10242016 news

MONDAY i’m lovin’ it!

HIGH 83ºF LOW 72ºF

The Tribune L ATEST NE WS ON TRIBUNE242.COM

SUN & CLOUDS

The People’s Paper

Volume: 112 No.220

Biggest And Best!

MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2016

PRICE – $1 (Family Islands $1.50)

BUYING A HOME?

TRUCKERS ARE CHAMPS WOMEN’S SOFTBALL - SEE SPORTS

PROPERTY GUIDE INSIDE

Stay out of FNM business, PM told resist him in the next general election.

Last week in the House of Assembly, the prime minister urged FNM Montagu MP Richard Lightbourn and St Anne’s MP Hubert Chipman to “resist with all your might” any attempt by the opposition leader to end their political careers.

Mr Christie also accused Dr Minnis of keeping both sidelined MPs in the dark on nonpartisan hurricane relief efforts for their respective constituencies.

“I only want to say to the prime minister, to stay out of FNM business,” Dr Minnis said when he was contacted.

SEE PAGE SIX

PLP MAY DISCUSS DELAY IN HOLDING CONVENTION

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

WHEN the Progressive Liberal Party’s Candidates Committee meets tonight, it is possible that high-ranking PLPs will hear arguments regarding the postponement of the organisation’s national convention, according to PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts yesterday.

However, only the party’s National General Council, Mr Roberts said, is able to make the decision as to whether the political event should be rescheduled. He said the council meets on

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

TWO men are dead and six others are in hospital after a series of shooting incidents over the weekend.

In the latest incident police said a man was shot and killed after an argument SEE PAGE THREE

A celebration of nations

Christie warned after advice to party’s MPs

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis told Prime Minister Perry Christie yesterday “to stay out of the FNM’s business” as he castigated the nation’s leader over his recent admission that he had not visited his own constituency in the wake of Hurricane Matthew, saying this was proof of “absolutely poor representation”.

In an interview with The Tribune, Dr Minnis said while the prime minister attempts to tell FNM MPs to “resist” him (Dr Minnis), he was certain that those living in Mr Christie’s constituency - Centreville - will

TWO DEAD, SIX HURT IN WEEKEND SHOOTINGS

CONVENTION SHOULD NOT BE POSTPONED - SEE INSIGHT Thursday.

The five-day convention is scheduled for the last week in November at the Melia Nassau Beach Resort.

The party has not had a convention since 2009.

“No decision has been taken to not proceed,” Mr Roberts told The Tribune.

“We will be meeting on Monday and we may listen SEE PAGE SIX

FUN at the fair as people show off their Cuban colours during the International Cultural Wine and Food Festival in Botanical Gardens.

See page two for more from the event.

Photo: Aaron Davis

BPL: 96% HAVE POWER RESTORED

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMAS Power and Light has restored electricity to approximately 96 per cent of customers in New Providence and has substantially completed restoration efforts in North and Central Andros, BPL said yesterday.

In a press release, the company said it is “eying 98 per cent” restoration by today and continuing an “aggressive approach” to have the remaining four per cent of customers connected by

the end of the week.

“BPL has completed its core restoration work in most of its most challenging areas, including South Beach east, Sanford Drive, Coral Harbour and Adelaide,” the statement said.

“The company anticipates that it will complete restoration work in Seabreeze and Imperial Park

by Monday, October 24 and will continue working in South Beach west. The company also reminds customers that if they live in areas where there was flooding, the Ministry of Works must complete inspections

before areas can be energised and approvals must be given from the Ministry to reconnect homes with flood damage. As for other areas where power has not been restored, BPL plans to target most of these areas within the week.”

BPL said it has made “excellent progress” in North and Central Andros, however there are just over 100 properties in those areas that require inspections by the Ministry of Works before BPL can connect their individual services.

SEE PAGE FIVE

MILLER: WE SHOULDN’T HAVE BROUGHT IN FOREIGNERS

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

TALL Pines MP Leslie Miller criticised Bahamas Power and Light Company Ltd and the government yesterday for “bringing in foreigners” to assist in restoring power to New Providence when, Mr Miller claimed, “Bahamians could have done the same job.”

In an interview with The Tribune, Mr Miller speculated that the government is paying more than $1m to

LESLIE MILLER “outsiders” when qualified Bahamians are being overlooked “for no real reason.”

The former Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) executive chairman said “never in the history of The Bahamas” has any foreign company ever had to be brought in to assist with restoration efforts. Last week in a press release, BPL announced that two teams from PowerSecure and two from the Caribbean Electricity Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC) arrived in New Providence to “ramp up the pace of restoration”.

SEE PAGE FIVE

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

ALLEN’S $100K DEMAND REJECTED

BY LOI GROUP

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE group at the centre of the Renward Wells Letter of Intent (LOI) controversy rejected an ex-Cabinet Minister’s alleged $100,000 demand for sending a solitary letter to the Government over its waste-to-energy proposal.

Stellar Energy, in legal documents detailing its claim for $727,364 million in damages, claimed that Algernon Allen and his law firm sent them a $100,000 invoice after sending Mr Wells a letter that obtained “an encouraging reply”.

The company’s statement of claim, filed with the Supreme Court just before Hurricane Matthew struck, alleges that it “entered into a legal representation agreement” with Mr Allen, and Allen, Allen & Company, in October 2013.

FULL STORY, SEE BUSINESS

PAGE 2, Monday, October 24, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

A celebration of nations

THE ANNUAL International Cultural Wine and Food Festival was held in Botanical Gardens, bringing the crowds out to sample food and drink from around the world. The gardens were busy as people flocked to the popular event.

Photo: Aaron Davis

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, October 24, 2016, PAGE 3

Community fills the gap as school doors remain closed

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

A GROUP of community leaders and volunteers last week opened a temporary community school aimed at continuing the education of the students of all ages, while government schools remain closed due to the damage caused by Hurricane Matthew.

In an interview with The Tribune, community activist Ranard Henfield and founder of the Our Carmichael Group, said he woke up last Wednesday and realised that children had been out of school, not learning, for nearly two weeks. He said while he understood the challenges the Ministry of Education was facing in the wake of Hurricane Matthew, he thought “enough was enough” and the children needed to be educated.

Within one hour of posting a plea for help on social media, Mr Henfield said he received donations for school supplies, tents, food and water and had several qualified teachers volunteer their time.

Saint Ambrose Anglican Church on Carmichael Road and Adelaide Primary School volunteered their facilities to be used as school campuses. Despite still being without electricity or water, Mr Henfield said Adelaide School agreed to let the students use its yard, which is shaded by large trees.

He said once the idea went viral on Facebook, the donations from local businesses as well as private citizens began pouring in.

The schools, which cater to children of all ages, opened on Thursday, October 20, with nearly 100 students between the ages of 4 and 16.

“The set up is like the all age schools in the Family Islands,” he said. “I was over-

STUDYING while out of school - two of the youngsters taking part in the lessons organised by community leaders and volunteers. Photos: Tim Clarke/Tribune Staff whelmed with the support Education problem, this is we got. Within the hour we a parenting problem and it had donations from Ken- is time for all of us to work tucky Fried Chicken, Out- together. This hurricane has back Steakhouse, Rotary, exposed so many issues. For teachers donated their time, Our Carmichael, educating we had tents and persons and empowering persons is our mission. The hurricane donating money.

“We just wanted to be cannot stop our kids from able to help the kids. We learning. So we will be here are packed with kids at both until school opens, if they locations - the turn out was keep moving the date, we great. I had an opportunity will be here until whenever.”

If anyone wants to assist, to sit down and speak with the kids and what I realised Mr Henfield said at this mowas maybe seven out of eve- ment there is not a need for ry 10 of the kids were be- supplies, however they can hind in school. There were always use extra volunteers.

Public schools through9th graders who have never done algebra and could not out New Providence, Grand do simple math. Grammar Bahama and North Andros are expected to reopen is a problem for some.

“This is not a Ministry of Tuesday.

SOME of the students tackling their studies while their school doors remain closed.

TWO DEAD, SIX HURT IN WEEKEND SHOOTINGS from page one

with another man inside a nightclub in Murphy Town, Abaco.

The killing took place shortly after 4am on Sunday.

It brought the country’s latest murder count to 81, according to The Tribune’s records.

According to police reports, the victim was involved in an argument with another man near a nightclub off S C Bootle Highway. Shortly after the argument, the suspect allegedly went to his vehicle, got a shotgun and shot the victim before fleeing the area in an unknown direction.

The victim was taken to the local clinic where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Police in Abaco immediately mounted an islandwide manhunt that resulted in the arrest of two male suspects, who are being questioned in connection with this incident.

Police have not identified the victim but The Tribune understands he is Christopher Hield.

The second murder took place shortly after midnight on Saturday off Lincoln Boulevard.

