10132016 news

THURSDAY i’m lovin’ it!

HIGH 87ÂşF LOW 75ÂşF

The Tribune L ATEST NE WS ON TRIBUNE242.COM

SUNNY, T-STORM

The People’s Paper

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2016

ds Classifier

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Trade N G A I B A R

D E R F I N

-%

$" ) Ĺš( Š0ÂœÂ‘Čą Â?Â&#x;Š—ŒŽ

Čą

help wanted

S A M A B A H

Cars Fo Real r Sale Help Estate W Rental anted and m Ads much uch, more. ..

˜•Â? Ž› žŠ—Â?Â’Â?¢ ȹǛŗȹ ž¢ Â’Â?‘ȹ ŠœœŠž Ĺ˜ ”

ŚŖř

Ç›ČąĹœĹ?ĹœČŹ

tuition school

Čą Š— ›ȹÂ?Â˜Čą Œ˜Â?’Š Â? ÂŽÂĄÂ?Čą Â˜Â˜ČąÇ­Čą ŠœÂ?Čą ˜ŒŠÂ?ÂŽÂ?ǹȹ ž•ěȹ Â?

cars for sale

OBITUARIES

h 12, 2012 Monday, Marc

e TheTribun

real estate

Volume: 112 No.213

Biggest And Best!

PRICE – $1 (Family Islands $1.50)

CARS! CARS!

CLASSIFIEDS TRADER

Call today 328-0

AT STARTING

for rent

BPL trucks out of action L! ADS SEL PHOTO 351 002 / 502-2

$25

13 vehicles off the road, claims union president

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net  NEARLY a dozen Bahamas Power and Light Company (BPL) bucket trucks are not operational and several diggers have “broken down� since BPL crews began hurricane recovery efforts in New Providence, according to Bahamas Electrical Workers Union (BEWU) President Paul Maynard.

Mr Maynard told The Tribune that “if the powers that be� had listened to him and have a hydraulic special-

ist repair the bucket trucks, which he said have been broken down for months, power could have been restored to the island quicker, “because more men would be able to be on the road�.

He also said several diggers, which are needed to replace the broken poles, have stopped working, placing crews at a huge disadvantage. “I think it’s about 13 of them (bucket trucks) that are not working and most of the diggers have gone down,� Mr Maynard said.

SEE PAGE SEVEN

AS thousands of Bahamians continue to grapple with conditions left behind

by Hurricane Matthew made harder in the absence of electricity, Bahamas Power and Light Ltd said the company aims to have 75 per cent of customer services restored by the end of the week and outlined its plan to reconnect the remaining 25 per cent.

BPL CEO Pamela Hill said yesterday that about

52 per cent of New Providence’s customers were back on line.

BPL’s plan, Ms Hill said, will see PowerSecure – its management company – double the line staff and increase equipment beginning Friday.

The plan also involves support from retired Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) employees that know the system and assistance from sister power companies in the Caribbean.

SEE PAGE SEVEN

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net SARKIS Izmirlian, CEO of BMD Holdings Ltd, the original developer of Baha Mar, has made an offer to purchase the stalled $3.5 billion dollar resort “at a price in excess� of the current undisclosed bid.

In a letter dated October 10, addressed to Liu Liange, vice-chairman and president of the Export Import Bank of China (CEXIM), Mr Izmirlian said BMD Holdings is prepared to pay 100 per cent of all “substantiated� Bahamian claims and all money owed to Bahamians and foreign employees.

He also said BMD Holdings will drop “all of our appeals and legal actions in effect within the Bahamian courts� upon acceptance of the offer.

In August, Prime Minister Perry Christie announced that the government and CEXIM entered into an agreement to have Baha Mar completed and sold to a “world-class hotel and casino operator�.

Last month, Mr Christie and a government delegation that travelled to London, England, to meet with investors were informed about the identity of the anticipated buyer for the beleaguered Baha Mar resort.

However, he said he could not name the group because of the delicate stage of negotiations.

SEE PAGE FIVE

PM DENOUNCES CRITICISM BY FNM LEADER AS ‘IDIOTIC’

BPL: WE WILL HAVE 75% RESTORED BY WEEKEND

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

SARKIS: I’LL PAY MORE TO BUY BACK BAHA MAR

RESIDENTS in Grand Bahama - pictured above after the impact of Hurricane Matthew - are hoping that their communities will rebound after the disaster.

Photo: Vandyke Hepburn/BIS

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net  PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday said he was “disappointed� that Free National Movement (FNM) Leader Dr Hubert Minnis would use Hurricane Matthew as tool to “divide the country politically� instead of acknowledging that the government is “doing a good job� in the aftermath.

SEE PAGE 11

RESIDENTS HOPE HARD-HIT 180-DAY EXIGENCY ORDER COMMUNITIES WILL REBOUND DECLARED BY GOVERNMENT

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

DESPITE the widespread damage Hurricane Matthew left in West End and Eight Mile Rock, Grand Bahama, residents in these communities yesterday expressed hope that they will rebound.

In West End, homes along the seaside and main road in the community were totally destroyed, and businesses

sustained extensive damage, including the iconic Star Club owned by the late Progressive Liberal Party Senator Austin Grant and his family; as well the marina, hotel and restaurant, and seafood processing plant owned by the Neely family.

Tractors and bulldozers were in the community clearing away debris and other obstructions from the main road.

SEE PAGE 12

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE exigency order declared in the wake of Hurricane Matthew will last for 180 days, effective from October 7, according to the order obtained by The Tribune.

The order will allow residents affected by the storm to import certain items into the country duty and taxfree.

*Incl. VAT

WWW.BURGERKING.BS

/BURGERKINGNASSAU

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

Items that will be tax exempt include building materials, electrical fixtures and materials, plumbing fixtures and materials, household furniture, furnishing and appliances, bottled water, generators and motor vehicles.

The exigency order only covers New Providence, Grand Bahama, the Berry Islands and North and Central Andros.

SEE PAGE SIX

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, October 13, 2016, PAGE 3

‘I believe the water rise so fast and so high it was a tsunami’

HURRICANE BRIEFS • THE second annual Run for Pompey originally set for Georgetown, Exuma, on October 8 has been re-scheduled for October 29.

“We made a decision on October 2 to re-schedule because of the threat of Hurricane Matthew, not knowing what the impact of the storm would be on the Bahamas,” said Jeff Todd, the race founder, yesterday.

“Fortunately for Grand Isle, which is the host hotel, we are absolutely fine and in fact, we are open today.

Everything has fallen into place for the event to be re-scheduled for the end of this month, October 29. All of our sponsors have been notified, all of the entrants who are coming in from abroad are being notified, the official timing company was able to make it which is critical for the quality of the events, and our event patron Pauline Thompson Davis was able to be with us that day.”

The Run for Pompey offers six events for participants, from a 2km ‘Georgetown Dash’ for youngsters up to a 50km ultra marathon, the only ultra-marathon in The Bahamas.

The devastation in North Andros from Hurricane Matthew is almost unimaginable, Ricardo Wells finds

‘B

attered, but this (waving his hand over not done.” mounds of furniture assemThat is how bled outside) was gone.” many North Speaking directly to the Andros residents described Prime Minister, he said: “Inthe state of their lives yes- stead of you coming looking terday as Prime Minister after this, your heart would Perry Christie led members have been gone, because we of CARICOM across com- would have had more dead munities ravaged by Hurri- people laying-off.” cane Matthew last week.

Rip tides and storm surge Filled with stories of in Lowe Sound pushed sea survival, endurance, quick- water as far as mile inland thinking and the “kind acts in some areas, and in some of God”, The Tribune’s cases, surges of some 10 tour of Lowe Sound, North feet above normal sea level.

Andros, revealed the utter The magnitude of the surge devastation left in the wake levelled homes and ripped of the massive category 4 through power lines. storm.

“But God was so good,” Homes rendered frail, affirmed Deacon Johnson. twisted pieces of steel, wire “And as the Psalms say, and rock. Cars pummelled in all things give thanks. I by fallen debris. Business remember Job in the last and recreational spaces message, he said I only eswashed cape to tell clean away ‘The water didn’t you that all from the discriminate or pick gone. And surface of what he say, the sur- sides, it took it all the Lord rounding gives and with it. We tried as community. best we could, but the Lord Roughly takes. That a week ago, it got serious fast. I is my conin the early had to take my family firmation. hours of in the roof. I was Because the Thursday, Lord that trying to get in, after I serve he Hurricane Matthew I helped them in, but will never - still an inturn his the water came too tense weathback on we. er system fast and I was too He will al- moved off heavy to pull myself ways keep the northin. I have never seen us.“The wawestern tip of New anything like this in ter been up Providence all my life.’ to about and trained where those its sights on light is right North Andros. there (roughly six feet), that Before noon on Thurs- is where the water was. It day, Deacon Mitchell John- rise up quick, but it didn’t son and his wife, Maude, stay long. I would say about said the surge associated 45 minutes the water was with the storm gave way up there, and in another 45 to an act of nature never minutes it was gone. Never thought possible by the seen anything like this. longtime Lowe Sound resi- Been through Hurricane dents. “I wasn’t expecting Betsy, Hurricane Michelle that, (the water) come too and the water never rise. fast,” said Deacon Johnson But I believe it was a tsuwhen encouraged by Mr nami, I am not too sure, but Christie to share his story.

I believe the way the water Surrounded by reporters, rise, and so high, I believe local government officials it was a tsunami along with and foreign delegates, he that,” he added. added: “In about threeBuried in the mud-soaked quarters of an hour all of rubble piled at the doorstep

DAMAGE to cars and buildings in Lowe Sound, Andros.

SOME of the damage in Lowe Sound, Andros, above and below. of the couple’s home were photos of happier times. A further look revealed certificates awarded to the pair for their service in the community.

Matthew moved in around noon last Thursday; by dusk, the lives of many were ruined.

“I see the crowd the Prime Minister bring; many would find issues with that but I happy the man is here,” was the claim of Cecil Marshall, a resident of the Fire Road section of Lowe Sound since 1974. “As you can see every piece of furniture, truck, car - they were all under water. Look inside. I tried to drag my bed to help block the door, but when that water came, it washed away everything.”

Pointing to his photographs now scattered in the doorway of his apartment, through,” he said.

Mr Marshall added: “All Bracing himself on the of these were on the wall. trunk of Deacon Johnson’s No Sir, the water didn’t dis- destroyed vehicle, Ambascriminate or pick sides, it sador LaRocque added: “It took it all with it. We tried is really devastating and I as best we could, but it got don’t think the story has serious fast. I had to take gotten out, the plight of my family in the roof. I what is happening here. It was trying to get in, after I is almost total devastation. helped them in, but the wa- You hear of other places, ter came too fast and I was but here needs attention as too heavy to pull myself in. well.”

