10052017 news

THURSDAY i’m lovin’ it!

The Tribune Established 1903

24/7 BREAKING NEWS ON TRIBUNE242.COM

HIGH 88ºF LOW 78ºF

Biggest And Best!

VOLUME:114 No.219, OCTOBER 5TH, 2017

OBITS

THE PEOPLE’S PAPER:$1

OFFICIA

CLASSIFIEDS TRADER: CARS, CARS, CARS – AND TECH!

INSIDE

Gaming board execs on $200k

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

THE Minnis administration is in the process of terminating executives and paying them out of their hefty contracts at the Gaming Board, Tourism Minister Dionisio ‘Aguilar confirmed, revealing there have been no audited financials since 2015 and infighting is common practice at the “dysfunctional” organisation.

Mr D’Aguilar, who has the Gaming Board in his portfolio, told Parliament yesterday, when he became minister there were four individuals each being paid more than $200,000 a year after their pay, bonuses, gratuities and

allowances were factored in.

These salaries and those of other senior level employees placed the Gaming Board’s budget for payroll at well over a million dollars a year.

He said when anyone states public officers are underpaid, the Gaming Board is not a government entity fitting into this category.

“There was one individual taking home in excess of $150,000 and there were numerous other senior executives earning between $80,000 and $100,000 per annum,” Mr D’Aguilar said during continued contributions from MPs thanking Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling for

SEE? TWO LEGIT PASSPORTS

AS people increasingly use gaming houses as a means to move money in view of some clearing banks closing branches throughout the Bahamas, there is worry that this unregulated activity may put the country on an international “black list,” affecting the stability of the country’s banking sector, Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar told Parliament yesterday.

SEE PAGE SIX

THE Minister of Tourism’s recognition that Bahamasair’s multi-million dollar taxpayer subsidies enable it to undercut rivals was yesterday branded “critical to the survival” of private Bahamian airlines.

Captain Randy Butler, Sky Bahamas’ chief executive, told Tribune Business that Dionisio D’Aguilar’s remarks showed the Minnis administration understood how Bahamasair was able to “shock the market” through subsidies that enabled it to keep ticket prices “artificially low”.

IN A bid to end speculation that he has dual citizenship, Transport and Local Government Minister Frankie Campbell yesterday waved his Bahamian and official diplomatic passports in the House of Assembly. Photo: Terrel W Carey/Tribune staff SEE PAGE FIVE

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

conducting the audit, but Mr Dames said: “Preliminary findings…indicate that the police force is top-heavy and that the organisation’s equilibrium command structure and performance are being impacted. It was found that the recent massive promotion exercise resulted in an oversubscription of gazetted officers especially at the superintendent and assistant commissioners level. In fact, five of the current ten assistant commissioners are performing the

same duties they performed prior to being promoted.

Simply put, there were not enough vacancies for these officers to fill.”

In an act many considered to be politically motivated as the general election neared, 851 officers were promoted in May under the Christie administration, including two to the chief superintendent’s rank, 76 to the superintendent’s rank and 90 to the assistant superintendent’s rank.

Prior to that, ten officers were promoted to the assistant commissioner of police’s position. One officer was promoted to senior assistant commissioner of police.

Mr Dames said yesterday: “A manpower audit SEE PAGE THREE

MEAL

79

SANDWICH

WWW.BURGERKING.BS

SEE BUSINESS SECTION

KESSINGER PROMOTIONS LEFT FORCE ‘TOP HEAVY’ MURDER: ISLANDER CHARGED

7 99 Incl. VAT

WHEN Hilton Bowleg arrived at the Paris Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas at 9pm on Sunday he had no idea that about one hour later he would be running for his life in the hotel casino as bullets rained down on concertgoers blocks away on the Vegas Strip.

Luckily, Mr Bowleg who is in Las Vegas for a conference with several

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

AN audit of manpower in the Royal Bahamas Police Force reveals the institution is top-heavy with recent promotional exercises placing a burden on the performance of the force, National Security Minister Marvin Dames (pictured) said in the House of Assembly yesterday.

It’s not clear who is

6

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter Sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

AIRLINE FLIES $22m INTO RED

SEE PAGE SIX

However, he said, while the limited number of gaming houses enjoy the “benefits of being a cartel,” the “cash strapped” government should increase tax revenue from this sector, suggesting the Minnis administration could be considering increased taxes for operators.

He prefaced this by saying in reviewing the financial statements of operators, they were receiving “eye popping” profits. Mr D’Aguilar said

TERROR OF LOCALS IN LAS VEGAS MASSACRE

SEE PAGE SIX

Numbers houses may face tax hike

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

L SOUR CE

/BURGERKINGNASSAU

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

A 27-YEAR-OLD Cat Island native who was arraigned in Magistrate’s Court yesterday charged with robbing at knifepoint and murdering an elderly American woman on that island, claimed he was the victim of police brutality while in custody.

Rodrigo Nigel Rolle, of Orange Creek, Cat Island, stood before Deputy Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes facing SEE PAGE THREE

PAGE 2, Thursday, October 5, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

WILLIAM BROWN IS NAMED MINISTRY OF WORKS 2017 EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

MINISTRY of Works ‘2017 Employee of the Year’ William Brown, centre, receives his award from Parliamentary Secretary Iram Lewis, second left. Permanent Secretary Colin Higgs is second right, with members of the committee. Photo: Derek Smith/BIS

NOMINEES for the Ministry of Works’ 2017 Employee of the Year Award. Photo: Derek Smith/BIS

By KATHRYN CAMPBELL Bahamas Information Services

EVERY MONDAY IN THE TRIBUNE

INSIGHT

FOR THE STORIES THAT MATTER

WILLIAM Brown is the 2017 Employee of the Year at the Ministry of Public Works.

A clerk in the Architectural Section, he was selected from among 18 nominees who were celebrated during an Employee of the Year Awards Luncheon at the British Colonial Hilton on September 29.

Mr Brown has been in the public service since 1995 and is described by his supervisor as an “officer who is always willing to perform his duties whether conditions are favourable or unfavourable.”

In the keynote address, Minister of Works Desmond Bannister described the nominees as “champions” who were being recognised for their commitment and standard of professionalism.

He said public service is too often a “thankless” setting and used the opportunity to express gratitude to the nominees on behalf of himself, the government and the Bahamian people.

“You have made service your career very often sacrificing time, energies that would have gone into family and for that we say thank you to families who equally deserve credit.”

Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Works Iram Lewis told the honourees that they

“You have made service your career very often sacrificing time, energies that would have gone into family and for that we say thank you to families who equally deserve credit.”

Minister of Works Desmond Bannister paying tribute to nominees are all winners and there is no greater honour than to be recognised by one’s colleagues.

Colin Higgs, permanent secretary, urged the employees to continue to bring value to the ministry and to strive for excellence.

He said success depends on everyone in the Ministry.

Among the honourees were mother and son, Sandra Rolle and Orlando Strachan, who won fourth and fifth place respectively; Edgar Fernander, third place; Dion Robinson, second place; and Thomas Frazier, first-runner up.

They received trophies and other awards.

Special awards were given to: Elvis Reckley and Ritchie Alce, Outstanding Tradesman Award; Anthony Fowler and Jody Bootle, Honour Award, and Carolee Lightbourne, Outstanding Family Island Recipient.

Smoked Salmon Benedict

Join Us for Brunch EVERY SUNDAY 11:00am - 3:30pm •

Enjoy Our Daily 3 Course Dinner Specials Starting at $40

For Reservations

Call: 323.7770 www.lucianosnassau.com

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, October 5, 2017, PAGE 3

KESSINGER MURDER: ISLANDER CHARGED FROM PAGE ONE one count each of murder, armed robbery and burglary in connection with the September 29 incident.

During the arraignment, Rolle, who had visible scars on his lower forearm and wrists, claimed he was the victim of police abuse and was not given the opportunity to give a statement.

Handcuffs Rolle, who appeared to wince in pain as officers removed his handcuffs moments before, also showed the judge injuries on his torso and the bottom of his left foot, all of which he alleged he received due to police brutality.

Rolle further claimed he was allegedly made to masturbate by police officers for an unspecified reason.

“I ain’t never kill no one, sir,” he told the magistrate.

The judge noted his claims, but said those issues would need to be addressed in the Supreme court.

It is alleged on the day in question, Rolle murdered 74-year-old Janice Kessinger, a US citizen who had lived on the island for the past 17 years.

It is also alleged that Rolle, while armed with a knife, robbed Kessinger of a safe valued at $500, a Rolex watch valued at $5,000 and a 2006 Ford Explorer valued at $12,500, the property of Frank and Gabbi Wolf.

It is further alleged that sometime around 10pm on the day in question, Rolle

broke into the home of Frank and Gabbi Wolf at Shanna’s Cove in north Cat Island, intending to commit a felony.

Rolle was not required to enter a plea to the charges and the deputy chief magistrate adjourned the matter to November 30 for service of a voluntary bill of indictment.

He was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDCS) until that time.

Mrs Kessinger’s body was discovered in bushes on Sunday after police put out a missing person’s alert.

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

The property is owned by her friends, The Tribune understands, who were out of town at the time.

RODRIGO Nigel Rolle outside court yesterday.

PHOTO: Terrel W. Carey/ Tribune Staff

MAN DIES TWO WEEKS AFTER BEING SHOT

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter Sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

A 39-YEAR-OLD man died in hospital early Wednesday morning after being shot two weeks ago.

The killing pushed the country’s murder count to 108 for the year, according to The Tribune’s records.

According to police, the victim and another man were driving in a car on Ida Street shortly after 6pm Sunday, September 17 when they were approached by two male occupants of a grey coloured Chrysler

vehicle armed with a handgun. The victim was shot before the gunmen sped away. The man was taken to hospital where he was previously listed in serious condition. According to police, the victim died of his injuries in hospital after 5am on Wednesday morning.

Police have not identified the victim, but The Tribune understands he is Elvardo Bootle.

Officer-in-charge of the Central Detective Unit, Chief Superintendent Solomon Cash, said police have no suspects in custody and no motive for the killing.

“The victim died in the hospital and right now we have no one in custody and we don’t have any motive as it relates to this killing,” he said.

“We are asking members of the community who live in the area or who may have information that can lead to the arrest of the suspects to please come forward and help us solve this crime.”

Chief Supt Cash also said police are still awaiting the results of an autopsy to determine if “foul play” was connected to the death of a man who died in hospital last week.

According to reports, the victim William Curtis Thompson was involved in a domestic dispute with his 63-year-old wife in June when she is accused of attacking him with acid.

Chief Supt Cash said police are awaiting the results of the autopsy before the death can be classified.

Anyone with information on any of these incidents is asked to contact police at 911 or 919, the Central Detective Unit at 502-9991 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 328-TIPS. Investigations continue.

COURT-APPOINTED LAWYER FOR MAN CHALLENGING 30-YEAR SENTENCE

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net A MAN seeking to challenge his 30-year sentence for manslaughter in connection with a fatal stabbing incident that occurred in 2013 will receive a court-appointed lawyer for his appeal application.