Details of the incident are still sketchy, but Assistant Commissioner of

Police Stephen Dean said police received reports that a man, believed to be dead, was lying near the road.

When officers arrived on the scene, they found the lifeless body of a man who appeared to have been shot multiple times.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

ACP Dean said police have no motive for the murder and no suspects in custody at this time.

In a separate incident, shortly after 11pm on Saturday, police said a man was walking on Palm Tree Avenue when a gunman approached. The victim was shot and the assailant fled on foot.

The victim is in stable condition in hospital.

Earlier that day, shortly after 2.30am Saturday, police said a man was involved in an argument with another man at a nightclub on Fox Hill and Sugar Hill Roads that led to him being shot.

A man and woman, who were in the club at the time of the shooting, were also shot as a result of the argument. The three victims were taken to hospital by ambulance where they remain in stable condition.

And on Friday, shortly before 11pm, police said a man was involved in an argument with another man on Miami Street that led

to him being shot with a handgun. The suspect fled on foot.

Police are also investigating an armed robbery and shooting that took place early Friday morning.

According to reports, the victim was standing in front of his home at Moncur Alley off Kemp Road, when a man armed with a handgun approached and shot him before fleeing in a silver coloured Honda Fit, vehicle license number 320478.

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

PAGE 4, Monday, October 24, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

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

LEON E. H. DUPUCH,

SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH,

jrolle@tribunemedia.net

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

Publisher/Editor 1919-1972 Contributing Editor 1972-1991

EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON,

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

Published daily Monday to Friday

Shirley & Deveaux Streets, Nassau, Bahamas N3207 TELEPHONES News & General Information (242) 322-1986 Advertising Manager (242) 502-2394 Circulation Department (242) 502-2386 Nassau fax (242) 328-2398 Freeport, Grand Bahama (242)-352-6608 Freeport fax (242) 352-9348 WEBSITE, TWITTER & FACEBOOK www.tribune242.com

@tribune242

tribune news network

Watchdog needed for $150m loan ALTHOUGH the cost of hurricane damage by Matthew is estimated at $600m, Prime Minister Christie’s administration has negotiated a $150m loan with the banks to get reconstruction started.

Mr Christie specified that the condition of the loan was “that the funds would be exclusively used for the reconstruction effort”.

We recall that VAT was also raised exclusively to bring down our national debt, but so far, although we hear how much money VAT is bringing in, Bahamians have had no assurance – nor any visible signs — that any of our VAT taxes has as yet been directed to the reduction of a debt that is going to be the ruination of this country.

We have heard much about lost millions on failed Carnivals, but no suggestion on the reduction of ministerial travel with their entourages to help reduce spending, nor of cut backs in any other areas that could and should be trimmed to help reduce our national debt. All we know is that the Central Bank’s report in July this year recorded that a 17.3 per cent increase in total government spending spiked a $125m rise in the national debt bringing it to almost $6.8 billion at the end of March. Since then the debt has continued to rise, and government has continued to spend. And now we are faced with the first hurricane repair loan of $150m. The question now is how is it to be managed to make certain that it is used for nothing but hurricane reconstruction?

Bahamians have reason to be concerned about who is going to manage this large sum of money and whether it will get into the areas of reconstruction for which it was intended – and not be used on the side as a political mousetrap. Remember with an election looming, the temptation is great.

On Wednesday, Mr Christie insisted that government had checks and balances in place to manage the loan. He seemed to resent those who doubted that his government was capable of fiscal responsibility in the management of the funds. He claimed doubting Thomases had ignored basic facts about his administration’s fiscal map.

FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis wanted a special committee to be formed to monitor how the government spent the $150m. Mr Christie saw no need for it. Didn’t the government have measures “enshrined in law” to protect those funds? He then referred to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), the watchdog of the public purse. It is true under the Westminster system of government, the PAC is the strongest and most respected committee of the House. But this is only so when the government respects and cooperates with the system. The PAC is only as strong as the government will permit it to be. The committee has the power to send for persons, papers and whatever else it might need to help members scrutinise public spending, but when the House refuses to cooperate with supplying the information, the committee cannot operate.

Last year, Mr Christie took the opportunity at the time of the BAMSI affair— when the agricultural dormitory burned

down and it was found it was uninsured to goad the Opposition’s Public Accounts Committee. “Mr Speaker,” he said, “if they feel that there are discrepancies and inaccuracies, even fraudulent manifestations at BAMSI, they have the power to send for persons and papers and they have the majority of the committee.” He then bragged: ”It is that committee we used to expose one of the grandest displays of uncontrolled expenditure on the part of the opposition when they were the government,” he said.

This was when Mr Christie was Opposition Leader and the FNM was the government.

But what he failed to acknowledge was that his opposition party only succeeded because the Ingraham government respected the checks and balances of our system of government and cooperated. The Christie government does not cooperate and has not made it easy for the PAC to operate. As a matter of fact if one goes far enough back in The Tribune’s files the record will show that a PLP government has never made it easy for the PAC to operate. For example, from 1982 to 1987 the PAC hung up its gloves because the PLP government had made it impossible for the committee to function. So for one whole term, the PAC did not investigate the government’s use or misuse of the public’s finances.

Today’s PAC, under the chairmanship of Mr Hubert Chipman, was asked to investigate the Urban Renewal Small Homes programme. The committee asked the Auditor General to go over the small homes expenditure and prepare a report.

When he submitted his report, this professional was treated with disdain by Mr Algernon Allen, whose programme was being examined. Mr Allen did not like the auditor’s report. He obviously felt that the rules should be different for Urban Renewal.

“I am of the firm view,” he said, “that the Auditor General has failed to appreciate the philosophy of Urban Renewal; more specifically, the philosophy and policy of the Small Home Repairs Project, thus making the erroneous statements in his Audit Report.”

Here was a professional man trained in finance, engaged to do a professional job, being asked to bring philosophy to the table, obviously so that the rules could be bent for Mr Allen’s “little darlings” and “precious pearls“. These were the people that the funds were meant to help, and it was for this reason that the auditor general was called in - to make certain that it was in fact the “little darlings” and “precious pearls” who were the only beneficiaries. It was to verify this that the auditor general was engaged.

In view of this, how can Mr Christie ask Bahamians not to be concerned about how this loan will be managed? Because we have all the checks and balances in place does not mean that without the closest scrutiny by persons who are respected in this community that the $150 million loan cannot be misused.

It is true that the rules - the checks and balances — are in place, but as our files will show, they are more often ignored than followed. Bahamians have lost trust in their government.

Cartwright for FNM South Beach EDITOR, The Tribune.

LETTERS

THE silly season in politics has started in earnest and the craziest things are happening.

The FNM selection of candidates have taken all sorts of twists and turns.

Incumbent candidates have been dissed and political unknowns have surfaced and been given prized possessions.

The FNM has more questions to answer, Montagu and St. Annes have been the talk of the town. The sitting MP for St Annes have been surgically removed and Richard Lightbourn was humiliated and unceremoniously dumped.

There was weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Promises of candidacy have been given to all and sundry, for political favours but many will be shown soon how devious the leadership really is.

Long Island has not been spared of all the shenanigans, incumbent Loretta Butler-Turner have been threatened by Tennyson Wells to be replaced with

letters@tribunemedia.net Andre Rollins. No one is secured.

Hubert Minnis has been confusing the selection by promising two or more potential candidates for one seat. One such constituency is South Beach.

The Constituency Association and the executive of South Beach have expressed profound interest in popular, highly respected Shanendon Cartwright. He is a well-read professional with vast marketing and sales skills, an asset that goes well toward galvanising the support of the constituency.

Above and beyond the academic ability is his spirit and his love for people. His interaction with the youth makes him a far better candidate than others.

Dr Minnis has been trying feverishly to run political loser Joshua Sears. Mr. Sears lacks enthusiasm, and does not have the personality to attract people.

Bethel I played and that was all).

• To revive a body, one had to study the demise, which was fairly easy, for because I was involved for over two decades. Our basic problem was management and managers, for if we had capable managers how would a person not elected become president for life.

Therefore the task was to start afresh with the goal of developing players and executives. So we started a league, then a federation (without the BBA and BOA) involvement. Then we spread our wings and played in Inagua, Bimini, and Grand Bahama.

The first time in history that I knew of, we were given a grant of $5,000, with a promise of reimbursement for expenses incurred

in staging an all-Bahamas Championship tournament.

We had a successful Tournament featuring all four islands. (Only thing missing was the money I spent on the tournament).

After finding capable persons to carry on the fight to bring baseball back, I stepped back to allow the new blood to take over.

Which they did, and are doing.

THE ABUSE The only venue, Andre Rodgers Stadium was torn down.

The diamonds erected out front were turned into parking lots (I was totally embarrassed recently when one of the donors visited to view the fields).

