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Hurricanes’ toll on tourism jobs Resorts World Happy 100th, Sir Durward lays off 150 By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net TEMPORARY layoffs at Resorts World Bimini will affect some 150 workers, with more than a dozen expected to be made redundant, The Tribune has learned. RWB President Missy Lawrence yesterday pointed to a dramatic drop in tourism across the entire Caribbean due to
a destructive hurricane season as she confirmed the “anchor property” has started to “curtail staffing.” The resort did not confirm the number of affected staff; however, sources close to the matter stressed that lay-offs were temporary, adding the process was not complete. Labour Minister Dion Foulkes also declined to
TOURISM Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar (pictured) said yesterday he is “anxious” to see if Baha Mar can “grow occupancy numbers” without cannibalising other local hotels. In an interview with The Tribune outside the House of Assembly, Mr D’Aguilar said he is unsure Baha Mar will be able to make its November 4 deadline for the opening of the SLS Lux Hotel.
From The Tribune and all our readers
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
or were on probation. Mr D’Aguilar, however, said the released employees include people who were “hired just before the general election” as well as people who were already receiving a pension. “The Gaming Board has had an enormous increase
THE Minister of Health “cannot say” how much the Christie administration spent on National Health Insurance’s (NHI) launch, saying only: “It’s more than $100 million.” Dr Duane Sands acknowledged that many Bahamians will be amazed the Government cannot give a precise dollar figure, which he blamed on the former administration’s fragmented governance structure for the scheme.
SEE PAGE SIX
SEE BUSINESS SECTION
GAMING BOARD ‘STILL OVERSTAFFED’ By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net THE Gaming Board is overstaffed by “about 40 employees,” Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar said yesterday, adding that with demand for technical experts so high in the institution, the days are
over when people could show up with a “paper and a pad” and get a job. His comment came after The Tribune’s report that 18 people were let go from the Gaming Board last week. Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ Press Secretary Anthony Newbold said the people let go had expired contracts
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SEE PAGE THREE
NHI BILL? ‘WE HAVEN’T GOT A CLUE’
SIR Durward Knowles celebrates his 100th birthday today - the world’s oldest living Olympic gold medalist. Sir Durward won his medal at the Tokyo games in October 1964. Picture: Sheila Bethel
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ENVIRONMENT Minister Romauld Ferreira revealed that he and his mother, who was on her deathbed, were victims of harassment and intimidation as a result of his advocacy work. While not revealing much detail in the House of Assembly yesterday, the Marathon MP said receiving threats of death, having his tyres slashed and the harassment of his mother were the results of
KERZNER International’s long association with the Bahamas will end on November 30 when its One & Only brand is replaced by Four Seasons as the Ocean Club’s management partner. Access Industries, the Paradise Island-based resort’s owner, yesterday confirmed the selection of Four Seasons as the ultra luxury property’s brand flag and operating partner. The move effectively ends Kerzner International’s corporate involvement and presence in the Bahamas, which began in 1994 via the Atlantis purchase and Phase 1 redevelopment under its chairman, Sir Sol Kerzner. SEE BUSINESS SECTION
SEE PAGE FIVE
“People are telling me that they are not making the deadline that is in four days and it is now the 14th instead,” Mr D’Aguilar said. “I am anxious to see if they can grow their occupancy numbers without cannibalising existing local hotels, that is important. You do not want them to take customers from other hotels and just shift it around, that doesn’t help the destination at all. So it is very important and we have informed them that SEE PAGE FIVE
By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net
FOUR SEASONS TO MANAGE OCEAN CLUB
BAHA MAR OCCUPANCY NUMBERS ‘KIND OF LOW’ By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net
FERREIRA REVEALS DEATH THREATS
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PAGE 2, Thursday, November 2, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
SPEAKER: ELECTION BUYING CLAIMS ARE NOT A BREACH OF PLP LEADER’S PRIVILEGE
OPPOSITION Leader Philip ‘Brave’ Davis’ in the House of Assembly yesterday. PHOTO: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net FINANCE Minister Peter Turnquest’s assertions regarding the former Christie administration’s handling of a $150m hurricane relief loan does not constitute a breach of Opposition Leader Philip “Brave” Davis’ privilege, House Speaker Halson Moultrie ruled yesterday. As he rejected the request for this matter to be investigated by the Committee on Privilege, Mr Moultrie explained there must be much more than just hurt feelings or the anxiety of fleeing when no one is chasing. Last month, in a statement, Mr Turnquest said the Minnis administration suspected the former government spent $42m of a $150m hurricane relief fund in a failed bid to buy
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the election. He had previously stated in the House of Assembly the government was only able to trace $108m of the money, but added at the time this does not mean the remaining money is unaccounted for, just that the government had not been able to trace it. Mr Davis argued in the House of Assembly shortly afterwards that the comments about election buying were a breach of his privilege and called on the Speaker to refer the matter to the committee. However, Mr Moultrie said he was not satisfied a prima facie case for referral was established, adding the comments were not made within the confines of Parliament. Meanwhile, following the ruling, Mr Turnquest in an interview after the morning session appeared to walk back earlier comments that the money was in part spent on the 2017 general election. “I have found that the facts and evidence provided are insufficient to ostensibly establish a fact or a case unless disproved,” Mr Moultrie said yesterday morning in the House of Assembly.
