have outgrown

the current facility. The cost of refurbishing and repairing the new location is $5m, money that will come solely from the BMC and not the government, the minister said.

“When a borrower becomes delinquent in mortgage payments, the BMC first, pursuant to the Homeowners Act, serves a demand letter firmly requesting payment of the arrears in 30 days and inviting the individual to come and speak with them, to talk, come to an arrangement where they could service their debts,” Mr Ferreira told Parliament yesterday.

“If there is no response within six months, documents are prepared and a writ is served on the client to pay monies owed. What happens then is that when the BMC is waiting for court rulings or court dates, we are actively reaching out to these individuals to come and talk to the BMC. Most of them don’t.

“The fact of the matter is from start to finish of this process, it varies between a year to two years for the initiation of the letter and the commencement of court, more than sufficient time for persons to come into the Bahamas Mortgage Corporation and come to an arrangement.”

He continued: “Mr Speaker recently the Bahamas Mortgage Corporation executed a number of these vacate orders and before I elaborate

any further, let me advise that the BMC serves its orders as required by law, orders have to be served personally or by way of substituted service either be in the newspaper or at the address listed in your application. So when the vacate orders are issued its always with ample notice.

“You know what is interesting, Bahamas Mortgage Corporation more than any lending institution in this country bends over backwards to accommodate borrowers and shows more flexibility on extenuating circumstances and offers more time and more generous timelines than other financial institution even the one that the member for Exuma and Ragged Island is closely affiliated with.”

Mr Ferreira highlighted only a handful of cases where borrowers refused to cooperate with the BMC. He said there were many others that fit the same description.

“This is a small sample of what the employees of Bahamas Mortgage Corporation are faced with on a daily basis,” he said.

“A client was granted a mortgage in October 2007 for $86,617. Today the mortgage is past due. Notably during the course of the foreclosure, it was discovered that the client had a deduction from another local bank in the amount of $950 where the client refused to have a deduction made to the Bahamas Mortgage Corporation. As

HALF OF BORROWERS WON’T PAY MORTGAGE CORP DEBT from page one “That money is still going to be owed to these bondholders and at some point in 2018 we’re going to have to pay or the Bahamas Mortgage Corporation is going to have to pay and they don’t have the money.

I’m sure the minister will tell you right now, they don’t have it.”

“The Bahamas Mortgage Corporation owes $162m and it has receivables out there of about $194m, not including the interest. In any other world, I’ll try to be careful with my words but there are no delicate ways to say it, that institution is probably insolvent, it is not a going concern. It only can operate the way it’s operating because the people of The Bahamas has guaranteed it. How do we stand here and say ‘man give them another year, you being cruel’ but at the same time say ‘you raise VAT to 12 percent, you killing the people.’ Where you think this money comes from? You think it just grows on tree?”

Opposition leader Philip “Brave” Davis noted during his speech that some people with arrears have fallen on hard times.

Acknowledging this, Mr Turnquest said this does not absolve people of their responsibility to talk to their lenders about the financial difficulties.

“It is true to say some people have a change in circumstances,” he said.

“It has happened to many, many Bahamians: death, loss of a job, divorce.

“Those persons who were honest about their intent, those who had a genuine wish to be upfront and to meet their commitment would’ve come into the Mortgage Corporation and they would’ve made arrangements for whatever circumstance that exists.

“What happens is, unfortunately, Bahamians when they get into trouble and they can’t pay for their mortgage or whatever the commitment is and the bank or the lending institution starts calling, they start ducking.

“They figure if I don’t talk to them, they don’t come to me, they don’t find me, they’ll eventually give up. I say to all Bahamians today, if you are in financial crisis or can see you will be in financial crises, go and see your lender.

And the best time to see them is before there is a financial crisis because you have some workable situations. Ain’t no pride in this because ain’t nothing worse than saying to the family we gon’ lose our house because I ain’t pay my bill.”

“The Minister for Health spoke about the fact that the sinking fund that is supposed to fund the repayments of these loans has not been made, has not been consistent. In fact, they’ve been raiding the fund, taking money out which is a big no, no.

“I don’t know how you

do that but they been doing it. So the money doesn’t exist; $8m we will have to pay this year. Next year is $6m. Year after $6m; year after another $6m; year after another $6m.

2023 it’s $25.8m in the one year. That’s what we talking about. You can’t kick this can because it’s $395m.

How far you gon’ kick that can? You gon’ hurt your toe because it ain’ gon’ move. It ain’ going nowhere.

“What we saying to the Bahamian people in this regard is this is a shared responsibility. We understand life events happen.

But you got to do your part and a lot of people don’t understand that and a lot of us because of expediency, because it is easy to say, don’t worry about it; we got you for another six months, which turns into a year, which turns into another six years, which turns into 15 years. Meanwhile, clock ticking.

“This is not about being cruel, not about being irresponsible, not about being insensitive with the Bahamian people and those who are affected. This is about the shared responsibility and shared partnership between borrower and lender and each of us doing what we are obligated to do when we freely entered into this agreement.”

The BMC’s main bondholder is the National Insurance Board. Bahamian commercial banks, insurance companies, pension funds and other investors hold its bonds as well.

POLICE HUNTING FOR MAN IN MURDER PROBE

BY DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net POLICE are searching for an Abaco man who they believe can help with a

murder investigation.

Police want to speak with Rashad Ashton Fox, 30, of Sandy Point, Abaco. He is about six feet tall, weighs 190lbs and has a dark brown complexion.

Anyone with information can call police in Abaco at 367-2560, 367-3437, or the Central Detective Unit in Grand Bahama at 350-3107, 919, 911 or the nearest police station.

ROMAULD FERREIRA, MP for Marathon. a result of the client’s financial situation, a deduction could not further be made because they committed to the $960 consumer loan after they entered into the mortgage arrangement.

“The client was granted 90 days to vacate and then also received an extra a 30-day extension. Meanwhile as this is going on, the Bahamas Mortgage Corporation was paying homeowner’s insurance.”

In another case, the minister noted a client was granted a mortgage in December 2009 for $98,888.

However as of yesterday, the client is past due $86,286.70. He said this client never contributed a payment on the loan and when it was recommended

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

that the client implement a salary deduction, the client refused.

Foreclosure proceedings started in September 2015 and the client received the eviction in October 2017, two years later, he said.

In another instance, a client was granted a mortgage in June 2003 for $84,008. Now this client is past due $83,872.67. Foreclosure proceedings started in December 2015 and eviction order was granted in August 2016.

He said the order stipulated that BMC work along with the customer.

Interestingly the client blatantly never paid a dollar since then. The writ was signed to vacate the home in May 2018.

“In another instance, a client was given a mortgage in May 2003, $78,837. The client is past due $76,965.

Foreclosure proceedings commenced in April 2012 and the vacate order was granted December 2015.

“The customer was given four months to vacate in 2015 and additional time and refused to pay anything. Mr Speaker, this is a small sample, but they all read the same and speaks of the recklessness of some borrowers who refuse to pay their mortgages,” he said.

Mr Ferreira insisted yesterday that if the corporation wants to satisfy its obligations and pursue new loans, it must practice prudent fiscal management.

PAGE 6, Thursday, October 4, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

BCA quiet over Sands claims

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas Contractors Association yesterday thanked former president Leonard Sands for his service to the organisation over the past 12 years but stopped short of endorsing unprecedented claims he was forced out of the position by a government appointee.

Mr Sands resigned on Sunday, and released a press statement allegedly blowing the whistle on political pressure from newly-appointed Contractors Registrar Omar Archer.

However, in the following days, the government, Mr Archer, and now his association have denied knowledge of these claims.

BCA interim president Michael Pratt told members at yesterday’s luncheon that the association has never been placed in such a circumstance in his 14-year membership.

