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Radar could not track rainstorm Forecasters unable to assess impact of latest downpour

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

AS a weather system brought heavy rain and flooding to New Providence yesterday, a senior weather official said the Department of Meteorology’s radar was not working, meaning there was no way to tell how bad the flooding was or which areas received the worst of the rainfall.

Senior Meteorological Officer Greg Thompson also told The Tribune that despite the significant damage sustained at the Department’s Forecast Office during the hurricane, forecasters were still forced to work in the building despite a portion of the roof having collapsed, severe flooding and several windows being broken.

Earlier this month, Department of Meteorology Director Trevor Basden admitted that the Doppler radar “came off its gears” during the passage of Hurricane Matthew.

However, Mr Basden at the time said if any other systems developed, meteorology officials would have to use “other meteorological tools” in order to “ascertain the weather”.

Mr Basden also said the staff would be relocated to the Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) for safety reasons, but Mr Thompson said that has not happened yet.

“Currently there is nothing painted on the radar, it is not working, we cannot see anything,” Mr Thompson said yesterday.

SEE PAGE SIX

Caribbean Electricity Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC), the company is aiming for “full restoration” in New Providence by the end of the week.

In a press statement, the company said despite the inclement weather, crews have been making significant progress in some of the hardest hit areas of the island, such as Pinewood, Elizabeth Estates, Yellow Elder Gardens and Marshall Road.

SEE PAGE SIX

FOUR-YEAR-OLD GIRL DIES AFTER BEING FOUND IN CAR

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

POLICE are investigating the “bizarre” death of a four-year-old girl who was found unresponsive in a vehicle on Friday.

The incident happened shortly after 2pm through Palm Beach Court.

Details of the incident are still sketchy but Assistant Commissioner of Police Stephen Dean said when officers were called to the scene, the little girl was found in a parked vehicle, unresponsive.

“She was given emergency medical treatment and taken to the hospital, where she died on Saturday.

We still do not know what happened. We were told the little girl was playing in the yard and she might have went into the car to rest but the door was not locked. So she was not locked in the vehicle. This is a bizarre case but we will get to the bottom of it.”

ACP Dean said family members of the girl are assisting police officers with their investigation. An autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 911 or 919, the Central Detective Unit at 502-9991 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 328-TIPS.

CALLS FOR CHIPMAN TO RUN AS INDEPENDENT

‘MORE THAN 80% NOW HAVE POWER,’ SAYS BPL

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

DESPITE more than 5,000 households left without electricity after the passage of Hurricane Matthew 12 days ago, Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) executives say more than 80 per cent of residential customers in New Providence have been restored to supply.

In fact, BPL said with the help of local contractors, two teams from PowerSecure and two from the

INSIDE TODAY

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

than before. It’s landscaping issues as well. I have not personally seen it, but I know it will take some time.”

Ms Riley could not say what will happen to the approximately 350 employees of the Paradise Island resort but confirmed that they and the unions were informed of the temporary closure.

SOME residents of the St Anne’s constituency are unsettled by the Free National Movement’s (FMN) decision not to renominate Hubert Chipman in the area and some have started urging Mr Chipman to run as an independent candidate.

Residents, many of them long-time FNM supporters, expressed outrage at what they see as centralised groups like the Executive Committee of the party ignoring the consensus within the constituency without providing a credible reason for doing so.

Mr Chipman was never officially denied a renomination by the FNM. However, The Tribune understands he would have been informed of the decision to withhold a nomination from him a day before he withdrew from consideration.

The party is expected to replace him with talk show host Jeffery Lloyd.

The Executive

SEE PAGE 11

SEE PAGE 13

FLOODING on West Bay Street yesterday leaves one car very much the worse for wear after it is almost submerged as waters rose following torrential rainfall. The scene pictured is near the Sun Fun resort, and the airport road was reported to be almost impassable. A severe weather warning alert for almost four hours was issued by the Department of Meteorology yesterday morning. See more weather pictures on page two.

OCEAN CLUB SHUTS FOR HURRICANE REPAIRS

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

THE One&Only Ocean Club has closed temporarily to “repair damage” caused

by Hurricane Matthew and to begin an extensive clean up process.

Viktoria Riley, director of sales and marketing, told The Tribune that the luxury hotel sustained some damage during the category 4

hurricane and will need some time to repair the property as well as remove all the debris. The hotel is expected to re-open at the beginning of December.

“We are currently closed and will begin the clean up process and we have to repair the damage to the roof,” Ms Riley said. “We have to fly the material in and that will take some time but when we reopen, we will be back and better

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

PAGE 2 , Monday, October 17, 2016 THE TRIBUNE

FRESH DOWNPOUR BRINGS MORE FLOODING

Fresh Prepared, In-store, Daily.

THERE was fresh flooding in New Providence yesterday after heavy rainfall. Pictured here are some of the areas in South Beach hit by Hurricane Matthew, and starting to be affected by more flooding yesterday as a new downpour hit the island.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

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THE TRIBUNE

Monday, October 17, 2016, PAGE 3

‘Water rushed into my home and pushed boats into my yard’

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net WITH his fiancée and one-year-old child lying on a bed as water rushed into his home, Theo Armbrister looked out through his window and saw the surge from Hurricane Matthew wash two large boats within several feet of his house.

The vessels were not his; they belonged to his neighbour.

“That’s how strong the currents were and that’s how high the water was, it moved the boats to my yard,” he told The Tribune on Friday.

Today, the presence of his neighbour’s property in his yard is the least of his worries, for next to the boats now are his furniture and appliances - everything from beds and sofas to a stove, all cast aside, all destroyed.

As some Bahamians begin to regain a sense of normalcy, Mr Armbrister’s reality exemplifies what life has been like for some residents on the southern coast of New Providence, whose homes and property were severely damaged by the storm.

“I’m a mechanic and I need money but ain’t nobody calling right now to give me work,” he said. His own car malfunctioned in the tides brought in by Matthew.

He was one of the Bahamians who failed to heed government warnings to

evacuate the southern area of the island. By the time he began to fear the power of Matthew, it was too late, and he was forced to ride out the storm at home with his fiancée, Albernette Stuart, and baby.

“I saw the water reach to the headlights of my car.

I said to (my family), ‘We have to pull out,’ but afterward I heard the alarm on the car went off, so I said that means the water already touch everything in the car, so we can’t move and we can’t go nowhere.”

The water tore through the defences Mr Armbrister had erected to protect his home, such as the sandbags he placed at the front door, and the back door itself, which blew open after a stray Jet Ski struck it, letting in a surge of water.

Men from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) stopped by as they conducted rescue efforts, but they did not rescue Mr Armbrister’s family, he claimed.

They returned “five hours later” after the storm ended, he told The Tribune.

The family spent three days in a hotel after the storm, consuming Mr Armbrister’s savings. They returned home last Thursday, including his stepchildren who had spent the storm with an aunt. They have all been sleeping in a car to escape the “terrible” mosquitoes, he said.

The flooding from Hurricane Matthew also left behind a terrible stench in

THE FAMILY of Theo Armbrister at their home, which was badly damaged by Hurricane Matthew. the area. And the only way his failure to evacuate the to escape the stench is to area during the storm - and moving to the South Beach leave.

For that, Mr Armbrister area in the first place.

“I wouldn’t stay here is seeking help. “I’d really like to get my family in a again during a storm,” he nice place right now,” he said. “I don’t even want to said. “My family is helping be here right now. I don’t out with food even though want to be here anymore. it’s still hectic, but I just This area is a flood zone. want to get out of this area.” Right now everything is Mr Armbrister regrets down to square one.”

THEO Armbrister inside his damaged home.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff JERCOBY WINDER, left, pastor at The River at Nassau Church and his wife, Sappho Winder, arrived at Theo Armbrister’s home to give them water and food supplies. Mr Winder also prayed for the family.

SOME of the wreckage at the Armbrister family home.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS TO REOPEN TOMORROW

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

PUBLIC schools throughout New Providence, Grand Bahama and North Andros are expected to reopen tomorrow as education officials announce extended closures for a handful of schools and a revised academic calendar for the remainder of the school year.

At the Ministry of Education’s Thompson Boulevard offices on Friday afternoon, Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald declared that schools in New Providence would open on Tuesday with the exception of C I Gibson Senior High and Government High School.

Schools in Grand Bahama, except the Lewis Yard and Bartlett Hill Primary Schools, and in North Andros, except the Lowe Sound Primary School, will open on Wednesday.

However, Mr Fitzgerald indicated that the reopenings in Grand Bahama are contingent on water supplies being restored to schools in that district.

According to the Marathon MP, extensive damage to the roof at C I Gibson and damage to the exterior panelling at Government High School, inflicted by the passage of Hurricane Matthew last week, must be resolved before those campuses can re-open.

Mr Fitzgerald said the Ministry will provide an update on those two facilities on Tuesday, after further assessment and repairs are carried out.

In Grand Bahama, Mr Fitzgerald said his ministry is working arduously to bring resolution in the cases of the Bartlett Hill and Lewis Yard Primary School. He said repairs at these two campuses will

take time, placing the government in a situation in which it has to make provisions for the students elsewhere.

Mr Fitzgerald assured the public and parents of these students that the necessary provisions have been made, and students will be facilitated at other campuses nearby.

In the case of the Lowe Sound Primary School, the government has forgone plans to carryout repairs.

According to Mr Fitzgerald, the government has opted to carryout minor repairs to another facility in the community in an effort to “complete” the school year, with the final aim being to move students into their new facility at the commencement of the 20172018 academic school year.

The government announced plans earlier this summer to construct a new school in the community.

Mr Fitzgerald also encouraged administrators at various campuses to be aware of the emotional and physical toll Hurricane Matthew may have taken on individual students.

He said: “We have advised administrators to be mindful that some students may have lost personal effects, inclusive of uniforms during the storm. We have indicated to administrators to be sensitive to the circumstances of students, particularly those who may not have any or complete uniforms. They are to use good judgment and give some lenience during the next couple of weeks.”

Mr Fitzgerald said his ministry is devoted to using the full complement of its psychological and guidance staff to aid students through this tough time.

According to the minister, “psychological support will be made available by our experienced counsellors to those wishing to use it, to ensure that the emotional needs of those impacted by Hurricane Matthew are addressed, as we attempt to return to some semblance of normalcy.”

As a part of his address on Friday, Mr Fitzgerald also said that changes have been made to the school calendar in an effort to offset days lost due to Hurricane Matthew. He said the decision comes after consensus between Ministry officials and Bahamas Union of Teachers executives.

For both the October and February 2017 mid-term breaks, students will have two days off as opposed to

four and two days will also be taken from the Christmas break.

The October mid-term break would have been from the 19th to the 24th.

Students and teachers will now be off on Friday, October 21, and Monday, October 24, only.

The February mid-term break would have been from the 22nd to the 27th.

Students and teachers will now be off on Friday, February 24, and Monday, February 27, only.

During December, students were originally scheduled to be dismissed for the Christmas holiday on Wednesday, December 14.

Now they will remain in school until Friday, December 16.

Teachers in New Providence are expected to report to school on Monday, while teachers in Grand Bahama and North Andros are due on campus by Tuesday.

PAGE 4, Monday, October 17, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

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PM Christie: Whose side are you on - Bahamas or Beijing?

PRIME Minister Christie keeps reassuring Bahamians that he is working in their best interest to get Baha Mar completed and opened. Now is the time to prove it.

So far, the impression is that Mr Christie has been bending his knee and bowing his head to the wishes of Beijing. After all, when Sarkis Izmirlian, Baha Mar’s creator realised that - thanks to the footdragging of CCA Bahamas, the project’s contractor - the uncompleted resort was about to fail, he quickly filed an action in Delaware’s Bankruptcy Court under Chapter 11 to save the enterprise and the jobs of thousands of Bahamians.

CCA Bahamas Ltd and the ExportImport (EXIM) Bank of China - both Beijing-controlled entities - quickly filed a motion of objection to the Delaware court. They felt that if a case were to be brought, it should be heard in the Bahamas. On the same date of his filing in Delaware, Mr Izmirlian’s company filed an originating summons in the Bahamas Supreme Court “seeking recognition of the Chapter 11 cases and a stay of all legal proceedings involving the debts pending the completion of the Chapter 11 cases”.