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He also said: “Privilege essentially belongs to the House as a whole; individual members can only claim privilege insofar as any denial of their rights, or threat made to them, would impede the functioning of the House. In addition, individual members cannot claim privilege or immunity on matters that are unrelated to their functions in the House. “The leader of the opposition did not allege that the statement or any party thereof, made by the member for East Grand Bahama, as published in The Tribune’s report, falls specifically within or foul of the rules and/or principles enunciated above. “The standard of proof demanded in establishing a prima facie case of privilege is the civil standard of proof on the balance of probabilities, but given the serious nature of the allegation, proof of a very high order is required. The need for such a high measure of proof is underscored by the fact that there is effectively no right of appeal. “Even if the member of East Grand Bahama was loose, negligent or reckless in the use of words, this in itself, falls short of the standard required to hold a member responsible for
deliberately misleading the public or the House for that matter.” He continued: “Honourable members, for misleading of the House to be deliberate, there must be something in the nature of the incorrect statement that indicates an intention to mislead. There must be much more than just hurt feelings or the anxiety of fleeing when no one is chasing. “It is against this background that I rule that the matter referred to me does not constitute a prima facie case of breach of privilege and to rule otherwise would result in the ancient privilege that I pledged to protect being modified or surrendered.”
Funds Following the House session, Mr Turnquest told reporters he had no reason not to believe the unaccounted funds were not in the Consolidated Fund. Earlier in his interview, the East Grand Bahama MP said the government was not trying to find the money “because there is nothing to find.” Mr Turnquest said: “What we are doing and what we have done is that we went through expenditures that were identified as hurricane related and we tallied all of those. So that’s what we have. Now we will continue to go through that process to see if we can find more. Maybe we will, I don’t know. “The money is in the Consolidated Fund, just as they said. I presume it is. I don’t know that it is or not. They said that it is in the Consolidated Fund. I have no reason to not believe that,” he also said. Asked how the money is traced, Mr Turnquest told reporters: “Any expenditure out of the Public Treasury has supporting documentation. It is approved. So we can tell based upon coding and determine how the money was spent. “To what extent it was spent on hurricane related matters or whether it was spent on something else. So that’s how we are able to say $108m was spent on hurricane matters because we can look and the voucher will say paid for lumber, paid for transportation, paid for whatever. “I can’t find the vouchers for that ($42m) and again the process continues but to date we have not been able to identify $42m of the $150m that was borrowed as being spent directly on hurricane relief expenses.”
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, November 2, 2017, PAGE 3
Ferreira reveals death threats FROM PAGE ONE
“I endured threats of death, attempted break-ins at home and my office, car tyres slashed, harassment of my dear mother on her deathbed.”
standing up for what he believed in. He referred to the appeal of the advocacy group Save the Bays, of which he was formerly a member, made to an international group last year calling for protection against threats and harassment due to the organisation’s position against the Christie administration and a private developer. Save the Bays was also involved in a standoff with former Cabinet Minister Jerome Fitzgerald after he read personal e-mails of the group in the House of Assembly.
ENVIRONMENT Minister Romauld Ferreira
Damages The matter ultimately went to the Supreme Court where it was ordered that Mr Fitzgerald, former education minister, pay $150,000 in damages for the breach. A parliamentary privilege appeal lodged by the Crown under the former government was formally withdrawn and dismissed in the Court of Appeal in July. “Mr Speaker, I have dedicated my entire life to serving my country to bring law and environment together,” Mr Ferreira said during his
ENVIRONMENT Minister Romauld Ferreira in the House of Assembly. Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune staff
contribution to a Constitutional Amendment Bill to establish the independent Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
“Whether it was standing up for justice in the wake of the Marathon oil spill cover up or speaking out on behalf of the residents of Bimini, even
leading judicial action to prevent the environmental destruction of their island. “So, Mr Speaker, as a result of standing up for what I believed in or having the courage to face my own convictions placed in my heart by the Almighty, speaking out on behalf of those who had no voices or whose voices were stunned by fear, as a result of that, I experienced brutal victimisation. “I endured threats of death, attempted breakins at home and my office, car tyres slashed, harassment of my dear mother on her deathbed. “Some of my colleagues endured much more than this.” He continued: “Mr Speaker these criminal acts were reported, but no prosecutorial action was taken.