He said he could not speak to the validity of Mr Sands’ claims but stressed the association’s work would continue interrupted. “For 12 years, he has served as a member, director, vice-president and president,� Mr Pratt said. “We like to thank him for his commitment and his personal investment he brought to the role of president over his term. He has

MINNIS (AND BROTHER) BACK ARCHER’S ROLE from page one Dr Minnis continued: “They questioned mine too (qualifications) so that’s nothing new, they questioned everybody’s.�

Dr Minnis also denied

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EMAILS leaked from a ther’s The emails were obtained data breach of China ConThe Tribune following a struction America’s (CCA) by in December highservers show that from story the breach of CCA as early as 2013, Jerome lighting by a San Francisco Fitzgerald was seeking to servers China Construction secure millions of dollars hacker. paid 24 bitcoins in brokerage, trucking, and eventually equivalent of $24,000) limousine contracts at Baha (the have access to their servMar while he sat in Cabinet to restored; however, it apas the Minister of Educa- ers that emails forwarded tion, Science and Tech- pears relating to personnel or nology, The Tribune has to, at CCA were compromised, learned. top officials at Baha The emails contradict the despite saying they were not Minister, who this week de- Mar by the hack at nied ever using his office to concerned time. direct contracts to himself the Mr Fitzgerald writes, “I In an email dated May 18, or his family from the mulam aware that interior ma2013, sent to Mr Izmirlian have began to arrive ti-billion dollar resort.

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

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

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

Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff (CARS) Complex that was commissioned last year, the

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Covering The Bahamas for it must be abandoned. as Hurri40 years.

Island is so devastated on the island has

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

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

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

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

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WIPEOUT: Prime

ROLLINS: NO LEGAL BASIS DISCIPLINING THE REBEL FOR SEVEN

FOREIGN former employees of Baha Mar will be paid by the government appointed Claims Commit-

FOREIGN BAHA MAR STAFF

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HUSBAND KILLED AFTER GUNMEN

FORCED COUPLE TO STOP CAR

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

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

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

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PAGE SEVEN

Christie: It’s like the Wild West

certain neighbourhoods� and the suggestion to do

By NICO SCAVELLA is “emotional and makes so no do much more to “fully Tribune Staff Reporter DESPITE the country sense�. derstand this senseless unnscavella@tribunemedia.

His comments came recording 13 homicides net of killings,� and have set law 13 days, Commissioner in hours after the country reof corded its 27th homicide PRIME Minister Perry enforcement respond “as Police Ellison Greenslade Christie yesterday likened quickly as possible� and in the year. Seven people for said the Bahamas is not have a “very meaningful way� the Bahamas’ crime in ROLLE a state of “crisis� and in been killed since Friday. situation to the “Wild West,� their crime fighting efforts.

By RASHAD Reporter On Monday afternoon, average Bahamian can the These efforts, Mr Chrisconas he said the recent Tribune Staff wave emedia.nettinue to “go about their day police also reported that a of murders in the capital tie suggested, would likely rrolle@tribun man was stabbed outside as normal day� without include dedicating the an establishment must solicit a “major�

Nottage’s fear be on Nassau and stantial� number a “subof being attacked.

DR Bernard forever “continuous� effort by Manwill At a press conference Street while two men were his ers to patrol the of officEmergency acti“footprints the Bahamian administration streets of shot The National while to “flood New Providence in the at police headquarters t etched on tal landscape� after they agement Agency (NEMA) on Ross Corner. These area of the streets� with officers and sithe police managemen in multaneously giving victims developmen work asMonday a for- after a weekend of were said to cations with from entering the vated its emergency evacuation a bid to do “all that is necesthem be in stable “carnage�, and an Commissioner condition A DORSETT through his of the Bahawere blocked sary to bring this madness “the capacity to interdict at the Kenplan yesterday in hospital. the movements of peopleBy SANCHESK said the only somer president of Greenslade area. were also shelter was established to Athletic a at the halt�.

Commissioner Staff Reporteret lution to the country’s mas Association Several persons with respira- dal G L Isaacs Gymnasium crime Greenslade Mr Christie, speaking on the streets,� incorporat- Tribune bunemedia.n Centre s, the Bahamas said problem to the hospital Association , theis to “keep prolific ply not enough it is simElizabeth Sports with reporters yesterday, ing more reserve police of- sdorsett@tri during Gar- rushed offenders for people on Queen as a shelter Medical Association S in Jubilee tory complaints. said the “madness� occur- ficers, and “if necessary� and as a behind bars�. He to “point the finger Tribune arrivedwere which was used for displaced said RESIDENT to evacuate their the at the incorporating Royal Bahaaf- Royal Bahamas police MinDoctors’ Union When The hurricane ring Prime is due consumer to in gang were forced times massive several residents as the the last FORMER activity mas Defence Police Force of crisis� reminister for Force marines dens yesterday after a landfill the scene, and retaliation. health and (RBPF) is not yet refuse to “manage to accept the believed on their roofs,homes. residents. ister Perry Christie homes their a defeat, was as I did when I the dump is smaller fairs, education, considering Providence pouring water Opposi- implementing their He said the past bloody in policing efforts. a The fire at for it arrears, into pictured yesterday. W. a curfew fire at the Newcommunity in thick, blaze grew closer to or “locking down started by SEE PAGE THREE COMMISSIONER Mr Christie also said for Tall national security, who was in sponsibility response to weekend is the Photo: Terrel of Police Ellison Greenslade he Philip “Brave� to have been Road.

Parliament airport tenant described recent resigned,� he said in levelled speaking at a press development� a “shocking would be speaking with blanketed e Staff smoke. tion Leader conference yesterday.

Member of Miller was also assist- bush fire off Fire Trail as accusations criticism Christie hazardous the Carey/Tribun that Wednesday. from will rePhoto: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Mr black on in recent Davis said questions on the Royal Bahamas Pines Leslie in hosing down their 71, died Staff quire the government TWO AND THREE administrati e spending, misfea- moves made by the government SEE PAGE THREE entrance pandering at his administration Members of to SEE PAGES Dr Nottage, the Cleveby a party blocked the visibility ing residentsproviding transportaof irresponsibl WELLS at a “misstep�

Police Force as thought

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

By RICARDO WELLS he was “disap- to its base. to the subdivision maintained Angry residents tion for those who Tribune Staff “There was land Clinic. the three most recent arrangeHe also said allegations being zero.

I was acceptin to Christie nemedia.net that alterTribune relating Mr inci- a double shooting Staff Reporter dropped by the in verbal rwells@tribu gova state funeral announced, documents s would on my part dents, which have left on Ross By LAMECH y for any degree Per- pointed�around by the new berwells@tribunemedia.net a review of one became involved irrements to ing responsibilit of human trafficking. man dead and three others Corner yesterday, lamented Tribune Staff JOHNSON Prime Minister tossed matters that to these two controversie the press secon of any whatsoever of criminality, FORMER fire off Fire Reporter Suppression Act, Chapter the “too bold� as according to Office of the the notion James Coakley, 53, administrati yesterday condemned ernment concerning a smaller bush to the city his last term the country and po- in hospital in serious condi- crimes occurring nature of ljohnson@tribunemedia.net of 106. absolve his and prove that much sponsible spending andbare’ is just after a ry Christie spread retary for the AS Anthony have ed by Cargill Creek, Andros Minnis administra- transpired during tion. in the caplice Movement fre- Trail Road that blanketed Jubilee Gardens yesterday is as noth- that ‘the cupboard is wrongdoing efforts by the his government in The former ital recently, as he insisted Prime Minister, continue to grapple was brought before Fire Trail Road. fire the smoke in Jubilee Officer-in-charge prime minister.at accusations from of the FNM’s rhetoric slogans.� the Free National A MAN appeared with the latest spate of areas in Chief also charged boxer was in bushes off to prevent dump. The tion to portray as he challenged flees from the in Magistrate Newbold. vio- Central Detective of the that a “handful of prolific Magistrate’s “political political slogans.� with Hitting back Minnis adminisA DORSETT light, YOUNGSTER done enough the New Providence Gardens and surrounding landfill that started PAGE SIX lent SEEcrimes, ing more than challenges I have Unit, offenders� remain the Court yester- son-Pratt Joyann Fergu- counts of rape filed three SEE PAGE THREE a negative leader to carry out a law enforceat and threatened A at the New Providence to evacuate their homes. Hanna/Tribune Staff