Shadrach Gibson appeared before Court of Appeal President Dame

Anita Allen and fellow Justices Jon Isaacs and Stella Crane-Scott seeking an extension of time application to appeal the March 30, 2016 conviction and May 11, 2016 sentence.

However, the Crown moved the court to consider inquiring about the need for a lawyer to represent Gibson, who appeared unrepresented at yesterday’s hearing.

Dame Anita ultimately made an order for the assignment of a lawyer

at the public’s expense. She adjourned the matter to November 15 for mention.

Gibson was convicted and sentenced to 30 years in prison, minus three years for the time he spent on remand, for the June 9, 2013 stabbing of Sidney Brian Hart.

Hart was found at Wulff Road, west of Jerome Avenue, with multiple stab wounds, in the early hours of the morning of June 9.

PROMOTIONS LEFT FORCE ‘TOP HEAVY’

FROM PAGE ONE

of the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) is currently on the way to determine the human resources required to effectively provide policing services throughout our nation. This audit, which takes into account population density, land mass and crime trends, will speak to the appropriate structure and deployment of officers for the police force. Preliminary findings have revealed a number of structural issues within the force that currently affect its efficiency.

Understaffed “Firstly, even though the Bahamas falls well below the global officerto-citizen ratio, police stations across the capital are understaffed, which negatively impacts the delivery of critical policing services at individual levels. Secondly, the audit also found that nearly 400 officers are currently engaged in non-traditional policing duties and areas such as accounts and human resources and maintenance to name a few.”

A final report on the audit of the force’s manpower will be released by the second week of November, Mr Dames said, adding: “We have already begun the process of correcting a lot of these issues that have negatively impacted the delivery of policing services to the community

and the synergy of the organisation itself.”

Mr Dames’ discussion of the audit was met with criticism from South Andros MP Picewell Forbes, who, from his seat, suggested Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade was responsible for the recent promotional exercises and that Mr Dames was overstepping his role in making his criticism.

Mr Dames grew irate.

“Keep your mouth shut,” he shouted at one point.

“You never sat as a Cabinet minister so you would not know. . . Sit down and relax yourself…I have the floor.”

Mr Dames, not unlike his predecessor Dr Bernard Nottage, discussed statistics as he sought to prove police are working hard to disrupt criminal activity despite high levels of violent crime.

“Between May and September 2017 police have arrested in excess of 269 persons for an array of serious offences ranging from murder to robbery,” he said.

Weapons “They have seized over 125 illegal weapons and 5,316 rounds of ammunition. In addition, 9,381 fixed penalties were issued to drivers in violation of traffic laws. The police have also ramped up their drug interdiction efforts by executing more than 140 anti-drug operations since May of this year. During this time, over 10,332.15

MINISTER of National Security Marvin Dames.

pounds of marijuana and 1,428 pounds of cocaine have been seized. Drug enforcement officers have executed over 120 warrants on suspected drug houses throughout New Providence and Grand Bahama and have also searched over 1,180 persons.

“A total of 627 persons have been arrested for drug related offences, 528 of whom were subsequently placed before the courts. This clampdown has resulted in many wellknown drug houses, which were operating in our communities, being shut down.”

FREe DOuBLE upgRadE!

s..

PPINES S YOUR HA

TIPLIE ALAMO MUL

• Reserve a compact car and get a standard one, or book an intermediate car and get a full-size one.

• Promotion valid until December 14, 2017 on reservations 4-3 days in the USA. • Be sure to include coupon code AU4368BJZ on the reservation.

Reserve on alamo.com or contact Going Places Travel at (242) 393-6900 or (786) 245-0520 or at 1-800-468-3334.

Double upgrade is subject to availability. Blackout dates may apply.

Offer subject to change without notice.

PAGE 4, Thursday, October 5, 2017

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,

Publisher/Editor 1903-1914

SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH,

Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt .

Publisher/Editor 1919-1972 Contributing Editor 1972-1991

EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON,

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

Published daily Monday to Friday

Shirley & Deveaux Streets, Nassau, Bahamas N3207 TELEPHONES

News & General Information Advertising Manager Circulation Department Nassau fax Freeport, Grand Bahama Freeport fax

(242) 322-1986 (242) 502-2394 (242) 502-2386 (242) 328-2398 (242)-352-6608 (242) 352-9348

WEBSITE, TWITTER & FACEBOOK www.tribune242.com

@tribune242

tribune news network

Some suggestions to get our crime under control IN THIS column yesterday we commented on this country’s mushrooming crime problem. Today we have too many accused persons — from petty crimes up to murder – roaming the streets while awaiting their day in court.

They have all been released on bail by the courts. The more serious offenders wear an ankle bracelet, but that does not seem to make it any easier for the police to keep tabs on them. Not able to get a job, and in need of fees to engage a lawyer, one doesn’t have to stretch the imagination too far to know what these jobless accused are forced to do under the shadow of darkness. No wonder the police complain about the courts’ “revolving doors” which keep them running with handcuffs behind the same offenders.

On the other side of the coin there is an increase in drive-by shootings, possibly one offender settling a grudge or maybe even passing judgment on a crime yet to be tried in court. In other words there is a band of citizens who have replaced the courts and are settling scores on the streets. It doesn’t even reduce the court calendar, all it does is replace one dead accused with two or three others that the police now have to track down.

Many of these accused persons now out on bail have to use their wits to stay alive long enough for their court date. While they wait, they have to eat, they have to hire a lawyer, but they also have to have income to satisfy these needs. And so petty crimes of necessity continue.

The courts are possibly granting bail because the prison cannot accommodate any more inmates.

The court calendar cannot be increased particularly when popular lawyers overbook their clients so that their court dates conflict and when they should be in one court, they have to excuse themselves because they are already appearing in another court before another judge. As a result the court calendar is delayed – it is no longer “swift justice”, but confused justice, because lawyers themselves seem unable to regulate their own calendars.

It has been suggested that magistrates should have a list of future court dates of each lawyer appearing before them so that they will know how to schedule the next appearance for the accused then sitting in the box.

We are told that such a system worked well when the gun court was in existence.

However, it is causing confusion in the magistrate’s courts because an accused is turning up on the appointed date, but without his lawyer who is in another court with another client. No wonder cases are backed up.

With a bit of imagination and consultative planning this should be of easy solution between bench and attorney.

It has been suggested that a large piece of Crown land be granted for a special prison to hold all of those parsons sent down by the courts on remand

- no more bail, and certainly not for anyone charged with murder or gun illegal possession. These persons while they await trial should be supervised in the cultivation of the land, not only to feed themselves, but to sell their produce to the community. If done under expert agricultural supervision, such a farm could financially help support the maintenance of the prison as well as feed the inmates. We all know that this country is strapped for money. But such an investment could possibly pay dividends in the end. Bahamians in certain areas would certainly sleep in peace at night, and children would be able to do their homework without fearing that a stray bullet will end their life.

The Archdiocesan Catholic Church Men’s Association (ACCMA) working with the Department of Correctional Services recently announced a Hope programme to help rehabilitate prison inmates, and provide them with legal aid and jobs during and after their release from prison.

These men are to be commended for the work they are doing.

However, we would suggest one or two of them try to get in touch with a most impressive training programme — Jobs for the Future — created as an alternative to gang life for high-risk youth.

At least one of our Bahamian police officers has visited the group in Los Angeles and seen the long lines to a restaurant run by the Homeboy Industries — all recovered gang members. It is said it is the most popular restaurant in Boyles Heights, Los Angeles.

This is only one of the many programmes that have been created for wayward youth to turn them into useful and respected citizens.

The Homeboy Industries was started in 1988 by Father Greg Boyle, SJ, as a job training programme— an alternative to gang-life for high-risk youth, living in Los Angeles in an area with the highest concentration of gang life in the US. “In those early days,” said a report, “Boyle found sympathetic businesses that agreed to hire recovering gang members.

“In 1992, an abandoned warehouse was converted into the first business, Homeboy Bakery, to create more opportunities for employment. The Bakery started off producing tortillas and eventually received a contract for baking bread. Eventually more businesses were added, and in 2001, Homeboy Industries became an independent non-profit.”

Since then many more interesting and successful programmes have been added.

It would be good for the ACCMA to make contact with this group so that they can get some ideas from them as to how to capture Bahamian youth before they can graduate to HM Prison, Fox Hill.

The address is Homeboy Industries, 130 W. Bruno St., Los Angeles, CA, 90012. The e-mail address is: info@homboyindustries.org

Death penalty does not work in reducing crime CRIME -- TRIBUNE EDITORIAL 28 SEPT. ‘17 EDITOR, The Tribune.

Re: Society must cooperate in defeating crime.

The Tribune, Editorial, September 28, 2017.

IT was rewarding to read this thoughtful editorial.

Especially since it contained several sensible suggestions for combatting crime, which were presented without the usual hysterical, knee-jerk calls for enforcing the death penalty. In fact, the

death penalty wasn’t even mentioned --- just a few down-to-earth suggestions that might be helpful in reducing our crime in the long run.

One of the death penalty’s understandably feel-good attractions is that there is a very low rate of recidivism.

This cannot be denied.

However, an aspect that is frequently misunderstood, &/or conveniently overlooked, is that it has been shown in many diverse places that, generally speaking, the

death penalty simply does not work well in reducing crime.

Therefore, we cannot expect crime to improve very much overall by enforcing the death penalty.

We must concentrate heavily on less sensational suggestions for defeating crime, much like those presented in the well-written editorial. Thank you.

EN W KNOWLES, K MD Nassau, October 3, 2017.

I live in Grand Bahama and support helping Dominica EDITOR, The Tribune.

PERSONALLY, I have no problem with us assisting the children of Dominica. I do not believe that providing help to those in need will suddenly make us destitute or less able to be helped, and I live in Grand Bahama where things have been tough for years.

Were it not for foreign aid, from the United States in the North to Jamaica in the South, our island would have suffered even more pain than it did during Frances and would still be in darkness after Hurricane Matthew last year.

When we saw those foreign guys on those poles fixing our light, we didn’t block them at the border or tell them get out of our

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net

country because you are not Bahamian.

We didn’t block our borders in West End to foreign groups who came in bringing relief supplies. Their countries have major problems too.

Their households undoubtedly have their challenges.

We welcomed them with open arms because we needed them and will need them again should, God forbid, we get hit with more major hurricanes.

Yes, we do have problems in our country and, yes, many of us do feel marginalised.

Yes, the government does need to give us the

actionable, detailed way forward for our island.

Yes, the struggle is real.

Yes, residents are hurting.

But that has not caused me to harden my heart toward anyone, whether Bahamian or any other nationality.

They say closed mouths don’t get fed. True.

Closed hands and a closed heart won’t get needs met either.

I’m sickened by the politics and self-aggrandisement that has taken centre stage in this matter, and saddened at how this whole matter has deteriorated - most especially since children are involved.

