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VOLUME:116 No.202, OCTOBER 15TH, 2019

HO US E & 16 THE PEOPLE’S PAPER: $1

HEALTH: IS IT NOW OK TO EAT RED MEAT?

PAGES

‘Shanty clean-up has to happen’ Bethel defends operation against legal challenge

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net ATTORNEY General Carl Bethel said it can’t be argued that removing debris from Abaco’s destroyed shanty towns violates a Supreme Court injunction.

He was responding to attorney Fred Smith who noted in a recent letter that the government is restrained from demolishing any building or interfering with shanty town residents’ enjoyment of land until the legal dispute over the land has been adjudicated.

Mr Bethel said in a letter to Mr Smith: “There is certainly no cause to complain that any plans to remove the debris from the destruction caused by the hurricane in any way shape or form constitutes any violation of the injunction, and there is power under both the Environmental Health Services Act and the Buildings Regulations Act to accomplish this.

“As you would be aware, in addition to environmental concerns caused by the deposit of noxious substances and other pollutants into the environment, there

KELLY’S HERO

THE chairman of the Free National Movement Centreville constituency association criticised Reece Chipman for leaving the party yesterday, saying in a statement that the MP made no meaningful effort to engage the association and has betrayed the trust

FACE-TO-FACE: CHARLENE’S DREAM TO HELP OTHERS

SEE PAGE EIGHT

DORIAN’S 3-YEAR HIT ON FINANCE

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

HURRICANE Dorian will likely throw the government’s finances off-track for the next three years, the deputy prime minister has revealed, although its fiscal “fundamentals” have not altered.

K Peter Turnquest told Tribune Business that a “three-year run-out period” was “not unreasonable” given the extent of the devastation inflicted by the category five storm on infrastructure and other public assets, as well as multiple communities in Abaco and east Grand Bahama.

This indicates Dorian has blown the fiscal consolidation plan off-course until 2021-2022 at least.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

SEE PAGE FIVE

‘CHIPMAN OUT FOR HIMSELF - NOT US’

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

HOME

of constituents by abandoning the party.

Juan Cartwright made similar comments in an artiTRIBUNE THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015, PAGE cle The Tribune THE published last week.

He said in his two years as chairman of the association, he never had a substantive conversation with Mr Chipman about the needs of Centreville residents or the ORDER of Distinction honoree Godfrey Kelly with Governor General CA Smith during the presentaassociation’s business.

SEE PAGE SIX tion of national honours yesterday during National Heroes Day. See page three for the full story.

Photo: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff

CHINA’S AID UNWANTED? NONSENSE

By RASHAD ROLLE

A19MAIN Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

19A

THE Minnis administration has not discouraged China from helping this country recover from Hurricane Dorian, Haigang Yin, charge d’affairs of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, said yesterday.

SEE PAGE SEVEN

A final curtain call for Sir Jack BUTLER’S BATTLE OVER HAYWARD’S TRUST

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE late Sir Jack Hayward’s family trust has become embroiled in a fresh legal battle sparked by the claims of his Bahamian butler, Tribune Business can reveal.

Julius Trevor Bethel, who was also the former Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) co-chairman’s personal assistant and manager

SIR JACK HAYWARD of his Freeport residences, has been seeking to persuade the Bahamian courts to both freeze the trust’s affairs and remove the judicial trustee overseeing it.

The details have been exposed by a Court of Appeal ruling, dated October 11, which refused to give Mr Bethel what he was seeking based on technicalities involving judicial rules.

Mr Butler’s case reportedly centres on allegations that he has been unfairly squeezed out of his interest in the trust after Sir Jack named him as a beneficiary of his estate.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

PETER YOUNG: IS BREXIT ABOUT TO BE OVER?

SIR Jack Hayward opening the remodeled Regency Theatre with Andrea Gottlieb, left, past president, and Paula Fingland, then president and chairman of the Remodel Committee.

WITH the recent pass- Regency, he again stepped in out him. Whilst true, it is so ing of Sir Jack Hayward, it and helped to bring the be- much more fitting to say that due to the theatre and his loved Regency back. Newspaper is without a doubtNassau that the

& Bahama Islands’ Leading

SEE PAGE TEN

PAGE 2, Tuesday, October 15, 2019

THE TRIBUNE

Forces unite to help keep island secure AMID concerns about crime and a lack of security on Abaco after Hurricane Dorian, the Royal Royal Bahamas Police and Defence Forces are carrying out a joint operation on the island.

In a press release sent on Saturday, it was noted that Commissioner of Police Anthony Ferguson, and the RBDF commander, Commodore Tellis Bethel, were on scene recently with their executive team members to assess the progress of the operation which focused on Central and North Abaco over the past several days.

Activities undertaken by both forces included joint mobile patrols, check points at strategic locations, maintaining security at static points and getting feed back from local residents.

As the island recovers from hurricane damage, the law enforcement agencies want to assure continued safety and security of residents, the statement said.

Last week, the chairman of the Free National Movement’s Central and South Abaco constituency branch said he wants National Security Minister Marvin Dames to resign

BAHAMIAN personnel in action on Abaco. over the “weak security” on the island.

“The minister of national security needs to answer for this failure,” Victor Patterson complained last week.

“I have no more patience for him.”

Mr Dames in response told The Tribune he does not have operational control of law enforcement agencies and will not interfere politically with them, especially after satisfying

himself that the police commissioner and defence force commodore are ably securing the island. He also said officials intend to increase the number of police vehicles on Abaco.

However earlier this month, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said he was not happy with the security situation in Abaco, saying that Cabinet would consider implementing a curfew there.

THE TRIBUNE

ORDER of Distinction honoree Edward Maynard.

Tuesday, October 15, 2019, PAGE 3

ORDER of The Bahamas honoree Rev Dr Phillip Rahming.

ORDER of Distinction honoree Dr Diane Gail Saunders.

BEVERLY Bain accepting the award for Order of The Bahamas honoree Dr Hervis Bain.

ORDER of Distinction honoree Orville Alton Thompson ‘Tommy’ Turnquest.

Hailing the

heroes

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

TWENTY-ONE people received national honours at Government House yesterday, with Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis saying they demonstrated courage, generosity, justice and fortitude throughout their lives.

Dr Minnis said: “They have demonstrated courage in the exercise of religious and pastoral ministry; the promotion of cultural and national development; the service of others through political, public, civic and community service, the chronicling of our history and the preservation of our national treasures, including artifacts and archives; the preservation and protection of our national built environment; and the pursuit of excellence in education, commerce and athletics.”

While people who helped during and after Hurricane Dorian were not honoured with awards yesterday, Dr Minnis spent much of his speech praising their deeds, noting that through various social media accounts his office will recognise and mention their examples as heroes.

Among those highlighted on the OPM’s Facebook page yesterday was Allaya Hagigal, a 20-year-old New Providence resident who used social media to help co-ordinate rescue missions for Grand Bahama

residents trapped in their homes during Hurricane Dorian; and Brent Lowe, a visually impaired Bahamian father who weathered the storm to save the life of his 24-year-old disabled son.

“On Grand Bahama and Abaco, many citizens saved other people’s lives, by taking them into their homes, where some survived for days before flood waters receded,” Dr Minnis said. “Some Bahamians took to jet skis and small boats to rescue others.

Others knocked on doors to evacuate neighbours, children, the elderly and the infirm. Such service and courage is a powerful demonstration of the best of the Bahamian spirit and the spirit of ‘One Bahamas’.”

It’s not clear if such people will be awarded national honours next year, having missed the cut-off for receiving this year’s awards. Critics have criticised the government for not awarding more ordinary Bahamians who have done outstanding work in their communities with national honour awards.

Dr Philip Rahming, the late Timothy Gibson and the late Dr Hervis Bain received the Order of the Bahamas award. Former Deputy Prime Minister Frank Watson and Tommy Turnquest were made companions of the Order of Distinction. Keith Mason Sr and Franklyn Rolle were made new officers of the Order of Distinction and

ORDER of Merit honoree Rev Oral Major ‘Rex Major’.

ORDER of Merit honoree Rev Charles Sweeting.

ORDER of Distinction honoree Lynn Pyfrom Holowesko.

ORDER of Distinction honoree Franklyn Rolle.

Dr Gail Saunders, Missouri Sherman-Peter, Godfrey Kenneth Kelly, Edward Andrew “Dud” Maynard, Lynn Holowesko and Norward Rahming were made new members of the Order of Distinction. Rev Dr Charles Saunders, Bishop Carrington Samuel Pinder, the late Edmund Money and the late George Adams were made new companions of the Order of Merit while Bishop, Carl Rahming, Charles Sweeting and Oral Rex Major were made new members of the Order of Merit. The Order of Lignum Vitae was awarded to Shaunae Miller-Uibo.

This is the second year national honours have been issued.

Historian Dr Saunders said she feels more gratified receiving the national honour than she did receiving the Queen’s honour of the Order of the British Empire seven years ago.

Advocates for the national honour awards have hoped that the awards would gain more prestige locally than the Queen’s award.

“I am very thrilled to receive a Bahamian honour and I feel proud that my country has seen fit to honour me and I know there are so many people who need to be honoured and I’m among the few so fortunate,” she said. “I thank the government for recognising me and my work with the archives, historical research and writing.”

ORDER of Merit honoree Bishop Carrington Pinder. ORDER of Distinction honoree Keith Mason Sr.

ORDER of Distinction honoree Ambassador A ORDER of Merit honoree Rev Bishop J Carl Rahming. Missouri Sherman-Peter.

ORDER of Distinction honoree Norward Rahming. ORDER of Distinction honoree Frank Watson.

PAGE 4, Tuesday, October 15, 2019

THE TRIBUNE

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

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

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An imaginary crisis about China SOMEWHERE in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian, a very different storm sprang to life – a political one, with The Bahamas caught in the middle.

In certain avenues in the United States, a fevered discussion began about whether China would use the recovery operation to increase its presence in the country.

Among those driving this narrative was Florida Senator Marco Rubio. Mr Rubio has been helpful himself after the storm, flying down right afterwards to assess damage and urging additional assistance from the US Department of Defence.

But he also warned that China would “step in and seize the moment to exploit the recovery for its own nefarious purposes”.

The only trouble is – this didn’t seem to be based on anything. It was a fantasy castle based on sand.

At around the moment these dire warnings were being made, China had donated around $20,000 in aid, a sum that has since swelled to more than $500,000. But there have been no preconditions to that aid or demands for expansion.