COURT WILL HEAR PETER NYGARD’S RECUSAL APPLICATION IN HIS ABSENCE By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net
A SUPREME Court judge yesterday said the court is “not at the beck and call” of Canadian fashion mogul Peter Nygard after noting she will not allow his “non-attendance” to his own recusal application on two consecutive occasions to “further delay” the hearing of those proceedings. Justice Rhonda Bain, in a written ruling handed down yesterday afternoon, said while Mr Nygard is in breach of the court order requiring him to attend the recusal applications against her, the court is not at his “whim and fancy” and will hear his recusal applications in his absence. However, Justice Bain said while she has decided to treat Mr Nygard’s absence as a “separate issue” from the substantive recusal motion, the court will give the Lyford Cay resident an opportunity to “show cause” of his failure to obey the court’s orders to attend the recusal application hearings on both October 30 and October 31.
Criticisms Justice Bain’s ruling comes subsequent to two consecutive days of in court criticisms of Mr Nygard by Fred Smith, QC, lead attorney for Save The Bays (STB), concerning the former’s notable absences from his own recusal applications on two separate occasions. During Tuesday’s proceedings, Mr Nygard’s attorney, Damian Gomez, QC, informed the court of his filing of an application in a bid to have Mr Nygard excused from attending the proceedings. At the time, Mr Gomez said Mr Nygard was out of the jurisdiction in Canada and has been “for some time”, thus explaining his absence from both Monday’s and Tuesday’s proceedings. However, Mr Smith objected against both the
PETER NYGARD filing of the application and the particulars contained therein. He charged that acceding to Mr Nygard’s application would be prejudicial to STB, that Mr Nygard gave no reason for his absence despite the “pivotal” role he plays in the recusal applications, and that he proffered no apology for his response. Mr Smith further submitted that Mr Nygard’s absences, the consequent application for him to be excused, and the subsequent hearings on the application, had reduced the recusal proceedings to a “trial within a trial,” which is preventing the substantive matter from being dealt with. Mr Smith ultimately submitted that a “practical solution” would be for Justice Bain to dismiss both the application for Mr Nygard’s excusal and his recusal application as he was not present in court to prosecute either. In yesterday’s ruling, Justice Bain said the absences of Mr Nygard, the fifth respondent in the matter, will be treated as a “separate issue and shall not delay these proceedings any further because of the non-attendance of the fifth respondent.” She further ruled that contrary to Mr Smith’s submissions that STB, the applicants in the matter, would be prejudiced by Mr Nygard’s absence and consequent application for his excusal, she is of the opinion “that the prejudice to the applicants by a further delay in these proceedings is more prejudicial to the applicant.” “The court shall not allow the court to be used by the
fifth respondent,” she said. “The court is not at the beck and call of the fifth respondent. The fifth respondent has filed a notice of motion for recusal of the court. The fifth respondent has refused to attend. The court shall hear the application in the absence of the fifth respondent.” Justice Bain further noted in her ruling that leave was first granted to Mr Nygard on June 13, 2013 to commence judicial review proceedings and to date, the substantive judicial review application has not been heard.
Rulings She further noted that the court has since given 24 written rulings on preliminary points raised by the respondents including an application for recusal by Mr Nygard’s former attorney Keod Smith, another by Mr Nygard and one by former prime minister Perry Christie. The ruling also noted there is another outstanding notice of motion for recusal of the court by Keod Smith.
“The court is not at the whim and fancy of the fifth respondent,” she continued. “The fifth respondent has filed a notice of motion and an amended notice of motion for recusal of the court. The court has an obligation to hear the notice of motion for recusal on an expedited basis.” Mr Nygard has filed two recusal applications against Justice Bain on the grounds of bias, the latter of which was launched in March of this year. His first recusal application, which ultimately failed, was filed in 2015. Both recusal applications stem from Mr Nygard’s battle with STB over allegations the construction/ development activities at his Lyford Cay home have led to a substantial growth of the property. The group claims Mr Nygard has almost doubled the size of his property, from 3.25 acres to 6.1 acres, since he acquired it in 1984, by reclaiming Crown land from the sea. The advocacy group alleged that Mr Nygard achieved this without the necessary permits and approvals, claims that have been denied by the fashion designer.
“Ultimately to ensure my safety and that of my family, we had to reach out to an international human rights group for help who urged the then government to ensure our safety and those of our colleagues. So I have a special interest in this legislation. “Anything which strengthens the independence of the country prosecutorial system will get my support.” Last November, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) called on the Christie administration to take steps to protect the lives and personal integrity of five Save the Bays members and their nuclear families
following a petition made by the Grand Bahama Human Rights Association (GBHRA) members Fred Smith QC, journalist Francisco Nunez, activist Joseph Darville, singer Kirkland Bodie and Mr Ferreira.