SHARON TURNER Grand Bahama, September 30, 2017.

Grand Bahama

A severe lack of critical thinking in education EDITOR, The Tribune.

I AM in favour of The Bahamas helping out Dominica.

In fact I am hoping that along with their students, they also send teachers.

Hopefully some of heir intelligence, class and work ethic can rub off on some of these teachers here in Nassau.

I have been intimately involved with teachers over the years and it is apparent to me, that there is a severe lack of critical thinking going on in education.

Teachers cannot give to students, what they do not have.

You cannot teach children to think critically, if you are not a critical thinker.

Teachers have been getting raises, but what do we as a country have to show for it.

We have “D” average students, because we have “D” average teachers.

It is a bad situation, their leader is a rude, controversial P.E. teacher, who from my

view point, has not made any significant contribution to improving education.

Jeff Lloyd must demonstrate that he is more than just a radio talk show host, who solves the world problems behind a microphone.

He must attack this problem at the point of contact where the teacher meets the students in the class-room.

Students today live in a technological age.

They are influenced by more negativity than any previous generation.

Now more than ever they need thinking skills, reason and logic.

I ask the Bahamian people – are you comfortable that those that stand in the front of our children, can teach these skills? Are they technologically savvy?

Welcome Dominicans!

G. WRIGHT, Nassau, October 3, 2017.

THE TRIBUNE

FRANKIE CAMPBELL SHOOTS DOWN DUAL CITIZENSHIP SPECULATION

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

BUOYED by the encouraging cheers of his colleagues, Transport and Local Government Minister Frankie Campbell shot down speculation in the House of Assembly yesterday that he has dual citizenship, declaring he has never pledged allegiance to any country but the Bahamas, nor has he ever had a travel document in the name of any other country.

He also gave authorisation for any foreign embassy in the Bahamas to supply anyone requesting evidence that he ever held citizenship of another country.

Mr Campbell expressed pride in his heritage, one that includes being born in the Bahamas to a Haitian mother but living here throughout his life, experiencing the country’s transition into independence.

Speculation grew on social media about his citizenship after he made comments about having two passports in a short clip of an interview he gave on the Darold Miller Live show earlier this year.

Mr Campbell, who was out of the country, did not directly address questions about the matter when this newspaper contacted him Sunday, but Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis told The Tribune the Southern Shores MP was referring to his Bahamian passport and his diplomatic passport when he referenced to the documents.

Citizen According to the Constitution, a person is not qualified to be elected to the House of Assembly if they are a citizen of another country, having become that citizen voluntarily or if, “by virtue of his own act, under any acknowledgement of allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign power or state.”

“At no time in my 50 years of existence did I, Frankie Campbell, ever pledge allegiance to any other country than the Bahamas, save and except for what we did here in the Bahamas between 1967 when I would’ve been involved and 1973 when we raised the flag,” Mr Campbell said yesterday.

“I publicly give permission and authorisation to any of our foreign embassies here in the Bahamas to supply whoever requests any evidence or proof that I ever held any other travel document or citizenship other than that of my beloved Bahamas.”

Mr Campbell said he learned of the controversy when he was in the US over the weekend with a government delegation on an Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) trip.

“While there to my surprise I received information that I had fled the country, I had gone down south, all emanating from comments that I would’ve made from May of this year shortly after the general election on the Darold Miller show,” he said. “I find it amazing that in my 50 years of existence I’ve never had to defend my attachment to my heritage. Science has advanced to the extent where parents are able to choose the colour of the eyes of their children, choose the sex of their children and other physical attributes but to my knowledge there has been no science that helps to decide for a child who his or her parents will be and to that extent I give thanks to Almighty God for who my parents are.”

Controversy erupted in 2010 over former Elizabeth MP Ryan Pinder’s dual citizenship in a by-election in Elizabeth. Mr Pinder, who later renounced his American citizenship, had acquired US citizenship automatically at birth because his mother was American.

As he grew up with a Haitian mother, Mr Campbell

TRANSPORT and Local Government Minister Frankie Campbell speaks in the House of Assembly yesterday.

Thursday, October 5, 2017, PAGE 5

BAHA MAR NOW EMPLOYING MORE THAN 3,000 BAHAMIANS

PHOTO: Terrel W Carey/ Tribune staff

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net BAHA Mar’s employee count has surpassed 3,000 Bahamians as the resort eyes a total work force of 5,000 employees, Tourism and Aviation Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar said yesterday.

Noting the West Bay Street resort is now two years behind schedule, the minister said the cost has been great considering lost wages, lost opportunities and lost economic activity.

Deliver

experienced several indignities, he said.

“There are many who may relate to having suffered certain indignations as a young person, the term ‘Haitian boy’ was com-

“At no time in my 50 years of existence did I, Frankie Campbell, ever pledge allegiance to any other country than the Bahamas, save and except for what we did here in the Bahamas between 1967 when I would’ve been involved and 1973 when we raised the flag.”

Transport and Local Goverment Minister Frankie Campbell monplace for me. I grew up accepting who I am without making any excuses and even at this point in my life when I tell those stories, it’s not in search of sympathy, but I tell those stories with the hope that maybe one person who may now find

themselves in the position I would’ve been then would realize it’s not where you begin but where you end up.”

He added yesterday: “With God’s help I had the opportunity to travel in and out of the country from a teenager. I joined the police force, I served my country and there was never any question as to my loyalty to my Bahamaland.

Unlike many of my cousins, I had the good fortune of being born here in 1967.

When that flag was raised on midnight July 10, 1973 I would’ve been six years and nine days old; I would’ve had the opportunity of being on the fort when the Queen and the Prince visited and drove on the back of a Jeep. While I am not at all in any way, form, or fashion ashamed or embarrassed of my Haitian heritage, I want to say…

Frankie Alfred Campbell is as Bahamians as conch salad.

“Yes, I said I have two passports. Yes, I do. With God’s grace, having been appointed to the Bahamas embassy in Port au Prince, Haiti, of September 2010, on the 26th I was issued a diplomatic passport number…That made me proud in many ways, proud as an individual, proud

realising where I came from, but also proud to brag about my country having the generosity to provide equal opportunity for all.

Passport “That passport had a 10-year lifespan; upon my being recalled from Haiti, no one asked for the passport. It was still valid. I kept the passport. I didn’t use or abuse it. I kept it as a source of pride and accomplishment. God being the good God that he is, upon my appointment on the 15th of May as minister of transport and local government, the Passport Office again issued me a diplomatic passport. Yes, I have two passports.”

“We are encouraged that Baha Mar is slowly bringing its 2,300 rooms on stream. Naturally, we would like them to move faster but we understand that if you wish to deliver world class service and a world class project these deliverables take time,” the Free Town MP told Parliament yesterday.

“I have been reliably informed that the employee count has just surpassed 3,000 Bahamians and with the real, as opposed to fake grand opening planned for April 2018, I am told that a total of 5,000 Bahamians will ultimately be employed at that property.

“Before anybody on the other side jumps up and starts chirping that we are reaping what they sowed, may I remind the Bahamian public that this new project is now two years behind schedule and the

cost of this delay in lost wages, in lost opportunities, in lost economic activity is probably just north of $2bn. But as the old adage goes, better late than never.”

In July, Chow Tai Fook Enterprises (CTFE) Bahamas President Graeme Davis said the SLS Lux at Baha Mar was on track for an October or early November opening having met specific markers.

At the time, he said there were around 2,100 Bahamians employed along with less than 100 expatriates working at Baha Mar at more than 50 per cent occupancy.

Earlier in April, then Prime Minister Perry Christie celebrated the official opening of the Grand Hyatt, calling it a “dream come true”.

Baha Mar was originally scheduled to open at the end of 2014. It was delayed because of the resort’s original developer Sarkis Izmirlian filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the United States in June 2015, claiming unsatisfactory performance and the missing of promised completion dates by its contractor, China Construction America (CCA}.

Mr Izmirlian eventually lost control of the $3.5bn mega resort after legal wrangling in the US and in the Bahamas, and the decision, supported by the Christie government, that the matter should be decided in courts of the Bahamas to respect the country’s “sovereignty”.

PAGE 6, Thursday, October 5, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

TERROR OF LOCALS IN LAS VEGAS MASSACRE FROM PAGE ONE other Bahamians were unharmed as they were not in the direct vicinity of the shooting. However, in an interview with The Tribune, he said he “cannot recall a time he was so afraid” and the horror of what he experienced that night will forever remain with him.

On Sunday at about 10.08pm, the Route 91 Harvest Festival, an outdoor country music concert, was interrupted by the sound of gunfire. According to CNN, a gunman fired on the crowd of about 22,000 people from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino for about 11 minutes, several hundred feet southwest of the concert grounds.

The massacre left 59 people dead and more than 500 people with gunshot wounds or stampede injuries.

Two days after the massacre, Mr Bowleg, who is the vice-chairman at the Bahamas Island Cooperative Credit Union, said Las Vegas is slowly returning to normal despite the presence of heavily armed police officers at every turn.

“The night, me and my colleagues were walking in the casino talking and laughing and five seconds later the front door of the casino flew open and people just started running in and screaming that there was an ‘active shooter.’ Next thing I know people were running and screaming and crying, it was a mess, pure chaos. The security then started telling everyone to leave the casino, they were trying to clear the floor but people just kept running in and screaming. I was so terrified, so scared. I never felt fear like that before,” he said.

Crying “At one point my colleague was on the side of me and the next thing I know, he disappeared. I started running because everyone was running and your instinct to survive kicks in. I ran to the elevator and people were there frightened and crying.

I made it up to my room and the phone rings and it was my colleague.

“He called to check on me, I breathed a sigh of relief. I looked out of the window, the Mandalay Bay hotel is literally right there from us and I could see police checking everyone and people running and you could hear the screams. I did not sleep a wink, I was up all night watching the news. That’s how I found out what was going on. Since then, police have been everywhere, posted through the casino, outside on the streets, I mean armed officers are everywhere. Everyone is being watched, tensions are still high but everyone is trying to go about their business.”

Katie Longley, director of public relations at the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island, who is also in Las Vegas, said it was a bit “unsettling” to be so close to the shooting, but “thankfully far enough.”

“What a welcome to Las Vegas, it’s my first time to the city,” she said. “The incident happened within hours of our arrival. We had checked in about an hour and a half (earlier) and were actually settling in when I heard lots of sirens, looked out the window and saw police and emergency vehicles traversing the streets.

“About 15 minutes later a message blasted from the hotel requesting all guests to stay in their rooms and everyone

BAHAMIAN HILTON BOWLEG, pictured in Las Vegas, was in the casino of the Paris Hotel on Sunday when a gunman opened fire on concert goers a short distance away. in the casino to evacuate. I thought something had happened downstairs in the resort’s casino where I’m staying, only to find out what truly transpired. It’s a bit unsettling and chilling to be so close, but thankfully far enough. The strip has returned to a level of normalcy in terms of persons roaming the streets. While I’m extremely vigilant and observant, I feel somewhat safe due to the heavy police presence. Seems like the entire police force is working the strip. There are three patrol cars continuously parked in front of the hotel and along the entire strip. As you know we can’t continuously live our life in fear so I still plan to carry on with my plans to visit the various shows and attractions. The situation is unfortunate and my heart goes out to the victims’ families,” Ms Longley said.