And there is definitely no way that I will ever see (my) thousands that flew away with that tour of the islands.

His only asset is that he is a Minnis insider.

The association is adamant that they have Cartwright. The constituency has decided that for the first time, all of the factions in South Beach are all on the same page. The possibility of him securing the candidacy has brought a very high level of enthusiasm. The youth are genuinely excited for the first time.

If winning is the name of the game, Minnis would respect the wishes of the Executive of the South Beach Constituency Association of the Free National Movement. The way things are going now, with some indication that former FNM have defected, the party could ill afford to ram another unpopular candidate down the throat of constituents and against the wishes of the people.

Let the people have their say or suffer the consequences.

TIRED FNM Nassau, October 22, 2016.

Baseball in The Bahamas EDITOR, The Tribune.

BASEBALL in The Bahamas is not a step-child, but rather a neglected and abused orphan.

From its birth in the early fifties, the few teams were senior league, and played out their schedule on Fort Charlotte, which was terribly inadequate, however they got along.

Then between 1965 and 1966 the UBP government adopted baseball, and opened a baseball Stadium at the Sports Centre, with light towers made of Stainless Steel built to last a hundred years with advanced lighting fixtures.

This allowed baseball to expand and grow stronger by playing five nights per week instead of just Saturdays and Sundays at Clifford park.

• Baseball grew and replaced cricket as the national sport, and there was a steady development of the players. This was duly noted by the Major League Scouts who came in numbers and signed an untold number of players to baseball contracts. As a matter of fact we even had a “bonus baby” in Colin Thompson (brother of Mychal Thompson).

The popularity of the sport grew to the extent that at one time we had twentysix professional players at one time, and sent Andre Rodgers, Wenty Ford, Ed Armbrister, Tony Curry and Wilfred Culmer to the Major league ranks, and we had one Vince Ferguson who was voted the best player in triple A two years in a row.

• While enjoying this surge, baseball had a full

complement of Little, Pony, Junior and, Senior league Teams. Still only one venue (Andre Rodgers Stadium) with no particular practice venue.

• Some folks at Deltec Bank saw the need for Little and Pony league venues and donated five hundred thousand dollars to erect three playing facilities at the QESC. These were turned over to the Ministry of Sports to be used for the junior programmes (which never materialised).\ • I will not mention the debacle of greed that stopped the entire development of baseball for a generation. What I would say is that the first Minister of Sports to take an interest in baseball was Algernon Allen who gave me instructions to revive the sport sometime in 1993. (Peter

I know for sure that we have many aspiring players, because the Championships in Freeport every year gets bigger and bigger (over 500), so I long for the day when baseball returns to prominence with teams capable of taking on all of the countries in our region like we used to do in Wichita, Kansas, with the likes of the Cowboy, the Greyhound, Chicken, Butts, Closeline, Pegs, Stomper, Captain Blood, well, you get the picture.

Perhaps, I may live long enough to see another fan-friendly stadium, and practice facilities on all four islands.

Beautiful Dreamer.

JEFFREY WILLIAMS Nassau, October 1, 2016.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, October 24, 2016, PAGE 5

MILLER: WE SHOULDN’T HAVE BROUGHT IN FOREIGNERS from page one

DAMAGE at the Royal Oasis in Freeport, where debris has been described as “an eyesore within an eyesore”.

Royal Oasis and Bazaar hit further by hurricane

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net WHILE the island of Grand Bahama is now in restoration mode post Hurricane Matthew, the old Royal Oasis resort property and the International Bazaar in Freeport have fallen into further disrepair.

The main entrance dual thoroughfare is littered with debris, and some of the tall Royal Palms and decorative lamp posts lining the entry-way were blown down in the storm.

“It is an eyesore within an eyesore, if that’s possible. This area was once the gem of Freeport and it is sad to see it in such poor state,” said one Freeport resident.

The 500-room tower resort, and the 900-room country club and timeshare,

was the island’s premier anchor resort property for many years. The casino was the main attraction and visitors flew in from the US to gamble and enjoy Freeport’s nightlife, while staying at the hotel.

Guests would shop at the nearby International Bazaar which housed souvenir shops, retail stores, restaurants and bars.

In 2000, the Princess Resort properties were sold to Driftwood, which changed the hotel’s name to Royal Oasis Resort and Crowne Plaza. The developers closed off West Sunrise Highway, a major road artery that passed through the property.

The Bazaar thrived off the resort, which had high occupancies and employed about 1,500 persons. Hundreds of Bahamians were also employed in the vari-

ous shops there.

In August 2004, Hurricane Frances struck and the resort was severely damaged. The developers closed the property, leaving thousands of workers jobless. Businesses at the Bazaar were also affected and many merchants were forced to close or relocate to the Port Lucaya Marketplace.

The only remaining merchants are the Asian restaurants and a few straw vendors.

Harcourt Development later purchased the Royal Oasis resort property, but was unable to redevelop and open the hotel and casino property due to lack of sufficient funding.

The hotel and Bazaar deteriorated after years of neglect.

When The Tribune visited the property recently, it

BPL: 96% HAVE POWER RESTORED from page one

“In Central Andros, BPL has fully restored power with the exception of one customer in Staniard Creek.

In North Andros, supply has been restored to more than 90 per cent of customers who are able to receive power from BPL. Crews are presently working in Low Sound and Morgan’s Bluff and expect to complete restoration in North Andros by Monday,” the release said.

The company also

thanked its retirees, local contractors, CARILEC crews, and PowerSecure crews for assisting the BPL team in getting power restored quickly after the major hurricane affected the entire country, especially its New Providence operations.

Yesterday BPL crews were working in High Vista, Wild Tamarind, Kool Acres, Englerston, Vesey Street, Carmichael Road, Fernberry, Market Street (north), Mosley Lane, West Bay Street, Tropical Gar-

dens, Perpall Tract, Celery Drive, Faith Gardens, Oxford Avenue, Claire Avenue, Mackey Street, Chesapeake Road, Orchard Terrace, Woodland Way, Whites Road, Seabreeze, Imperial Park, Grove West, Zion Blvd (west of East Street), Bain Town (Meeting Street to Blue Hill Road), Fowler Street, Pride Estates #2, Soldier Road (east of Blue Hill Road), South Beach Estates West, Ranfurly Drive, Coral Harbour Road, and Boatswain Hill Road.

looked like a jungle of dried up trees and overgrown vegetation and there appears to be no urgency to clean up and remove debris.

Meanwhile in Port Lucaya, restoration work has commenced at the Marketplace and stores are expected to open when power is restored there.

Royal Oasis was bought

by Harcourt Development Group in 2007.

BPL also said the company sought the help of local contractors.

“They brought in these old, rusty trucks that we have right here on the island not being used because they don’t work,” Mr Miller told The Tribune. “What I want to know is, how much money is this going to cost us? This wasn’t a gift, they brought in these people and we have to pay them. I bet you any money that will be well over $1m.

“They have 35 men and 10 trucks from what I understand. We have 35 trucks here that we used to rent. When I was there, we used Bahamians because we preferred the money to stay in The Bahamas. That is $1m that Bahamians could have used. This will be one hefty bill. They didn’t want our help. They didn’t want Bahamians to do it; they wanted the money to go outside. We always used Bahamians and we never had an issue and we certainly never took this long.

“This is the first time in the history of The Bahamas that anyone had to be brought in to New Providence. All this is dong is telling our people we are incapable of doing something

we have always been doing.

I hope in my lifetime this never happens again but I would not bet on it.”

Mr Miller also said he believes he is being victimised by the BPL for “speaking out” against the utility provider.

“My constituents have been telling me that the guys from BEC said if they want their light on they need to ask the ‘potcake’ to do it,” Mr Miller claimed.

“Some of the corners still aren’t on and these people playing games because they don’t like me. In the plaza where my business is, every other place was on but me. I called and called and complained and nothing happened. I was told a simple line had to be connected to my business; I had to call in a favour to get the line hooked up. There is no doubt in my mind that this wasn’t intentional. They did it because what I said about the crew down there but I don’t really care. I am not going to stop.”

Mr Miller has repeatedly gone on the record with his belief that surrendering the day-to-day management of Bahamas Power and Light to PowerSecure was a “huge mistake”.

Mr Miller has said the new management lacked compassion and the experience needed to run BPL.

HANDY YARD/HOUSE MAN

Requirements: • Age 25-45 • Clean Police Record • Current Driver’s License • Able to travel • Experience in “handy” duties Bahamians only need apply.

Submit resumé along with a photo to: The Manager, Confidence Insurance Bahamas Agency Ltd. Shirley and Church Streets

Hurricane impact windows and doors especially to all Hurricane mattHew victims Special special offers October /November 2016 Don’t miss out – come let us work with you Are you building a new home or business or simply renovating due to hurricane Matthew?