The Speaker of the House, Halson Moultrie, probably didn’t help derail this unusual narrative when he mused that China should consider developing the south-east Bahamas –- a backtrack swiftly followed – but where oh where is the crisis over China?

This seems to have bubbled up out of right-wing talking points but with very little to back it up.

Immediately after the storm, a British Royal Navy ship was on hand, loading

troops ashore to help people. Just imagine what the reaction would have been had it been a Chinese navy ship.

Then, once you’ve imagined the difference in reaction, ask yourself why?

What’s the difference between two different countries, each offering aid in their own way?

On the ground here in The Bahamas, this seems to be a discussion happening a long way from the reality of our lives.

After all, a great deal of our involvement with China comes down to where investment is available. If a business needs funds, it seeks it out where it can find it. If there isn’t funding available from the US and there is from China, is the business supposed to scrap its plans?

Not at all, it will do the deal with whoever can offer the chance to grow the business. Of course, if the US wishes to up its levels of investment in the face of this phantom menace, who are we to complain?

One thing for certain – if there truly was a threat to the sovereignty of the nation or a giveaway of Bahamian land to any other nation, the first people to complain would be Bahamians themselves, and rightly so.

So it’s intriguing to see this phony war filling the US media. We should listen, we should seek to understand why such claims are flying around – and then we should quietly go on about our business, the same way we always have.

We welcome the help of all our partners as we rebuild after Hurricane Dorian – whether they come from East or West – and we would urge some to be a little less alarmist in the rhetoric and more constructive in their actions.

Change is the only constant EDITOR, The Tribune.

WE had the 2008 financial crisis called the great recession. It was mainly caused by people not being able to pay their mortgage (home debt). Low interest rate was offered to people who would not normally qualify (subprime borrowers). The low interest increase and people could not meet their mortgages.

Home prices fell. The entire US financial system went into recession and the rest of the world followed suit.

Today the US consumer and most of the world are drowning in debt. Low interest rate of the world central banks and quantitative easing (by other names) are keeping the global financial

system afloat. There is a 60% chance of a recession starting in the United States by the end of 2020 according to to a National Association for Business Economics Survey.

About every 10 years a global recession has occurred but the central banks of the world have extended the time by low interest rate and by creating liquidity. It will be difficult to deal with the coming recession because interest rates are already low and most countries are heavily indebted.

I believe both capitalism and communism are obsolete. Communism was fatally injured in 1991 when the Soviet Union collapsed.

Capitalism will be fatally

injured by the end of 2021 or the next global recession.

The fourth industrial revolution requires a modern economic system. The current system is built for the first industrial revolution not the fourth which will change the world by using artificial intelligence and advance biotechnology. The only constant is change.

What capitalist and communist (or socialist) don’t realise is that labour and capital are interdependent.; one cannot exist without the other. Artificial intelligence which is replacing workers don’t value money or human life.

BRIAN E PLUMMER Nassau, October 9, 2019.

Advice to PM EDITOR, The Tribune.

AMENDMENT to the Emergency Laws, etc…I listened to Prime Minister and as he asked for positive comment I take him up.

1) Head of NEMA had the authority to ask the PM to declare an emergency, no amendments were needed.

2) Security - PM could have given advice to His Excellency Governor General to declare a limited emergency in Abaco and Grand Bahama. A curfew would or should have been established - Liquor Licences cancelled, including in hotels or wholesale.

30 days after Dorian impacting now there is a senior officer of RBDF appointed?

3) Weather forecasting…

PM Dorian unfortunately got squeezed between a growing Bermuda High and a Low pressure off the eastern seaboard of the US… storms want clear exists…

At a time on the Friday the EU forecast was suggesting the track could tip S-W to include Nassau and Miami…this caused the forward movement to halt… forecast foresaw this. Equip Met Office with state of art equipment.

4) New Emergency

powers…what if a CAT 5 is heading direct to New Providence? Where do the Nassau residents evacuate to? Fortunately over 245 years of record taking very few times has Nassau been threatened…we recall Matthew just a side swipe.

5) Building codes and your constituent…sorry as he built demolish the illegal 3rd, floor…there is far, far too many illegal buildings going up in Killarney… seems to be a no go zone for Building Inspectors.

W THOMPSON Nassau, October 9, 2019.

Stick with the party you ran with EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE crossing of political floors has become common place in our wonderful nation. Way back in the day, nation builders like the late Sir Cecil Wallace-Whitfield; Sir Arthur Foulkes and Maurice Moore, et al, crossed the floor and walked out of the then led Lynden Pindling PLP. They formed a grouping called ‘The Free PLP’ and later evolved into the now Free National Movement (FNM) and the rest is history.

Last week the Hon. Reece Chipman (Ind, Centreville) departed the ruling FNM and stated that he would sit in the House as an independent and that he would continue to “look out” for that constituency with his own resources and that of his “friends”. This all sounds good but in reality brother Chipman will come to appreciate the brutality of partisan politics in The Bahamas.

I know both Christie and Ingraham. Chipman, with all due respect, is unlike either of them. He is a political light weight of the highest order and may have messianic delusions. Yes, if he so wishes, he will be sacrificed or crucified from a political stance. In fact, this term will be, in my opinion, his first and last unless he drinks from the PLP’s chalice.

The last two MPs who dared to leave the then ruling PLP and cross the

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net floor were the Hon. Renward Wells (FNM-South Beach), now Minister of Transport & Local Government within the now ruling FNM administration and the Hon Andre Rollins, who was elected as a member of the PLP. Renward was fired from the Christie administration.

Rollins appeared to have had a beef with the Christie led regime and he too, either left in a huff or he was marginalized within the parliamentary caucus of the PLP. Wells, being the brilliant politician that he is, was able to land on his two feet and eventually secured a nomination from the then opposition FNM and the rest is history. He was returned in the 2017 general elections. Rollins is now a mere political “he also served”. Wells is Leader of Government Business and holds a vital cabinet post.

Of course, both Ingraham and Christie emerged from their independent posture and went on to become Prime Ministers. That was then. Today is an entirely different ball game.

Chipman, a good younger Bahamian, I am sure, should have stayed within the FNM for the duration and seek changes from within. He is now on the outside looking

in. One of his parliamentary colleagues, the Hon Frederick McAlpine (FNM-Pineridge) congratulated Chipman and stated his public support. The reverend gentleman, however, despite his own very public differences with the Most Honourable Prime Minister and the fact that his constituency branch has disavowed him, did not/ does not have the coconuts to do a Chipman!

Minnis is a work in progress. He’s been in politics long enough, however, to understand the mechanism of the same. He may appear to be “out of it” but Minnis is no fool. The FNM should have expelled Chipman, et al, months ago and stopped allowing the so-called “dissidents” a public platform to lambaste the administration. They were all elected on the coat tails of Minnis and the FNM. Their election had very little to do with their experience; popularity or good looks.

If you are in a political party you toe the line over constructive criticism in party caucuses or get the hell out of the boat. Simple. An elected or other member of any party should stick with the party that brought them to ascendancy and damn socalled “principles”. To God then, Who changes not, in all things, be the glory.

ORTLAND H. BODIE, Jr. Nassau, October 14, 2019

Hospitals and viruses EDITOR, The Tribune.

ABC News carried a News item last night (October 7) where they reported that six newly died in the premature care area of a leading hospital for an unknown virus and three - four other newly borns were under care.

I can’t imagine the grieving and pain of the parents of these newly born. They will never enjoy their child

who they waited nine months for.

Is this common, viruses attacking what are supposed to be the sterile areas of hospitals? How safe are our hospitals from viruses?

Have there been similar incidents at either of our medical facilities attributed to viruses within the facility?

We live in a warm climate - fertile for the growth of mould and from that the bed for bacterial viruses.

Many stories patients go into a facility for a minor medical procedure either die in that facility or at home very soon after from pneumonia and the sole place that pneumonia was probably caught had to be the medical institution.

How safe are our hospitals?

T K ALBURY Nassau, October 8, 2019.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, October 15, 2019, PAGE 5

‘Shanty clean-up has to happen’

from page one is the real prospect that human remains are located among the debris and rubble. These remains have to be located, recovered and processed according to the highest international and humanitarian standards.

“Further in this regard, you might wish to note (Section 11) of the BRA in particular, which specifically provides for the minister (with responsibility for works) to have ‘special emergency powers’ to demolish and remove structures made irreparably dangerous due to the occurrence of ‘flood, fire, hurricane or any other

disaster,’ subject only to preserving valuable contents for the owners of such premises (to the extent such salvage is possible without endangering the safety of anyone).”

Mr Smith had criticised the government’s order prohibiting building in Abaco’s shanty towns, saying that not only must such an order be made pursuant to the Planning and Subdivision Act, but that the order must comply with a mandated Land Use Plan, something that does not exist for Abaco.

“We do not think it necessary to devote too much time to this issue, as you concede in your letter that the terms of the injunction

in any event contains what is tantamount to a no-build provision in respect of the affected islands,” Mr Bethel wrote. “Thus, even in the absence of the S. 24(I)(b) zoning order under the Planning and Subdivision Act, the applicants are restrained from constructing, erecting or altering any further any further buildings or structures on the lands otherwise than in accordance with the BRA. However, please be aware that we do not necessarily accept your analysis of the provisions of the PSA in relation to this matter.”

Mr Smith had also raised concerns about the government’s intention to compulsorily acquire the

shanty town land, noting the government does not have an unfettered ability to acquire area. He said land should be acquired for reasons that fit a “public purpose”, of which “eradicating people from land based on their immigration status or ethnicity is plainly not”.

Mr Bethel, however, said a public purpose is defined as “any purpose authorised

by Parliament,” adding that case law shows Parliament’s authorisation of an acquisition is not justiciable, notwithstanding any challenge to the move.

For his part, Mr Smith said not only does Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ actions “heed the cry of

the lynch mob” instead of valuing the law and demonstrating Christian compassion, but the prime minister should also stop “inflaming the (fumes) of violence in so many forms against our clients.”

“Even allowing for your usual incursion into sensation and incendiary language,” Mr Bethel replied, “this is an extremely irresponsible statement. With the greatest of respect, there are and have never been any lynch mobs in The Bahamas, and the metaphorical reference trivialises the serious historical injustice done to people of colour in the United States and elsewhere.

