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VOLUME:114 No.235, OCTOBER 30TH, 2017

HO US E & 16 THE PEOPLE’S PAPER: $1

INSIGHT: CAN A PLP LEOPARD CHANGE ITS SPOTS? SEE PAGE 7

PAGES

We want justice for our mother

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

IN the 11 years since they witnessed their mother’s gruesome death, the children of former Tribune employee Ericka Fowler say they have been haunted by her tragic killing and the thought that she has been forgotten by the justice system.

Ms Fowler left behind five school-aged children when on August 19, 2006, she became the country’s 35th murder victim for that year.

Her youngest child, Lashon Fowler, was nine years old at the time.

In an interview with The Tribune, her children grappled with the responsibility of the state to child victims, and whether closure and healing were attainable after their childhood was shattered by such violence.

Their story unearths questions over the link between the level of support given to victims of crime, and the country’s fight against pervading social ills and violent crime trends.

“I just feel like they ain’ trying, the courts ain’ trying,” said Ms Fowler, 20, now herself a mother of two young children. She was nine years old when her mother died.

“I trying to figure out how you can murder someone, you have four witnesses, and it take almost 12 years to process. It just don’t make no sense. It’s bad (for us), you’re still trying to hold, still trying to be strong or whatever, but I don’t

HOME

RESORT DEAL CRUCIAL TO ‘SURVIVAL’ OF GRAND BAHAMA

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said Hutchison Whampoa has responded to the government’s offer to purchase the Grand Lucayan resort, which is “pivotal to the survival of Grand Bahama”.

While he did not elaborate on the response received, he said the government has referred the communication to the Office of the Attorney General for the lawyers to “work out something” on the critical deal.

Dr Minnis, along with Minister of State for Grand Bahama Kwasi Thompson, toured the property on Friday and was very pleased with the condition of both the Memories Resort and Lighthouse Point which sustained minimal property damage from the recent hurricane.

When asked about the casino, he said that it was not a priority right now for his government.

SEE PAGE SIX

‘IF THEY CAN’T RUN A CONVENTION, HOW CAN THEY RUN THE COUNTRY? PHOTOGRAPHED are four of five of Ericka Fowler’s family who have been waiting 11 years since the death of her mother for answers in court. From left, front, Lashon Fowler, Tanrio Fowler, (rear) Leo Fowler Jr and Natrell Fowler. Pictured right is their mother, former Tribune employee Ericka Fowler.

Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff know, it’s just rough.”

She continued: “Us, we came a long way because some people would have gone crazy. You see your mommy get kill, and you’re only nine years old, in the front of your face and there’s nothing you can do about it. You just gotta be strong, pray.”

Ms Fowler was 33 years old when she was fatally stabbed. She died from her injuries in the street in front of her Golden Gates

home on a Saturday night.

Lashon Fowler, her sister Natrell, 14; and her brothers, Tanrio, 12, and Targe, 11, witnessed the crime along with their grandmother, Mrs Rose Fowler.

Their eldest brother, Leo Fowler Jr, did not witness the killing.

Leo Fowler Jr was present for the interview with The Tribune, but declined comment.

SEE PAGE 11

MAN QUIZZED AFTER BODY FIND

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net POLICE are questioning a male relative of a woman whose partially decomposed body was discovered in bushes off the Sherlin Bootle Highway in Abaco last week.

According to reports, sometime around 2pm last Thursday, police were called to the area where the

discovery was made.

A senior police source confirmed the body was of 25-year-old Harderia Bootle, who was reported missing earlier in the week.

Bootle’s family raised concern after the mother of three didn’t return to collect her children from her mother’s house on Saturday, October 21.

SEE PAGE SIX

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

SEE PAGE 12

HEALTH MINISTER: WE WILL NOT SCRAP NHI SCHEME HARDERIA BOOTLE

SPICY SHRIMP & CHICKEN COMBO

IS BACK!

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis knocked the Progressive Liberal Party for its “chaotic” national convention, saying if the opposition party could not properly pull off an internal event, it cannot lead the country.

His comments came as he spoke to Free National Movement members at the party’s meritorious council members (MCM) ball at the Atlantis resort on Saturday night.

“Like 1992, 2017 was a major defeat for a deeply corrupt PLP that bankrupted our country and brought our country to the brink of disaster,” Dr Minnis said. “It was a defeat for a party more interested in greed than public service, a party that put their own selfish interests ahead of the interests of the Bahamian people.

SEE BUSINESS

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, October 30, 2017, PAGE 3

TAKING TO THE SEA TO HONOUR GOLD MEDAL SAILOR’S CENTURY PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis speaking at the Sir Durward Knowles regatta at the weekend.

Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff Monday, 30thPhotos: October 2017

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A REGATTA was held in honour of SIr Durward Knowles at the weekend ahead of his 100th birthday that will be celebrated on Thursday. Despite occasional foul weather, there was a good turnout and competitive performances at sea.

Changes ahead for Bimini protections

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net THE long-discussed legislation that would allow for the legal preservation of marine protected areas in Bimini could face several changes, as legal documents have surfaced detailing the 1998 purchase of a large section of the proposed MPA to former Bimini Bay developer Gerardo Capo.

In an interview with The Tribune over the weekend, Environment and Housing Minister Romauld Ferreira confirmed the validity of the documents circulating across social media platforms, but insisted the process to protect Bimini’s environment had not yielded.

Referring to the conveyance which highlights the 685.454 acres purchased by Mr Capo via the controversial Quieting Titles Act, Mr Ferreira, an environmental attorney, said a review of the proposed MPA by his office has shown that portions of the land being considered for the MPA was indeed “private land”.

Residents in Bimini have long demanded clarification on how much

Crown land Mr Capo had received, believing his acquisition of property in Bimini was made via investment proposals and not an outright purchase.

Mr Capo, through his RAV Bahamas/ OPAC group originally, and in later years, his Resorts World partnership with the Genting group, has been heavily criticised for his development of land on the North Bimini Marine Reserve and the East Wells area.

In July, amid claims that Resorts World Bimini was seeking to add a water park and golf course at the expense of the Bimini’s mangroves, Fred Smith, director of Save The Bays (STB), and Sam Duncombe, founder of advocacy group reEarth, both stressed the importance of an MPA in the area.

Mr Smith at the time criticised successive administrations for not enacting the necessary legislation that would have allowed for the MPAs. For his part Mr Ferreira stated: “This is something that we are now aware of, and as time goes on, we will have to figure out how to best approach this discussion moving forward.”

He added: “When we took office, Bimini was something we had as a top priority and that hasn’t changed. This is a new development that has to be appreciated and addressed correctly, but this doesn’t mean that what we proposed for Bimini has not been passed over or set aside.”

When asked if the revelation meant the government would have to adjust its plans with respect to the size and scope of the proposed MPA, the Marathon MP said some consideration would have to be given to the fact the property is privately owned.

However, he said the door remains open for extensive discussion with the property owner on the issue.

In June, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis vowed that as the minister responsible for Crown land, he would take back Crown land from people using it for purposes outside the “original intent,” particularly those hoarding it for future investment.

However, Crown land is not usually granted with claw back clauses.

Cardinal Bain, spokesperson for Save Our Home,

an environmental protest group based in Bimini, said he, like most residents on the island, was troubled by the reports.

The long-time resident of Bimini said rumours that Mr Capo held deeds for significant portions of land in Bimini were always treated as “island talk,” but he said, to “read it in black in white today broke my heart”.

“We in Bimini have been after the government to resolve this issue for years and to see it come to light like this is devastating.

There were always rumblings, but no one had the means to follow-up the trail,” he said.

Speaking to The Tribune moments after he left church yesterday, Mr Bain stated: “It is time to rally the troops. We have to enlighten our people here in Bimini and we can’t for the sake of our island’s future, let this go like that.

“We owe it to those that will come after us.

We have to reacquire that land and stop any further development.”

Mr Bain continued: “I am asking the government to do all it can to get that land back and protect it. It is important to us that it is done and done fast.”

SUSPECT DETAINED IN HOSPITAL AFTER ARMED ROBBERY BID A SUSPECT is in hospital recovering from a gunshot wound after he was shot during an attempted armed robbery, police said.

The wounded man and another suspect attempted to rob a man as he was about to enter his home in Yellow Elder Gardens around 11.30pm Friday.

Police said the man was about to go inside his West Dennis Court home when he was approached by two men, who had a handgun and tried to rob him.

“However, the victim fought back, struggling with the male with the gun,” a press release from the Royal Bahamas Police Force said. “During the struggle, the gunman suffered a gunshot wound and fled on foot along with his accomplice into a waiting blue Honda vehicle with gold rims.’

Police recovered a handgun used in the attempted robbery from the scene.

One of the suspects later arrived at hospital suffering from a gunshot wound. He is currently detained under heavy police guard.

Police also informed the public that a post circulating on social media that alleges

there is a white Tiida vehicle - licence plate number 0277HH or AH0277 - going around holding persons at gun point robbing them is fabricated.

“Police have no reports of any such incidents and are urging members of the public to desist from

spreading such malicious rumours, which has sparked significant concern among residents,” a RBPF press release said.

Anyone with any report of any such incident, or any other crime, is asked to contact police immediately at 919, 502-9991 or the

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PAGE 4, Monday, October 30, 2017

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

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

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What are and where are the PLP’s core principles?

THE THEME of the PLP’s three-day convention, which ended in confusion on the final day, seemed to be that the country’s first political party must get back to its “core principles”. However, although everyone described much of what was lacking in today’s party, at no time during the conference did anyone enunciate the principles on which it was founded, nor where these principles have been hiding all of these years.

In fact, one wonders if at any point in the development of the PLP anyone had ever heard of the founders’ principles, although on October 26, 1953, a full page advertisement was published in The Tribune to state the party’s platform in full.

“The Progressive Liberal party adopts this platform in the conviction that the destiny of the Bahamian people is to build a country in which every citizen can obtain a higher standard of living in the promise of greater social and political freedom.

“We chart our course under the leadership of the Progressive Liberal Party in the abiding belief that it is dedicated to the service of all Bahamians and not to a privileged few, and will prove its superiority over all other parties.”

Sir Lynden Pindling was just winding down his studies in law in England in preparation for returning home and getting straight into politics. It was not too many years after that that all Bahamians heard about was the “one man’s dream”.

And it was this “one man’s dream” that developed and grew and eventually led to the split in the PLP with the late Sir Wallace Whitfield going his own way with the eventual formation of the present FNM, and Henry Taylor, one of the three founders of the PLP before Sir Lynden Pindling returned from England and took over the party, declaring that in the PLP he had created a “monster” that had to be crushed. For a time Mr Taylor assisted the United Bahamian Party.

However, it was not long after that that the Pindling-Taylor quarrel was patched up, and in 1991 Mr Taylor became Sir Henry and the third Bahamian Governor General of The Bahamas.

Sir Lynden went on to win five consecutive elections, governing for 20 years, and ending with a country in much the same state that it is in today, with the same problems that we heard enunciated from the party platform last week.

From a party that was formed for the “service of all Bahamians and not for a privileged few” we had developed the “all for me, baby” privileged who

belonged to the inner circle. We also heard from a PLP minister from a public platform during the Pindling era that “God gave this country to the PLP,” and another government minister declared that “I am only checking for the PLP.” No, it was indeed a “One Man’s” dream, where there was no room for “all Bahamians” at the Master’s table.

In 1990, Sir Lynden, addressing a mass PLP rally in Oakes Field, commented that “the people of this country closed the old year in fear for their lives, for their personal safety, for their properties. We have an urgent responsibility to make this country a safer place in which to live.” Now 20 years later the words are the same.

Sir Lynden commented on many other problems – including cleanliness — but his emphasis was for the need of more discipline in the schools. He believed that teachers should be given more authority to discipline the students.

“We are falling back with so-called sophistication and not putting first things first,” he observed.

“One,” he told the crowd, “we’ve got to make our country the safest place.

Two, we’ve got to make our county the cleanest place. Three, we’ve got to bring discipline and skills back into our children and people. And with all those things we will make our country great,” he said.

He had promised jobs and he failed to deliver. That is when in 1992 he lost his first election. During his years there was the same corruption that we have today.

Little has changed – in some areas it has got progressively worse.

When it came time for the Christie government to win its first PLP election after ten years of the FNM, Mr Perry Christie knew that he could not promise the same old PLP, which was corrupt to the core. He won, because he made Bahamians believe that he had shed the cloak of the Pindling era and was leading a “new” PLP. Ms Monique Pindling is to be congratulated for giving an honest critic of today’s PLP, but in doing so she could have been describing the party under her father. Today’s party is — as it was then – “dishonest” and has allowed over this long span of time the political ambitions of a “few men to dash the aspirations of a whole people.” She accused the party of straying from the values it once had — those values were lost very early in her father’s day – so don’t blame it all on Mr Christie.