Government - instead of taking a back seat and letting the law take its course immediately muddied the waters by announcing that to have the matter heard in Delaware would be an affront to the sovereign interest of The Bahamas. On learning of this, bankruptcy Judge Kevin Carey of Delaware, although acknowledging that Chapter 11 would have been the best route to solve Baha Mar’s problems and protect all of its creditors, decided to dismiss the case so that it could go through insolvency proceedings in The Bahamas. It was obvious that because of government’s announced “sovereignty”, the Bahamas court would not co-operate with the Delaware court. As that was the position, Judge Carey was not about to waste his court’s time.

Former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, who felt it was a “fundamentally bad decision” for the government to put Baha Mar into bankruptcy in The Bahamas, said he wrote two letters to Prime Minister Christie warning him that he was making a mistake. Earlier this year, Mr Ingraham said that Baha Mar would have been much further ahead had Mr Izmirlian been allowed to go ahead with the Delaware proceedings. These many months of confusion have proven him right.

Of course, it would not have been in the best interest of Beijing to have the case heard in Delaware as Bahamians would then have known what part, if any, CCA had played in throwing Baha Mar under the bus.

We often wonder if our politicians know what they are doing. As retired lawyer and investment banker Richard Coulson pointed out in his column in The Tribune on Monday, September 5, Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald’s announcement that the payment of Bahamians’ small claims would take preference over all other claims would be in violation of The Bahamas’ law of liquidation. All claims should be treated equally.

In the meantime, EXIM Bank of China has purchased Baha Mar’s assets, leaving behind its obligations. It is understood that it will complete Baha Mar and then sell the hotel to another Chinese entity, whose identity is being kept secret. This is not wise. Already tongues are wagging about the proposed purchaser, and if what is being said is true, it does not bode well for The Bahamas.

In a letter to Liu Liange, President of EXIM Bank of China, and copied to Mr Christie, Mr Izmirlian has suggested that they put all their differences behind them and for the future of Baha Mar his company was prepared “to move forward immediately with a final formal offer at a price in excess of the current undisclosed offer”. His company will pay 100 per cent of all substantiated Bahamian claims and all monies owed to Bahamians and expatriate employees. It will drop all of its appeals and legal action in effect in Bahamian courts upon acceptance of its offer.

Mr Izmirlian said his company had the full funding necessary in place for such a purchase price.

“My team,” said Mr Izmirlian, “can conclude this transaction with CEXIM with the fewest surprises in the shortest period of time. We can complete Baha Mar with the soonest opening of all other options. We are in the best position to re-engage the people of The Bahamas as passionate supporters of Baha Mar and its stakeholders. And we can pay the highest price for the benefit of the bank and all its stakeholders.”

When the liquidators consider this offer they must remember that they are legally bound to get the best value for their receivers. However, The Tribune was told by someone near to the receivership camp that they considered Mr Izmirlian’s offer a publicity stunt.

Well, if that is the case, why not call Mr Izmilian’s bluff? It is now time for Prime Minister Christie to show whose side he is really on. Bahamians would certainly have more confidence with Mr Izmirlian directing Baha Mar - after all it was his creation.

Mr Christie, for you the die is now cast.

Which shall it be - Izmirlian, whose heart is in The Bahamas, or EXIM Bank that takes its orders from Beijing?

Police should act on social media falsehoods EDITOR, The Tribune I REFER to The Tribune editorial (October 13) on the misinformation churned out daily by social media, which appears to result in public alarm and panic.

Social media information, that there is a shortage of petrol and citizens should hurry up to fill their car tanks or they will be stuck.

Social media information, that areas like the Eastern Road wopuld not have electricity until December.

Also social media in-

formation of a shortage of police officers. The report was that many officers were refusing to report for work, which is false.

During the hurricane in 2015 social media reported a large number of deaths occurring in Long Island, which was false.

In recent months social media reported cracks in the fuselage of Bahamasair planes. The information was false.

It is my humble opinion that these reports are likely to cause public alarm warrants police investiga-

tion to determine the origin.

Prosecution could be considered under section 492 of the Penal Caode, chaper 84, which states: “Whoever, with intent to cause public alarm or disturbance, publishes, or attempts to cause the publication of any news or telegram which he knows or believes to be false, is guilty of a misdemeanour.”

Police action could serve to be a preventative measure.

PAUL THOMPSON SR Nassau, October 13, 2016.

Fix the damn roads EDITOR, The Tribune I AM personally aware of five drivers who have dropped into the hole in the vicinity of Morley Realty on East Shirley Street on Tuesday and

Wednesday, resulting in flat tyres.

The last person got two flat tyres. There’s also a very deep hole on Village Road in the area of Chancellors.

For goodness sake. Is

anybody in the Ministry of Works capable of dealing with this?

Fix the damn roads!

MAD AS HELL Nassau, October 12, 2016.

Christie leadership in crisis EDITOR, The Tribune.

THANKS for this opportunity to shine a light.

There are times when partisan politics overshadow what good is being done.

We look at the players and because we don’t wear their colours we dismiss if the work that is being done is for the good of all.

Prime Minister Perry Christie, did what he should do, regardless. He personally had a hands-on approach in the preparation and dissemination of information for the entire Bahamas to be cognizant of the impending monster Hurricane Matthew.

Mr Christie, warned of the strength and possible repercussion. He systematically made sure that all the players were on deck and was fully equipped and ready for any uneventful happening.

He also pleaded to those in the most vulnerable areas

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net to evacuate to the hurricane relief shelters and not risk staying near the waterfront because of the uncertainty of the potential surges.

The wise planning of the PM leading the way I am sure, may have prevented loss of life, because people heeded as much as we know, for the most part to appreciating the seriousness of this particular hurricane. They trusted his message.

Matthew, wreaked havoc on the Southern part of New Providence, Andros, Grand Bahama. There was damage beyond explanation for some, reparable damage to others and minor damage to most, but, thank God again, no lives were lost.

Mr Christie, in an effort to make sure that the National Relief Effort was not political, the opposition and

members of the religious community were included in the immediate aftermath assessment of the enormous damage.

I believe that the compassion and caring nature of Mr Christie was brought to bear on these unfortunate circumstances.

The maturity to make sure all of us are part of the relief efforts will dispel any notion that there would be any preferential treatment. There is no place for this kind of thinking, and Christie would make sure that all affected would be treated equally. That is the least we all should expect and I believe will receive.

I am confident that we have a genuinely humane prime minister, especially for situations like this.

These attributes are most necessary at critical times.

I still call it as I see it.

IVOINE INGRAHAM Nassau, October, 2016.

BPL gave what should have been expected EDITOR, The Tribune I AM amazed that so many residents of New Providence are surprised that Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) had a poor response to Hurricane Matthew.

BPL is the new company formed in the “evolution” of our power sector. But it is no different than the Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) was.

It doesn’t have any money. It cannot keep the electricity on. It is not good at responding to crises.

Matthew grew to being a category 4 storm as it passed over New Providence. It also hit Andros, the Berry Islands and Grand Bahama.

New Providence and Grand Bahama are the most de-

veloped Bahamian islands, so they got the most infrastructure damage. Grand Bahama has its own private power company. It falls on BPL to fix New Providence.

It is nearing two weeks now that significant parts of New Providence have been without power. And it is looking like the two-week mark will come and those people will still be in darkness. When will they get light? Well, early last week the BEC union president said two weeks, so looks like there is more hardship to come.

We have heard BPL doesn’t have enough trucks.

We have heard BPL did not follow its hurricane response plan. We have heard BPL was slow in general to mobilise workers after

the hurricane. None of this should surprise any Bahamian. Our energy supplier has been a collapsed disgrace for years. Perry Christie and his crew were supposed to do something about this and they have done nothing.

What is sad about this is we, the people, face the consequence of the government’s lousiness. BPL needs proper leadership and a whole new plant and systems if we are to move out of the 20th century and in to the 21st.

If you have money, invest in a generator. It’s every man for himself out here.

Don’t count on BPL. MARTHA S GREENE Nassau October 16, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, October 17, 2016, PAGE 5

WOMEN’S CONFERENCE AT ATLANTIS POSTPONED

THE DEMOCRATIC National Alliance distributing hot food yesterday to people who are struggling after Hurricane Matthew. Branville McCartney, Leader of the DNA is pictured.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

DNA HANDS OUT HOT MEALS TO RESIDENTS HIT BY HURRICANE THE Democratic National Alliance (DNA) gave out free hot meals on the weekend to residents affected by Hurricane Matthew.

The first of two events was held on Saturday at the DNA’s headquarters on East Street South for residents of Bamboo Town, South Beach and Garden Hills. A second food giveaway was held yesterday at the party’s

Joe Farrington Road headquarters for residents of Elizabeth, Yamacraw and Seabreeze in eastern New Providence.

The DNA said it held the events because the party was aware that many people are still without electricity and water as a result of damage caused by the powerful storm, which hit New Providence between October 5 and 6.

Dames hits out at govt preparations

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net MARVIN Dames, former deputy commissioner of police and the Free National Movement’s candidate for Mount Mariah, has criticised the government’s hurricane preparedness and response.

“One of the things that is my expertise is crisis management, referring not only to management of hurricanes but I’ve written manuals,” Mr Dames told The Tribune in a recent interview. “I’ve had extensive training around the world on hurricanes and terrorism management, tsunamis, major flooding.

“That brings me to question how we managed this recent crisis. Matthew really brought it all home to us. With crisis, you have to start with any number of steps. What happens before, how you manage during the crisis, how you manage post-crisis and how quickly you can get your systems running up again to mitigate against financial losses and any other form of losses.

“How can you return and in our case, how can we marshal our resources in such a way that we can return the country in to normal as quickly as possible?”

Mr Dames echoed the criticism that FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis had of the government when he spoke to the media last week.

Resources like food and trucks should have been stored and ready to go before the hurricane arrived, not after, Mr Dames said.

His comments to The Tribune came after he and other FNM members toured the Grand Bahama area last week.

“Planning must be years out,” he said. “We should’ve been in a position where we say immediately after a storm, we should’ve had mobile homes mobilised to come in or we say how can we make provisions to accommodate these people.”

Mr Dames also said the government should have had a relief fund in place to deal with natural disasters.

“Given all we are susceptible to, we should have a crisis fund, created on a continuous basis and not just in response to an inevitable crisis,” he said.

Last week, Dr Minnis told reporters that he thinks the government’s Hurricane Matthew recovery and restoration efforts will involve cronyism and victimisation.

He also criticised the government’s response before and after the storm.

“We know the PLP has a

history of cronyism, a history of dishonesty and a history of corruption and a history of victimisation,” Dr Minnis said. “I am not really listening to what they say about transparency and how they are going to not look at the political landscape. An election is coming. If they have demonstrated overt victimisation and cronyism immediately after the last election, God help what they can do with the coming election just to ensure they have the advantage to win.

“The FNM will closely monitor how this government spends the people’s money. We will monitor the involvement of Shane Gibson to ensure that all of the PLP generals, as we’ve seen with Hurricane Joaquin, are not given their orders as to whom and who they have to look after. The PLP has a history of that. A leopard does not change its colours overnight. They will continue, and I urge the Bahamian populace that when they see overt victimisation and discrimination, which is inevitable with this gov-

ernment because they can’t help themselves, they must report it to the FNM and we will be vigilant about this and we will be on top of the PLP like white on rice.”

In response, Prime Minister Perry Christie said he was “disappointed” that Dr Minnis would use Hurricane Matthew as a tool to “divide the country politically” instead of acknowledging that the government is “doing a good job” in the aftermath.

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

THE International Women’s Empowerment Summit (IWES), scheduled for October 21 and 22 at Atlantis, Paradise Island, has been postponed until the first half of 2017.

Director General at the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Joy Jibrilu, said that the damage caused by Hurricane Matthew on the islands of Grand Bahama, North Andros and some areas of New Providence, had changed the country’s focus to reconstruction.