It pushed me to the window Recalling storm devastaof the bedroom - roughly 15 tion in his home country of feet - I had to push out the Dominica throughout his screen and squeeze my way life, he said it was becoming out the window to survive. clear that the countries of I have never seen anything the Caribbean were becomlike this in all my life.” ing increasingly unprepared Yesterday’s tour revealed for the level of devastation utter devastation in Lowe associated with modern Sound. By estimations, storms. more than 90 per cent of He said the threat of the settlement sustained storm surges and rip tides some level of damage, with have forced nations in the roughly 85 per cent of af- Caribbean to adjust the way fected areas sustaining crit- they view construction. ical loss.

Asked how he would apThe level of desolation proach rebuilding efforts, left CARICOM Secretary Ambassador LaRocque General, Ambassador Ir- said construction of homes win LaRocque, unable to so near to the sea must be speak. After taking a mo- immediately addressed. ment to collect his thoughts, rwells@tribunemedia.net he told reporters that the level of destruction seen had escaped description.

“To see the level of destruction, one can only imagine what the citizens of this area would have gone

• ARDASTRA Gardens and Zoo is appealing for unwanted sandbags used as protection against Hurricane Matthew last week to be donated to help the animals’ living conditions.

“Our clean up efforts are well under way,” a Facebook post from Ardastra said, “but we need to add sand to the animals habitats.”

Ardastra said that sandbags can be dropped off in the zoo’s parking lot any day between 8am and 5pm.

35 ANDROS HOMES DESTROYED

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net OFFICIALS have confirmed that 35 homes were completely destroyed in North Andros by Hurricane Matthew, with 40 residences sustaining major damage, and 100 more receiving minor damage.

Critical supplies were expected to arrive in North Andros yesterday as restoration crews continue efforts to bring utilities back online in one of the hardest-hit districts from the storm.

Supplies were onboard HMBS Lawrence Major, which left the capital on Tuesday with 40 hygiene kits, 36 two-burner stoves, and four generators. The vessel was slated to arrive in Lowe Sound on Wednesday, according to the National Emergency Management Agency.

The items were donated by the United States Agency for International Development/Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (USAID/OFDA).

As for water supply, partial restoration has been achieved to the system ser-

vicing Nicholls Town and Lowe Sound. Water for communities is also available at the Water and Sewerage Corporation’s main pumping station site. The category four storm inflicted significant damage and flooding in pumping stations serving Nicholls Town, Conch Sound and Lowe Sound.

Restoration crews were deployed on October 7, 8 and 9 to assist in North and Central Andros along with needed equipment and other supplies, NEMA said.

The systems in Red Bays and Mastic Point have been commissioned, according to officials, but are on intermittent supply.

Disruptions to electricity in Central Andros have impacted water supply; however, NEMA noted that portable gensets (generators) were deployed so that restoration crews can provide temporary relief.

Crews have also cleared and re-commissioned well fields in Bowen Sound, Cargill Creek, Staniard Creek and Stafford Creek, according to NEMA, adding that the facilities were being run intermittently with portable gensets.

Galleria Cinemas Galleria Cinemas The TheMall-at-Marathon Mall-at-Marathon BOX BOXOFFICE OFFICEOPENS OPENSAT AT10:00 10:00AM AMDAILY DAILY

EFFECTIVE AUGUST 24TH, 2007 EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 14TH, 2016 THE ACCOUNTANT KEVIN HART - WHAT NOW DEEPWATER HORIZON MISS PEREGRINE'S HOME MASTERMINDS THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN WHEN THE BOUGH BREAKS STORKS DON'T BREATHE

NEW

1:00

3:25

N/A

6:00

8:25

10:40

NEW

1:10

3:35

N/A

6:10

8:20

10:45

T

1:05

3:30

N/A

6:00

8:25

10:45

B

1:00

3:25

N/A

6:00

8:20

10:45

T

1:15

3:40

N/A

6:15

8:45

10:50

T

1:00

3:50

N/A

6:35

N/A

10:00

C

1:00

3:30

N/A

6:00

8:25

10:45

A

1:10

3:35

N/A

6:05

N/A

N/A

C

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

8:25

10:45

GALLERIA 6 - JFK DRIVE

USE YOUR E-CARD TO RESERVE TICKETS AT 380-3649 OR WWW.GALLERIACINEMAS.COM

THE ACCOUNTANT KEVIN HART - WHAT NOW

NEW 1:00

3:25

N/A

6:00

8:25 10:40

NEW 1:10

3:30

N/A

6:10

8:30 10:50

DEEPWATER HORIZON MISS PEREGRINE'S HOME

T

1:05

3:35

N/A

6:05

8:25 10:45

B

1:00

3:25

N/A

6:00

8:20 10:45

THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN WHEN THE BOUGH BREAKS

T

1:00

3:45

N/A

6:30

N/A 10:05

C

1:05

3:30

N/A

6:05

8:25 10:45

There will be no 1:00pm showings at J.F.K from Monday thru Thursday except holidays

380-FLIX

Use your e-card to reserve tickets at 380-3549 or visit us at www.bahamaslocal.com

PAGE 4, XXDAY, XX MONTH, 2015

THE TRIBUNE

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

LEON E. H. DUPUCH,

SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH,

jrolle@tribunemedia.net

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

Publisher/Editor 1919-1972 Contributing Editor 1972-1991

EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON,

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

Published daily Monday to Friday

Shirley & Deveaux Streets, Nassau, Bahamas N3207 TELEPHONES

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

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

WEBSITE, TWITTER & FACEBOOK www.tribune242.com

@tribune242

tribune news network

Bahamians need reassurance AS THE days drag on and large areas of New Providence remain in darkness, Bahamians without any definite word from government as to when the lights will turn on are starting to panic.

When night falls in Carmichael, a young man sits on his steps, a gun at his side. “I have to protect my family,” he says. “My neighbour just up the road told me the other night he was in his yard and a couple of fellas came into his yard and took his generator and there was nothing he could do about it.”

It was so dark, he said, that a person could be standing before him and he wouldn’t know it. “It’s scary man, it’s scary.” He said that electricity came on in the main street on Tuesday, but he lives on one of the side streets, where it is still off. They live in darkness with no word as to when light will be restored, and they are nervous - nervous even to leave their homes to go to their jobs.

Of course, the misinformation churned out daily by social media - much of it false, or partially true, but exaggerated - is not helping to settle anyone’s nerves.

The panic at the gas stations, when police had to be called to control a near riot, is being blamed on social media information that there was a shortage of petrol and citizens should hurry up and fill their car tanks or they would be stuck. As a result, residents turned out in droves, which created a near riot, for which police were summoned. The truth was that there was no shortage of fuel. There was damage at Clifton, but this did not create a shortage as fuel was already in a waiting tanker - it was just a matter of getting it to the stations.

It is true the lines were long, but the panic was caused when drivers believed that they would be left with empty tanks if they did not muscle their way to the head of the line.

And then there was the rumour that areas like the Eastern Road would not come on before December - scary, but not true. Calls have been coming in from residents that because of the darkness they fear looting - as a matter of fact they give accounts of what has happened to a neighbour who has lost either a boat engine or a generator, which puts them on edge.

However, from the day Matthew blew its last breath and headed away from the Bahamas, calls have been coming in daily asking if anyone has seen a BEC truck - now BPL (Bahamas Power and Light Company Ltd). Many have panicked because, although they drive around, they can find no BEC trucks on the road making repairs. This sets their imaginations

working overtime.

A company spokesman said late yesterday that nine back-up crew arrived from the Caymans and British Virgin Islands last night and will be on the job early this morning. By Friday night, another 25 will arrive and start work early Saturday morning.

The spokesman was confident that 75 per cent of the island would have light by the weekend.

Tall Pines MP Leslie Miller was upset that the company was trying to do the job with a skeleton crew instead of immediately calling in local contractors, former employees who know the system. In answer to his criticism, BPL announced that, in addition to assistance from sister power companies in the Caribbean, they are also getting support from retired BEC employees.

Another rumour making the rounds yesterday and unnerving the public even further was that there was a shortage of police. The report was that many officers were refusing to report for work. Not so. As the storm approached, all police leave was cancelled and all members of the force reported for duty. They were housed at the various police stations.

For example, the entire staff of the Criminal Detective Unit reported for duty and remained on call at the CDU offices throughout the storm.

However, the rumour arose when, after the storm, permission was given to those officers, whose properties were damaged, to return home to secure their families.

In other words, the police are doing their duty and working long hours to protect residents. In many areas, they can be seen out on patrol.

However, these are the rumours that create panic and if not checked could cause even more disruption and destruction than the hurricane itself.

At times like these, it is important that the Prime Minister or a senior minister takes to the airwaves to assure the nation that everything is under control and give them some idea of how soon they can hope to have life’s essentials restored.

NEMA is now calling for donations to make it possible to help those throughout the islands who have lost everything. The public is always very generous. However, invariably after such events there are complaints of unfairness - always political.

We must remember that we are all Bahamians - whatever our politics all deserve equal treatment. We must also remember that contrary to the declaration made by a PLP minister many years ago, “God did not give this country to the PLP”.

Fitzgerald under the bus?

EDITOR, The Tribune A LONG time ago, a political expert told me that whenever Pindling was getting ready to throw a colleague under the bus, he would start letting off hints that that person might be his successor for leadership.

The idea was to puff up that individual’s ego and level of gratefulness to the point where they would do literally anything for the leader, even risk their own reputation by doing the party’s dirty work. Needless to say, the rewards that were promised never came and the individual was cut loose soon after he became ‘tarnished goods’.

This story came to my mind the other day in relation to the talk inside the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), that Prime Minister Christie has chosen Minister of Education Jerome Fitzgerald to be his political successor and that Jerome is being ‘groomed for leadership’.

Over the last several months, Jerome has been on the front lines of everything the government has

been doing, from the fight with the judiciary over the Parliamentary Privilege issue, to the compensation for Baha Mar contractors and workers. He is even on the committee to respond to the destruction caused by Hurricane Matthew.

I am sure this first-time MP is feeling very big and important right now. If I was him, I would be worried.

If you take a closer look at all those important roles he is filling right now, you start to notice something.

With Baha Mar, it was Jerome, not the Prime Minister or the Cabinet, who promised that all creditors will be taken care of. Who do you think will take the heat if this turns out not to be true? The papers already reported that some of the 2,000 Bahamian workers will not get everything that is owed to them. Sounds like ‘storm comin’ and the government needs a scapegoat.

The same goes with this fight between the PLP and the courts. Many MPs had a lot to say about about what was in people’s emails, but only Jerome got himself

into a situation where the court ordered him to pay a $150,000 fine. If he wants to know who is dropping items into his ‘political garbage can’, maybe he should look around the Cabinet table at the next meeting.

I have a piece of advice for Mr Fitzgerald: no matter who asks you to do it, do not make any statement on the recovery efforts from Hurricane Matthew and especially not defending Bahamas Power and Light. I promise, you will catch the heat all on your own. Just like you did with the ‘nolle’, when no one in the party defended you for what was done while you were acting Attorney General. Just like when you were condemned by everyone and their father over the Rubis gas spill, even though keeping it a secret had to be a decision of the whole Cabinet.

They say that those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

Look out Jerome Fitzgerald, the bus comin’. Make sure you are ready and jump out of the way.