Petition The petition alleged the men have been subject to threats of harm, harassment and intimidation as a result of their advocacy and adversarial stance against the government and private developers on environmental issues, and that these actions have been endorsed by “official and unofficial” state agents.
PAGE 4, Thursday, November 2, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
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US initiatives to fight opioid epidemic in schools PRESIDENT Donald Trump and his vice president came out this past week with initiatives that are not as big, bold or immediate as they appeared. Despite the drum-roll implied in Mike Pence’s recent remarks to Christians, the U.S. is not suddenly walking away from U.N. humanitarian relief programmes and switching all that money directly to persecuted religious groups. And Trump’s action on the opioid epidemic counts on a powerful antidrug punch from advertising, a feeble weapon at least in the past. A look at their statements and other rhetoric from the week: TRUMP on a planned ad campaign against the opioid epidemic: “I think that’s going to end up being our most important thing. Really tough, really big, really great advertising, so we get to people before they start.” — remarks Thursday. THE FACTS: He may prove history wrong, but past marketing efforts to scare young people from using drugs had poor results. More broadly, Trump’s declaration of opioid overdoses as a public health emergency is not as consequential as it might sound. It does not bring new dollars to the anti-opioids fight. It does make it easier for the government to shuffle resources and make other changes, such as expanding access to medical services in rural areas. As for advertising, the government spent nearly $1 billion from 1998 to 2004 on a campaign to discourage illegal drug use by young people. A study financed by the National Institutes of Health concluded in 2008 that the campaign “had no favourable effects on youths’ behaviour” and may have prompted some to experiment with drugs, an unintended “boomerang” effect. A 2009 review of 20 studies of school-based D.A.R.E. programmes found that students in the programmes were about as likely to try drugs as those who didn’t. Founded in the early 1980s, D.A.R.E sent police officers into thousands of U.S. schools to warn about the dangers of drugs. More recently, anti-drug campaigns have appealed to teenagers’ desire for independence and self-control rather than drug fears.
A 2011 study of the government’s “Above the Influence” campaign suggested eighth-graders who had seen the campaign were slightly less likely to have tried marijuana than those who had not. ——— PENCE, on redirecting U.S. humanitarian foreign aid: “While faith-based groups with proven track records and deep roots in these communities are more than willing to assist, the United Nations too often denies their funding requests. “My friends, those days are over. ... . Tonight, it is my privilege to announce that President Trump has ordered the State Department to stop funding ineffective relief efforts at the United Nations. And from this day forward, America will provide support directly to persecuted communities through USAID.” — remarks Wednesday to a group helping Christians in the Middle East. THE FACTS: “From this day forward” is a stretch, as are Pence’s other references to immediate change. The government is to study the matter. Studies take time, especially when multiple agencies are involved, and lead to conclusions that can’t always be foreseen at the start. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said not all U.N. relief programmes would be cut off from U.S. financing. “The U.N. will still get some of its money for this, but we will look for other avenues in which to more efficiently fund these types of religious minorities so that they can eventually return back home,” Nauert said. A White House official says the goal is to make sure necessary levels of relief are steered to persecuted religious minorities in the Middle East and as part of that, more grants will go directly to religious organizations and other groups. An analysis will be done by the State Department, U.S. Agency for International Development and the Office of Management and Budget, in conjunction with the U.S. ambassador to the U.N., “to determine how appropriated funds can best be spent,” the official said. This background was shared on condition of anonymity because the official was not authorized to be identified. (This article is by the Associated Press)
Commercial banks’ fees and charges EDITOR, The Tribune. BAHAMIANS are all aware of the Commercial Banking Sector’s new and multitudinous fees and charges that are being applied for any “service” provided by them. “Service” being used sceptically. A somewhat lame effort is being made, or was said to be being made, by the Prices Control Commission that typically oversees what Super Value charges for a can of sardines or corned beef. Hardly the people who would be savvy, on either the legality or amount being levied, by the juggernaut of Bahamas Commercial Banks. I can only personally speak about RBC Royal Bank of Canada, as that is my only experience, but if there are institutions that are not doing this, then I beg your pardon. One only has to do a Google Search on Barclays
Downtown non-development under successive governments EDITOR, The Tribune. THE first five months of Dr. Minnis’ FNM Government show no visible improvement over the five years of PLP mis-management in restoring the abandonment of derelict Eastern Bay Street, what I have called the “Zombie Zone” in my previous columns I was reminded by the recent acute comments from senior realtor Charles Christie, under The Tribune headline condemning “Regulatory Uncertainty”. While nobody expects Government itself to finance the vast range of reconstruction, only Government can set the zoning rules that private capital needs as a starting point. These rules must be revised from the present ambiguous state before developers will spend one penny on the 10-12 story structures
contemplated for the area and still far from approval Mr. Christie’s own firm has marketing the vacant waterfront property Union Wharf as the keystone for the area, but so far has had no takers because of uncertainty about what new structures will be permitted. Dr. Minnis is said to have “looked favorably” on the long-discussed board-walk already planned by a powerful consortium of private shore-side owners—but no signs of construction can be seen pending issuance of the many required variances and permits. By contrast, my daughter in Paris has told me about her two-week business trip to Mauritius, the island nation in the Indian Ocean that has become a tourism and financial magnet for Europeans. The capital city Port Louis has seen its seedy, run-down dock area
transformed by the Caudan Waterfront Project, which she described and photographed as a bustling centre of hotels, up-market shops and restaurants, entertainment facilities and residential condos, while incorporating a handsome landing zone for cruise ships. The full flavour is easily available by googling the copious text and graphics under the “Caudan” website. If Mauritius, thousands of miles from European population hubs, can stimulate its poly-glot 1.2 million populace to re-vitalize its capital, surely Bahamians can do the same for Nassau, only 150 miles from the world’s richest country. All that’s needed is imaginative state leadership, still a bit lacking. RICHARD COULSON Nassau, November 1, 2017.