It is now time for the PLP to sit down and find its core values and make them known to all.

Watch out, Mr Davis EDITOR, The Tribune.

WELL finally Perry Gladstone Christie, has totally and fully left the political arena. I hope Philip “Brave” Davis will not take his counsel, but then it really does not make too much difference as to most, when you see Mr Christie you see Mr Davis.

Mr Christie’s comment on Ms Monique Pindling’s speech is what is so wrong with the PLP. Why not have a young, vigorous speaker to speak their mind? It is because you refused to listen, you and the PLP lost and if you continue the same old style of politics, you will not see the

highest office for a long time! Unless of course Dr Hubert Minnis & Co, royally screw up.

To my thinking, the old guard still controls the PLP - from its new Chair down.

What is there to inspire you? Actually I would be very concerned if I were Mr Davis. Mr Fred Mitchell wants the top job - so watch every shadow.

More than 6 months in with Dr Hubert Minnis & Co, they took 12 weeks off, basically no tangible politics, no announcements, no nothing. The People’s Time can only happen, Mr. Prime Minister if you satisfy The People, and the People are biting at the bit for action.

Pointe Hotel finally some action, I hope Bahamians will get jobs.

Post Office - General Post Office, no solution, no mail! You get bills due for June in your box today and who cares. Buy 3-20,000 BTU ductless airconditioners, and you have resolved the issue. Lord, surely Cabinet can approve that?

West Bay - surely BP&L could have buried the new cable for that fancy condo, opposite Christie and relayed the asphalt?

A week with the trench open!

W. THOMPSON Nassau, October 26, 2017.

Taking our beaches back EDITOR, The Tribune Re: Activists Triumph in Nygard Dredging Case.

The Tribune, 26 October, 2017.

THE initial explanation for the increase in property size was said to be a mysterious

‘accretion’, but dredging has probably proved to be more efficient. Still, if the property size has nearly doubled due to the dredging, surely the treasury has benefitted from a similar increase in property taxes that we assume have been paid.

However, the activists

should be careful not to p.o. this gentleman too much, or we may once more hear those ominous words: “Victory! Victory! We took our country back”.

KEN W. KNOWLES, M.D. Nassau, 28 October, 2017

Marijuana: Clear the records EDITOR, The Tribune.

IT is imperative that we find and enforce a consistent process by which to expunge or seal certain categories of crimes committed by young people to assist in the social liberation.

Juvenile crimes – stealing, fighting, truancy and experimenting with marijuana should all be expunged from the record of our younger generation.

Especially in the case of marijuana we should apply the law against its use, but simultaneously we should remove all crime records of those

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net who by their present life style clearly show personal transformation and redemption.

Simply stated, young men and women over 30 years and “going straight” but still carrying the penalty for a “Roach” or “ joint” of marijuana, when they were in their teens. I am not for the decimalisation of marijuana.

I am in support that we expunge the records of those found guilty with experimenting with

marijuana and other type crime that impedes their moving forward socially.

Too many young Bahamian youth are saddled with records of childish acts done while they were young.

A young man now has a college degree and starting a family, but he cannot get a job or go to Miami because of the penalty for some youthful crime still hanging over his head.

BISHOP SIMEON B. HALL New Covenant Baptist Church.

Nassau, October 28, 2017.

Hurricane relief EDITOR, The Tribune.

BAHAMIANS generally have a tendency to respond emotionally to situations that require thoughtful consideration. For example, we often send athletic teams to compete in international competitions. If my memory serves me right, in the past, our response to their victories usually seemed like a knee jerk reaction, in that there was seldom a standardised way to determine the appropriate response to their success, should they be given a large cash prize or name a street or highway after them, given crown land, etc. It seems so much simpler to determine in advance what the response would be so that both the athletes and the country would already have a plan in place to address these situations as they arise.

Our approach to hurricanes and other issues of national importance is no different. Even though hurricane season is seasonal and we have NEMA, I am not convinced that we have a well thought out or executable plan to address the different levels of damage that could occur in our

islands. In addition, we have no formulated plan to address how we should assist our Caribbean neighbours who are devastated, as we have just recently witnessed.

It would be unchristian to offer one kind of help to one Caribbean island and not be prepared to offer the same kind of help to others that suffer the same level of devastation. How can you offer one kind of help to the neighbour on your left but not offer the same level of help to your neighbour on the right? The appearance of preferential treatment would cause a blight upon national reputation and our efforts to render assistance in those emotionally charged situations.

Having watched national hurricane relief efforts in this country from childhood, it is my view that our emergency disaster management teams lack the necessary experience to effectively plan, coordinate and execute strategies that could save lives and minimise suffering experienced in the tragedies that hurricanes cause. Quite naturally, those in charge would disagree, but training

makes all the difference in the world. For this reason it is my view that we should always have rapid response teams ready to dispatch locally or abroad to our neighbours who may be devastated by hurricanes.

Our teams should coordinate with that country’s local disaster management teams. This would not only allow our country to offer help, but ensure that our local teams gain much needed experience that would greatly benefit us as well.

There are many 20 and 40 foot containers that could be converted into portable clinics or other ancillary emergency facilities that could be dispatched locally or abroad with supplies to render assistance during local disasters, but we have become so accustomed to wasting resources that we seldom learn to use what we have.

There is much we can do to benefit ourselves and our neighbours if we take the time to think. Knee jerk reactions just won’t do!

JB Nassau, October 3, 2017.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, October 30, 2017, PAGE 5

‘No gender bias in PLP leadership vote result’

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net ENGLERSTON MP Glenys Hanna Martin yesterday said her defeat at convention demonstrated her party and the wider country were prepared to support candidates based on their perceived viability, brushing off suggestions that her campaign had been significantly affected by gender bias.

Mrs Hanna Martin did not confirm whether she will mount another leadership challenge in the future, but instead stressed the need to push forward on promised reforms to ensure an election win for the Progressive Liberal Party in 2022.

She underscored her willingness to work “shoulder to shoulder” with PLP Leader Philip “Brave” Davis to effect those reforms.

“We want to position the party as best we can for victory in 2022,” she said, “party first.”

“I wouldn’t want to deal with any issue of challenge or anything like that,” Mrs Hanna Martin continued, “we just came out of challenge, the convention has spoken and I accept that. We move forward now, we need reform, that’s the one thing I think is very necessary. The leader has indicated that that is top of his agenda and I will be working with him shoulder to shoulder to ensure that we effect the necessary reforms. I accept the results, congratulate the new leader, he’s indicated that he agrees reform is necessary and I will work with him in effecting that reform.”

She said: “On the issue of gender, I think it played some kind of role, I’m not sure if it was the major role. I think that for me the takeaway that I have out of this most recent convention election is, and you know Alfred Sears said it when he was a candidate in the prior election, the thing I take

away from this is there is need for reform.

“We have to refine the democratic process in our party.”

The chaotic final national convention day suffered lengthy delays, which were attributed to the underestimation of delegate turnout and electricity failures.

The Englerston MP’s failed leadership bid won some 300 votes from delegates and stalwart councillors, with a reported 1,004 ballots cast for the victor, Mr Davis, last Wednesday.

Yesterday, Mrs Hanna Martin expressed gratitude to the block of voters that supported her nomination.

“This convention was the first to be held after our defeat at the polls,” she said.

“I think we have a few years now left to regroup, the party has to do that, it has to regroup. I stepped forward because I believe that it is very necessary for the PLP to go to a new direction, and at the time, I did not see that direction presenting itself with the status quo.

“The direction relates to our party but it relates more to our country because I see the party as being a pivotal agent in the future of our country or vehicle for the future of our country and that is why I thought it important to step up.”

Mrs Hanna Martin brushed off attempts to draw parallels between her leadership bid and that of former FNM Deputy Leader Loretta ButlerTurner, who made two attempts to challenge FNM leader, now Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis last term.

“I don’t think so,” Mrs Hanna Martin said, when asked if she felt her loss mirrored that of Mrs Butler-Turner. “I think it’s night and day, in the FNM the circumstances are very different. I don’t see parallels. I am very confident that the result of the convention shows that men

GLENYS Hanna Martin pictured during the PLP convention. and women are prepared to support candidates based on how they view their viability. I don’t see the parallel.”

The PLP’s internal process also came under scrutiny during its January convention, which saw former Prime Minister Perry Christie defend a leadership challenge from former attorney general Alfred Sears.

Last week Mr Sears explained that he would not participate in further contests until proposed changes were considered, adding it is “unlikely” the PLP will regain the trust of disaffected members or the voting public unless it undertakes a radical, “fundamental internal transformation”.

As for reforms, Mrs Hanna Martin said: “I think that it is clear, crystal clear, that there must be reform to the way in which these processes are carried out. I think that is the one takeaway that I do have. I had communicated previously to the trustees on a

few matters relative to this.

One is we need reform on money, how money plays out in these electoral processes and secondly we have to find a way to facilitate, especially for important votes like the next leader of your party, first time in 20 years that we’ve done this, to facilitate stalwarts who are able to participate even if they are not physically present at the convention hall, if only for pivotal votes of this nature.”

Mrs Hanna Martin said: “I think it is good that after all that has transpired, that this is the one thing that is coming out of the conversation, which is that we have to ensure that there is no question about the democratic process in our party.

“There have been concerns expressed, I think that’s important, and obviously it appears that the leader accepts that to some extent because he has indicated he will spearhead reforms to the constitution in this regard, and I look forward to working with him on that.”

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PAGE 6, Monday, October 30, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

CRUISE SHIP WORKERS SAY THEY ARE BEING PUSHED OUT

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

WORKERS in the cruise ship industry have raised concerns about what they believe are unfair hiring practices on privatelyowned islands.

Labour Director Robert Farquharson confirmed to The Tribune on Friday

that his department had received complaints and had conducted investigations into similar claims in the past.

It has been alleged that operations on private islands are largely unregulated by the government to the detriment of Bahamian workers, who are being increasingly displaced for foreign labour to do

menial jobs.

The workers requested anonymity as they claim that past complainants have been terminated or snubbed by the industry.

In a letter sent to Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, dated September 6, the current state of affairs was described as a “slap in the face” to unemployed Bahamians.

Signed the Organisation Helping Bahamas (OHB), it read: “The reality is that all the cruise lines are massively increasing their infrastructure that has the potential to increase Bahamian entrepreneurship or be to the detriment of the Bahamian worker in the tourism business.

“With cruise ship business operating their own

tours,” the letter continued, “it reduces the income to the Bahamian government due to no business license fees or VAT being paid.”

The Tribune also spoke with several other workers, who were not associated with the OHB, but held similar views.

One worker lamented that 75 per cent of the country’s tourists were brought

in by cruise lines, but only 12 per cent of tourism dollars came from cruise ship passengers.

“They do take advantage of our system,” the worker said, “and any one that tries to speak out about it, they will pick you off. The backlash from the cruise lines is as such that if you spoke up about anything, they cancel your contracts.”

Resort deal is crucial to ‘survival’ of Grand Bahama from page one “We are taking one step at a time,” he said. “Right now, I am trying to save jobs, and I am trying to save an economy; I am not concerned about gambling right now. Right now, Grand Bahama is suffering, from the early ‘90s, and I want to relieve that pain at this particular time.”

Dr Minnis said that the island’s straw vendors, bus and taxicab drivers have expressed to him the hardship they face in paying their mortgages and utilities.

“What is most important and instrumental to their survival is the hotel, and that is why the government put forth a proposal to purchase the hotel. We think it is essential to save Grand Bahama, but before we purchase, we wanted a tour to look at the hotel,” he said.

Veronica Clarke and Graham Torode, CEO of Grand Bahama Development Company, which is owned by Hutchison Whampoa, took Dr Minnis on a tour of the property.

While Breaker’s Cay requires significant work, Dr Minnis noted the

those in Grand Bahama.

“One of the things we have to do is work as hard as we can to get this property back up and running.

It is important for not just the tourism industry, but also for the residents of the island to benefit from this hotel,” said Mr Thompson.

Last weekend, Minister of Finance and Deputy Prime Minister K Peter Turnquest said the government’s bid to acquire the Grand Lucayan resort will “not throw the budget out of whack,” expressing hope it can be partially reopened for the 2017-2018 winter season.

Confirming that the Minnis administration was now awaiting a response to its offer from Cheung Kong (CK) Property Holdings, one of two main entities into which Hutchison Whampoa has split, Mr Turnquest indicated the government could not wait any longer for private sector bids to gel.

“Right now, we think this is the best offer available to us,” he told Tribune Business. “There have been other companies trying to purchase the property, but where they are and how soon we would see something happen, I don’t know that. The government is trying to be proactive and advance our position at least.”