PRETTY MOLLY

My hurricane experience EDITOR, The Tribune PLEASE allow me to share a few thoughts are the recent hurricane expeirence we have all endured.

Matthew may be gone, but I doubt will ever be forgotten.

As I sit here, with generator running, I am trying to recall the past several days.

With Matthew it has beena blur. The hecticity to prepare beforehand and then the duration and aftermath.

I am grateful just to be here.

I have no phone, no internet, no electricity, no water and have been unable to contact friends/family to notify them that I am alive and well.

On thing I can say is that our friends and neighbours, even strangers, can rally round and be a wonderful resource. Once the “dust settled”, I ventured out of my yard, which I could not even identify as mine with the major damage and tree debris.

I met some neighbours, including a foreign ambassador that I had not had the occasion to meet before.

We were all just trying to get a breath of fresh air and access things. The prognosis did not look good but we were all still alive and that is really all that counts at the end of the day.

After running the “gennie” for some 55 plus hours, it became apparent that I needed to get more diesel.

I called on a neighbour to assist me. This was on Friday morning I think. I had major trees down in my driveway and was unable toget out. At the drop of a hat, I had two young men from next door - who just happened to be here visiting from Canada - assist me to move them.

I showed their mother around my waterside garden, which had most of our neighbouring homes’ docks, lumber, shingles and

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net boats in it (I still don’t know where my boat went - but I hope someone enjoys it).

Once I was ableto leave my driveway, I attempted to go to a fuel station for diesel. I first went to the closest two or three. All were closed and in some boarded up. I had to keep going further and further west. I found a convenient place that was open and waited in line for about a half hour.

No one was moving, the pumps were only sporadically working and the nature of the customers was quite rude, one might even say dangerous. I left.

Headingfurther west, I finaly found another station that was open. The car lines were out onto the road, blocking traffic. There were people shouting and behaving badly with jerry jugs, water jugs and anything possible that could hold fuel. Most were waiting for gasoline. Since I wanted diesel, I parked my car as close as possible - about two blocks way - and carried my jugs to the station. I met no employees on site but lined up for diesel anyway.

I spent almost one hour there to fill up four jerry jugs of diesel. The people waiting for gas were quite rude, shouting, fighting and carrying on. There were actually two police officers stationed there to keep them in line (thank you!). It was like a bad horror movie.

While waiting for diesel, I spoke to several other people waiting in line, all with jerry jugs. I had already been there for quite a while and they came along after me. As it turned out, two very wonderful gentlemen helped me out - we all finally got our diesel and a Jamaican man helped me to get my fuel jugs into my car

before he was even served.

Having spent three hours plus getting fuel, I returned home only to find out that my generator had died. My son had called a technician - yes, on a Friday afternoon in the aftermath of Matthew when driving was impossible and people had their own issues to deal with like roofs, family safety etc.

This fabulopus generator mechanic did not hesitate.

He was at my house within an hour or two and got the generator up and running.

I want to say how grateful I am for some of these wonderful people. We can all come together and help each other in times of strife.

I surely hope we do not see another Matthew but I thank all those who have helped make it an easier ride.

It just shows that we Bahamian still have a lot of love, faith, charity and goodness.

Addendum (October 9): Thank God for our neighbours. Janet from across the street came through with a brand new chainsaw. This would have been no use to me, except that my gardener called on Saturday (a day earlier) and asked if I needed help. I said yes please and bring along any willling asistants that can help.

My neighbour came through with this new chainsaw, complete with gas and oil (delivered in her pyjamas!) and then the gardeners put it to work.

What a fabulous community we have here. People do support each other when push comes to shove. My garden may be naked and I am still quiteemotional about the whole experience but we are still here and have had wonderful assistance from the neighbouring community members.

Thank you all!

BT Nassau October 7, 2016

Where are the radars?

EDITOR, The Tribune PRIME Minister Christie speaks with considerable emotion on climate warming and the evident dangers of that to The Bahamas.

However, the two principal friends to The Bahamas, the USA and the People’s Republic of China, are two of the worst climate offenders.

Whatever effort we do make, even if we had a 100 per cent non-polluting environment, would make little if any difference.

We are affected by the pollution of the US, China and other countries, not only in the air that we breathe but in the abundant

sea that surrounds us. Coral reefs are dying; with that, the fish hatcheries will be gone.

How quickly can the developed world, which has a high level of creating pollution, change – and what is the timeline?

Of course, PM Christie was right to comment on climate change after the advent of us being hit by a hurricane. But we know we live in a tropical hurricane zone; nothing has changed that from the beginning.

A postscript to Hurricane Matthew 2016. Much is talked about the 1929 hurricane; coincidence or not, the hurricane 87 years ago hit The Bahamas on

September 24 and left The Bahamas on October 4.

Minister of Transport and Aviation, it is officially confirmed that the Met Office did not have the Doppler radar. Didn’t the minister announce in Parliament after Joaquin that government was purchasing four Dopplers and locating them from the south to the north of the country?

PM Christie needs to fire this minister. Hurricanes are life and death issues. The all–important weather forecasters must be equipped.

W THOMPSON Nassau October 10, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, October 13, 2016, PAGE 5

Sarkis: I’ll pay more to buy back Baha Mar from page one

Under the terms of the agreement, Mr Christie said CEXIM has committed to funding the costs to finish the project and the resort’s general contractor, China Construction America (CCA) Bahamas, will complete outstanding work.

He said CCA would also resolve outstanding claims with its suppliers and contractors.

Yesterday, Mr Izmirlian said he found it “surprising” that the undisclosed Chinese buyer was reportedly “found outside the receiver’s sales process,” when BMD Holdings was advised that all offers were required to be tendered through the receiver’s process “and the multitude of

bona fide offers we have made were not considered because of that”.

“In fact, if our offers had been considered, it is very likely that Baha Mar would be open today, employing thousands of Bahamians,” Mr Izmirlian said.

“Since the potential acquisition of Baha Mar by an unidentified party via an offer outside the receiver’s process is now what CEXIM is entertaining, we hereby submit the following offer, which we are confident is both far superior economically and in the best interest of the Bahamas … my team can conclude this transaction with CEXIM with the fewest surprises in the shortest period of time.

We can complete Baha Mar with the soonest opening of all other options.

“We are in the best posi-

tion to re-engage the people of the Bahamas as passionate supporters of Baha Mar and its stakeholders. And we can pay the highest price for the benefit of the bank and all its stakeholders.”

In the letter, Mr Izmirlian also asked Mr Liu, to “put our disagreements of the past year behind us” in the best interest of the Bahamian people.

He said: “Together, we can move ahead to a swift and mutually beneficial resolution for Baha Mar, which will result in the resort being open as soon as possible to serve the best interests of the Bahamas, as well as the bank. Now more than ever the country, in its time of need, requires us to come together.”

Last night, Attorney General Allyson Maynard-

PAYMENTS MADE TO AROUND 1,900 FORMER EMPLOYEES

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE Baha Mar Claims Committee, headed by former State Minister for Finance James Smith, has made payments to 1,900 or so former employees and is still considering how to address the claims of other Bahamians who were associated with the resort but were not included on its official list of employees.

Hurricane Matthew and the restoration efforts that are continuing won’t affect the committee’s timetable for action, Mr Smith told The Tribune yesterday, since members and workers will make up for lost time by working longer during weekdays.

And although the committee set September 30 as the deadline to deal with the claims of former Bahamian employees of Baha Mar, the door for people who fall into this category is not shut, and they could still participate in the process and potentially receive a payment by reaching out to the committee.

Additionally, employees who complained about discrepancies between what Baha Mar’s Human Resources Department told them they were owed when they were terminated last year and what they were ultimately given by the Claims Committee have also largely had their con-

cerns addressed, Mr Smith said.

“We’ve settled the issue with about 90 per cent of them,” he said, noting that the queries required, in some instances, only minor adjustments.

This part of the process involved between “80 to 120 people.” He referred to the result as causing a “high satisfaction rate.”

In most instances, the committee only had to explain to workers why they were paid a certain amount.

In other instances, additional money was paid out to workers, although the variance between what they received before and after complaining was never high.

“Most complaints were calculations, like why was I being paid for ‘x’ days versus being paid for ‘y’ days,” he said. “A couple involved a question of classification.

Some casino workers who were transferred to Baha Mar and held a supervisory or managerial post, for instance, but that didn’t show up that way in the Baha Mar’ system so they were initially dealt with as line staff. So that required an adjustment.”

Information from creditors owed money by Baha Mar is trickling in to the committee, but that process won’t be completed until late December.

Meanwhile, the committee is deliberating about what to do for the nearly 200 people who have stepped forward with claims even

though they were not on Baha Mar’s official employee list.

This includes people who were once enrolled in the Baha Mar Academy and were therefore guaranteed a job upon competition, and people who were sent to work at the Baha Mar affiliate, The Hobby Horse Company, until they could be placed in one of Baha Mar’s resort properties.

While such people would be especially unlikely to receive money from a normal, court mandated claims process, the committee’s mandate is to “take care of Bahamians.” This means, Mr Smith said, that even those who were enrolled in the Baha Mar Academy but dropped out before completion could end up receiving some money from the committee––even as former foreign employees of Baha Mar have yet to be paid.

“We haven’t settled on these things,” Mr Smith said. “But this is like a will.

There’s no entitlement anywhere along the line. The key is that many of these people will eventually be employed and the China Export-Import Bank probably doesn’t want them to feel like they weren’t fairly treated.”

Gibson responded to Mr Izmirlian’s letter.

“The purported offer

by BMD Holdings Ltd is a matter for consideration, in the first instance, by EXIM,” she said in a statement. “The government of The Bahamas will continue to work tirelessly in the best interest of the Bahamian people.”

This is not the first time Mr Izmirlian has offered to purchase Baha Mar. In early April, Mr Izmirlian asked the president of CEXIM to accept his offer to complete and open the stalled resort, promising to re-hire Bahamian employees while ensuring that the bank will not have to take a discount on its debt. In other words it would recover its debt in full.

Mr Izmirlian’s offer

would also ensure that unsecured creditors, many who are “suffering in the Bahamas”, would be paid, he wrote.

The letter was a followup to the offer he made to the bank on January 11, to which he said he received no response.

PAGE 6 , Thursday, October 13, 2016

180-DAY EXIGENCY ORDER DECLARED BY GOVERNMENT from page one

“Customs duty and VAT exemption will be granted to registered charitable organisations, and individuals whose loss by Hurricane Matthew has been verified by NEMA,” the order says.

“All other authorised donations will be deemed a gift to the government and will be received and distributed

by NEMA.” The minister of finance, Prime Minister Perry Christie, may decide to extend the exigency order beyond its April 4, 2017 deadline.

The order further says: “The waiver of departure tax for noncommercial flights bringing in relief goods and customs processing fees on imports in the islands mentioned is only permitted for a period of three months commencing on the 7th day of October.”

Residents will only be allowed to import bottled water duty-free for 60 days, however.

And duty exemptions on cars will be based on the “market value of the vehicle destroyed on the date of the hurricane,” the order says.

“In the event the minimum value is less than $5,000 on the date of the hurricane a value of $5,000 would be used.