Authorities in the US have identified the shooter as 64-year-old Stephen Paddock of Mesquite, Nevada, a retired and twice-divorced accountant with no known children.

Paddock was alive when officers first made contact with him outside his suite.

Officers “breached the hotel room” where Paddock was and found him dead, police said. Authorities believe he killed himself. Police said they believe Paddock acted alone.

According to CNN, police say they have not determined Paddock’s motives.

As such, they are not calling the shooting terrorism.

The girlfriend of the Las Vegas gunman arrived in the US yesterday, where she is due to be questioned by police, according to BBC. Marilou Danley was met by federal agents as she landed in Los Angeles from the Philippines. Paddock reportedly wired $100,000 to her in the Philippines before the rampage. Police officials quoted by the Reuters news agency said they hoped Ms Danley – an Australian citizen who moved to the US 20 years ago – would consent to be interviewed voluntarily.

US authorities previously named Ms Danley as a “person of interest” in their investigation and said they made contact with her shortly after the shooting.

Although the authorities are still unable to explain why a 64-year-old gambler would carry out a mass shooting by hauling such a vast arsenal of weapons to the hotel, they do know there was a high degree of planning.

GAMING BOARD EXECS ON $200K FROM PAGE ONE delivering the Speech from the Throne in May. “And shortly before and shortly after the general election, the previous board and management were conducting a salary review and proposing some new salary scales which were eye popping only because I am a Cabinet minister and I make $71,000.

“The secretary was to make $192,500. The deputy secretary was to make $121,000.

“And the next category of seven executives was to make $110,000.”

He continued: “And one would think that with all that compensation being splashed about it would be the best run, well-oiled armed of the state.

“But there have been no audited financials since 30 June 2015 and I found it to be a very dysfunctional organisation with lots of infighting among its senior

executives and delivering its services at much the same speed as the rest of the civil service.”

Just last week, John Bain, the chief financial officer at the Gaming Board was terminated, The Tribune understands.

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

Last month, Gaming Board Secretary Verdant Scott was directed to take a vacation as the regulatory body prepared to issue a request for proposals for a forensic audit.

The audit, which The Tribune understands has not yet started, will also investigate the board’s decision to award bonuses and increased salaries.

One reported bonus was awarded as a result of the completion of Baha Mar’s casino licence.

According to a source, there is currently no review of Baha Mar’s casino licence despite the hefty bonuses.

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

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

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

The gaming application was submitted by Chow Tai Fook Enterprises (CTFE) subsidiary Sky Warrior Bahamas Ltd, trading as Baha Mar.

NUMBERS HOUSES MAY FACE TAX HIKE

FROM PAGE ONE

the Gaming Board is expected to soon meet with gaming houses with a view to considering how best this can be done.

“The dynamics of the modern-day gaming industry in the Bahamas and the rapidly changing aspects of the national gaming marketplace has radically transformed the gaming industry in our country since 2014,” the Free Town MP said yesterday.

“The old ‘numbers’ businesses are now gaming houses and collectively, these emerging concerns are employing a significant number of Bahamians.

“However the number of Bahamians that dare to gamble continues to grow and grow and naturally this is of growing concern to the government. I have had a chance to review the financial statements of the gaming houses and the profits reported are eye popping.”

And despite an active moratorium to prevent new companies from entering the market, there continues to be proliferation of shops, the minister suggested.

“With a moratorium in place to prevent any new companies from entering the market, the eight remaining gaming houses continue to enjoy the benefits of being a cartel in much the same way as the clearing banks do.

“In addition, there is consolidation underway among the gaming houses where the biggest player is seemingly gobbling up the smaller players and while there may be eight gaming houses in the public domain, some of the gaming houses have the same owners.

“With the gaming houses being so cash rich and the government being so cash strapped fulfilling its requests for social services and education, I am sure that the minister of finance will be looking to enhance his tax revenues from this sector.

“As such the Gaming Board will be entering into discussions with the gaming houses to see how best this can be done.”

Regarding clearing bank closures in several islands, the minister said web shops are becoming a more attractive means to move cash. “…Gaming houses are unintentionally or intentionally becoming the easiest and cheapest way to move cash throughout the islands.

“This is worrying because this type of unregulated cash movement without any ‘know your consumer’ regimes in place will surely at some time, set off alarm somewhere in the world in one of those organisations that can put us on some list, typically known as the ‘black list,’ and injure our ability to conduct banking relationships overseas.

“As such, Mr Speaker, the Gaming Board will consult with the authorities at the Central Bank to determine how best to move forward on this issue to ensure the gaming houses do not negatively impact the stability of our financial sector.”

Mr D’Aguilar said the Gaming Board will further push gaming houses to become more creative in controlling out of control gambling.

In 2014, after Bahamians overwhelmingly voted against legalising web shops in a referendum on January 28, 2013, 25 government MPs in the former Christie administration voted to pass amendments to the Gaming Act in the House of Assembly, making the sector legal.

At the time, then Prime Minister Perry Christie said based on unverified information presented by most web shop operators, the government could yield “some $25 million” in penalties, back business licence fees and application fees during the transition. He said during this period operators would have been required to disclose the revenues generated by their operations in the past while paying a variety of fees.

Between $22 million and $29 million was expected to be obtained from gaming taxes, social contributions from businesses and other fees on an annual basis, the former prime minister had said.

THE TRIBUNE

UN CHIEF: SCIENTISTS SAY EXTREME STORMS WILL BE ‘NEW NORMAL’

By EDITH M. LEDERER, Associated Press UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is heading to the hurricanebattered Caribbean, where he said Wednesday that scientists predict the extreme storms during this year’s Atlantic hurricane season “will be the new normal of a warming world.”

The U.N. chief told reporters that Hurricane Irma, which devastated Barbuda, was a Category 5 storm for three consecutive days — “the longest on satellite record” — and its winds that reached 300 kilometres per hour for 37 hours were “the longest on record at that intensity.”

Hurricanes Harvey and Irma marked the first time two Category 4 storms made landfall on the United States mainland in the same year, Guterres said, and Hurricane Maria, a Category 5 storm, followed up by decimating Dominica and devastating Puerto Rico.

The secretary-general said “scientists are learning more and more about the links between climate change and extreme weather.”

A warmer climate “turbocharges the intensity of hurricanes,” which pick up energy as they move across the ocean, he said.

“The melting of glaciers, and the thermal expansion of the seas, means bigger storm surges” and with more people living along coastlines “the damage is, and will be that much greater.”

As for changes in major climate systems, Guterres said sea levels have risen more than 10 inches since 1870 and over the last 30 years, “the number of annual weather-related disasters has nearly tripled, and economic losses have quintupled.”

Thursday, October 5, 2017, PAGE 7

STUDIES INTO LIFE AT DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES REVEALED

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

THE findings of various research studies carried out on the elements of life at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services were yesterday presented and detailed during a one day symposium hosted at the University of the Bahamas.

Researchers, guided by the principles established by a 2016 Inter-American Development (IDB) study of 350 inmates, examined a range of factors stemming from prisoner psyche, conditions at the BDCS and the country’s legal system.

The initial IDB study was carried out through the Probation and Parole Steering Committee.

UB Director of Institutional Straightening and Accreditation William Fielding called the symposium “an ideal step” for the developing university which continues to expand its reach into the social fibre of the Bahamas.

Symposium Applauding the research on display Wednesday, Mr Fielding said the one day symposium, at its core, aimed to lend to the extensive debate surrounding the life, incarceration and expected rehabilitation of Bahamians citizens that run afoul of the law.

“During the past year, we have had a team of faculty looking at different elements regarding life in prison; whether it is prison health, use of illegal drugs in prison and even the dynamics of the prison’s economy,” Mr Fielding said.

“As we look to further research here at the university, these sorts of projects will have to continue because they not only help us improve, but it lends to the development of the overall country.

“Like most, if not all, universities aim to do,” he added.

Symposium topics ranged from a spatial analysis of prisoners’ prior residence and schools, where researchers assessed the spatial patterns of where current prisoners from New Providence resided and attended school prior to their imprisonment and how patterns formed are related to the socioeconomic characteristics of these neighbourhoods and perceptions of neighbourhood residents about the social capital and safety of these areas; to the family lives of inmates, which explored the expectations of inmates when being reintegrated

into society and the effect their incarceration had on family and friends.

Other presentations included: “Who is the Murderer?” by noted scholar Nicolette Bethel, in which she analysed the 2015 murder rate and delved into who committed these crimes and under what circumstances were these crimes committed.

Data from the IDB survey revealed the majority of convicted murderers are young men with an incomplete high school education; are under the influence of drugs or alcohol; are armed with guns or knives and find themselves in high-stress situations such as interpersonal conflicts or criminal activity.

The presentation looked to illustrate that contrary to this received wisdom, many of those that perpetrated violent crimes were no different from those refraining from lives of crime.

CELESTE MITCHELL, President of S.T.R.O.K.E., is pictured speaking at the symposium at the University of the Bahamas yesterday. Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune staff

Dr Bethel’s report suggested that many of those incarcerated share many of the same family and community backgrounds as other residents, are almost all working at the time of their crime and are more likely than other prisoners to have been satisfied with their employment and economic situations.

Additionally, the data indicated that homicides tend not to be premeditated, but occur as by-products of tense circumstances.

Earlier this year, the former Christie administration approved recommendations from the Parole and Re-entry Steering Committee concerning rehabilitation of prisoners.

However, the recommendations which were submitted to former National Security Minister Bernard Nottage last September, were never made public.

The IDB 2016 survey report also has not been made public.

PAGE 8, Thursday, October 5, 2017

SCOTIABANK ON BOARD FOR THE CONCHMAN TRIATHLON

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE 31st Annual Conchman Triathlon is scheduled to take place in Grand Bahama on November 4, and Scotiabank has come on board again, but as the exclusive sponsor of the run segment this year.

Bruno Styles, manager of Scotiabank Freeport, said the financial institution remains responsive to the needs of the local community through its involvement in various community events on the island.

“We are happy to partner with Conchman among other community organisations and causes throughout Grand Bahama,” he said.

The annual triathlon will take place at Taino Beach.

The first event was held in 1986 when more than 160 people competed.

Since then, the triathlon has been truly established in the international athletic calendar with competitors travelling from as far away as Europe and the west coast of the United States to compete.

The event’s objectives have remained the same from the start – to stage a positive community event that could contribute to the island’s charitable organisations.

