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DID MARINES DO DUTY IN ATTACK? Officers relieved and probe starts over smashed Columbus By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net ROYAL Bahamas Defence Force Commodore Raymond King said the officers who were on duty when a man trespassed on Government House property and partially destroyed a statue of Christopher Columbus have been relieved of their duties. On Saturday afternoon, a man was arrested for damaging the monument with a sledgehammer. Video footage capturing the man shouting “I bringing
him down” while causing extensive destruction to the statue made the rounds on social media over the weekend. Police were dispatched to the scene around 1.20pm. When they arrived, they arrested the man who was also found with a bullet proof vest for which he could not give a satisfactory account. Police said he was taken into custody for damage to government property and unlawful possession. Investigations into this matter are ongoing. SEE PAGE THREE
ATTORNEY General Ryan Pinder revealed on Friday that his team may have to re-prosecute defendants whose voluntary bill of indictments were signed by African prosecutor David Bakibinga. He made the revelation
after a Supreme Court Judge ruled that Mr Bakibinga’s signature on a particular Voluntary Bill of Indictment (VBI) was “invalid” because he was not approved for practice by the Bahamas Bar. The ruling was handed down by Supreme Court judge Deborah Fraser on Thursday. SEE PAGE FIVE
- SEE PAGE EIGHT
COVID DEATH TALLY PASSES 600 MILESTONE
By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net THE Bahamas achieved another grim milestone over the weekend after the number of confirmed COVID-19 deaths reached 605, with one senior physician warning the country could be grappling with another coronavirus surge. Forty-eight virus related deaths were reported in data released by the Ministry of Health between October 3 and October 10. SEE PAGE FOUR
DAVIS: ENOUGH TO WARRANT WSC INVESTIGATION
CASES SIGNED BY AFRICAN MAY GO BACK TO COURT By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
FACE TO FACE: MENTAL HEALTH IN THE PANDEMIC
THE COLUMBUS statue at Government House with an arm and a leg missing after being attacked with a sledgehammer on Saturday. Photo: Racardo Thomas/Tribune Staff
FOX ‘EARNED $300K FROM TRAFFICKING’ CLAIM By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
ISLAND Luck’s cofounder allegedly earned up to $300,000 from human trafficking, US federal prosecutors have asserted, as they urged a New York judge to jail him for up to six months. Jordan Estes, an assistant US attorney, in an October 8, 2021, letter to Judge Denise Cote, argued that Adrian Fox’s
ADRIAN FOX involvement in a more than decade-old scheme to smuggle illegal Chinese into Florida “warrants” a minor custodial sentence because
he “profited handsomely” from his involvement. Alleging that Mr Fox had played an active role in the trafficking of 100 Chinese nationals, the letter nevertheless acknowledged the Island Luck co-founder’s philanthropic activities in depressed Bahamian communities as well as “his efforts to cooperate with law enforcement” although no details were provided in relation to the latter. FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS
Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper
By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net THERE is enough information in the public domain to “warrant an investigation” into contracts issued at the Water and Sewerage Corporation, according to Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis. Just weeks before he assumed office, Mr Davis called on the attorney general and the commissioner of police to instruct the Anti-Corruption Unit at the Royal Bahamas Police Force to launch an investigation into allegations SEE PAGE FIVE
PETER YOUNG: NON-VIOLENCE IN RESOLVING CONFLICT
- SEE PAGE NINE
PAGE 2, Tuesday, October 12, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
Honouring our heroes By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net SIXTEEN Bahamians were recognised on National Heroes Day for the vast contributions they made to the development of the country. At a ceremony at the Hilton yesterday, Governor General Cornelius A Smith conferred honours on 16 outstanding citizens under the Order of the Bahamas; Order of Distinction and Order of Merit award categories. The recipients of 2021 National Honours were first announced in July. Topping this year’s list was Algernon Allen, who was awarded the Order of The Bahamas under the rank of companion. Those chosen for Order of Distinction included Leon Livingstone Smith, Eugenia Cartwright, Mary Johnson and Robert Sands. The Distinguished Service medal was also bestowed on Captain Patrick Livingstone Rolle, Douglas Hanna and Agatha Archer. Awards for the Order of Merit were issued to Percival Andrew Knowles and Patricia GlintonMeicholas under the rank of officers, while the late Dr Patricia Bazard, Al Collie, Reverend Copeland Morley, Mother Vivian Cox, Celestine Eneas and
SIXTEEN Bahamians were honoured on National Heroes Day yesterday. Receiving their honours from Governor General CA Smith at the ceremony are Order of The Bahamas recipient Algernon Allen, Order of Distinction recipients Leon Livingston Smith, Eugenia Cartwright, Mary Johnson, and Robert Sands, and Order of Merit recipients Percival Andrew Knowles, Patricia Glinton-Meicholas, Al Collie, Reverend Copeland Morley, Mother Vivian Cox, Celestine Eneas and Willard Rutherford. The late Dr Patricia Bazard also received the Order of Merit. Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis is also pictured at the event. Photo: Racardo Thomas/Tribune Staff Willard Rutherford were given the same award under the members rank. During the honours ceremony, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis commended the awardees for their “ingenuity, determination and strength” which contributed to the development of the nation. “This ceremony grants us the opportunity to recognise them for their
greatness in all areas of our society,” he said. “Some have made their contributions in politics, law, the civil service and the uniformed branches. Others have served as nurses, educators, community organisers, religious leaders, and in other vital roles. “Among them, we have the Right Hon. Algernon Allen, recognised for his outstanding service in
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politics, governance, and philanthropy. We have the first Bahamian Commodore of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Leon Smith, who demonstrated to the world the excellence we can expect from Bahamian leadership. Eugenia Cartwright (also) served as a public officer for over 40 years...We thank her for dedicating her efforts in keeping the government
of the Bahamas up and running.” Yesterday, Mr Davis also recognised Mary Johnson for dedicating her life to saving others in the nursing sector. He also applauded Robert Sands for helping to build the nation’s tourism industry with his leadership and managerial skills. “Perceval Knowles is recognised for his leadership in community service and development,” Mr Davis said. “Patricia Meicholas is well-known for her outstanding contribution to literature... We recognise Patricia Bazzard, posthumously, for her service to culture, civics, and the performing arts. Likewise, we also recognise Al Collie for his service and promotion of Bahamian art and culture; The Reverend Copeland Morley and Mother Bishop Vivian Cox, for their service within the community as religious leaders; for his contribution to the development of youth through sports, we recognise Wilford Rutherford.” Yesterday, Celestine Eneas was also commended for her promotion of Bahamian art and culture, while Captain Patrick Rolle, Agatha Archer and Douglas Hanna were thanked for their respective contributions to the development of the air transportation, education and law enforcement sectors.
“The legacy of our national heroes, both past and present, must never be forgotten,” Mr Davis said. “In marking their contributions, we must ensure that future generations recognise the giants upon whose shoulders we are standing...We are beginning to emerge from one of the most challenging periods in our nation’s history. There are still difficult days ahead. But we are facing them together with a resolve that says to the world: ‘We will thrive, we will overcome’. Making sacrifices and rising above adversity, these are the hallmarks of heroism.” Mr Davis also urged the public to allow yesterday’s honour ceremony to encourage them to “unleash the hero within.” He said by doing so, the country could ensure that its “collective future was brighter than ever.” “Can you imagine what riches a partnership of heroes can bestow on the fortunes of our country? Can you imagine what blessings a partnership of heroes can bestow on future generations of Bahamians? Let the national heroes gathered here today, be the inspiration that fuels our determination to make the necessary sacrifices, to rise above adversity, to be our best selves and unleash our personal hero within.”
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, October 12, 2021, PAGE 3
Did marines do duty in attack? from page one
After Commodore King and his executive team visited Mount Fitzwilliam to examine the extent of the damage, he revealed that the RBDF had launched an internal inquiry into the matter. “I’ve only just recently received the report for the death of (Petty Officer) Percival Perpall and the deficiencies that would have been alluded to by the committee with the view of correcting those deficiencies and the overall state of security and safety here at Government House,” he said. “The watch has been relieved of its duties and an internal inquiry has started with a view to determining the extent, scope and perceptibly unchallenged vandalism that was permitted to occur.” Commodore King said he did not wish to “preempt or to bias” the inquiry; however, he did acknowledge that Government House was under “active construction.” “It is a construction site, but the matter will be dealt with completely, thoroughly and transparently and those being held culpable for allowing this damage to occur will be held accountable for what transpired here.”