The destroyed vehicle must be turned over to the authority of the Customs Department in all instances.”

Hurricane Matthew ripped through the Bahamas last week, leaving destruction in New Providence, Grand Bahama, Andros and the Berry Islands.

HURRICANE BRIEFS • THE Queen’s College Centre for Further Education has advised students enrolled in PSAT/SAT classes that classes will resume on Saturday at 9am at Queen’s College.

• THE 114th Session of the Synod of the Diocese of the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands next week has been postponed, the Rt Rev’d Laish Boyd has announced.

It had originally been scheduled for October 17 to 20.

A new date will be announced in due course.

THE TRIBUNE

Still no answer on cost of new power plant

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

SEVERAL months have passed since PowerSecure signed a five-year agreement with the government to manage Bahamas Power and Light Company Ltd (BPL) and its executive team still has no definitive answer on the cost of a new power generation plant to replace the “obsolete” one at Clifton Pier or when key elements of its costly business plan are to be revealed.

In February it was revealed that the government paid PowerSecure around $900,000 to draft a business plan to steer the cash-strapped electricity provider into safe territory.

Its details, while promised, were never revealed.

And given the condition of the Clifton Pier plant, concerns regarding the cost of a new one, its continued longevity and how money would be raised by the company to afford a new plant have continued to loom.

These issues have again been raised as BPL appears to struggle to restore power supply to consumers in the wake of Hurricane Matthew. The category 4 hurricane began affecting New Providence last Wednesday night and many Bahamians have remained in darkness since.

As of yesterday, BPL has restored supply to around 52 to 53 per cent of its customers, according to company CEO Pamela Hill.

However, when she and Kenneth Kociuba, executive vice president of BPL, were asked critical questions regarding BPL while appearing as guests on Guardian Talk Radio’s “The Revolution”, with host Juan McCartney, they seemed unable to answer in definite terms.

Asked how BPL planned to raise the funds for its new plant, taking into consideration a mandate from the

BPL CEO Pamela Hill, speaking to the media after Hurricane Matthew. government that they were not to increase the cost of power for consumers, Mrs Hill outlined in brief how it would be done.

Later, when she was asked why the business plan had not been made public, she said it entailed reliability of customer service and the cost of stability and affordability.

She said: “Like I have always said, I really admire the task that a Prime Minister or really any leader of any country has. BPL is a government agency and the Prime Minister or any leader of a country has any number of different responsibilities to their constituents that they must meet.

“I would say in terms of BPL’s path moving forward or how to put us on track for better financial performance and ultimately better operational performance we’ll start in a few ways. We are going to look internally to see where we can make sure that we are being as efficient as we can.

“So for instance I mentioned the cost effectiveness of using units like the Aggreko units that burn less fuel. So burning less fuel because you’re fuel-efficient.

It means an improved bill for our customers so we’ll look at opportunities like that improved bill because less fuel means you have less fuel to pass through to

a customer.

“We’ll also look at how our own units are consuming fuel. We’ll look at how to make reliability improvements so that our units are more efficient and in that way help to bring down a customer’s rate.

“What we will do is continue to work with employees to see how we can improve our operational practices, which then can lead to cost savings in terms of having units that are more efficient. So that’s how we’ll start really, is by looking for those opportunities.”

Regarding the remaining lifespan of the Clifton Pier plant, Mr Kociuba said it

was hard to estimate this or the cost of a new facility.

He said: “We have three stations there. One of the stations is pretty deplorable with an infrastructure that’s not in good shape. The other two stations ‘Bravo’ and ‘Charlie’ had their share of condition issues. They can limp along but as you can see, we continue to on a weekly basis, the unit will have to come offline because of a component of the system that we either don’t have or we don’t have the right material to fix it with.

“It’s hard to say (what a new plant will cost) because you don’t know what kind exactly.

“When I was over in the US, most companies today are going to combined cycles which is gas or indoor propane (or) it could be solar.

Solar here would be tough to do only because there’s not enough land to do so and you’re not going to get many megawatts out of it.

“But on the island where you have more area to work with we are going to have some opportunity where we are going to go into renewables. So that’s the kind of things that we have to look at,” he continued.

“Much of our stuff, for example like one of our sites Clifton Pier, the parts are obsolete. We just don’t have the parts any more and so then you have obsolete parts and that’s been a part of the structure for years.”

During the contract signing in February, PowerSecure executive Ronnie Brannen admitted that despite the hefty price tag attached to the business plan, his company had only come up with a plan to cover a 90day period.

He suggested that this was because they were faced with several challenges, including aging infrastructure, high operating costs, expensive and insufficient fuel and organisational deficiencies among other things.

READERS HAVE THEIR SAY ON BPL RESPONSE AFTER Bahamas Electrical Workers Union President Paul Maynard blasted the Bahamas Power and Light Company for being “inefficient” and organising the “worst hurricane recovery effort” he has ever seen, readers gave their response on tribune242.com.

John asked: “Foreign is better, remember? Why did they not bring in extra help? What happens when the local workers become fatigued and their productivity declines or they start making mistakes? The

process of restoring power becomes even more drawn out. Y’all ain’t serious!”

There was this from B_I_D___: “The ‘worst hurricane recovery effort’ he has ever seen. Maybe he should recall when the worst STORM he has ever seen has been ... Nassau has not been hit this bad in decades.”

Jackbnimble doubted the numbers of those with power restored: “I do not think 50% of New Providence has light. More like 20%.”

Sheeprunner12 asked: “Why is Maynard throwing BPL under the bus??????

Maynard more than the ordinary citizen seems not to have a clue on the work involved in clearing away mangled electrical infrastructure and replanting and restringing thousands of poles, stays, connections and transformers. If it was that easy anyone could do it. It would take at least TWO months to get 100% electrical supply in NP to every residence. Why do

ignorant people expect miracles? How many work crews from CEDERA are participating? Where was Maynard when the local BEC workers and a handful of EMERA/CARICOM volunteers were working day and night on Long Island last year after Joaquin?”

Observer2 had an issue with electrical costs: “Besides the horrible BEC customer service I am paying between my generator, high power costs, work disruption and ruined electrical equipment, my business is suffering over $50,000 in cost. Compare this with my Florida Power and Light bill of under $2,000 per annum.

Have made the decision to stop working in Nassau as electrical costs are killing small businesses. Will sell out if there are any buyers and move.

Viewersmatters criticised Bahamas Power and Light’s performance: “BPL performance is way below standard - they spent all day watching a slanted pole for more than 8 hours just to put some yellow tape on the wire, their presence isn’t being felt in many places and they are very ineffective, rather they don’t want work or they want wait until OT kicks in before they ac-

tually start to touch just one pole.”

And there was a lively reaction to Superwash president Dionisio D’Aguilar’s suggestion that the cost of hurricane damage could expose the Bahamas to a credit rating downgrade.

OMG said: “Only fools could run a country with a spend, spend, spend, attitude and not put something away for natural disasters.

Wait for the lies, excuses and fairytales that we will now hear.”

But John took another stance: “Actually the reverse of what D’Aguilar is saying is also likely. The horrific hurricane damage can be the stimulus needed to get the economy moving.

Estimates are that insurance companies will have to come up with $400 million in claims money. Uninsured home and business owners may have to come up with another $500-$600 million and government may have to spend another $200 million on hurricane relief. Then there are the donations coming into the country. This is $1 billion that would not have been spent. Not only will jobs be created and unemployment reduced, but this billion dollar injection will drive economic activity.

As economic activity increases there will be some economic growth. Then assume that, whilst the repair and recovery work is going on, work is also going on at Baha Mar and it does open next year. This can bring the unemployment numbers down by more than 50%.”

Banker wasn’t so sure: “What John outlines may be somewhat true in a diversified economy. However the economy of the Bahamas is quite monolithic. The billion dollars required to fix Matthew’s damages will benefit the Florida building supply companies, the electrical equipment manufacturers, the petro-chemical roofing/paint manufacturers etc. None of these are Bahamian companies, unless Potcake Miller still has his paint company going.

“The bottom line is that you are taking a billion out of the economy that could have gone to other things like debt repayment, etc.

There is no economic offset or multiplier unless the economic stimulus creates permanent jobs in all of the areas touched by the rebuilding.”

• Don’t miss your chance to join the debate on tribune242.com.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, October 13, 2016, PAGE 7

from page one

the Bahamas can and will come back stronger. We will get through this working together with our neighbours, friends and family to help each other rebuild,” Dr Minnis said.

A day earlier, Mr Maynard blasted the “co-ordinators” at BPL for being “inefficient” and organising the “worst hurricane recovery effort” he has ever seen.

He said if certain BPL officials had “listened to advice from the union” more areas of New Providence would have been restored and BPL’s restoration timeline would be significantly shorter.

In a statement on Monday, BPL said it could not give an exact time for full restoration, but the company expects most customers to be back on supply by the end of the week. However, Mr Maynard said “two to three weeks” is more realistic.

Yesterday, BPL CEO Pam Hill said electricity was restored to just over 50 per cent of its customers in New Providence and restoration in the Family Islands was “substantially” complete.

BPL also said it expects restoration efforts to ramp up significantly when assistance from international partners arrives on the island. Some were expected to arrive last night. BPL has sourced help from the Caribbean Association of Electric Utilities, which is sending at least three teams to the island.

BPL trucks out of action “We need a specialist to come in and fix the trucks.

I suggested a while ago that we send some of our own people to learn how to fix these trucks and I was told no. The company was scared the men were going to come back and work for someone else.

“I even gave them the number of a guy who could fix it, but they don’t listen to me. They know it all.

“You have these people on this hurricane committee who do what they want to do. If we had (those) trucks we could have been further along with hurricane repair. We also need those diggers to change the broken poles. We have three diggers working and I think they are trying to rent one but we will see what happens.”

Free National Movement (FNM) Leader Dr Hubert Minnis also criticised BPL yesterday. In a statement, Dr Minnis said while BPL crews are working hard to restore electricity, the company and the government must give those without power a definitive timeline for restoration.

“Under the most difficult circumstances, the workers at the Bahamas Power and Light Company have been working extremely hard to restore electricity to all Bahamians on New Providence,” Dr Minnis said.

“As they work tirelessly to

A BPL worker at work on power lines after the storm. restore power, it is time for BPL management and the government to provide the people still struggling without power with a timeline for the restoration results.

“From the beginning, BPL has said that after they completed their assessment of the damage they would begin working from the largest areas affected to the smallest areas. This means

that BPL and the government by now should have an idea of when and where work will be occurring every day until the work is completed.

“Bahamians have a right to know the schedule that BPL plans to follow in their efforts to restore power to the entire Island. Right now too many Bahamian families and businesses have

been left in the dark - both literally and figuratively.

They need this information so they are able to make plans and start their own restoration efforts. Many Bahamians are still staying with family and friends with no knowledge of when they can return to their homes. “ ... There are certain areas in Seabreeze and Southern Shores that will take a

long time to recover from this storm but it is time to allow everyone else to know when they can take steps to try and return to normal. Though Hurricane Matthew struck The Bahamas with all of its force last week, it is clear that the storm has not broken the resiliency of the Bahamian people.