By SANCHESK under hell-bent day accused of members of Reporter to answer to two Section quent fires have caused some of thick, black smoke the controvergovernment officials are seeking Chief Superintendent Clay- on terrorising officials fire “One of the the nation’s te examination of the sexually as- counts were asked et Photos: Shawn Tribune Staff 6(a) of the Sexual prompting who led the $8m to issues. the public. ton Fernander, speaking of trafficking in pertration concerning Landfill that Many residents saulting a woman during bunemedia.n the public’s assistance several homes, of more thanclean up as the person led the government to “dispassiona Offences Act, Chapter sdorsett@tri in the media on the to develop respiratory sial pay out 99. It and who SEE PAGE THREE SEE PAGE THREE the Christmas holidays. sons contrary to Section is alleged came as a masscene of Jubi- them record�. interview at one vendor for hurricane that he engaged in to an ment owners in Their comments at the landfill, She is alleged to be a victim 3(1)(a) of the Trafficking off of $1.2m During a lengthy raging ANGRY home home on Thursin Persons Prevention was startand the write yesterday expressed sive fire was SEE PAGE SIX and his Cable Beach defended his lee Gardens concern that neither which officials believe nor day, Mr Christie disgust and Liberal Party the Progressive had any reenergy. despite not having solar, to produce of agreemany purchase WELLS of Works sponse to his Mar’s former The heads the governMINISTER said Baha im- By RICARDO Reporter as of Staff offers, cases requires challenges, Desmond Bannister ment Tribune Izmirlian said “address enced alleged nemedia.net concerns� pressed certain developer, Mr “stands ready, and BPL to delayed officials solicitROLLE migration from migrants rwells@tribu today marks which he suggestedof docu- he has “serious Power and ment and consistent

By RASHAD Reporter his company

By AVA TURNQUEST buy Baha WHILE

By SANCHESKA DORSETT developer with Bahamas to “keep the reliable of electricity on the for both siting bribes and able to The bill will allow submission Tribune Staff beatings of Tribune Chief Reporter THE originalMar resort willing complete it the deadlineformer parlia- the emedia.net tell- supply Providence, Light’s ability and alleged prisoners in commissioner of police, the an law as it placed author- Tribune Staff Reporter today and Bahamian rrolle@tribun aturnquest@tribunemedia are chal- lights on this summer,� of island of New or a ity solely in the ting and to file financial ments. of the Baha the resort’s Mar with the abili.net person acting on migrants and hands of sdorsett@tribunemedia.net Among these the lack will include finanhis behalf, the independent s States has de- immediately Bahamian conmentarians Public Discloyesterday said ing The Tribuneprevent the whichmeet the requirement with obtaining judiciary, THE United Bahamas custody. the Ministry continued completiondates workers and chronic delays ATTORNEY General to obtain a warrant from a adding that may ty to disclosures, Chair- lenges from spouses, POLICE are investigatthe Yesterday, the The opening cial records in situations reliability highlighted Allyson Maynard-Gibson Supreme Court judge to in- international the ICB met ing the from fulfilling of the project.� “intimida- of Foreign Affairs said sure Commission lays, missed stag- tractors. ’s CCA for either circumstances surthe instalLaroda told tercept and examine standards requireoper- government government ental “inaccurate� and “now supposedthe en- created by yesterday defended the This involves supporting man Myles yesterday that particularly or patent incomIn- son’s communicationsa per- and also addressed recent rounding the death of a of Mar all the necessary they may have report had all (INCL. VAT) “incomtion of non-governm self interest stop now. The terception of Communicato from criticisms lation “of The Tribunestill some that wherebank accounts prior ments in the Baha gered opening� three-year-old boy who s� and efforts and in some cases . must into late next re necessary was ated organisation tions Bill as an important telecommunications opera- Devices of the Listening found unresponsive and authere were He said there heads of agreement.he is al- infrastructu information incident tire property that Sarkis petence deserves better.� g�. in a car an by the government Bahamas “free plete� that shows SEE PAGE FIVE anti-crime tool that would tors, internet providers and Council. Act by the Privy in front are “outstandin yesterday, to marriage. some unwilling-n alHe added to inhibit of his daycare yesReferring to “is superiSEE PAGE SIX Min- year postal services. also new, offer at interview was thorities enhance an criminal Education In the privacy of lawdisIzmirlian’s She said any suggestion terday afternoon. ready “looking including and apprehensio said in his In a statement yesterday, Fitzgerald or� to the current situation. for in which speech through abiding citizens rather ways,�

Mr Laroda some persons ness that the The body of the toddler as problems this, and than ister Jerome SEE PAGE THREE ternative libel laws� encroach upon it, as detrac- Mrs Maynard-Gibson ex- “spying legislation was a was discovered However, despite SEE PAGE 12 cussions with in its latest to make bill� was false. plained that this move shortly the Bahamas report. tors claim. was who are required they exter 2pm on Monday afrights unprecedented in Bahamiby a human referdisclosures, SEE PAGE also the FIVE The report SEE PAGE SIX

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

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

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

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By RICARDO Reporter Tribune Staff nemedia.net rwells@tribu

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

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

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

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

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

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

PARTIAL PAYMENT FOR

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

W1WEEKEND

Christie denies claims on spending

RS IN THE SPOTL

DR PERRY GOMEZ $24,498

By RASHAD Tribune Staff ROLLE prepared. rrolle@tribun Reporter

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

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

INSURANCE MANAGE MENT

Picture perfect

WEEK END: SENIO

OH, AND THERE’S AN ELITE WATER LIST TOO

LESLIE MILLER $42,219

WHO RUNS BPL

?

Seniors go big for

‘We will still march without permission’

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

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

DORSETT

By SANCHESK Reporter to the Tribune Staff Reporter

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

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

LOSE humbling leader, Dr Prime Min- ing divisions in the former Squares ty to a stunning feat for a governing will be no compromise� application to protest for a protest This latest development Mr tion’s next PLP BIG NAMESPAGE 7 dealing a parapolls, outgoing that under recent history. in Rawson and the and Parliaments Rule Day in January,on Majority group will “not is yet victory and to the ProgresChristie lost PLP stronghold, while will nis promised victory came MPS ister Perry Squares because another set back for the organiBahamians The FNM’s won five. Bahamas organiser We March attempt towardbe deterred by this the “event lysing blow Party last night, years the Centreville his watch, YOUR PROJECTED conflicts with another sation that planned to protest fascist his seat in last night by Christie John Bost- and a rocky five PAGE 9 to fear from Mr Christie wick sive Liberal on II said yesterday Monday, January the abuse of our coercion event� already booked In 2012, have nothing , pointing to despite contwo challengPrime Minister constituency representing the demon- constitutional 9 - the original rights and date. for that observance SO FAR incoming that included the Centrevillestration declared government “will go on as planned, after leadership, said won the RESULTS 14 he eighth freedoms�. votes Minnis 40 date 25 the PAGE Dr Minnis’ of a fracn, which on Dr Hubert more than In a post on Facebook, Progressive Majority Rule Day.announced for stituency for time with have abused victimisatio tional� “im- es to the area for Liberal to unoflead or- Chairman Party that those who trust “have continued reports ultimately However, earlier consecutive He defeated is “unconstitu MORE COVERAGE Bradley Roberts of years, according party and the post this month it “wrong�.

PAGES 2-18 positions an- was announced 2,950 votes. moral� and to unofficial tured Ella to fear�. ficial results. in Parliament that removal from has held the FNM’s candidate the Opsomething to thousands of According Christie able his Official at the Mr was of FNM 1977 and Lewis by 1,349 votes Speaking at the Q House today. results, the stunning defeat of leader in the House of won all the the seat since a pledged that jubilant supporterslast night, ment Mr Christie leader of Dr Minnis on will give to pull off securing a mas- position has been Liberal Party time. polling division in E Sports Centre but one administrati Terrance of the PLP, constituencies. Assembly. a long fought National MoveProgressive “This was victory is not the Free also announced his General 34 of 39 a 2012. sive Reg1997. it ry the Auditor since released but Prime ment leader be sworn in as AVA the resources former is yours,�

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

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

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

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

SIX longer, him.

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

Free NaChristie to Providence from a formal Andre Rollins.