“The impact of the hurricane on the country, especially our most affected islands, has resulted in catastrophic damage, with severe devastation and losses even among our own staff. As a result, we are in disaster recovery mode, and all efforts are centred on rebuilding. Therefore, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism has taken the difficult decision to postpone the event,” Ms Jibrilu said yesterday.

Current registrants will be given the option to receive a refund or to have their registration rolled over to the new date, which will be announced shortly.

The IWES is a forum for women professionals and entrepreneurs from around the world and the Caribbean to meet, inspire, and learn from each other.

BISHOP GLORIA REDD MINISTRIES

P.O.Box CB 11416 Nassau, Bahamas

Revival

Revival Bishop Gloria

God’s Willing Revival

Soul Winning Church of God Pastor Janean Hart: Village Road 12th - 14th October, 2016

Bethel Faith Ministries

Pastor Burton Fox: Blue Hill Road South 19th - 21st October, 2016

New Free Community Holiness Church Pastor S.G. Ferguson 23rd - 28th October, 2016 7:30 Nightly Come and Join Us

PAGE 6 , Monday, October 17, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

Radar could not track rainstorm from page one

“So we cannot determine where the rainfall is, we cannot see that on the radar, we are using Miami’s radar but that only reaches so far. No echoes on the radar. I do not know if the technicians have been made aware, but as it stands the radar is not working. We have significant flooding.

“This place (the Forecast Office) is unfit for staff members to be performing their duties in now, it’s an occupational hazard. The story for the last umpteen years is that we are going to be moving and it hasn’t happened yet. The directorate, in my humble opinion, is responsible for this, they have not made the case or been aggressive enough to get us out of this building.”

In reference to the heavy showers in New Providence yesterday, Mr Thompson said the weather distur-

bance is being caused by a surface trough interacting with an upper level low as well as a disturbance extending from one of the outer bands of Hurricane Nicole.

There were reports that the system left three to four inches of water in low-lying areas of New Providence yesterday.

Mr Thompson said the heavy showers are expected to last through Wednesday and the “bull’s eye” of the storm is right over New Providence, North Andros and Cat Island.

“Environmental conditions are currently unfavourable for any significant development to occur but they could become more conducive by Tuesday or Wednesday as the system drifts to the east,” Mr Thompson said.

“Regardless of development, heavy rain will be possible over the Bahamas during the next couple days.

This is going to be here until Tuesday the earliest, Thursday the latest. There will be significant flooding in low-lying areas because of the continuous rainfall and since we just went through Matthew this will only cause more problems.”

Last week, Transport and Aviation Minister Glenys Hanna Martin said that a phased acquisition of new “state-of-the-art” radars will not start until next year.

Mrs Hanna Martin explained that her ministry was in talks with the Ministry of Finance over the major expenditure, adding that the matter has been prioritised given the critical nature of weather services.

The cost of the new radars is just under $20m, she said.

The Doppler radar provides details on rainfall intensity, thunderstorms, and tornadic activity including waterspouts effectively within a 150-mile range.

SOME of the damage in the Forecast Office that staff are having to work around following Hurricane Matthew.

‘MORE THAN 80% NOW HAVE POWER,’ SAYS BPL from page one

“BPL crews in conjunction with local contractors, CARILEC teams, and PowerSecure teams have substantially ramped up the

pace of restoration in New Providence,” BPL’s statement said.

“However, company officials say as they move closer to full restoration they expect progress to be a bit slower as they estimate that

more than 5,000 customers in New Providence either have individual supply issues or supply issues affecting a few area streets. BPL says that starting this week they will be aggressively targeting these types of

supply problems,” the statement said.

“In the meantime, despite the inclement weather, crews have been making significant progress in some the hardest hit areas of the island. BPL has started to restore supply to its customers in the southern districts of the island where Hurricane Matthew caused significant flooding.

Power has been restored to some customers in the Hanna Road and Marshall Road areas.”

In areas that experienced significant flooding, BPL said the home has to be declared “water free” by a designated Ministry of Works electrical inspector before power is reconnected.

“Where applicable, the

following procedures are to be performed by your licensed electrician, remove and replace all receptacles, remove and replace all the switches, remove and replace all wires that were submerged in water, replace all water exposed breakers and if service equipment have been submerged in water they are to be cleaned, dried and sprayed with safety solvent or WD40,” the statement said.

Yesterday BPL crews were said to be working in South Beach Estates East, South Ocean, Pinewood, Elizabeth Estates, Sea Gull Gardens, St Andrews Beach Estates, Crawford Street, Arawak Cay Port, Yellow Elder, Highbury Park, Soldier Road North,

Blair, Dannottage Estates, Wulff Road, Collins Avenue, Seabreeze, Imperial Park, Marshall Road, Adderley Street, Coral Heights East, Bacardi Road and Millar’s Heights.

However, the company is reminding its customers that despite doing work in those areas, “there is the potential that some customers may not have their power restored right away”.

As for the Family Islands, BPL said the company has completed restoration in all islands except North and Central Andros and Great Harbour Cay. Great Harbour Cay’s restoration is at 97 per cent while in North and Central Andros the restoration is at 55 per cent and 50 per cent respectively.

CABLE BAHAMAS: MORE THAN 70% IN SERVICE CABLE Bahamas said on Sunday that more than 70 per cent of customers in New Providence have service as the company continues its Hurricane Matthew restoration exercise.

Despite “extensive damage” to a number of islands hit by category four Hurricane Matthew, 100 per cent of the company’s network is available on San Salvador, Exuma, Abaco, Bimini and Eleuthera, the company said.

The company also announced eight per cent restoration on Grand Bahama, primarily in the areas of East Sunrise Highway, Midshipman Road, Pink Pearl Drive, East Beach Drive, Dolphin and Drum Fish Street, Green Turtle Street, Lunar Boulevard and Knots Boulevard.

Cable Bahamas (CBL) Vice President of Marketing David Burrows said the storm “placed unprecedented stress on the country including infrastructure, services, government agencies, communities, families, individuals and businesses”.

The hurricane force winds affected the company’s satellite dishes on the islands of Andros, Inagua, Exuma, the Berry Islands, Bimini and Long Island.

Mr Burrows assured the public that company technicians are working relentlessly to rectify all service issues.

“All of our recovery efforts are focused on the whole of the Bahamas, as our Florida operations did not sustain the kind of impact that Hurricane Matthew unleashed on the Bahamas,” Mr Burrows said.

Acknowledging that Grand Bahama, Inagua, Andros, New Providence and the Berry Islands were among the islands with significant damage from the category four hurricane with winds over 150 miles per hour, Mr John Gomez, chief operations officer, said that technicians are restoring services on those islands as power becomes available to residents.

Post-storm, Grand Bahama now has only eight per cent of its electricity services restored due to the tremendous devastation to Grand Bahama Power Company’s (GBPC’s) infrastructure, with over 1,250 distribution poles destroyed, including 250 transmission poles, Cable Bahamas said in a statement.

“Safety is and has always been a priority for us,” Mr Gomez said. “Our technicians are working closely with Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) and GBPC to ensure areas are safe before commencing the restoration of video, phone and Internet services. We are unable to move into any area until BPL and GBPC have restored power to those areas, as we are dependent on the electricity companies’ infrastructure to provide service to our customers.”

The company has estimated that over 42,500 man-hours thus far have been contributed to the restoration efforts.

“We had our hurricane response team in place from Wednesday, October 5, at the Cable Bahamas command centre, monitoring and managing our sys-

tems across the country, responding to incoming reports, assessing damage and co-ordinating crews in the field for 12 straight days now,” Mr Gomez said.

Beverly Saunders, vice president of human resources at CBL, said that the company’s customer call centre has seen an increase of 260 per cent in call volume since Hurricane Matthew restoration work began, with staff handling more than 40,000 phone calls in that period.

Mr Burrows said the company is doing its best to ensure that customers are informed of restoration efforts.

“These activities can take some time and we are grateful to our customers for displaying tremendous patience in this challenging and frustrating period,” he said. “It is important to stress that while customers may have power on their street the distribution hub supplying their REV services may be on a nearby street that currently does not have commercial power.

We understand and appreciate that this causes great frustration for our subscribers that do not know that the two are related to each other. We ask for continued patience as we work to complete the restoration exercise.”

Cable Bahamas is asking that customers who have power but are still without REV services to contact the company’s Customer Care Centre at 601-2200 (Nassau) or 1-242-300-2200 (toll-free) and provide their telephone number and the name on their account.

THE STORIES BEHIND THE NEWS

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

National stock can rise by spreading share ownership A

RECENT As the country begins the newspaper recovery after Hurricane headline Matthew, Richard Coulson says blared a press release from Bahamas Innow more than ever the BISX ternational Securities Exneeds to be reconstructed to help change (BISX) that the the Bahamian economy grow. exchange had reached $5 billion as of June 30 this to the S&P 500 comes close of liquidity in most of the year, backed up by graphs to deceptive advertising. listed shares. Potential inand charts on the BISX A BISX graph showing vestors are scared away website home page. how the All-Share Index through fear of being unThe publicised $5 billion rose from about 1,600 in able to sell, and therefore included $4.1 billion of or- 2014 to 1,963.91 (precisely!) company owners are redinary share capital for the at June 30, 2016, cannot luctant to float a new issue 20 listed companies. conceal that BISX is fail- because it will trade unStatistics like this don’t ing in its basic task of cre- evenly. We have innumerlie, but must be taken with ating a capital market for able closely held enterprisa large grain of salt. Since Bahamian companies and es who probably enjoy the there is no explanation of potential equity investors. stability and profitability to how this figure was calculat- It periodically proudly an- qualify for an IPO: Kelly’s, ed, it is subject to gross in- nounces the listing of a John Bull, AID, Marathon flation. For example, while new international mutual Mall, Super Value, Asa H the total market capital of fund - that’s fine, as it adds Pritchard, Furniture Plus, First Caribbean Interna- fee income, but contributes for example. But if they tional Bank (CIB) is a huge nothing to developing local need expansion financing, $1.4 billion, 95 per cent of investment. they find it easier to tap its shares are locked away Here’s the hard proof of internal funds, or turn to a with its parent Canadian BISX failure: of the 20 ordi- bank loan, rather than inImperial Bank, nary shares, only cur the expense and obligaleaving only five ‘Not since two have been tions of a BISX listing. per cent - about listed in recent The Chairman of one $70 million - 2005 has a years, and both major company told me that that can actually local company of them resulted his executives had no intertrade on BISX. from Govern- est in a stock option scheme voluntarily This inflation ment fiat. In - because of liquidity affects the much- chosen to list 2011, Bahamas doubts, they simply prefer touted BISX on BISX.’ Breweries (BBL) cash bonuses. In contrast “All-Share Inwas required to to the United States, there dex”, comprising make an initial public offer- is little public confidence the market capitalisation ing (IPO) when its foreign in capital growth, despite of the 20 ordinary shares parent, Heineken, acquired several success stories like listed. BISX claimed a 7.67 Burns House, and in 2012 CBL, and BISX is rarely per cent Index increase in Arawak Port Development mentioned in any analysis the first half of 2016, and a (APD) was launched as a of our economy. chart compared it directly public-private partnership.