Opportunity Nakera Symonette, marketing and public relations manager at Scotiabank, said that for over 30 years, the Conchman Triathlon has provided an opportunity for running, swimming and cycling athletes to participate in a worldclass event right here in Freeport.

“At Scotiabank we are proud of our long legacy of supporting the communities where we live and work,” she said.

“We are excited to announce Scotiabank’s continued partnership with Conchman, having expanded our support to become the exclusive sponsor of the run segment of the 2017 Conchman Triathlon.”

Ms Symonette said the bank sponsored the event in 2016 during the inaugural schools competition when five schools in Grand Bahama participated last year, with the 15 participating teams.

She said that the committee expects that even more schools will take part this year.

“Today’s youth become tomorrow’s leaders.

We know that focusing on young people is an investment in the long-term security, stability, and growth of both our communities and our business.

“Therefore, we are pleased not only with the expected youth participation in the 31st annual Conchman but also with the selected beneficiaries of this year’s triathlon as funds raised will aid the YMCA and Freeport Rugby and Football Club,” said Ms Symonette.

Scotiabank, together with its employees, supports causes at a grassroots level. Recognised as a leader for its charitable donations and philanthropic activities, in 2016, Scotiabank contributed more than $70 million to help communities around the world.

THE TRIBUNE

SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS HIT OUT AT NEW IMPORTATION RULES AT FREEPORT HARBOUR

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A GROUP of small business owners on Grand Bahama said Wednesday they are significantly affected by the new rules and regulations imposed by the government concerning the importation of goods at the Freeport Harbour.

Having to deal with an already depressed economy, they complained the government is making doing business in Freeport more costly and difficult.

About 30 persons assembled at the International Bazaar on Wednesday to air their concerns about the significant delay in the release of goods imported at Freeport Harbour following some policy revision put in place two months ago.

They also claim “unnecessary” fines ranging from $200 to $2,500 are being levied against their businesses for minor infractions.

“Today we are here calling on the government of the Bahamas the people’s government - to come and sit with us as small business owners to hear our views and concerns regarding some policies that are affecting us,” said businessman Darren Cooper.

“There was a revision put in place; I don’t know if it is Bahamas (Department of) Customs or under the Ministry of Finance, but there are men and women who represent the government as part of a task force in Nassau to collect government revenue, and they decided to bring it here to Freeport.

“That new task force has created a ‘heap of hell’ for us as business owners,” he complained.

Mr Cooper reported that goods initially took two days to clear at the harbour.

“Now it is taking 12 days before you get your goods”, he said. “The delay is slowing down the way we have been able to provide product to our customers. Some things could be done that could make it easier for us.

“And so we are calling on the deputy prime minister; we have eight members that represent us in the halls of Parliament, and we are calling on them to come and sit with us to hear our concerns; listen to us. We are not asking you to exempt us from duty or

A NUMBER of small business owners gathered at the Tori gate in the International Bazaar to air their concerns over new rules and regulations implemented by the government at the Freeport harbour. They touched shoulders in act of solidarity and prayer.

PHOTO: Denise Maycock VAT, but we are asking you to relax some of the new (things) that have been levied against us as small business at our ports of entry.”

Mr Cooper noted that the economy of Freeport pales by comparison to Nassau.

“Nassau has more hotels and casinos; in GB we have one half of a hotel which is open, and we have one ship sailing to Freeport,” he said.

The outspoken businessman stressed small businesses are keeping the Grand Bahama economy “afloat.”

Unemployment “If we close…people are going to join the unemployment line; if we close our doors rent and mortgages are not going to be paid. We are the ones keeping GB afloat right now.”

Mr Cooper added: “I understand fiscal responsibility that the government has, but I want the government to understand that... all of us are feeling the pinch.

“We stand with the government; we support the government, but we need you now to come and hear our cries – it is rough.”

Derek Williams, of Speed-X Courier Service, has had to let go five employees in the past month.

The businessman reported that his business was slapped with fines from $200 to $2,500.

“The courier business is not an exact science and sometimes we have items that come not manifested… and (I have heard that)

some persons have been fined up to $10,000. My business can’t survive giving away (that kind of) monies for simple infractions.

“The government needs to ease up on these fines. We don’t mind paying customs duties and VAT, but these fines are ridiculous,” he said.

Orthland Strachan, of Compusec, said that he sent a letter to Senator Kwasi Thompson on September 21 on behalf of the group outlining their concerns.

He stated that items are valued less than $100 and $500, should not be manifested and cleared by a broker.

Mr Strachan believes that once the items are attached with the accompanying invoices, they should be cleared immediately, saving time and the cost for delivery and brokerage fees.

Businessman Gordon Inc, of Big G’s Plumbing, said his business is not doing well.

“I am feeling the pinch like everybody else,” he said, adding that he is considering reducing work hours for his staff.

“We are losing money right now, and I am working to pay my staff,” he said.

Anton Brookes, co-owner of Island Traders, said the courier business was almost forced to close its doors.

“I am here to stand up for injustice that many of us are facing,” he said.

Angela Rolle, of OMG Couture, said she too is pained by the poor economic state of Grand Bahama.

“I came up with the idea that God gave me on Sunday - #fixgrandbahama,” she said, referring to the social media hashtag. “I can’t sit around, and I am not going to run to Canada like the Johnsons. I am going to stay and fight for my country. I was born here and went to Hawksbill High. The powers that be need to come and fix GB now,” she said.

Minister of State for Grand Bahama Senator Kwasi Thompson said Minister of Finance K Peter Turnquest will respond to specific customs issues raised and will meet with the group.

Mr Thompson also confirmed that he received a letter from Mr Strachan, but was unable to acknowledge his receipt of the letter because there was no return address or contact information.

He noted that the Office of the Prime Minister in Grand Bahama along with the government’s entire parliamentary team is dedicated and focused on making it easier to do business and creating more opportunities for small businesses.

In a statement issued on his Facebook page, he stated that the minister of youth would be partnering with the Office of the Prime Minister in providing assistance to small businesses and entrepreneurs who qualify beginning early December.

“We will continue to insist that larger industrial businesses give more opportunity for local businesses through our business to business expos. We will continue to focus on making Grand Bahama the centre for technology providing new opportunities,” he said.

Mr Thompson indicated that the OPM would be assisting in creating 20 new small businesses with its Apiary Entrepreneurial Programme.

“We are committed to removing roadblocks to businesses. This will be in addition to our continual focus on bringing new business opportunities and the redevelopment of the Lucayan strip and other iconic properties,” he said.

“It is also our plan to create the Small Business Development Centre in Grand Bahama to hear and address all concerns of small businesses. They are the engine of our economy and must be given every opportunity to succeed,” he said.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, October 5, 2017, PAGE 9

REPORT: ‘POOR DECISION MAKING’ CONTRIBUTED TO SKY BAHAMAS CRASH LANDING IN 2013

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

THE Air Accident Investigation Department has ruled the decision by crew to initiate and continue an instrument approach into “clearly identified thunderstorm activity” likely led to the 2013 crash landing of a Sky Bahamas Saab 340 in Marsh Harbour, Abaco.

In the report released

by Air Accident Investigation Department (AAID) via Sweden’s Haverikommission earlier this year, it was found that the “poor decision making and lack of situational awareness” while attempting to land, contributed to the severity of the accident.

The 25-page report also suggested those decisions likely resulted in a loss of control of the plane from which the flight crew was unable to recover.

The 34-seater aircraft reportedly landed very hard on the runway during a torrential rainstorm and according to passengers, the aircraft bounced off the tarmac three times before the right-wing and the landing gear broke.

Wing At the time of the crash, however, several passengers and onlookers applauded the quick thinking of the pilot who, as soon as the wing collapsed, cut power to the engines and turned on the foam extinguishing system.

The crash resulted in the temporary closure of the Marsh Harbour International Airport.

Additionally the AAID report found that the flight crew did not prepare the cabin crew for departure as required by regulations and company procedures; and that “vital communication” was “nonexistent.”

The report also pointed out that the crew failed to discuss the weather prior to departure or while en route to Marsh Harbour.

Findings in Air Accident Investigation Department report Furthermore, the crew failed to discuss “in the event of an emergency” scenarios during their “before departure” brief as is mandated by company procedures.

The findings also indicated the crew failed to complete several important checklists as required.

Moreover, the report ruled the checklists conducted were rushed and critical items omitted as evidenced by the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) recordings.

The report said the crew failed to observe sterile cockpit procedures during startup, run-up, taxi and takeoff, as idle inappropriate conversation was recorded on the CVR during these critical moments when sterile cockpit is essential.

The report noted: “Crew, because of their non-stop, idle, non-essential conversations from engine start-up failed to advise cabin crew of required instructions during approach to landing into the Marsh Harbour International Airport, again evidenced by CVR recordings.

“The crew did not conduct en route and approach checklist.”

Additionally, the report also suggested the “before landing” checklist was conducted, but was so rushed and hurried that it appeared garbled and no challenge and response methodology was involved as required by company standard operating procedures.

Also, due to the lack of a challenge-response philosophy and the fact that the checklist was rushed, the AAID report noted that the non-flying pilot failed to advance the propeller to the recommended position as required by the “before landing” checklist.

This failure was evident on

the flight data recorder (FDR) data plots as the required propeller input remained the same from the en route phase up until the crash sequence.

The report also said the crew was aware of the weather conditions at the field at Marsh Harbour;

“Crew, because of their non-stop, idle, non-essential conversations from engine start-up failed to advise cabin crew of required instructions during approach to landing into the Marsh Harbour International Airport, again evidenced by CVR recordings.

The crew did not conduct en route and approach checklist.”

Air Accident Investigation Department report however, never formulated a plan for diversion if the weather was bad at their time of arrival.

The report added that as approach continued, there were constant disagreements between both pilots as to who had the runway in sight.

Due to the weather conditions, visibility of the runway was intermittent, yet the crew continued descending visually in an attempt to land the aircraft on a runway that was not in sight and not served by an instrument landing system (ILS) or other navigational aid used during

THE SKY Bahamas flight skidded off the runway in Marsh Harbour, Abaco in 2013. inclement weather or periods of reduced visibility.

“The non-flying pilot (captain) was adamant about landing at all cost, as he was overheard on the CVR stating, ‘See if we can hurry and get in before....’

“The crew flew a nonstabilised approach and speed was not constant as they kept increasing and decreasing speed throughout the final approach,” the report noted.

Downpour “The captain, who initially was the nonflying pilot, while on final approach and below 500 feet AGL, assumed control of the aircraft from the flying pilot (first officer). At some point the captain lost use of his windshield wiper as it went over-centre and was stuck during the final moments of the approach.

The copilot again assumed control of the aircraft and seconds before touch down, the captain (despite having no visual contact with the runway due to the intense downpour of rain and the non-use of his windshield wiper), again took control of the aircraft from the first officer,” the AAID report stated.

By the time the aircraft touched the runway, officials said there were several control wheel exchanges between both pilots while neither had a visual of the runway.

“The aircraft bounced three times, each bounce progressively larger and higher than the last.