THE STATUE being covered with tarpaulin after the attack. Photo: Racardo Thomas/Tribune Staff Yesterday, National “what were the standing men who put their lives at Security Minister Wayne orders of the sentries.” risk, I think they should be Munroe said he also intends “I would also like to given a fair opportunity. to look into the issue. know what (were) the pre- If they are in default, then Mr Munroe said as a vailing circumstances (and) their default is addressed lawyer, he knew that most whether there was good and if they’re not, then soldiers could not “affect cause for them to alert on they’re to be defended like arrest” besides those who sounds of demolition on a anybody else who isn’t in were “specially detailed” to construction, because Gov- default.” Mr Munroe said he did work along with the police. ernment House is now a He said the “first thing” he construction site,” he con- not intend to have any will be asking for is to see tinued. “In fairness to the “knee-jerk reaction or
DAVIS: FINANCE TROUBLE WON’T STOP COMMITMENTS By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said his administration does not intend to cancel any of its commitments despite the country’s current financial situation. Last week, Mr Davis indicated that the state of the Bahamas’ finances was dismal. When asked if this fact could cause the government to put off any of their commitments, he stated: “We have not arrived at that decision yet. I don’t intend to put off any of my commitments, I intend to see how we can work with what
we have to get our commitments fulfilled.” He spoke to reporters on the sidelines of a National Honours ceremony at the Hilton. Yesterday, Mr Davis said his administration has yet to determine what some of the first bills it will bring to Parliament will be but said an amendment to the value added tax legislation will be a priority. “We have not decided as a Cabinet as yet,” he stated. “So, we know that we have to meet certain commitments (but) it may not necessarily require legislative intervention. For example, the VAT reduction requires
that, so that will be one of the first items we put on the agenda.” He also said his administration is also looking at “recasting” the current budget to get it in line with the country’s true state of affairs. “We are now looking at recasting the budget because what we are finding is that the budget was not truly a reflection of what the state of affairs were, but rather just a wish list to get over an election. So we hope to revisit the budget and perhaps that might be the second most important thing we do is to recast the budget for the next nine months to enable us to carry out our functions.”
views”. He also said he does not assume that members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force or the Police Force are “derelict in their duties”, but instead assumes that they “perform their duties correctly” until it is demonstrated to him that they have not. When asked if he was concerned that an individual was able to access the Government House property so easily to damage the statue, Mr Munroe said he was not surprised as the monument was on an “open, unbarricaded staircase”. There is a low gate at the bottom of the staircase. “If you really don’t want people on it, I would imagine you would erect a barricade,” he said. “There is no barricade there from what I could tell. You could walk up and down the stairs without (being) met with hindrance. Unless you’re going to post a standing guard there at all times, then people are going to be able to walk up and down.” Mr Munroe said he has seen a review that was produced following the 2019 fatal shooting of Officer Perpall at Government House. He said there were some recommendations “that go toward securing a life more than property,” as well as another recommendation advising for the expansion of CCTV coverage. “In the Ministry of National Security there is some priority on upgrading the technology that is available to law enforcement and security personnel,” he said. “But unless the Bahamian public wants the Commodore of the Defence Force or the Commissioner of Police to stand an officer up to watch statues like Queen Victoria (and) like the bust in Rawson Square, people are going to have access to them and the only question will be if something happens, can you determine who it was.” Yesterday, Prime Minister
Phillip “Brave Davis” also spoke against the “act of disobedience” that resulted in the “destruction of public property”. “We are not to condone that and we don’t condone that,” he said. “Whatever the historical significance and protest that has come from it in respect to Columbus’ encounter with the Bahamas, that’s one issue. In fact, I sympathise and empathise with some of the voices that are speaking to the fact of realigning history so that it’s true facts are revealed and interpreted. And so I do share and understand some of the sentiments, but this is not the way to express those sentiments by destruction of public property.” Mr Davis said the person who is responsible for the act will be “dealt with according to law”. As it relates to whether the statue will be replaced, Mr Davis said that question was “another issue” that will be addressed at Cabinet level before a decision is made going forward as there was a “loud cry out there” for the nation to ensure that its “history is properly represented; particularly as it relates to the African diaspora.” Asked if he was concerned about the effectiveness of RBDF given apparent lapses on the Government House compound on more than one occasion, he said: “I think we must all remember that we are all humans and we are fallible. But we expect some standard of behaviour when you enlist in certain disciplines and, yes, there may be lapses, but I’m assured by the commodore that effective measures are being taken to correct all these errors that have been seemingly (caused by) the lack of attention by the officers.” An online petition started last year to have the statue removed from Government House has garnered more than 15,000 signatures.
MUNROE: MURPHY TOLD ME HE DIDN’T GET SUPPORT FROM PREVIOUS GOVT By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe, QC, said yesterday that Corrections Commissioner Charles Murphy told him he was unable to fulfill all his duties at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services because he did not get the support needed under the former administration. His comments come amid a pending investigation into several matters at the prison, including the facility’s handling of Prescott Smith, a prominent Progressive Liberal Party supporter who Mr Munroe believes may have been held at the prison in contravention of a Supreme Court order. The handling of Mr Smith prompted officials to send Commissioner Murphy on administrative leave last month. The decision to temporarily suspend Commissioner Murphy from his duties was criticised by some observers, including Mr Murphy’s attorney, who said the move represents a conflict of interest because of Mr Munroe’s role in a 2019 lawsuit that sought to quash Mr Murphy’s appointment as commissioner of corrections. However, Mr Munroe
rejected the idea again yesterday and insisted that there is no conflict. He also stated that Mr Murphy had blamed former National Security Minister Marvin Dames “for all that has gone wrong at the prison.” “I haven’t heard the criticism. I was rather busy but what I did hear was an allegation that somehow there was a conflict of interest over the thing with Commissioner Murphy,” Mr Munroe said when asked to respond to criticism about Commissioner Murphy being put on administrative leave. “For myself, I had made a press release where for myself I do not see the conflict. Commissioner Murphy said that part of why he couldn’t do his job was because there were no deputy commissioners in the prison. Well, we sent two deputy commissioners to the prison.” The minister also said: “In short, what he said was that he was not able to do his job because my predecessor didn’t do what he was supposed to do. He might be right. (Former) Minister Marvin Dames might have been an utter and complete failure as minister of national security with regard to prison. That is why you have to have an investigation
SEARCH FOR MISSING MAN GRAND Bahama Police are searching for a Grand Bahama man who has been missing on Abaco. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stephen Rolle has issued a missing person’s flyer in connection with Rashard Cooper, pictured, 30, of Freeport, who was last seen on a jet ski in the area of Dundas Point, Abaco. Cooper is about five feet, six inches tall, with a dark brown complexion, dark brown eyes and low-cut hair. He is slim and weighs about 150 pounds.
Anyone with information concerning his whereabouts is asked to contact Police at 911, 350-3014/6, or call the nearest police station.
and that is all that is happening. “Classically, it’s going to be an investigation that the commissioner not discharge his duty or is all of the fault as he says at the foot of (former) Minister Mr Marvin Dames and in fairness to my predecessor as politically attractive as it may be to blame the former minister, in fairness to people, you have to investigate it so the investigation as I see it which will not be carried out by me will be whether
Commissioner Murphy is correct and Marvin Dames is responsible for all that is gone wrong in the prison or whether he bears a responsibility.” Mr Murphy’s lawyer, Romona Farquharson-Seymour, defended the prison’s handling of the matter during a press conference last week, saying Mr Smith’s lawyer did not show up to the prison with the proper release document, namely a release order. She said the prison was not at fault for the issues
that resulted in Mr Smith remaining at prison longer than he should have. During last week’s press conference, Mrs Farquharson-Seymour also questioned whether Prime Minister Philip Davis knew that Mr Munroe’s firm represented prison Deputy Commissioners Doan Cleare and Bernadette Thompson-Murray in a 2019 lawsuit that alleged that Mr Dames forced them to take vacation leave to facilitate the appointment
of Mr Murphy, their deputy, as commissioner. The Tribune was told Mr Davis did not know about the involvement of Mr Munroe’s firm in the 2019 lawsuit. Last week Mr Davis said he would speak to Mr Munroe about the issue to ensure “transparency” and that there “is no conflict.” He also suggested that if the need arises, someone else in the administration will have to substitute for Mr Munroe when there is a potential conflict.
PAGE 4, Tuesday, October 12, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
Minnis: What caused Inagua COVID spike? By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net FORMER Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has called on health officials to aggressively investigate the recent spike of COVID-19 cases on Inagua, as some residents there call for more restrictive measures. A few residents have attributed the increase in cases in the small community to last month’s political activities. Over the weekend, the Ministry of Health reported that Inagua has 23 active cases of the virus, with 34 people currently in quarantine for COVID exposure. According to the ministry, five Inagua residents have been airlifted to New Providence to receive care for COVID-19, while two people have since died from the virus. The ministry also said two other people from Inagua developed COVID19 symptoms while in New Providence and subsequently died. The report came after concerns were expressed by residents about the stark rise in COVID-19 cases and deaths on the island, with some even calling for a full lockdown of the community. Health Minister Dr Michael Darville reportedly identified the confirmed cases as “clusters” during an on-air interview on Beyond the Headlines with host Shenique Miller. Speaking to The Tribune about the situation in Inagua, Dr Minnis said: “The Ministry of Health needs to investigate and report to the public what is happening on that island. I want health to kindly
FORMER Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has called for aggressive investigation in Inagua. investigate what is happening in Inagua. The residents of Inagua are frightened and they want additional restrictions to prevent further spread of the virus. “The longer the delay, a possible set up for disaster in our southern islands (can occur)... Inagua and other islands have limited health facilities. If not attacked aggressively (the situation) can lead to more unnecessary death,” Dr Minnis said. In a statement on Saturday, health officials said they were closely monitoring the situation on Inagua as well as several other southern Family Islands, including Mayaguana, Crooked Island and Acklins. The Tribune was also told that a mother and a daughter from Andros were recently airlifted to the capital after testing positive for COVID, but the daughter later died.
“The Ministry of Health advises that Minister Darville is acutely aware of the COVID status on these islands and is actively engaged. Already, Minister Darville made provisions for additional unused oxygen tanks located in Mayaguana to be transported to Inagua with swift use,” according to the ministry’s statement. Health officials did not make it clear where the latest outbreak on Inagua originated, but residents think the spike stemmed from recent election campaigning and celebratory events. “From the time we had the election, that campaigning with all those people moving up and down and backward and forward, they brought a disease in here,” one concerned resident, who asked to remain anonymous, told The Tribune yesterday.