Do you need impact windows and doors?

Than protect your investment with hurricane impact windows and doors.

We Buy U Sell Group Co, Ltd. new upgrades on hurricane impact windows and doors are specifically design and made to withstand major storms catergory 3, 4 and 5.

With 100% fully laminated and tempered non-cut glass you will feel safe, secure and protected.

Our prices are 30-50% less than our competitors. tHe good news is we are now offering our annual additional 30% discount to our already low prices to tHe first 100-200 new customers in tHe montH of october/november 2016.

We pledge our commitment trust and loyalty to making sure each home and business are fitted with the highest quality hurricane impact windows and doors at prices unbeatable anywhere in this hemisphere.

Come check us out.

See our quality.

Get savings you can invest in other projects.

Your choice is clear We buy u sell Showroom located in Plaza Opposite the entrance of Treasure Cove Yamacraw Road.

Call us and make sure you get in on this deal at

telephone 698-1140 or 698-1141

PAGE 6, Monday, October 24, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

Stay out of FNM business, PM told from page one

“He needs to pay more attention to his constituency. The same constituency that he admitted in Parliament that he had not visited during or after the hurricane especially at a time when they needed to see and hear from their member of Parliament. So what that’s showing is that their cries and their needs fell on deaf ears. It showed poor representation, which unfortunately then spilt over to his performance as leader of this nation, absolute poor.

“You must remember that this is the same prime minister who did not spend the constituency allowance that was given to him to help improve and upgrade his constituency,” Dr Minnis said, referring to Mr Christie’s actions while he was in opposition.

“Instead it was sent back to the treasury department.

“You must also remember that this is the same prime minister who said when I had asked about the hospital renovation being delayed and postponed, this is the same prime minister who said I quote he ‘will not listen to any gynaecologist.’

“Maybe that’s why we are

having so much crime and country. these problems in his coun“I directed NEMA, try because he has forgotten based on personal experithat his national security ence, that every member of minister (Dr Bernard Not- the Parliament should have tage) is a gynaecologist and a new team assembled, a he is not listening to him. multifaceted, multidiscipliHe must also remember nary team assembled, and that his governto call the leader ment’s leader of ‘He needs of the Opposibusiness in Par- to pay more tion and advise. liament is a gy“(Minnis) naecologist. So attention to his had three and how can he make constituency. he didn’t tell a bold statement The same his members. that he will not Now I underlisten to a gynae- constituency stand there’s incologist?” that he admitted famy here in the Last Thursday in Parliament ranks, clearly during continhe did not count ued debate on that he had not the member for a resolution for visited during Montagu and he the government or after the did not count the to borrow $150m member for St to aid in Hur- hurricane.’

Anne’s.” ricane Matthew Mr Christie and Hurricane Joaquin re- added: “When we said that lief and reconstruction ef- we wanted to establish the forts, Mr Christie accused teams, it was a non-politDr Minnis of pushing a ical decision to be able to political agenda in the af- empower the member of termath of the most recent Parliament to lead the way, hurricane. to be able to bring quick At the time Mr Christie relief, and to move out of said: “The intention was any thought of political mato put you in the position noeuvring because the MP where your constituents would have the carriage of would have seen you de- what is happening in there. livering supplies, informa“Much to my surprise, tion, doing all the things I’m in here having to listen you should do. The inten- to members tell me they tion was to strengthen the didn’t know, that’s not fair delivery of services in this to the government, not

fair to the process, that is wrong,” Mr Christie added.

To this, Dr Minnis said he immediately called persons responsible to ensure that constituency association chairmen sent to the relevant individuals. The Killarney MP said that he was informed that his instructions were carried out, and as such, did not know why the information did not get out to the respective MPs. Mr Chipman and Mr Lightbourn are among six FNM MPs who threatened to have Governor General Dame Marguerite remove Dr Minnis as leader of the Official Opposition if the party did not set an early convention date. They along with Loretta ButlerTurner, Neko Grant, Theo Neilly and Dr Andre Rollins - also wrote a memo to the party’s Central Council earlier this year outlining Dr Minnis’ weaknesses and failures as a leader.

Mr Chipman recently withdrew his name from consideration for a renomination, saying it was clear that Dr Minnis no longer wanted his contribution. Mr Lightbourn has also previously said he would not be a candidate for the FNM in the next election, despite earlier saying he had plans to run again for the party.

LEADER of the FNM Dr Hubert Minnis.

PLP MAY DISCUSS DELAY IN HOLDING CONVENTION from page one

to the arguments and decide whether they are substantive enough to consider the position.

“If it is to be changed it has to go before the National General Council, which meets on Thursday. If there

is any change that position will be taken there.”

Last week, in the House of Assembly, PLP MP for West Grand Bahama and Bimini Obie Wilchcombe said his constituents suggested to him that the convention be postponed in view of the devastation caused by Hurricane Matthew.

But former Attorney General Alfred Sears, who is the only person to announce his intention to challenge Prime Minister Perry Christie for the party’s top post, said he “totally disagrees” with rescheduling the convention.

He said the only change the party should consider is

moving the venue to Grand Bahama so that all money spent to pull off the event would be injected into that island’s economy to assist with recovery and rebuilding efforts.

“This is an essential democratic process within the PLP,” Mr Sears said yesterday. “It is not a governance process within a social organisation. We are talking about a process within the political organisation that is governing this country.

“According to the PLP constitution it does four things. A convention enables them to review the performance of the organisation over the past year and in this case it will be the performance of seven years. It reviews the platform of the organisation to see whether it should be amended. It gives the organisation the chance to amend the constitution and to make whatever necessary adjustments with governing structure.

It also enables the election of the officers of the party, giving the party the opportunity for the refreshment

of the leadership.

“This is a fundamental process within the party and it should proceed because they have deferred it now for seven years.

“If the PLP wants to show tangible support for the areas that have been affected, then change the venue from Nassau to Freeport so the money spent can be injected into that island’s economy and help with the restoration of Grand Bahama. That is the best act of solidarity,” Mr Sears said.

POSTPONE However, former PLP MP Philip Galanis said given the devastation in the country, especially in Grand Bahama, it would be insensitive to continue as planned.

He suggested the party consider January 10, 2017 as the new date, which would also mark the 50th anniversary of Majority Rule.

“I have been one who has been very critical of the Progressive Liberal Party

of not holding a convention now for all these years,” Mr Galanis said when he was contacted yesterday. “But I think the national interest is of greater importance and higher priority than a political party.

“I fully support postponement to early next year. It will be extremely expensive to bring people in from the Family Islands and also the money we spend on that could go to assisting with recovery efforts. I really don’t think people will be in the convention mindset having regard for the suffering they have been enduring because of Matthew.

“It could also be more momentous for us if we can hold it around the 50th anniversary of Majority Rule which is going to be January 10, 2017 in addition to which I believe that it would be an opportune time to introduce election candidates and to give a charge to them to commence in the campaign exercise,” Mr Galanis said.

“But principally because of the insensitivity that it might display by holding it so close to the hurricane.”

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Perry Christie described the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew as “utterly devastating” as he estimated the total cost of repairs to be around $600 million.

The PLP’s convention was originally planned for November 2015, but was rescheduled for April 2016 because of the devastation left by Hurricane Joaquin in the Family Islands and recovery efforts that were underway at the time.

The April date was then rescheduled to later this year to focus attention on the June referendum on gender equality, which was overwhelmingly rejected.

Mr Sears’ challenge to Mr Christie will be the first since Bain and Grants Town MP Dr Bernard Nottage and attorney Paul Moss faced him in 2009.

When asked about the prospect of another postponement, Mr Christie said earlier this month: “I hope not. Even if it’s just people coming to vote, so I can put it behind me.”

Mr Christie has previously said that he is not concerned with Mr Sears’ bid, pointing to “his record” and his “value” as key elements to ensure his re-election at the party’s convention next month.

Several Cabinet ministers have also voiced their support for him while suggesting that Mr Sears’ chances of a win are slim.

the stories behind the news

MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2016

insight@tribunemedia.net

PLP members walking to parliament on Budget Day. The party has been criticised for not holding a national convention since 2009.

No need to delay PLP convention

By TANEKA THOMPSON Tribune News Editor tmthompson@tribunemedia.net

Prime Minister Perry Christie will need to shake the stigma of being “late again”.

T

HE Progressive Liberal Party appears to be toying with the idea of postponing its national convention for the third time in two years, again under the guise of needing more time to help constituents recover from the damage wrought by a hurricane.

It goes without saying that every Bahamian has been touched by Hurricane Matthew.

For the more unfortunate members of our society, the ferocious storm left them without a roof over their heads, their possessions destroyed and their spirits depressed. Many are still without electricity and running water and will be so for weeks, if not months.