Further, it is extremely

irresponsible of you, and borders on defamatory, to charge the prime minister with ‘inflaming the fuels of violence in so many forms against our clients’. In this regard, we challenge you to produce one example where the prime minister or any other government official for that matter has encouraged violence against your clients or any other group of persons.”

“You might also wish to note that the same prime minister you are lambasting has also just announced plans to build a $6.4m family relief facility in Abaco, and it is very likely that many of the ‘clients’ you mention will also benefit from this proposal.”

SMOKE rising after a fire in Abaco on Sunday.

He said: “If a fire is being comment, Health Minisspread, you really have to ter Duane Sands said there try to out it and if it isn’t out obviously is a possibility that then you will find that it will bodies of Hurricane Dorian continue burning its way victims may have been burnt during the fire but out. In most cases the fire added this is speculation. was brought under control.

Dr Sands said: “But We are pretty confident that you’re talking now about we have the resources to be we believe that there able to deal with that.” could be bodies there and When contacted for now that there is a fire the

question of if there were bodies there ‘could that been burnt?’ Again, that now adds another level of uncertainty so I wouldn’t focus too much attention on it.

“At this point even if… that’s a very speculative issue. The more important question is why did the fire start and are there likely to

be other fires? So, the fire now impacts everything, and everything turns on it so I wouldn’t focus my concern on just the issue of the possibility that there are bodies there.”

The health minister said if remains were burnt and found, there is still the possibility of using bones to get DNA for identification.

MUDD FIRE BROUGHT UNDER CONTROL

By RIEL MAJOR Tribune Staff Reporter rmajor@tribunemedia.net

POLICE said they were able to get a fire in an Abaco shanty town under control on Sunday.

Police Commissioner Anthony Ferguson believes that persons are going in The Mudd area looking for things and starting fires.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the National Honours ceremony at Government House yesterday, Commissioner Ferguson said: “I took a team into Abaco on Friday morning along with the commodore, the Defence Force and joined the team in Abaco. It was to really assess the security

situation in Abaco and once we got there, we put a plan in place really that we believe will make sure that things will run continuously smooth in Abaco.

“We have teams of fire branch officers down there in Abaco along with volunteer firefighters and so there are no major issues in respect to fires. Yesterday I think it was the fire was on the other side and the wind blew it on the side on The Mudd.”

He added: “They were able to extinguish the fire.

We will continue to be on the ground and monitor it and hopefully pretty soon that should go away.”

The commissioner said officers have enough resources on the ground to deal with fires on the island.

PAGE 6, Tuesday, October 15, 2019

THE TRIBUNE

‘Chipman out for himself - not us’ from page one “Since his election, Mr Chipman has seemed more preoccupied with his political career than the advancement of the people of Centreville,” he said. “It is clear he made a decision

some time ago not to be part of the FNM’s effort to bring better governance to The Bahamas and to improve the lives of the people of Centreville.

Top FNM officials have shied away from forcefully reacting to the resignation of Mr Chipman, who

attacked the government’s Hurricane Dorian preparations and recovery efforts while insisting elected officials are disconnected from the public.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis told reporters on the sidelines of an event honouring this year’s

national honour award recipients that while Mr Chipman “has his own reasons for resigning,” he is focused on rebuilding the Bahamas. He said the party has addressed the resignation.

Mr Cartwright’s statement yesterday was released to the media from the FNM’s official communications team.

“The people of Centreville voted for FNM representation in the historic 2017 general election,” Mr Cartwright noted.

“Mr Chipman would not have been elected to the House of Assembly if he were not under the FNM’s banner. His decision to leave violates the trust of the people of Centreville. Hurricane Dorian destroyed or devastated parts of Abaco and Grand Bahama. There were many deaths and several hundred people are still missing.

The Minnis administration is doing its best to bring relief to the people of those islands. It is leading the largest international relief

CENTREVILLE MP Reece Chipman at the press conference announcing his resignation.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff effort to a natural disaster in Bahamian history.

“It is unfortunate that in this time of national crisis Mr Chipman made an attention-seeking decision to resign from the FNM. This act of egotism is an attempt to take the national focus away from the relief and recovery effort in the

northern islands.

“Despite Mr. Chipman’s decision to choose advancing his political career over doing what is best for the people of the area he represents, the party’s constituency association will continue to look after the interests of the people of Centreville.”

Full Military Funeral Service For Petty Officer Scott Wallace, 43 a resident of #24 Lee Street, Nassau Village, will be held on Thursday, October 17th, 2019, 10:30 a.m., at Hillview Seventhday Adventist Church, Tonique WilliamsDarling Highway. Officiating will be Pastor Paul A. Scavella, assisted by Pastor Dr. Michael Toote and Pastor Danhuge Gordon. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Gardens, Soldier Road.

Scott was Predeceased by his Mother: Lillian Brown.

Left to cherish his memories are his wife: Maguerite Wallace; son: Chahan Wallace; daughter: Lillian Wallace; father: Eugene Wallace; Loving Step-Mother: Sharon Wallace; grand aunts: Louise Curling of Duncan Town, Ragged Island and Vivian Cooper (Eric) of Coopers Town, Abaco; grand uncle: Francis John Grant of Freeport, Grand Bahama; brothers: Steven Mclean of Freeport, Grand Bahama, Eugene “Geno” and Gianno Wallace; sisters: Desiree Jackson of New Orleans, Louisiana, Tiffany Flowers, Jeannine Wallace-Rwabira, Lessette Virgil, Charisse Bowe of Orlando, Florida and Janette Wallace of Sault Sainte Marie, Canada; brothers-in-law: Donald Williams, Thomas Ferguson, Johnny Williams, Nelson Ferguson, Donald Jackson of New Orleans, Louisiana, Elexio Virgil and Albert Rwabira of Portland, Maine; sisters-in-law: Pernell Ferguson, Stacey Williams, Myriam Ferguson; nephews: Nathan Jackson of New Orleans, Louisiana, Elexio Virgil and Tre’sean Marshall of Sault Sainte Marie, Canada, Tristen M. Ferguson, Jerrod, Jaeden and Jealen Williams; nieces: Katelyn Jackson of New Orleans, Louisiana and Lexani Virgil, Je’Tarshie Williams, Mykalah J. Ferguson; uncles: Sydney McIntosh, Philip Franks, Birkley Wildgoose, Zebedee Mackey Sr. and Neil Johnson of Freeport, Grand Bahama, Nathaniel Bosfield, Augustine and, Jimmy “Jim” Brown, Harry Hannah and Julian Saunders; aunts: Paula Wildgoose, Sylvia McIntosh, Bonnie Franks, Rachel Johnson and Lauralee McIntosh of Freeport, Grand Bahama, Donna Bosfield, Agnes McIntosh-Mackey of Orlando, Florida, Jewel Huwler, Shantell Saunders, Danille Brown, Tyronya Brown and Erna Hannah; aunts and uncles-in-law: Brian and Elmore Jacques, Anthony and Priscilla Ferguson, Hosea and Myra Ferguson, Roselyn Stuart; numerous cousins including: Myron, Chante, Autumn and Matthew Wildgoose of Freeport, Grand Bahama, Jamie Campbell, Neil Johnson Jr, Sidney McIntosh Jr, Francheska McIntosh of Freeport, Grand Bahama, Andres McIntosh and Breanna Mackey of Orlando, Florida, Antoine, Kerri and Mark Bosfield, Barbara Za, Anita, and Philippa Franks of Freeport, Grand Bahama, Janette, Mac Lightbourne, Alex, Mervin and Agnes Williams of Freeport, Grand Bahama, Talaya Francis of Freeport, Grand Bahama, Kenisha, Kendall, Kendia and Kendisha and Symohony Brown, Caron, Aaron and Jeron Huwler, Wesley Hanson, Jade and Jillian Saunders, Jinya, Jimell, Jaquon and Jim Brown Jr, Sharano and Gabrielle Hannah, Randy Walkins of Atlanta, Georgia, Donald and Theodore “TC” Walkins of Baltimore, Maryland and Doris Walkins of Tacoma, Washington, Aunt Joan Saunders and Aunt Ellamae Duncombe, Idris and Gwen Reid, Charisse, Christopher, Wiquel, Sharano, Gabriel, Eric Jr., Jewel, Genevive, Flavy, Peachy, Aimee, Lucas, Ryan Recko, Leon, Lerell, Alexander Sr, Alexander Jr. Ray, Ricardo, Tayala, Georgina, Ellen, Tosca, Reginald, Charlton, Wilroy, Shirlene, Diane, Tiffany, Tameka, Exra, Shawn, Lilith, Becky, Takara, Basil, Pandora, Hilton, Lawrence, Prescola, Erika, Jacquelin, Joanne, Mag, Stan, Kenneth, Gia, Paul Jamar, P.J. Jacqueline, Brenda Owusu, Michael K. Agyei Owusu and Michael K. Adom Owusu, Dwayne & Dr. Latazia Stuart, Jasmine Andre and Alex Stuart, Jervon & Natashia Stuart, Alexa and Erika Stuart, Howard & Alicia Stuart, Amir and Alana Stuart, Hugh & Emily Duncombe, Abagail, Anaya and Hugh Duncombe, Tyrone & Delrose Major, Daphne Michel, Briel and Brinel Jacques, Brinique and Walter Dean, Terrell and Shazara Humes, Sidney, Tahlia, Terrel, Anya and Aniya Jefferson, Sheldon, Milton, Brandon, Shelleta Feruson, Jeffery, Belline, Eva, Alixe, Henrich, Wilson, China, Keno, Sky and Isabella Covington, Dashawn, Andrea; other friends including: Immigration Department, Agnus and Glen Strachan and a host of other relatives and friends too many to be mentioned.

Relatives and friends may pay their respects at Cedar Crest Funeral Home and Crematorium Ltd, Robinson and Baillou Hill Roads, on Wednesday from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m., and at the Church on Thursday, from 9:30 a.m. until service time.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, October 15, 2019, PAGE 7

China’s aid unwanted? Nonsense from page one

His comment followed a US media report that The Bahamas does not want China’s help reconstructing Abaco and Grand Bahama.

The Palm Beach Post reported on Friday that Linda Mackey, consul general to Florida, said that when President Donald Trump hosted a summit last March at the Mar-a-Lago resort, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis pledged to keep China’s influence out of The Bahamas and that this pledge still stands after Hurricane Dorian.