The Grand Lucayan closed last October after sustaining severe damage during Hurricane Matthew, negatively affecting tourism on the island.

THE GRAND LUCAYAN RESORT 400-room Memories Resort is in good condition with minimal damage.

“I think we can do minimal work to get that going,” he said. “That will have great impact and survival of the marketplace, bus drivers, and taxis and Grand Bahama, so I think we will concentrate on that.”

The prime minister indicated the government has got a commitment from the Celebration cruise line to resume sailing to the island

in December, and introducing a second ship in April.

“So that would be two vessels, so it is essential that we have the rooms to accommodate Celebration. And so we will concentrate on Memories and Lighthouse so that we will have a room inventory of approximately 700 rooms and that would suffice at this particular time, but the most important thing is to save that which is pivotal to the survival of Grand Bahama,” he said.

Senator Thompson said the hotel is the centre of the tourism industry in Grand Bahama.

“It is important as leader of the country to see for himself what the state of affairs is with the hotel,” Mr Thompson said. “As PM has said, this is really the catalyst for our tourism product.

“We know things are slow and we know it has not been the way it should. But we thought it important he come down. The government has made an offer, and we are waiting to hear from those partners, and we will continue with those discussions as quickly as we can.”

Mr Thompson said the prime minister also met and spoke with some residents to hear their concerns.

“The PM has decided that one day out of month he will be working in Grand Bahama. So it was really important that he … meet with residents to hear their personal stories,” he said.

While on the island, Dr Minnis stopped at Wendy’s where he had breakfast and met with residents. He also went to Port Lucaya and spoke with the straw vendors there.

“Tourism is very important to the Bahamas, and it was important to him to hear directly from straw vendors,” Mr Thompson added. “He met with them and shook their hands and heard their stories. He spoke to the bus drivers and taxi drivers. And it was important for the leader of our country to come and hear the personal stories of

MAN QUIZZED AFTER BODY FIND from page one

The family tried to report the young mother missing a day later, but was told by police on the island that not enough time had elapsed for her to be classified as a missing person.

The family then mounted an unsuccessful search of the areas she was known to frequent.

As the family continues to grieve over her death,

police in New Providence dismissed social media reports about the homicide as “fake news”.

According to police, someone had falsely claimed on social media that relatives of the victim were focused on retaliation and were “taking matters into their own hands”.

Police also said social media rumours that Bootle’s husband was found shot to death at home were

also erroneous.

Police urged members of the public to desist from “spreading such malicious rumours,” which they said were causing “undue grief” to family members and the wider community.

Bootle’s death marked the 117th homicide this year, according to The Tribune’s records.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call police at 919 or Crime Stoppers at 328-TIPS.

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2017

THE STORIES BEHIND THE NEWS

A leopard can’t change its spots

PHILIP ‘Brave’ Davis celebrating his election as PLP leader and, below, his predecessor Perry Christie at the party’s convention.

By MALCOLM STRACHAN

truly a breath of fresh air.

However, the PLP, a party drunk off power and cushioned by the legacy of the FTER a tumul- late Sir Lynden Pindling, tuous PLP could not see the path convention, a it was moving towards. “new” official Instead of replacing Mr leader has emerged. No Christie as leader, Mr Sears longer in the shadow of the was crushed at convention, tarnished legacy of Perry getting a mere 169 votes to Christie, Philip ‘Brave’ Mr Christie’s 1,264.

Davis, is now finally in Evidently, the PLP did charge of the nation’s oldest not learn its lesson, but political party… for now. would be taught a much Although Mr Davis more valuable one just a seems to be reading his few months later. script in all of its crafted The Bahamian people eloquence, everyone knows told the former prime that the former prime minister that he wore out minister still has his hand his welcome. Mr Christie resting firmly on the pulse had big dreams, but was of the party he once led for malnourished in form of two decades. actions. An adept wordHe alluded to this much slinger, known for talking when he reiterated that he circles around even himself, will be there to offer his Mr Christie talked a big service if Mr Davis should game about his vision for need him to. It is certainly The Bahamas – but ran the wondrous that Mr Chris- country into the ground. tie would expect anyone to Now, after suffering its welcome his advice after most humbling defeat yet, being characterised as the the party is back to its old country’s “worst prime tricks of hiring consultants minister” by to spew its fellow PLP Since becoming hollow rhetoPhilip ric with hopes leader, Mr Davis Galanis. This of making viewpoint is has somehow fools out of widely shared forgotten pertinent the populace

by Bahamians once again. details to some of throughout You can the islands. the incriminatory hear it: a Leslie Miller, issues surrounding whole lot of known for not talk about the PLP’s term, withholding “new,” punches, has even going so far “rebrandon more than as to suggest that ing”, one occa“repenting” sion shared he was being kept etcetera, but a similar “out of the loop” on what eviperspective dence is there critical government of any of this whenever he discusses their matters. based on the election loss. results of this Even convention? before Mr Christie’s politiMr Davis served as Mr cal existence came to an Christie’s deputy during end on Election Day, the this last tumultuous term rumblings were there. Both in office. Since becomthe gaming and gender ing leader, Mr Davis has equality referenda fore- somehow forgotten pertiboded what was to come. nent details to some of the The Bahamian people were incriminatory issues suritching for the opportunity rounding the PLP’s term, to fire Mr Christie and his even going so far as to sugPLP government. gest that he was being kept One would think that the “out of the loop” on critical PLP would have been able government matters. to take note of the signs.

While we understand They had an opportunity the desire to distance himto replace Mr Christie in self from the ugly truth of January when Alfred Sears his party’s recent past, it challenged him for lead- is quite doubtful that Mr ership of the party. Many Davis’ memory is as poor Bahamians from across as he demonstrates it to be. the political divide liked Else, we would have much Mr Sears’ platform and his more serious problems on views on moving the coun- our hands if he were to ever try forward. become prime minister.

His plans and ideas were For now, as the leader of a

A

party still stubborn in its ways, Mr Davis is planning to spread the party’s “new” message across the length and breadth of the archipelago.

We still struggle to understand why the PLP continues waste millions of dollars paying foreigners for a consultation the Bahamian citizens are willing to do for free. It is what is said over and repeatedly in various social circles. It is what was stated on both referenda under the PLP’s last term. Most notably, it is what we, the Bahamian people, said when we marked our Xs on May 10, 2017.

If we weren’t buying it then, why would we buy it now when it’s obvious they are once again, only saying what they think we want to hear. How can you in one breath admit that you recognise your faults, but in another, offer up the same people that the electorate removed from office?

The leadership battle between the two surviving members of the Christie administration’s Cabinet was emblematic that the stalwarts have not a clue, and neither does Mr Davis, if he truly wants the party to become the government again.

READY TO GOVERN Perry Christie, while enjoying his freedom, has had the time to ponder not only his future, but also that of the PLP. He insinuated that the party ought to be ready to lead the country again because of the electorate’s proclivity to change government’s after only one term. This phenomenon has existed since 2002 when Mr Christie first became prime minister.

His sentiments are either indicative of his doubt of the Minnis administration or cements the notion that he truly doesn’t understand what happened during the election. The Bahamian people were fed up with the style of governance where their cries fell on deaf ears.

They were tired of being sold dreams and empty promises. They wanted to eradicate Mr Christie and his school of politics – the “touch one, touch all” brand of politics, where the most egregious transgressions were allowed in the interest of protecting “the party”.

If those in power within the PLP truly want to see the party become the government again, there are a few realities that they must consider.

For one, sensible voters require a sustainable platform of governance. What good is it to play political ping-pong with the country with no government ever moving the needle on the issues? In this case, the only winners are those who take advantage of the five years in office spent filling their coffers; much like what we saw the last time they were in government.

Yet, despite superficial acknowledgements of wrong-doing, none of the tainted parliamentarians have been fired. In fact, the PLPs newly crowned leader has given his ardent support of the accused.

Mr Davis clearly cares more about saving his political hide and covering his tent than right and wrong.

True leadership requires

the selflessness to put others above yourself and the humility to realise, not only when mistakes have been made, but also to take the steps necessary to correct them. It also demands that the intelligence of the electorate is acknowledged.

Further, the digital age that we live in makes it incumbent on leaders to be more accountable in terms of what they say.

South Andros MP Picewell Forbes had to learn this lesson the hard way after reading a carbon copy of Monique Pindling’s speech, when months earlier he passionately defended the party’s disastrous record.

They honestly can’t help themselves. A genuine understanding of their errors in government would not allow for the urge to defend their record. Moreover, the incessant pandering leading up to the convention and through its duration is doubly insulting.

The PLP would be seen much differently if they showed the capability to simply listen to Bahamians.

It is because of this that we wonder if the party’s early success as the government for 25 years has made it unable to listen to the voice of the common man.

However, “Brave” Davis

claims that the party is prepared to hear the grievances of the Bahamian people and is open to addressing the issues within the party.

Somehow, they are still missing the mark.

The PLP had a golden opportunity to show the Bahamian people they are serious about leading this country if ever given the opportunity again. To bet on Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ failure is quite a gamble. As a wise man once told me, “don’t plant corn in another man’s rain”.

By not taking advantage of the opportunity to clean house and realign, the Progressive Liberal Party on the foundation of its core principles, they have shown us that they do not want to put in the work required to lead this country again.

For The Bahamas to truly succeed we need a strong government and an even stronger opposition to keep them in line. Therefore, we hope the call for new leaders to emerge from within the PLP is recognised and not stifled by those that hold the power at the top.

Our democracy depends on it, whether we like it or not.

• Send comments to insight@tribunemedia.net

PAGE 8 MONDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2017

INSIGHT

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

Sanity not hysteria, for the gaming business Nassau Life

By RICHARD COULSON

I

WENT over to a new Island Luck gaming site the other night and opened an account in the windowless single-purpose room, lit mainly by dozens of computer screens. I was not there to become a steady player, but to discover whether the premises were infested with shady characters likely to “pose a risk to the country’s financial sector”, as Minister of Tourism Dionisio D’Aguilar has warned us with alarmist press headlines.

It didn’t quite feel that way. A half-dozen citizens quietly tapped on their keyboards — far from the old days of numbers manually chalked-up in a seedy bar as seen in the grimly brilliant Bahamian film Cargo. Doubtless the Minister means well, but like all politicians he is bound to leap over the fence with scary claims that catch the eye but don’t stand up to hard analysis.

He tells us sloppy web shops do not apply the same “know your customer” (KYC) rules as careful, rock-solid banks.

Not so. A quietly efficient lady asked me for passport, and utility bill showing address. I also signed a form confirming I was not a “politically exposed person”, as required deep in the Gaming Regulations, 2014, which the Gaming Board inspectors frequently drop in to spot-check, as they do for the 196 highly technical sections about maintenance of accounting records and internal controls. I certainly never felt any high-pressure salesmanship enticing me to raise my playing level.

Upon depositing $50, I was not asked to verify the source of my funds, which would be an absurd demand for the modest amounts wagered by me and other players, via bets that give an uncertain, usually negative, rate of return. That’s a logical requirement only for a bank or investment

company accepting multi thousands or millions to invest or immediately wire transfer abroad.

The Minister would have us believe these alleged slip-shod habits of the gaming companies breed a class of money-launderers whose reliance on illicit income gives them finance for drug-dealing or acts of terrorism. One must ask how it would be possible for the highly irregular flow of gaming winnings to fund these criminal schemes?

And where’s the evidence?

I am not aware of our Financial Intelligence Unit receiving a flow of “suspicious transaction reports” about players’ illicit use of funds.

The seven licensed gaming firms are accused of being a restrictive cartel, not least by the three Canadian banks who dominate our financial business like a closed shop. These very banks now accuse the gaming shops of operating unlicensed money transfer business to make cash available to Family Islands residents. Quite true, and why not? Because the banks themselves, like any cartel, refuse to upgrade their facilities to serve small, scattered markets.

Customers in Eleuthera and Cat island struggle to find a physical branch, and Bimini customers actually had to find another island after Royal Bank, “Bahamas Oldest Bank”, walked out, apparently without penalty or criticism from our Central Bank. Naturally the gaming firms, with their widespread day-long-open offices, will step in to satisfy popular needs when banks fall down on the job.

The Minister attempts to warn us with “anecdotal evidence” from the International Monetary Fund that foreign banks won’t do business with gaming houses or banks that serve them. If that’s so, the solution is for our Central Bank to take a strong line and convince banks that gaming

gaming industry is here to stay, as an entrenched legally approved activity like bars and liquor outlets.

The low turn-out referendum of 2013 - when in fact a majority of registered voters did not vote against web shops or lotteries can no longer be dredged up as the decisive negative argument.