It will take years for those most affected by the storm to recover, but recover we will and we must.

But the governing party cannot use another natural disaster as an excuse to delay democracy. The party has not held a convention since 2009, even though its constitution mandates that one be held every year.

Party members deserve an accounting of how internal funds have been spent and those holding office should be called to explain how they have been performing in those functions. The party’s controversial leadership race needs to play out, even though the status quo will almost definitely remain the same after the votes are counted.

And perhaps most importantly, the country needs to hear the PLP’s platform for the next five years and get an assessment from party officials on its handling of public affairs during this current term as we head into an election year.

If nothing else, the PLP, and by extension Prime Minister Perry Christie, need to shake the stigma of being “late again,” constantly delaying events and policies that might prove to be unpopular instead of getting on with the hard work of getting things done.

Last week Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe laid out a compelling case for another postponement: many of his constituents were hard hit by the storm and are picking up the pieces of their lives. The last thing they are worried about right now is the pomp and pageantry associated with a political event.

“This morning when I was listening to (my) pastor . . . in our morning prayer he talked about priorities,” Mr Wilchcombe, who represents West Grand Bahama and Bimini, said in the House of Assembly on Thursday.

“There is something that we have to consider, Mr Speaker, and the PLP has to consider. And I say so because my constituents are asking me. And they are very concerned about it - should we move the convention? That is a very serious concern.

Do we go to convention next month?

“My constituents don’t think we should, Mr Speaker, because how do you go to the convention next month? That’s my constituents, Mr Speaker. At the end of the day I don’t support it either. And you know why, you all don’t have constituents that you have to ensure come to New Providence. That is an issue that has to be raised and we have to look at it. We cannot, Mr Speaker, not deal with it.”

While his argument may resonate with some, the fact is one can find any reason to put off matters of national importance.

But it is the role of the government to juggle arduous tasks and basically be able to chew gum and walk at the same time.

On Sunday, PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts told this newspaper that the issue of postponing the party’s convention would likely be discussed at internal meetings this week. If there are persuasive arguments to shelve the convention, the matter will have to be decided on at the PLP’s National General Council meeting this Thursday, he added.

former Attorney General Alfred Sears has suggested that the convention be held in Grand Bahama to give the island and econmic boost after being hit by Hurricane Matthew.

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

T Last week Obie Wilchcombe said many of his constituents were hard hit by the storm giving his party reason for another postponement.

This came less than two weeks after he told The Tribune that there was “no consideration being made” to postpone the anticipated convention.

If this were the first time the party was eyeing a postponement it would be understandable. But the PLP has a history of pushing its convention to the backburner when it is convenient in order to give “priority” to other matters.

Initially, the convention was planned for November 2015 but was rescheduled for April 2016 because of Hurricane Joaquin, which pummelled the southern islands last October.

Then the April date was rescheduled to later this year to give attention to the June referendum on gender equality. That referendum - which was also delayed multiple times - failed despite the government’s momentous push in the fourth quarter to sway voters.

With a general election to be held by May 2017, it does not make sense to push the convention off any longer.

If the governing party is concerned about the feasibility of delegates in Grand Bahama having the resources to make it to the capital for a week to participate in the festivities, then it can do as former Attorney General Alfred Sears has suggested to this newspaper – host the event on that island.

Not only would it eliminate the transport concern, but it would also give the island the economic boost it needs at this time, with money spent on hotel and travel related expenses for the convention.

Or the PLP can pare down the convention, reducing the number of nights from seven to two or three. Some of the money used for hosting a weeklong political event could surely be put to better use by donating to relief and recovery efforts.

Whatever the party decides, I hope that another convention delay is not on the table.

• Email comments to tmthompson@tribunemedia.net

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

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

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

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

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

MEMBERSHIP PACKAGES Individuals, Families & Corporate Sponsors Children Helping Children - $5 (Individual children from ages 6 - 18) Individuals Helping Children - $50 (Individual adults 18 years and over) Families Helping Children - $100

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

OPPORTUNITIES • • • •

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

BENEFITS

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

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

PAGE 8 MONDAY, October 24, 2016

Email: insight@tribunemedia.net

A police officer stands outside a room of inmates after a prison break at the Civil Prison.

A guard lies dead inside the Civil Prison after a jail break in the coastal town of Arcahaiea, Haiti, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016.

YOUR

CHOICE FOR THE FAMILY @JOYFMBAHAMAS WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/JOYFM1019

Haitian authorities recapture a dozen of 172 escaped inmates ARCAHAIE, Haiti (AP) — Police officers were searching cars and boats for escaped prisoners on Sunday after recapturing at least a dozen of the 172 inmates who overpowered guards and fled from a lockup in central Haiti, the prison’s director said.

The prison break occurred Saturday in Arcahaie, a coastal town about 30 miles north of Haiti’s capital. The community is far from the southwest area that was slammed by Hurricane Matthew’s eye earlier this month.

One guard was reported killed and an inmate died following a bad fall while trying to scale a prison wall.

Haitian National Police officers set up numerous checkpoints along roads to search vehicles. Small boats in fishing towns around Arcahaie were also being checked.

Heurtelou Paul Colson, director of the Arcahaie Prison, said the lockup housed 266 inmates.

Justice Minister Camille Edward Junior told Haiti’s biggest newspaper, The Nouvelliste, that the alleged mastermind of the escape, convicted kidnapper Yvener Carelus, was among the men captured after the prison break.

“He planned the escape from the inside with a few accomplices,” the minister was quoted as saying.

Prime Minister Enex Jean-Charles said the interim government has given clear instructions to the justice minister to “take all

Guard killed, inmate dead from bad fall while trying to scale prison wall necessary measures to remedy this unacceptable situation.”

Judge Henry Claude Louis-Jean said Saturday that the escapees stole an unknown number of weapons and some exchanged gunfire with police during the chaotic breakout.

The inmates attacked after they were released from a crammed holding pen to bathe, according to provincial authorities.

After the escape, the body of the dead corrections officer was sprawled on the ground and bullet holes marked the prison’s main door. Inside, the wrought iron cell doors had been thrown open and sandals and clothing were scattered about. Authorities held a prisoner who tried to flee.

Haitian prisons are notoriously overcrowded and many inmates spend years in pre-trial detention. It wasn’t immediately clear how many of the escaped inmates in Arcahaie were convicted of serious crimes and how many were awaiting trial.

Police asked jittery residents of the coastal area to follow authorities’ instructions during the manhunt.

The U.S. Embassy advised all American citizens to avoid the area.

Share your news The Tribune wants to hear from people who are making news in their neighbourhoods. Perhaps you are raising funds for a good cause, campaigning for improvements in the area or have won an award. If so, call us on 3221986 and share your story.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2016 PAGE 9

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

Keeping visitors safe from robbers and rapists is a cost hotels must meet

I

N 1993, I was in St Lucia for a Caribbean Tourism Organisation conference. Our government was represented by Tourism Director-General Vernice Walkine, and I was proud to be a member of her team.

One of the main topics was the escalation of crimes against visitors that was taking place in most destinations. In that year, the Bahamas recorded a total of 223 crimes against visitors on New Providence.

Most were were robberies, and most were committed against visitors staying in hotels rather than on cruise ships.

Director-General Walkine referred to the fact that 80 per cent of our tourists are from the United States and noted that - even back in those days - safety was a critical factor for Americans when choosing a vacation destination.

With the subsequent rise in terrorism and violent crime around the world, it is even more of a concern today.

“The Bahamas has therefore placed strong emphasis on crime prevention and stabilisation,” she told the St Lucia conference. “The escalation of crimes against visitors over the past three or four years is believed to be directly related to a de-

Protecting tourism from criminals in The Bahamas is paramount for the country’s economy and reputation as a destination. Paul Thompson suggests government security surveys of hotels would help prevent major incidents cline in stopover arrivals, visitor expenditures and the concomitant increase of unemployment.”

As early as 1972, the Ministry of Tourism had created a Visitor Relations Unit to deal with productrelated complaints. And over the years this unit had become more and more involved in issues related to crimes against tourists.

The Ministry of Tourism provides help where possible in these matters - including moral support from the staff of the Visitor Relations Unit, the facilitation of long-distance communications, liaising with the police and other officials, arranging complimentary accommodations and persuading airlines to waive travel costs.

A decade after the St Lucia conference, I wrote to Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe (who is also the current minister) on the important issue of hotel security. The letter was

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.

copied to the Minister of National Security and the Commissioner of Police.

At that time I pointed to an increase in the rate of criminal attacks against visitors and argued for stronger measures. I referred to the notorious sexual assualt on a young woman by armed and masked bandits (in the presence of her parents) on the upper floor of the Crystal Palace Hotel which failed to provide adequate security for guests.