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net
Bank + “Fined” to see the very long list of unlawful behaviour that they, and other well-known financial institutions have been committing. From LIBOR rate fixing to Foreign exchange rate fixing to KYC and AML failings and a host of other matters. You cannot assume that if the banker is wearing a suit, with a nice tie and cufflinks, that he/she is any different than the bum on the corner, who heists your car at the point of a gun. They don’t have a gun maybe, but they take your valuables nonetheless. I don’t suppose the Bahamas has an equivalent of the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority (FCA ) but this is more the kind of oversight body that is needed in the Bahamas today. Certainly not a price control commission. We are also very much aware that our own legislation is seriously lacking in the KYC & AML arena, (Bahamas recently criticized by Caribbean Regulators) and very likely in what a retail bank can legitimately charge a client for making a deposit or cashing a cheque. My thought is that in a sleepy little island nation like the Bahamas, banks skinning customers was not a legislative concern many years ago, but as we see today there is a free for all going on and the commercial banks are unrestrained and unapologetic. It is not only their fees that seem egregious but also the length of time that they “TAKE” to exchange payments. Yes, “TAKE” because when they unduly hold (Delay) a customer’s value they are using that value for their own purposes. Decades ago
when cheques and bills of exchange were cleared over a wooden table, one could accept the couple of days it might take to “clear” your cheque deposit. Today it is largely electronic travelling at the speed of electricity if not the speed of light. So why do they need three and four days to give you value for your money ? And when you have a wire transfer they can play (deprive you of the use of it ) with this for even a week, while assuring you that as soon as it “arrives” you will be credited. As if the transfer is coming to them in the “snail mail”. They really think their customers are deaf, dumb, and blind. If there was a $100,000.00 penalty imposed, for late credit, imposed by the Central Bank, there would be a whole different story. And don’t let them try to fool you about not knowing where it is. Every institution that touches that transfer records the date and time to the second when it was received and the same on when it left them. So when RBC says “it didn’t arrive yet” it has “arrived” as soon as it is credited to their account at their correspondent bank. They do have to look though. No one transfers Bahamian dollars anywhere, so it ain’t coming to the Bahamas. Clearly if we don’t have rules and regulations and penalties for Commercial Banks then we need these in a great hurry. I don’t even know if we have any “usury” laws. Of course the government will have a conflict of interest in curtailing any of these ad hoc fees and charges because every fee and charge is invariably accompanied by VAT !!! MONKEEDOO Nassau, November 1, 2017.
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, November 2, 2017, PAGE 5
HURRICANES’ TOLL ON TOURISM JOBS FROM PAGE ONE confirm the number of affected staff, noting that he wanted to give the resort the opportunity to speak to its employees first. However, he confirmed that both the Ministry of Labour and the Department of Labour had been in talks with the resort last week.