The report alarmed Bahamian government officials over the weekend, eventually prompting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to issue a statement on Sunday saying Ms Mackey’s comments were taken out of context.

The Tribune obtained a transcript from the Palm Beach Post of its interview with Ms Mackey.

A reporter asked her: “Is there any concern about who does the reconstruction? I remember that President Trump met with the prime minister in the spring and there were some concerns about Chinese influence in The Bahamas.”

According to the transcript, she responded: “Well, in Abaco, locals are doing the actual work, the construction work. The NGO is only supplying the building supplies. So, we are empowering the locals to do the actual work. So, there will be no Chinese with what I’m referring to.”

She was later asked: “But what the prime minister talked about with Trump for keeping Chinese influence out, that still stands?”

She responded: “Yes, yes, yes. I know in Abaco, Baker’s Bay, they’ve gotten some permission to bring in Mexico to help with the rebuild.”

Nonetheless, Mr Yin said any suggestion The Bahamas has declined

Chinese assistance is “fake news”. He said it would be irresponsible for any diplomat to make such an ungrounded claim.

Before last year’s meeting with President Trump, the White House said participants would discuss how to counter China’s “predatory economic practices” in this region. Bahamian government officials, however, have never affirmed an intention to decline China’s assistance and or halt its influence. Following his meeting with President Trump, Dr Minnis told reporters he informed American officials that China and The Bahamas are allies that enjoy a good working relationship and that this will not change.

The Chinese government has donated more than $500,000 after Hurricane Dorian. Its donations do not represent a decline compared to China’s assistance after past hurricanes. After Hurricane Matthew in 2016, China donated $50,000 while China Construction America, a subsidiary of the state-owned Chinese State Construction Engineering Corporation and developer of The Pointe, donated $100,000.

Mr Yin said National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) officials are planning to take the Chinese ambassador on a tour of Abaco. He noted that the government recently signed an agreement for China to import Bahamian lobster and for air transportation cooperation between the two countries.

“I see the bilateral relations are on the rise, not the contrary,” he said. “We have never heard anything from the foreign minister, from the prime minister, from other ministers that the Bahamian government don’t want China’s help.”

After Hurricane Dorian, Florida Senator Marco Rubio said China would step “in and seize the

THE GOVERNMENT of the People’s Republic of China presented a cheque for $500,000 to NEMA last week towards the Hurricane Dorian recovery and rebuilding efforts. The Chinese Ambassador to The Bahamas, Huang Qinguo and Director of NEMA, Capt Stephen Russell are pictured.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff moment to exploit the recovery for its own nefarious purposes” if the US didn’t help.

In 2016, then US President Barack Obama suggested to students at the University of the West Indies in Jamaica that they should be no more concerned about China’s influence than they are for any other country.

“If China is making investments that are building up infrastructure or improving education or helping the people, then we welcome that, we think that’s great,” Mr Obama said.

“The only thing is you have to look at what strings

are attached. If the investments are made and it’s solely to build a road to a mine to extract raw materials that are going to then immediately go to a port and shipped to China and if Chinese workers are shipped in to build the road and if you don’t know exactly what the deal is with the government that led to China getting the contract, in those circumstances, it might not in fact be serving the long-term interest of your country. And by the way I would say the same thing about the United States. If we come in with an aid package to your country and we say we are gonna give you $100m for

such and such and when you evaluate the benefits, it’s US companies that are disproportionally benefiting from it and it’s creating a situation where the United States is making a lot of profits but it is not leaving behind a sustainable industrial base or ways in which that country could develop, then you have to evaluate that and try to get a better deal.”

Former Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell has said the Obama administration encouraged The Bahamas’ relationship with China, seeing the country as a reliable source of capital.

In a statement yesterday, Mr Mitchell said: “The

PLP accepts the clarification of the report in the Palm Beach press issued yesterday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on our relations with China, the United States and hurricane relief. The original report that our country would exclude any assistance from China seemed out of line with the facts on the ground. It is incumbent that notwithstanding the facts of geography, culture and trade, there is sufficient room for The Bahamas to be friends with all nations that wish to be friends with us. We are now assured that all of our representatives overseas understand that policy.”

PAGE 8, Tuesday, October 15, 2019

THE TRIBUNE

Charlene’s lifelong ambition realised in decades of helping others Face to Face

I HAD the opportunity recently to visit Dr Charlene Wallace’s Palmdale office and see her in action.

She was busy advising patients, young and old, conducting eye examinations, and helping them choose the perfect pair of By FELICITY INGRAHAM glasses to suit their face.

She did it all with a glowing her childhood years. She smile and an obvious dedi- and her siblings Kayla and cation to her craft. When Carvill enjoyed long days I learned she was the first in classic Bahamian childBahamian female Optom- hood fashion – spinning etrist to return to The top, shooting marbles, Bahamas and be engaged climbing trees and playing at the Ministry of Health, ring play. Back then, chilI understood the level of dren walked to and from seemingly boundless energy school, something she did she has. She is a trailblazer from an early age to her and she has set a good path classes at Woodes Rodgers for others to follow based Primary. on determination, commitThe Wallace children ment and zeal. benefited from the love of A part of the good foun- extended family and neighdation that made Charlene bours. In those a pioneer days, neighdoctor was laid ‘I have always bours were at St Augus- wanted to be a like family – tine’s College. an attribute A proud doctor. There was often missing SACer, Char- nothing else that I in Bahamian lene shone ever aspired to be. society today. at the school Her fambecause she I always wanted ily’s matriarch, was confident, to help others and Addie McCagoal-oriented rtney (nee make a positive and focused.

Allen) was a She and I share contribution to tremendous the common their lives.’ influence in history of Charlene’s life. having served at SAC as Addie and Alfred McCastudent council president, rtney had six children, which is equivalent to the including Charlene’s position of head girl or boy. mother, and she We both served on the made sure all of her student council for all six children and grandof the years we spent there children stuck attending high school. It close together. was evident to administra- Most people tors, teachers and her peers, who know the that Charlene was a leader McCartneys in the making. She was a can attest to member of the track and this, includfield, basketball and soft- ing myself, ball teams and in spite of who benher athletic agenda, she still efitted from found a way to be a part of the love and the fine arts and performing closeness they arts programmes. She was shared during a member of artistic teams my childhood that painted murals, some years. of which today enhance “My grandfacilities such as the Prin- mother always cess Margaret Hospital. saw to it that we got She was the recipient of together as a family,” the inaugural and prestig- Charlene said. ious SAC principal’s award “Every Sunday, we at the school’s 1980 gradu- would attend afternoon ation exercises. She has Sunday School at East been selected as an honou- Street Gospel Chapel. ree for the school’s alumni After Sunday School, we 2019 Lighthouse Awards would go to my grandand Gala on October 26 at mother’s house. All of the British Colonial Hilton her grandchildren came hotel. together there. Prayer Charlene’s success was important to her. She from an early age is pos- prayed for us and she called sible because of the each grandchild by name.” sacrifices made by her parCharlene had a strong ents, Charles and Angela spiritual background not Wallace. She is the eldest of only through her grandthree children and she grew mother’s example of up on Bar 20 Corner just prayer, but through her off of Kemp Road, where parents’ dedication and she spent the majority of

DR Wallace’s family - Front row: Kayla Hilton, Randi Hilton, Anna Wallace, Ge’Anne Hilton, Angela Wallace, Dr Charlene Wallace, Cymphony Wallace-Ferguson.

commitment to God and the church. Her father was a leader at Grace Gospel Chapel and directed the church choir and the Gospel Bells for many years. Her mother was a manager at Star Insurance and was one of the oldest-serving members of the company. She was also a beautician by trade. Together, her parents represented a strong foundation in her life and today, in their eighties, they are still her “strong tower”.

“Growing up was a wonderful time,” Charlene recalls.

“From as far back as I can remember, I have always wanted to be a doctor. There was nothing else that I ever aspired to be. I always wanted to help others and make a positive contribution to their lives.”

Her parents always invested in her life and by the time

Charlene graduated from SAC, her educational pathway was planned so that she could properly prepare for her lifelong assignment. She earned an Associate’s degree in Biology from the College of The Bahamas (1982), a Baccalaureate in FROM top, Dr Biology from CanCharlene Wallace ada’s Concordia and pictured with her to University (1985), daughter, Cymphony, me who and her Optomand cheering on had eye etric credentials St Augustine’s at a anomafrom the New sporting event. lies that England College of needed Optometry, Boston to be Massachusetts (1989). addressed, and Her decision to choose I wanted to be able to optometry didn’t come help them. Just as much as until she was in pursuit of I wanted to make a contriher undergraduate degree bution and assist others, in biology: “In my anat- I wanted to be able to omy class, one section care for my family. I never placed special emphasis wanted a career that would on the eye. We conducted prevent me from being able numerous tests and various to help my family. I wanted dissections… it was abso- a profession that wouldn’t lutely intriguing to me.” demand that I always be “Also, there were per- away from home. Optomsons in my life very special etry allowed me to be able

to achieve all of those goals simultaneously.”

In 1989, Charlene returned to The Bahamas and immersed herself in providing national service. Not only did she make history as the first Bahamian female optometrist to offer national service, she also was the first female optometrist employed at the Princess Margaret Hospital.

She retains a consultancy even today.

Initially, she worked out of the office of Dr Johnathan Rodgers. By September 6, 1990, Charlene established her own practice – Family Eye Care Centre. The clinic was opened in Centreville but is currently located in Palmdale at the corner of Rosetta and Alexander Streets – both near her ‘stomping ground’. With a vision of extending services to the Family Islands, Charlene took Family Eye Care first to Eleuthera, the island of her family heritage. Fond memories of days spent with her maternal grandmother on Eleuthera led her to offer service to the island by May of 1992 – less than two years after first opening her doors. Over the last 29 years, she has provided

A THROWBACK - Charlene at St Augustine’s College speaking with former Vice Principal Ron Clarke.

eye care services not only in Nassau, but also in Governor’s Harbour,Harbour Island and in Treasure Cay. “Optometry could be looked at as one of my God-given assignments in my life,” she said.

“It was never in my plan (to be a pioneer in medicine in The Bahamas). I never even thought of it that way.

I was just walking in the path God had for my life. I just wanted to return home be a productive citizen, make a contribution and make sure that people have the best possible eye care and have healthy vision. It was amazing how destiny aligned.”