The leaders have not done enough to stifle the negative image that still percolates.

While our Central Bank, BISX, and Financial Services Board provide copious statistics, and free public relations, for all aspects of banking and finance, and the Hotels Association does much the same for the tourist industry, no similar information is available about the gaming DIRK SIMMONS, chief financial officer for Island Luck, at the weekend’s job fair. house business. Much of the Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff continuing criticisms would business does not mean as home viewing of movies above have created open be dispelled if we could find clear presentations of such illegal business. They have is growing on TV or com- and visible enterprises. been fully licensed here puter screens at the expense Sebas Bastian has key figures as: total size of since 2014 and are making of theaters, so more people invested his profits from the industry by assets of all a major contribution to the are finding ways to wager Island Luck into success- companies; total number economy. on-line from their living ful real estate projects of licensed web shops.

Island Luck has 32 rooms. Every gaming site created by Brickell Man- per capita per island; total branches throughout must be upgraded to offer agement Group, insured employees and total paythe county, with about more imaginative wager- through licensed agency roll; total annual wagering 150 white-collar staff, all ing systems. Whether the BMG Insurance, as “take” and total annual Bahamians. Employment number of shops should be well broker-dealer Inve- payout to winners; total for all the licencees pro- controlled, or their loca- star Securities licensed charitable contributions.

The Gaming Houses vides a total annual tions restricted away from by our meticulous Secusoon payroll of $18m-$20m. The school or church neigh- rities Commission, with Association will Gaming Board itself bourhoods, are legitimate its board headed by a appoint a spokesperson to employs a steadily grow- questions that can be former chairman of that disseminate this informaing cadre of experienced decided with rational analy- very Commission and tion by print and digital professionals, and indus- sis, as with liquor stores. its senior director being means. The basic facts could try wide there is a heavy It is depressing to read the distinguished lawyer/ be supplemented with a demand for accountants some of the defama- philanthropist Lowell quarterly magazine telling about new gaming and computer technicians tory comments following Mortimer. personnel for audit and compliance the newspaper articles. One Craig Flowers, an older developments, functions. Expenditure on can only shake one’s head gentleman with interna- promotions and awards, rent, utilities and supplies at the ignorance, prejudice tional activities, used his controls of addictive gamacross a range of about 100 and animosity shown by gaming profits from the bling, and many other news premises runs into tens of some of our (anonymous) FML Group to build the items. Good examples millions, with substantial correspondents, calling the FML Corporate Centre can easily be found on the charitable contributions gaming business “crimi- on western Bay Street, web-sites of the many state from all the companies. nal enterprises engaged in without doubt the most lottery commissions in the The discussion will money-laundering and all handsome restoration of US, which provide full disnever stop whether gaming sorts of other illegal activi- derelict properties ever closure not just about the houses (or any licensed ties. by these “thugs like undertaken downtown, far various games but about industry, here or abroad) Sebas Bastian and Craig exceeding any attempts by management and financial operations. These precepays “enough” in taxes, but Flowers”- all without the “legitimate” businesses. certainly in the Bahamas slightest shred of evidence!

The gaming business dents could eventually lead the burden is substantial. In The Minister of Tour- will never be universally to each Bahamian gaming addition to the flat annual ism expresses fears about a accepted. Christian groups house publishing its own $80,000 license fee, they shadowy past. Although the will always discourage their Annual Report, just like a pay amounts closely akin 2014 Gaming Act for the members from playing with publicly-owned company.

There will be continuto income tax - either 11 first time covered the so- vigorous spiritual reasonpercent of adjusted gross called “numbers” or “web ing - that is their privilege. ing issues of broad policy revenue (wagers received shop” business by licens- Social reformers will always and detailed control that less winnings paid out) or ing and regulating mobile lament the irreducible will continue to arise. But 25 percent of EBITDA (on-line) gaming as well minimum of players who they will best be resolved earnings, whichever is as casinos, he is concerned become addicts and rashly by meetings and discusgreater. And in these days that earlier profits earned in spend beyond their means, sions between the gaming of ever-improving mobile the bad old pre-legislation but every gaming house companies, the Board, the technology, increasing play days may have been used to has a formal “responsible Ministry of Finance, the at the gaming houses is not fund unseen illicit activities. gaming” programme and Attorney-General - even automatic.

Again, not the slightest evi- wager-limit systems, which the churches - and not by As the owner of one com- dence has been produced. were non-existent in pre- scatter-shot accusations in pany explained to me, just The two “thugs” named legalisation days. The the media.

THE EFFECT OF A STRONG PRESIDENT XI IN THE CARIBBEAN

O

N October 24, at its 19th Party Congress in Beijing, China’s Communist Party formally elevated President Xi Jinping to the revered status of legendary leaders, Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping. The Congress wrote his name into its constitution and set him up to remain in office beyond 2022.

This gives Xi and the government he leads the political stability and clout to advance an agenda to make China a global superpower. A leading academic at the Chinese University of Hong Kong reckons that: “By the middle of this century or before, China aims to close the gap economically and militarily with the United States and become the ultimate arbiter in the Asia-Pacific region”.

But while consolidating China’s powerful place in its own region, according to experts on China’s politics, Xi is also determined to return China to its “rightful” place as the world’s dominant economic and cultural power.

Already, China has poured billions of dollars in investment in industry, agriculture, and infrastructure projects across most of the world. Xi has also built up the military, and raised China’s profile on the world stage.

So, what does all this mean for the Caribbean region? One sure thing is that China is now a real player in the area and one

World View

Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) academic forum, just days before the 19th Congress of the Chinese Communist Party, underscored “the enormous opportunities” for economic, social,

By SIR RONALD SANDERS political and cultural cooperation between China and the that intends to stay. In this by virtue of its proximity to LAC. Significantly, they recregard, both Caribbean the United States and major ognised these opportunities countries and those pow- maritime trade routes and “in the current international erful nations with a vested infrastructure, such as the context marked by uncerinterest in the region had Panama Canal and the tainty, the effects of climate change and the revival of all better factor China into region’s many ports.” their military, strategic, ecoWhatever strategic inter- protectionist trends” – all of nomic and political thinking. est China may have in which looks like a swipe at When President Xi Jin- the region, the Chinese the policies of the present ping took power in 2012, economic and financial US government.

Climate change is, of he made Latin America footprint has been weland the Caribbean the loca- comed on Caribbean course, of special concern tion for his first overseas shores, particularly after to Caribbean countries, trip. And on that visit, in the 2008 financial crisis that especially after the recent June 2013, it was on Carib- began in the US and spread disastrous and monstrous bean soil – in Trinidad and to Europe. As private and hurricanes that severely Tobago – that he made his public investment from damaged several Caribbean first landing to meet all the the US and EU declined, countries.

The welcoming of Xi’s Caribbean leaders. That, China’s investment surged, in itself, should have sent a helping to save many Car- government participation strong signal to the United ibbean countries from would have been strengthStates and the nations of serious social dislocation ened by the policy position the European Union (EU) and political disruption. on Latin America and the that, while they may pay In rapid time, the Carib- Caribbean published by marginal attention to a bean area was boosted China 11 months ago. In Caribbean over which they with the construction of that policy, China made it once held sway, China has roads, port facilities, new clear that: “The developrecognised importance in government buildings, and ment of China cannot be not overlooking it. cricket and football stadia, possible without the develXi has made it clear that compliments of Chinese opment of other developing China seeks not only trade government aid, loans, and countries, including countries in Latin America and and investment opportu- investment. nities but also “strategic The scale of Chinese the Caribbean”.

The policy document set partnerships” in the region. participation in Caribbean A 2014 report by the US- economies was multiplied out China’s agenda in a way China Economic and several times over in Latin that is music to the ears of Security Review Commis- American countries. There- governments in the Caribsion noted that: “Beijing fore, it should have been bean. For instance, in trade, likely views the Caribbean no surprise to anyone that China said it wants long-term as strategically important a high-level Community of and stable trade relations

and various trade facilitation arrangements including a Free Trade Agreement.

Importantly, it also committed to “sound and balanced development and structural diversification of trade between the two sides”.

It also pledged to institute “double taxation” agreements - something abandoned by countries in North America and the EU whose tax policies are seen as depriving the Caribbean of investment.

Lack of access to development finance from international financial institutions and Western governments is regarded as a major impediment to economic growth and development in the Caribbean.

Unlike these institutions and governments, China proposes – and has made – concessional loans and other beneficial financing arrangements between China and Caribbean countries.

Realising that infrastructural development lies at the centre of the Caribbean’s ambitions for rapid development, China also committed to cooperation in construction and engineering, equipment manufacturing and operation management in the fields of transportation, trade logistics, storage facilities, information and communication technology, energy and power, water conservancy, housing and urban construction.

China also undertook

– and has maintained the position – that it “will continue to provide economic and technical assistance to Latin American and Caribbean countries including poverty reduction, climate change and humanitarian assistance without attaching any political conditions and, in accordance with the needs of related countries”.

Against this background, Caribbean countries, that enjoy diplomatic relations with China, will undoubtedly welcome President Xi’s elevation by the Chinese Communist Party and what looks like a stable, longer and predictable period of his stewardship of China’s affairs.

In large part, this welcome will be bolstered by his government’s helpful posture toward Caribbean development and its assuring position that the development of China is not possible without the development of other developing countries “including the Caribbean”.

• Responses and previous commentaries: www.sirronaldsanders.com

The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States of America and the OAS. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London and Massey College in the University of Toronto. The views expressed are his own.

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

INSIGHT

MONDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2017 PAGE 9

THE GRAND Bahama Power Company, above and below, as seen from the air.

Minnis must resist this hostile foreign takeover

By FREDERICK SMITH, QC

T

HE attempted forcible buyout of Grand Bahama Power Company by a 100 percent foreign-owned entity is nothing less than an aggressive hostile takeover which is clearly not in the best interest of The Bahamas.

The proposed move contravenes Bahamian law on a number of levels and raises serious questions about the strength of our sovereignty and the integrity of our public institutions.

All Bahamians who care about their rights and are committed to national selfdetermination should call on the government to resist this ill-conceived plan. We have until just November 7 to make our voices heard.

Emera has been very secretive about its scheme to compulsorily acquire the roughly 20 percent of GB Power currently owned by Bahamians. The deal is highly convoluted and difficult to wrap one’s head round, but essentially it amounts to a scenario where, depending on the results of a shareholder vote next month, Bahamians will be forced to give up their ownership stake in the company – whether they like it or not.

This deal has been negotiated without any consultation with the citizens and residents who own the shares and without the negotiations even being made public knowledge.

The Minnis administration came to office promising public consultation and transparency. If they are to be true to their word, they must acknowledge this hostile takeover is no different from the clandestine, cloak-and-dagger manoeuvers sanctioned and even encouraged by their PLP predecessors – a practice which, incidentally, helped ensure Christie and Co were comprehensively and unceremoniously booted out of office on May 10.

A nation for sale?

If the deal goes through, what sort of precedent will it set in terms of the preservation of our sovereignty and autonomy as a nation? Going forward, can any public utility or BISX-traded company be acquired by a foreign entity that has the buying power to force Bahamians into a corner? Will our

FREDERICK SMITH, QC government stand by and watch as economic invaders work to undermine Bahamian empowerment and wealth acquisition for their own selfish gain?

Throughout the years since independence, a crucial theme of our public policy has been the promotion and protection of Bahamian ownership in key infrastructure and utilities as a symbol of our nationhood and commitment to self-determination.

It would be most unfortunate if on their watch, the Minnis administration were to allow this principle to be betrayed on behalf of selfinterested international bullies with deep pockets.

No basis in law Emera has concocted this clandestine deal by applying to the Bahamas Investment Authority (BIA) for approvals, which it appears have indeed been granted. However, as this is not a body that exists by any law, the approvals have no legal basis. Though this practice of foreign entities applying to the BIA for permission to conduct business in The Bahamas is a longstanding one, it is simply not binding in legal terms and would crumble if challenged in the courts.

Furthermore, in tying the hands of shareholders and essentially forcing them to sell their interest in GB Power, the deal contravenes the basic property rights of citizens and residents as outlined in the Constitution. Prime Minister Minnis and his colleagues must not be seen to facilitate and condone a deal what would violate the fundamental rights of Bahamians.

Abdicating responsibility Under the Hawksbill Creek Agreement, the documents which sets out the administrative structure for Freeport, the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) is responsible for all utilities within the port area. The Agreement states

that: “The Port Authority shall have the sole right to construct and operate utilities” including electrical supply. This does not mean the Port cannot assign another entity to run the day-to-day operations of GB Power, but nowhere in the Agreement is permission given for the GBPA to downright abdicate its responsibilities to the detriment of licensees and the residents of Freeport.