Damage “While Resorts World Bimini is now open and operational, we are still in the process of recovering from the damage caused by Hurricane Irma,” Mrs Lawrence said in a statement. “Commercial air lift continues to only serve a small portion of our guests, and the current ferry service is limited during the winter months due to inclement weather. As a result, we have made the hard decision to curtail staffing until a time when increased resort visitation warrants a re-evaluation. “Throughout this process, Resorts World has worked with the minister of labour’s office to fully comply with the Employment
Act. In addition, the names of affected individuals were shared with the Department of Labour to expedite applications for benefits at each employee’s respective places of residence. “We do not make these decisions lightly,” Mrs Lawrence added, “but must respond to the dramatic drop in tourism across the entire Caribbean following a destructive hurricane season. We appreciate the hard work and contributions of all our employees, and we wish those affected the very best as they transition to new opportunities.” Yesterday, Mr Foulkes said the resort has asked for a few months to increase airlift. He stressed that all affected employees will be eligible to NIB unemployment benefits, adding the Labour Department will process applications in a timely manner. “We have been in discussions with them since the latter part of last week, as a result of the hurricane they had to close the property and all of the staff went home. Some of them in Grand Bahama, some in Nassau and some in Bimini,” Mr Foulkes said. “They have been in the process of
THE INTERIOR of the hotel at Resorts World Bimini reopening and increasing airlift, and they have indicated that they should be up to complete staff level within a few months.
Redundant “There are a number (of workers) affected with temporary layoffs and a very small number will be made redundant. Both the Ministry and the Department of Labour, we have agreed to wait until all employees are notified
BAHA MAR OCCUPANCY NUMBERS ‘KIND OF LOW’ FROM PAGE ONE
they need to seek out new markets and new customers in order to grow the destination.” Mr D’Aguilar also revealed Baha Mar’s current occupancy numbers are “kind of low” but said the resort is about to “unleash a marketing campaign” in preparation for Christmas that will hopefully boost numbers. Baha Mar’s SLS Lux and Rosewood properties are due to open this month and March/ April 2018, respectively.
Graeme Davis, the destination resort’s president, told the media during a July tour of the property the project was “on target” to obtain its full occupancy certificate. Yesterday, Mr D’Aguilar said he is unsure of the resort has received its full occupancy certificate to date. Baha Mar received its first phase temporary certificate of occupancy (TCO) back in March, allowing visitors to occupy rooms and use other resort amenities.
The TCO gives Chow Tai Fook Enterprises “full rights” to use all Baha Mar amenities included in the first phase soft opening, including the convention centre, casino and casino hotel, but it remains “on the hook” for any unsafe, non-Code compliant items that need to be addressed. Apart from the Grand Hyatt’s 1,800 rooms, the convention centre, golf course and casino, Baha Mar’s tennis club, pool and beach areas, and some restaurant and retail outlets are all open.
THE BAHA Mar Resort at Cable Beach.
Notice of Material Change The Board of Directors of Finance Corporation of Bahamas Limited hereby advises that Mrs. Fanchon Braynen has resigned as an Executive Director and Area Vice President/Managing Director, RBC FINCO effective 1st November, 2017 to pursue another role within the company. Ms. Lasonya Missick, RBC Royal Bank (Bahamas) Limited, Area Vice President New Providence, will replace Mrs. Braynen as a Director on the RBC FINCO Board subject to regulatory approval. The Board further advises that Mr. Nathaniel Beneby will be appointed Managing Director, RBC FINCO effective 1st November, 2017. CORPORATE SECRETARY November 1, 2017
before disclosing actual numbers for both categories.’ Mr Foulkes added: “As for the temporary layoffs, some people have resigned but that’s a very small number made redundant. I impressed upon them they have to comply with provisions of Employment Act and with the other laws that govern employment in the Bahamas, to date they have been doing so.” Tensions between Resorts World Bimini and residents have worsened in recent weeks due to what some have described as the
resort’s “irresponsible environmental practices.” More than six weeks since the passage of Hurricane Irma, which tore through the resort’s floating docks, residents told The Tribune they are still fishing large chunks of Styrofoam from bays around the island. The resort has maintained that it has done its best to resolve the matter, adding the vendor who originally provided its marina docks has agreed to place skimmers in the marinas for long-term remediation.