I do have some experience in these matters. Following my 30-year career in the Royal Bahamas Police Force - most of which was spent in the Criminal Investigation Division - I was appointed head of security at the Paradise Island Resort and Casino, which later became Atlantis. I spent 15 years in hotel and casino security operations before working with private security firms.

On Paradise Island I was able to build an in-house security team that guaranteed the safety of our guests.

This approach continued after I left, I am pleased to say, and the Atlantis Resort maintains a security unit that is among the best in the region.

The owners and managers of Atlantis demonstrated a consistent concern for security and safety. They were prepared to invest in the security unit by offering better conditions of service, higher wages and opportunities and incentives for superior performance.

After leaving Atlantis I Horse Hall and later recovwas hired by the Crystal ered the money.

Palace Resort & Casino to Ruffin was as pleased as improve security there. To punch, and made a public help with this task I recruit- relations show of rewarding ed Lawrence Major, a for- the police with a donation mer assistant police com- of $100,000. I was asked to missioner, as arrange the my deputy. presenta‘It is often the case Our plans that hotel owners tion, but it included was never the training and managers are made - deof in-house concerned about spite several personnel, representasecurity only when the removal tions made of those we a major incident to the owner considered occurs. Masked men and his senunfit for the ior staff over should not be able job, and the the years. to get to the upper improveIt is often ment of floors of a hotel, the case that terms of serhotel owners vice for those apparently unseen, to and manwe wanted to rob and rape guests.’ agers are keep. Unforconcerned tunately, the Crystal Palace about security only when management considered a major incident occurs. In hotel security a necessary my view, the government burden at best, and did should conduct security not provide the support we surveys of hotels to ensure needed to do the job. compliance with commonAt one point, I was asked sense rules. Masked men to investigate casino em- should not be able to get to ployees suspected of steal- the upper floors of a hotel, ing. I was prepared to do apparently unseen, to rob this in a lawful manner, but and rape guests. when asked by the resort Hotel and guest house owner, Phil Ruffin, to check owners and managers must employee bank accounts, also appreciate how vital I refused to undertake this personal security is to vaillegal act, and my position cationers, even though it is was soon after made redun- a cost rather than a revenue dant. earner. Without proper Before that happened security, lawsuits can win there was an armed rob- huge damages for neglibery at the Crystal Palace gence, and the ensuing bad Casino, when almost $1 press can do serious harm million was stolen from a to our all-important major safe. The police chased the industry. robbers through the bush in Perhaps the worst hotel the area of the old Hobby security incident ever oc-

curred in July, 2005 - in Bimini of all places. A European couple - Bernard Dolzano and Barbara Freilin - were staying at the Blue Water Inn when a local man, Frederick Francis, entered their room, raped Freilin and murdered both guests.

Shortly afterwards I visited Bimini and made some inquiries. What I found was a shocking example of negligence in terms of hotel security. The Blue Water had only one night guard who was stationed at the marina. The villas and suites were poorly lit, accessible through broken fences and the room doors did not lock properly.

I wrote to the Ministry of Tourism suggesting that proper security should be a top criterion for licensing any hotel. Even the emergency plans of hotel properties should be subject to inspection and compliance measures. But I am not aware of any action ever taken by the government in this regard.

Although Frederick Francis was later sentenced to life in prison (where he remains today), that was little consolation for the tragic and unnecessary deaths of two innocent visitors to our country. And it did not make up for the inevitable bad publicity the Bahamas received as a result.

NEXT WEEK: Crime prevention and how the public can help Comments and responses to insight@tribunemedia.net

PAGE 10 MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2016

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

THIS WEEK IN THE TRIBUNE TODAY

GAIN AN EDGE

• Insight - Taneka Thompson looks at why the PLP should press ahead with its convention plans.

Plus former career policeman Paul Thompson’s series on tackling crime in The Bahamas.

• Business - Neil Hartnell reports that an insurer says that 15% of the roof damage attributed to Hurricane Matthew was preventable and due to shoddy workmanship and poor enforcement.

• Sports - The Lady Truckers won the NPSA softball title this weekend.

Brent Stubbs reports.

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

A NATIONAL DIALOGUE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

GAIN AN

A NATIONAL DIALOGUE ON H

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.

STUDENTS at an auto mechanics class at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute.

Opening the door to work D

EAN of Academic Affairs at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), Pleshette McPhee, often says “TVET is the new global currency”.

In some quarters, there has been a blue-collar stigma attached to TVET - technical and vocational education and training. In part, this reflects our white-

collar society. For far too long, there has been a public perception that TVET is mainly for students who are not college bound, cannot afford college or are unable

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.

STUDENTS get a look at the underside of a car in class.

to cope with college-level work.

This stigma that has plagued TVET institutions has resulted in parents and students having a tunnel vision view of post-secondary education. There is a division between the vocational and academic pathways, resulting in a barrier to and a bias against people who work with their hands.

It has been a bumpy road,

but the reality is that we need to stop viewing our education system in either black or white.

Success is not solely inevitable for those who trek the academic route. In fact, it is unfortunate that students are mainly channelled down the academic route, and if they are not considered academically inclined, they are pushed down the technical funnel as though it should not be a first consideration.

However, what must be recognised is that a TVET education is the catalyst for Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM).

Disapproving of young people who choose the TVET route is unfortunate.

To be globally competitive, technical skills are a must.

In fact, those who study technical and vocational education are the bedrock of the labour force. They are not second class citizens, whose voices do not matter.

Indeed, BTVI is an important gateway towards providing skilled labour to match the market demand throughout the country.

The institution’s staff and faculty serve as facilita-

DID YOU KNOW? • BTVI offers six Associate of Applied Science degrees • BTVI has an international exchange programme • BTVI has articulation agreements and Memoranda of Understanding with four Canadian and two US colleges • BTVI graduates are thriving at Atlantis, BTC and Cable Bahamas - to name just a few businesses • BTVI’s Electronics programmes inspire discovery and innovation • BTVI specialises in career training • BTVI produces approximately 225 workforceready graduates annually • BTVI offers job placement tors, who are on the ground working towards a broader national vision.

The reality is, the educational landscape is shifting worldwide and BTVI has a place in that scenery; technical education is experiencing a renaissance and BTVI is certainly even more relevant and important to the local workforce.

Hence, one should not consider vocational learning as a last resort for those who have failed academically. It is quite challenging. If technical and vocational education is seen in that light, it would help to shed labels.

In fact, goal 4.4 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals “by 2030 seeks to increase the percentage of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment … and entrepreneurship”.

Clearly, the thrust to peel back any stigma regarding technical education has reached international levels. There is a skills gap that has been identified in most industrialised countries. The key way to address that gap is through a more balanced approach to education that includes technical and vocational training to assist students to “Learn a Trade and Earn a Living”.

“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

HUGE TREE STUMP REMOVAL CALL US: 468-3977

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, October 24, 2016, PAGE 11

PEOPLE queuing on Friday at the temporary Road Traffic location at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium.

Photos: Tim Clarke/Tribune Staff

Long lines at Road Traffic as new system branded ‘chaos’

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net SCORES of disgruntled motorists on Friday slammed the Road Traffic Department’s digital automated system registration process, calling the newly launched exercise “utter chaos”.

Motorists at the department’s temporary Thomas A Robinson National Stadium location told The Tribune that a major source of contention was the lack of direction displayed at every stage of the registration process.

Additionally, various persons complained about being shuffled from one line to next after passing the car inspection stage, something they described as disruptive and counter-intuitive.

All this, they said, “while you’re in the hot sun”.

There were also long lines for car inspections wrapping around the entire lot, due to motorists taking advantage of the facility’s multiple entrances.

Road Traffic Controller Ross Smith said that while officials did not expect so many persons to show up to the registration exercise, the process had experienced no major hiccups and that things were “going well.”

Transport and Aviation Minister Glenys Hanna Martin was also present at the Thomas A Robinson Stadium on Friday, doing her best to convince those present that the inconveniences would pay off in the long run with the implementation of the automated system.

“At every stage you get thrown off,” said one woman. “Even if you were in the front from (car) inspection,

you get thrown off because you get put on another line.

Then you get put on another line. You come over here, they send you over there. So by the time as everybody walks over there, everybody is out of line. So you could start in the beginning you could still end up in the end. It’s not even organised mess. It’s not even that good. It’s just a mess.”

The woman told The Tribune that at one point, after spending so much time waiting, she had to leave the line just to eat and drink because of her diabetes, which automatically relegated her to the back of the line.

“There are no directions, no one telling you, ‘Oh ma’am, let me see your documents, what are you doing today? Oh you should join that line there,’” she added.

“Or even, do you see how these barricades are here?

Why can’t the barricades be in a line so you know which line you’re supposed to be in? No order to anything.”

Another customer, Ricardo Trottman, said the registration process had been “utter chaos” since he arrived at the stadium at 8.30am.