Since late last year, BISX with the US Standard & Both these companies were management has been Poor’s 500 index that in- welcome additions to the working on many improvecreased only 2.69 per cent BISX stable and have done ments to its website to give and with England’s FTSE well, but the fact remains better information to all 100 index, increasing only that not since 2005 has a market participants, but 4.20 per cent. local company voluntarily failed co-ordination with Obviously, it’s better to chosen to list on BISX. In the board of directors has invest in the Bahamas! the United States about 55 kept these steps from seeIn fact, the comparison per cent of the adult popu- ing the light of day. As a reis misleading. Those two lation has been estimated sult, BISX - “the first stock indexes consist of shares to hold publicly traded exchange of the 21st centhat actively trade every equities, either directly tury” (from the automated working day in New York or through mutual funds. telephone receptionist) or London and thus provide What would that percent- still suffers a static website a viable market price, while age be in the Bahamas? that is primitive compared the share-trading pattern Maybe five per cent? Even to our closest Caribbean of our 20 Bahamian com- a rough estimate is impos- neighbour. Googling Jamaipanies is highly irregular. sible, since BISX does not ca Stock Exchange (JSE) None trade daily; some, require any listed company brings up a sophisticated like Commonwealth Bank to reveal the number of its presentation of full-colour (CBL), Freeport Oil (FCL) shareholders; while in the illustrations, topical stories and AML Foods, trade US public companies rou- and real-time securities weekly; while perhaps ten tinely disclose this figure as prices flowing across the of them rarely appear on well as the percentage held page. The smaller Barbados the trading screen. When by institutional investors. and Trinidad exchanges are have we last seen a price BISX could demand our not far behind. quoted for Bahamas Prop- pension funds to report The long-gestating imerty Fund or Consolidated their holdings of listed se- provements to the BISX Water? Does an index with curities, but has failed to do website (and to the daily a universe of only 20 shares, so. newspaper chart) will be many barely active, really Spurning BISX results welcome, but only cosmetic. make sense? To compare it from one main factor: lack More fundamental changes

THE INITIATIVES taken by the Chamber of Commerce and Government to assist venture small and medium enterprises have received no backing from BISX. Many businesses, such as a tile business in Freeport, Grand Bahama (top), and a John Chea branch in New Providence (above), suffered extensive damage from Hurricane Matthew. will be required to solve the ture small and medium enbasic problem of illiquid- terprises have received no ity - by getting more people backing from BISX. trading, and more compaBISX has appointed five nies listed. Has BISX ever “members” who enjoy the proposed to the Govern- exclusive right to deal in ment that the annual listing BISX-listed securities and fee, usually between $5,000 earn brokerage commisand $10,000, be credited sions. But BISX imposes against a company’s much no obligations on these larger business licence fee? substantial firms - includDoes BISX argue forcefully ing Royal Fidelity and Colfor privatising and listing ina - to play the essential the major public corpora- role of supporting trading tion like BTC, Bahamasair in listed equities, like the and ZNS? And what about Designated Market Makthe commitment ers on the New that when Amer- ‘Spurning York Stock Exican giant Sysco change (NYSE).

BISX results bought Bahamas As a result, we Food Services it from one main see frozen tradwould float a siz- factor: lack ing in popular able stake as a shares like Capublic offering, of liquidity in ble Bahamas supposedly by most of the (CAB), where 2016? listed shares.’ over 20 unfilled While our Sesell orders tocurities Commistalling 102,000 sion has announced plans to shares find no buyers, even initiate the “crowdfunding” though the requested sales method of financing new prices are near the last ventures through simplified traded price. In any maissuance procedures, BISX ture exchange system such has not taken any role in a pile-up of orders would these plans. After speak- be unthinkable for a solvent ing over several years about company. creating a “junior market” Is our stock exchange well for small companies, the run? It is owned and manBISX CEO has never come aged by Bahamas Internaforward with a specific plan. tional Securities Exchange The initiatives taken by the Ltd, incorporated here in Chamber of Commerce and 1999. Aside from the scant Government to assist ven- information shown on the

website (45 shareholders and names of CEO and Chairman), the investing public knows nothing about this company. Who are the shareholders and directors?

What are its earnings and expense ratio and capital structure? Does it pay dividends? How is corporate governance handled? BISX rules require that all this information be disclosed for its listed companies - why should BISX Ltd be exempt just because it’s technically a “private company”? It’s licensed by our Securities Commission and operates in the public interest, with its true stakeholders being the thousands of listed company shareholders.

BISX Ltd should go through the discipline of listing itself on the exchange, just as the NYSE is a subsidiary of a public company, Intercontinental Exchange Inc, that under SEC regulation trades as ICE on the NYSE. Without full disclosure, there are no metrics available to measure whether BISX is presently well managed or needs to be reorganised.

ICE is a holding company that owns not only NYSE but several other stock, commodities and futures exchanges. A new paradigm for BISX, and all Caribbean exchanges, would be ownership by a common holding company, allowing them to continue trading under their own names but with the advantages of consolidated finance and information technology, as well as more imaginative management flowing from multi-national sources.

We hope that Government (a BISX shareholder) and our Securities Commission will start thinking along these lines. BISX as presently structured shows limited potential towards our national objective of encouraging economic democracy by spreading share ownership to our famous “little man”.

• Richard Coulson is a retired lawyer and investment banker born in Nassau and from a long line of Bahamians. He is a financial consultant and author of A Corkscrew Life - adventures of a travelling financier.

Comments and responses to insight@tribunemedia.net

PAGE 8 MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

The law is there to be used against criminals, not at political discretion

T

Cases of criminal misconduct against parliamentarians have not been prosecuted and the government has made no effort to confiscate the proceeds of crime from perpetrators, former Assistant Police Commissioner Paul Thompson reveals in the latest part of his weekly series.

HE Constitu- discontinued by a nolle tional Review prosequi (no prosecution) Commission order from the Attorneychaired by Sean General. And there was a McWeeney recommended prima facie case of corrupthe appointment of an in- tion against a politician that dependent Director of never reached the Supreme Public Prosecutions, and Court. an ombuds­man who would And we all know that investigate complaints the Public Disclosure law against the government. has been largely ignored These positions, which are by Members of Parliament long over­due, would have to and others. According to be non-political and opera- Section 14 of this law, “A tionally autonomous. prosecution for an offence Over the course of my ... shall not be instituted 30-year police career, the without consent of the investigation of numerous Attorney-General.” So the matters involving people in obvious concern is whether positions of authority were an Attorney-General apcompromised by politi- pointed by the government cal interferwould ever ence. Inves- ‘Some offenders authorise the tigations that prosecution should have are able to reinvest of his or her led to the ar- in their criminal colleagues. rest and pro­ These activities. It is the secution of are cases responsibility of the of criminal politicians and pub- Attorney-General to misconduct lic servants involving were instead seek the forfeiture MPs, with dealt with of the proceeds of irrefutable internally. In crime. The criminals evidence, yet the case of are not would have to satisfy they politicians, being prosthis often a court as to how ecuted. An involved in- they were able to independstructions ent Direcfrom the acquire their wealth, tor of Public and the legislation AttorneyProsecutions General not is very clear on how would be to prosecute. expected to Most re- this is to be done.’ undertake cently, there vigorous has been the police inves- prosecution. tigation in a Family Island There is also a law prowhere there was an alleged viding for the seizure and political inter­ ference in a forfeiture of the proceeds of court matter. There was crime and money launderalso the trial of individuals ing. I have written for years charged with firearms pos- about the provisions of this session that was suddenly legislation, which makes

SEAN MCWEENEY QC, who has recommended an independent Director of Public Prosecutions, and an ombudsman to investigate complaints against the government. it possible for government Intelligence Unit and the to confiscate the assets of Office of the Attorneythose involved in serious General. crimes such as drug and huThese agencies have the man trafficking, gun run- authority to conduct such ning and money laundering. investigations both within But, unfortunately, suc- and outside The Bahamas, cessive governments have with the power to obtain usually taken no action to information from the Regseize criminal assets. As a istry and from local banks. result some offenders are There is no statute of limiable to reinvest in their tations, and it is clear that criminal activities. It is the the intention of the law is to responsibility of the Attor- provide significant powers ney-General to seek the to seize the assets of crimiforfeiture of the proceeds of nals. Similar procedures crime. The criminals would are in force in the United have to satisfy a court as States, Canada and other to how they were able to countries in the region. acquire their wealth, and In 2013, The Tribune the legislation is very clear reported that the US govon how this is to be done - ernment had tried to seize through the joint actions the assets of a well-known of the police, the Financial drug baron based in The PAUL Thompson is the quintessential policeman. His career spanned the modern development of The Bahamas - from colonial times to the challenges of nationhood.

Born in a small farming village in Trinidad, he was recruited by the Royal Bahamas Police Force in 1951.

He spent most of his time on the force in the Criminal Investigation Department, retiring in 1981 as an Assistant Commissioner.

He then began a second career as head of security for the Paradise Island Resort & Casino, returning to the police force as a civilian training officer in 1998, and in 2002 was appointed general manager of Wemco Security.

Five years later he set up his own security company - Paul Thompson & Associates. Now in his 80s, he remains active in security work.

Bahamas. Some $14m was at stake, but the case failed on a technicality and the money remains in the hands of the criminal, who is serving a prison term in the US. The Bahamian government made no attempt of its own to seize that money.

In the 1990s, several vehicles owned by a convicted drug lord were seized and held at the Police College. They have been there ever since. They were taken from “Ninety” Knowles, who recently threatened to sue the government over the loss of his vehicles. Is there an explanation as to why these vehicles have been held at the Police College for almost two decades?

The tracing, seizure and forfeiture of criminal proceeds would be an effective weapon in our fight against crime in our country. Cash and other assets so recovered could be used to provide much-needed resources for our law enforcement agencies. For example, the Trinidadian government recently seized the property of a drug lord who was hanged with seven others for murder. The property is a vast estate that is now being used as a treatment cen-

tre for drug addicts.

Public servants with large property assets should be subject to investigation by the Financial Intelligence Unit if there is any suspicion that those assets were obtained through corrupt practices. In my opinion, whenever a vehicle, vessel or aircraft is found to have been used in a criminal enterprise it should be confiscated by the court and sold to raise money for the Criminal Investigation Fund.

In the US and other advanced nations every available weapon is being brought to bear against terrorists, one of which is the restricted movement of money. In The Bahamas, crime can be considered a form of terrorism as it poses a direct threat to our main revenue earner - tourism.

So every weapon at our disposal must be used against the criminals. The seizure and forfeiture of the proceeds of crime would be a most effective tool. Use it!

NEXT WEEK: crime, tourism and the security of visitors Comments and responses to insight@tribunemedia.net

THIS WEEK IN THE TRIBUNE TODAY • Insight - Gain An Edge, a new column about the importance of post-secondary education, looks at what a university of the Bahamas means to the country. Plus former career policeman Paul Thompson’s series on tackling crime in The Bahamas.

• Business - former Finance minister James Smith

tells Neil Hartnell that while Hurricane Matthew was not the “horrid disaster” first feared, it may have cost The Bahamas up to $1 billion in total economic losses.

• Sports - the Bahamas Softball Federation has delayed its National Round Robin Tournament to the first weekend in November because of the dusruption caused by Hurricane Matthew. Brent Stubbs reports.

• Plus the latest properties for sale and rent in the Home Buyers’ Guide.

TUESDAY • Woman and Health weekly advice on taking care of your mind and body and women making waves in The Bahamas.

• Plus comment from Nicole Burrows and sporting mischief and mayhem with Inigo “Naughty” Zenicazelaya.

WEDNESDAY • Tribune Tech - a weekly look at what’s new in the world of technology.

THURSDAY • Obituaries and Religion, a weekly review.

• Young Man’s View trenchant opinion from Adrian Gibson on the hot topics in the country.

• ‘On da Hook’, a weekly look at fishing in The Bahamas.

FRIDAY • Weekend - a 28-page section devoted to the best in arts, music, fashion, food, books, entertainment, gardening, animal matters, fitness, history and interviews.

• Sports - The Finish Line, a look at the local sports scene, by Brent Stubbs.

• Plus A Comic’s View Naughty’s unique take on the week in The Bahamas.

SATURDAY • The Tribune’s Top 5: a special video review of the week’s top stories by Khrisna Virgil on www. tribune242.com.

Every day in The Tribune, news, business, sports, weather and Classifieds Trader - the best guide to cars for sale, real estate, help wanted and more.

Plus breaking news and updates on your mobilefriendly tribune242.com.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016 PAGE 9

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

GAIN AN EDGE A NATIONAL DIALOGUE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

GAIN AN EDGE

A NATIONAL DIALOGUE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

What a national university means for Bahamians In the second of a new weekly collaborative series on post-secondary education, Dr Rodney Smith, the president of the College of the Bahamas, looks at a momentous development in increasing the intellectual capital of the nation.