“The last bounce was measured at 27 feet - FDR

data proves this height — above the runway. On the third bounce the nose gear broke and it is possible the wing may have started to fail at this point,” the report noted.

“No aileron or elevator control input by the crew was detected during or after the touchdown as evidenced by the data retrieved from the FDR. “This evidence further confirms that during the bounces and crash sequence neither of the pilots had positive control of the aircraft.

“The crew failed to instruct the evacuation process.

“The crew failed to conduct the emergency and evacuation checklist as required by company standard operation procedures.

“Crew failed to adhere to regulations which required aircraft to avoid thunderstorms by at least 20 miles.

“The thunderstorm was practically over the field at the time the crew attempted to land and try ‘get in before it got worse.’

“The lack of proper crew resources management (CRM), complacency and a complete departure from company standard operating procedures and regulatory requirements were evident,” the report’s findings concluded.

The AAID, as a part of its list of recommendations, suggested that Sky Bahamas Airlines should be required to examine its policies.

Additionally, the AAID said a cultural change may need to be investigated and implemented to ensure crew are

conducting themselves as professionals, despite their familiarity with each other during required duties.

The Air Accident Investigation Department is mandated by the Ministry of Transportation & Aviation to investigate air transportation accidents and incidents, determine probable causes of accidents and incidents, issue safety recommendations, study transportation safety issues and evaluate the safety effectiveness of agencies and stakeholders involved in air transportation.

Response In response to the AAID report yesterday, Sky Bahamas CFO and President Randy Butler said the document presented no significant changes and was laden with “unqualified opinions.”

Mr Butler said nothing laid out in the report negated the role weather played in the crash landing and provided no evidence that company dynamics “contributed to the accident.”

“Again we are very grateful that no one was injured in this incident,” he told The Tribune.

“At Sky Bahamas, we go above and beyond the regulations and standards presented to us because we take the safety of our passengers that serious. The report doesn’t conclude that the actions of our pilots contributed to this crash, but we are working to improve our procedures in this area.”

PAGE 10, Thursday, October 5, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

ON THE VIRTUES OF STRONG ISLAND ROPE: TOWARD A TRULY BAHAMIAN CLIMATE CHANGE POLICY YOUR SAY:

By JOEY GASKINS JR

AS Bahamians debate, in a disappointing but notso-unexpected xenophobic fashion, the virtue of inviting those who have suffered tremendous loss during the string of hurricanes that ravaged our Caribbean neighbours, I would like us to pause and think a bit about our own future. In the face of the recent storms– Irma, one of the most powerful hurricanes on record, and Maria, whose intensification shocked storm trackers– small-island developing states like the Bahamas are, in particular, facing an existential threat from weather systems amplified by a warming climate.

Research conducted by the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) related to the correlation between intensity of Atlantic hurricanes and climate change concluded that climate change is causing hurricanes to, “become more intense and to have higher rainfall amounts,” according to former Environment and Housing Minister Kenred Dorsett.

The BBC reported in 2016 that five small islands in the Solomon Archipelago have disappeared entirely due to

rising sea levels and land erosion. According to the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), if sea levels continue to rise as projected, by 2050 between 10 per cent -12 per cent of Bahamian territory will be lost, especially in coastal zones where our

“How can governments mitigate Mother Nature herself?

Can we regulate the climate changing behaviours of larger, more powerful nations?

When entire islands are wiped off the map, why should we bother to rebuild?” primary tourism assets are located. These kinds of climate change impacts could result in costing the Bahamas and its economy anywhere between $240 million to $480 million annually in just eight years, increasing to $310 million to $620 million by 2050,

CAVES VILLAGE

Premium Office Space for Lease 1,409 sq.ft. 5 offices, conference room, reception, kitchen, bathroom with shower, IT/filing room. $5,459.88 pm inc. CAM +VAT 572 sq.ft. open plan with conference room, kitchenette, bathroom, IT closet. $2,216.50 pm inc. CAM +VAT Contact Mr. Simon Chappell on 327 1575 or 477-7610 Email: simon@cavesvillage.com

the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) estimates.

While our most religious may have stronger positions on imaginary borders than they have on the Golden Rule and Bahamians struggle to differentiate between Dominica and the Dominican Republic, we are missing an important opportunity.

Bahamians have continuously relied on the government of the day to provide relief when left at the mercy of these new, more powerful storms. And, challenged by disaster after disaster, very few Bahamians seem to be thinking about the long-term effects of climate change. These effects include the possible increase in the spread of communicable diseases, freshwater shortages, greater food insecurity and our own refugee crises, all catalysed by global warming.

Solutions The challenges seem overwhelming and the policy solutions seem inadequate.

How can governments mitigate Mother Nature herself?

Can we regulate the climate changing behaviours of larger, more powerful nations? When entire islands are wiped off the map, why should we bother to rebuild?

What can an island nation do about a sea that will inevitably rise?

I believe that good information– sound evidence– is an essential ingredient for good policy.

With research report after research report, we are already gathering information that can help us make the best decision for our country and its people.

But, perhaps even before gathering information, good policy has at its centre something more abstract and yet manifestly vital– a set of values.

You can call it whatever you want– ideology, a vision, core beliefs– but this is what gives a policy its significance, its driving purpose, anchoring it in the collective

HURRICANE Irma damage on Bimini (above) and Ragged Island (top). Research indicates that climate change is causing hurricanes to ‘become more intense and to have higher rainfall amounts,’ according to former Environment and Housing Minister Kenred Dorsett. consciousness of the citizens it is meant to serve. These values are built over time and are recognised as unique to a people– expressed through culture, myth and legend, politics and implicitly in everyday life.

It may seem unusual for us to think about national values in the context of climate change policy, but even in this instance values matter.

Let us take the story of Edward Lockhart, the 78-year-old fisherman who survived on a small cay by himself during Hurricane Irma, as an example. Mr Lockhart’s account was published in the September 13, 2017 edition of The Nassau Guardian.

Left alone to prepare for Irma on Buena Vista Cay, and realising the danger that the rising tide would pose for his home situated 50 ft from the beach, Mr Lockhart went into the hills with some water and “strong island rope”.

He tied the rope around the tree so that in the event the tide rose high enough to sweep him away, he could secure the rope around his waist.

As Irma began to bear down on Buena Vista Cay, Mr Lockhart said, “It made no sense that I put on clothes, because you would have been flying in the air like a kite.

So I had to take my clothes off and walk around in my underpants.”

Mr Lockhart braved the elements and after the storm passed put up a clothesline in the partially collapsed roof of his home and made a bed to sleep in until he could be rescued.

“When [the clothes] dried, then I was comfortable. I said, ‘Ah, boy, this is beautiful,’” he said.

I cannot imagine how difficult this must have been for Mr Lockhart and at the same time I know I could not have been the only one saying to myself that his story was so very “Bahamian”.

As frightening as this experience must have been, Mr Lockhart’s matter of fact realisation of his situation, his respect for nature and his bravery and resourcefulness all reminded me of a kind of prototypical Bahamian.

You know the type - born in a far off settlement, learned to live off the land and fish, walked over conch shells with ease, learned to swim by being thrown over the side of the boat with no floaties.

We have all heard these stories before – pioneering, rough, unconquerable, almost magical Bahamians.

Legends This Bahamian version of Johnny Appleseed has always seemed to be a feature of generations now gone, the Bahamian of legend. And while I do not subscribe to the romanticising of our past, as societies our myths and legends speak to a set a values that the people who have created them hold dear.

These stories come to represent our ideals, desires, fears and are replete with the archetypes that reveal our collective unconscious.

So what does a truly Bahamian climate change policy look like? What can we learn from Mr Lockhart’s story, and by extension, the important values we have locked away in the legends of Bahamians long gone?

Mr Lockhart did not take Irma lightly, he made his preparations. Mr Lockhart, despite his home and property, knew that he could not win a fight against the tide– he didn’t ignore that the tide was coming, he moved to higher ground. Using what he had at hand and his quick thinking, Mr Lockhart worked to secure himself.

And, Mr Lockhart did not give up and he did not panic.

I am arguing that a truly Bahamian climate change

policy might be centred around these values– a respect for nature, a realistic outlook on the challenges with which we will have to contend and adaptation.

A truly Bahamian climate change policy would leverage the resourcefulness, talent and intellect of the Bahamian people to secure our livelihood as a people. And, a truly Bahamian climate change policy cannot give up on the Family Islands; it would not leave the heritage of those islands to be washed away by defeatism.

One more thing. A truly Bahamian climate change policy must depend, as did Mr Lockhart, on strong island rope.

I imagined when Mr Lockhart says “strong island rope” he means rope perhaps made from sisal. Sisal grows naturally throughout our islands, it is native to our land. In the rope making process sisal fibres are decorticated and dried. These fibres on their own are strong, but when intertwined, if we are to trust Mr Lockhart’s judgment, it can hold us through the strongest of storms.

I believe that just like island rope, we are stronger when we are united in our values and our resolve, both at home and with our sister small-island developing states.

We cannot rely on large developing nations to make the right decisions for us; we must fortify our relationships, share resources and plot the way forward, together. The only way The Bahamas can be an active and authentic partner in this is if we bring to the table our own, truly Bahamian climate change policy. * Joey Gaskins Jr. is a communications and policy strategist, writer, activist and adjunct lecturer of sociology at The University of the Bahamas. You may reach him at jgaskinsjr@gmail.com

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, October 5, 2017, PAGE 11

UN: RECOVERY OF EASTERN CARIBBEAN COULD COST $1 BILLION

By EDITH M. LEDERER, Associated Press UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The recovery of eastern Caribbean islands hardest hit by recent hurricanes, including Dominica, Barbuda, Turks and Caicos, the British Virgin Islands and Anguilla, could cost up to $1 billion, a senior U.N. official said Tuesday.

“It’s going to be a largescale rebuilding effort that will take time,” said Stephen O’Malley, the U.N. resident coordinator for Barbados and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States, “and it will be important to do that right.”

He told U.N. correspondents in a phone briefing from Dominica that “we don’t have exact figures yet,” but for the worst-affected islands the recovery bill will be “half a billion to a billion dollars.”

O’Malley said the United Nations, World Bank and Antigua government have conducted a post-disaster needs assessment for Barbuda, whose 1,800 residents were evacuated to Antigua before Hurricane Irma damaged 95 percent of its structures on Sept.

14.

And he said a similar assessment will be done in Dominca, which was ravaged on Sept. 18 by Hurricane Maria, a Category 5 storm, probably in about three weeks.

“They want to build back better and they take that very, very seriously — to make sure that that can be done,” O’Malley said.

Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said he wants to have the world’s first “climateresilient nation.”

SEATED FROM LEFT: Everette Mackey, treasurer, GGYA board of trustees; national director Denise Mortimer; Major David Clarke, regional director of the Americas; Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling; Rosamund Roberts, secretary to the board of trustees; Jack Thompson, chairman of GGYA’s management council and Susan Black, member of the board of trustees.