“I know in my heart that

BPL: WE WILL HAVE 75% RESTORED BY WEEKEND from page one

The strategy is expected to provide support for the 150 workers already on the streets of New Providence.

These linesmen and technicians have been working 16-hour shifts each day beginning at 7am.

In a newly released video uploaded to BPL’s Facebook page, perceived to be a public relations strategy to remedy the backlash the company has received, Mrs Hill said BPL’s work is “great,” but it remains committed to resolving the issues.

Her comments came after former BEC Executive Chairman Leslie Miller and Paul Maynard, the Bahamas Electrical Workers Union president, both castigated BPL on Tuesday saying it had failed to coordinate proper efforts to tackle to wide range of repairs needed in the aftermath of the monster storm.

Today marks eight days that some consumers have been without power supply.

“Much of our generation, transmission and distribution systems were damaged resulting in damage to our communities as well,” Mrs Hill said. “Some of this our customers can readily see as they drive on our streets.

Other damage simply isn’t visible to the naked eye.

That said, our crews have been undaunted and we have made significant progress in the less than a week into our restoration efforts.

“In the Family Islands with the exception of North and Central Andros, restoration is at 95 per cent. In New Providence we’ve restored power to more than half of our customers specifically almost 50,000 of

our total 80,000 residential customers are on and more than 80 per cent of our business customers they are on too because that’s important as they are the lifeblood of our economy.”

She continued: “By the end of this week our goal is to have at least 75 per cent of our customers on.

Our plan to get to 100 per cent is as follows: First we’ll start with those who know our nation best, our fellow Bahamians. Our crews are working 16-hour days out on the streets beginning at 7 in the morning not finishing up their shift until 11 at night or sometimes later.

“Our retirees and former employees who know our system well are right back on the job working shoulder to shoulder with us. Likewise we are getting support from local contractors and we’ll continue involving others who have the manpower and capabilities to help us.

“Second we’re calling on our sister power companies in the Caribbean. Cayman Utilities is arriving this evening and line crews from other nations will be arriving in the coming days,” she said yesterday. “Finally our management company PowerSecure will double the size of BPL’s line crew and equipment and begin providing support on Friday.”

Last night, BPL released a statement advising that there was a “small fire” at one of its Aggreko plants, which has been contained.

BPL said that incident did not impact its ability to supply power to its customers.

“A fire broke out on one of the one megawatt units at the Aggreko 2 plant just after 7pm on Wednesday

evening,” BPL said. “Immediately, crews turned off the fuel supply as well shutdown the engines at the entire Aggreko 2 plant to prevent the fire from spreading.

With the assistance of the fire department, the fire on the single unit was extinguished at 7.15pm. No one was injured in the incident.”

It is unclear what caused the incident, BPL said, adding that in the mean time, BPL will continue generate power from both its Clifton and Blue Hills Power Stations as well as the original Aggreko 1 plant (40 MW) that was not impacted by the small fire.

OUTRAGE

While the video was expected to address customer concerns and ease the push back toward BPL, it seemed to anger Bahamians, who expressed their outrage in frank terms on the company’s Facebook page.

One user said: “You think this video suppose to make us feel at ease? Nope. Send out them trucks (especially Sea Breeze) ‘cause I can’t see how Joe Farrington Road have full light but Sea Breeze doesn’t (sic).”

“With all due respect, it’s been one week now and I have not seen one person from the power company in my area, Shirlea, which is behind Shirley and Mackey (Streets). We have not even been on any of your lists ever. Furthermore I haven’t seen any lists since Monday past. This is the worse service from BEC/BPL in response to a hurricane that I can recall. A response would be appreciated but not expected (sic),” another user lamented.

Another user added: “This is unacceptable! Do

your job, hire more help or import it. Six days since the hurricane and you’re concerned about PR? Stay out of the media and go to work!”

Yesterday BPL crews were working in Golden Gates 1, Sea Breeze Lane, Pineyard Road, Sandilands Village

Road, Coral Lakes, Bellot Road West, Chippingham, Kemp Road, Farrington Road, Stapledon Gardens, Key West Street, Balfour Avenue, and East Street (north of Wulff Road).

They said crews were expected to do their best to restore power in respective

areas. However, there may be challenges with individual supply or the supply on a particular street once BPL energised an area.

BPL asked for patience as it continued to try to restore as many customers as possible and then concentrate on individual customers.

PAGE 8 , Thursday, October 13, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

Matthew exposes failings in authority and fractures in society F

OR the governing Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), Hurricane Matthew will either be the straw that that finally breaks the camel’s back in the minds of the electorate or the lifeline they needed to convince voters that they are worthy of another term.

The onus is now on the governing party to demonstrate to a frustrated, dejected and dispossessed people that they have learnt from the “teachable moments” of Hurricane Joaquin in 2015.

Hurricane Matthew’s unwelcomed passage through our archipelago and subsequent annihilation of parts of several islands has set our country back by 30 years. There has been extensive loss of property, widespread infrastructural damage and an increasing sense of discontentment.

Admittedly, the arrival of the hurricane in New Providence was met by much trepidation. After spending Tuesday evening and the early part of Wednesday securing my house, I prepared for Bahamas Power and Light (BPL)/Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) to shut off the light. As the winds begun to howl outside my window that evening, the lights were soon off.

My six-year-old son, who was excited to experience his first hurricane, was initially excited. Of course, like any child afraid of the dark, he spent the next few days tagging me closely - holding on to my shirt, jumping in front of me as I walked, following me everywhere. To him, no flashlight or candles could replace the comforts that he had become accustomed to and the fear of the darkness around him was a brand new experience.

Admittedly, being without electricity from Wednesday night to Sunday afternoon was frustrating. I can only imagine the ire and frustration many Bahamians - still without electricity - are feeling. I had not been without electricity for that long since I went to Long Island in the wake of the last two hurricanes to impact my home town. Nassauvi-

PRIME Minister Perry Christie pictured yesterday during his tour of the damage caused by Hurricane Matthew in Andros.

A Young Man’s View

By ADRIAN GIBSON

ans have not experienced a hurricane of the magnitude of Matthew in many years and so, undoubtedly, residents are exasperated or, as one person told me, feeling as if “we have returned to the 14th century”. Growing up in Long Island, I became accustomed to being without electricity for extended periods following a storm.

I readily recall the devastation left by Hurricane Lilly in the 1990s.

BPL - BEC’s management company - has failed

in its response to Hurricane Matthew. Its co-ordination and efforts to re-electrify New Providence have been slothful, disorganised and amateurish. That said, I must applaud the hardworking men and women of BEC/BPL who have worked countless hours to restore power, leaving their families to fend for themselves to give an invaluable national service. Though these men and women are clearly being managed by clueless bunglers, they have

performed in what is - I am and overhead power lines in told - confusing circum- new subdivisions? stances where they are reWhy hasn’t any adminisceiving multiple, confusing tration seen the benefit in instructions from various generally replacing overpeople and being told to en- head cables with undersure that certain prominent ground cables? Surely, the Bahamians current overand politicians ‘BPL has failed head could be have their sold to other electricity sup- in its response countries or ply immedi- to Hurricane persons who ately restored. Matthew. Its codeal in copper Why did wiring and the BPL (a sub- ordination and poles could sidiary of efforts to rebe cut down management and sold electrify New entity Poweragain to other Secure) not Providence have countries - as follow well- been slothful, firewood and/ established or people for disorganised and hurricane coconstruction. amateurish.’ ordination It is not as procedures? difficult as it Why were power lines sounds. The reality is that in New Providence not re- we live in a hurricane belt stored on the main thor- and we must be proactive. oughfares before anywhere What’s more, why we else? have not had the foresight Since PowerSecure is an to promote and encourage international company pur- the full scale incorporation portedly based in the Unit- of alternative energy - from ed States, why are there no solar energy to wind powsister companies or affili- er? Surely, we must be tired ates offering to assist with of electing visionless wanthe restoration of power nabe leaders who are not throughout the archipela- forward thinkers and who go? Why are there no more have refused a wholesale re-electrification teams on acceptance and embrace of the ground? renewable energy!

In 2016, why is BPL/BEC This hurricane has yet still installing wooden poles again exposed our failure at

Photo: Vandyke Hepburn/BIS town planning.

Yet again, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has been shown to be a neutered governmental pup!

Where are the satellite phones NEMA? When I was growing up in Long Island, I recall BEC pruning trees that were close to power lines. Why do we no longer see that?

Why are the drains no longer cleaned on a quarterly basis? Where is the vision?

Was there a proper hurricane evacuation plan in place for residents of the southern parts of New Providence, beyond inviting residents to leave?

I am disappointed that some Bahamians, though advised to leave the southern shoreline for their own safety, remained. Surely, these persons ought to have taken refuge at shelters and with family members rather than risking their lives and potentially risking the lives of rescuers who would be dispatched to save them once they made distress calls. Evacuation orders should be mandatory and, going forward, the government must declare a state of emergency and use the Royal Bahamas Defence

VACANCY Private offshore bank seeks qualified candidates to fill the post of Senior Officer 1. The successful candidate will report directly to the head office and be primarily responsible for the management of the local branch.

Selection criteria, relevant skills and responsibilities: • • • •

• • •

•

• •

Bachelor degree in Business Administration, Economics or related field; At least 7 years of relevant experience as a Senior Officer 1; In-depth knowledge and understanding of bank’s policies, procedures and regulatory compliance issues; Well-developed time & project management skills to ensure the execution of directives from head office to achieve goals and deadlines; Serve as liaison between head and local offices; Experience of dealing with regulators and auditors including day to day relationships and regulatory visits; Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to relate to Senior Officer II as necessary; Assistance with other aspects of general administration related to the Bank and its clients; Proficient in the use of Microsoft applications; Good command of English and Portuguese languages.

Compensation:

Commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Qualified candidates may apply in confidence to: offshorebank17@gmail.com

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, October 13, 2016, PAGE 9

TANGLED power lines and a snapped telegraph pole in Grand Bahama after Hurricane Matthew struck the island.

Force to assist in relocatI am more fortunate than in the wake of the storm. I roads and the unusual sight ing those who may not vol- most. Whilst I lost shin- witnessed untold incivility of police cars escorting fuel untarily do so. What if the gles from my roof, suffered at the gas stations and on trucks. And then there was hurricane did directly hit damage to a fast food lines. the story about conch poiNew Providence? boat, plants How disap- soning that also was untrue.

‘Rather than Frankly, we need to move in my yard pointing!