“From the election, we have four dead and we done ship out about six,” the resident claimed. “We ship out one last night. We have a next one now in the hospital and many more who ain’t saying nothing and they trying to deny it and this came out of the PLP’s headquarters. “They trying to say it been around long time but we never had a spike like this from before election, only after that campaigning and stuff. Inagua gone haywire like this.” Some residents claim that locals there were letting their guards down way before the general election. “I think the letting down of the guard was even before election because even before that, you had people kinda going to discos and moving around and we have a shop here and we have to be constantly telling people ‘put on your
mask, put on your mask’,” said another resident, who asked for his name to be withheld. “And, yes, during election time, both parties allowed it to just circulate amongst themselves gathering together and especially after the election, the celebration started then.” The resident said while the island has grappled with COVID-19 spikes in the past, the community has never experienced such a deadly and infectious wave of the virus as this one. Asked if he believed tighter measures were needed to get the situation under control, the resident said while he’s not against more restrictions, he believes there just needs to be a greater adherence and enforcement of current health measures. “I think a lockdown would help, but if we would all follow the protocols of wearing masks and constantly sanitizing and washing our hands and social distancing, it’s almost the same thing as a lockdown. A lockdown means well nobody can go anywhere, but people still find ways to slip around and sneak around during lockdowns and I have seen it happen,” the resident added. “I think it would help too if the police would act more like COVID police to kind of enforce the people who are supposed to be in quarantine and to enforce them to constantly be in quarantine because the police know and we don’t know and sometimes people come in the shop and only after they go someone would say ‘you know that person ain’t supposed to be
round’ and we never knew so it things like that what’s causing the spread.” Added to these concerns are the reported lack of medical resources on the island to handle the spike. Inagua resident Jaycoda Major said the worsening COVID crisis on the island has made it difficult for non-COVID patients to get care and appealed for officials to send additional help to Inagua. “The other concern that is really troubling for us is because in the last ten days almost every day the clinic is dealing with COVID patients so we have one doctor and three nurses on the island. That’s it,” Mr Major said. “So if you are sick and feeling unwell for some other reason you cannot even see a doctor because every single day, like last week for example you could only call and say I need my medicine refilled, but if you are feeling sick, you could not go unless it’s a life and death situation because almost every day there is either one or two COVID positive patients in there who they are trying to stabilize so they can get (them on a) flight so it’s a concern and not fair.” “So, at minimum, the doctor’s need help and the clinic needs help because the rest of us need to see a doctor as well, but we also know there are more cases.” According to the ministry’s latest COVID dashboard, Inagua has recorded 48 cases of COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic. Two hundred and fiftyeight people there are fully vaccinated, while 474 have received at least one dose.
COVID DEATH TALLY PASSES 600 MILESTONE from page one
The nation’s increase in deaths comes as confirmed infection rates appear to be trending downward. In its daily COVID dashboards, the Ministry of Health reported that 50 cases were recorded on Sunday, 53 on Monday, 43 on Tuesday, 60 on Wednesday, 62 on Thursday, 46 on Friday and 65 on Saturday for a total of 379 cases last week. The week before saw 537 infections confirmed. This comes as health officials recorded another 32 cases yesterday, pushing the nation’s confirmed coronavirus case count to 21,723. In a statement over the weekend, former Health Minister Dr Duane Sands said the alarming number of deaths is proof that the nation’s fight with the deadly virus is far from over. He said the COVID19 situation in the country remains dire and added healthcare workers are now concerned about what “appears to be yet another surge”. “Colleagues, the COVID19 challenge remains very serious,” Dr Sands said. “Of greatest concern is the impact of what appears to be yet another surge (in the last few days) that demands the overburdened health system to respond. The huge numbers of deaths speak for themselves. Far too many are critically ill.
We do not have the national capacity to manage the current load! “As context... imagine the outrage and fear felt with 100 murders in a year. We are at 500 plus deaths in the last year...and the outlook remains grim.” In view of this, the senior physician appealed for Bahamians to get vaccinated and also to continue following the public health measures, warning that many can die in the days ahead. “Let us recommit to disciplined adherence to public health interventions, (and) encourage persons to get vaccinated. Support the beleaguered healthcare workers and other front-line workers,” Dr Sands said. “Stay home if you don’t absolutely need to go out. At the risk of being repetitive and worsening COVID-19 fatigue...we are in trouble. Our healthcare teams are attempting to push back the flood of patients. They are exhausted and this battle is far from over. “The impact on patients with other illnesses cannot be understated... Many will suffer and die that may have been salvageable given different circumstances,” he also said. In its Thursday dashboard, the Ministry of Health reported four COVID-19 deaths. They were all New Providence residents, aged 56 to 67, who died between September 20 and 21. The deaths confirmed on
Friday include two women, aged 78 and 52, who both died September 21 and a 68-year-old woman and 64-year-old man who both died September 22. The victims were all from New Providence. On Saturday, the Ministry of Health reported an additional six virus-related deaths involving an 88-yearold woman who died September 22; an 85-yearold woman who died September 23; a 44-year-old man who died September 24; a 72-year-old woman who died September 25; a 59-year-old man who died September 30 and a 65-yearold woman who died October 4 – all of whom were from New Providence. As for the deaths recorded on Sunday, they include a 41-year-old New Providence woman who died September 25; an 84-year-old New Providence woman and 85-year-old New Providence man who both died September 26; an 82-year-old man from New Providence who died September 27 and an 80-year-old man from Eleuthera who died October 2. At last report, 141 people were in hospital with the disease, 19 of whom are in the intensive care unit. According to the government’s vaccine tracker, 115,153 people are now fully vaccinated while 238,512 have received at least one vaccine dose.
NO MORE PFIZER FIRST DOSES FROM THURSDAY THE Ministry of Health and Wellness has advised that “due to diminishing supplies”, first doses of the Pfizer vaccine will no longer be offered effective Thursday. Officials also said second doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine will not be offered as of October 23. Consequently, the Pfizer vaccine will be made available as a second dose instead. Last week, a Pan American Health Organization representative promised the arrival of 57,300 vaccine
doses in the country in the first week of November after a health official spoke about rapidly dwindling supplies. Officials also announced that vaccination centres will reopen on Wednesday after being closed due to the National Heroes Day holiday. On Thursday and Friday, vaccination centres in New Providence including Loyola Hall, Gladstone Road; Kendal G L Isaacs Gym, University Drive; Church of God of Prophecy, East Street; and St Anselm’s Church, Bernard
Road will reopen between the hours of 9am and 3pm. The vaccination centre at University of The Bahamas will be opened on the same dates between the hours of 10am to 4pm. All vaccination centres will be closed on Saturday. Officials urge members of the public to get vaccinated without delay. More than 115,000 Bahamians and residents have been fully vaccinated. This includes people who were vaccinated abroad and registered on the vax.gov.bs platform.
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, October 12, 2021, PAGE 5
DAVIS: ENOUGH TO WARRANT WSC INVESTIGATION
from page one
awarded to Elite Maintenance. A woman listed as director of the company in regarding contracts 2018 — a lawyer — is said to awarded at WSC. be close to Long Island MP When asked if the AG and former WSC executive or police commissioner chairman Adrian Gibson. have investigated WSC The leaked docucontracts to date, Mr Davis ments purported to show told reporters: “I know that payments made to the comis being looked at. I don’t pany between November know where it is because 2018 to January 2021. The I don’t want to interfere. largest of these The information was $263,206 is in the public on January 7, domain. We’ll 2021. Another expect those who large payment have responsibilof $131,601.12 ity to do their was received by work, to do their the company work. Where it on July 7, 2020. is, I do not know. There was also a All I know is $15,600 payment that sufficient in November of information was PRIME Minister Philip 2018 along with out there in the “Brave” Davis yesterday. numerous other public domain payments from to warrant an then to the early part of this investigation.” year. Mr Davis said he is “not In August, Mr Gibson going to say” anything more would not confirm or deny about the issue, because that the woman lawyer those “who know what they was at one point his fianhave to do, ought to just” cée, however she shares do it. the same name as a woman “I’m not going to inter- identified as such in a fere,” he said on the leaked police report he filed sidelines of an event at in 2020. the Hilton. “If they’re not The Long Island MP has doing it, then they must also previously stated that have some reasons why he had no beneficial interand I guess at some point in est or any other interest time they will be called to in the company. He also account for that.” insisted that “false allegaIn August, documents tions” regarding the issue were leaked to the media were the sad reality of “silly showing that WSC con- season” and “mudslinging” tracts, worth hundreds of that have become features thousands of dollars, were of Bahamian politics.
THE MOMENT when the highest point of the US Embassy was topped out on Friday.
Landmark moment for embassy ON Friday, the United States’ diplomatic mission to The Bahamas held a topping-out ceremony for the physical structure of the new US Embassy building being constructed in the heart of downtown Nassau — on the corner of Shirley and East Streets. “The United States is here for The Bahamas, and that is really what this building is all about,” said US Chargé d’Affaires and the host for the evening, Usha E Pitts. During her remarks, Chargé Pitts commented on the enduring strength of the US-Bahamas relationship — sustained by shared values and common interests — and said The Bahamas “is known in my government as a young but vibrant nation; as a member of the sisterhood of democracies”. Governor General Sir Cornelius A Smith; Prime Minister Philip Davis; Chief Justice Sir Brian Moree; Minister of Works and Utilities and acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Alfred Sears attended the event along with other high-ranking US and Bahamian government officials, Cabinet
GOVERNOR General CA Smith at the topping-out ceremony. ministers, and close partners at the socially-distanced outdoor event. Mr Davis reminded those gathered that the US and The Bahamas share a close relationship in many ways. He said the new embassy “symbolises an understanding that the closeness between our nations is well worth a continuing investment.” Mr Davis thanked the US for the country’s support during the pandemic — among other acts of goodwill — including the donation of over 128,000 Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine doses.