The GBPA must step up and fulfill the role for which it was created – managing the economic and administrative affairs of Freeport for the benefit of those who live and work there.

Instead, the Port seems poised to stand aside and allow an external entity to monopolize a key infrastructural asset of the city.

Breaking a fine balance The entire point of the original arrangement with Emera, was to ensure the GBPA remained in control of GB Power. The board of directors was to be equally appointed by GBPA and ICD Utilities (ICDU) the parent company of GB Power, and because of the Hawksbill Agreement, the GBPA would retain management control. Most importantly Bahamians, especially residents of Freeport, would be able to benefit from the profits generated from the local power

company.

This is how matters stood for nearly two decades.

Now, Emera is seeking to turn all of this on its head and create a construct in which Bahamians and residents no longer have any direct or indirect ownership and GB Power. Going forward, the company will no longer be in the control of the GBPA and can ignore its obligations under the Hawksbill Creek Agreement.

A shameless rip off More than anything else, the move represents a shameless rip off and disempowerment of Bahamian citizens. Currently, local shareholders in ICDU own a slice of the company which gave them a 10 percent return on their investment each year for many years.

If the transaction is allowed to go through, after November 8 Bahamians will own nothing.

Former shareholders will be given only depository receipts (DRs), will be deprived of receiving profits from our local power company and may or may not actually get dividends in the future. In fact, quite ominously, the company has made a point of cautioning about the possibility of any future profits from DRs. Henceforth, the fortunes of the company will be governed by the Toronto Stock

Exchange and any litigation to assert the rights of Bahamians will have to occur in Canada.

GB Power is the most profitable subsidiary of all of Emera’s plethora of Canadian and international companies. But any dividends that are paid out to Bahamians will come from Emera International, which averages out all profits and losses from its corporate galaxy. And, a 25 percent tax will be deducted on any dividends issued on DRs in Canada, so Bahamians will get even less, while the tax money siphoned off from us will not go to benefit The Bahamas, but rather Canada.

This move comes at a time when shareholders of ICDU are already frustrated because dividends stopped being paid out a number of years ago.

Freeport is hurting and shareholders will be motivated to vote in favour of the move because they need money and haven’t been getting their due for some time; especially just before Xmas!

The lack of dividend payments has led – almost certainly intentionally – to a depression of the value of ICDU on BISX. Meanwhile, other power companies both within and outside of Emera’s galaxy have seen increases in value.

This in turn, has led to auditors valuing the shares as low, but once Emera owns 100 percent, electricity rates in GB will no doubt increase and residents and businesses of Freeport and Grand Bahama will pay for any power plant upgrades or other infrastructural improvements, without reaping any of the financial benefits.

So, Bahamians, especially residents of Freeport, who invested in their future nearly 20 years ago and actually own part of GB Power and are entitled to accountability from the company, will end up with nothing but an unenforceable promise of less valuable and highly taxed dividends from a foreign entity unrelated to GB Power. There will be no transparency of the financial value of GB Power as it will no longer be listed on the Bahamian stock exchange, so the shareholders will never know if they get what is owed to them. The company will file no financial statements here, and there will be no accountability to our local Securities Commission

or any kind of financial scrutiny by The Bahamas government to look after the interests of Bahamian shareholders.

A fair deal for Bahamians If Emera would like to acquire the all of ICDU, they could simply trade shareholders one share of GB Power for one share of ICDU. This would be the simplest and most honest process. This is how Emera operates in the Eastern Caribbean, where the citizens of each country where the company operates own direct shares in the local operator, which are traded on the Caribbean Stock Exchange.

Why are they not seeking to repeat the same formula in The Bahamas? For two reasons: 1. Because it is more profitable to Emera, which already makes massive profits out of GB Power, to pay local shareholders a lower dividend based on the average performance of its many companies (or possibly no dividend at all); and 2.

Because the Canadians know they are operating in a country with a long history of clandestine deals that unfairly privilege foreign interests.

Nevertheless, we as Bahamians must stand up for our fellow citizens. We must defend our rights and our economic independence from this type of dangerous encroachment.

Anything less than a sharefor-share swap that leaves local investors with an active stake in GB Power is totally unacceptable and we simply must demand our government firmly rejects the deal currently on the table.

For my part, I strongly urge the Minnis administration to stand up for sovereignty, self-determination, empowerment of Bahamians and a direct piece of our economic pie! I urge them to use this opportunity to bring an end to the culture of secret deals and the privileged position of wealthy foreign entities in our economy. Through this attempted hostile takeover, Emera has presented the government with a wonderful opportunity to live up to its election promises of promoting transparency, encouraging fairness and ushering in “The People’s Time”. They must confront Emera and stop this deal in its tracks before it is too late. November 7 is right around the corner. So is May 9, 2022!

0 PAGE MONDAY, MAY 22, 2017 PAGE 10 10,MONDAY, Monday, January 23, 2017 OCTOBER 30, 2017

WEEK IN RIBUNE

day - Supervalue rt Roberts is overnment to VAT policy rertnell reports e Bahamas nachampionships or The Bahay; plus Fourth s. latest propernd rent in the s’ Guide

INSIGHT

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net THE TRIBUNE EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

GAIN AN EDGE A NATIONAL DIALOGUE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

A prescription Why diversified for a brighter future education is key to social equity R

GAIN AN EDG

A NATIONAL DIALOGUE ON HIGHER EDUCATI

Chasing the dream of college studies

sday “THE past two years nd Health ce on taking have flown by. Even now mind and body that I’m about to graduate, making waves the fact that I’ve been able to attend university at all as Box sporting seems surreal,” says Stephnigo “Naugh- anie Stubbs, who will soon have her Associate’s Deaya OCHELLE Failure to have both gree in Medical Laboratory Smith had Technology Keiser TVET and traditional nesday prayed long and from University in Florida. ch - a weeklyhard about what academics available in of 39 Ly’s she newwanted in the to doStephanie with heris one all school programmes ford Cay Scholars who will nology life.

Stephanie’s ultimate goal graduate this year join believed Smith’s is aand disservice to in her potential She forthwas in the 11th grade enough to invest in her. It is to return to The Bahamas the thousands Scholars Calland column a decision regarding the of our children and who been able to com- was the boost she needed to and partner with an estabtrajectory of her lifehave needed believe in herself and pur- lished laboratory company country, Remiska plete theirin-college educa- says rsday to be made. She would sue her own dreams. to expand its business to intion either locally or interand Religion, Wildgoose, English form her mother tonight.

Stephanie is convinced clude more diverse medical nationallyapover instructor the past 45 at BTVI ew As she reluctantly that college has unlocked a technology services. Her years through the generosook’, a weekly proached Mrs Smith, she whole new world for her and hope is that her training of donors toschool the Lyford ng could in The Ba- theity TVET is a first option for does not out.a path sense exhaustion. setwork her on towards will help the country closer Cay Foundations. some is an important step as a society, Mrs Smith worked hard - Unfortunately, success.

She has used every provide a wider array of Although the road to towards progression. The collar jobs both parents did, for they we place whitemoment of her Associate’s medical laboratory services graduation has not an day child that is talented with on abeen pedestal.

Our educawanted the best for their programme to explore all locally without having to al- separates a 28-page their hands is just as inteltionalhas system the children.sec- easy one, Stephanie aspects of the little-known send the more complex labways kept her focus on the to the best in I’ve ligent as the child who asstudents with “great poten“Mummy, made a defield of medical technology. oratories abroad for testing. graduating fashion, pires to pursue medicine. and for those students cision. food, I want toshining do hair prize and -tial”, field that She also hopes to spread the than a decade, FOR more degree thatbest. “It’s an exciting tainment, Social equity begins with give our nails.” gar- with a college we allows you to make sure word at home about thebeen im- estimated less it has will enable her to make a al matters, fitfor the carpenter and However, countries suchareus, Vexed, Mrs Smith rethat doctors giving their portance of this critical field. than 50 percent of public difference in The andplied, interviews the doctor both end up conas Bahamas Finland, whose educa“Girl you crazy aye! patients the right diagno- “College has allowed me the school students graduate through medical technology.

View Naughtributing to the society as a rivals most, All that money we plunk- tional system sis through testing,” she chance to really look so many aspiring fromtoward high school. Research take on tothe Thus, failure to have shows that 45 said. per cent of whole. ing out put youLike in private Stephanie knows that the future and seek op- public school students, Stephanie’s first also out shows Bahamas both TVET and traditional a technical school and you say you wan’ students choose although there are many portunities where I couldn’t major hurdle on the road to students whose parents e Finish Line,Girl you better track as opposed to the tra- academics available in all do what?! physicians in see them before,”did saidnot Stepha college education wasacademics*. fi- well-trained e local sports attend college are school programmes is truly ditional What get out my face and pray The Bahamas, there is a anie. “This opportunity nancial.

“I can still rememnt about Stubbswhat to do directly was enrolling in posta disservice to our children can need take for a equally with your if Joshua, whogreat well- the just the first rung on a very education at a ber the momentcar thatapart I foundand put it back and ultimately secondary our country. life!” trained healthcare technol- tall ladder. I planmuch to continue outretreated, I was awarded a scholurdayRochelle lower rate than their At this pivotal moment, together, or Gabrielle, who ogy professionals. to climb and I’m going from The une’s Top 5: arship peers.to conthere is no simple answer can Foundapaint nails like artwork heartbroken, despondAfter graduation, Stephtinue my education by tions,” she to reflected. was had the op- to solve our social and ecodeoent, review of determined Lyfordany Cay Foundations’ on a “I canvass, but was anie plans to pursue a means possible.” stunned!

Just moments opmake storiesherby mother pilot programme, Cutillas nomic ills. Nevertheless, portunitybe-early on to bedegree proud.

Bachelor’s in bio• “Gain An Edge” is a foreand I learned gilShe on prayed www. long of our answers lies in Scholars, was created to seenI’dasbeen a success for sciences who one hard that logical or clinical weekly collaboration of a scholarship, I was omand decided to awarded placing diversified educarevive the dreams of first they are, as opposed the will pursue medbiology.to She also do the Lyford Cay Foundacalling the that inicine.

The Trib- contemplating expectations tion at the forefront. All society generation study to become a tions, Bahamas Technical students and college to tell them thatonto I further usiness, especially deprojects them? specialist For countries, As sports, Bahamians, we know many of the faccertified in hema- and Vocationalmitigate Institute wouldn’t because d this Classifieds veloping countries, need students like tology these, techstory all too well. be Wecoming tors that prevent them from and microbiology. and University of The Bacouldn’t best to I justthe balanced development nical it.” vocational education giveguide our children best afford attending college.

This combination of trainhamas aimed at promotForwe have Stephanie, being e, education real estate, through all of the educaand training (TVET) is her because Through ing will allow the versa-at her inghigh a national dialogue on this programme, a first scholarship and more.that DEBORAH ESTIMABLE, First Year Student, University of The Bahamas-North, school tional sectors in order to choice. hopes theyawarded will become named for the Foundations’ tility to pursue career fields higher education.

To share REMISKA WILDGOOSE meant that ing news and graduation. significant progress Whilepeotherethatare stillfrommake doctors and lawyers.

Car-there were late gainChairman Manuel range pathology your thoughts, email STEPHANIE STUBBS, Keiser University Graduate and Lyford Cay ple out there, along with her your mobilein terms of national devel- and be made penters and massage ther- changes neededtotopublic Cutillas, a 2027, select group look to when ourof well-diversified educational duce instantaneous results, and allied health. anedge@tribunemedia.net. scholar. family, who ne242.com (Bennell,1996). educational our educational system, opment apists should own only supportive be the in determined system and focused is one small sig- it is What an alternative willthe pro- system becoming a but Cutillas is it likethat to be alternative when medical embracing the fact that We must see beyond 2017 duces high school com- nificant step towards long- make a tremendous differmore students than enough Scholar? first in your family to attend pete for visionary a full scholarship qualified, citizens term Myeconomic plan had prosperity been to go ence. college? to attend Uni- intoour nation. who could either build atheworld many students at the work while attending col- For Being the first one versity of The While knew furtheritinvestment class resort that Bahamas would rivalor lege. I Technical and would take Bahamas comes with a lot of expecthe Bahamas Technical and into ourtoeducamost.