Rather than channelling to a point where we have and threw out channelling Intentional that energy into assisting government-initiated mock hundreds of that social disseminaBahamians most impacted exercises, simulating hur- dollars’ worth tion of mis- by the hurricane, there are ricanes, fire drills, plane of meat and media energy information clearly some among us who crashes, fires and bombings. frozen goods, into assisting is a downside are intent on creating and The response of the govern- I consider my- Bahamians most of the preva- spreading falsehoods. ment in the wake of Hur- self fortunate. lence of social Moreover, the reports of ricane Matthew demon- Many Baha- impacted by the media in the looting and theft are destrates that our government mians lost far hurricane, there Bahamas. We monstrative of a callous is unprepared for national more. saw lies being breakdown of social law are clearly some catastrophes. In future, spoThe build spread about and order among our peoradic drills should feature code must be among us who are the shortage ple. In times of crisis, we firefighters, police officers, adjusted for intent on creating of fuel and the always lived as one. ambulances and medics, new construc- and spreading destruction of As I move about New doctors and nurses, morti- tion along the jetties at Clift- Providence and see pictures falsehoods.’ cians, the Defence Force, coastline. on Pier, which from Grand Bahama, AnBTC personnel, BEC perUnfortusparked a rush dros and the Berry Islands, sonnel, air traffic control- nately, we bordered on a on gas stations and caused I am saddened by the sheer lers and so on. descending into anarchy absolute mayhem, blocked scope of the destruction

Photo: Vandyke Hepburn/BIS water supply has yet to be restored. So, where are the teachers to be housed when many schools have been terribly damaged? Why not allow teachers to return to work on Monday? Where is the Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT)? Now that former President Belinda Wilson is no longer at the helm, it appears that the union has castrated and become voiceless!

In future, we must ensure that our people build up to code. The Ministry of Works must ensure that building inspections are conducted and that the highest construction standards are maintained.

and the setbacks that so many Bahamians will now face. The ripped off roofs, uprooted trees, toppled utility poles and damaged homes and properties are a sight to behold.

Amazingly, credit is due to the Ministry of Works and all those volunteers who have been moving quickly to clear up New Providence. The roads, once littered with debris, are being rapidly cleared.

The decision of Minister of Education Jerome Fitzgerald to order teachers to report to school today is unconscionable.

Schools have yet to be repaired and teachers have reached out to me, complaining that they are living in areas where the electricity and

Comments and responses to ajbahama@hotmail.com

CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF THE CHILDREN AT RANFURLY

T

he Ranfurly Homes for Children has been a safe haven for thousands of Bahamian children since 1956. The Home provides a safe, structured environment for children who have been orphaned, abused, neglected or abandoned.

YOU can make a difference in the lives of the children at Ranfurly. With your support children can have nutritious food, warm beds and a safe environment where they can discover the joy of being children. For years the children living and learning at Ranfurly have made great social and academic strides.

Their further development requires additional support in the form of a Transitional Home, planned for construction on the Ranfurly property.

This residence will cater to teenagers and young adults who are beyond school age, but need accommodation while they find work and gain independence from the Home.

We look forward to your continued support in this worthwhile endeavour.

MEMBERSHIP PACKAGES Individuals, Families & Corporate Sponsors

2017 FORESTER $38,500 + VAT *

Children Helping Children - $5 (Individual children from ages 6 - 18) Individuals Helping Children - $50 (Individual adults 18 years and over) Families Helping Children - $100

CIRCLE of FRIENDS Silver: $1,500 - $2,499 Gold: $2,500 - $4,999 Platinum: $5,000 plus

OPPORTUNITIES • • • •

Invitations to Ranfurly events Assist with fundraising events Involvement with special activities Adults are eligible to join the Board after three months • Stay in touch with Ranfurly through website and newsletters

BENEFITS

• Personal fulfillment in knowing you are impacting lives • Ranfurly children’s appreciation and positive response • Continued support provides stability and constant care

For more information visit: www.ranfurlyhome.org Please “Like” us on Facebook Ranfurly Home for Children, Mackey Street P.O. Box 1413 Nassau, Bahamas 242-393-3115

2017 XV CROSSTREK $36,500 + VAT * * Price shown is the vehicle Starting At price.

There's no telling where life will take you, but you can definitely take advantage of every adventure that comes your way in a Subaru.

Engineered for control, you have the confidence to drive where you want, when you want, to do whatever you want. And with the reassurance of award-winning safety you can drive there with peace of mind.

Love. It's what makes a Subaru, a Subaru.

Wulff Road | T: 325-4961/3 or 322-2237 sales@TyreFlexStarMotors.com | tyreflexstarmotors.com • New & Pre-Owned Vehicle Sales

• Service & Parts

PAGE 10 , Thursday, October 13, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

NEMA STARTS TO HAND OUT TARPAULINS TO THOSE IN NEED THE National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has embarked on a door-to-door exercise distributing tarpaulin to residents in New Providence whose homes suffered roof damage during the passage of the powerful Hurricane Matthew.

On October 12, a team comprising the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF), Department of Social Services, the Ministry of Housing and other volunteers went into the communities to distribute the waterproof material, donated by the United States Agency for International Development/Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (USAID/OFDA).

The team will quickly make an assessment of homes in the presence of the homeowner to verify that the tarp is needed, NEMA said, adding that the names will be logged in a registry so as to ensure each person in need receives help.

The areas are Garden

Hills, Golden Gates, Southern Shores, Pinewood Gardens, Carmichael, Mt Moriah, Elizabeth Estates, Golden Isles and all other areas in New Providence impacted by the severe flooding and storm surge during the storm.

NEMA said it will continue the exercise as long as supplies last. The material will not be distributed at NEMA’s office on Gladstone Road.

Residents are also asked to go to the following Social Services distribution centres in their areas, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, to register their needs: • Distribution Centre A, Pitt Road, two-storey building next to KFC • Distribution Centre C, old NIB building on Wulff Road • Distribution Centre D, Robinson Road in the old NIB building at Montel Heights • Distribution Centre F, Fox Hill roundabout in the NIB building.

ROYAL Bahamas Defence Force marines loading tarpaulin on the back of trucks for distribution to residents in New Providence, who suffered roof damage during the passage of Hurricane Matthew last week.

Photo: NEMA

Hurricane Matthew overshadowed by monster storms of the past

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

HURRICANE Matthew pictured as it made its way across Cuba and Haiti and headed for The Bahamas.

WHILE Matthew is being called the worst storm many Bahamians have ever experienced, one meteorologist fascinated by hurricane history says it does not match up to some of the destructive storms of the past.

Wayne Neely, who has written multiple books about hurricanes in the Bahamas, could think of a handful of storms that were more powerful than category 4 Matthew, he told The Tribune yesterday.

“We had the great hurricane of 1932, with sustained winds of 160mph that devastated the Abacos.

We had a category 5 hurricane that struck Eleuthera in 1933. We had Hurricane Andrew in 1992, which was unusual in the sense that it was upgraded to a category 5 storm 10 years after it struck us when technology improved and they re-evaluated the storm.

“That storm devastated North Eleuthera. We’ve also had several category 4 storms that were much stronger than Matthew.

There was the Nassau storm of 1926, which had winds up to at least 140mph and killed 268 people, and the Great Miami Hurricane of 1926 as well.”

While Matthew was the

first category 4 hurricane to hit New Providence since 1929, Mr Neely said it’s not unusual for hurricanes to get stronger as they pass northward through the Bahamas. Nor is it unusual for the northern islands to get hit harder than the southern islands, he said.

“The warm waters of the Bahamas gave Matthew its strength. There were no mountains to tear it apart and no large expanse of land to pass through.”

What was unusual about the storm, however, was that it formed off the African coast.

“Typically by the end of September these storms start to decrease,” he said.

“It’s rare to have storms form off the African coast in October. “Normally you have low wind shear. Furthermore, normally the mountains tear the hurricanes apart so by the time it reaches the Bahamas it’s typically a tropical storm or a category 1 storm.

“This hurricane was unique in that it went directly between the eastern tip of Cuba with its mountainous range and Haiti but it didn’t lose its force.

That’s why it was so intense over the Bahamas, because mountains had no impact on the storm.”

Asked why this happened, he said: “It’s just a matter of chance.”

WEATHER forecaster Wayne Neely.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, October 13, 2016, PAGE 11

DNA leader slams govt response in wake of Hurricane Matthew

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

DEMOCRATIC National Alliance (DNA) Leader Branville McCartney yesterday slammed the Christie administration for learning nothing from Hurricane Joaquin, claiming the government’s response to Hurricane Matthew and its subsequent restoration efforts have “left much to be desired.”

Mr McCartney, in a statement, lamented the “thousands of Bahamians” in

New Providence, Grand Bahama and North Andros living in “darkness” without food, water and other emergency items, notwithstanding Prime Minister Perry Christie’s previous promise that the government would use Hurricane Joaquin as a “teachable moment” to avoid being caught by surprise by dangerous weather systems.

Mr McCartney also lamented the Bahamas Power and Light Company’s (BPL) struggles with restoring power to residents in New Providence after the

storm, calling it a “reflection of the years of mismanagement which has all but crippled the company”.

He also took exception to government officials not yet publicly addressing the need to “migrate most, if not all of our power lines underground as a means of protecting them”. He also chided the government for not yet implementing a timeline for the introduction of renewable energy sources and/or improving access to alternative energy sources, the likes of which he said would allow people

to “achieve a sense of normalcy” sooner in times of crisis.

“The aftermath of Hurricane Matthew has left much to be desired from a recovery and restoration standpoint,” Mr McCartney said. “Even as this Christie-led government and the newly appointed minister of restoration pat themselves on the back, thousands of Bahamians across the country, specifically on (Grand Bahama) and North Andros remain without the necessary food, water, power and oth-

er emergency items while much of New Providence remains in darkness.

“As an archipelagic nation, our reality dictates that relief efforts be duplicated many times over. In order to do this effectively, planning is key and that level of planning cannot be executed properly in the days before a storm approaches.

We can only hope that this administration has learned its lesson now.”

Last year, Mr Christie said his administration has to use the impact of Hurricane Joaquin as a “teach-

able moment,” adding that the government needed to implement a process where dangerous weather systems do not catch people by surprise.

Last week, he doubled down on that promise, declaring that the government had learned to ensure storm preparations are complete prior to a storm’s arrival, to effectively assess the vulnerability of a particular area in the country and subsequently conduct thorough evacuations, and to deploy sufficient resources prior to the storm’s arrival.

PM DENOUNCES CRITICISM BY FNM LEADER AS ‘IDIOTIC’ from page one

FROM left, director general of Bahamas Red Cross Caroline Turnquest, president of Bahamas Red Cross Craig ‘Tony’ Gomez, president of Commonwealth Bank Ian Jennings and vice-president operations Commonwealth Bank Carole Rodgers.

Photo: Tim Clarke/Tribune Staff

RED CROSS SAYS DONATIONS ARE URGENTLY NEEDED TO BRING RELIEF

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMAS Red Cross Society officials yesterday called for the donation of more “urgently needed” items to better assist the organisation in providing relief to persons suffering in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew.

At a press conference at Bahamas Red Cross headquarters on John F Kennedy Drive, Bahamas Red Cross Society Director General Caroline Turnquest made an “urgent public appeal” for items to assist the organisation’s hurricane relief efforts in New Providence, Grand Bahama and Andros, the islands hit hardest by the category four storm.

The list of items needed are water, non-perishable food, toiletries, bedding, cleaning supplies, mosquito coils, portable stoves with butane fuel, or other items that will make the lives of struggling residents “more comfortable,” she said.