Liberal Grant, Theo Neilly, get our first case objection to lose to the (FNM) in choosing 22 and to Progressive jected 23.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune has the Albeen of There is one case Movement’s last night, SEE PAGE SIX against “the bogus lodged solidify widespread support Staff each on the tional Party (PLP) FNM’s Executive said he saw levelled against himcharges� around a new leader.�

Commitfred Sears tee would not have His remarks came six other members and the a case ment who took of Parlia- e-mail in response to in an because the group’s actions part ques- “were consistent action of removing in the tions from The Tribune. constitutionally with the Dr Rollins echoed nis from the post. Dr Minprotected Dr Rollins sentiments the said a growing of Long Island right of parliamentarians to number of MP recall a parliamentary FNMs are admitting Loretta lead“that and St Anne’sButler-Turner er when they the best course of MP Hubert confidence no longer have the party to take action for Chipman, who last in his/her ability under present circumstances the said the if the matter week to lead.� were is to to be taken to court, the SEE PAGE THREE

ALFRED SEARS URGES

No.152, JUNE

Newspaper

The privileged

Revealed: on the eliteNames list and what they owe d

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

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

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

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

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

CRUNCH DAY OVER

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Photo: Terrel

win landslideCHRISTI E AS HE

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

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

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

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MILLER BLASTS UNIONS WATER CORP CHIEF’S

Page 21

4 No.202, SEPTEMBER VOLUME:11

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Friday) too right now?� bringing my son and they inside (the medical personnel we will have I’m calling factor. house) with she cried between me. What all mothers screams they do to come to look because I upon after her as SIX SEE PAGE Dr Minnis my family?

What believe because really they console the mothers can tried to do to would’ve delivered she’s nant. family at their “Why they us? most of them said Mrs Minnis, who stop this,� her I have to make surepregbud Road home where Rose- live 29 years, ain’ carry me? I so they are closer to me knowing at times. “We have was tearful both and her unborn infant that was shot by Eugene they are my He’s a baby.� our sons who well and are former patients,� a stray bullet we cradle Tonio Woodside, Monday as Minnis, a gynaecologi on father, arrangemen we will also make Dr become from birth and as he did his homework.

Eugene’s ts to make they consoled men we are st by fession, said. sure the as he struggled his wife even still with necessary medical “The messagepro- them. We have personnel we to speak with look after her to maintain must send to the entire and see is the police Bahamas them. I think all women can’t fight this wear should regular basis to ensure her on a alone. and black one day this the safety of her and her week mourn what’s unborn infant.� happening in SEE PAGE TWO PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Chairman Bradley Roberts lashed out at his former party colleague Vincent Peet last night, accusBy NEIL HARTNELL ing the former North AnTribune Business so alarmed dros and Berry Islands MP Editor by the Caribnhartnell@tr bean Financial ibunemedia.n of being a “political enemy�

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

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

Rolle, min- increases such addressing ister of laundering the flaws from was $10,149,738. regime as Speaking to PLP suppublic services for Limolink in The early June.

The revision “entirely unacand National clientele with which his agent Mr North in rally a ceptable�, encourat Bethel are You porters blasted the said Insurance, he included comes after warning limousine company was fa- Bahamas. between put The Bahamas they had former Christie more aged to get a reference from Andros last night, Mr Robmiliar. “in great tration for failing adminis- 2016 and May December 1,700 workers that werethan if erts said “this is war� as danger�.

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

Carl Bethel wish. Please feel free he urged the crowd to vote ballooned Amid the told Trib- necessary urgency. with the $16,532,738 because limousine business we you by une Business contact me personally for incumbent Dr Perry Liberal Party’sProgressive of he had been FULL Christie are ready to meet with to administrati the of the criticism have your agents contact Gomez, adding that a vote STORY - SEE on’s Minnis your people anytime,� he or the BUSINESS hiring of new public Mr Porter our Managing for Mr Peet is a vote for service tion because ofadministraworkers during writes. its firings Free National Movement. directly.� that period. “As indicated we really Director SIX PAGE SEE SEE PAGE SIX only cater to highend cusSEE PAGES TWO & THREE tomers and are the official

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Mr Pratt said yesterday, “that is a call placed by the minister. we never checked his resume, we were only informed as you were of his appointment. We have no access to the qualifications, none whatsoever as far as we’re concerned. A registrar is the one who - after our members are licensed, he is the registrar that keeps the registration of licensed contractors in the country.�

Mr Pratt said: “I think that can be handled more than capably by anyone the minister has appointed.�

Drumeco Archer, a BCA council member, yesterday further distanced the association from Mr Sands’ claims. He told reporters it would be a “flawed presumption� to suggest the association was aware of such political pressure. “These are utterances from the former president,�

Mr Archer said, “we have had no communication nor any connection to any evidence of pressure. There is clear evidence that the government has demonstrated a willingness to the continued work with the BCA and so our position is a very clear position. “We represent the interests of our members and all contractors and so the issues between the registrar or Mr Sands, we don’t want to amplify in this forum only because it really isn’t a matter for the BCA at this moment.�

OMAR Archer (centre in white shirt) poses with members of the Bahamas Contractors Association.Â

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boosted our public image significantly. To Leonard, we say thank you.�

Mr Pratt reiterated several times that the association would be guided by its constitution as it concerned the role of officers, and said it would continue its advocacy in the construction industry.

As for the appointment of Mr Archer, Mr Pratt said the BCA was not involved in the decision, and did not have access to his resume or qualifications. He noted the association has had discussions with Mr Archer in recent weeks to guide members through the full implementation of the Contractors Act. He stressed contractors needed to be licensed before the country accedes to the World Trade Organisation.

Former BCA president Stephen Wrinkle questioned whether Mr Archer, a controversial political activist, is “the best candidate� for a key role in regulating construction.

Mr Wrinkle told Tribune Business it was unclear whether Mr Archer has the necessary industry expertise to oversee and administer a critical industry for the Bahamian economy.

Mr Archer attended yesterday’s BCA luncheon and said he had learned construction skills as a young boy and early teen under the apprenticeship of his father. “That is not our call,�

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claims of political interference leveled by former Bahamian Contractors Association president Leonard Sands, telling reporters his resignation from the FNM was not an issue as he had little involvement and did not hold a significant post within the party. Mr Sands accused Mr Archer of waging a behind-the-scenes campaign to force his ouster from the BCA. He quit the BCA and the FNM as a result of the friction. Meanwhile, Mr Archer addressed the BCA luncheon yesterday, fielding questions from its membership about how he planned to foster relationships between the group and smaller contractors.

He spoke to his childhood as the son of contractor Audley Archer, pointing out he had learned several trades in the construction industry during his early years. “From the age of nine, I’ve learned the trade in the construction industry,� Mr Archer said. “I’ve been a mason from ten years old, a carpenter from about 12.

My first foreman job came at the age of 14 when we were building the East Street South Police Station and also the library on Wulff Road and Sandilands Primary School, so my experience goes way back for many years.�

Among those who attested to Mr Archer’s construction linkages was contractor Gregory Minnis, Dr Minnis’ brother, who attended yesterday’s luncheon. “He (Mr Archer), I believe is qualified,� Mr Minnis said. “I believe he is going to do his endeavour best to be straight forward, and again I’m not going to try to hold his feet to the fire. I think he is going to get the job done and we are going to be there to make sure at the end of the day, we do what is necessary ourselves that we look out for the construction

industry in this country.�

Mr Minnis continued: “I’m going to do my very best to work with you (Mr Archer) because I ain’t sitting back and let nobody else come in this country and take bread from me and the rest of us.�

As for fostering relations, Mr Archer said he “planned to let commonsense prevail.�

He underscored the urgency placed on the sector as the country’s ascension to the World Trade Organisation looms overhead. “We all know what’s in the best interest for all of you as contractors, big or small, particularly now that WTO is looming,� Mr Archer told the gathering. “It’s up to you all to make the decision to come together as one and to make this happen because the longer you fight and bicker amongst yourselves the worst it’s going to be. “You don’t want next year to roll in and we’re still at this point and then the Bahamas then joins WTO and the Bahamian contractors are put at a major disadvantage, then what? So to answer your question in terms of fostering the relations between the BCA and other contractors, you all must have the will to get it done. I’m just here to police it.�

Mr Archer advised the BCA that the budget for staffing of the contractors registry was about 80 percent complete, with the drafting of guidelines, disciplinary procedures, policies, criteria and appointment of staffing already underway.

He said his team has already engaged in the selection of board members, and was currently drafting letters of appointment and selection for several committees.

Mr Archer said he has also requested bids for the registry’s website. The deadline for the drafting of regulations for the sector is set for December 31, he said.Â

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, October 4, 2018, PAGE 7

MP ‘owes’ $100k in unpaid utilities from page one insurance” on the building, which houses the Crab House and Seafood Emporium, for at least two years.