31 RECEIVE GOLD AWARD AS GGYA TURNS 30 IT took less than an hour to bring to an auspicious end an epic, three-year journey which saw 31 students develop from awkward teens into confident young adults.

On Thursday, September 28, Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling presented the youths with their Gold Award certificate and pin from the number one, non-formal education programme in the world.

The brief ceremony took place in the ballroom of Government House on Mount Fitzwilliam.

A milestone for participants as well as the organisation, the event comes as the Governor General’s Youth Award (GGYA) celebrates its 30th year of continuous operation.

The Gold level’s starting age is 16. The programme’s highest award takes a minimum of 12 months for

Silver recipients who have developed a skill, provided a service and participated in physical recreation and adventurous journeys.

The journey itself could involve hiking, cycling, kayaking or some other activity, as long as it spans four days and three nights of exploration.

Expedition Gold participants must also undertake a residential (service) project, broadening their experience through involvement with individuals outside their normal social circles in an expedition which takes them away from home for five days and four nights.

“The four components plus residential project that you undertake go into building the character of people in demand by business people,” said Major David Clarke, regional

director of the Americas, who was in town for the event.

The Americas office represents The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation in the region with the Americas team working with leaders and award operators from Canada to Argentina.

“The award has positioned you carefully. It has positioned you well,” said Major Clarke, who gained his title from his time spent in the Barbados Defence Force.

“I hope that you will take the award and you will go forward and you will be successful.”

Gold recipients Raven Pennerman and D’Quan Smith, two youths who entered the programme through the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Rangers, both felt the need to give back to an initiative that has done much to equip them for life.

“The next step is to complete our Leader’s Award and volunteer,” said 21-year-old Mr Smith who initially joined GGYA to advance within the ranks of the Rangers organisation, but quickly found the internationally recognised, self-development programme quite rewarding.

Bonds Mr Smith forged bonds with national director Denise Mortimer. Participants, he recalled, “entered the programme as strangers and then become your children.”

Accepting a Gold Award on behalf of her daughter, Errin Spencer, was Shanika Pearson.

An honours student throughout her time spent at Queen’s College, Ms Spencer is currently attending Trent University in Canada.

“I am very proud of her accomplishment,” said Ms Pearson who recognised the value of the programme early on and encouraged her daughter to persevere, despite a rigorous academic schedule.

“Along with the academics you also need a social balance.

“I am a part of the Kiwanis Club so I know the importance of providing service and overall personal development.”

For 18-year-old Grand Bahamian Vaughneisha Knowles, GGYA taught her resilience and how to rise above challenges.

“We have been battered by hurricanes in Grand Bahama, but my time spent in GGYA taught me how to rough it,” she said.

“I’m better able to ride out the storm, the adversities affiliated with the hurricane season because of GGYA.”

PAGE 12, Thursday, October 5, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

Michael Dingman: a man who chased new horizons MICHAEL D. Dingman, the corporate leader, financier and philanthropist who organized what at the time was the largest initial public stock offering in U.S. history, died October 3 at his home in Lyford Cay, The Bahamas. He was 86 and Shipston Group Ltd., of which he was founder and chairman, said the cause was cancer.

In a 65-year career, Mr. Dingman was president or chief executive of companies, including Equity Corp., Wheelabrator-Frye, Inc., The Signal Companies and Allied-Signal. But he became best-known in the investment community as what one major magazine called a “dealmaker extraordinaire.”

In 1985 he left the presidency of Allied-Signal to head the Henley Group, an amalgam of 35 companies that Allied-Signal did not want. The next spring he took the Henley Group public for a record $1.2 billion. The figure was breathtaking but, to those who followed the IPO closely, not entirely surprising. Analysts said it was Mr. Dingman’s reputation and force of personality

that made the investment appealing on Wall Street.

Restless, a quick decision-maker, with what one reporter called “the mien of an affable Marine Corps general,” Mr. Ding-

“Restless, a quick decision-maker, with what one reporter called ‘the mien of an affable Marine Corps general,’ Mr. Dingman helped establish an investment philosophy that many other financial leaders have followed for decades.” man helped establish an investment philosophy that many other financial leaders have followed for decades. He bought companies at a discount when they were struggling and their prices were low. He then reworked them, often cutting costs and increasing efficiency, and sold them or spun them off at a substantial profit when prices recovered.

It was often risky: many of the holdings of the

Henley Group were losing money when Mr. Dingman took the helm. He might have remained president of Allied-Signal and become chairman in another six years. But that would have meant waiting. ‘‘Mike Dingman is an eclectic-type person,’’ he once said of himself. “New horizons are necessary to keep me mentally interested.’’

Investments With the collapse of communism, he began to invest internationally, particularly in Russia and other countries that had formed the Soviet Union.

He put money into oil and water companies, telecommunications and venture capital. He later moved on to the Czech Republic and China, with investments in biotech, clean energy, transportation, healthcare, manufacturing, natural resources and real estate.

His willingness to take chances made him a very wealthy man. He set up a programme under which his top executives could buy five percent of the company’s stock; the intent was to give them incentive to

‘DEALMAKER EXTRAORDINAIRE’: Michael D. Dingman. be more entrepreneurial than they already were.

He moved Henley’s headquarters to a location overlooking the Pacific in La Jolla, California; he had another home in Aspen.

In his spare time he liked to restore classic cars. He established the Shipston Group in 1991.

Michael David Dingman was born in New Haven, Connecticut on September 29, 1931. He attended the University of Maryland.

Afterward, he became a salesmen for a New Jersey flagpole company, but decided he could do better.

In 1962 he joined Burnham & Co. He became a partner in the firm, then co-founded Equity Corp.

Mr. Dingman served as a Director of the Ford Motor Company, Time Inc. and Time Warner Inc., Mellon Bank Corporation, Temple Industries, Temple-Inland, Continental Telephone and Teekay Shipping. He became a Non-Executive Director of GeoPark Limited in 2017.

He became increasingly active as a philanthropist, giving money to support education, hospitals, the environment and social agencies that supported people through tough economic times. “To see the average working man suffer is more than we care to witness without trying to do something about it,” he said in 1992.

Bahamas In the Bahamas, where he became a citizen in 1995, he and his wife, Elizabeth Tharp Dingman, rebuilt the Lyford Cay International School, helping it double its enrolment and achieve international accreditation.

They also led the building of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church outside Lyford, and for this work, he was awarded the knighthood Order of Saint Sylvester Pope and Martyr.

He founded the Michael D. Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship at the

University of Maryland, a centre that encourages entrepreneurship and provides mentoring to emerging growth companies around the world.

He later led the founding of the Centre for Entrepreneurship at the College of the Bahamas.

He was a donor to and trustee of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and the John A. Hartford Foundation.

In 1989 the University of Maryland awarded him an honorary doctorate of science in business and management. In 2017, Marquis Who’s Who gave him a lifetime achievement award “for his significant achievements, leadership qualities and the credentials and successes he has accrued in his field.”

He and Elizabeth had three sons, Patrick, David and Jamie.

He also had three children from an earlier marriage: Linda, Michael Jr. and James. All survive him.

THE TRIBUNE

REX TILLERSON DENIES HE CONSIDERED RESIGNING OR CALLED TRUMP A ‘MORON’

By MATTHEW LEE AND BRADLEY KLAPPER, Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — Secretary of State Rex Tillerson declared Wednesday he never considered resigning as President Donald Trump’s top diplomat, disputing what he called “erroneous” reports that he wanted to step down earlier this year.

After pointedly refusing to answer if he called the president a “moron,” Tillerson had a spokeswoman deny he used such language.

Thrust into the spotlight under uncomfortable circumstances, the normally camera-shy Tillerson sought to rebut a widely disseminated NBC News story that claimed Vice President Mike Pence had to talk the former oil man out of resigning over the summer, and that Tillerson had questioned Trump’s intelligence. The explosive claims followed several instances in which Trump and Tillerson’s policy pronouncements have appeared to clash.

“There has never been a consideration in my mind to leave,” Tillerson told reporters in an unusually personal address from the State Department’s staid 7th-floor Treaty Room outside of his office.

From Las Vegas, where he traveled to meet with medical personnel and others affected by the mass shooting there, Trump told reporters he has “total confidence” in Tillerson.

Earlier, Trump denounced the report as “fake news” on Twitter.

Departures Trump’s administration already had seen an unprecedented wave of departures, including a chief of staff, a national security adviser and a Cabinet secretary. However, his core national security team — Tillerson, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and his second national security adviser, H.R. McMaster — has been viewed by Republicans and even many Democrats as a pillar of stability in an otherwise chaotic government.

Even so, Trump has at times appeared to undercut Tillerson’s message on some of America’s most sensitive national security challenges, including Iran and North Korea. Tillerson also has publicly complained about the White House blocking him from making key appointments.

Sen. Bob Corker, the Foreign Relations Committee chairman, said Tillerson hasn’t been sufficiently supported and “is in an incredibly frustrating place.”

The Republican senator, who has criticised Trump’s leadership, offered a stark assessment: Tillerson, Mattis and White House Chief of Staff John Kelly are “those people that help separate our country from chaos.”

Meeting While praising Trump’s foreign policy on Wednesday, Tillerson raised eyebrows by pointedly declining to deny he had called the president a “moron” after a contentious meeting at the Pentagon in July.

“I’m not going to deal with petty stuff like that,” the former Exxon Mobil CEO said.“I mean, this is what I don’t understand about Washington. Again, I’m not from this place, but the places I come from, we don’t deal with that kind of petty nonsense.”

“Let me tell you what I’ve learned about this president, whom I did not know before taking this office,” Tillerson said.

“He loves his country.

He puts Americans and America first.

“He’s smart. He demands results wherever he goes, and he holds those around him accountable for whether they’ve done the job he’s asked them to do.”

Thursday, October 5, 2017, PAGE 13

TRUMP IN VEGAS: ‘AMERICA TRULY A NATION IN MOURNING’

By CATHERINE LUCEY AND JILL COLVIN, Associated Press

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Solemn in the face of tragedy, President Donald Trump visited hospital bedsides and a vital police base in stricken Las Vegas on Wednesday, offering prayers and condolences to the victims of Sunday night’s shooting massacre, along with the nation’s thanks to first responders and doctors who rushed to save lives.

“America is truly a nation in mourning,” the president declared, days after a gunman on the 32nd floor of a hotel and casino opened fire on the crowd at an outdoor country music festival below. The rampage killed at least 59 people and injured 527, many from gunfire, others from chaotic efforts to escape.

In Las Vegas, Trump spoke of the families who “tonight will go to bed in a world that is suddenly empty.”

“Our souls are stricken with grief for every American who lost a husband or a wife, a mother or a father, a son or a daughter,” he told them.

“We know that your sorrow feels endless. We stand together to help you carry your pain. “

Address It was a somber address from a provocateur president who prides himself on commanding strength but sometimes has struggled to project empathy at times of tragedy.