The ceremony marks the halfway point of the overall project and means “the building will go no higher, and the basic shape is complete”, said overseas building operations director Stephen Ziegenfuss. Mr Ziegenfuss thanked the The Bahamas government for its cooperation in support of the project over the past two years, including permits, work visas, and customs documents. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the project is expected to be completed by the summer of 2023. “Already, it stands as a lasting symbol of the enduring friendship between the United States and The Bahamas,” said Director of Caribbean Affairs Nan Fife. During the ceremony, the embassy also raised onto the roof a tamarind tree — which will be planted on the embassy grounds after construction is complete — in celebration of the Bahamian spirit and the shared roots and values that strengthen the relationship between the United States and The Bahamas.
CASES SIGNED BY AFRICAN MAY GO BACK TO COURT from page one
Her ruling could result in several court cases being sent back to Magistrate’s Court if any accused’s VBIs were signed by Mr Bakibinga who is the assistant director of public prosecutions, or another African prosecutor working in the public prosecutions department. Neither of the African prosecutors have been approved by the Bahamas Bar Association to practice at the Bahamas Bar. Mr Pinder told The Tribune that should cases be sent back to court, officials feel confident that they will be able to re-prosecute where necessary. He also expressed plans to discuss the office’s internal structure with Cabinet members at the next scheduled meeting.
“Well, I have consulted across the board and we feel comfortable that in the event that that does happen and those cases are sent back to the Magistrate’s Court that we have a plan in place where we can properly prosecute at the end of the day those cases,” the Attorney General said. “So, we don’t believe that we will be caught in a situation where they can no longer be prosecuted. We may have to re-prosecute but we think that we will be able to address those situations.” However, it is not clear how many cases could be affected as a result of the ruling. “I don’t know the answer to that right now, but that audit is underway today so I don’t have those results back yet from this morning, but we have initiated that request and review and we
certainly hope to have that by Cabinet on Tuesday.” Justice Fraser’s ruling came after attorney David Cash challenged the validity of his client’s VBI after arguing that Mr Bakibinga erred in law when he signed the document because he was not qualified to do so. Mr Cash is representing Cannes Villus, who is charged with four counts of unlawful sexual intercourse. Justice Fraser further told the court that Mr Cash’s submissions highlighted the fact that the Criminal Procedure Code stipulates that only the attorney general or a legal practitioner acting on his behalf can sign Voluntary BilIs of Indictment. Mr Cash also contended that because Mr Bakibinga has been denied the right to practice by the Bahamas Bar Association, he could not be considered a legal practitioner in the country.
“The fair treatment of accused persons is inherent in our criminal code, both procedurally and substantively and must always align with the provisions of our Constitution,” Mr Cash said in a statement sent to The Tribune Friday. “There can be no shortcuts in maintaining a just and fair process (and) there can be no misalignment with the constitution. The greater ramifications of this decision are a natural consequence and flowing from the disregard for procedure and the rule of law.” Mr Bakibinga, a Ugandan, was hired as assistant director of public prosecutions along with Nigerian Nikiruka JonesNebo, now deputy director of public prosecutions, in 2019. Their hiring had upset some local lawyers who believed Bahamians should have filled the roles.
In November 2019, the Bar Council rejected the duo’s applications after determining the applicants did not have the certifications for the Bar that are specified in the first schedule of the Legal Profession Act. In response to the rejected applications, then Attorney General Carl Bethel called for the Bahamas Bar Council to stop acting “politically” and admit two Africans to the Bahamas Bar. When asked if the public can expect to see the roles being filled by qualified Bahamians in view of the ruling, Mr Pinder did not directly answer. However, the legal affairs minister said he plans to discuss with Cabinet Tuesday regarding the “make-up” of the public prosecution department to ensure that those hired are qualified and capable to perform
their jobs. He said: “I believe that a Bahamian could fill all of the roles in the department of public prosecutions. The PLP’s mandate is to ensure that Bahamians who are qualified are given the first opportunity to have positions nationwide and that includes the department of prosecutions and I will be consulting with the Cabinet on Tuesday regarding the make-up of the department of public prosecutions because it is the desire of the government and the desire of the attorney general to ensure that the most competent people are in the department of public prosecutions and that they are in positions of which they are qualified for and that it be an office that is run and administered by qualified Bahamians. This matter will certainly be in front of the Cabinet on Tuesday.”
PAGE 6, Tuesday, October 12, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
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Lack of urgency in protecting Govt House HOW secure is Government House? On Saturday afternoon, as has been well documented in a video circulated on social media, the statue of Christopher Columbus was attacked by a man with a sledgehammer. He wasn’t quiet about it. It’s hard to be quiet with a sledgehammer – but he was also recorded shouting “I bringing him down” and other things. He wasn’t hard to miss. So where were the officers on duty at Government House at the time? Royal Bahamas Defence Force Commodore Raymond King has said that the officers on duty at the time have been relieved of their duties. This is not the first time there has been a problem with security at Government House – nor is it the most serious. In 2019, Petty Officer Percival Perpall was shot multiple times in the guard room and killed. There was an attempt to murder two other marines. Their killer remains free after a trial found a man who had been accused not guilty of the crime. At the time, Attorney General Carl Bethel said: “We trust that all relevant agencies will in due course take necessary steps to ensure that the law is upheld and that all necessary steps are taken to improve the security of Government House, if it is found that there was in fact any lapses in security.” In February of last year, then National Security Minister Marvin Dames said that a review had been completed into security issues at government house. He said at the time: “The report is currently being… We’re working now to get it printed so it should be coming back to the public very shortly.” How shortly? Well, let’s fast forward to this week. Commodore King said after the attack on the statue: “I’ve only just recently received the report for the death of (Petty Officer) Percival Perpall and the deficiencies that would have been alluded to by the committee with the view of correcting those deficiencies and the overall state of security and safety here at Government House.” Only just recently received, he says, for a report that Mr Dames said was being printed back in February 2020. Security never looked less urgent.
Bear in mind this was a review after a murder. There could hardly be a greater need for urgency than to prevent the risk of violence, and yet this report seems to have moved with all the pace of a snail. This isn’t a question of the rights and wrongs of damaging a statue – last year more than 15,000 people signed a petition to get rid of the Columbus monument so feelings on its presence are certainly mixed. This is about the security of the highest office in the land. Twice now in a few years that security has been breached. Ought we not to be taking it more seriously? Or are we waiting for something even worse to happen? It should be addressed, and quickly.
Stay informed
In some interesting comments recently, government officials have suggested they haven’t seen information in the public domain. Last week, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said he did not know that Wayne Munroe’s law firm represented two deputy commissioners of the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services in a 2019 lawsuit that sought to quash Charles Murphy’s appointment as Commissioner of Corrections before Mr Murphy was placed on administrative leave by the new Minister of National Security. We should note it was more than his law firm involved, Mr Munroe’s name was directly on a document seeking leave to begin judicial review. Yesterday, Mr Munroe weighed in on the topic, saying about concerns over a possible conflict: “I haven’t heard the criticism. I was rather busy but what I did hear was an allegation that somehow there was a conflict of interest over the thing with Commissioner Murphy.” These may have come as a surprise to our leaders, but we doubt they come as a surprise to readers who have been informed on the topic in these very pages. So if you want to be better informed than the Prime Minister and the Minister of National Security, it seems, read The Tribune. We will be delighted to keep you up to date.
Spare statue, but tear down wall EDITOR, The Tribune.
THERE is ample historical evidence that Christopher Columbus was no hero. As he observed the generous, friendly reaction of the Lucayans on San Salvador to the strange visitors from the sea, his mind turned (naturally) to what good slaves they would make, as he noted in his log. As to his legacy, it foreshadowed a sustained period of genocide, initiated by the Spanish Empire in the 15th Century and completed by the government of the United States in the ‘Indian Wars’ that ended only 97 years ago. So impressed was a young Adolf Hitler by the US government’s “Indian policy” that he modeled his intended genocide against Russia on it. Collectively, the European settlement project in the Americas resulted in the most complete annihilation of a continent’s population in human history. But the statue at Mount FitzWilliam was a gift to the Bahamian people from Sir James Carmichael Smyth, probably the best and most admirable governor we had during the colonial era. Given this remarkable man’s enlightened attitude toward slavery and race relations back in the 1830’s, there is no doubt that he meant no ill in giving it.