The last time TCI paid its water bill was in July of 2014, it is alleged.

Concerning the building’s insurance, TCI has allegedly not paid any insurance premiums for the past three to four years, something that caused the building’s owner to recently pay $15,963.75 to JS Johnson Insurance Agents & Brokers in a bid to bring the insurance policy current.

Also, it is alleged that TCI has not paid its light bill for “some time now,” and as it stands, is currently utilising a generator for electricity.

Additionally, TCI has allegedly not paid any of the $10,833 monthly payments it agreed to pay for the building in question since September of 2016, resulting in the owner receiving no revenue from the agreement, despite the company currently subleasing a portion of the building for $12,000 per month.

Daybreak Holdings, the plaintiff, further alleges that notwithstanding the various breaches, TCI has “failed and/or refused” to bring the hire purchase agreement current or to vacate the building.

Thus, Daybreak Holdings, through its attorney Christina Galanos, is suing TCI for $249,159, which it claims represents the 23 months when TCI didn’t pay any of the monthly instalments pursuant to the hire purchase agreement.

Daybreak Holdings is also seeking an order for TCI to pay it $74,069.22 in outstanding real property taxes, as well as thousands of dollars in outstanding water bills. Daybreak is also seeking an order for TCI to pay $15,963.75 in outstanding insurance premiums.

Daybreak is also seeking an order for TCI, its agents, servants and subtenants to vacate the building within 30 days of that order, and an injunction for TCI to cease

SHONEL FERGUSON MP, pictured in Parliament last year. and desist from conducting any business on Daybreak Holding’s behalf.

According to a sworn affidavit by Donna Davis, president of Daybreak Holdings, TCI Ltd entered into the hire purchase agreement with the company on December 31, 2005 for the building situated on the corner of Collins Avenue and 6th Terrace.

At the time of the agreement, TCI was already renting a portion of the building.

It was agreed that TCI would pay Daybreak a $150,000 deposit and thereafter the sum of $1,350,000 in monthly instalments of $10,833 per month over a period of 264 months.

In exchange, Ms Ferguson’s company was permitted to assume responsibility and operation of the building in question. TCI was also responsible for all maintenance, taxes, fees, and insurance over the building.

TCI was also given the option to purchase the building for an amount to be agreed. And in the event that happened, TCI would receive full credit for the $150,000.

According to the documents, TCI paid the $10,333 monthly sum for the most part until around December 2009, at which time there were some missed payments. TCI allegedly started making “reduced payments” in 2015, and by the end of September 2016, made no payments whatsoever.

Daybreak Holdings claims in the meantime, it served “many letters” on TCI, all of which contained “numerous requests and demands” for all outstanding sums pursuant to the hire purchase agreement, but to no avail.

In a sworn affidavit, however, Ms Ferguson claimed that Daybreak Holdings approached her and her company about the building

Photo: Terrel W Carey/Tribune Staff on or about August 2005, with a view to selling it because it was in a “financial bind” and found it difficult to collect rent from its tenants.

Ms Ferguson claimed that as of August 17 of this year, her company has paid Daybreak Holdings $1,548,609, in addition to investing over $700,000 in renovations for what she claimed was initially a building in a “dilapidated state”.

Ms Ferguson claims that as the $1.5m TCI paid to Daybreak Holdings exceeds the sum owing on the hire purchase agreement, and that as both parties concluded that the principal amount under the agreement was settled, the only outstanding issue was the amount of the outstanding interest.

Ms Ferguson claims that subsequent to entering into the hire purchase agreement, TCI opened several businesses in the building

and made “timely” monthly payments.

However, she said as the economy declined and crime escalated in the area, both parties agreed to reduce the monthly payment to $5,000 until the $1.35m was liquidated.

When the economy didn’t improve, she said both parties agreed to put the building up for sale and distribute the proceeds between them. In particular, Ms Ferguson claimed both parties agreed that upon the building’s sale, TCI would be reimbursed for the equity it put into the building.

Concerning the outstanding taxes, Ms Ferguson claims both parties agreed that all outstanding real property taxes would be settled at the sale of the building. And concerning the WSC bill, she claims Daybreak Holding’s previous tenant, Papa Johns, left the bill and that Daybreak

Holdings is “fully aware” of that fact.

However, Daybreak Holdings refuted that last claim as “simply not true”, charging that TCI’s last payment to WSC was made in July 2014, according to the July 2018 bill. Furthermore, Daybreak Holdings said a copy of the WSC bill for the period October 2015 to July 2018 shows how the bill went from $8,040.13 to $22,173.15.

And concerning TCI’s claims that it had paid the principal under the agreement, thus leaving only the interest to be resolved, Daybreak stressed that the balance of the agreed sum was to be paid over 264 months at an interest rate of eight per cent per month, and that as with “virtually all agreements of this nature, each payment would be part principal and part interest.”

The matter continues before Justice Ian Winder next week.

PAGE 8, Thursday, October 4, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

That eureka moment in Exuma A

t 3:30 yesterday CNN interviewed a man named Jeff Todd about a phenomenon called swimming pigs.

Todd lives in his native Canada these days with his wife and twin daughters. He is in his early 30s, a former Nassau Guardian business editor, AP contributor, prolific journalist, author of three books and, of late, a serial Exuma promoter whose fascination is with the swimming pigs.

That CNN was interested in Todd’s book, Pigs in Paradise is not a surprise. The whole world, it seems, is fascinated by the sight of pigs frolicking in the clear turquoise waters of the Exuma seas.

What separated Todd from the other visitors to The Bahamas is recognition of what the represented. Yachtsmen had known about the oddity of pigs on Big Major’s Cay in the Exumas for at least two decades.

They made it a point to stop by, especially if they had visitors onboard. Some fed the pigs. They took photos of them sharing the water.

But it wasn’t until two Canadian-born men with interests in The Bahamas, Peter Nicholson and Jeff Todd, saw the pigs’ potential and in doing so changed their

lives and The Bahamas’ tourism branding around the world.

Nicholson and Todd’s discovery came as lots of things in life do, by a coincidence of accident and being in the right place at the right time and experiencing a light bulb moment.

It was close to five years ago. Nicholson had purchased 31 units at Grand Isle Villas, a luxury resort built and furnished with nearly incomparable amenities, comfort and style. Grand Isle had been caught up in the downfall and bankruptcy of Emerald Bay and through no fault of its own was headed south fast when Nicholson came along and bought units at a price that would have made original developers cringe, but probably salvaged Grand Isle from going under.

He had fallen in love with the property and knew it would return to the eminence it deserved when the economic earthquake settled down if only someone cared and poured love and energy into it, preserving

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THE SWIMMING pigs of Exuma, left and below, are a big hit with the tourists

the value for other owners who feared what would happen to their vacation homes in the 78-unit complex down the beach from the then-shuttered Four Seasons.

By this time, Todd had left the Nassau Guardian, returned to Canada to complete his first non-fiction book, and was working for Nicholson as director of communications in Nicholson’s Ottowa-based financial services company. Todd had never heard of the pigs - despite the fact he had spent years in The Bahamas working at the Guardian. They just weren’t that popular, yet. During a Canadian blizzard in the winter of 2014, at Nicholson’s Ottawa office, he told Todd about some VIPs visiting Grand Isle in the coming days, and how “they should at some point see the pigs”.

Todd did a double take. And he decided to go see them for himself.

Todd had an instant ah-ha moment.

Nicholson agreed to foot the bill for a documentary. Todd called on a Bahamian living in Florida named Charlie Smith who had a production company. Smith, known for his ahead-of-its-time show on ZNS called Electric Air, came home to shoot. The film premiered at the Bahamas International Film Festival in December 2014, and went on the film fest circuit in the US. A preview of the video went viral online and by last year had been viewed more than one million times.

You can argue the discovery of the pigs, transported to the island by residents of a nearby island who chose Big Major’s because of its fresh water source, was only a matter of time. Donkeys don’t fly and pigs don’t swim. They may wallow in mud, but swim in the sea? As likely as unicorns in mermaid footwear.

It turned out the golden goose of tourism wasn’t a goose at all, but a pig. A whole passel of pigs living on an island like Robinson Crusoe, lounging on their beach, cooling off in the gin-clear waters and chillin’ their days away until their peaceful piece of paradise was discovered.