I asked her what she could say to young people who may aspire to become a doctor, she gave this advice: “You can be anything you want to be if you work hard at it. You don’t have to come from any special area of the country. I came from Bar 20 Corner. It was not a pathway laid out for me. I had to work hard for it (my success). I was at COB and during my first year, I was told that I had been granted a scholarship by a private foundation. They gave me verbal confirmation but when the final list came out, my name was not there.

That was devastating. But I was determined and I reapplied the following year and to several other companies.

I was not only granted one scholarship but two. That is what assisted me at COB and when I was able to go off to Canada to complete my undergraduate degree.”

Of all her accomplishments, motherhood and parenting of her daughter, Cymphony Carmel, is one of her most cherished roles.

The love and joys of raising her daughter, inspires and propels Charlene to seek new heights and strive to accomplish even greater goals. She cherishes her nieces and nephews dearly, and is proud that she was able to serve as inspiration to her niece Ge’Anne, who is currently in her final year of medical school.

“I always felt that my life’s assignment was one of making a contribution to the lives of others,” she said, “and if I could assist others along the way, then my living would not be in vain and worth it all.”

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, October 15, 2019, PAGE 9

Hurricane? Flooding? That doesn’t stop Ms Wildgoose

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net GRAND Bahama school teacher Autumn Joi Wildgoose is the perfect example of a dedicated educator.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian, she took it upon herself to hold offcampus classes for her students who are unable to attend school because of severe flood damage at the Hugh Campbell Primary in Freeport.

Ms Wildgoose was able to secure a space at the Allegra School of Music on East Sunrise Highway where she is currently teaching 12 sixth graders who are preparing to sit GLAT exams this year.

“Our school was completely underwater and so we lost everything,” she told The Tribune.

Hugh Campbell Primary had over five feet of flooding in all 30 of its classrooms and in the administrative office. It is among a number of public schools that are temporarily closed due to hurricane damage.

Although repairs and restoration efforts are underway, Ms Wildgoose said it is not known when the school will be ready to resume classes.

“Like everywhere on Grand Bahama, we are going through a crisis right now, and it is unpredictable about when things will get back up and running.

This is my first year teaching sixth grade and I am kind of nervous about it as well, and the children have GLATs,” she said.

Ms Wildgoose teaches a special group of students between the ages of 10 to 11, and wanted to give them a head start on the

curriculum before returning to school.

“I teach a mixed group inclusion. I have children with autism and students who are average, and because I move at a different pace and I do things differently, I thought it was best for me to try find some way to start working with the kids ahead of time so we can have an advantage,” she said.

She currently has 12 students and is expecting two more. The classes are free and she has been getting requests to take on other students who are not from Hugh Campbell.

According to Ms Wildgoose, many of the students were happy about returning to the classroom.

“On the first day we had a discussion about the storm and what happened, and we had one or two students who had some water in their house. But they are all very excited to come back to meet friends and do some class work because they were off since June - that’s about four months,” she said.

Teaching was a profession Ms Wildgoose always wanted to enter.

“When I came out of high school I knew exactly what I wanted to do, so I went into education and did my bachelors at COB then, and in 2015 I graduated with a masters in exceptional student education,” she said.

She said after the storm she could not find a space to start classes because so many places had been compromised.

“I assisted at the Allegra School of Music in the afternoon and so I realised that no one was there in the mornings, so I asked the owner of the establishment permission to use it, and she said it was okay. It is free and I don’t charge the kids

AUTUMN Joi Wildgoose and her class continue their studies despite flood damage at the Hugh Campbell Primary in Freeport.

anything,” she said.

Ms Wildgoose said the arrangement is working out well for students and parents. “I know (other teachers) do not have the opportunity to as I did in terms of finding a space because a lot of places were underwater. This opportunity was here for me, and it was like it was meant to be,” she said.

The parents are grateful to Ms Wildgoose for starting classes even though the school remains closed for the time being.

Parent Shenika Wells said she was very happy that Ms Wildgoose took it upon herself to find a location to hold classes.

“It is great that she did this when nobody else was open. I am happy with her because the students have been off so long and to have them back in classes is a blessing,” she said.

PAGE 10, Tuesday, October 15, 2019

THE TRIBUNE

Cross your fingers and say a prayer - is Brexit finally about to be over?

IT IS in the nature of the world’s news organizations to dramatise events as they compete with their media rivals to attract the attention and interest of their viewers and readers. All too often presentation is what matters most and that is one reason many people in Britain have become sceptical of the varied hyperbole of the British press in relation to Brexit. There have been so many do-or-die moments since the 2016 referendum which have not materialised, and inevitably Brexit-fatigue has taken over the whole country.

Thus, after endless false alarms it is with some trepidation I report the latest suggestions in the press that the point of reckoning has now arrived and the situation could be resolved one way or the other within the next two weeks.

The reason for such optimism is that, contrary to expectation and after a dramatic meeting with his Irish counterpart, British Prime Boris Johnson seems to have reached agreement with him on a possible way forward in relation to the controversial backstop in Northern Ireland.

Details have not been released but apparently the proposal is for Northern Ireland to stay in the EU Single Market for all goods and thus meet its regulatory requirements while goods going from mainland UK to Northern Ireland would be subject to customs checks at an Irish Sea border to ensure EU compliance but with businesses able to claim a rebate if goods are destined for Ulster.

This would avoid any land border checks between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland as an EU member state. So it should satisfy both the EU and MPs at Westminster who objected to the Irish backstop in Mrs May’s Withdrawal Agreement on the grounds it would have kept the UK as a whole within the Customs Union.

THE PETER YOUNG COLUMN It seems the momentum has suddenly shifted in favour of Mr Johnson who has insisted he wants a deal but has said time and again that, with or without one, Britain will leave the EU on the agreed date of October 31.

While these new proposals are being considered in Brussels - with officials discussing the details of principles already agreed there is increased optimism that an agreement will be reached with the EU which can be endorsed formally

by EU leaders at their summit meeting on October 17 and 18.

If that happens, under present plans the agreement or deal will be considered by the Westminster Parliament at a special sitting of the House of Commons on October 19 – the first such Saturday emergency sitting since the Falklands conflict

in 1982. If it is approved, the government will have to rush through legislation for Britain’s exit to meet the October 31 deadline.

Such is the importance of this, commentators are calling Saturday, October 19, the most dramatic day at Westminster for decades.

Since Mr Johnson does not have a parliamentary majority, he will have to depend on the support of all his Tory colleagues, including the 21 who had been banished from his party earlier, together with some 20 Labour rebels who have indicated they are no longer prepared to go along with their leader’s insistence that any deal must be put to the people in another referendum.

If, however, there is no deal with the EU or the House of Commons rejects any new deal, the Remainer legislation in the shape of

BRITAIN’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson at the official State Opening of Parliament in London yesterday.

Photo: Daniel Leal-Olivas/Pool via AP the Benn Act obliges the and the holding of an elec- fantasy because of the difPrime Minister to ask the tion so November 28 is now ficulty the government will EU for an extension until, being touted as a likely have in delivering any of date. it in the current uncertain probably, January.

Meanwhile, the State political conditions.

In that case, Labour In light of all these develleader Jeremy Corbyn has Opening of Parliament said he will agree to a gen- which took place yes- opments, which suddenly eral election under the terday in the Palace of seem to be taking place Fixed Term Elections Act, Westminster displayed Brit- at breakneck speed, the or a vote of no confidence ish traditional pomp and hyperbole continues, with ceremony at its best. some now saying the councould be called.

The Queen’s Speech try is entering one of the But, even if Mr Johnson secures the agreement marks the formal start of most momentous weeks in of MPs to a new deal, it is a new parliamentary ses- the history of British polilikely an election would sion when Her Majesty tics. For the good of the follow because he needs a outlines the government’s country, the Brexit deadmandate to govern, and it proposed policies and the lock has to be broken and is interesting the polls are new laws it wishes to bring that means compromise showing he would secure an to the floor of the House and pragmatism rather than blind adherence to set posioverall majority if an elec- of Commons.

These will now be tions. October 19 will surely tion were held soon. Under the rules, there must be 25 debated but the speech be a day of high drama. working days between the is already being dubbed One must hope BBC World dissolution of Parliament by opposition parties as a News will cover it live!

COMMUNISM: A WRETCHED FAILURE

THE month of October has witnessed numerous notable international events over the years – to cite just two which spring to mind, the Cuban missile crisis of 1962 and the ArabIsraeli Yom Kippur war in 1973. But none was perhaps as important as the 1917 Russian revolution. Known as the October Revolution, it is widely considered by historians to be one of the most momentous - and allencompassing because of its worldwide effects - events of the 20th century.

The overthrow of Tsar Nicholas II ended centuries of feudalism under the Romanov dynasty and resulted in the imposition of Communism which later spread to other parts of the world - not only by force in Eastern European countries which became satellites of the USSR but also to nations in Africa and in Asia, notably China and North Korea, as well as, of course, Cuba.

The formal collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 was preceded by the defeat of the communist dominated governments in Eastern Europe. What precipitated their demise was the policy of political and economic reform in the 1980s of the new party

leader in Moscow, Mikhail Gorbachev, including ‘glasnost’ or openness, whereby the press was allowed to criticise the government and hold it to account, and ‘perestroika’ or remodelling. But perhaps it was really more fundamental than that, with communism ultimately failing because it denied personal freedoms, incentives and accountability and, in the absence of competition and market forces, adequate standards of living could not be maintained.

The most important result of the Gorbachev reforms was to remove, to some extent, the climate of fear that had existed for so long and to relax the discipline which had kept the communist system working at all. For Lenin had created in the Soviet Union a totalitarian state imposed by violent oppression. Absolute power was in the hands of a Communist Party which controlled everything and its actions were enforced by a ruthless secret police and army.

Economic power was centralised under party authority and direction and was used as an instrument of political power. One result was excessive military spending, and with the

means of production and distribution in the hands of the state there was an absence of personal freedom and incentive.

There is evidence a stagnating economy was one of the factors that convinced Gorbachev his reforms were necessary; and the more one studies the failure of communism the more one can see the benefits of capitalism as a desirable alternative. Whereas socialism is all about coercion, force and control and is therefore totalitarian by nature, the emphasis of capitalism is on freedom – free markets and free exchange among people whose liberty and rights are respected and protected under the law.