TWO researchers from Some Caribbean countries the London School of Eco- do not have economies that nomics, recently (August) would allow development explored data, using United of a national institution and Nations Educational Scien- must, therefore, rely on contific and Cultural Organisa- tributions of more economtion (UNESCO) materials ically affluent countries on nearly 15,000 universi- for the sustainability of ties in about 1,500 regions such regional institutions.

Over time, across 78 however, as countries, ‘A national respective some dating island econoback to the university will mies develop, 11th century. educate, train and they create Anna Vale- provide economic two-year or ro and John community Van Reenen opportunities colleges for found that for Bahamians awarding of “increases in throughout the diplomas, the number certificates of universi- country. It will and even asties are posi- identify the social, sociate detively asso- educational and grees. These ciated with two-year future growth economic needs of of GDP per all islands and work institutions capita (and to create innovative help to create a more eduthis relationship is robust solutions to address cated workforce. to controlling issues that are Driven for a host of specific to the by national observables, growth and as well as archipelago.’ development, unobserved therefore, regional these two-year colleges extrends).”

They added that “number pand, based on supply and of universities per capita is demand, to award four-year associated with 4 per cent degrees. This is followed higher future GDP per cap- by the awarding of limited ita” and that there appear graduate degrees accompato be “positive spillover ef- nied by the need to increase fects from universities to research and advanced geographically close neigh- teaching activities. These bouring regions.” This institutions, initially serving holds true for the Carib- as “teaching institutions”, bean region as well, despite begin to develop a limited the fact that the presence of focus on sociological, annational and regional uni- thropological and cultural versities is, historically, very research.

For several years, the recent.

Regional universities Caribbean region has had came about as a result of one “regional university”, partnerships between re- UWI. Regional universities spective governments - for tend to serve initial develinstance, the University of opmental needs of develthe West Indies (UWI). oping states. However, as these island states develop,

regional universities tend to not be able to address the specific, perceived national needs and issues of such member island states. In the Caribbean, over time, this has resulted in the growth of national universities within several island nations. Here in The Bahamas, highly educated Bahamians have led the charge in creating a National Development Plan. The establishment of a national university, therefore, is a vital part of this equation.

A national university will educate, train and provide economic opportunities for Bahamians throughout the country. Unlike a regional university, it will identify the social, educational and economic needs of all islands and work to create innovative solutions to address issues that are specific to the archipelago.

The University of The Bahamas, the country’s national university, will increase the intellectual capital of the nation and serve as a resource for governmental, corporate, civil society, social, economic and educational policy development based on research which is designed to serve the needs of all Bahamians.

The University of The Bahamas will help to strengthen the economy by providing higher levels of education and training at home, while decreasing the need to add millions of educational dollars to other countries.

It will help to strengthen the economy and provide the highest level of research to both the public and private sector, allowing millions of dollars spent on consultants to remain within the country.

THE COLLEGE of the Bahamas reopens today to classes after Hurricane Matthew and next month transitions to university status. President Dr Rodney Smith says the Bahamas has been ready for some time for this important change.

It will expand educational and socio-economic development opportunities. By natural progression, therefore, within this climate of proliferation of national universities throughout the region, regional universities must become redefined and expand respective missions from being Comprehensive Regional Universities designed to address regional educational and training needs, to being Regional Research Intensive institutions, designed to more broadly contribute to global research initiatives and new

knowledge.

The Bahamas has been ready, for some time, for the creation of its own national university. On November 10, the country will usher in a new beginning in educational, scientific, entrepreneurial and industrial growth. On that day the country will celebrate Charter Day for the University of The Bahamas.

Dr Rodney D Smith is the eighth President of the College of The Bahamas, appointed in October, 2014.

He was previously Vice President of Administrative

Services at Hampton University and initially served as COB President from 2004-2005.

NEXT WEEK: the value of technical vocational education and training in a growing economy.

• “Gain An Edge” is a weekly collaboration of the Lyford Cay Foundations, Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute and the College of The Bahamas aimed at promoting a national dialogue on higher education. To share your thoughts, email gainanedge@tribunemedia.net

PAGE 10 MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

A storm to test the resilience of Bahamians

I

Cable Beach resident Fay Knowles tells of her Hurricane Matthew experience

T was like an evil force determined to get through our walls and blow us and everything inside our Cable Beach home out into the elements. Hurricane Matthew pounded at our southern house wall and tore around the other sides of the building like a mad thing. The steel panels over our windows flexed frantically with the constant beating by the heavy rain and winds.

The first leak in the ceiling started in a weak spot, where there had been a leak in a previous storm. We rushed to get a bucket. Then, one by one, more leaks spurted from above us. We used up all of our pots to catch the streams of water and then started pulling out baking dishes.

The night before, I’d grabbed some of our family photos, memorabilia of nostalgic value, passports and important documents, and stuffed them into three small suitcases. I’d heard too many tales of families losing irreplaceable items in a natural disaster. I wanted to be ready if we had to evacuate. I’d also covered electronics, boxes we had in storage, and other objects with large plastic garbage bags. We still moved some of the items out of the way in case of a possible ceiling collapse.

We listened to a local radio station, but advisories didn’t seem to be up to date. Later it was reported in the newspapers that Nassau’s Meteorology department had problems with their radar equipment in the storm and they also had to be evacuated.

I attempted to follow the path of Matthew on my phone, having added a week’s data, but the internet was slow and online reports

DAMAGE in the Cable Beach area, above and below, after Hurricane Matthew hit New Providence. often conflicted with each other. people actually lost their roofs.

The long lines at the gas pumps Our sons in a nearby location kept us informed by phone whenever finally died down after a couple of days, so we were able to top up our they found a reliable advisory.

Bahamas Power & Light Com- gas. There had also been scores of pany exercised a controlled shut residents anxiously queuing for down across the island. The city cooked food at fast food restauwater supply went off from time rants and ice was a precious comto time, but we had saved water modity. Empty shelves in food in the bathtub. With an electric stores await fresh supplies. All stove, we couldn’t cook anything, of this can be tolerated though. so we ate leftovers, bread, fruit Of paramount importance is that and cereal. Later, the ice that we we have had no loss of lives here had made in freezer bags to pre- due to Hurricane Matthew, except serve the refrigerated food melted sadly when a man from Andros or flooding. And some homes are and we had to throw away the re- died from a heart attack while he still flooded in low lying areas.

Others are badly damaged by the was securing his home. mainder of the perishables.

Our electric supply was re- storm surge, which raged in from After Hurricane Matthew stormed away from here, looking stored on the Saturday afternoon the ocean.

The Bahamas and its people are for more victims to wreak havoc after 56 hours of being without on, we ventured out of our apart- power. Then it went off again for resilient though. They will rebuild ment. We were not surprised to a few more hours the next day. their lives and in decades to come see the trail of destruction Mat- However, we are very fortunate. old Bahamians will tell their thew left behind. Many of our There are many residents across grandchildren about Hurricane roof tiles had blown off, which the island whose power is not on Matthew, the devastating storm of had caused the leaks, but some yet, due to downed power lines October, 2016.

• Fay Knowles is a Scottish author and long time resident of the Bahamas and married to Long Island Bahamian Erskine Knowles.

She is the author of two books - a romantic suspense novel ‘Love at Sunset’, which features a fierce hurricane hitting the Bahamas, and ‘Sunbeams from the Heart A Collection of Twelve Romantic Short Stories’. She blogs at www. fayknowles.com

Hubert Chipman and the FNM EDITOR, The Tribune I ADVISE that I will not seek nor will I accept a nomination as the Free National Movement candidate for St Anne’s or any other constituency in the forthcoming General Elections.

I have so advised the Leader of the FNM, Dr Hubert Minnis and the Chairman of our Party, Sidney Collie. I took this action following consultation with the members of the Constituency Association of St Anne’s.

I began my involvement with the Free National Movement nearly 45 years ago. I joined the party in 1972 as a 19-year-old because I was concerned about the cult of personality and one-man rule the country was headed in under the Progressive Liberal Party.

I have worked for the FNM in every election since 1972, working with candidates such as Basil Nichols, Anthony “Boozy” Rolle, Frank Watson and Dr Jacinta Higgs, to name a few.

I was inspired by leaders like Sir Cecil Wallace Whitfield, Sir Arthur Foulkes and other ‘freedom fighters’, who dedicated their lives to building the FNM and to fighting for freedom and democracy.

My involvement includ-

LETTERS EXTRA letters@tribunemedia.net ed working with the party to ensure and entrench a two-party democracy in our country and the eventual election of the FNM in 1992.

During our time in office under the leadership of Hubert Ingraham I was privileged to serve on various boards. I have served on the party’s Executive Committee for a decade. I am proud of the great success of the FNM in reforming and modernising the Bahamas.

I did not seek to become an elected Member of Parliament but in 2012, it was a singular honour to be invited by the then incumbent MP Brent Symonette and the then Leader of the FNM, Hubert A Ingraham, to pursue a nomination for the seat.

I was pleased to be nominated by the FNM as the candidate for the St Anne’s constituency, which I have been proud to serve in the House of Assembly for the past almost five years.

Along with my Constituency Association we have a record of accomplishments.

Allow me to name a few.

• We held after-school

programs for kids needing help with homework and preparation for BGCSE and BJC; • Playground equipment was installed on the park on Johnson Road; • A gazebo and grill was installed on Sapphire and Sunset Park; • The park in Nassau East was fenced in; • The basketball court in Johnson Road was refurbished; • We held five back-to school events for school children, providing back packs and school supplies; • We held annual Christmas events for children in St. Anne’s and every child received a gift; • We ensured that all areas were clean and the streets lights were working; • We ensured that all potholes were fixed on a timely basis; • We held summer school for children for each of the last five summers where they were taught math and English; • We donated computers and printers to St Anne’s Church after-school program; • We held constituency meetings on a regular basis to hear the concerns of the people; • We also had several guest speakers present on topical issues such as National Health Insurance,

VAT, general health issues and the equality referendum; • We installed a computer lab for constituents to complete projects for school and general use; I maintained a constituency office from February, 2012, to date and was available to meet with constituents at any time. In particular, regular office hours were held from 4 to 7 pm every Thursday.

Because of the good work we did together, the Constituency Association expressed their confidence in me by writing to Dr Minnis and the Candidates Committee on September 5, 2015. The letter was signed by all of the executives of the Association.

That was over a year ago.

The Association’s letter was never acknowledged.

During the first week of March of this year, I met the Executive of my Association. We then met with the Leader and then Chairman Michael Pintard during the first week of March, 2016.

My candidacy was discussed at length. We were assured that I would be renominated.

The Association again wrote to the Leader on September 21, referring to its earlier letter and our meeting. To date we have heard nothing, which I consider a tremendous sign of disre-

spect toward the Association.

I have taken note of various commentaries in the media concerning my renomination and in particular to the Leader’s refusal to confirm whether I would be re-nominated for the forthcoming General Election.

I initially voted for and supported Dr Minnis as Leader of the FNM. Over time I had differences with my party’s Leader and the direction he was moving the party.

Political parties committed to democracy typically have such debates and disagreements. But under the current leadership of the FNM such disagreements are far too often met with resentment.

I remained loyal to the party and continued to work to improve the FNM for the benefit of the Bahamian people. But sadly, the FNM that I have supported all of my life has become an organisation that I barely recognise.

It was my privilege to serve St Anne’s and the Bahamian people in the House of Assembly. Sadly, the work I did as Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee was constantly obstructed by the government, which is the most non-transparent and unaccountable government in

the modern Bahamas.

Unlike under the FNM and former Prime Minister Ingraham, the Christie government has consistently refused to provide certain information to the Committee.

I must also acknowledge that I did not have the full co-operation of my Leader as Leader of the Opposition in pushing the government harder on a number of key issues, including the work of the Public Accounts Committee.

It is clear that under the leadership of Dr Minnis my contribution to the FNM as a Member of Parliament is no longer desired, required or wanted. Accordingly, I am withdrawing from consideration as a candidate for the St Anne’s constituency.