True, there were disappearances when the actual pig owners from a nearby island would come to round one up and take it to slaughter to transform the swimming phenomenon into bacon or sausage or chops. It would not be long till another was born to replace the absent hog, though. The population kept growing, selfrenewing its numbers.

Once the video was released and more visitors flocked to Exuma and posted their own videos, social media went crazy. Today, the pigs are no longer a food source, but a major industry.

Young and old made their way from distant corners of the globe. On a recent trip to nearby Staniel Cay when my husband and I were invited to the pre-launch of the

book and the unveiling of a new video, we found ourselves in a van with eight others.

Only two spoke English. Language did not matter. They had come from Brazil, Chile, Venezuela and Germany to swim with the pigs. We had only come from Nassau and we could not figure out why all the fuss.

Jeff Todd’s book is thoughtful. It explores our relationship with animals in general, including those we treasure before we devour. It includes interviews with psychologists, animal behaviour experts and local residents. Whatever the text, the context is the overriding reality that the discovery of the potential of the pigs changed tourism in The Bahamas. It secured Exuma’s place as top dog in bucket lists around the world.

It created tour operator businesses that do nothing but transport pig peepers to what was once a remote island, now all but overwhelmed with camera-carrying, videototing dreamers who want to say they, too, swam with the pigs and can prove it.

What it should teach us, too, and this may be the most important lesson of all, is that tourism is changing. The visitor of yesterday whom we hoped would spend generously on luxury goods is not the visitor of today. Yes, there are those who still want a Rolex or a rare conch pearl and the luxury shops of Bay Strezzzzzzzet continue to satisfy their exquisite taste. But for the most part, today’s traveller wants experiences. That is particularly the case for the millennial. It is something the cruise industry recognises better than any other sector.

Sir Sol Kerzner, a true visionary, understood it in the early 1990s when he created the water parks of Atlantis. Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart understands it totally. It is why he has never wavered from his formula making romance, luxury, beach and water the basic ingredients in his recipe for success for every Sandals. It’s why Sandals and Stewart walked away with the equivalent of the Oscar in the global travel industry awards ceremony last week.

Experiences, not things, lure visitors the first time and a desire for a positive experience can make them sing once is not enough. The one thing people cannot get online is experience.

Sometimes, it takes vision to create success. Sometimes, success is right in front of our eyes and it just takes vision to see it.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, October 4, 2018, PAGE 9

Brinique: Eat wise, stay alive

By RIEL MAJOR MISS World Bahamas Brinique Gibson launched her ‘Eat Wise, Exercise, Stay Alive’ campaign competition yesterday at Uriah McPhee Primary School to fight against childhood obesity.

There are about 450 students from Claridge Primary, Sade Curtis, Columbus Primary and Uriah McPhee who will be participating in the competition.

The beauty queen chose to initiate her competition in the schools because, she said, “Children are like sponges. They soak up everything they hear and see.

If we can teach them at an early age how to eat wisely and exercise and stay alive, then they can influence their parents to make better choices, and they themselves will become healthier adults.”

The aim of the challenge is to establish school wellness policies by improving the food and beverages available in schools, educating the students about the importance of having

good eating habits, and exercising.

Ms Gibson said: “Studies show that exercise and academics go hand and hand so by promoting all of these things together we can encourage the students to do better academically as well as to live longer productive lives and reduce our statistics of child obesity.

“It is my hope at the end of the challenge students would participate more with physical activity as well as focus more on what they are intaking.”

The selected primary schools will have four weeks to make as many healthy changes as they can within their schools to be eligible to win one of four monetary awards.

“My team and I came up with a grading scale and they get points based on the schools making changes to their campus and transforming it into a healthy environment,” the beauty queen said. “Some teachers may want to have a water day or incorporate physical activity into their lesson plan.”

The first-place winner will receive the gold award of distinction and $1,500, second place winner will receive the gold award and $1,000, the third-place winner will receive the silver award and $800, and fourth place entrant will receive the bronze award and $500.

The wife of the prime minister, Mrs Patricia Minnis, attended to show her support for the beauty queen’s healthy eating initiative. She emphasised the importance of having good eating habits.

Mrs Minnis said: “Healthy children become healthy adults. I have a personal interest in this because my grandfather died from high blood pressure, my mother, and brother died at a very young age, so I’m committed that we need to make the nation healthy starting with the children. “(They) will go home and encourage their parents, also part of my passion is working with young women, girls and adolescents living a healthy lifestyle.”

WEB SHOPS STILL IN TALKS OVER SLIDING-SCALE TAX

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

LAWYERS for web shop operators are reportedly still “in dialogue” with Attorney General Carl Bethel over aspects of the Gaming House Operator Regulations and the sliding-scale tax structure the regulations address.

The discussions were yesterday disclosed by Island Luck CEO Sebas Bastian, who told The Tribune on the sidelines of his IL Cares “Check It, to Catch It” breast cancer initiative, that the legal minds were still holding conversations over the regulations.

“Well, as you know, it is before the courts now, so I won’t speak too much on the legal side of it,” he said.

“But, from where I sit, I think the legal minds, our attorneys and the Attorney General, have been in dialogue and we are just waiting to see just how this all works itself out,” he added.

Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar, who has responsibility for gaming, last month said the tax structure took effect on September 19, following slight changes to address operators’ concerns over its legality.

In comments to Tribune Business, he explained that the amendments which gave way to the structure in May used “the wrong terminology” to describe what should be used as the basis for calculating the amount

web shops must pay.

He said the definition previously employed could have been interpreted as meaning that the different sliding scale rates, from 20 percent up to 50 percent, should be applied to “all the money” that patrons pay.

However, he said it should actually be based on that sum minus the winnings paid out by web shops.

To that end, he said the government had moved swiftly to remove the term “revenue collected” from regulation 57 and replace it with “all taxable revenue.”

Mr Bastian, in an affidavit supporting his company’s judicial review application last month, argued the “revenue collected” definition was so vague as to make it “unenforceable” and contrary to the Gaming House Operator Regulations.

Meanwhile, when contacted for comment on the matter yesterday, attorney Wayne Munroe, who represents Island Game, Paradise Games and A Sure Win, maintained that his team has not relented in its quest for justice.

“We have met and with continue to meet with the (Office of the Attorney General) on the settlement of the matter,” he said.

The new tax structure was to be implemented July 1. However, it was delayed several times.

Under the tax structure, web shops earning up to $20m in taxable revenue will be taxed at a rate of

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20 percent and those falling between $20m and $40 will be taxed at a rate of 25 percent.

Others earning between $40m and $60m will be taxed at a rate of 30 percent while those in the range of $60m and $80m will be taxed at a rate of 35 percent.

Those earning between $80m and $100m will be taxed at a rate of 40 percent and those earning over $100m, at 50 percent.

MISS World Bahamas Brinique Gibson gets a hug from a student as she launches her Eat Wise, Exercise, Stay Alive healthy eating campaign competition at Uriah McPhee yesterday.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

PAGE 10, Thursday, October 4, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

CONCH SHELL ATTACKER FOUND GUILTY OF KILLING from page one

Mr Scott, who said he travelled to Strachan’s Corner on the date in question to pick up a tool from his brother who lived in the area, said their conversation was cut short by a loud argument between two men

standing a few feet up the street.

The witness said as the argument between the two men intensified, the two men moved closer and closer to the area where he and his brother were standing.

He said once the men got to a distance of about five feet away from his brother’s

property, Hield violently struck Frazier with an item which he later identified as a conch shell.

Mr Scott testified he was so taken aback by what he saw, he was unable to process it right away. He said by the time he was fully aware of what transpired, two other bystanders had

rushed over to Frazier’s defence.

However, he told the court that by the time the two bystanders intervened, Hield was basically atop the older man who was “on the ground on his back”.

Mr Scott said he saw Hield strike Frazier multiple times. “I was too

shocked to count,” he added.

Mr Scott said once the men were separated and Frazier was on his feet, he immediately attempted to flee. However, according to Mr Scott, Hield pursued him.

When asked to describe Frazier’s condition at the time, Mr Scott told the

court his face was so covered in blood, he could barely make out his complexion. He said he found out a few days later that Frazier had died from his injuries.

Attorney David Cash represented Hield. Darnell Dorsett represented the Crown in the matter.