Capitalism supports entrepreneurial innovation by encouraging people to develop their individual gifts and talents without state interference. Given the potential for misconduct, there has to be an element of control and regulation. But the guiding principle in developing entrepreneurship should surely be persuasion and encouragement rather than force and command. The evidence is that an economy works best when there is as little government involvement as possible.

RECORDS THERE TO BE BROKEN LAST week’s sporting headlines said it all. In what has been described as one of the greatest sporting achievements, the famous Kenyan long-distance runner, Eliud Kipchoge, had just breached the two-hour marathon by completing a course in Vienna in 1 hour 59.4 minutes.

Reportedly, his feat may not be recognised officially because he received help from pacemakers but, in my book, that hardly takes anything away from a truly remarkable achievement.

Such news provides a reminder of the famous first sub-four-minute mile by British athlete Roger Bannister in England as long ago as 1954 and, much more recently in 2009, Usain Bolt’s record 9.58 seconds for the 100 metres.

But with other sporting records being broken regularly - for example in swimming - the latest marathon run raises the inevitable question whether there are any limits as athletes become stronger and fitter thanks to better nutrition and improved training

techniques as well as new equipment.

Sports scientists say there are theoretical limits like the amount of oxygen a body can take in and human endurance for the fittest of athletes is ultimately limited by their metabolism.

But qualities like basic ability and skills, together with determination and preparedness, clearly play a vital part. So, probably nobody really knows. But it is likely we can look forward to new superhuman sporting feats as records continue to be broken.

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PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES • Excellent leadership and team building skills • Experience in strategic planning and policy development • Creative problem solver • Strong team player with the ability to interact with all levels of staff in the organization

• Christmas Club Savings above normal commercial bank rates

QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION

• 20% off hospital services

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher level in Information Technology or Computer Science • Knowledge of comprehensive risk mitigation strategies • 5+ years of IT experience • MCITP certification required and VCP & Project Management Professional (PMP) a plus •

VMware, Cisco and security knowledge

THE TRIBUNE

DARNITA COOPER

Tuesday, October 15, 2019, PAGE 11

ADAM COOPER

AARON COOPER

CATHERINE LYNN ARMSTRONG

ALBERT ALEXANDER BRIDGEWATER

FIVE MORE MISSING PEOPLE IDENTIFIED AFTER DORIAN POLICE on Grand Bahama have released the names and photos of five more missing people from East End, Grand Bahama who have not been seen

since Hurricane Dorian pummeled the island last month.

They are: Aaron and Adam Cooper, both age 3, of Emmanuel Way,

High Rock; Albert Alexander Bridgewater, 51, of Bevans Town, East End; Darnita Cooper, 43, of Emmanuel Way and Catherine Lynn Armstrong,

70, of Henny Avenue, Derby Subdivision, Grand Bahama.

If you have any information on the whereabouts of these persons,

please contact the police in Grand Bahama at the command centre at 4422872/2870, 911/919, or call your nearest police station.

Last week, National Security Minister Marvin Dames said police have reports of 282 people still being missing after the storm.

Micro-grid to be created to supply power in North Abaco

By RIEL MAJOR Tribune Staff Reporter rmajor@tribunemedia.net BAHAMAS Power and Light is planning to create micro-grids to generate power in North Abaco and the cays in the wake of Hurricane Dorian, according to Works Minister Desmond Bannister.

“If any one of you has been in Marsh Harbour you can see that state of destruction in that community,” Mr Bannister said at a press conference yesterday.

“We may have as many as 3,000 poles that are down… very close to 3,000.

“There is a plan to generate the electricity by means of creating micro-grids and by utilising the undersea cable to send power from a number of places on the mainland to those cays,

that is the plan that BPL is working on now. Along with a plan for renewable energy and as I indicated a number of private sector partners have come forward with plans, BPL is working with them.”

He added: “With respect to North Abaco, they fared remarkably well so BPL will be seeking to create generation some place north of Marsh Harbour.

Probably in the area of the new port to put some generation there to be able to power North Abaco. That is the challenge that they are working on now.”

Mr Bannister could not give a timeline as to when these measures would be put in place.

“These are hugely challenging issues. When you have all of these poles that have been snapped and

BPL are bringing in new poles and they are seeking to reinforce those poles by bringing in class one poles.

Stronger poles, they have to replant poles, run wire all over again,” he said.

“They have to bring new generation in, and they have to be ensured that the lines are safe. They walked from Wilson City to Sandy Point, pole by pole to make sure that when they turn that power on that people would be safe.”

He added: “They are going to do the same thing in the north to ensure that every consumer is safe and that there are no challenges going to cause somebody to lose those their life or to be hurt. These are the things that they are working carefully on and skillfully on.

They are very concerned about the well-being for

the people.”

The minister noted the estimated cost for the infrastructural work on Abaco will range anywhere between $80m-90m.

Mr Bannister said: “Part of that is because they are looking to do infrastructure in the Marsh Harbour area underground and when you get into that underground work, and a number of cays demanding that underground infrastructure.

“When you get into underground work you can anticipate that the cost is multiplied by two to three times of what it would normally cost for the overhead wires. The plan for the Marsh Harbour area is to create an underground network in relation to a number of substations and provide power through different areas in Abaco

and the cays through that network.”

Meanwhile, Education Minister Jeff Lloyd said the Ministry of Education has received the necessary approvals from the Ministry of Public Works and Environmental Health to reopen a number of schools in Grand Bahama and Abaco later this week.

Mr Lloyd said: “School administrators, support staff and teachers are expected to return to Freeport Primary, Walter Parker Primary, Bartlett High Primary, Lewis Yard Primary, Martin Town Primary, Holmes Rock Primary, West End Primary, Jack Hayward Junior High, Sister Mary Patricia Junior High, Jack Hayward Senior High, St George’s Senior High, Eight Mile Rock Secondary and the Beacon

School officially on October 16. Students are expected to return to these schools on October 17, 2019.

“Staff and students from schools in East Grand Bahama have been reassigned to schools in Freeport. Regarding the provision of education in Abaco, students are receiving instructions from teachers and volunteers in the public schools at Crossing Rocks, Cherokee Sound, Sandy Point, Moore’s Island, Fox Town and Green Turtle Cay.” He added: “It is planned that teachers and students living in Cooper’s Town (Abaco) area will meet at a site to be determined sometime this week. In total, we expect that in excess of 400 students will be receiving instruction by the end of this week.”

PAGE 12, Tuesday, October 15, 2019

THE TRIBUNE

Four hurt after series of attacks

By RIEL MAJOR Tribune Staff Reporter rmajor@tribunemedia.net POLICE are investigating two shootings and a stabbing that left four men in hospital over the weekend.

Shortly after 9am on Sunday, two men were standing outside a home on Ida Street, when the occupants of a pink Nissan March, licence #AT1657,

opened fire in their direction, hitting both men, before speeding away.

Both men were transported to hospital and are now listed in serious condition.

Two days earlier, shortly after 8pm on Friday, a man was at Potter’s Cay Dock when he got into an altercation with two men who are known to him, resulting in him being stabbed about the body. He was

transported to hospital and is listed in serious but stable condition.

About three hours earlier, shortly before 5pm a man was walking on Verbena Street, off Rosedale Street, when the occupants of a pink Nissan March opened fire in his direction, hitting him to his leg before speeding away. The injured man was transported to hospital and is listed in stable condition.

MAN IN HOSPITAL AFTER BEING SHOT BY POLICE OFFICER A MAN is in hospital after he was shot by a police officer outside a nightclub on Saturday.

According to a police report, police were conducting an investigation on St Alban’s Drive, near a nightclub, after 2am Saturday when they heard gunshots.

“As officers were walking toward the nightclub,

they observed a male, walking towards them, armed with a firearm,” a police report noted. “The male was ordered to drop the weapon, to which he refused and pointed the firearm in the direction of the officers. The officers being in fear for their lives, discharged their service weapons in the direction of the man,

wounding him.”

The injured man was taken to hospital and is listed in serious condition.

No one else was injured during this incident, police said.

Officers recovered an illegal firearm which contained eight rounds of ammunition, the RBPF said.

An investigation is ongoing.

SUSPECTED SUICIDE IN FREEPORT

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

POLICE on Grand Bahama are investigating a suspected suicide after a man was found hanging from a tree in bushes near a

school field in Freeport.

According to police, officers received a report around 2.40pm on Saturday of a male hanging from a tree at the rear of the Jack Hayward High School field.

Superintendent Brian

Rolle, officer in charge of Grand Bahama’s CDU, said the victim is a black male in his late 40s to early 50s.

Supt Rolle said police do not know if the victim is a resident of Freeport as investigations are continuing.

THE TRIBUNE

100 teachers to be in post after vetting

By RIEL MAJOR Tribune Staff Reporter rmajor@tribunemedia.net EDUCATION director Marcellus Taylor said yesterday once security and vetting processes are completed, 100 new teachers will be assigned to schools.

His comments come days after the Bahamas Union of Teachers President Belinda Wilson told The Tribune 100 teachers were oriented at the beginning of the semester but have not yet been assigned to a school more than a month into the term.

Mr Taylor said the Department of Education does have a situation where new teachers are waiting to be posted.

He said: “We again have to follow rules in the public sector so some of the rules that we have relate around security, vetting and ensuring that the person we have in our schools are indeed people who fit to be among our students.

“As the minister emphasised, safety and security are major concerns of ours.

Once those processes are completed then I think the other mechanisms that have to come into effect in the public service will then trigger.”

He added: “We are not going to engage people who we are not sure about

MARCELLUS TAYLOR, director of Education.

Photo: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff and so that has to happen. and Department of EduOnce that’s done then those cation is using the lame teachers will be engaged. excuses that the vetting We want teachers in school process is incomplete, some more badly than anyone files do not have all of the else can want them.” documents and that they However, Mrs Wilson are awaiting letters from told The Tribune on Friday the Public Service Comthat the Ministry of Educa- mission. Every year the tion has failed again.