I pledge my continued support of the FNM and will serve faithfully in the House until the end of my term.

Through my church and in other civic organisations, and through public service and political life, I have sought to serve our country, which I love with all of my heart and soul. At this time, I can best serve the FNM and the country in other capacities.

The Bahamas has so much potential. But under the PLP we have squandered much of this potential. We are headed in the wrong direction.

I wish the FNM and its candidates well in the upcoming election.

I close by thanking the good people of St Anne’s, and my Constituency Association and executives, who are an amazing, caring and dedicated team of people. I am proud to have served with many fine men and women in the FNM and within our parliamentary caucus.

I end by thanking with a full heart my mother, my daughters and my dear wife, who are my bedrock and who have offered me overwhelming support and love.

To them I owe so very much.

In my remaining time in Parliament I will continue to seek to hold the government accountable, to speak on a variety of issues, and to be the voice of the wonderful people of St Anne’s HUBERT CHIPMAN MP for St Anne’s October 2, 2016 • Constituents unhappy, see page 13

THE TRIBUNE

Minnis praises efforts of party to bring relief

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

AT A time when Bahamians are struggling to survive amid the devastation left by Hurricane Matthew, Free National Movement (FNM) Leader Dr Hubert Minnis on Friday lauded the relief efforts of his party’s “hard working” members and supporters.

Dr Minnis said in a statement that the FNM’s parliamentarians and candidates stepped up to help family, friends, and neighbours in their time of need.

This comes at a time when the party leader faces immense criticism over deciding to hit out at the government over its handling of relief efforts despite having toured North Andros and Grand Bahama with Prime Minister Perry Christie but not sharing his sentiments with him.

Ahead of Matthew’s pasage, Dr Minnis announced that the FNM would suspend all political

activities until the category four storm passed.

However, during a press conference on Tuesday, he lambasted the government on its performance in preparing for the storm and in dealing with Matthew’s aftermath.

“It has been awe inspiring to see so many Bahamians that have stepped up in the past week to help their fellow Bahamians through this horrific ordeal,” he said in the statement on Friday. “As I have travelled the islands assessing the damage, talking with those affected and delivering much needed supplies it has been inspirational to hear their stories of survival and heroism.

“Over the past two days the FNM has been able to deliver supplies and goods to those struggling in North Andros and Grand Bahama.

“I am proud of the FNM Members of Parliament, candidates, and members that have stepped up to help their family, friends and neighbours in their time of

need. It has been great to see that Mr Renward Wells has been working in Bamboo Town to make sure that all of his constituents’ yards are cleaned up and that they have what they need regardless of what colour they wear.

“I am glad that Mr Frankie Campbell and Mr Marvin Dames have led their teams in Southern Shores and Mt Moriah, respectively, to make sure that residents’ yards are clear and that they have dumpsters available to haul away debris.

“These are just a few examples of the hard work of the many FNMs around the country working to restore it to its proper glory. As you see our teams working hard in your neighbourhoods please let us know how we can help you, as we are all in this together.”

He continued: “While it has been a struggle for many Bahamians this past week, I am thankful there has not been any reported loss of life or major injuries. We will get through

this working together with our neighbours, friends, and family to help each other rebuild. The FNM will continue to do all we can to provide assistance to all Bahamians as needed and help the Bahamas fully recover.”

FNM Chairman Sidney Collie has defended Dr Minnis throughout the criticism.

On Thursday he sought to place blame on Mr Christie, saying he had been the only one who made the response to the storm political.

He said: “It is our duty as the Official Opposition to speak up for the Bahamian people - to give them a voice - and that’s exactly what Dr Minnis is doing. The Leader of the Official Opposition and potentially the next Prime Minister of this country must ensure the people are getting the assistance they need and deserve.

“It is unfortunate that the Prime Minister sees fit to assert that his government would never play politics as he launches a political at-

Monday, October 17, 2016, PAGE 11

tack on Dr Minnis and his efforts to help Bahamians. t is paramount to the people that the storm recovery does not involve any sort of political cronyism as we move forward.

“Dr Minnis - like all of us - are watching out for the Bahamian people to ensure that does not happen. We can, and should, all agree on that central premise – that Bahamians deserve recovery efforts and help that are free of any corruption and entanglements,” Mr Collie continued.

On Wednesday, Mr Christie called Dr Minnis’ accusation that the government’s recovery and restoration efforts will involve cronyism and victimisation “one of the most idiotic” statements he has ever heard. A day later he said he was “distressed” about the politicisation of the relief efforts and said his government did not have time to get distracted by politics and become “tribal” in the aftermath of a natural disaster.

CHINA GIVES $50,000 AID

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

THE People’s Republic of China on Friday donated $50,000 to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to assist with hurricane restoration and recovery efforts.

The donation by the Chinese government came a day after the CARICOM Chairman and Prime Minister of Dominica Roosevelt Skerrit offered The Bahamas a $100,000 donation to assist with relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Matthew.

At NEMA headquarters on Gladstone Road, Chinese Ambassador to the Bahamas Huang Qinguo, via a translator, said the donation is reflective of the Chinese embassy’s current “financial capacity” but

said it is nonetheless indicative of the good rapport between the two countries.

“China and The Bahamas are friendly partners, so when you are in trouble it is our duty to offer our help as soon as possible,” he said.

“This year marks the 19th anniversary since diplomatic relations between China and The Bahamas (began) and we wish that relationship can continue moving forward.

“As an old Chinese saying goes, one person in trouble and other friends will offer their help. Although China and The Bahamas are far away, now you are in need of assistance, we will offer ours.”

Minister of Labour and National Insurance Shane Gibson, the government’s co-ordinator for hurricane restoration efforts, expressed the Christie administration’s gratitude for the

FOLLOWING a shortage of ice on Grand Bahama, relief finally came on Friday when bags of ice were distributed to hundreds of residents at the Grand Bahama Red Cross Centre in Freeport.

At the Center on Jobson Avenue, Red Cross officials and volunteers distributed 3,000 bags of ice from a 20foot container.

Crowds flocked to the centre around 1pm. For some it was the first time, they had received ice in several days.

Stephanie Barr, Grand Bahama Red Cross Administrator, said that shipment of ice was sent by the Bahamas Red Cross in New Providence, in partnership with Solomon’s in Nassau and Freeport.

“They sent us 3,000 bags of ice to distribute and

The Ocean Club is understood to have lost a number of roof shingles from the Crescent Wing and the Villas during the storm and that the Dune restaurant sustained damage.

Last year, the One&Only Ocean Club closed it doors for renovations at the end of August and re-opened at the beginning of November.

At the time, resort management told The Tribune that the hotel’s owners, Access Industries, had been planning “a significant renovation” with the $15m redevelopment of the Hartford Wing to include expanded and restyled rooms.

Those plans also included a $3m pool on the beachfront between the Dune restaurant and the wooden terrace, a $1m facelift and increased expenditure on entertainment at the Dune and upgraded WiFi across the property. The Courtyard Terrace restaurant closed, which signalled the start of the improvements.

Access Industries had pledged a $50m expansion of the Ocean Club.

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE CHINESE Ambassador to The Bahamas, Huang Qinguo, makes a relief donation following Hurricane Matthew.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff globally. And so we appre- the past.” donation.

“What we’ve experienced ciate (the government of Mr Gibson told the Chiis far beyond our capacity China) stepping up to the nese Ambassador that it was to deal with it solely as a plate in being one of the “nothing short of a miracle country and as the govern- first countries to come in that we had no deaths. We ment of The Bahamas,” he and assist us. And of course are fortunate we suffered said. “And we can only do we welcome this opportu- no casualties,” he said of the this with the help of our nity to forge an even greater category 4 storm’s passage partners, regionally and relationship than we had in through The Bahamas.

ONE relieved woman in Grand Bahama receives ice from AML Foods Ltd and its partners.

BAHAMAS Red Cross representatives distribute ice donated by AML Foods Ltd and its partners to the Grand Bahama community,

ful to our international vendors who didn’t hesitate to spring into action and offer their assistance. We hope these contributions will make a difference in the lives of those who are suffering,” said Renea Bastian, vice-president of marketing & communications at AML. “Our hearts go out to

all those affected by Hurricane Matthew, including hundreds of our employees on the island as they begin to rebuild and recover.”

AML President and CEO Gavin Watchorn said employees at the company’s three retail outlets on Grand Bahama are in good spirits considering the impact of the storm. He reiter-

ated AML’s commitment to assist Grand Bahama as it rebuilds.

“As the relief efforts continue over the coming weeks and months, AML Foods Limited is prepared to engage in the long-term recovery efforts, including identifying further donations.

In addition, AML Foods continues to conduct direct

outreach to assist its affected employees as well as support them in volunteering to relief efforts,” Mr Watchorn said.

For more information on ongoing hurricane relief efforts, visit The Bahamas Red Cross’ Facebook page and continue to donate items to their headquarters in Nassau and on Grand Bahama.

bring some relief to Grand Bahama because there was no ice on the island for a long time, and we take pleasure in being able to bring some relief to our sisters and brothers in need,” she said. Ms Barr said the Red Cross will soon begin distributions of food and canned items.

“We are honoured to do this and we thank God they sent it to us. We also thank our partners, Solomon’s out of Nassau and here for their contribution,” she said.

Asked how the centre fared during the storm, Ms Barr said there was roof damage but their concern is to assist and bring relief to residents during times of crisis.

“We got some tarp, and SRA construction came and put it on for us. We are thankful for what we have and where we are at this point and will do a complete assessment later and see what we come up with.

Right now our priority is to help those in need,” Ms Barr said.

Minister for Grand Bahama Dr Michael Darville said Grand Bahama was hardest hit of all islands in the Bahamas. He said they expected trailers and shipment of relief items to arrive on island on Friday.

Social and technical assessments are underway on the island, and Urban Renewal is going door-to-door to determine the needs of the residents.

“We want to find what the critical needs are and we have divided the island into different sections which we labelled red, orange-green, and green. We are going to those critically damaged areas that had flooding,” Dr Darville said.

He said that the clean-up phase is underway in all of the southern settlements, in Eight Mile Rock and West End. Dr Darville indicated that the areas of Mack

Town, Hunters, Lewis Yard and Pinder’s Point experienced winds in excess of 150mph with tornado activity, which caused significant destruction in those settlements.

“When you go in those areas there is major devastation there. A lot of the homes were not concrete structures; they were wood homes … Some people are completely displaced and that is of great concern to us, and that is why we kept the shelter open after the storm so when persons went to their homes in the day they would return to the shelter in the evening for water, a hot meal, and hot bath.”

The shelter closed its door on Friday, but Dr Darville reported that temporary housing has been provided for the 31 people who were still using the shelter.

Dr Darville noted that relocation of the residents from the southern coastal settlements of Grand Ba-

hama is a complicated process, but is something that government has been considering.

“It is a complicated issue when we talk about moving people from generational property. We had people come in there to get estimates of the land, and it is an argument. We have been through this before and when you look at moving individuals there is so much emotion associated with the land. I had discussions with the Prime Minister, and representatives of CARICOM who had to move their coastal residents to higher ground to prevent this same thing from happening over and over. It is a complex issue, and now we are in the restoration phase where persons are requesting supplies to repair existing homes, and we have to follow suit.

“It is an issue we have to deal with sometime in the near future,” he said.

RED CROSS GIVES ICE TO GRAND BAHAMA RESIDENTS

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

from page one

COCA COLA GIFT

AML SHIPS WATER TO HELP BRING HURRICANE RELIEF IN the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew, AML Foods Ltd has partnered with three international vendors to bring muchneeded relief to Grand Bahama residents.

The local grocer teamed up with US-based Associated Grocers and SuperValu to send two 40ft containers of water to the island.

AML also confirmed that Sun International Produce shipped a 40ft container of ice to the second city.

Tropical Shipping brought in the containers waiving all freight charges and the items will be distributed by the Bahamas Red Cross to immediately assist victims of the massive storm, a press release from AML Foods said.

Hurricane Matthew caused widespread damage and destruction throughout The Bahamas earlier this month.