Implementing TVET Institute, TVETmy me developing a long time gradu- Vocational tations. Every night, Vocational Institute. system may not proprogrammes and having a tional is their only choice because ate, but it was something family asks me what I Once named as Cutil- that I was determined to do. it learned is what they As leadthatlove. day. They want las Scholars, students Now, through this pilot pro- ers, teachers, and parents, all of the details. They want attend months of intensive gramme, I can go to school it to is incumbent that we consee me succeed. workshops and individual full-time and just worry tinue to embrace TVET as sessions designed to equip about my personal living an alternative at allgraduation, levels so After college them for college. all individuals can expenses. what are your nextbecome steps? valuable contributing memDeborah Estimable, was

I used to want to be a bers of society. recruited in Grade 11 at What challenges have forensic scientist, but now Stories thatpicked of RoJack Hayward Senior High you faced on your path to I’m not like sure. I that chelle, whose name has School in Grand Bahama college? career because I didn’t changed the pruand is one of the first CutilThere were so many been think I was for sociable and of this article, are las Scholars to attend challenges along the way, pose thought I was best suited too common. Like college. Deborah, who including being able to pro- much just to be in the lab. But in many others, medical attends University of The vide documentation that I socollege, I’ve learned that did not work out. In Bahamas-North, shared the was eligible to enroll in col- school I’mend, more outgoing than I the she still pursued joys and challenges of being lege. I wanted to give up so thought. what she loved - beauty a first-year student. many times, but once again trades.

my mother encouraged me.

The path to college gradWhat did you first think She asked me if I knew uation is never easy. What Sources when you heard about how many times she con- inspires you to keep going?

Phillips (2012). the Cutillas Scholars pilot sidered giving up in life but *Mark My favourite Why should we carequote about is programme? kept working toward her Vocational from the writer Paulo Education?

I always wanted to go to goals. Eventually, by work- Coehlo. He says,“When **Bennell, P (1996). college and at Jack Hay- ing with my high school you want something in life, versus vocational ward, they encouraged guidance counsellor, I was General all the universe conspires secondary education in de- in us to go to college. When able to get what I needed helping you to achieve it.” veloping country: A review the Lyford Cay Founda- and enroll.

Thinking about evidence. that quote of rates of return tions came to my school motivates The Journalme.of Developto talk about the pilot proWhat is college like?

Studies. ment gramme, they made it clear I thought college would An Edge” is a that only a few would be just be listening to lectures “Gain • “Gain An Edge” of is a weekly collaboration selected. I didn’t think I and going home. But it is biweekly collaboration of the Lyford Cay Foundahad a chance, so I thought, not like that. At every class, tions, the Lyford FoundaBahamasCay Technical “Why bother?” But my I seem to connect with and tions, Bahamas Institute Technical Vocational mother told me not to another student. Profes- and andUniversity Vocational Institute of The Badowngrade myself and to sors even stay after class to hamas and the University of The aimed at promotfollow my dreams. I was help you. I don’t like writ- ing Bahamas aimed at on proa national dialogue so surprised when I was ing essays, so English is higher moting a national education.

Todialogue share selected! email gain-To hardest isclass, but to I’m your on thoughts, higher education. of Blair Estates, Nassau, The Bahamas, will be held at Ebenezer TECHNICAL vocational education my and training important

anedge@tribunemedia.net. making it through with supshare your thoughts, email help students, says Remiska Wildgoose.

Methodist Church, East Shirley Street, Nassau, on Tuesday, How did you plan to port. I feel like I’m part of a gainanedge@tribunemeattend college before community.

31st October, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. dia.net.

A Lyford Cay Foundations scholar aims to serve through medical technology

KEMP’S FUNERAL HOME LIMITED 19 Palmdale Avenue, Palmdale Nassau, N.P., The Bahamas

Funeral Service For

Mr. Peter Roscoe Curry, 77

Reverend W. R. ‘Bill’ Higgs and Reverend Milton Lightbourne will officiate and interment will follow in Ebenezer Methodist Cemetery, East Shirley Street, Nassau.

Mr. Curry was born on April 1, 1940 in Spanish Wells, Bahamas, the fifth son of Ivy and Willard Curry. He is predeceased by his parents; his brothers, Charles (Alice), Robert (Brenda), Ivan (Astrid) and Patrick. He is survived by his wife, Kathryn and daughter Leila; four sisters-in-law, Sheran Sweeting (Charles), Linda Bosela (Michael), Rosemarie Johnson Clarke (Tino) and Iva Curry, many nieces and nephews in Spanish Wells and Nassau; three godchildren, Glen Kelly, Reneé Kemp and Marie Pinder.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trinity Methodist Church, P.O. Box N. 497 in memory of Peter Roscoe Curry.

Arrangements by Kemp’s Funeral Home Limited.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, October 30, 2017, PAGE 11

We want justice for our mother from page one Ms Fowler’s eldest daughter Natrell Fowler said she coped with the horrific ordeal by “shutting down” from everyone, and has remained withdrawn over the incident. She told The Tribune it was hard as the eldest daughter to care for her younger siblings, adding that she didn’t benefit from counseling as she was too withdrawn to interact.

“They were so young and you don’t know what they’re thinking and what they’re going through and I have to at least try and hold my head for them,” Latrell said. “I just shut down from everyone, up to this day I still don’t talk about it.

“I just leave the whole situation alone, sometimes I still cry about it. I know from once we bury her, I’ve never visited her grave because it’s still hard and I don’t know how I will take it when I go there.”

Tanrio Fowler, 24, said he still has nightmares about the killing.

“Like seriously, I have nightmares about it but I just stay calm about it, pray about it. I feel like the justice system, we have a weak justice system, they say they all about serving, but we wasn’t served no justice.”

He said: “Something wrong, something slip through the cracks, someone did something. I feel like other families who been through the same tragedy, they may be going through the same thing.”

Ripped apart For Tanrio, his mother’s death ripped his family apart, all but severing their bond and setting his siblings on separate, and at times destructive, paths. The children lived with their maternal grandmother for a short period, and briefly rotated between family members before ultimately separating.

Tanrio said the tragedy

HOW The Tribune reported the killing in 2006. also stunted his academic like you really care that I’m future, when he was taken hurting, and then just turn a out of school and placed in blind eye.” the Simpson Penn Centre Tanrio admitted that for Boys three years later he often grappled with as an “uncontrollable” thoughts of retaliation 14-year-old. He spoke posi- and crime, sometimes on tively about the counseling a daily basis, but resisted he received shortly after because he understood the his mother’s death, but futility of such actions. The noted it ended abruptly and same could not be said of ultimately triggered more his younger brother Targe, feelings of abandonment. who he said was lost to Tanrio said: “I spent two them after the death of his years and three months mother. Targe is currently there (Simpson Penn), I got on remand, he said. taken out of school, I don’t “(Targe) take it hard really have school qualifi- too, since that happened cations based on that fact. nobody really could speak I didn’t get to graduate, I to him to reach out to him, didn’t even attend school he just turned to this other up there. They had classes, life. He take that hard. It but I didn’t go to school did come a time earlier in there. the years when I was saying “We did a few counseling to myself and out loud that sessions (after his mother’s there ain’t no justice, I’m death), it lasted about two gonna (make) my own jusmonths and it just stopped tice and then what would be and that was helping out a the point of that?” lot because you had posiTanrio continued: “If I tive people and they talked throw my life away, nobody to you, showed you posi- would look at it and say tive things, try to keep your well this bey (sic) do this mind at ease. because he ain’ get no “I feel Social Services justice and he really was and the counseling, they hurting, nobody looking supposed to stay in our into that.” lives – not saying be like our Ms Fowler’s children feel second parents but follow as though her death was up, check on us, see how swept “under the rug”, and we’re doing. You can’t deal in the process, the memory with someone for a short of her life was also snuffed period of time and just let out. them go. You gone put that “(We lost) everything,” person mind in a different Lashon said. place, because you make “Mother’s Day, every me feel like you really care, Mother’s Day no mommy,

THE CHILDREN of Ericka Fowler speaking to The Tribune yesterday.

Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff nothing, it’s just hard.

You try not to cry, try not to think about it. Yeah it changed me a lot, it opened up my eyes.”

She continued: “The only thing I can say I remember is her taking us to the mall every Saturday, her cooking. Basically the mall, we used to live in the mall, every Saturday we were in the mall, just the way she cared for us, she may have been hurting but she never showed us it. She just did love us, and we loved her.

We used to go and take family pictures.”

Lashon told The Tribune that her own motherhood

has brought some healing, as she has been able to feel closer to her mother as she cares for her children.

“Now I see how it feels to love somebody,” Lashon said, “and to make sure you do without to make sure they straight, that’s how she used to have us.”

Latrell added: “She just was a nice sweet person, she was loving and caring, every mother have her ways, but I just love her for her.”

“She was one of a kind, my mommy,” said Tanrio, “never do nobody no wrong, she never do no one no wrong. She didn’t deserve that. Just the justice

part of it nothing came out of it, like she just dead in vain, dead in vain, lay out in the road like a dog in vain, nothing come out of it.

“I is be fighting myself every day, don’t change, don’t change and commit myself to no violence.”

Tanrio continued: “It been hell, everything ain’t been good. My old lady she used to keep everything together, she used to keep all of us together. Our family structure broken right now it ain’ no telling if it could ever be rebuilt.”

In May, a trial date for the matter was fixed for November 26, 2018.

PAGE 12, Monday, October 30, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

HUNDREDS LINE UP AT ISLAND LUCK JOB FAIR

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

HUNDREDS of Bahamians waited in line for hours on Friday hoping to secure one of the 150 jobs available at Island Luck as the gaming operator continues its effort to meet new industry regulations.

Dirk Simmons, Island Luck’s chief financial officer, in an interview on the sidelines of the fair said “Know Your Customer” (KYC) and anti-money laundering laws now being imposed on gaming operators has created a need for more “corporate hires.”

Mr Simmons told The Tribune that more than 15 per cent of those hired after Friday’s fair will fill accounting, banking and compliance vacancies now present within the company.

As it stands, the Gaming Act and accompanying regulations permit licenced domestic web shop operators to offer two types of games – numbers and interactive gaming.

This means web shops

ISLAND Luck hosted a job fair on Friday at the Kendal Issacs gym.

Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff must meet numerous we are finding is that we are Island Luck is also hoping Gaming Board technical having to recruit persons of to fill more than 100 genrequirements, such as main- a professional nature, who eral vacancies. Applicants taining their host server would fill service positions in line Friday openly celin The Bahamas when it associated with this area.” ebrated the opportunities He added: “So, we are being made available by comes to interactive gaming trying to find persons capa- Island Luck, many calling regulations.

Additionally, web shops ble of filling these vacancies the efforts of the company a are required to see account and provide the company beacon of light in an often holders physically, and con- with internal capabilities to dark and desperate market. duct KYC due diligence meet our end of these reguKaylia Albury, a 20-yearinvolving taking copies of lations. So your bankers, old new mother, said that passport, driver’s licence accountants and compli- she showed up early to state and National Insurance ance specialists; those are her case for a customer who we are looking out for service post. Currently selfBoard (NIB) documents.

Mr Simmons said: “What today.” employed, Ms Albury is

trying her best to supplement her income to ensure a steady monetary stream throughout the year.

She added that in her hunt for employment, she has heard nothing but great things about how Island Luck treats its employees and thought it to be the best starting point.

“Right now, I’m a selfemployed worker and not all the time your job is going to be up there so you need to find a second source. So right now I’m just doing it for my baby, especially,” she said.

Another applicant, who asked only to be referred to by his first name, Floyd, said he viewed Island Luck as the premier employer for anyone interested in training and advancing in the information technology (IT) field.

The 24-year-old college student said he’s been hard-pressed to find opportunities to learn and earn a living in the field, adding that many employers often demand work experience and qualifications that he has yet to obtain.

“Island Luck is one of

the few set of people giving out jobs right now,” he said.

“I’ve had a job since I came out of school, but now I want to major in something else – I want to work in IT – and Island Luck’s whole system, even down to how you put in your numbers, that is IT right there.”

He told The Tribune that he is only out to get a “foot in the door” and work his way on up through the company while learning the post.

Last year Island Luck held a similar fair, hiring more than 200 persons to fill vacancies made available after the company acquired a 65 per cent majority equity stake in a rival web shop.

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

Mr Simmons confirmed Friday that more than 75 per cent of the persons hired last year are still with the company.

‘IF THEY CAN’T RUN A CONVENTION, HOW CAN THEY RUN THE COUNTRY? from page one “We were given an extraordinary mandate for reform. The parallels between 1992 and 2017 are extraordinary.

“Once again, the Free National Movement has the awesome responsibility to rescue an economy that was on the brink of collapse. We must restore the good name, international reputation and public

finances of the Bahamas.

Once again, our task is to clean up the mass and pervasive corruption that was bankrupting our democracy and the Public Treasury.

Once again, we must be the beacon of hope, economic opportunity, social progress and social justice.

“Dear brothers and sisters: The PLP cannot change. The PLP will not change.

Look at the chaotic convention they had last week.

If they can’t run a convention, they certainly can’t lead a country.”