In fact, before being run out of town by the local kleptocratic elite, Sir James made clear his opposition to the nastier sides of settler colonialism – passing laws against corporal punishment of slaves and jailing wealthy planters who ignored them. He was a firm abolitionist who happily oversaw the end of slavery in The Bahamas. The statue itself was designed by Washington Irving, the author of Rip Van Winkle and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and one of the young United States’ first literary giants. So if only out of respect both for history and for the memory of Sir James Carmichael Smyth, Bahamians of all backgrounds should deplore the desecration of this gift. While I would personally suggest its removal to the grounds of the national museum, its destruction would serve no useful purpose and would rob us all of a piece of our history. Besides, there is a far more glaring and insulting feature of Government House that can be addressed with far less anger and controversy, and that, unlike the Columbus statue, actually harms the city of Nassau in a way that goes beyond mere symbolism. That feature is the
visibility and accessibility of the building itself and its grounds, which offer a welcoming and highly visible stairway from Bay Street right into the grand fore rooms of the building but is closed off at the back like the living quarters of an occupying military force. The resultant ugliness it gives to the whole area behind it is compounded by the obstruction that it creates to human and vehicular traffic between Blue Hill Road, Market Street and surrounding areas. But the message is clear: Government House (like so many portals of access to the country’s resources, wealth and heritage) belongs to the privileged and even to foreign visitors, but literally turns its back on the population that immediately abuts it. This is both disgraceful and an impediment to the redevelopment of the surrounding area. Rather than being hidden from the surrounding Grant’s Town by an imposing wall, the gardens should be integrated into the area, with only a transparent gate for security, creating an impressive vista of the whole area. Instead of amputating Columbus, we need to tear down that horrible wall. ANDREW ALLEN Nassau, October 10, 2021.
Leave our statues alone EDITOR, The Tribune.
I SAW a professor from the University of The Bahamas on the news saying that all of our colonial statues should be removed. I would like to know who gave him the job of speaking for the Bahamian people? He is free to voice his opinion, but he must not speak for the Bahamian people. The idea of removing colonial statues is foolish and unnecessary. As usual many weak-minded Bahamians want to follow everything that is done in America, but I cannot understand why. We saw a flawed mind set being demonstrated by many Americans when they destroyed stores, cars and everything else to show that they disagreed with what happened to George Floyd. Then we saw Americans destroying statues of slave owners. This is all hypocrisy. Those statues were in America for many years. The death of Mr Floyd was wrong. However the statues had nothing to do with his death. Those statues are a part of the history of America. It is likely that those slave owners did good and bad things to black and white people, but what they did cannot be undone. Leave the statues alone because history is history and should not be hidden whether it is good or bad. Destroying stores and shopping malls did not bring Mr Floyd back to life, but it did show that those persons who did these acts are lawless, disrespectful people who in many cases did not care about Mr Floyd, but instead cared about grabbing as many Nike tennis shoes as they could out of the mall. God save the Bahamas and Bahamians from such a disgraceful and uncivilized mindset. I am a black Bahamian. Yes wrong was done by many colonial slave masters and others from that day, but leave every last one of those statues alone. They are a part of my Bahamian history. Again, whether it be Columbus or Queen Victoria, there is good and bad in everyone. Removing those statues will serve
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net no purpose so leave them alone. All of the hypocritical voices that are being heard now ranting and raving about colonialism were quiet when the country was shut down and there was no money coming in because we had no tourists. These individuals were praying I am sure for the country to open so that they could go back to work. This same tourism industry which many of these hypocritical persons have a problem with is the engine that powers our economy. Indeed we do need to diversify our economy, however, tourism will always be a part of us. I am proud of our tourism product and what we offer to people around the world. I am proud to walk downtown and look at the statue of Queen Victoria, Columbus and Woodes Rodgers because they are all a part of the rich history of the place where I and my forefathers were born. Leave the statues alone and let Bahamians and tourists alike learn about our history and the good and bad done by the persons represented by these statues. Leave the Columbus statue alone. I sincerely hope the courts penalise the man who damaged it severely because he represents the lawless mind that wants to do the lawless deeds done by others across the waters. The hypocritical voices talk about Columbus killing the natives, but why don’t they talk about the large number of black men being killed by other black men presently. Why don’t these voices speak about and do something about domestic violence and teen pregnancy and homeless and hungry people and all of the other social ills that plague our society? As a black person I have always disagreed with how black people hold onto slavery and use it as an excuse to hate white people. The point is slavery was terrible and wrong, but it is in the past. Racism still exists, but we all must play
our part to bring an end to it. Yes some white people are racist but you also have a large number of racist black people who are racist against their own people. There are light skinned black people who do not want their children to date or marry black people with darker skin. There are black people who look down on other black people who are not as wealthy as they are. LET’S GET REAL!! Stop focusing on the past and the statues that have no bearing on whether anyone lives or dies and focus on the things that matter and can make our country a better place. Of course many of the intellectuals will argue that slavery caused black people to hate their dark skin but that makes no sense. Stop blaming slavery for everything. In fact, stop blaming and start doing something about now. How come slavery didn’t cause black people to hate, hatred? How come slavery didn’t cause black people to love each other since they shared a common experience? If those statues were removed, the killing of young men and the hunger of the less fortunate would not be lessened. I hope that this government that the Bahamian people voted in, or any other government that follows preserves and protects our statues and our history. There are good and bad aspects to our history, but it is our history. It is more important to focus on the present and doing what we can right now to improve our nation and the lives of our people. We have people in politics who have done wrong things but no one is crying out for them to be removed or banned from running for a political party. We must not follow the illogical and irrational thinking of others. Instead of removing the statues let’s remove the hypocrisy and the monkey see monkey do foolish mindset that threatens to overtake the mind of many. A BAHAMIAN LOVER OF HISTORY AND STATUES Nassau, October 9, 2021.
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, October 12, 2021, PAGE 7
20-year manslaughter sentence quashed
By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net
THE Court of Appeal on Friday quashed the 20-year manslaughter sentence of a man who fatally stabbed another man he believed intended to rape him. After reserving their decision, Justices Sir Michael Barnett, Jon Isaacs and Milton Evans granted Albury’s appeal and quashed his conviction and sentence, before ordering that he be retried for manslaughter in a new trial to be held “as soon as is practicable.” Lamar Albury was charged with the murder of Devince Smith in 2016. Court documents said that during his trial, his defence was that the deceased had
shown him pornography and when he “objected and expressed distaste for the images”, the man “grabbed and held his penis and tried to strike him over the head with a vase”. At the time, Albury said he believed that he would have been raped by the deceased which prompted him to defend himself by stabbing Mr Smith multiple times about the head, neck and chest, which ultimately led to his death. After a trial by jury in 2017, Albury was convicted of the lesser offence of manslaughter by reason of provocation and sentenced to 20 years imprisonment. He recently appealed his conviction after arguing “the learned judge
TWO MONTHS IN JAIL FOR ASSAULT ON GIRLFRIEND By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net
A MAN who claimed he assaulted his girlfriend after she “put something in his drink” was sentenced to two months in prison on Friday. The accused – whose name has been withheld to protect the identity of his partner – was arrested after the woman reported the matter to police on September 12. The court was told that around 9.45 that night, the woman told police she was riding with her boyfriend in the Sea Breeze area, when he slapped her in her face and beat her about her body. The prosecution said although the assault caused minor bruises to her face and pain to her body, she told them she did not intend to receive medical attention. After she filed her complaint, the accused was arrested. When he was questioned, he admitted getting into a verbal altercation with his girlfriend about their relationship and said he slapped her in her face which
caused the bruising. When he appeared before Magistrate Kendra Kelly on Friday, he pleaded guilty. He also told the magistrate his girlfriend had placed a “molly” in his drink which caused him to “act weird”. “That day was a blur,” he said. “My neighbours had to tell me what happened (because) I was under the influence of explicit drugs”. During the hearing, the accused claimed he and his girlfriend had been in an accident the night before and said she left him at the scene. He insisted that at the time of the assault they were “both on drugs and one thing led to another.” In response, Magistrate Kelly told the accused his behaviour was “completely unacceptable”. “What you did to her face was completely uncalled for,” she said. “It was barbaric and the court can’t take this lightly.” Magistrate Kelly said in view of that fact and in light of the accused’s previous convictions, she would sentence him to two months on remand.
MAN ‘SLAPPED TEN-YEAR-OLD WITH CUTLASS’ IN INCIDENT By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net
was hostile when his mother went up to him and “tried to chap her with a cutlass”. When the youngster’s A MAN slapped a mother took the stand, she ten-year-old boy before said on the day in queswielding a cutlass at the tion, she was heading home youngster’s mother, a court when she received a call was told. Prosecutors allege Trava- from her mother telling her lae Andrews assaulted the that Andrews had slapped and punched her son. mother-son duo in April. “I told him he is a grown He denied the allegations man and my son is a child when he first appeared before Senior Magistrate so if there was a problem Derence Rolle Davis and he should’ve come to me the case was adjourned for so I could deal with it,” she said. “But then he pushed trial. When the ten-year-old me, got his cutlass out of his gave evidence, he said he trunk and started swinging was outside playing basket- it and saying: ‘I ain’t scared ball with his friends when to go to jail because I been Andrews “pulled up” in a there before.’” The woman said she was car playing loud music. The boy said sometime later, about two feet away from Andrews pushed him up Andrews when he wielded to a wall and “slapped him the cutlass while making the threats. She said his actions up”. “I asked him if I was his made her fear for her and child and he told me he is a her son’s safety, so she went big man and I am a child,” to the police station and he told the court. “When I reported the matter. During the hearing, left to tell my grammy, he bust me in my back with a Andrews was not reprerock in front of our house.” sented by an attorney. As The boy said after his a result, Magistrate Rolle grandmother informed his Davis adjourned the matter mother of the incident, she to give him an opportunity confronted Andrews to ask to seek legal representation. him “why he hit her child.” The case continues OctoStill, the boy said Andrews ber 19.