“We are extremely grate-

OCEAN CLUB SHUTS FOR HURRICANE REPAIRS

COCA-COLA distributed 1,500 cases of water and food care packages to residents on Grand Bahama in support of hurricane relief efforts on Friday morning.

Many residents gathered at Coca-Cola on Yellow Pine Street, Freeport, from 9am because of the great demand for water and ice on the island.

Karla Wells Lisgaris, Marketing Brand Manager with the Carribean Bottling Company (CBC), the local distributors of Coca-Cola, said that Coca-Cola is committed to giving back to the community and responding in times of disaster when there is a need.

“We wanted to help the community that we operate in and we are providing 1,500 cases of water, one per household, along with a food package,” she said.

Mrs Lisgaris said the food was donated to Coca-Cola

by Lightbourne’s Trading, Island Wholesale Variety and Purity Bakery. “What we have been given we are trying to make it stretch to match to 1,500 cases so that everyone can get one case of water and one food care package,” she explained.

Helping people in need during times of crisis is something that Coca-Cola and CBC supports, Mrs Lisgaris said. “We feel it is very important that our consumers know we appreciate them, and when they have a need we have to respond to it.

“Freeport obviously got damaged pretty badly, and so did Andros. We sent product to Andros and donated product in Nassau to residents of South Beach, Marshall Road, Coral Harbour and all those communities that got a lot of water damage. For us, The Bahamas is our community and when we can respond we have to respond.”

Residents said they were very grateful to Coca-Cola for responding to their needs.

NFL PLEDGE THE National Football League (NFL), through its foundation, has pledged a minimum of $300,000 to aid in international and domestic relief efforts in areas affected by Hurricane Matthew, including the Bahamas.

The NFL Foundation’s contributions will support relief organisations such as the American Red Cross, Salvation Army and UNICEF. A total of $100,000 will go to the Salvation Army and UNICEF to support relief efforts and assist victims in impacted areas of the Caribbean, including Haiti and the Bahamas. An additional $100,000 will go to the American Red Cross to aid in relief and recovery efforts in impacted areas of the United States.

PAGE 12, Monday, October 17, 2016

16-YEAR-OLD FOUND SHOT DEAD IN BUILDING

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net POLICE are investigating the fatal shooting of a boy found lying in a pool of his own blood in an abandoned building early Friday.

Police have not released the victim’s identity, but The Tribune understands he is 16-year-old Torio Adderley.

Officers were called to the building at the corner of Bain and Meadow Streets shortly after 7am, according to Superintendent Ashton Greenslade.

On Friday, Supt Greenslade said detectives were in the streets trying to pin down a motive for the youth’s killing.

“Our responding officers went to building number 19, an unoccupied building, and on the northern side of the building inside of the middle apartment unit officers observed the lifeless body of a juvenile male lying on his back in a pool of blood with what appeared to be two gunshot wounds to the head,” Supt Greenslade said.

Emergency Medical Services pronounced him dead at the scene, he said.

The shooting death raised the country’s murder count to 77 for the year, according to The Tribune’s records, representing a 36 per cent decrease compared to this time last year.

As of October 17, 2015, the country had recorded 121 homicides for the year, again according to The Tribune’s records.

TO ADVERTISE IN THE TRIBUNE, CONTACT 502-2394

THE TRIBUNE

Fisherman cleared of using truck to kill man

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net A FISHERMAN’S defence that he accidentally knocked over a man during traffic was accepted by a jury on Friday.

The jury returned a unanimous not guilty verdict concerning the murder charge faced by Ricardo Culmer, 39, who had stood trial for three weeks before Senior Justice Vera Watkins. He was accused of intentionally crushing Alpheus Bevans to death with his truck on July 17, 2015.

The prosecution alleged that Culmer was provoked into the action after Bevans threw coins that struck him in the face as he drove his truck east along Poinciana Drive.

However, Culmer attributed the action to the confusion, fright and a mistake in pressing the gas pedal when he attempted to reverse his1995 Chevrolet Sierra truck.

The jury, after two hours of deliberation, returned 12-0 not guilty verdict.

The judge asked the

jury’s foreman if they had considered the issue of provocation and he said the panel had.

At trial, the jury heard from a number of bystanders, including Jevan White, who said that he and his cousin were at a restaurant and within moments heard the sounds of a horn and the slamming of brakes. He then saw his cousin standing in the door of a bus and the vehicle smashed into him.

Culmer gave sworn testimony and said that he was headed to Hospital Lane to drop a friend and her daughter home when he saw a man crossing the street.

He slowed down his 1995 Chevrolet Sierra truck to let the man cross and when he continued, the man took a handful of coins and struck him.

Culmer, who claimed he was scared and confused by the action, said that his passengers screamed and he started to reverse, accidentally hitting the gas pedal.

He only realised what had occurred when it was drawn to his attention by bystanders who began filming with

their cellphones.

In closing addresses on Thursday, Uel Johnson reminded the jury that when the accused was struck with the coins “Mr Culmer did not stop, come out of his vehicle and asked what was going on.

“Jennie Dames, who was his passenger, and all of the other witnesses, said within four to five seconds, he immediately slammed into the door of the bus near him. I don’t believe a six mile per hour speed can do that much damage as seen in the photos you have of the scene Jevan White said he reversed with a high rate of speed,” the jury heard.

“As a result of what he did, should he walk away free because someone threw some coins at him?

Mr Bevans can’t say if he did because he’s dead,” Mr Johnson stressed.

Culmer’s lawyer Roberto Reckley stressed that “what happened on July 17, 2015 was nothing more than an unfortunate, unintentional accident”.

Mr Reckley said the prosecution’s witnesses attested

13 DETAINED OVER FIRE ON MARIJUANA FIND RBDF BOAT DURING REFIT THIRTEEN people - eight men and five women - were turned over to police officials by Royal Bahamas Defence Force Marines on Friday after a search uncovered suspected drugs on Friday afternoon at the Port Department.

Marines attached to the Port Security Department along with police officers conducted a search of the scooter rental holding area of the Port Department at 1.30pm.

The search uncovered eight bags of suspected marijuana in the immediate area. As a result, eight males and five females were taken into custody and handed over to the Police for further investigation.

to the fact that his client assisting in trying to get the truck off Bevans and remained at the scene until police arrived.

In her summation of the evidence on Friday, Senior Justice Watkins told the jury that “none of your primary responsibilities is deciding who is telling the truth”.

“When each of the witnesses took the stand, you were to pay attention to the witness’ ability to recall events important to the case, the time lapse between the incident and the testimony, their demeanour when answering questions, their ability to express themselves, the veracity of their evidence, their potential interest for giving evidence and their integrity.

The latter would be based on what they said and what you’ve heard throughout the trial,” the judge added.

“Each of you have sworn an oath to return a true verdict and you must be true to your oath. When you return to the jury room for deliberations, you must give your own views and listen to the views of your fellow jurors.

A FILE picture of the HMBS Bahamas.

A ROYAL Bahamas Defence Force yard Company. patrol boat caught fire on Friday while No injuries were reported and an undergoing a refit in Freeport. assessment will be carried out to deThe aft (rear) section of HMBS Ba- termine the cause of the fire and exhamas, one of two 60-metre Defence tent of the damages it sustained.

Force patrol craft, caught fire shortly The Bahama Class vessel was built after noon.

by Moss Point Marine in Mississippi The incident took place at Bradford and has been instrumental in antiMarine Shipyard in Freeport, where poaching, anti-narcotics, illegal miHMBS Bahamas is currently under- gration and deterrence patrols within going a major refit by Damen Ship- the waters of The Bahamas.

However, there must be no monopoly on who is responsible for discussions,” the judge also stressed.

Senior Justice Watkins noted that one of the most important issues for them to determine was intention and that when considering the evidence from various witnesses and the defendant himself, “you must look at his actions before the incident, during the incident and after”.

“The Crown does not have to prove or produce a motive as it is not an ingredient on the element of murder. It is sufficient if intent is formed within seconds, the spur of the moment or the spur of temper.

What was the intention of the defendant when he was reversing his truck?” the judge said.

“There’s no direct evidence of a verbal expression of intent to kill. However, the prosecution invites you to infer this from his actions,” the judge added.

Tai Pinder assisted Mr Reckley in Culmer’s defence. Rosalee Ferguson assisted Mr Johnson in prosecuting the case.

POLICE HUNT FOR ROBBERY SUSPECT POLICE are looking for a suspect who robbed a woman outside her home.

According, to a report from police, shortly before midnight on Saturday a woman was about to enter her home located at Dignity Gardens, when a man armed with a handgun approached and robbed her of her handbag containing cash and personal items before fleeing in a dark coloured Honda Accord vehicle.

Investigations are continuing.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, October 17, 2016, PAGE 13

ESSO BARGAIN CITY’S FREE TRIBUNE PROMOTION CONTINUES AFTER STORM DAMAGE

PILES of debris and downed power lines through Greenwood Road yesterday as the clean-up continues.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

Calls for Chipman to run as independent from page one Committee of the FNM is not mandated by the party’s constitution to nominate candidates selected by constituency associations. The committee must, however, inform associations about why their selected candidates were rejected, a step the FNM appeared to have skipped in this instance.

Such actions have complicated party Leader Dr Minnis’ relationship with some party supporters in the St Anne’s constituency, given what they said was his prior agreement with them to renominate Mr Chipman in the area.

More than a dozen residents The Tribune spoke to had varying degrees of anger about the situation, some saying they would even reconsider their support of the FNM. “His word is not his bond,” said Karen Hamilton, one resident who is encouraging Mr Chipman to run as an independent candidate. Like several others, she suggested Dr Minnis is “untrustworthy”.

“I wouldn’t advise the Bahamian people to even

vote for him,” she said. “Mr Chipman shouldn’t throw in the towel because he’s a very good member of Parliament. Minnis may have won the battle, but he is going to lose the war.”

Another resident, Quethera Stuart, said several weeks ago she and other residents in the constituency failed in their efforts to discuss Mr Chipman’s nomination with Dr Minnis following a monthly meeting at the FNM’s headquarters.

They waited for several hours to see him, she said, but Dr Minnis avoided talking to them.

“As soon as (Dr Minnis) came out he just passed us like we were never there,” she said. “A lady went to him and he said he had to go.”

“That’s not the right thing to do. Had that been (former Prime Minister Hubert) Ingraham, he would’ve come out of his meeting and spoken to the people. Dr Minnis really made us feel like he just don’t care. Mr Chipman has been on the ground from day one. His constituency office was opened every day, except Saturday and Sunday. Here it is election is next year and you’re going

to bring a stranger we don’t know nothing about?

“And the sad thing is when I spoke to Dr Minnis a few months ago, he told us talk of Mr Chipman being replaced was just rumours. For him to go back on his word makes you wonder if I should go with the FNM with him as the leader.”

To Kesha Johnson, the secretary in the St Anne’s’ constituency office, no good reason exists to deny Mr Chipman a nomination.

“He’s always willing to get things done and go the extra mile,” she said.

Another resident, who identified herself only as Ms Rolle, added: “Dr Minnis should’ve come around and get the consensus about what our constituency is doing and what we want.”

And another resident, Remilda Rolle said although she will still support whomever the FNM puts in the area, she hopes the party reconsiders its decision to drop Mr Chipman from the ticket.

“I’m a Chipman lover. He was the only person to look out for us in the area,” she said.

• Hubert Chipman’s Letter to the Editor, see page 10

ROAD TRAFFIC DEPT TO RELOCATE THE Road Traffic Department headquarters in the Clarence A Bain Building and the Examinations Unit in the Munnings building, both on Thompson Boulevard, will relocate temporarily to the Eastern Grandstand of the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium from today because of the damage caused by Hurricane Matthew.

A statement from the department on Saturday said the temporary location will provide all services, including “normal Vehicle Inspection and Licensing, Inspection of Rental Car Company Vehicles, Inspections of Jitneys, Tour Buses, Private Charter Buses and Private Schedule Buses, Renewal and Issuance of Driver’s Licenses and the complete Driver’s Examination process, both theory

and practical”.