His solemn words in Las Vegas offered a sharp contrast to his trip a day earlier to hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico, where he spoke of the “expensive” recovery effort on the island and highlighted the relatively low death toll there compared with “a real catastrophe like Katrina” in 2005.

On Wednesday, Trump took a grim tour of Las Vegas, meeting face-to-face with victims and first responders.

In prepared remarks, he spoke of the courage displayed by those who risked or lost their lives saving loved ones and total strangers. He described an eyewitness account of police officers standing as bullets slammed around them and trying to direct concert-goers to safety.

He described a military veteran who had rushed to the scene in search of loved ones, but quickly turned to helping victims, using plastic barriers as gurneys for the

PRESIDENT Donald Trump talks as first lady Melania Trump and surgeon Dr. John Fildes listens at the University Medical Center after Trump met with survivors of the mass shooting Wednesday in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) injured and frantically searching for anything he could use to make splints.

“The example of those whose final act was to sacrifice themselves for those they love should inspire all of us to show more love every day for the people who grace our lives,” Trump said.

The president spent about four hours in a city still reeling from the worst mass shooting in modern American history.

His first stop was the University Medical Center, where he spent 90 minutes meeting privately with victims, their families and medical professionals. Trump said he’d met “some of the most amazing people,” including some who’d been “very, very badly wounded” because they’d refused to flee the shooting scene.

Trump said he’d invited some of those that he’d met to visit the White House if they’re ever in Washington.

Generous with superlatives, Trump also commended the doctors for doing an “indescribable” job.

Trump then headed to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police

GIRLFRIEND OF LAS VEGAS KILLER SAYS HE LEFT HER IN THE DARK

By KEN RITTER, MICHAEL BALSAMO AND BRIAN MELLEY, Associated Press

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The girlfriend of the Las Vegas gunman said Wednesday that she had no inkling of the massacre he was plotting when he sent her on a trip abroad to see her family.

Marilou Danley issued the statement after returning from her native Philippines and being questioned for much of the day by FBI agents still trying to figure out what drove Stephen Paddock to open fire on 22,000 fans at a country music festival from his 32nd-floor hotel suite.

“He never said anything to me or took any action that I was aware of that I understood in any way to be a warning that something horrible like this was going to happen,” Danley said in a statement read by her lawyer outside FBI headquarters in Los Angeles.

Danley, who was overseas for more than two weeks, said she was initially pleased when Paddock wired her money in the Philippines to buy a house for her family.

But she later feared it was a way to break up with her.

“It never occurred to me in any way whatsoever that he was planning violence against anyone,” she said.

Danley, 62, who has been called a person of interest by investigators, said she loved Paddock as a “kind, caring, quiet man” and hoped they would have a future together.

She said she was devastated by the carnage and would cooperate with authorities as they struggle to get inside Paddock’s mind.

Investigators are busy reconstructing his life, behavior and the people he encountered in the weeks leading up to the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history, FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe said. That includes examining his computer and cellphone.

MARILOU DANLEY, 62, returned to the United States from the Philippines on Tuesday night, and was met at Los Angeles International Airport

by FBI agents, according to a law enforcement official.

(Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department via AP, File) But as of Wednesday, investigators were unable to come up with a motive for the attack Sunday night.

“This individual and this attack didn’t leave the sort of immediately accessible thumbprints that you find on some mass casualty attacks,” McCabe said.

Paddock killed 58 people and wounded more than 500 others before killing himself in his room at the Mandalay Bay hotel casino, authorities said. The Associated Press previously reported that 59 victims were killed, but has received revised information from the Clark County coroner.

The 64-year-old highstakes gambler and real estate investor specifically requested an upper-floor room with a view of the music festival when he checked in last Thursday, according to a person who has seen hotel records turned over to investigators.

Paddock wasn’t able to move into the room until Saturday, said the person, who was not authorised to speak publicly and disclosed the information to the AP on condition of anonymity.

headquarters, where he met with officers, dispatchers and others who’d responded to the shooting Sunday night.

“You showed the world, and the world is watching,” he told them, “and you showed what professionalism is all about.”

Congratulations Until his final remarks, Trump focused his comments during the trip on praising recovery efforts and offering congratulations to police officers, medical professionals and survivors, rather than on grieving the dead.

At the last stop, however, he spoke slowly and somberly of the lives ended or forever altered.

Trump did not visit the site of the shooting, but on his trip from the airport, his motorcade drove past the Mandalay Bay hotel where the gunman fired down into the concert crowd.

He also passed his own Trump hotel on his way toward the entertainment strip.

Trump has a long personal connection to Las Vegas — a city

where his name is written in huge golden letters atop his hotel. He also campaigned extensively across Nevada during his presidential campaign, drawing large crowds to rallies along the strip.

As he has done all week, Trump batted away questions about whether the shooting warranted taking a fresh look at tougher gun controls.

“We’re not going to talk about that today,” he said. “We won’t talk about that.”

Republicans who control Congress have made clear they have no intention of taking up stricter gun control measures in the shooting’s aftermath.

However, senior GOP lawmakers said late Wednesday they could consider legislation banning “bump stocks” like the shooter in Las Vegas apparently used to effectively convert semi-automatic rifles into fully automated weapons.

Trump, elected with strong support from the National Rifle Association and with a pledge to protect the Second Amendment, had endorsed a prohibition on assault weapons in a 2000 book.

PAGE 14, Thursday, October 5, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

COMMITTEE members and sponsors in a group photo.

ALIV to sponsor Cultural Wine and Food Festival ALIV has come on board for a second straight year to provide sponsorship to the 22nd annual International Cultural Wine and Food Festival.

An official announcement was made on Tuesday at ALIV’s headquarters where the ICWFF committee held its official press conference.

ALIV is in a three year partnership with the committee.

The festival is scheduled for October 14 -15 at Botanical Gardens.

ALIV Events, Sponsorship and Community Manager Bianca BethelSawyer said ALIV had to be part of the biggest food festival in the country and supports the committee’s efforts to bring together various communities.

ALIV will not only participate at the festival but will also provide two high-end devices for the

ALIV EVENTS, Sponsorship and Community Manager Bianca Bethel-Sawyer speaking at the ICWFF press conference on Tuesday.

committee’s raffle, and assist with social media among other initiatives.

Other sponsors include Bank of The Bahamas and Jet Blue.

ALIV EVENTS, Sponsorship and Community Manager Bianca BethelSawyer (left) and ICWFF Committee Chair Janet Johnson addressing members of the press on Tuesday.

CARIBBEAN NEWS

TIES THREATENED: US ORDERS 15 CUBAN DIPLOMATS TO LEAVE WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States expelled 15 of Cuba’s diplomats Tuesday to protest its failure to protect Americans from unexplained attacks in Havana, plunging diplomatic ties between the countries to levels unseen in years.

Only days ago, the U.S. and Cuba maintained dozens of diplomats in newly reopened embassies in Havana and Washington, powerful symbols of a warming relationship between longtime foes. Now both countries are poised to cut their embassies by more than half, as invisible, unexplained attacks threaten delicate relations between the Cold War rivals.

The State Department gave Cuba’s ambassador a list Tuesday of 15 names and ordered them out within one week, officials said, in a move that aims to “ensure equity” between each nation’s embassy staffing. Last week, the U.S. announced it was withdrawing 60 per cent of its own diplomats from Havana because they might be attacked and harmed if they stay.

The dual moves marked a sharp escalation in the U.S. response to attacks that began nearly a year ago and yet remain unexplained despite harming at least 22 Americans — including a new victim identified this week.

Still, U.S. officials emphasised they were not accusing Cuba of either culpability or complicity, merely a failure to stop whatever is happening to Americans working out of the U.S. Embassy in Havana.

Investigators have explored the possibility of a “sonic attack” harming diplomats

through sound waves, but have discovered no device and identified no culprit.

“We continue to maintain diplomatic relations with Cuba, and will continue to cooperate with Cuba as we pursue the investigation into these attacks,” said Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

Havana blasted the U.S. order, calling it “reckless” and “hasty.” Days earlier, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez had pleaded with Tillerson not to take such a step.

His appeals unsuccessful, Rodriguez called a news conference in the Cuban capital to again deny involvement and defend his country’s efforts to assist in the U.S. investigation.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly protests and condemns this unfounded and unacceptable decision as well as the pretext used to justify it,” Rodriguez said.

He did not announce any retaliatory measures.

The scope of the attacks has continued to grow. The U.S. disclosed Tuesday that 22nd victim was confirmed the day before. In recent weeks the State Department had said there were 21 individuals “medically confirmed” to be affected by attacks that harmed their hearing, cognition, balance and vision, some with diagnoses as serious as brain injury.

The additional victim was attacked in January but wasn’t confirmed to have been affected until symptoms prompted a new medical re-evaluation, said the State Department official, who briefed reporters on a conference call on condition of anonymity.

THE TRIBUNE

DOMESTIC TOURIST AND BAHAMAS OUT ISLANDS PROMOTION BOARD LOOKING FOR THE WRITE STUFF THE Domestic Tourist and the Bahama Out Islands Promotion Board (BOIPB) are teaming up to empower budding Bahamian travel writers with a new writing internship opportunity.

Ten writers from across the country will be selected to write for the BOIPB blog, which exclusively promotes the Family Islands, along with dozens of member hotels and travel service providers. The BOIPB launched the “Island Time” blog earlier this year, with Noelle Nicolls of The Domestic Tourist at the helm as managing editor.

Talented “We want to find the young, talented writers, all across our islands that are looking for an opportunity to develop their talent, build their portfolios and gain exposure on an international travel platform. We want to build a network of writers who can help tell stories, create content and promote the Out Islands. The BOIPB blog provides first hand, insider perspectives on the experiences that define a Bahamas vacation,” said Ms Nicolls.

Ten writers will be selected to participate in the 12-month internship.

Each writer will have an opportunity to be published on MyOutIslands. com with a byline. The website is seen by hundreds of thousands of visitors ever year. The top writers will have an opportunity to win various awards such as island-hopping press trips, scholarships for online travel writing courses and to attend international blogging conferences.

Vacation “The Bahamas is unlike any other tourist destination in the world. Here we have dozens of islands, each with their own unique offerings. How can a visitor know the difference between a vacation in Nassau and one in Cat Island, or between Long Island and Bimini?

“The writers who participate in our writing internship will help us to educate visitors and motivate them to visit the Out Islands,” said Kerry Fountain, BOIPB executive director.

“We want the blog to speak to the myriad of questions visitors tend to have when they choose to travel to the Bahamas and we want to give them an insider’s perspective on questions they might not even know to ask,” said Mr Fountain.

Interested writers are invited to apply by October 31 by submitting a letter of interest, a writing sample, and resume to writers@domestictourist. com. To be considered, writers must have a strong grasp of the English language; a passion for the Family Islands; an interest in island hopping; and they must be comfortable conducting interviews and online research.

Thursday, October 5, 2017, PAGE 15