VAGRANT BROKE INTO STORE FOR BOOZE By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net
A VAGRANT who admitted to breaking into a liquor store where he stole an assortment of alcoholic beverages was on Friday sentenced to two years behind bars. Police arrested Andy Williams after he broke into Quality Liquor and LaundroMat sometime between October 5 and 6 to steal over $1,000 worth of alcohol, including $200 worth of Hennessy pints and $162 worth of gin pints. He pleaded guilty to shop breaking, stealing and receiving during his arraignment before Magistrate Kendra Kelly. The prosecution said
the proprietor of the store reported the matter after discovering that someone had broken into his Palm Beach establishment through the rear exit door. After he filed his complaint, officers investigating the matter arrested Williams. He admitted the offence in an interview with police. On Friday, Williams, who has no fixed address, told the magistrate he committed the offence because he had a “serious drug problem.” After accepting his guilty pleas, Magistrate Kelly sentenced him to two years on remand. She also ordered that he receive drug counseling from professionals from the Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre while he is in custody.
failed to give an adequate direction to the jury” as it related to his argument of self-defence. He contended that this factor not only affected the safety of his conviction, but also impacted the fairness of his trial. In their judgement, delivered by Justice Evans, the panel said while the trial judge gave the required direction as it related to honest belief, she failed to “adequately make clear to the jury what the actual circumstances” were as Albury “perceived them to be”. “The learned judge did not seem to focus her mind to the fact that the primary concern expressed by the applicant at trial was that he was of the view that the deceased
intended to rape him,” Justice Evans said. “The evidence from the applicant was that the deceased grabbed and held the applicant’s penis and attempted to hit him over the head with a vase. The applicant then having an honest belief that the deceased was attempting to rape him, defended himself to prevent being raped. The implication being that the use of the vase was intended to subdue the applicant to facilitate the rape by the deceased.” He added: “Section 107 (4) of the Penal Code clearly lists rape as one of the crimes against which a person may defend themselves by using force even to the extent of killing the attacker. It is unfortunate
that the learned trial judge focused her attention to the crimes of causing dangerous/ grievous harm or death.” Justice Evans said based on the “ambiguity of the judge’s summation”, it was clear that she was of the view that the jury could find Albury not guilty of murder by virtue of self-defence, but still proceed to consider and convict him on a charge of manslaughter by provocation. He said that viewpoint was “clearly wrong”, because if the jury had found that Albury was justified in defending himself, he was “entitled to be acquitted of all charges”. “If the jury was of the view that he was entitled to defend himself, but he used more force than was
necessary they ought to find him guilty of manslaughter,” Justice Evans continued. “The issue of manslaughter due to provocation could only arise where the jury rejected the defence of self-defence completely, that is to say, that the force used was not justified (which the judge said that the jury found was justified). It is only then that they could have properly considered whether the applicant was motivated by provocation. “It is obvious that having regard to the not guilty verdict on the charge of murder a retrial would have to relate to the offence of manslaughter. I would therefore order that the conviction and sentence be quashed
MOM’S RELIEF AS SON SURVIVES SHOOTING By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net A MOTHER is breathing a sigh of relief after her son survived a shooting incident in the Nassau Village community over the weekend. Police said shortly after 9pm on Saturday, police received information about a man being shot at Stack Avenue, Nassau Village. Responding officers found a man with gunshot wounds. He was taken to hospital by ambulance where he was in serious condition. The victim was identified by close relatives yesterday as 39-yearold Aaron Smith, a father-of-two. His mother, Sharon Butler, expressed gratitude to God for saving her son’s life, though she admits the road to recovery will be a long one. “It has to be God. Just to see the condition he’s in. It has to be God because
you see plenty don’t make it... and I’m right here praying in the word of God,” she told The Tribune yesterday. Ms Butler, who was at work when the incident occurred, said she was told her son left a nearby store in the community moments before he was shot. She said: “I understand that my son just came out of one of the neighbour’s’s yard and he said he left to go and buy a dollar worth of cigarettes and as he get out the corner, I understand someone just start shooting at him and he went to the neighbour’s house and told them that someone had tried to kill him I understand he collapsed at the front door of the lady.” The mother said her son, who was shot several times in the face, could be paralysed if he survives. “The doctor told me that he got shot to his neck, underneath the chin and the back of his right ear and his two shoulders which they allowed me to see those wounds
and he told me and pulled me on the side and told me that my son have a slight chance of making it, but he said if he do survive, he would be paralysed and he would have loss of speech and maybe hearing or blindness because of the injuries,” Ms Butler said. “He said that some of the arteries have been damaged with the X-ray they already took and he said they were waiting on the surgeon to come and take him into the theatre and operate on him... Right now, I don’t know his condition because I just reach from the hospital and I came here to work because he was still in surgery – and they told me it would be critical after this (surgery) so I haven’t heard anything from them and right now that’s all i know, but I’m praying.” Ms Butler said several suspects have been arrested. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 919, 502-9991 or Crime Stoppers at 329 (TIPS) 8474 .
PAGE 8, Tuesday, October 12, 2021
Standing up for our mental health in the time of COVID THE Bahamas, as a society, has come a long way in addressing the issue of mental health. Just about two decades ago, no one wanted to admit they had any kind of mental health issue. They would have been met with negative labels that could follow them the rest of their lives. Many did not even want to admit if they were depressed and needed help. These were things you are supposed to “deal with” and “get over”. People from every socioeconomic background suffered in silence due to the stigma that family and friends might put on them if the truth were revealed. That time of stigma and discrimination about mental
THE TRIBUNE
Face to Face
By FELICITY DARVILLE
health is being replaced in these times with awareness and understanding. Society is beginning to accept that mental health issues can affect anyone; even more so, because the COVID-19 pandemic has created a new set of circumstances that have taken a toll on most of us. On Sunday, October 10, World Mental Health Day was officially celebrated under the theme: “Mental
ONE of the advertisements from the World Health Organization campaign.
Health in an Unequal World” with the mission: “Mental Healthcare for All - Let’s Make it a Reality”. The day is organised by the World Federation for Mental Health and endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO). The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) has organised a series of campaigns to bring light to the issue, which is critical now more than ever. PAHO/WHO The Bahamas & Turks and Caicos Islands, the Ministry of Health, the Bahamas Psychological Association and the Healthy Bahamas Coalition are joining in the worldwide campaign for mental health awareness. In such a small population, COVID has hit The Bahamas hard and grief levels are high. Latest reports indicate that 600 people have died from COVID-19. That troubling fact is met with concerns that another wave is expected. Most Bahamians know someone who has died because of the virus. The obituaries have gotten thicker. They are filled with announcements from fami-
lies that have lost multiple members. Parents and their adult children are being buried together. Siblings are sharing one obituary column. In the southernmost island of Inagua, residents are in shock as the fifth member of one family has already succumbed to COVID. Breadwinners are gone from families. Students have lost their teachers. Pastors have left their flocks. Community leaders have passed on. These deaths are shocking, often because the victims are people who were otherwise healthy or not showing any indication of the possibility of dying. What makes it worse is that due to the contagious nature of the virus, the victims die alone. Their loved ones had to face the agony of not being able to hold their hand, hug them, sing to them… not being able to rally around them in their final moments. While praying for the best, family members have gotten the devastating news that their loved one has died because of the COVID-19 virus… at least 600 times in The Bahamas alone, and at least 4.55 million times worldwide. This makes the burden of grief even heavier. In our nation, it’s a grief we all share. PAHO gives this advice on how to help someone who is grieving during COVID-19: • listen carefully, but don’t oblige them to talk • ask them about their needs and concerns • help them to take care of their basic needs • help them to connect with family and other sources of social support • encourage them to resume their daily activities at home, school, work and social relationships. Recovering and adapting is a process that takes time. Finding a moment for closure can help the process, PAHO advises, and “it’s important to say goodbye”. If the restrictions don’t allow for the usual rituals, there are some alternatives. When at home, you can host a virtual memorial with others. Light a candle and display a photo of the person who died. Share special memories or thoughts about them, or what each person would like to say to them. You could organise a meal with family and friends and leave a chair or empty space where you can leave a photo or drawing of the deceased. Give everyone an opportunity to express meaningful feelings about them. You could also write a letter to the person who died, telling them everything you still want to say to them. You could also bury an object of the person who died, following a ritual similar to a funeral service. It is normal to go through a grieving process, and the reaction will be different for each person. They will need all the support they can get. If the person has difficulty performing daily activities or resorts to harmful behaviour, they may be in need of professional help. Throughout the
pandemic, hospitals have “Children have been out been overrun with COVID- of school. They have not 19 cases, Intensive Care been able to socialise. They Units have been overfilled have not been able to play as with COVID-19 patients, before. This has an impact and health care services on their mental health.” had been disrupted. Another vulnerable Faced with these chal- group, health workers, lenges, frontline health are being exposed to the workers around the world virus daily, he said. They have felt the mental health are isolated from family consequences of the pan- members. In many places, demic over them and the they don’t have the proper people they care for. personal protective equipWhen PAHO Caribbean ment. These things just made this statement its “add layers to their stress”. Facebook page this week- Dr Oliveira said PAHO end, with a clarion call for will shortly launch a virdoctors, nurses, medical tual course on self-help for students, and all healthcare healthcare workers. workers to join a #MENSahar Vasquez of Mind TALHEALTHNOW Health connect in Belize campaign and be bold pointed to some of the enough to share their story things not to do to try on social media. and cope during the panSuch a call could be a demic: “Don’t overindulge rallying point for this shift in things that are pleasurto an awareness about able; they’re quick fixes, mental health not long-term that could push ‘Frontline health fixes… whether society in a workers around it’s drinking or new direction. overeating.” the world If those we The stigma of trust to take have felt the having a mental care of our mental health health issue is medical needs still a major are willing to consequences concern, as well be vulnerable of the pandemic as violence and enough to share over them and discrimination, their stories, according to it may give us the people Franco Masall the courage they care for.’ cayano of to accept and Columbia Unishare that we versity. So are all feeling the sting of while the impact of the the pandemic in some way. pandemic remains huge, at “The COVID-19 pan- risk groups, he said, have to demic has exacerbated the be considered and assisted. mental health situation in the “It is normal for people region, increasing new cases to experience stress and of mental health conditions, emotional distress during and worsening pre-existing periods of great challenge ones,” PAHO states. in their personal life,” “The pandemic has also says Camille Smith, a Uniproduced significant disrup- versity of the Bahamas tions to services for mental, representative. neurological and substance “However, when that use disorders. Populations challenge also occurs in the that have historically faced wider local community, and a higher burden of mental then extends to a global health conditions and pandemic, it is considered reduced access to treatment a compounded situation are being disproportionately in which it becomes more affected by mental health likely that many will expeimpacts of COVID-19. rience stress, emotional This World Mental distress and even experiHealth Day, the WHO is ence possible negative calling for increased invest- impact on their mental ment in mental health - a health.” sector it says is chronically In The Bahamas, mental, underfunded - at all levels neurological, substance of society, from individuals, use disorders and suicide businesses and countries. (MNSS) cause 15 percent “COVID-19 has inter- of all disability-adjusted life rupted essential mental years (DALYs) and 32 perhealth services around the cent of all years lived with world just when they’re disability (YLDs), accordneeded most,” said Tedros ing to the latest PAHO Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Caribbean report. While WHO Director General. men are mostly affected “World leaders must by alcohol use disorders, move fast and decisively to headaches, and Alzheimer’s invest more in life-saving disease and other demenmental health programmes tias, women are mostly – during the pandemic and affected by headaches, beyond.” depressive and anxiety disTanya McFall-Major, orders. PAHO advises that PAHO/WHO consultant primary care providers for The Bahamas & Turks receive training and tools and Caicos led a regional to prioritize detection and panel discussion on the treatment or referral for the issue this weekend. She common disorders for each spoke with experts who age-group and sex. When shed light on the issue. members of the public get “We all have been going involved with campaigns through a lot during this like those underway for pandemic,” Dr Renato Mental Health Day, they Oliveira said. “There’s a improve the chances for deterioration in the mental increased awareness, and health of the populations of help to make for changes the Americas. It’s a cause in their society. In this case, for concern.” all healthcare professionPAHO studies, he said, als are encouraged to join point to an increase in the #MENTALHEALTHdepression and anxiety in NOW campaign. To reach the pandemic. Children the Mental Health Hotline, and adolescents are more call, text or WhatsApp vulnerable. 819-7652, 816-3799.