“Further, Licensing and Inspection will continue at both the Carmichael and West Bay Centres, until further notice. Additionally, the West Bay Centre will conduct Inspections of Livery Cars, Taxis and Rental Car Company Vehicles.

“Additionally, the recently announced introduction of the department’s new computerised automated system, scheduled for October 17th, will now begin on October 21st. This process, which establishes an electronic workflow system, will be in its testing phase in preparation for the official launch of the system by mid-November. That date will be announced shortly.”

The statement said that a week ago, the Department had announced its intention to execute the phased re-

location of Road Traffic to the temporary facilities at the National Stadium. “The Controller has emphasised that in view of the fact that the relocation process for all operations have been expedited, the Department will work diligently to minimise delays and inefficiencies in the delivery of its services to the public.

“The Controller has emphasised that the Department is committed to do all in its power to ensure that the transition is made as smoothly as possible, and that all concerns are addressed with sensitivity, and in a professional and timely manner. Accordingly, the Controller has appealed to its valuable clients to exercise patience as it works to provide quality, efficient service during this transition period.”

ESSO Bargain City, the gas station on Carmichael Road temporarily closed after suffering damage from Hurricane Matthew last week, is undergoing repairs and hoping to re-open soon.

Peter Roker, owner of the Bargain City Shopping Plaza, said on Friday that the canopy on the gas station had suffered damage and leaned over during the storm. He said other properties in the plaza had also been damaged and apologised to customers for the inconvenience, including those gas station patrons who enjoy a free copy of The Tribune.

Esso Bargain City began a long standing partnership with The Tribune when it began its “Free Tribune at The Pumps” promotion in 1982. The venture has developed an eager following at the Carmichael Road gas station.

“The demand for ‘The People’s Paper’ is tremendous,” Mr Roker said, adding that people are already waiting for The Tribune when it arrives in the early hours each morning.

“A few years ago, we celebrated passing the one millionth milestone,” he said.

Mr Roker said that even though the service station is undergoing renovations, Esso Bargain City will continue to provide The Tribune, free of charge, at Tropic Mart, directly adjacent to the service station, from 6.30 each morning, until supplies run out. The arrangement will be available from today.

PAGE 14 , Monday, October 17, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

A GRAPHIC provided

by BPL showing the areas flooded in the Marshall Road and Misty Garden areas.

NEMA ‘strengthening systems’ to bring help to Bahamians THE National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says it is strengthening its organisational structure and systems to effectively bring about assistance to Bahamians impacted by Hurricane Matthew in its latest progress report.

The agency said last night this is being done through a three-tier system, organised to include ground assessors, zone or district co-ordinators, technical and social services teams.

Social services teams have already assisted many of the families impacted in the hard hit areas of New Providence, North Andros and West End, Grand Bahama. The teams are being strengthened so as to expedite and conclude assessments as soon as possible, as the relief and recovery phases are being carried out.

NEMA said Hurricane Matthew left thousands of downed power lines, major disruption to communica-

ICE being distributed from NEMA headquarters on Gladstone Road to residents without power.

Photo: Patrick Hanna/BIS tions, electricity services the buildings in Eight Mile and other utilities, and Rock and Holmes Rock sigmassive flooding and storm nificantly damaged. surge along the eastern and NEMA said North Ansouthwestern shorelines of dros is being assisted with New Providence. It passed food and water from the through North Andros, Royal Bahamas Defence destroying 80 per cent of Force (RBDF) container homes in Lowe Sound. The city where meals are proneighbouring communities vided daily for those resiof Nicholls Town, Morgan’s dents.

Bluff, Red Bays and MasThe Government, tic Point also experienced through NEMA, has intendamage due to strong winds sified its relief and recovery and extensive flooding. In phases, ensuring that imWest End, Grand Bahama, mediate supplies such as Matthew left 95 per cent of water and food reach those

in need shipped by the RBDF vessels.

Each constituency is being given two big rolls of tarpaulin to be distributed by designated teams comprising Social Services, Defence Force and Housing to ensure residents whose homes suffered roof damage were protected from further leaking.

The Ministry of Tourism, through its cruise ship partners Carnival and Norwegian Sky, have, with the assistance of NEMA, distributed thousands of pounds of ice and water to residents in need.

Some financial assistance is coming in from the local and international communities - Commonwealth Bank, the Chinese Embassy, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and others.

“The utility companies such as BPL, BTC, Cable Bahamas and Water & Sewerage are reporting restoration efforts in an effort to return to some sense of nor-

southern shoreline, from East to West End. The storm brought the island to a standstill, crippling business and commerce, with devastation impacting the daily lives of all residents.

NEMA said the level of damage is severe, and the impact to the livelihood of the people remains a serious challenge.

The agency reported that the Department of Social Services is providing accommodation for seventy one displaced residents left in shelters, the majority of whom are from West Grand Bahama including the Pinder’s Point and Lewis Yard area. Counseling services are in place for the residents. Preliminary reports indicate that 525 social assessments - more than half coming frfom West End (153), Jones Town (72) and Pinedale (71) - have been completed to so far.

“This work will continue,

tomers, with two of the six major well fields brought back online and regular potable water supply has been connected to 80 percent or more of the City of Freeport. Water supply in East Grand Bahama was uninterrupted throughout the Hurricane as the High Rock Well Fields stayed operational.

“Limited potable water supply is currently being pumped to substations in West Grand Bahama, providing potable water to residents in Eight Mile Rock to West End. GBUC is currently working on repairing ruptured mains in the western end of the island to quickly restore full supply to the respective communities, and will continue to restore water supply, in a phased manner, over the next few days and weeks, as damaged infrastructure is repaired.”

The Grand Bahama

malcy, the lives of affected residents,” NEMA said in a statement.

“Utility poles and downed power and telephone lines are being removed and secured daily. As electricity is being restored in various communities, work teams will work through the evening in an effort to expedite the clearing up process.”

NEMA reminded people to store damaged appliances and furniture in safe places outside their walls and fences for easy collection by the pick-up crew and where possible, encouraged them to transport garbage, furniture and other bulk waste to the New Providence Landfill at no cost.

The Prime Minister has signed an Exigency Order, enabling impacted residents of New Providence Grand Bahama, the Berry Islands and North and Central Andros to bring in specified goods, duty free.

NEMA also said the government is giving consideration to the incentive

and assistance packages to help businesses re-open in the shortest possible time.

Meetings have been held with business leaders in an effort to bring relief and develop the most effective model to jump start businesses.

“A comprehensive assessment of fishermen and farmers will commence this week with a view to determining the extent of losses and the level of assistance and support to be given to those impacted,” NEMA’s statement read. “The Government will work with the Clearing Banks in an effort to devise a formula for persons whose homes were destroyed and large mortgage payments exist.

Encouraged by one banking institution which has pledged to review its ease of loan payments programme, the Government will continue to explore all options to soften the hardship persons endure with mortgage loans, where homes were either destroyed or severely

RAND MEMORIAL HOSPITAL BACK TO FULL OPERATION THE Rand Memorial Hospital in Freeport is fully operational with full power and all essential services restored after Hurricane Matthew, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported last night.

The agency also reported that the High Rock and McClean’s Town Clinics in East Grand Bahama are open and services restored.

The flooded temporary clinic at West End has been re-opened in another location in the community.

The Eight Mile Rock Clinic will continue its regular operations, including extended clinic hours, and will assume responsibility for services in the West End community as well.

Matthew swept throughout Grand Bahama with hurricane-force winds in excess of 150mph, damaging much of the residences and infrastructure on the

with added trained field workers from New Providence joining the Social Services teams in Grand Bahama,” last night’s report said.

Urban Renewal 2.0 is also working within the communities offering assistance with food and humanitarian aid.

NEMA said the Department of Environmental Health Services has “increased its surveillance in most vulnerable areas, and is providing updates to the Grand Bahama communities on a regular basis.

Clean up crews have been working within the various settlements to ensure that standing bodies of water is treated and garbage and disaster generated debris are collected and disposed of properly.”

The Grand Bahama Utility Company (GBUC) is reported to have started restoring supply to its cus-

Power Company had by Wednesday restored power to more than 4,000 customers with increasingly more homes and businesses being reconnected to the power grid in the City of Freeport.

The company is being assisted by its international partners and accordingly, 200 additional support staff and 100 additional emergency repair vehicles to supplement its on-island workforce have arrived in Grand Bahama.

The majority of hotels suffered major roof and/ or infrastructural damage and are undergoing repairs.

The Pelican Bay Hotel has resumed business and the Lighthouse Point is proposing October 24 as their reopening date.

Grand Bahama airport is open for emergency and domestic flights only. The domestic terminal, as well as the international terminal/ United States pre-clearance

facility, experienced roof damages. Re-commissioning will follow the restoration of power and water; as well as the full operation of all navigational equipment.

The Seaport is open for emergency cargo services only and other limited services. The Freeport Container Port is experiencing some challenges.

All government buildings were impacted in one way or another. Most services to the public are limited and will increase over the next several weeks as essential services are returned to normalcy.

Many humanitarian gestures from businesses, individuals and service organisations have reached the various communities. The Bahamas Red Cross Society, Rotary Clubs and other service clubs as well as churches and civic groups, have moved throughout the communities with supplies.

HOW TO MAKE USE OF EXIGENCY ORDER FOR HURRICANE SUPPLIES BUSINESSES interested in selling duty-free and VAT-free qualified goods during the designated hurricane recovery period of 180 days from the passing of Hurricane Matthew are invited to make an application to the Hurricane Relief Section of the Customs Department by completing the required Customs form. Upon approval of such application, businesses would be permitted to make duty-free and VAT-free sales to qualifying customers.

Businesses are required to ensure that customers submit NEMA application forms with NEMA authorised signatures and copies of identification before duty/VAT-free sales are finalised.

Forms are to be submitted monthly along with sales invoices to the Department of Inland Revenue through the online tax

administration system for verification. In cases where Customs duties have already been paid, businesses can also apply for the refund of duty previously paid.

Businesses are encouraged to contact NEMA or Bahamas Customs Hurricane Relief Section if clarification or additional information is required.

Individuals qualifying under the exigency order and purchasing building materials, electrical, plumbing fixtures and materials, household furniture, furnishings, appliances and generators may make purchases from local business and may do so without prior approval from NEMA if purchases are less than $10,000.

Individuals must submit a properly completed NEMA form to the merchant at the time of purchase. For purchases of more than $10,000, NEMA approval as noted by a NEMA authorised

signature, is required.

Individuals importing goods and applying for duty and VAT exemption Individuals who qualify under the exigency order will be allowed to import goods valued at $3,000 or less without NEMA approval once they accompany their goods and complete a NEMA application and a C18 Customs form (accompanied baggage form). In these instances, Department of Customs officials will be able to provide approval at the border.

Individuals who qualify under the exigency order and are importing goods on a Customs form C13 Home Consumption form may do so without prior approval from NEMA provided the value of the goods being imported is less than $10,000. In these instances, individuals must com-

plete a NEMA verification of damage and request form for the replacement of building materials, electrical, plumbing fixtures and materials, household furniture, furnishings, appliances and generators.

A Customs officer of a rank no less than superintendent will be responsible for approving the release of the qualified goods at the border. Individuals seeking to import goods under the exigency order on more than one occasion will be required to obtain prior approval from NEMA. In all other instances and for the importation of motor vehicles, NEMA approval will be required prior to the clearance and release of the goods. Please note that the NEMA verification and replacement request form for damage motor vehicle form must be completed.

Businesses importing goods Businesses that suffered damage and wish to access duty and VAT benefits under the exigency order for foreign and local purchases should have a valid tax identification number (TIN) and must obtain prior approval from NEMA before the clearance and release of goods.

Clothing is not covered by the exigency order and is considered a relief good. Duty and VAT free importation of clothing is subject to the approval of the Ministry of Finance. Such approval would only be granted prior to the arrival of the goods.

Individuals and businesses found guilty of fraud will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

All approvals would be subject to the post release review by Customs, NEMA and the Department of Inland Revenue.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, October 17, 2016, PAGE 15