TEXAS DONORS GIVE HUNDREDS OF TABLETS TO HELP SCHOOLCHILDREN

FROM left, back: Marvin Rolle, district education officer; Mary Russell, district education officer; Sandrea Bullard, vice-principal Maurice Moore Primary School, Tammy Ellis-Elliott, principal Maurice Moore Primary School; GiGi Allen, benefactor; former ambassador Maurice Moore, patron; Carl Allen, benefactor; Yvonne Ward, district superintendent East Grand Bahama and cays; Sandra Moore, wife of patron; Julian Anderson, deputy director for technology and innovation for Ministry of Education along with fifth graders from the school.

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

TEXAS philanthropists Carl and Gigi Allen have presented 285 tablets to the Maurice Moore Primary School in Grand Bahama.

Thanks to their generous donation, every fourth, fifth and sixth grader at the school will now have access to a wide range of critical learning tools at

their fingertips.

The Allens are investors in The Bahamas having recently purchased Walker’s Cay with plans to restore the tiny island to its former glory as a sports-fishing destination.

Also in attendance for the presentation were Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources Michael Pintard, the Member of Parliament for Marco City, former ambassador Maurice

Moore, Julian Anderson, deputy director for technology and innovation at the Ministry of Education, and Trevor Turnquest of BTC. According to a spokesman, the Allens’ donation is a continuation of an informal partnership between the couple, the government and BTC, to ensure that children in the Abacos and Grand Bahama are given all the tools needed for a brighter future.

Mr Allen said: “Every time I have the chance to come to The Bahamas and visit a school, seeing these children and their thirst to learn is a truly inspiring thing. Gigi and I are so grateful to this country and we’re so honoured to be here with Minister Pintard, Ambassador Moore, and the esteemed educators at the school.”

Mr Pintard thanked the Allens for donating

the tablets to students at the school, which is located in the Marco City constituency.

Principal Tammy EllisElliot was very grateful for the donation, noting Grand Bahama is being developed as a technology hub.

“We need to be leading the way in technology in the schools and it is significant that 250 students here now have a tablet. We appreciate the support of the

Allens coming to Maurice Moore Primary and making this donation. I thank them for partnering with us to bring technology in the schools to our students,” she said.

Mrs Elliot said that the generous donation by the Allens is a demonstration of good corporate citizenship.

“We do not live in a vacuum and it takes a village to raise our children,” she said.

PAGE 12, Thursday, October 4, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

Sands’ message to PLP: Sit small and shut up

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net HEALTH Minister Dr Duane Sands yesterday called for members of the Official Opposition to “sit small and shut up” instead of criticising the management of the Public Hospitals Authority’s funds.

Dr Sands added the Progressive Liberal Party committed “tens of millions” of dollars to “edifices to their egos” which have in turn “made it very difficult” to pay bills.

However, Dr Sands said that soon the Princess Margaret Hospital will be the “best hospital in the region.” He elaborated this will happen “one step at a time” and major renovations are underway at the country’s public healthcare facilities.

Dr Sands also addressed the ongoing tensions between healthcare provider unions and the PHA. Concerning the Consultant Physicians Staff Association specifically, Dr Sands noted he was a founding member of the organisation and admitted these doctors’ compensation should be improved.

However, he said, the situation’s improvement is contingent on the public hospitals’ revenue stream being strengthened. He added this will require

DUANE SANDS, MP for Elizabeth, in Parliament yesterday.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff Yesterday, Dr Sands remarks that the PHA’s significant policy changes.

On Tuesday, PLP Leader highlighted his transparent funds need to be managed Philip “Brave” Davis said approach to governance, better, Dr Sands replied: “I the country’s healthcare saying he is a minister who would say, ‘Chile please,’ sector could improve if “makes sure the public okay. The last people, exactly what’s the last people who could Dr Sands took his role knows and responsibilities more happening”. open their mouth and talk Dr Sands spoke to report- about the management of seriously.

Mr Davis also said all Dr ers outside a mental health PHA is this crew on the Sands has done is persist training workshop at PHA. other side, who have basiWhen asked if he had cally committed millions, with his “sheer arrogance” any response to Mr Davis’ tens of millions of dollars, and “blame” of the PLP.

for edifices to their egos in various communities all over the Bahamas, thereby making it very difficult to pay bills.

“They know what they’ve done. They should just sit small and shut up.”

On Tuesday, Mr Davis insisted the government’s decision to finance the purchase of the Grand Lucayan resort property in Grand Bahama stands as proof the Minnis administration is unable to manage the country’s affairs properly.

Dr Sands yesterday defended the purchase of the resort, underscoring its importance to Grand Bahama.

Regarding recent actions by the CPSA, Bahamas Doctors Union, and the Bahamas Nurses Union, Dr Sands said the prime minister and the government are “committed” to resolving these issues. “The prime minister has made it very clear that he will bring the full weight of his office and his support to the resolution of longstanding and difficult challenges.”

Dr Sands added that health officials are “in agreement” with that approach.

“We don’t benefit from being at odds with any group of workers or professionals in the country. At the same time, it is important that everybody’s views are heard and respected.

“And so, certainly to have the support of the prime minister to bring resolution to this matter is appreciated.”

In response to the complaints of the CPSA, Dr Sands admitted the organisation’s concerns are valid, although he reiterated he is no longer an active member.

“When you look at (senior physicians’) compensation package, it deserves improvement,” Dr Sands said. “That said, we also need to figure out exactly how we are going to get that done.

“I have said many, many times that we have to strengthen the revenue stream for our hospitals.

Because it is impossible, if people continue to get medical services and don’t pay for it.”

Dr Sands said fixing these issues will require “significant policy changes” and staff to code, build, and collect. He also called for improvement in the current billing method, which is done manually and then sent to the post office — an institution plagued with its own problems.

Despite these flaws, Dr Sands said: “Mark my word: Princess Margaret Hospital will be the best hospital in the region, in short order,” comparing it to the revamping of the Lynden Pindling International Airport.

GOVT WAITING FOR DETAILS OF UWI STUDENTS

By MORGAN ADDERLEY Tribune Staff Reporter madderley@tribunemedia.net

HEALTH Minister Dr Duane Sands said yesterday the government is still waiting for the University of the

West Indies to provide it with the data of all Bahamian students who enrolled in the medical programme

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this semester.

He said the government needs this information in order to determine the number of students who entered this year “with the expectation that The Bahamas government would pay” for their tuition.

While Dr Sands reiterated that in the future the government will cap subventions to 25, he said it does not wish to “inconvenience” students currently matriculating at the Jamaica, Trinidad, and Barbados UWI campuses.

On September 21, Dr Sands told The Tribune that UWI was informed of the cap “well in advance” of this current school year;

however, the institution continued to accept pupils “with the expectation” that their tuition would be paid by the Bahamian government.

Noting the challenge this creates for pupils, at the time Dr Sands said the government had requested UWI provide it with the data of all students who have been accepted.

“At that point on a caseby-case basis, we can make decisions as a government as to whether or not there are students who have been inappropriately inconvenienced and whether some flexibility is applied this year,” Dr Sands said then.

When asked yesterday if there has been an update on the status of subventions, Dr Sands described the situation as challenging.

“This is yet another challenging issue,” he said. “We have made it very clear that we support the training of young Bahamians.

“However, the people of The Bahamas can only afford to provide a certain number of scholarships because we need to see those people that we invest in, not only through their medical education, but through their internship and subsequent training.

“We have committed to 25 medical trainees sponsored at the UWI programmes in Jamaica, in Barbados and in Trinidad.

That message was conveyed to the universities.

“At this point, as of yesterday (Tuesday), we are still trying to get the information as to how many Bahamian students have been accepted and enrolled with the expectation that the Bahamas government would pay for them. At last count the number was more than 50.

“And so the question is, given that the Bahamian people pay these scholarships, what is the right number? We don’t wish to inconvenience any family or any student.

“But we have to make sure that if the Bahamian people make a commitment, that we can see that student all the way through, provided that they keep their socks up, study hard, work hard, and make us proud.”

Last month, the health minister noted all scholarships fall under the remit of the Ministry of Education.

However, he said moving forward there will be more collaboration between the two ministries.

THE TRIBUNE PAGE 13 , THURSDAY, OCTOBER, 4TH, 2018

Oh, Hell No! P P

Thursday, October 4, 2018, PAGE 13 THE TRIBUNE

didn’t just say Dat?