Commonwealth Bank Limited made a donation of $100,000 to the group to aid in hurricane relief efforts.

Commonwealth Bank President Ian Jennings also called for “corporate Bahamas” to step up to the plate and assist as much as they can in providing relief to those affected by Hurricane Matthew.

“This storm has touched everybody,” Mr Jennings said. “It’s touched our staff, it’s touched our shareholders, it’s touched our directors, and it’s touched everybody in the country in some degree and form, whether it be lightly or for those people who have lost their homes and everything. Our hearts and prayers go out to those who are suffering and still suffering.

“In New Providence we are fortunate for the 50 per cent that have their power back on, but we have to remember that 50 per cent don’t, many of them don’t have water and of course there are those in Grand Bahama and Andros who are still suffering beyond our imagination if we haven’t actually seen it.

“So as we step forward and make this donation this morning we again urge corporate Bahamas and all Bahamians to step forward and search their hearts and give what they can, whether it be money or time or effort, whatever is possible, to the Red Cross and many other organisations.”

Bahamas Red Cross President Craig Tony Gomez, present at yesterday’s press conference, said as it stands donations have been “trickling” in, most likely because many prospective donors are themselves trying to sort out their respective situations.

Nonetheless, Mr Gomez said he expects the demand for supplies and assistance to increase as time goes on.

“In terms of the significance of what we expect, we have help from (the National Emergency Management Agency) and government agencies, but we expect whatever it might be, based on what we have seen thus far, that it would be moderate to extreme,” he said. “It’s not going to be a light road because of the damage that has been incurred by so many families in this community.”

He added: “The Red Cross has a bit of a relief in the sense that NEMA is well established and well funded and is operating and taking on the challenge first hand. However people will always bear in mind that the Red Cross is the Red Cross, we’re the kind of agency and organisation that people turn to in most dire times. So we are expecting and we have seen people come to us for primary assistance, primary assistance being food and water.”

According to Mrs Turnquest, donations can be made directly to the Bahamas Red Cross headquarters earmarked “Hurricane Matthew Relief” or mailed to PO Box N-8331, Nassau, Bahamas. She also said direct deposits can be made through Royal Bank (Bahamas) Limited, all branches, account number 05165-289423-6.

US EMBASSY OPERATIONS BACK TO NORMAL OPERATIONS at the American Embassy in Nassau are back to normal following the passage of Hurricane Matthew.

The embassy reopened to the public on Tuesday.

An official statement read: “We sustained some damage to our facilities, but thankfully all embassy employees – both American and Bahamian – have been accounted for and are safe.

Like many other people on New Providence, Grand Bahama, and Andros, we are working to repair the

damage.

“At the same time, we are focused on doing what we can to assist the government to help the people of the Bahamas recover.”

The Nassau embassy was closed from Wednesday, October 5 through Friday, October 7 due to anticipated effects of Hurricane Matthew. It remained closed on Monday, October 10, in observance of the US Columbus Day Holiday and the Bahamian holiday, National Heroes Day. Yesterday, the embassy

also announced on its Facebook page that as of November 1, the Consular Section will have a “no eyeglasses policy” for US passport, non-immigrant and immigrant visa applicants in compliance with the Department of State’s policy.

“Under this policy, the Consular Section will no longer accept photographs of visa and passport applicants wearing eyeglasses, except in rare, medicallydocumented circumstances,” the embassy said.

Mr Christie called Dr Minnis’ accusation that the government’s recovery and restoration efforts will involve cronyism and victimisation “one of the most idiotic” statements he has ever heard.

On Tuesday, during a press conference, Dr Minnis attacked the Christie administration and accused the government of corrupt behaviour. He also criticised the government’s response before and after the storm.

Following the storm, Dr Minnis visited North Andros and Grand Bahama, two areas hardest hit by Matthew, with Mr Christie.

However, he said on Tuesday that he did not discuss his concerns with the government’s response to Matthew during the trip with the Prime Minister.

“I am disappointed in what is really an idiotic statement,” Mr Christie told reporters during a tour of Grand Bahama and Andros yesterday. “It really

is one of the most idiotic things I have heard during a disaster.”

“For the Leader of the Opposition, an alternative Prime Minister, to be able to make that kind of commentary is disappointing.

I know we are in the silly season of politics and they have to make decisions as to whether or not they can acknowledge that the government is doing a good job but when it comes to disaster the work is yet to be done.

“To go and divide politically now is absurd. What must I say now, the FNM now has decided to make it political, so let me put on my political lens and all I see is politics? That is not right for this country and it is wrong for him to have done that. That is why I call it idiotic.”

Mr Christie said the government did everything to warn and prepare Bahamians of the destruction that Hurricane Matthew could potentially cause.

“I am absolutely amazed at his comments,” he added.

“I brought the Leader of the Opposition out here so he

could see for himself that if you take all the newspapers and all the broadcasts, we warned the people over and over without even knowing that this was going to be very serious.

“We spoke about surges that would come in the aftermath of the hurricane, that would be high as 15 feet. We said to them, ‘if you have a surge of five feet, it could cover 80 per cent of the country’. All of these things we said.

“I spoke often about the speech I made in Paris.

I don’t need to look for evidence that the sea can claim the land, Long Island was proof positive of it in Joaquin. So we brought him out and it is an idiotic thing for him to say because the context of his coming is, in the way I went with Hubert Ingraham, during hurricanes, was for us to put this above partisan politics and for us to acknowledge that if he had a recommendation to make, that we were open to hear it and to see and determine whether it was something we would implement.”

PAGE 12 , Thursday, October 13, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

GOVERNOR GENERAL EXPRESSES CONCERN FOR LOSSES GOVERNOR General Dame Marguerite Pindling has expressed concern for those who suffered serious material loss and hardship from Hurricane Matthew.

In a statement released yesterday, Dame Marguerite said the country owes deep gratitude to God for bringing residents through the destructive hurricane.

“I wish particularly to express my concern for the people of North and Central Andros, and Grand Bahama, where Hurricane Matthew has caused se-

vere damage to property, and which has resulted in many material losses for our friends and relatives in those areas,” she said.

“Here, in New Providence we also felt the fury of the hurricane, and there has also been widespread damage to property everywhere.

“However, in all of this, we have been fortunate that no lives were lost as a direct result of the storm and our task is now to unite and rebuild our communities for the common good.

“As Bahamians we have

always been well-known as a resilient people, and this hurricane provides yet another opportunity for us to demonstrate that spirit of oneness and love for our neighbours which has always been a hallmark of who we are as a one united people.

“Like you, I have heard of many heroic acts by men and women who, during the height of the storm, took the time to save the very lives of their neighbours and friends.

“These acts of bravery are very worthy of recogni-

tion, and I trust that their spirit of care and action can become fully known across our country, so that the world will see the concern and care which we have for each other.”

Dame Marguerite also applauded the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and all the other organisations that are helping bring relief in the wake of the storm.

“This action by our government and NEMA, together with regional organisations, churches, The Red Cross Society, civic,

fraternal and other organisations also provides an opportunity for all of us to be generous in contributing whatever we can to aid those who have suffered the loss of their houses, businesses and property,” she said.

“Our generosity will result in support for the projects and programmes that are designed to rebuild and redevelop our communities, so that they may again be vibrant and beautiful places where our people can continue to live in dignity and peace.

“Let us then, together, display that manner of meaningful care and love for each other, so that our reputation as Bahamians and residents will remain the perfect example for others to emulate.

“Remember, above all, to join in prayer for those who suffered losses, and for the continued unity of our beautiful archipelago.

“I wish to express my personal sympathy to all who are deprived as a result of the hurricane, and I assure you of my continued prayers,” she said.

QUEEN SENDS MESSAGE TO THOSE HIT BY HURRICANE

QUEEN Elizabeth II of England has asked Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling to convey her sympathies to the Bahamian people for the destruction left behind by Hurricane Matthew.

“As the people of the Bahamas recover from the destruction caused by Hurricane Matthew, please would you convey my sympathy to those whose property or livelihoods have been affected by this terrible storm, and my thanks and appreciation to everyone who is working on the recovery effort,” Queen Elizabeth said in a statement that was disseminated

by Bahamas Information Services.

Matthew, a category four storm, barrelled through the Bahamas last week leaving a trail of damage in its wake.

The islands of New Providence, Grand Bahama and Andros received the most damage from the storm.

The hurricane came a year after the southern islands of the Bahamas were devastated by Hurricane Joaquin.

The government estimated that it would cost more than $100m to repair the damage from Joaquin.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Perry Christie said the destruction from Matthew would likely cost three to four times more to repair than the 2015 storm.

TO ADVERTISE IN THE TRIBUNE, CONTACT 502-2394

DAMAGE to the John Chea store on Carmichael Road following Hurricane Matthew.

Residents hope hard-hit communities will rebound from page one West End resident and businessman Artis Neely, who operates the marina and seafood plant, sustained more than $1m in property damage. Despite this, he expects the seafood operation to be up and running in a few weeks. Mr Neely said the restaurant and bar was closed due to slow economic times.

“One building we were using for storage, and the other building we used for our active business, which is our lobster and seafood processing plant, are still standing, and so we feel we would be operational within another two to three weeks,” he said. “But we lost all the docks and marina, which is distressing, and we have to replace them immediately. The only concern I have is finding the funding to do that,”

Mr Neely said.

He estimates the cost of the damage to be $1.5m.

Mr Neely, a native of West End, said the community is totally destroyed.

“I think 90 per cent of the homes are totally destroyed and the other 10 per cent are questionable. There is not one building on the main street in West End that has not been touched,” he said, adding that residents should give thanks to God. While he was shocked by the level of damage, Mr Neely said he is not troubled and distressed about it. He said the business did not experience any flooding from storm surge as many of the homes in the area, which were under three feet of water.

“The carpet in my office is still dry. It was the wind that did most the damage.

I assumed that the winds were around 180- 200mph

with gusts and there was probably a tornado that actually took out these buildings,” Mr Neely said.

Strong winds had pushed a boat out of the water and onto the front portion of Mr Neely’s property.

He said that Prime Minister Perry Christie and Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe, who is also a native of West End and MP for the area, had visited the area yesterday with the Prime Minister of Dominica, Roosevelt Sherrit.

“I wish everyone will pray for us and hope we will overcome this,” Mr Neely said. “The people from the Caribbean who are here investigating and looking at the problem we are having, I certainly hope that there can be a lot of help for a lot of people in this community. I am not particularly concerned about me,” he said.

John Wheatley Russell

and his wife, Vanessa, said their West End home sustained severe water and roof damage. The elderly couple have lived in their home for the past five decades.

They lost a lot of their personal and sentimental possessions. Many of the couple’s old record albums were tossed outside in a heap, ruined by sea water.

When asked if they were distressed by their loss, Mrs Russell said: “Not at all. We went through this three times, and also in 1947 when I was little girl.

We have lived here over 53 years and we went through Frances, Jeanne and Wilma, but Matthew was the worst of them all.”

Mr Russell said they went to a shelter and took their cat, Belle, to the Bahamas Humane Society.

He said that water came in through a glass sliding door at the rear of the house and

through a kitchen window.