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, October 12, 2021, PAGE 9
Non-violence in resolving conflict - a lesson for us all? A SIGNIFICANT event last week in South Africa has led to reflection by some on the past iniquitous system of apartheid in the country, and it is a reminder of the power of forgiveness and reconciliation in an increasingly troubled and violent world. The occasion concerned was a special thanksgiving service to mark the 90th birthday of Desmond Tutu, the former Archbishop of Cape Town and antiapartheid icon, who was the first black holder of this senior position in southern Africa’s Anglican hierarchy. The service was held in the city’s St George’s Cathedral. He retired in 1996 and after a period of ill health withdrew from public life a decade ago. While the whole world revered Nelson Mandela, who became President of South Africa as a new democracy in 1994, Archbishop Tutu is less well known outside his own country even though he was praised internationally for his anti-apartheid activism as a prominent campaigner in opposing it. But he believed in non-violent and peaceful action – and he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984. He later played an important role alongside Mandela in steering the transition from white minority rule and apartheid to a multi-racial democracy. For younger readers perhaps unfamiliar with South Africa’s relatively recent history, apartheid was introduced by the Afrikaner-dominated National Party following its election victory in 1948. It is defined as the separate and parallel development of people according to their colour and race. This was in a country where whites made up some 14 per cent of the population but owned almost all the wealth including the best land. Black people were stripped of their rights as citizens and were dispossessed of land and homes while being banned from living or working in areas
QUEEN LAUNCHES COMMONWEALTH GAMES BATON
The Peter Young column designated for whites, except to provide cheap labour. Worldwide condemnation of apartheid quickly followed, and for many years it made headline news. It was regarded as being morally repugnant and unacceptable, and it was also opposed by many within the white community in South Africa itself. Over the years, such international opposition and growing domestic unrest and violence increased the pressure for reform. Working at the British Embassy during the period, one of our tasks was to convince political leaders and other opinion-formers that apartheid had to end. Meanwhile, of course, in 1985 The Bahamas hosted an important Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in which British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, was isolated in her stand against economic sanctions which she believed would damage most severely the poorest people in South Africa. But, during this period, she was engaging in a direct dialogue with its leader, President P W Botha, urging him to announce specific steps to end apartheid including release of the imprisoned Nelson Mandela. This fascinating correspondence was highly classified at the time but can now be found online.
BRITAIN’s Queen Elizabeth II hands over the Queen’s Baton to the first relay runner Kadeena Cox, at the launch of the Queen’s Baton Relay for Birmingham 2022 - the XXII Commonwealth Games. Photo: Alastair Grant/AP WHAT a pleasure it was to watch The Queen undertake last week her first official engagement after returning from her annual break at Balmoral in Scotland. As Head of the Commonwealth, she set in motion the 16th global baton relay for the 2022 Commonwealth Games which will be held in the central England city of Birmingham from 28 July to 8 August. The launch, also attended by Prince Edward as vice patron of the Commonwealth Games Federation, was the first major event at Buckingham Palace since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The baton, in which a strand of platinum has been incorporated in recognition of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022 – the 70th year of her In the mid-1980s, the South African government accepted the need for fundamental reform. By 1990, the apartheid laws were scrapped and Mandela was released which set off a chain of events that led to democratic elections in 1994. Archbishop Tutu worked in close harmony with Mandela in negotiating the total abolition of apartheid and the introduction of democracy, often acting as a mediator between rival political indigenous factions. Despite fears of a racial bloodbath, this transformation was achieved peacefully. It is
reign – has thus begun its epic twomonth journey around the world to all the 72 countries and territories participating in the Games, including, of course, The Bahamas. It will travel 90,000 miles and be carried by 7,500 baton bearers before being returned to Birmingham in time for the opening ceremony. As a top class athletics contest, second only to the Olympics which includes competitors from the whole world, the Commonwealth Games – formerly known as the Empire Games – are held every four years in different Commonwealth countries. They are seen as fostering friendship and social ties and are thus judged to be a unifying force for the 54-member voluntary association of independent
generally recognised that this was because both of them preached racial harmony and unity. Historians consider that their strong renunciation of violence was a defining moment in the new political process and for such an achievement Mandela earned – jointly with the outgoing president, F W de Klerk – the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. For Desmond Tutu, the story did not end there. In 1996, he was appointed to chair the newly-created Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Mandela was said to be determined not to allow anger over past
states that supports international co-operation across-the-board and strengthens, in particular, trade and investment links among its members. Unlike the recent Tokyo Olympics that were subject to strict coronavirus restrictions, the organisers of the Birmingham event say that, judging from the number of ticket applications already received, they are looking forward to capacity crowds and they hope to emulate the successful Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014. After the horrors of the pandemic over such a long period, what a happy prospect that is – and everybody will surely hope that the baton will be returned safely after an incident-free global journey.
crimes and human rights abuses to influence the future path of the nation. The Commission investigated these and gave vent to grievances. But Tutu was mainly responsible for preventing retribution and trials of former state figures. He advocated what he termed “restorative justice” as he worked for forgiveness in the form of a legal amnesty from prosecutions while also providing for some restitution, with perpetrators of human rights abuses making amends to their victims – and it was he who is said to have invented and popularized the sobriquet the “Rainbow Nation”
as a metaphor for postapartheid South Africa! Archbishop Desmond Tutu has been widely praised because people saw that he cared deeply about his fellow citizens and was a champion of peaceful opposition. What a boost it would be to world peace if people elsewhere could learn from his example when settling disputes. Like Nelson Mandela he was able to forgive and start the process of reconciliation for the good of a new South Africa – and, in such circumstances, is it any wonder that he was greeted so warmly and by so many on his 90th birthday?
MOURNING THE LARGER-THAN-LIFE IVAN JOHNSON THE extraordinary outpouring this past week of grief, affection, love and appreciation for Ivan Johnson, the founder, owner and editor of The Punch, will surely have come as no surprise to anyone who was fortunate enough to have known him. His sudden passing has come as a terrible shock to so many, and I should like to take the opportunity of this column to offer my own tribute. It was both sad and heart-warming to read in The Punch published last Thursday the forty pages of eloquent tributes and messages from his countless friends and admirers, together with photographs chronicling his life and times. Only someone so charismatic, interesting and likeable could have inspired such a huge range of accolades. He was described as kind, generous, caring, gregarious, compassionate, empathetic, loyal, bold, fearless – and intelligent, knowledgeable and worldly while also down-toearth, unpretentious and a great conversationalist. He was, of course, an accomplished all-round sportsman, a gifted writer and a fine investigative journalist who, thanks to his experience of working in London and with the Murdoch publishing empire in Australia, knew everything there was to know about newspapers. Judging from the positive comments of members of his staff at The Punch, he must also have been an excellent boss, manager and mentor demanding of them, but obviously kind and generous as well and he inspired their loyalty. While I do not pretend to have known him well, we had the occasional lunch together over the years and I recall a bruising encounter on the squash court in
the far-off happy days when the club was owned and managed so well by Keith Parker. Incidentally, while his success in first-class cricket in England – playing for the county of Worcestershire – was covered fully in The Punch on Thursday, another snippet I heard a while ago was that at his well-known boarding school, Malvern, the cricket coach had rated him the best schoolboy cricketer there of his generation. Years ago, I
also knew his father, Basil Johnson, who distinguished himself during service with the RAF in the Second World War and, in 1944, was awarded a DFM (Distinguished Flying Medal). But, to many, Ivan Johnson’s greatest success was his prowess as a newspaper proprietor, first-rate journalist and wordsmith par excellence. Provocative and controversial, he exposed corruption and injustice and the wrongdoing of the
rich and powerful and those in influential positions of authority in a bid to hold them accountable. As everyone knows, his writing was concise, incisive, lucid and punchy with no frills, designed to get a message across without nuance or qualification – and he was a master of the art of the penetrating style of tabloid journalism. Those who feared his critical probing will now be spared and no doubt relieved
to be let off the hook. But, for so many, his passing is a cause of extreme sorrow and sadness – the end of an era and, as a larger-than-life character of such tremendous accomplishment, his like may never be seen again. May his soul rest in peace.