Ministry of Education “Orientation was held makes the same mistakes August 21, 2019, for and it does not seem to approximately 200 teach- be improving. There are ers. Teachers from Cuba teacher shortages throughand other countries were out The Bahamas and these there but the majority of new recruits need to be the teachers are graduates employed immediately. “ from the University of The The BUT leader said the Bahamas, some of whom problem is a recurring one were recipients of govern- for the ministry. ment grants, scholarships or “The morale of the teachtuition assistance,” she said. ers that are at home waiting “To date, approximately to be employed is low,” she 100 of them are still at said. “They are losing hope. home, waiting to be posted. This is simply ridiculous The Ministry of Education and unacceptable.”

www.ub.edu.bs

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Suitably qualified candidates are invited to apply for the following career opportunities at University of The Bahamas, Oakes Field Campus: Writer, News and Publications, responsible for working closely with the University’s constituents to develop diverse narratives in alignment with the University’s strategic priorities, for print, digital and online media and publications. Other duties include, but are not limited to, conducting interviews as may be required for University publications, press releases and special projects; producing news and feature stories to raise the profile of the University nationally and internationally; conducting research, content gathering, writing and review of communications for the Office of Grants (Non-Research Corporate and Foundation Grant Activity); contributing to regular media tracking and data analytics reports and liaising with clients of the Office of University Relations in the provision of communications services through the OURHelpdesk.

Media and Communications Assistant whose duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, providing administrative and technical support in the execution of corporate communications, media relations and marketing support strategies. Other responsibilities are facilitating mass electronic distribution of approved newsletters, notices, communiques and press releases as directed; coordinating and maintaining records for external advertisements, publications and notifications; liaising with media, communications and other vendors in the provision of services for the Office of University Relations; initiating general purchase requisitions as directed; and providing public relations assistance with key University events.

Human Resources Information Systems Analyst responsible for coordinating with IT and HR teams to analyze all HRIS requirements; develop and implement various HRIS procedures and prepare customized reports for various finance and payroll teams. Other duties include, but are not limited to, resolving queries and ensuring accuracy; preparing all business documents and providing upgrades, if required; monitoring HRIS systems and maintaining integrity of all data; preparing reports for all HR systems and applications, analyzing systems to resolve all issues and escalating all customer issues to management to provide efficient resolution; and preparing user manuals for ERP applications.

Detailed position announcements are accessible online at: http://www.ub.edu.bs/aboutus/career-opportunities/.

Interested applicants should submit the following to the Human Resources Department via hrapply@ub.edu.bs (Attn: Vice President, Human Resources) by Friday, 18th October 2019: · A cover letter of interest highlighting work experience and accomplishments relevant to the position; · Completed UB Employment Application Form (www.ub.edu.bs/wpcontent/uploads/2017/01/Application-for-Employment-Staff.pdf)

· Current curriculum vitae or resume; · Copies of relevant qualifications and certificates; · Copy of the relevant pages of a valid passport showing passport number, photo identification and expiration date; · Copy of N.I.B. Card; · At least three (3) written, professional references.

Tuesday, October 15, 2019, PAGE 13

PAGE 14, Tuesday, October 15, 2019

THE TRIBUNE

Pineapple Air plane suffers landing gear collapse

CONSULTANT RADIOLOGIST NEEDED A well establish local Radiology Center is seeking to fill the position of Consultant Radiologist.

Applicants must have a minimum of seven (7) years experience and possess medical administrative skills.

All resumes can be sent to: info@ftdcimaging.com

AIR ACCIDENT investigators are investigating an occurrence involving a Pineapple Air plane that suffered a landing gear collapse Friday morning.

“The Air Accident Investigation Department is actively investigating an occurrence that took place this morning at LPIA involving Pineapple Air aircraft with registration C6-KMC,” the department said in a statement. “The aircraft with 11 souls on board had its landing gear collapse (9.06am) after landing on runway 14 at LPIA. The aircraft received damage, there were no associated injuries reported.”

SPLASHDOWN FOR PLANE AT NORMAN’S CAY

A PLANE crash landed into the ocean yesterday off Norman’s Cay with six people on board, however no injuries were reported.

According to the Air Accident Investigation Department, around 11am Sunday a Cessna C421 aircraft, registration N217PG, departed Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport for Norman’s Cay, Exuma.

When the plane landed, the aircraft’s brakes failed, causing it to exit the runway surface and crash through the perimeter fencing before going down an embankment and into

the ocean some 200 feet away.

AAID said the plane traveled some 100 feet beyond the shoreline after going off a small cliff at the end of the embankment.

Residents and workers on the island helped the plane’s occupants - the pilot and five passengers - in getting out of the aircraft after it came to a stop.

AAID said based on the tide around the time of the accident, the water where the plane landed was shallow enough that it allowed the plane’s occupants to walk to the shoreline.

MAN DIES IN HIT AND RUN

By RIEL MAJOR rmajor@tribunemedia.net POLICE are investigating a hit and run accident that left a man dead.

Shortly after 8pm on Sunday, the man was walking on Prince Charles Drive in the vicinity of Wok Restaurant, when he was struck by a small black Japanese car, which sped away.

Paramedics were called to the scene and attempted to revive the victim, but he was pronounced dead.

The death comes two weeks after a Royal Bahamas Defence Force officer was killed in a car crash on September 29.

Marine Seaman Arnold Amerthil, 27, was killed after crashing into a utility pole on

Baillou Hill Road.

According to Chief Superintendent Craig Stubbs at the time, shortly before 6am on the date in question, the police control room received reports of a traffic accident on Baillou Hill Road, south of the farmer’s market. Responding officers arrived at the scene and confirmed that a single vehicle had run into a utility pole.

The driver was pronounced dead at the scene

by EMS and the car’s passenger was taken to hospital with severe injuries.

Anyone with information on Sunday’s hit-and-run is asked to call the Police Traffic Department at 3937714/5, Crime Stoppers at 328-TIPS or the nearest police station.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, October 15, 2019 PAGE 15

SECURITY GUARD JAILED FOR SHOOTING MAN IN STOMACH

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

A SECURITY guard has been sentenced to six years in prison for shooting another man in the stomach following an argument at a nightclub three years ago.

Wilfred McKinney was sentenced by Justice Guillamina Archer-Minns for admitting to causing grievous harm to Kareem Nairn at Cheetah’s nightclub on December 10, 2016.

McKinney was originally charged with attempted murder.

However, he

POLICE PROBE SERIES OF WEEKEND ARMED ROBBERIES

By RIEL MAJOR Tribune Staff Reporter rmajor@tribunemedia.net

POLICE are investigating a spate of armed robberies that occurred on the weekend.

Shortly before 1am on Sunday, a man was driving near Big Pond when a red Volkswagen pulled in front forcing him to stop. Three armed men got out and robbed him of cash and a cell phone, before getting back into the vehicle and speeding away.

About an hour later, another man was driving in Winton Meadows when a navy blue vehicle pulled in front of him, forcing him to stop. A man got out of the vehicle, approached him and robbed him of cash and other items, before getting back into the vehicle and speeding off, police said.

Shortly before 1pm on Sunday, a man was in the parking lot of a church on Duke Street when he was approached by a gunman who robbed him of a bag containing an undisclosed amount of cash, before escaping.

Police are also investigating three robberies that occurred on Saturday.

Shortly after 1am on Saturday, a man was standing in the parking lot of a bar on Bernard Road, when he was approached by an armed man, who robbed him of his blue BMW and sped away, followed by a pink Nissan March.

Hours later, shortly after

4pm, two tourists were on West Bay Street in the area of Goodman’s Bay, when they were approached by two armed men who robbed them of cash and other items. The thieves escaped in a purple car, licence #AR1737.

Sometime around 11.40pm, a man and woman were sitting a vehicle on Delaporte Beach, West Bay Street, when they were approached by an armed male who robbed them of cash and cell phones before running away.

Police are also looking for the suspects behind three robberies on Friday.

In the first incident, a woman was walking on Bethel Avenue, Stapledon Gardens shortly after 6am on Friday, when she was approached by two armed men who robbed her of her handbag. The men escaped in a red rental car.

Then shortly after 9am on Friday, a woman was walking in the parking lot of an auto parts store on Wulff Road when she was approached by an armed man who robbed her of her handbag. The man escaped in a gray Nissan Cube.

In a third incident, shortly after 11pm on Friday, a woman was standing in front of a home in the western district when she was approached by an armed man who robbed her of her handbag before escaping.

Anyone with information is asked to call police or Crime Stoppers at 328TIPS (8477).

pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of causing grievous harm.

According to the evidence, Nairn was celebrating his cousin’s birthday in the VIP section of the club, when after a while, his cousin and some other individuals started standing on

the furniture. McKinney asked one of the men to come down off the furniture, which he did, and was warned that if he did it again he would have to leave.

Nairn’s cousin did not heed his warnings, however, and McKinney had to go back to the man a second

time. That time, however, words were exchanged and the two subsequently got into a struggle.

Nairn subsequently turned around and saw McKinney struggling with his cousin. He then grabbed McKinney from behind and pinned him to a chair.

While McKinney was pinned to the chair, at least two witnesses said they saw Nairn grab McKinney’s hand. But when he did so, a gun went off. Nairn was subsequently hit in the stomach.

McKinney was represented by attorney Roberto Reckley.

PAGE 16, Tuesday, October 15, 2019

THE TRIBUNE

Tributes to Tennyson

By RIEL MAJOR Tribune Staff Reporter rmajor@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis praised former Cabinet minister Tennyson Wells for his devotion to the Free National Movement and The Bahamas.

He spoke as family, friends, and members of Parliament gathered at Christ Church Cathedral on Friday to mourn the death of the BAMSI chairman.

Mr Wells suffered from prostate cancer, hypertension and diabetes. The 72-year-old former MP died on September 24.

Dr Minnis said: “We have lost a fierce Bahamian patriot. Tennyson loved the land and the sea and the beauty and bounty of our country. He was devoted to the farmers and fishers of The Bahamas. He believed government should work to better the lives of all Bahamians, and that Bahamians should have the opportunity to thrive in all fields of endeavour.”

He also said: “Tennyson was an attorney by profession. He was a noted and capable businessman.

By vocation and calling he was also a politician, who gave devoted service to his country and to the party he called his political home.

“Tennyson Wells was an

FNM warrior who early entered the front lines of national politics in order to secure democracy and freedom in The Bahamas.

Along with the founders and other freedom fighters in the Free National Movement, he demonstrated the courage and the tenacity to enter the arena and to fight for what he believed.”

He added: “He fought against victimisation and other threats to our democracy. He played his role in the FNM’s first election to office in 1992, and in the Bahamian renewal under FNM governments. Tennyson served as minister of agriculture and fisheries, as minister of transport and as attorney general and minister of justice.”

While Dr Minnis heaped praise on Mr Wells as a loyal FNM, the former Bamboo Town MP left the FNM when former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham led the party. Mr Wells later became an independent MP in 2002.