“I know it’s the first day so we do understand that, but communication is the key,” he said. “We just like to know exactly what’s going on. How long do we have to wait, or are we going to have to come back? Can we get served by at least 5 o’clock? Just say something to us.

“They haven’t said anything. We were on one line, they took us from that line and put us on another line.

Then took us from that line to bring us back to that line, then took us from that line to bring us back to this line.

So it’s just a wait-and-see process. But if we’d have

some idea of what’s going on at least we’d be satisfied.”

Responding to criticism on Friday, Mr Smith was adamant that the process had been “going well” up to that point. However, he hinted at the possibility of tweaking the registration process to make it more user friendly.

He also told The Tribune that officials will address the possibility of extended hours “once we have gotten over the hurdle of Monday and Tuesday”.

“We didn’t expect the large crowd, but we have done well at managing that crowd,” he said.

“And we believe at the end of the day everybody will be served. But I think moving forward on Monday we will do some things differently.”

Mr Smith also dismissed assertions that the large turnout had an impact on the efficiency of the registration process.

“I don’t think it will provide any challenges to the system,” he said. “I think what can happen is that persons who are using the system can get a little bit overwhelmed. But so far in walking around that is not the case. People are really holding their own, doing what is necessary, to ensure that they register as well as licence all of their vehicles and getting out as quickly as they can.”

The department’s $8m automated system eliminates handwritten vehicle information discs, in a bid to streamline the licencing and registration processes.

The new electronic system is expected to make it easier for persons to licence their vehicles and put an end to having to register the same vehicle every year.

HURRICANE MATTHEW BLAMED FOR DELAY IN TABLING FREEDOM OF INFORMATION BILL THE Freedom of Information Bill, which was intended to be tabled in the House of Assembly this month, is now scheduled to be brought to Parliament before the end of the year.

According to a statement from Minister of Education Jerome Fitzgerald, who has responsibility for the legislation, he met with the Freedom of Information committee early last week, which provided him with a

copy of a report following their wide consultations.

“It was initially intended to have the bill tabled in the House of Assembly late October 2016,” the statement said. “However due to the unforeseen setbacks caused

by Hurricane Matthew, it is likely that the bill will be tabled before the end of the year.”

Mr Fitzgerald thanked those involved in the bill’s development and applaud-

ed those who took an interest in the town hall meetings in Nassau, Freeport, Abaco, Eleuthera and Exuma, as well as those individuals who submitted written suggestions.

“The government will continue to seek to elevate the level of transparency and accountability in governance as it works in the best interest of the Bahamian people,” the statement said.

BAHAMIAN BOAT CAPTAIN DENIES TRYING TO SMUGGLE 17 PEOPLE INTO THE US A BAHAMIAN man pleaded not guilty in a US court last week to federal charges that he allegedly tried to smuggle 17 people into the United States.

According to an article in the Sun Sentinel, a US publication, boat captain James Sawyer was arrested on September 14 after the US Coast Guard stopped his boat near Florida.

According to the Sun Sentinel, officials only saw two men on the boat but authorities later allegedly

discovered “seven men and five women from Ecuador, three men from the Dominican Republic and a man and a woman from Haiti.”

The article said court records from agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) wrote that Sawyer claimed he was hired to take the migrants on a snorkeling trip and “when they got out to sea his life was threatened if he did not transport them all to the US.” But court records said

there was no snorkeling equipment or weapon on board the vessel, the article said.

The migrants had travelled to the Bahamas for the purpose of trying to illegally enter the US, investigators said.

According to the report, Sawyer pleaded not guilty to one count of conspiracy to bring migrants into the US and 15 counts of bringing migrants into the US. He remains in jail until trial.

CARS lined up waiting at the temporary Road Traffic facility.

PAGE 12, Monday, October 24, 2016

Claim of intimidation of activists in govt investigtion ATTORNEY and activist Fred Smith, QC, has written a letter to Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade requesting a meeting with the top police officer to put an end to “intimidating” actions by government officials.

In the letter, which was sent to The Tribune, Mr Smith also questioned the government’s “sudden interest in violence and harassment claims following a report to a regional human rights committee”.

“Dear commissioner,” said Mr Smith in his open letter, “first of all, I would like to thank you for the speed and urgency with which the Royal Bahamas Police Force responded to news that Save The Bays (STB) has reported certain serious threats to the InterAmerican Human Rights Commission (IACHR) at the OAS in Washington, DC. “Within days of the IACHR contacting the government regarding our case, senior officers made efforts to interview all STB members who had reported fearing for their lives and safety as a result of the environmental advocacy work we do across The Bahamas.

“Unfortunately, the approach taken by the RBPF in seeking to address this matter has – no doubt inadvertently – caused considerable concern among our board and membership. I would hereby like to respectfully request that

officers cease and desist than treated as the victims, from seeking out individual and it was certainly embarmembers at their homes or rassing and disconcerting places of work in an effort that these ‘visits’ were made to ask them ‘some ques- in public and at some places tions.’ of work.

“Our petition to the “All of our members are IACHR legally repstates ex- ‘I must express resented plicitly that a certain level of and my well-placed bafflement at the firm initiatsources who ed a written raised the RBPF’s sudden desire complaint alarm over to ask us any questions in Februthe danger ary 2015. at all, given that STB to our lives We are all and safety has made several also very also claimed official reports to the high profile some govpublic figernment of- police going back to ures. Each ficials are February 2015 and of us is well themselves provided voluminous known to part of the your ofevidence of a threat. fice.

We “As I am sustained campaign can be consure you of harassment, tacted by can appretelephone ciate given intimidation, hate or email, this alarm- speech, death threats, or through ing context, arson, violence and our attorsome of neys and our already a conspiracy to civil arterrified seriously harm or kill rangements members could have our members, much therefore been made experienced of which has been for meetan increased frequently publicly ings or dislevel of anx- expressed, as this is cussions, as iety and felt was done once again. As far extremely

by Assisintimidated as we can tell, those tant Comwhen ap- complaints have for missioner proached, Seymour’s on an indi- whatever reason not team in vidual basis, been investigated to Grand Baby police hama with date.’ officers. In respect certain into Joseph stances, it was as if they Darville and myself. were to be arrested, rather “I am the attorney of record for STB members who submitted the petition to the IACHR and I have advised them to decline discussing the matter in any way unless myself or an authorised member of my legal team is present. Specifically, concern has been raised that any individual police interviews could be used by the aforementioned as an opportunity to attempt to compel STB members to reveal the names of our sources – sources who, we are convinced, will face serious personal danger if their identity comes to light.

“STB is in no way accusing you, commissioner, or any member of your senior command of having such intentions; nevertheless, un-

NOTICE Dear Clients,

Our Electricity and Internet Services have been restored.

We are now ready to serve you six days a week, as usual Miracle Tours Management (Ph:326-0283)

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

THE TRIBUNE

ATTORNEY FRED SMITH der the circumstances, I believe you will agree that the anxiety felt by our members it is quite reasonable and understandable.

“I therefore take this opportunity to respectfully suggest that in the interests of all concerned, the best way forward would be to arrange a meeting between yourself and the STB legal team and counsel on our behalf in the Supreme Court civil action, where any questions the police may have can be dealt with thoroughly and comprehensively. We are prepared to provide any further documentary evidence or provide the documentary evidence already provided, once again.

“At the same time however, I must express a certain level of bafflement at the RBPF’s sudden desire to ask us any questions at all, given that STB has made several official reports to the police going back to February 2015 and provided voluminous evidence of a sustained campaign of harassment, intimidation, hate speech, death threats, arson, violence and a conspiracy to seriously harm or kill our members, much of which has been frequently publicly expressed, as this is once again.

“As far as we can tell, those complaints have for whatever reason not been investigated to date; nor have the alleged protagonists of these threats, Messrs Peter Nygard and Keod Smith ever been interviewed regarding our allegations.

“The matters recently reported – and which we continue to report to the IACHR at the OAS in Washington, DC; the United Nations Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR); Human Rights Watch in New York; Americas Watch

in Washington, DC, and Americas Watch at Harvard; Amnesty International; The Robert F Kennedy Centre For Justice and Human Rights in Washington, DC, and a host of other international and regional human rights NGOs – represent nothing more than a continuation of this campaign involving the very same culprits.

“The only new development in the matter concerns a series of warnings indicating that the un-investigated threats detailed in our nearly two-year-old evidence are once again urgent and immediate.

“Indeed, our decision to petition the IACHR and all the other international organisations, was specifically motivated by the failure of police, the government, civic leaders and political leaders of all parties to have regard to our earlier claims, as members felt STB would continue to be ignored until it was too late.

“Until the Minister of Foreign Affairs recently issued his press release decrying us and threatening to investigate us, we had become invisible and the activities against us were ignored.