IVAN JOHNSON
PAGE 10, Tuesday, October 12, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
‘It’s up to Golden Gates church members to decide council’ By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net SUPREME Court Justice Ian Winder has ruled that it is up to the members of Golden Gates World Outreach Ministries to decide who will make up the church’s council, which in turn will be responsible for electing the executive committee that will manage the organisation. The church’s executive team was embroiled in a disagreement stemming from Bishop Rostin Davis’ appointment of his son, Trent Davis, as senior pastor of Golden Gates Assembly. Last year, a video showcasing protesting pastors refusing to move off the pulpit during a Sunday service made its rounds
on social media. Seven of them were listed as defendants in a lawsuit headed by Bishop Davis and four others in their capacity as the executive committee of the church. According to court documents, in the action Bishop Davis sought an injunction restraining defendants Alan Strachan, George Carey, Vandera Carey, Cleo Cash, Inez Pinder, Ruth Miller and Dwight Strachan or their servants or agents, from interfering with the business or operation of the church. At the time, the protesting pastors also filed a counterclaim requesting the court to determine which members make up the church’s executive committee. According to Bishop Davis’ July 2020
affidavit, in February 2020 he announced that he selected his son as the next senior pastor at the church’s anniversary service. He said this announcement was met with “disapproval” from some of the “other 14 pastors”, which resulted in a question being raised concerning his authority to appoint a senior pastor, despite the fact that he had “appointed all of the pastors.” “The advice of Ms Krystal Rolle, QC, was that in the absence of a constitution one would have recourse to the customary practice of the church,” the court documents read. “It was agreed that the customary practice of the church was that as senior pastor I consulted the board of pastors on the position of the
appointment of pastors, but in the end the choice was mine after prayerful consultation.” Meanwhile, in Mr Strachan’s September 2020 affidavit, he stated that the “breakdown” between Bishop Davis, his family and the pastors was a result of Bishop Davis’ “unilateral announcement” that his son, Pastor Trent Davis, would be his “successor without knowledge or prior approval of the pastoral/executive committee”. In analysing the case, Justice Winder said that the court only needed to determine who were the members of Golden Gates Ministries’ executive committee. He said “having seen and heard the evidence of the witnesses” he was satisfied
that there has “never been any election to any office” in the church’s council or committee. “The evidence, which I accept, is that whilst there have been annual meetings of the company at the church, the business of elections did not take place at those annual meetings,” he said. “None of the names listed as officers and/or directors reflect the result of any election to those offices.” Justice Winder added that despite the board of pastors’ “de facto operations in the church,” they were not the council or the committee of the church as they have never been “elected as such.” He said “in as much” as the plaintiffs do not form the membership of the church’s committee,
the board of pastors, were likewise not empowered to issue the resolution they did as the committee. “In the circumstances, therefore, no committee having been elected, the officers of the committee are neither the officers indicated in the letter dated May 2, 2018 nor is it the board of pastors. The originating summons is dismissed,” Justice Winder ruled. “Ultimately it is for the membership of the company, in (an) annual meeting, to decide the make-up of the council which will be empowered to elect the membership of the committee for the management of the company and by extension the church. I shall hear the parties on the issue of costs by written submissions within 28 days.”
GOWE CALLS FOR DEVELOPMENT PLAN By TANYA SMITHCARTWRIGHT tsmith-cartwright@ tribunemedia.net
A FINANCIAL expert has echoed calls for a national development plan following government’s Speech from the Throne earlier this week. Speaking to The Tribune on Friday, Gowon Bowe, chief executive officer of Fidelity Bank & Trust, noted that it should be first considered that all promises made in previous speeches have financial attachments. “The Speech from the Throne for me is a ceremonial hitch because it is really expected and a part of the opening of Parliament,” Mr Bowe said. “I think the intent behind it is probably dismissed because it is has been overshadowed by the
pomp and pageantry. If it is to be meaningful it’s probably a speech that refers to a wider document. “I don’t think any government goes into it believing that they can’t keep the promise. I think they go into it naively, not understanding, ‘for every promise that I make there has to be funding, planning, execution.’ The smartest element would be, how do we set out a strategy document for all Bahamians regardless of their political persuasion can review?” He said the Speech just highlights priorities of the incoming government and will refer persons to the details of a document perhaps the party’s manifesto or blue print. “That is how it happened in the past three election cycles,” he said.
“Candidly put, the Speech from the Throne is the ceremonial delivery of aspirations by an incoming administration. “I say that not to come across somewhat dismissive of it but really saying that it highlights the need for a national development plan because ultimately when you read to it, it is and has always been certainly very light on details. “In the absence of having very holistic and comprehensive plans, the best they can be described are aspirations. The reality is that any administration that wins an election and within three weeks is having a Speech from the Throne read is still in the midst of understanding. Meaning if it was a diligent opposition paying close attention to what was in the public domain,
however being in the chair is very different.” Mr Bowe continued by drawing a timeline from the election win to the opening of Parliament, one which he believes illustrated there is no real time to make a meaningful Speech. “In the absence of it being an incumbent government recurring, the reality is there has not been enough time to put out a plan that is going to be one that I can hold as being commitments or elements that I take any more seriously than a ceremonial speech,” he said. “I think that while the initiatives in it are what I will call the popular agenda items. This means if you go to the average citizen, everyone is going to say pay me more, give me more benefits and tax me less. That is just in reality what the human nature is going to be, but we have to pay for all that it is we are going to do. “If we were in the scenario of having a national development plan, I believe we would have a more meaningful Speech from the Throne. That is only because what it will then turn to is saying, ‘these are my actions’ in relation to my generation plan which is 25 to 30 years in terms of the making and ‘these are the elements that I am hoping to achieve in the
GOWON BOWE next election cycle towards elements in the Speech this wider plan.’” from the Throne that He called on all gov- leave people bewilernments to remove the dered by saying you can’t partisan approach from increase benefits, wages, their Speeches from the and social programmes Throne and realise the and reduce taxes because promises made can come they are incongruent. So back to haunt them in the it means that you must be future. prioritizing these things “We have to remove that are different phases the partisan politics from and times. the Speeches from the “The Speech from the Throne,” he said. “We Throne is no different than have to avoid the desire to previous ones, the politiattract our base or to satisfy cal parties need to rest our base, because it gets us their swords aside on this into problems by virtue of one because criticizing it saying, ‘these promises you for lack of details can be couldn’t keep’. thrown on all administra“I think there are tions for the last 25 years.”
IN this Sunday, April 11, 2021 photo, Britain’s Prince Andrew speaks during a television interview at the Royal Chapel of All Saints at Royal Lodge, Windsor, England. Photo: Steve Parsons/Pool Photo via AP
UK POLICE TAKE NO ACTION OVER PRINCE ANDREW ABUSE CLAIM LONDON Associated Press
BRITISH police have announced they will not take any action against Prince Andrew after a review prompted by a Jeffrey Epstein accuser who claims that he sexually assaulted her. Virginia Giuffre claims she was trafficked by Epstein to have sex with Andrew in London in 2001, when she was 17 and a minor under US law. She is suing the prince in a US court. Andrew, the second son of Queen Elizabeth II, denies the allegations. He told the BBC in a 2019 interview that he never had sex with Giuffre, saying: “It didn’t happen.” In August, London’s Metropolitan Police force began a review of allegations connected to late convicted sex offender Epstein. Police chief Cressida Dick said at the time that “no one is above the law”. The force said in a statement late on Sunday that its “review has concluded and we are taking no further action”. It also said it would take no action over allegations, first reported by Channel 4
News, that Epstein’s alleged accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell, trafficked, groomed and abused women and girls in the UK. Maxwell, a British socialite, is in a US jail awaiting trial on charges that she recruited teenage girls for Epstein to abuse. The force said it is continuing to liaise with other law enforcement agencies who are leading the investigation into matters associated with Epstein. After weeks of legal skirmishing, lawyers for Andrew acknowledged late last month that the prince had formally been served with Giuffre’s lawsuit. The prince must file responses to the claims by October 29. Last week, a US judge agreed for Andrew’s lawyers to receive a copy of a 2009 settlement between Giuffre and Epstein that they believe will nullify the civil case against the prince. Andrew, 61, has been banished from public royal duties amid the scandal over his friendship with convicted pedophile Epstein, who was found dead in a federal detention center in New York in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. His death was ruled a suicide.