$25M MARKETING CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED
THE Baha Mar resort yesterday unveiled its new $25m marketing campaign. Pictured from left are Creative Director Marcelo Cardoso, VP of Marketing Karin Salinas and President of Baha Mar Graeme Davis. See Business section for more. Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff
PAGE 6, Thursday, November 2, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
MITCHELL: GOVT ‘CHIPPING AWAY’ AT CIVIL SERVICE LABOUR FORCE By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Chairman Fred Mitchell yesterday raised concern over the recent termination trend in the public sector, insisting the Minnis administration has actively been “chipping
away” at the country’s labour force in the civil service. In a statement, Mr Mitchell said the government has established a “modus operandi” of “sending people home to collect unemployment benefits or social assistance” in the public service - a trend he
claimed the private sector has opted to mirror. He claimed in addition to the 18 workers who were fired from the Gaming Board and eight people recently said to be dismissed from the foreign service; workers with contracts in the public service who are connected with the
SIR DURWARD KNOWLES HONOURED AT SPECIAL SCHOOL ASSEMBLY
SHOWN from left are: Edna Y Gomez, principal of Walter Parker Primary; Terry Gape, One Bahamas Executive Committee member; Vice-principal Rodney Bethel; Sir Durward’s daughter Charlotte Knowles; relative Andy Knowles; Cecil Thompson, One Bahamas Executive Committee member; and Churchill Tener Knowles, One Bahamas Executive Committee member. PHOTO: Lisa Davis/BIS “I want you to listen carefully, what he By DENISE MAYCOCK accomplished in his life, his goal was to never Tribune Freeport Reporter to give up. dmaycock@tribunemedia.net THE Walter Parker Primary School celebrated Sir Durward Knowles Day, paying tribute to Sir Durward at a special cultural ceremony held at the school on Wednesday morning. Sir Durward, who tuns 100 today, is a Bahamian hero and Olympic gold medalist in sailing at the 1964 Summer Games in Tokyo. He is the oldest living Olympic medalist in the world. His daughter, Charlotte Albury, along with her cousin Andy Knowles, attended the ceremony on behalf of her father, and thanked the students for their wonderful tribute to him. She was also presented with a framed written tribute to her father. The students recited a powerful poem, written by the school’s Vice Principal Rodney Bethel as a tribute to Sir Durward, who is also co-chairman emeritus of One Bahamas and One Bahamas Foundation. They performed a skit telling the story of Sir Durward’s life, a dance by the Walter Parker Tappers and a song by the boys’ choir. Mrs Albury said that seeing the talent of the students was well worth her trip to Freeport. “I like to bring greeting from Dad, he is going to be 100 tomorrow (Thursday) and he is like a child. He keeps on saying how many more days. And I say, one more day, Daddy. He is looking to his day like a child looking forw ard to Christmas; he said, ‘I can’ t believe I am going to be 100.’” She told students that her father is writing a book titled, ‘Never Give Up.’ She said that her father never gave up on his dream of sailing in the Olympics.
“When he started sailing and his family did not have money to do it, he kept on pushing and pushing for people to believe in him and support him, and he never gave up. “As he got older… he wanted to help other people and he looked at them and told them not to give up. Because with the help of friends and family, and if they believe in you and you believe in yourself, there is nothing you can’t accomplish. “There is nothing you cannot accomplish and the talents you have, I know we have a lot of Bahamian heroes in the future,” she said. Edna Gomez, school principal, extended gratitude to everyone who came out to celebrate at the school. “Walter Parker Primary is known for great things, and I think that’s why Cecil Thompson came to us to put on this tribute to a Bahamian hero. We celebrate all kinds of people and we don’t honour our own, and it is good when we honour our own. No Lebron James, no Stephon Curry - Sir Durward Knowles. “I want to thank Sir Durward’s family for gracing us with your presence, and when you get back please extend our best wishes to Sir Durward as he enjoys his 100th birthday,” Ms Gomez said. In addition to his accomplishment in sailing, Sir Durward has served as the national co-chairman of the One Bahamas organisation and visited every school, along with Sir Orville Turnquest, on Grand Bahama, Bimini, Grand Cay and Abaco. The first Sir Durward Knowles 100 Regatta was held at the Montagu Foreshore in New Providence on the weekend in honour of the sailing icon.
PLP are being laid off with one month’s notice. Mr Mitchell also highlighted this past August, at least 27 employees of the Ministry of Tourism were released and another 15 people were recently fired from the Bahamas Agriculture and Industrial Corporation (BAIC). The former Fox Hill MP also said 21 employees at the National Insurance Board (NIB) were terminated in June of this year, and in recent months, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has let go at least 42 people. “Again, being PLP appears to be their only sin,” Mr Mitchell stated. On Wednesday The Tribune reported that about 18 people were recently let go from the Gaming Board. This comes as the government has stepped in to try to prevent the terminations of about 100 contracted workers at BTC. Brensil Rolle, minister of the public service and National Insurance, has said between December 2016 and May 2017, the government’s payroll ballooned by $16.5 million due to the
PLP Chairman Fred Mitchell. Christie administration’s hiring of new public service workers during that period. More than 1,700 people were included in this count. According to Mr Rolle, the public service increased by 6,500 people over the last five years, during the last Christie administration. However, Mr Mitchell said the FNM, through its “mean-spirited and regressive” economic policies, has set in motion an attack on the workers across the country. Mr Mitchell contended: “In the private sector, we now learn that BTC has told it’s so-called independent contractors to sign or be dismissed. “This is a consequence, of course, of the bad
decision of the FNM government in its previous term in office to sell BTC at a fire sale price to those who did not have the best interest of the Bahamian people at heart. “Down in Mathew Town, Inagua people are in an uproar because a popular employee at a senior level was dismissed,” he claimed. “The citizens there are calling for immigration to intervene.” To that end, Mr Mitchell said the PLP will be meeting with the labour sector to see how the party can help moving forward. The country’s unemployment rate, according to the latest Labour Force survey, is 9.9 per cent, however this is a decline from 11.6 per cent.