He came back to the party years later and supported Dr Minnis ahead of the 2017 general election.

The prime minister said Mr Wells understood that political parties, constituted and populated by the citizenry, are essential for a vibrant democracy.

“Indeed, this is a central tenet of our system we should recall as we

FORMER Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham at the service.

THE OFFICIAL funeral service for the late Tennyson Wells held at Christ Church Cathedral on Friday.

Photos: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff celebrate 290 years of par- he believed.

“He did not just sit on liamentary democracy this year. Like many others, the sideline and complain Tennyson took up the call about what was wrong with of responsible citizenship, The Bahamas. He made a lending his energies and tal- contribution and had a disents to build the party and tinguished career. May our the country he loved,” Dr departed brother rest in peace.”

Minnis said.

In Ms Wells’ obitu“We owe a debt of gratitude to individu- ary, his wife Stephanie als like Tennyson Wells, expressed her love to her who offer themselves for late husband.

The tribute read: “Tennypublic duty and service.

As I have noted on a pre- son my mentor, decisive in vious occasion, for our life, decisive in death. Bar- PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis speaks at the funeral service parliamentary democracy gaining not to dwell in the for Tennyson Wells. to work, there must be weakened shell, no worries cohesive, disciplined polit- no toils a burden to none.

“Knowing that going and ical parties in Parliament, parties whose members are leaving as one, telling and bound together generally showing that if life is not by a set of objectives and good then going is better than where he stood. Delivprinciples…”

He added: “Like other ering his body and soul to democracies, our party- the gates of his goal. Leavbased system requires ing and cleaving to a pace loyalty, fortitude and politi- of no toil. No blundering no cal maturity by those who fumbling faithful to a flaw.”

The tribute added: answer the call to service their fellow-citizens in “Patiently waiting on the government and politics. peaceful shore. Love you Tennyson answered this my mate, you preferred not FORMER Governor General Arthur Hanna is escorted into the service for Tennyson Wells. call. He sacrificed for what to wait. Love Stephanie.”

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, October 15, 2019, PAGE 17

OPRAH Winfrey with Nathan Rolle.

Bahamian lands scholarship thanks to Oprah

By LEANDRA ROLLE lrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE future is bright for Bahamian Nathan Rolle.

Currently in his senior year at Morehouse College, Rolle, 21, just discovered that he is one of the recipients of the Oprah Winfrey Scholarship at the historical black college.

Other Bahamian men who have been awarded the scholarship throughout the years include Carlos Outten and most recently, Stephen Seymour.

The scholarship, designed for students with strong academic performance, is geared towards training young men to be leaders and “to give back” in their respective communities.

And just recently, the scholarship programme made international headlines after Ms Winfrey announced that she would donate an additional $13m to the programme, ultimately making it the largest endowment in the school’s history.

In an interview with The Tribune, Mr Rolle said the media mogul made the announcement during a special ceremony in honour of the programme’s 30th anniversary.

“We were able to bring Ms Oprah Winfrey back to campus because she hasn’t been on the campus for 30 years and we had a whole programme set for her.

The first programme was a ‘meet and greet’ with her scholars. She spoke with us and we took photos of her and the next session we had a luncheon with her,” he said. “After that, we had a portrait unveiling for her revealed, and then we had another talk with her. It was really interesting. She asked the students a lot of questions and that was when she donated another $13m to the scholar programme.”

Mr Rolle, who is majoring in international studies with a minor in Spanish, said he initially found out about the scholarship programme through his study abroad advisor.

“She actually nominated me for the award. She is a director of the study abroad programme (at my school) and she is also a director of the Oprah Winfrey scholars’ programme. I worked with her on a study abroad trip to the UK,” he said.

“When I was (in the UK), I found out she nominated me for the award because you have to be nominated for it. So, she sent me the email and I read over it and applied. I got all of my recommendation letters and I only had to wait like a month, and then they sent me my acceptance letter.”

It was Ms Winfrey’s scholarship, Mr Rolle said, that has allowed him to complete his studies at the historic college for black men.

“I thank God for it because a lot has been going on at home,” he said.

“My mother had to sacrifice a few things to pay for my tuition because I had a partial scholarship with the school. But, with the Oprah Winfrey scholarship, my whole tuition has been paid off and now, I’m able to finish my senior year and I don’t have to worry about any finances.”

As a recipient of the scholarship, Mr Rolle said he will also have the opportunity to travel to South Africa this summer.

“Ms Winfrey actually makes it mandatory that about ten to 13 scholars each year take a trip to South Africa to work at her school for girls. You also get to volunteer at different churches and communities and learn more about the culture of South Africa. I plan to go on the next trip in the summer,” he said.

For prospective Morehouse students who wish to become a recipient of the scholarship, Mr Rolle gave this advice: “Keep God first always. Do not be hesitant with putting yourself out there. Let the success find you and talk to the right people. Work hard, stand out and everything will work in your favour.”

PAGE 18, Tuesday, October 15, 2019

THE TRIBUNE

ECUADOR CRISIS WEAKENS PRESIDENT QUITO, Ecuador Associated Press THOUSANDS of indigenous demonstrators, student volunteers and local residents launched a mass clean-up yesterday of a Quito park where antiausterity protesters fought police for days, leaving piles of burning tires, trees and construction material.

Late on Sunday, President Lenín Moreno and indigenous leaders struck a deal to cancel a disputed austerity package and end nearly two weeks of protests that paralysed the Ecuadorian economy and left seven dead. The two sides were negotiating a replacement package yesterday afternoon.

While Ecuadorians welcomed the calm and praised both sides for striking a deal, analysts said Moreno appeared to have been significantly weakened halfway through his four-year term by days of protests that forced him to reverse a policy he called necessary for the country’s future.

“I think the government has suffered a serious blow,” said Santiago Basabe, an analyst at the Latin American Institute of Social Sciences in Quito.

“Its only economic reform proposal in the last two years has been reversed, and that reduces the little credibility and room for maneuver that it had.”

Moreno severely miscalculated by reducing fuel subsidies without plans in place to cushion the blow.

Ecuador’s well-organised indigenous nationalities have regularly launched mass protests to win government concessions since 1990 but saw their rights sharply reduced under the decade-long rule of Moreno’s predecessor, Rafael Correa.

A LARGE crowd of protesters, including a man carrying an upside-down American flag, gather outside the house where Atatiana Jefferson was shot on Saturday and killed by police, during a community vigil for Jefferson on Sunday.

Photo: Smiley N Pool/The Dallas Morning News via AP

Officer resigns after shooting black woman dead in her home FORT WORTH, Texas Associated Press A WHITE Fort Worth police officer who shot and killed a black woman in her home while responding to a call about an open front door acted without justification and resigned yesterday before he could be fired, the police chief said.

Police bodycam video showed that Aaron Dean did not identify himself as an officer and fired a split-second after shouting at Atatiana Jefferson to show her hands.

Jefferson, 28, was killed in front of her eight-year-old nephew, cut down by a bullet fired through her window early on Saturday.

“Nobody looked at this video and said that there’s any doubt that this officer acted inappropriately,” Interim Police Chief Ed Kraus said.

Kraus said Dean would have

been fired if he had not quit. He said that a criminal investigation is underway.

Earlier in the day, Jefferson’s family had demanded that Dean be fired and arrested.

“Why this man is not in handcuffs is a source of continued agitation for this family and for this community,” family attorney Lee Merritt said.

Police went to Jefferson’s home about 2.25am after a neighbour called a non-emergency line to report that her door had been left open. In a statement over the weekend, the department said officers saw someone near a window inside the home and that one of them drew his gun and fired after “perceiving a threat”.

The body camera video released by police showed Dean shouting, “Put your hands up! Show me your

hands!” and immediately firing.

Jefferson was staying up late, playing video games with her nephew, when she was killed, according to the family’s attorney.

As for what, exactly, led Dean to open fire, the police chief said: “I cannot make sense of why she had to lose her life.”

The video included images of a gun inside a bedroom. The police chief said that he did not know whether Jefferson was holding the weapon when the officers approached in the backyard but that the gun was found near the window.

Kraus said that, in hindsight, releasing the images of the weapon was “a bad thing to do”, noting that many Texas homeowners keep guns nearby for self-defence.

Fort Worth is about 30 miles (50 kilometers) west of Dallas, where another high-profile police shooting

occurred last year.

In that case, white Dallas police officer Amber Guyger shot and killed her black neighbor Botham Jean inside his own apartment after Guyger said she mistook his place for her own. Guyger, 31, was sentenced this month to 10 years in prison.

A large crowd gathered outside Jefferson’s home on Sunday night for a vigil after earlier demonstrations briefly stopped traffic on Interstate 35. A single bullet hole was visible in the window of the single-story, freshly painted purple home, and floral tributes and stuffed animals piled up in the street.

The police chief said Dean could face state criminal charge and that he has also submitted a case to the FBI to review for possible federal civil rights charges.

TRUMP ORDERS SANCTIONS AS US SCRAMBLES FOR SYRIA EXIT WASHINGTON Associated Press TARGETING Turkey’s economy, President Donald Trump announced sanctions yesterday aimed at restraining the Turks’ assault against Kurdish fighters and civilians in Syria - an assault Turkey began after Trump announced he was moving US troops out of the way.

Meanwhile, the Americans were scrambling for Syria’s exits, a move criticised at home and abroad as opening the door to a resurgence of the Islamic State group whose violent takeover of Syrian and Iraq lands five years ago was the reason American forces came in the first place.

Trump said the approximately 1,000 US troops who had been partnering with local Kurdish fighters to battle IS in northern Syria are leaving the country. They will remain in the Middle East, he said, to “monitor the situation” and to prevent a revival of IS a goal that even Trump’s allies say has become much harder as a result of the US pullout.

The Turks began attacks in Syria last week against the Syrian Kurdish fighters, whom the Turks see as terrorists. Yesterday, Syrian government troops moved north toward the border region, setting up a potential clash with Turkish-led forces.

Trump said Turkey’s invasion is “precipitating a humanitarian crisis and setting conditions for possible war crimes”, a reference to reports of Turkish-backed fighters executing Kurdish fighters on the battlefield.

The Kurdish forces previously allied with the US said they had reached a deal with President Bashar Assad’s government to help them fend off Turkey’s invasion.

Trump said he was halting trade negotiations with Turkey and raising steel tariffs.