The furniture was soaked.

“This area is really devastated. We had Social Services and Ministry of Works stop by to assess the damage,” he said.

Sonia Rolle Mackey also sustained extensive roof and water damage at her home in West End. She said that she and many residents need assistance.

“My home had been put down on the list for home repair by Urban Renewal, but that never came through, and now my roof sustained lots of damage during Hurricane Matthew,” she said, adding that her car was flooded by sea water. “Despite it all, I am truly grateful that there was no loss of life in West End,” she said.

There was also similar devastation in the communities of Holmes and Eight Mile Rock, where many homes and businesses were also destroyed.

The Sunset Village, a fish fry in Eight Mile Rock, was extensively damaged.

Most of the vendor booths had collapsed due to storm surge and wind damage.

The Martin Town Primary School also sustained roof damage. A number of police officers were clearing away debris from the schoolyard.

Samaritan Purse International, a relief group, was in Eight Mile Rock distributing blankets, tarps, hygiene kits, and water purifiers to residents yesterday.

The group, based in North Carolina, US, is founded by Franklin Graham, the son of renowned televangelist Billy Graham.

“We are here to provide hope and encouragement in the name of Christ to those most affected by Hurricane Matthew,” said a representative. “We respond to disasters like this … and we are blessed to be able to come here and share love in the name of Jesus with the people here. Samaritan’s Purse is worldwide and we respond to all kinds of situations all around the world to help people with relief in the name of Christ.”

Many of the residents said they were grateful for the assistance.

PAGE 14 , Thursday, October 13, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

Former ZNS reporter’s appeal may be dismissed

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net A FORMER ZNS reporter’s application for a stay of a ruling made by a Supreme Court judge in contempt proceedings against him may be dismissed if he does not appear for the appellate hearing in November.

Sherman Brown was found guilty of contempt by Justice Indra Charles and

ordered to pay $15,000 or spend a month in prison for giving false testimony while being cross-examined for his involvement in defamatory websites and articles published against billionaire hedge fund manager Louis Bacon.

Mr Bacon is a resident of the exclusive gated community of Lyford Cay. An application had been filed to the appellate court seeking a stay of the effect of Justice Charles’

JUDGE DELAYS DECISION OVER MURDER TRIALS

July order and a hearing was scheduled for yesterday.

However, there was no appearance from Mr Brown, Mr Bacon or their respective legal representatives.

The presiding judges, Justices Dame Anita Allen, Jon Isaacs and Roy Jones, said they would have dismissed the appeal but would not do so in view of recent events.

They agreed to adjourn

the matter to November 24 but said that if there was a further non-appearance, the appeal would be dismissed.

Justice Charles’ ruling stems from an ongoing feud between Mr Bacon and fashion designer Peter Nygard, who own adjacent mansions at Lyford Cay. Mr Bacon, an environmentalist, claims that Mr Nygard has retaliated against him because he believes it was Mr Bacon

DERECK Neily outside court previously.

We are growing!

Royal Fidelity invites applications for the position of:

SECURITIES ANALYST Job Summary: Reporting to the Investment Manager this person will prepare financial analysis on issuers and other financial reports, assist with investment presentations, and assist with corporate finance transactions, including due diligence and document preparation.

Main Duties & Responsibilities: • Analyze financial information to produce business forecasts for making investment decisions • Prepare and disseminate company specific research • Evaluate and compare the relative quality of various securities in a given industry • Assist with Corporate Finance transactions, including due diligence and document preparation • Assist with investment presentations • Maintain knowledge and stay abreast of developments in the local and regional investment markets • Any other related duties that may be assigned

Requirements / Qualifications: • Series 7 qualification or equivalent • Degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting or related field • Minimum 2-3 years experience in investment banking • Ability to manage multiple priorities/excellent organizational skills • Ability to work with minimum supervision • Strong interpersonal, problem solving and customer service skills

A JUDGE has reserved his decision concerning which of two murder trials he will adjourn to a later date.

Kelvin Deveaux, 20, and 24-year-old Dereck Neily appeared before Justice Bernard Turner yesterday to learn if their case into the August 2014 killing of Latore Mackey would be adjourned for a second time after their initial November 2015 date was delayed because of an ongoing case.

Justice Turner was to preside over the murder trial of Shirvon Stubbs who is alleged to be the culprit behind the August 11, 2010 shooting death of Jermaine Rolle Sr in Yellow Elder Gardens and accused of the December 13, 2014 attack on Rolle’s sons in which 18-year-old Jaquan Rolle

was shot dead and 14-yearold Ashton Dorsett critically injured.

Stubbs, defended by Glendon Rolle, was set to stand trial on October 3, 2016. However, while the jury was empanelled on that day, the matter was adjourned to Wednesday, October 5, for the start.

However, the case never commenced due to the approach and passing of Hurricane Matthew.

Crown prosecutor Darell Taylor and David Cash had asked the judge for an adjournment of the Latore Mackey case in a hearing on Tuesday due to the storm’s impact on four of the witnesses in the case.

Kendra Kelly, who has carriage of the case concerning Stubbs, said the storm also affected her preparations for the case.

Justice Turner, in yesterday’s status hearing, said he would make a decision on

POLICE are looking for the suspects responsible for two separate armed robberies that occurred on Tuesday.

In the first incident, shortly before 9pm, a woman was standing outside of her silver coloured 1999 Honda Inspire vehicle, license plate number 269102, on Poinciana Drive, when a man armed with a handgun approached and robbed her

of her vehicle before speeding off.

In the second incident, shortly after 9pm, a man armed with a handgun robbed a service station on Prince Charles Drive near Fox Hill Road of an undetermined amount of cash before fleeing in a green Honda Fit vehicle.

Police are actively investigating both incidents.

Police also said that an

American man from New York was arrested after officers found drugs in his possession.

Around 3pm Tuesday, officers from the Tourism Policing Unit, acting on information, boarded a cruise ship moored at Prince George Wharf, where they arrested the man after they found a quantity of marijuana in his possession.

STATE-RECOGNISED FUNERAL FOR BAHAMASAIR CHIEF

• Microsoft Office proficiency

HUMAN RESOURCES Re: Securities Analyst careers@fidelitybahamas.com

Monday, October 17.

Mackey, 37, was deputy director of Bahamas Information Services, owner of the Blue Reef Sports Bar and Lounge on West Bay Street, and press secretary to Prime Minister Perry Christie.

He was shot in the neck around 4.30am off Market Street on August 25, 2014, according to initial reports.

Deveaux, of Market Street, and Neily, of Young Close, face a charge of murder under Section 291 (1B) of the Penal Code, Chapter 84. A charge under this section does not attract the court’s discretionary death penalty but carries a sentencing range from 30 to 60 years imprisonment if convicted by a Supreme Court jury.

Deveaux and Neily have retained attorneys Geoffrey Farquharson and Michael Kemp to defend them against the charge.

POLICE HUNTING ARMED ROBBERY SUSPECTS

• Demonstrated written and verbal communication

PLEASE SUBMIT BEFORE October 28th, 2016 to:

him and used websites to defame him.

However, Mr Nygard filed a $50m countersuit in April accusing Mr Bacon of a “vendetta” against him, including harassment and frivolous litigation. Each has denied the other’s allegations.

In August, a New York court ruled that Mr Bacon should pursue his $100m claim in The Bahamas where the defendants resided.

KELVIN Deveaux at an earlier court appearance.

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

An entrepreneurial spirit, original thinker, and a passion to succeed.

If you have it, we want you.

who complained about the alleged environmental damage being done by the dredging of the seabed to expand the Nygard Cay property.

Mr Bacon is suing Mr Nygard for $100m for defamation. He has alleged that the fashion designer organised rallies, marches and protests where he was defamed, created and distributed defamatory T-shirts and signs, published defamatory accusations about

ABSOLUTELY NO PHONE CALLS

A competitive compensation package will be commensurate with relevant experience and qualification. Fidelity appreciates your interest, however, only those applicants short listed will be contacted.

YOUR

CHOICE FOR THE FAMILY WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/JOYFM1019

THE Cabinet Office has announced that Henry Woods, former managing director of Bahamasair, will lie in state today at Bethel Brothers Morticians on Nassau Street, beginning at 10am.

A state-recognised funeral for Mr Woods will be held on Friday at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Boyd Road, beginning at 1pm.

Shortly before the funeral, Prime Minister Perry Christie will speak at a preservice at St Joseph’s Catholic Church at 12.30pm.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, October 13, PAGE 15

LOCAL boy Luke Maillis on the fish in Long Island on Tuesday.

HURRICANE Matthew has kept fishermen and their boats in safe habour for days and churned the usually crystal waters. But the fish are still biting in the islands that did not feel the brunt of the category 3 and 4 storm, according to the Bahamas Sport Fishing Network.

Keep checking the BSFN expert page for fishing reports throughout the Bahamas: this will be helpful in tracking the “hot spots”

and providing advice on gear and fishing methods being used.

For a sample of the spectacular fishing to be had in The Bahamas, expert advice, tournament dates and results, informative features and photo galleries visit the BSFN page at tribune242. com or www.bsfn.biz.

BSFN slideshows can be found on USA Today’s website in the Travel section at experience.usatoday.com.

2016

Visit the RBC Royal Bank

Home & Auto Expo!

Saturday, October 15, 2016 11:00am-4:00pm

National Stadium, Western Grand Stand Thompson Boulevard

BLACKFLY Lodge and angler Chris Stinnett with a giant Permit in Abaco on October 2.

Come take advantage of:-

    

Reduced interest rates and special offers on mortgages, personal and auto financing.** One-stop shopping for real estate, automobile, insurance, home improvement, home protection and more.

Free advice from a wide array of professionals.* KIDSPLANATION Corner with bouncing castle and face painting!

Giveaways, prizes and more!

Participating companies: • Advantage Insurance • Arawak Homes Ltd • Bahamas Bus & Truck • Bahamas Realty • BWF Bahamas Welding & Fire • Cabinet World • Carpet World

• Executive Motors Ltd • Friendly Ford • Furniture Plus • Quality Auto Sales Ltd • Sanpin Motors Ltd • Storm Frame Windows

• Sunshine Insurance • Symphony's Aluminum & Vinyl ...Products Co Ltd • The Paint Place • TyreFlex Star Motors • Volkswagen Bahamas

Come and bring your family and friends!

For more information call or visit your nearest RBC Royal Bank branch.

**Special conditions apply. Subject to normal lending criteria. The cost of borrowing will be made available upon application. * The content of this publication is for general guidance and benefit of our clients. While efforts are made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information at the time of publication, errors and omissions may occur. You should not act or rely on the information herein without seeking the advice of a professional. RBC Royal Bank (Bahamas) Limited and its affiliates specifically disclaim any liability which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any of the contents of this publication. RBC Royal Bank (Bahamas) Limited reserves the right to amend the terms and conditions stated in this publication. ®/TM Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence.

Write name & number on back of receipt. Bring Lowe’s receipt to Pritchard’s on Robinson Rd or place in entry box in stores.

PAGE 16 , “Today”

THE TRIBUNE