.......................YA’LL SPEND $1.19 BILLION SINCE 2012 @ PHA PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Leader Philip “Brave” Davis said yesterday the country’s healthcare sector could improve if Health Minister Dr Duane Sands took his role and responsibilities more seriously.

Mr Davis made the observation yesterday during the PLP’s monthly press conference, when he claimed the sector was suffering setbacks due in part to Dr Sands’ refusal to accept responsibility for the problems he now faces as minister.

Referring to the recent actions by the Consultant Physicians Staff Association, Bahamas Doctors Union and the Bahamas Nurses Union, Mr Davis said all Dr Sands has done is persist with his “sheer arrogance” and “blame” of the PLP. “The doctors are not being heartless and callous as some would have us to believe,” Mr Davis told reporters, “they have been forced to bring matters to a boiling point because of the sheer arrogance of the part-time minister of health, Dr Duane Sands.

“The strike is intended to draw attention

to serious and critical conditions that exist in our nation’s largest hospital and at the Rand in Freeport which I heard of personally over the weekend,” he added.

Mr Davis took Dr Sands to task over what he termed, “a litany of complaints.”

Among the complaints were the lack of confirmations for nurses and doctors, owed wages, lack of proper rest facilities for on-call staff and those working double shifts, limited beds, an ongoing medication shortage, other strained services, delayed surgeries and high risks for infections.

HEALTHCARE

CHECK OUT THE CHILDRENS WARD WHICH PLP FAILED TO REPAIR SINCE [2016]

HEALTHCARE REPAIRS TO COREY NEWBOLD WARD: HEALTHCARE

MALE SURGICAL WARD LIES IN A STATE OF SHAMBLES

BRAVE: A Hospital without a Roof, Beds or Equipment is a Building! ...rest assured Dr. Sands got things under control! He’s finished the Labour Ward; the new Digital X-Rays, CT Scanners & PAC System are currently being installed; before, starting on major A&E Renovations and repairs to Children’s Ward, Old ICU & Male Surgical Ward

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PAGE 14, Thursday, October 4, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

UN SUSPENDS CRUCIAL CASH HELP TO 9M YEMENIS

MAYOR SEES RED AFTER VANDALS PAINT EYES ON LION

CAIRO Associated Press

THE UN children’s agency has suspended cash transfers to nine million of Yemen’s most impoverished citizens under pressure from the country’s Houthi rebels.

The move comes at a time when Yemen’s local currency has been deteriorating, increasing prices of food and fuel, and sparking fears of a worsening humanitarian crisis.

UNICEF said the decision came after it was unable to set up a call centre to get feedback from beneficiaries, without providing further details.

Two individuals familiar with the programme said the Houthi rebels who control northern Yemen hindered the launch of the call centre because they feared it might reveal their manipulation of the cash transfers. The two spoke on condition of anonymity, fearing reprisals from the rebels.

The Iran-aligned Houthis have been at war with a Saudi-led coalition since March 2015. The rebels have repeatedly been accused of diverting aid to their supporters.

Last week, Houthi security authorities banned the country director of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency from returning to Yemen, according to two individuals familiar with the situation.

The agency has been under pressure from Houthis to use the rebels’ beneficiary lists in aid distribution and to use Houthi-linked staffers in ADRA-run health facilities. When ADRA Yemen chief Ephraim Palmero objected, he was notified that he wouldn’t be allowed to return, the individuals said.

ADRA is among the most active international relief agencies working in delivering aid to millions of impoverished Yemenis.

ADRA President Jonathan Duffy described working conditions in Yemen as a “very disturbing situation” and said the withdrawal of Palmero’s travel credentials is a “threat against delivery” of humanitarian needs.

“ADRA carries out emergency responses on the basis of need alone, giving priority to the most urgent cases of distress making no distinctions on the basis of nationality, race, gender, religious belief, class or political opinions,” he said.

VENICE’S mayor wants to make example of four university students who were captured on camera vandalising a landmark lion statue by making them do community service.

Mayor Luigi Brugnaro said that the city of Venice was demanding an apology from the four for painting the lion’s eyes red. Brugnaro was quoted by ANSA as saying that acts of vandalism have become common in cities and that he wanted to send the message to copycats that “they will be caught and they will be made an example of.”

The vandals painted the eyes of one of two red marble lions that stand guard on the side of St Mark’s Basilica last week. Police said video cameras captured them in the act.

Police boost security over Kavanaugh

By MATTHEW DALY Associated Press THE impassioned fight over Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation to the Supreme Court has led to heightened security at the Capitol, with some senators using police escorts to shield them from protesters eager to confront them.

Capitol police have arrested dozens of people in recent days for unlawfully demonstrating in Senate office buildings. Police have stepped up their presence in Capitol hallways, in some cases blocking news reporters and the public from approaching lawmakers.

Sen. Susan Collins, a Maine Republican who is a key undecided vote on Kavanaugh, was escorted out of a hearing by three police officers. She ignored questions from reporters. Police later threatened to clear a public hallway outside her office in the Dirksen Senate Office Building and physically blocked reporters from approaching Collins as she left the office to return to the Capitol for a vote.

A spokeswoman for Collins declined to comment on her security detail. The stepped-up police presence comes as senators — especially Republicans — have expressed unease over protesters

SEN. Susan Collins is escorted by U.S. Capitol Police past waiting reporters trying to ask about Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh on Capitol Hill who have confronted them at their Senate offices, restaurants, airports and even their homes. Personal information about some lawmakers also has been released online.

Capitol police said yesterday they had charged a former Senate staffer with posting private, identifying information about one or more senators on the internet.

Jackson Cosko, 27, of Washington, was charged with making public restricted personal information,

unauthorised access of a government computer and other crimes.

According to Legistorm, a website that tracks lawmakers and Capitol Hill staffers, Cosko worked for Democratic Sen Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire from January 2017 to May 2018 as a legislative correspondent/systems administrator.

A spokesman for Hassan declined to comment on the matter last night.

• PRESIDENT-ELECT Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said President Donald Trump informed him he won’t be coming to his inauguration and will be sending Vice President Mike Pence instead.

During a telephone conversation, Lopez Obrador talked to Trump about plans for development projects in Central America and Mexico aimed at reducing the need for people to emigrate north. Lopez Obrador said Trump “reacted positively” to the discussion. “It was a very good call,” Lopez Obrador said. “We have achieved a good understanding.”

Lopez Obrador said he proposed the US, Canada and Mexico join forces to generate jobs and economic development “so that Mexicans and Central Americans can find work where they were born, where their families, cultures and customs are ... so that migration is a choice, not a necessity”.

“That can be done if there are jobs and development,” Lopez Obrador said, suggesting Mexico would like the US to invest in part of his administration’s proposed $1.6 billion regional development plan.

India to deport Rohingya Muslims GAUHATI, India Associated Press INDIA plans to send seven Rohingya Muslims back to Myanmar in the first deportation of members of the Myanmar minority group since the Home Ministry ordered state authorities last year to identify and deport them and other people in the country illegally.

Senior police officer Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta said the seven people were arrested in 2012 for entering India illegally and have been held in an Assam state prison.

They are likely to be handed over to Myanmar border guards today, Mahanta said. India has obtained travel permits for them from Myanmar authorities.

The seven people were taken in a bus from the prison to the border town of Moreh in Manipur state, Mahanta said.

About 700,000 Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh to escape a campaign of violence by Myanmar’s military.

An estimated 40,000 Rohingya have taken refuge in various parts of India. Less than 15,000 are registered with the UN

High Commissioner for Refugees.

Many have settled in areas with large Muslim populations, including the southern city of Hyderabad, the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, New Delhi, and the Himalayan region of Jammu-Kashmir.

The Indian government says it has evidence there are extremists who pose a threat to the country’s security among the Rohingya Muslims who have settled in many Indian cities. India is fighting insurgencies in northern Kashmir and in northeastern states.

India’s top court is hearing a petition filed on behalf of two Rohingya Muslims challenging a government decision to deport the ethnic group from India.

The Rohingya approached the Supreme Court after India’s junior home affairs minister, Kiren Rijiju, told Parliament last year that state governments had been asked to identify and deport people who entered the country illegally, including Rohingya.

Rijiju said India would deport all Rohingya refugees, including those who have been registered by the UN refugee agency.