“I am sure you will agree, commissioner, that it is not acceptable for hundreds of men to dress in Klu Klux Klan outfits, carry banners with all manner of vicious and threatening expressions, parade up and down Bay Street at Junkanoo and terrify us by hurling racist and hateful vitriol at us with no consequence.

“And yet lawyer Maria Daxon is to be put in jail and prosecuted for criminal libel?

“Indeed, we, like most Bahamians, sympathise with Prime Minister Christie and his family regard-

ing the insulting song authored about them.

I think you will agree that if such ‘insults’ warrant arrest and investigation, so do our pleas over the years regarding far more serious complaints.

“Given the detailed evidence already in the possession of the police since February 2015, and the comprehensive information included in a Supreme Court civil action launched by STB members in March 2016, it would seem that a thorough probe of this material is the best place to start any investigation into circumstances which led to our petitioning the OAS Human Rights Commission at IACHR in the first place.

“Please let me know if there is anything more that I, my legal team, or the members and directors of Save The Bays can do to facilitate a speedy and comprehensive investigation of our historical complaints.

“Given that it was Minister Mitchell, and not STB, that made our application to the IACHR public, in the interests of transparency and full disclosure, we make this an open letter to you. It will also be filed with the Human Rights Commission IACHR Protection Team in Washington, DC, and the other NGOs listed above. They continue to consider our petitions and to closely and actively monitor the safety of human rights, environmental and other advocates in the Bahamas.

“I emphasise that similar processes for formal protection have been initiated by STB with the United Nations High Commission on Human Rights (UNHCR), Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International.

This letter will also be shared with these agencies.”

SCHOLARSHIP LAUNCHED IN LINK WITH ST MARY’S UNIVERSITY SAINT Mary’s University and the Ministry of Education have announced a renewable four-year scholarship aimed at Bahamian grade 12 public high school students.

The only Bahamian scholarship of its type with

a Canadian university, it is equally funded by Saint Mary’s University and the Ministry of Education, with each organisation providing $12,000 (CAD) per year for four years for a total value of $96,000 (CAD). The first recipient will begin classes

at the Halifax, Nova Scotia based-university in September of 2017.

“We were very happy to find such a fitting way to honour the history we have shared together with this great region and to celebrate our ever-growing

Bahamian student alumni population,” said Dr Robert Summerby-Murray, president and vice-chancellor of Saint Mary’s University.

“We’re very proud of the hundreds of Bahamian Santamarians over the years who have returned to help contribute to the growth of their communities.”

The memorandum of understanding between Saint Mary’s University and the Ministry of Education was signed on October 17 in Nassau by both Dr SummerbyMurray and Minister of Education Jerome Fitzgerald.

“We recognise we cannot grow our economy without a well-educated population, so we have been seeking to develop scholarships for deserving public high school students,” said Mr Fitzgerald.

“The partnership we have created together with Saint Mary’s University provides opportunities where they might not exist otherwise.”

One scholarship will be awarded per year. The student will be jointly selected

by Saint Mary’s University and the Ministry of Education’s Scholarships & Educational Loans Division.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, October 24, 2016, PAGE 13

More than 200 turn out for Island Luck job fair

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net ADVANCING its recent move to acquire a 65 per cent majority equity stake in a rival web shop, Island Luck on Friday hosted a job fair, with a view to fully staff the new operation within the coming weeks.

The six-hour fair saw upwards of 200 job hopefuls gather at the Sir Kendal G L Issacs gymnasium, all looking to fill various posts ranging from cashiers and security personnel, to operations and human resource managers.

“We are looking to basically set up and staff a new company. The view here is that this is a new endeavour, and we need every position filled, from the very basic to the management level,” said Michelle Fox, Island Luck’s marketing director.

“What Island Luck has done is that we have collaborated with Bahama Dreams and we are assisting them with an operational restructure,” she said.

“With this move comes opportunities for hundreds of Bahamians, they need a qualified staff and, because we are partners now, we want to ensure that they have the best possible employees in place.”

A walkabout during Friday’s fair highlighted the immediate need for jobs in the country.

Of the hundreds of job seekers on site, the few who spoke with The Tribune all put forward a similar position - they were willing to

SOME of the hundreds came out to the Island Luck job fair at the Sir Kendall Isaacs gym on Friday morning. do whatever it takes to get hired.

A former construction worker, who identified himself as “Fire”, said the opportunity to interview for the company was something he could not pass up.

“I was schedule to be at work today, but if this works out, I could call myself an employee of Island Luck. One of the best companies in this country. This is as stable as stable work gets and the man in charge, Mr Sebas (Bastian), he has made it clear that he want to build up one of the best company’s in the world.”

Another applicant who did not want to be named, a single mother of two and

current cashier at a local footsore, said her quest at the fair was to secure a post in which she could earn a better wage.

“I expected a crowd, so I knew I had to get out here early and in line to get my stuff in,” she said. “It’s about my kids, they deserve the best and in order for me to give that, it all starts with a better job, paying me more money. And this could be it.”

Back in September, this newspaper revealed exclusively a deal in which an Island Luck affiliate acquired the 65 per cent stake in Bahama Dreams, a rival web shop stuck in limbo after the government’s reforma-

tion exercise within the gaming industry.

Tribune Business also previously reported that Bahama Dreams had been forced to seek a buyer after its deal with the proprietor of Super Value, Rupert Roberts, to place web shop kiosks in the supermarket chain’s stores was blocked by the minister of tourism.

While there still hasn’t been any clarification on how this new deal would work, indications are that the Island Luck affiliate group would act as a support base for the company, allowing it to be jump-started and operate as a competitor to the Island Luck brand.

Photos: Tim Clarke/Tribune Staff

CANDIDATES wait to be interviewed.

BREWERY DONATES FUNDS TO HELP WORK OF THE RED CROSS COMMONWEALTH Brewery Ltd has donated funds to the Bahamas Red Cross, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and its team members in the wake of Hurricane Matthew.

“We at Commonwealth Brewery Ltd believe strongly in corporate responsibility. CBL understands and appreciates that the Bahamas is merely at the start of what we know will be a lengthy and arduous restoration process and we are committed to helping rebuild the lives of all Bahamians displaced by the storm,” said Dennis Hanna, corporate relations director at CBL.

“The Bahamas Red Cross is highly regarded for its disaster and emergency relief programme and we are confident that our donation of $10,000 will assist their humanitarian efforts related to Hurricane Matthew.”

CBL has also donated $10,000 to NEMA towards its drive to assist communities affected by the storm.

In addition to assisting these organisations, CBL provided relief to its team members on the islands most heavily impacted by Hurricane Matthew. Hans Neven, managing director of CBL, said: “We believe in always supporting our team members in times of

crisis, and unequivocally decided that it was simply the right thing to do.

“In this instance, we donated more than $250,000 to our employees to aid in their individual recovery efforts. We knew that by helping our employees, we would also be helping to rebuild communities throughout The Bahamas.

“CBL has made these contributions despite having suffered extensive damage to its manufacturing plant at Clifton Pier, the company said. Repairs are expected to cost millions and Commonwealth Brewery is expected to be operational in the short term.”

PAGE 14, Monday, October 24, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, October 24, 2016, PAGE 15

SHAKING hands as China donates building materials to help complete a project at Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre.

Photos: Tim Clarke/Tribune Staff

CHINA HELPS WITH SANDILANDS GIFT OFFICIALS of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China donated building materials to assist with the completion of the Geriatric Hospital’s Therapeutic Lawn Project at Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre on Friday.

The project is phase two of the centre’s Therapeutic Environment Project Master Plan that was originally proposed by senior nursing officer Sister Adrella Gibson, now deceased, in 2012, and later launched as part of the overall treatment module at Sandilands.

The project is designed to remove the stigma of mental health; attract family members and persons from the community into the grounds; provide clients with “that vacation experience at home” and provide a healing environment in nature.

Huang Qinguo, Chinese ambassador to The Bahamas, made the presentation on behalf of the Chinese government.

Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) chairman, Senator Frank Smith, applauded

China for the contribution, adding that the donation will assist in advancing ongoing plans to develop the exterior areas of Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre for therapeutic purposes.

“Your contribution of materials to construct the gazebos for this project will assist in completing phase two of the Therapeutic Environment Project (which is located at the front lawn of the Cruickshank Ward),” Senator Smith said.

“Transformation of this site will not only enhance the therapeutic milieu and create an attractive landscape feature, but it will also promote stigma eradication,” he added.

Healthcare officials say the Therapeutic Environment Master Plan, along with the recent renovations and new construction that have taken place at the facility, resulting in increased spaces and improved facilities, will allow staff to occupy patients’ time more effectively, while providing a more comfortable, exciting and visually stimulating environment.

THE DELEGATION at the donation ceremony.