Dr Minnis referred to the scathing critique Monique Pindling, the daughter of former Prime Minister and PLP Leader Sir Lynden Pindling, gave at the PLP’s convention last Monday night.

Ms Pindling said the PLP “has become weak” and “dishonest” and allowed the political ambitions of a “few men to dash the aspirations of a whole people.”

“We became too concerned with who became ministers but ignored the taste and values of those who would make good representatives,” Ms Pindling said in part. “We became arrogant, petty and thinskinned. Some in our party even became anti-Pindling but (were) quick to quote or call his name when it was politically expedient to do so. Our party has been broken. Our party has been torn at the seam, torn at the

very core of its principles and foundations. Our party has become weak.”

Dr Minnis said Ms Pindling’s indictment of the party her father led for more than 20 years was similar to critiques the FNM has made about the PLP. “The daughter of Sir Lynden told the PLP what the FNM had been saying for years about the last PLP government,” Dr Minnis said.

“Her indictment of the PLP is clear and compelling.

Sadly, the PLP cannot and will not change, especially given their leader.”

Dr Minnis said the FNM is a distinctly different party than the PLP, and is focused on economic development; national security; good governance; environmental stewardship and protection and promoting Bahamian interests at home and abroad.

The FNM installed 55 additional MCMs on Saturday night.

MIXED RESPONSES TO OUTCOME OF PLP LEADERSHIP RACE

By MORGAN ADDERLEY

PUBLIC reaction to the Progressive Liberal Party’s (PLP) recent convention

on Friday ranged widely from faith in newly elected Leader Philip “Brave” Davis’ ability to secure a PLP victory in the next

general election to concern about what Glenys Hanna Martin’s defeat means for women in politics, to general disinterest in the party

Ministry of Financial Services, Trade & Industry and Immigration

WHAT IS TRADE?

How important is Trade to The Bahamas?

All Manufacturers, Business Owners, and The General Public are invited to

A FREE WORKSHOP

What is negotiated in a trade agreement?

How can you influence negotiations?

What are the Pros & Cons for local suppliers?

How can you take advantage of trade agreements?

Wednesday 1stNovember 2017 | Freeport, Grand Bahama 9 am-12 pm Pelican Bay Hotel Port Lucaya Thursday 2nd November 2017 |Nassau, Bahamas 9 am-12 pm Paul H Farquharson Conference Centre East Street Refreshments will be provided For more information contact Ministry of Financial Services (Trade & Industry Unit) 328-5071/6 or trade@bahamas.gov.bs

and Bahamian politics on the whole.

The Tribune canvassed job seekers at the Kendal Isaacs National Gymnasium to poll their opinions on the PLP convention held October 23-26.

Davona Ramsey, 22, said while she did not follow the convention, she would have preferred a woman leader.

“I was not there and...I’m not really political,” Ms Ramsey said.

“I think the PLP is wonderful, is a wonderful party and everything, but I’m not really political or anything like that to really have much to say. But I saw it on the news and I saw a little

insight on it. It was really good, it was interesting but not really for me.”

She continued: “I’m very fierce on strong women in leadership, so I would really have hoped that [Ms Hanna Martin] would have prevailed, but I would understand our country probably didn’t see her as a good fit. But I am very strong on women in leadership, women in power, women doing things that most people thought that we couldn’t.

So I am very strong about that.”

“I honestly believe [Ms Hanna Martin’s loss] was more about her gender,” Ms Ramsey added, “because a

lot of people don’t believe in women having that much authority. They were a little controversial when it came to our governor general being a woman, so our prime minister as well they probably was not having it at that time.”

An 18-year-old woman, who requested anonymity, said she believed Mr Davis will help the PLP secure the next general election.

“He could be more better than Perry Christie,” the 18-year-old said.

“He could do what Perry Christie was trying to do or trying to finish.”

Unlike Ms Ramsey, the teen said she found it “fair” that there are significantly fewer women than men in positions of political leadership in the Bahamas.

However, she declined to elaborate on her thoughts on the matter.

A 59-year-old man said: “I finish with them (PLP). I don’t fool with them. I give up on them. I used to be a hard PLP but I can’t fool with them. They did too much wrong to the people.”

When asked about Mr Davis’ ability to secure a PLP victory, the 59-year-old man said: “Well I can’t say much about him.”

Kaylea Albury, 20, told The Tribune she did not follow the PLP convention or pay attention to who was running for party leadership, but instead expressed admiration for the Free National Movement government.

Ms Albury said: “I feel the FNM is doing an awesome job since they went into power, because of certain situations what I have seen or heard about, especially during the hurricane season and helping those from the island especially.

I feel the FNM is doing a good job so far.”

A 29-year-old woman, who requested anonymity, said: “Me personally I’m not voting next [election].”

“I just feel like if I ask for only one simple thing,” she said, “I’m not asking you for the world, just to place me where I know I could be able to work and don’t have to worry about getting laid off tomorrow or what’s not.

That’s all I ask. And since everybody done get they position, they forget about the people.

“And I meaning FNMwise and PLP-wise,” the 29-year-old continued, “so I just feel like not voting next election.”

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, October 30, 2017, PAGE 13

Mourners pay tribute to investigative journalist BIDNIJA, MALTA Associated Press

A FEW hundred metres from the home of Maltese investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, in the field where the flaming wreckage of her car landed after being blown off the road by an assassin’s bomb, a plastic pen is stuck into the ground near a Maltese flag.

A hand-written note among bunches of flowers nearby reads: “What you wrote and what you uncovered cannot be blown away.”

Grief and anger are still palpable in this tiny Mediterranean nation, where Caruana Galizia’s website, “Running Commentary,” was essential reading in cafes, corridors of power, boardrooms and newsrooms.

“You wouldn’t sleep at night if you hadn’t read Daphne,” said Rachel Attard, news editor at the Malta Independent, which published a twice-weekly column by Caruana Galizia.

Nearly two weeks after the journalist’s brutal death, police have said almost nothing about their investigation or the prospect of identifying suspects. There have been six car bombings in Malta over the past two years, including Caruana Galizia’s. None have been solved.

Caruana Galizia, 53, was educated at Catholic schools before starting work as a journalist in 1987.

She cited her parents as her inspiration, saying in one of her posts that they faced challenges “with dignity, correctly and without moral compromise” from 1971-87, when Malta was ruled by the Labor Party and gripped by political turmoil.

She set up her blog in 2008 with the same absence of moral compromise. Fed by a network of sources who tipped her off about stories, Caruana Galizia turned into a headline machine that could set the nation’s news agenda on any given day.

“She received so many stories from her sources, she was struggling to keep up,” her son Andrew told The Associated Press at the family home.

She targeted both sides of politics

SAN Anton school children light candles as a sign of respect during a rally to honor anti-corruption reporter Daphne Caruana Galizia, killed by a car bomb on Oct 16, in the capital city of Malta, Valletta, on Sunday.

Photo: Rene Rossignaud/AP with the same sense of moral outrage, accusing the country’s leaders of corruption and undermining its democratic institutions.

Her sons, in a Facebook post after her Oct 16 death, took up where she left off, calling on Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat to resign “for watching over the birth of a society dominated by fear, mistrust, crime and corruption”.

Caruana Galizia also followed up on the Maltese content in the Panama Papers offshore accounts leaks in 2016. She alleged earlier this year that documents provided by a whistleblower showed that the wife of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat had an offshore holding in Panama to receive money from Azerbaijan. Muscat and his wife, Michelle, denied that they had companies in Panama.

Meanwhile, opposition leader Adrian Delia sued her over stories linking him to a prostitution racket in London. He dropped the case after her death.

Despite her hard-hitting reporting, in private the journalist was gentle and reserved, said a lawyer who defended her in some libel cases.

“In person, she was very timid, docile, she was almost shy. It was the opposite of what one would think if you were to read her blogs, her posts, her articles,” said Roberto Montalto.

Her life was not totally dominated by her hard-hitting investigations of corruption. She also edited a glossy, monthly lifestyle magazine called Taste&Flair, which was distributed free of charge with the Malta Independent on Sunday.

Caruana Galizia would unwind at her home, driving into the hills, along narrow country lanes lined by trees and dusty cactus plants to a house built from limestone blocks quarried in Malta that stands, shaded by trees, at the end of a long dirt track.

“She created a paradise at home for herself that was an escape from everything she saw in her journalism,” said Matthew, another of her three sons and a member of The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists that won a Pulitzer Prize for its reporting on the Panama Paper revelations.

When protesters camped out outside Muscat’s office in the capital, Valletta, in a show of support for the slain journalist and to call

for the resignations of the country’s police chief and attorney general, the sons sent them pizza and branches of bay laurel from the garden, calling them symbols of courage and strength.

But even in her beloved garden, Caruana Galizia never sat still.

Shortly before her death, she had bought saplings of native trees to plant and was considering building a chicken coop.

“It’s like she collected responsibilities,” Andrew said.

Her supporters in Malta are now hoping the outrage generated

by Caruana Galizia’s killing will spark change that could help this nation shrug off its reputation as a haven for money laundering and corruption.

Greta Muscat Azzopardi, a 34-year-old project manager who was among those camping outside the prime minister’s office, said the journalist was an inspiration.

“I haven’t always agreed with what she posted, but I really believe we need to be OK with criticising each other in public,” she said. “A lot of things get hidden because we are so afraid to criticise and challenge and question.”

‘DO SOMETHING’ TRUMP TWEETS AMID RUSSIA INVESTIGATIONS

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump expressed renewed frustration Sunday over the investigations into alleged ties between his campaign associates and Russian government officials, saying on Twitter that the “facts are pouring out” about links to Russia by his former presidential opponent, Hillary Clinton.

“DO SOMETHING!” Trump urged in one of five morning tweets.

Trump’s tweets followed a CNN report late Friday that a federal grand jury in Washington has approved the first charges in a criminal investigation into Russia ties led by special counsel Robert Mueller.

The Associated Press has not confirmed the CNN report.

TEXANS KNEEL AFTER OWNER COMMENTS SEATTLE (AP) — All but ten members of the Houston Texans took a knee during the national anthem Sunday, as the vast majority of the team protested the owner’s “inmates running the prison” comment.

The Texans had indicated there would be some type of protest following the comments by owner Bob McNair. It came prior to the Texans’ wild 41-38 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

“I’m never going to force anyone to do anything they don’t feel comfortable with. I think we all felt the same way on Friday,” said Houston left tackle Duane Brown. “As far as the demonstration went, some people didn’t feel quite comfortable (kneeling) and some people did, but we all supported each other. That was what was important.”

PAGE 14, Monday, October 30, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

WE RISE: STOP TOURING, START FIXING GRAND BAHAMA

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

ORGANISERS of the protest group We Rise yesterday criticised the government’s handling of Grand Bahama amid its continued economic decline, urging the Minnis administration to “stop touring, and start immediately to bring relief” to the island.

In a press statement Sunday, We Rise said while it was pleased to see Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis keep his promise to visit Grand Bahama on a monthly basis, his visit last week did very little to resolve the issues plaguing residents there.

We Rise asserted that it has been nearly six months since the Minnis administration made its initial promise to aid the island, but despite this, “Grand Bahamians are crying out every day about the continual economic decline and its affects on their ability to provide for their families.”

The release added: “We urge the government to stop touring, and start immediately to bring relief to Grand Bahama.”

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis in Grand Bahama. Photo: BIS Dr Minnis, alongside Minister of State for Grand Bahama Kwasi Thompson, toured Grand Lucayan Hotel property on Friday.

At the time, it was revealed the government has put in an offer to purchase the Grand Lucayan R esort. Dr Minnis has maintained that the property is “pivotal to the survival of Grand Bahama.”

For his part on Sunday, Mr Thompson insisted the Minnis administration has moved quickly in the short period of time since being elected to begin to revitalise the economy of Grand Bahama.

Senator Thompson said Dr Minnis, in addition to

his visits, was able to bring a message of understanding and hope directly to the people severely affected by the sluggish economy.

He added that the government since being elected has brought economic activity through its Taste of Port Lucaya initiative, launched the Apiary programme which will create 30 small Grand Bahamian businesses, provided over 500 students with summer employment, and created an Investment Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister Grand Bahama to process investments to bring jobs faster.

Senator Thompson continued: “We have fulfilled our commitment to bring legislation to repeal and

replace the job killing Grand Bahama Incentives Act. We have continued talks to bring more airlift and are finalising arrangements for the Bahamas Celebration to bring a second vessel bringing more stop over visitors. In September, the government launched the business-tobusiness initiative focused on bringing more opportunities for local businesses at our larger industrial companies.”

“In November, the government will launch major Grand Bahama Technology Summit, to diversify and rebrand Grand Bahama as the next technology hub.

The government recognises that we need new industry and technology is a natural fit for Grand Bahama.

We have confirmed representatives from Google, Microsoft, Samsung, HP and other companies from Silicon Valley coming to discuss how we make Grand Bahama a Technology Hub. The government hopes to attract technology companies to help build the Grand Bahama economy.”

Meanwhile, We Rise also questioned delays in the opening of a recent constructed fire station

complex on Grand Bahama.

The group in its release Sunday stressed that residents on Grand Bahama have waited since 2004 for the complex to be rebuilt, and are now growing concerned that serious flaws may exist within the building.

We Rise also suggested that the delays could be due to a lack of payment to a contractor hired to complete the complex.

When contacted for comment Sunday, National Security Minister Marvin Dames said, as far as he was aware, the new complex was awaiting a final check by representatives from the Ministry of Works, after which, the building is expected to be outfitted for furnishings.

“We are in the process of ordering furniture and properly outfitting that building,” he told The Tribune. “As far as I know, we are awaiting the final approval on construction from Ministry of Works and once that is done, we will move to outfit the complex.”

Asked directly if there were any issues surrounding payments to contractors, the Mount Moriah MP said he could not definitely state

“yes” or “no”.

He told The Tribune a search of files related to the project would have to be done before he could give a definite answer.

The former government signed a $6m contract for the construction of the new police fire station back in June of 2015.

The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) donated three acres of land at Fairfield East, where the two-story, 11,660 sq ft station was constructed.

Original estimates called for construction efforts not to exceed a 70 week period.

We Rise also challenged Social Services Minister Lanisha Rolle to provide more relief to Bahamians who have been recently terminated.

We Rise stated in its release: “Three months is too long a time for unemployed persons to wait for Social Services assistance.

We beg the government to please revise this policy.”

The group called on Ms Rolle, a noted Christian minister, to adhere to her Christian principles while in office and not neglect her duties.

LAUNDROMAT KIDNAP, ROBBERY APPEAL DISMISSED

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net A MAN convicted of kidnapping and robbing the manager of a Fox Hill laundromat at gunpoint almost a decade ago has had his bid to legally challenge his 25-year sentence dismissed by the Court of Appeal.

Appellate President Dame Anita Allen, fellow Justices Stella Crane-Scott and Roy Jones, in a written ruling, affirmed Shawn Miller’s 25-year sentence for the armed robbery and kidnapping of Jet Wash Laundry manager Hamilton Dean in May of 2009.

However, the appellate court did give Miller “credit” for the time spent awaiting trial, thereby shortening his sentence to 23 years and seven months.

According to the ruling, Miller was convicted by a jury on October 19, 2011 before then Supreme Court Justice Jon Isaacs of one count of kidnapping, six offences of armed robbery, and one count of possession of a shortened firearm stemming from the May 29, 2009 incident.

According to evidence given at trial, around 11pm on May 29, 2009, Miller and others, in a green Avalon car, robbed Dean of a black LG flat screen television, the property of Jet Wash Laundry, forced him into his brown Toyota Camry, and drove away with him without his consent.

After Dean was forced into the passenger seat of his car, one of the men from the green Avalon jumped into the driver’s seat, and the car was driven off, followed by three of the men in the green Avalon, to Esso On-The-Run gas station on Fox Hill Road and Prince Charles Drive.

There, the flat screen television was put in the green Avalon, and that car was left in the station’s parking lot.

The men from the Avalon then joined Dean and the kidnapper in the Toyota Camry. Dean was ordered to direct them to his employer’s home, and directed them to the eastern New Providence home as he was ordered to do.

Upon their arrival at that residence, a man who the prosecution said was Miller, while concerned with the others, and armed with a shotgun, tied up Hamilton Dean and ordered Andrew Brent Dean, an occupant

of the residence, to go upstairs.

The men then ordered him and the other occupants of the home to lie on the floor of the master bedroom and robbed them at gunpoint of their cell phones, wallets, ATM cards and cash. They also robbed Andrew Brent Dean of cash belonging to Jet Wash Laundry.

While the home invasion was in process downstairs, another individual was able to alert the police. When the police arrived, the men fled.

However, at about 2am on May 30, Miller was arrested at Esso On-TheRun gas station on Fox Hill Road while engaged in a conversation with a woman who was in the process of getting into a Nissan Maxima car parked next to a green Avalon.

The flat screen television allegedly stolen from the laundromat during the armed robbery was found in the Nissan Maxima. Also found in the car was a computer bag.

According to the ruling, Miller was interviewed while in custody and gave a statement under caution in which he admitted being involved in the kidnapping and armed robbery and being in possession of the shortened firearm during the commission of the offences.

However, in his unsworn statement from the dock, Miller said he was asleep at home when the offences were committed and that he was badly beaten by the police to give the earlier statement.

However he was convicted by the jury and on November 14, 2011 sentenced to six years for kidnapping, 25 years on each count of armed robbery, and 17 months on the count of possession of a shortened firearm. All sentences were ordered to run concurrently.

However, Miller subsequently appealed his conviction and sentence on the grounds that several statements that were allegedly prejudicial to him were made in the presence of the jury and also that his case was not properly and adequately put to the jury.

Miller had also submitted that 25 years for armed robbery were unduly severe.

Regarding the former, Miller’s main argument was in essence that the trial judge failed to warn the

jury that certain statements proffered during trial ought to be ignored, as they could result in the trial being adversely affected.

One such statement, which the Court of Appeal ruling said was made by Miller in his first record of interview on May 29, 2009, said: “Answer: Yes boss, I make a stupid mistake.

We rob them people. I just come out of jail and I broke and I needed some money. I meet people in jail who link me with people. That’s the vibe.”

Another statement Miller objected to which he had made in his unsworn statement during the trial: “…I ain’t never rob no one in my life. Never kill no one.

Never been arrested for no gun. Never been arrested for nothing. I have been arrested for drugs, marijuana. Yes, I used to sell drugs when I was younger that is the only thing. I never been in jail for my life. When I went to prison, I near commit suicide…”

And in another, which was an excerpt from the interrogation of Dr Sandadei Reddy pertaining to Miller, it is suggested that the appellant had previously been admitted to prison.

However, Dame Anita said the first statement merely appears to be “an explanation offered by the appellant as to why he participated in the kidnapping and armed robbery offences, namely that he had just come out of prison, and needed money, that statement provides his explanation, and indeed his motive for what he did.”

Regarding the second statement, Dame Anita said while it was “somewhat confusing” and unclear as to “whether it was an affirmation of the first that he had been to prison before, or not”, what it did affirm was “his admission that he had been involved in criminal activity, namely, selling drugs when he was younger.”

And regarding the third, Dame Anita said it “must be laid at the feet of the appellant’s counsel who must have known the answer to the open-ended question he asked, to which the doctor was responding.”

She concluded that based on the “authorities on the subject”, the “correct course to be taken by the judge in cases where potentially prejudicial statements about an accused person’s

character are inadvertently made in the presence of the jury depends on the nature of the evidence admitted, and in the circumstances in which it is admitted.”

“In the present case, the learned trial judge decided to take no action,” Dame Anita wrote. “He obviously decided to take that course on the basis that the risk of prejudice to the appellant was insufficient to warrant any intervention by him, and that the best course of action was to ignore it, and not to draw attention to it.

Dame Anita went on to say that notwithstanding the presence of the alleged prejudicial statements, there was “strong admissible evidence” against Miller at trial, such as the confessions, and the “circumstantial evidence” of him being found at the gas station where the green Avalon was parked during the course of the kidnapping and armed robbery, as well as the discovery of the stolen television from the laundromat “in the Nissan Maxima which car he and his roommate had gone there to retrieve.”

“When that is considered, along with the fact that two of the impugned statements were deliberately made by the appellant; that the first statement appeared to be an explanation for his involvement in the offences; that the second statement appeared to be gratuitous, self-serving and inconsistent with the first in asserting that he was only involved in criminal conduct when he sold drugs as a young man and never went to prison; and the inadvertent nature of the statement of Dr Reddy, I am of the view that it was the proper course taken by the learned judge, and that notwithstanding these statements, the fairness of the trial was not adversely affected and this ground fails,” Dame Anita said.

According to the ruling, Miller had also submitted that the trial judge, in his summing-up of the trial, did not “properly and thoroughly” put the facts to the jury.

More specifically, the ruling said Miller’s main complaint was that the trial judge neglected to tell the jury that a part of his case was that he did not take the police to where the guns were, but rather that the police took him to where they knew the guns were from information received

from another source.

Those guns, according to the ruling, were mentioned in evidence adduced by the prosecution, which claimed that Miller took the police to a bushy area near Epiphany Anglican Church on Prince Charles Drive and directed them to a pile of rocks where the Maverick 12 gauge shotgun was found, and where a wallet which contained the driver’s licence and bank cards in the name of Andrew Brent Dean were also found.

According to the ruling, Miller also allegedly took police officers to a yellow house near Sandilands and allegedly told them that was where the girlfriend of one of his cohorts dropped them off after picking them up from Elizabeth Estates following the kidnapping and robbery.

The ruling also said the prosecution further relied on Miller allegedly identifying some of the items he stole from the Dean household, admitting to placing the shotgun where it was found behind Epiphany Anglican Church, and admitting to hiding a black Maverick shotgun, allegedly recovered near the Dean’s residence during a police interview on May 30, 2009.

However, at the close of the prosecution’s case, Miller was called upon to answer the charges. While giving an unsworn statement from the dock, he told the jury that at the time he was asleep at home, and only went to the gas station when his roommate asked him to take her there.

He also told the jury that he was badly beaten by police, and was further offered an inducement to sign the paper. However, he refused to sign it.

He further told the jury that the police told him they were taking him to his home to change his clothes, but instead took him behind a church where some officers stayed with him while the others searched and came back with a shotgun, and that they picked up a wallet when they were leaving.

The following day Miller claimed, in his unsworn statement, that officer Keno Smith intimated he had come to take him to the hospital, and coerced him to sign, which he said he did out of fear that he would be beaten again.

However, Dame Anita said the trial judge

“succinctly” put the main thrust of Miller’s case to the jury, inclusive of his claims that he was at home during the commission of the crimes in question. She also submitted that the judge told the jury of Miller’s complaints that he was beaten to give the records of interview and the statement under caution.

She said while the trial judge’s summing-up was “laconic”, or brief, she is of the view that the judge “summed up the evidence for the appellant, namely, that he did not commit the offences, and was forced to confess to being involved in the crimes through police oppression.”

Thus, she said the part of Miller’s case, which he claimed the trial judge neglected to put to the jury, “would not have made a difference to the outcome of the trial.”

“The case turned on whether the jury was satisfied that the interviews and statements were voluntarily obtained and were true; and whether they were satisfied on that evidence of the appellant’s guilt,” she said. “ It was therefore of no consequence whether the jury believed the police found the gun as a result of the appellant’s directions or did so from information received.

“As noted, the crux of the case was whether the jury believed his confession, or whether they believed that his alibi of being elsewhere at the time may have been true, and he could not therefore be guilty of the offences.”

Regarding his claims that the 25-year sentence was unduly severe, Dame Anita said while neither counsel for the appellant nor respondent could neither confirm nor deny that the time spent on remand had not been taken into account during his sentencing, the “benefit of the doubt should be given to the appellant.”

“In the premises, and for the reasons given, the appellant’s appeal against his convictions are dismissed and his convictions are affirmed,” she said. “In respect of his appeal against the sentences of 25 years, his appeal is also dismissed.

As to his time spent on remand, we subtract that from his sentence which would result in his spending 23 years and seven months, with effect from his date of conviction.”

SINGING BISHOP’S SON ACCUSED OF BALFOUR AVENUE MURDER

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

THE SON of the well known “Singing Bishop” was charged in Magistrates Court on Friday in connection with a murder

that took place in the Balfour Avenue area last week.

Jacob Rolle, 24, the son of Bishop Lawrence Rolle, stood before Assistant Chief Magistrate Subusola Swain charged with one count of murder in

connection with the October 24 incident.

It is alleged that on the day in question, Rolle murdered Randy Rolle.

According to initial reports, police responded to a report of gunshots in an area off Balfour

Avenue shortly after 8pm on October 24. Upon arrival, they discovered the lifeless body of a man who had died of gunshot wounds.

Though no other details were provided up to press time, residents of the

area said the victim lived near where his body was found.

Rolle was not required to enter a plea to the charge and the assistant chief magistrate adjourned the case to December 12 for service of a voluntary bill of

indictment.

He was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until that time. He has a right to apply for bail in the Supreme Court.

He is represented by lawyer Keith Seymour.

PAGE 16, Monday, October 30, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

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ADASTRA Gardens held a halloween event for kids with fun and games over the weekend.

Photos: Terrel W. Carey/ Tribune Staff