GAMING BOARD ‘STILL OVERSTAFFED’ FROM PAGE ONE in staff and the problem with the complement of persons who were in the Gaming Board is, you really now need a cadre of IT, tech-savvy individuals to monitor the activities of people involved in the gaming industry,” he said. “The background and the training of the employees of the Gaming Board is shifting from more traditional, less tech-savvy people to people who have to understand gaming and who have to be able to dig themselves into computer systems of the gaming houses and see that they are complying, see that the information we are requiring is being provided, see that the houses are paying out the right amounts, etc. “It’s not walking in with a piece of paper and a pad, those days are gone. Those are the easiest people to hire but that’s not what the Gaming Board needs.” Mr D’Aguilar could not say how many of these techsavvy people the Gaming Board needs, but he was
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emphatic the institution does not have them now. “The Gaming Board is probably overstaffed by about 40 people,” he said. Mr D’Aguilar believes most government institutions are overstaffed. However, he said the Minnis administration won’t reduce the public sector’s labour force by as much as it would if it were running the government like a business. “Don’t paint the picture that we are a heartless group of merciless businessmen who are now applying that view to government departments,” he said. “It’s not your own company and governments are minded to be kinder, gentler and as a result you don’t apply hard-nosed business principles to government corporations. I don’t have the power and I don’t think the Bahamian people voted us in to be that ruthless and as cold. Maybe over time if we can grow the economy and we can provide sufficient private sector jobs, then people could start
to shift. (The) previous government dealt with its employment problem by employing people by the state.” Meanwhile, Public Services Minister Brensil Rolle said about half of the 126 pensionable workers his government is targeting to let go have retired since the Minnis administration came to office. “Some have retired,” he said, acknowledging they did so after prodding from the government. “We’ve made the judgment that we’re not prepared to pay both salaries and pensions in these tough times and we’ve been examining individuals who fall in that category. In case of technical officers, we’ve given them some time to separate with the condition that someone will be trained to replace them. It’s about half, just about 50 per cent so far. We’re still speaking and will engage others. It’s a progressive programme that we are looking at and examining.”
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, November 2, 2017, PAGE 7
STYROFOAM pictured in the water in Bimini in September.
GOVT DELEGATION SET TO DISCUSS BIMINI ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net
A GOVERNMENT delegation is expected to travel to Bimini tomorrow to discuss ongoing environmental issues with key stakeholders on that island, according to West End and Bimini MP Pakesia Parker Edgecombe. In an interview with The Tribune yesterday, Mrs Parker Edgecombe insisted the Minnis administration has not “overlooked” the issues in Bimini, adding that officials were looking to “bring everyone together” as soon as possible. “We are aware of the issues in Bimini,” she said. “I do believe that we will be going into that island this coming weekend; that is the plan and we hope to bring some resolution when we do.” Mrs Parker Edgecombe added: “As I would have mentioned in the House of Assembly earlier, we will continue to hear those concerns and we are
stemming from damage to RWB’s floating docks from Hurricane Irma. More than six weeks since the storm tore through floating docks at RWB, residents said they are still fishing large chunks of Styrofoam from bays around the island.
Pace WEST End and Bimini MP Pakesia Parker Edgecombe. going to meet with all the parties involved.” “At the end of the day, we need to hear every side of the story. “That is what we continue to do, hoping to come to a solution that benefits all.” Tensions between Resorts World Bimini and residents have worsened in recent months due to what some have described as the resort’s alleged “irresponsible environmental practices.” Mounds of Styrofoam have washed up on beaches around Bimini,
Residents have continued to say they are not pleased with the pace of Styrofoam clean-up, and have continued to call on the Minnis administration to “make things right.” Last month, residents said they were concerned that without the national spotlight focused on Bimini, RWB may not feel inclined to “finish the job”. A government delegation to Bimini in September in the wake of Hurricane Irma was greeted by the Save Our Home protest group. Representatives from the group used the opportunity to corner Prime Minister Dr
Hubert Minnis and detail how decades of mismanagement and poorly sanctioned developments led to the destruction of 450 acres of mangroves along the coastline of northern Bimini. In a recent interview with The Nassau Guardian, Environment and Housing Minister Romauld Ferreira indicated he was considering a visit to the island in the coming days to see the issues there first hand. In a statement last month, RWB said it had gone to extraordinary lengths to clean-up storm debris and immediate damage. The resort said debris was quickly gathered from the damaged marina and surrounding areas and was being “temporarily” stored on property while it awaited an “appropriate contractor” to dispose of the materials in an “environmentally neutral manner.” RWB said the vendor who originally provided its marina docks, has agreed to place skimmers in the marinas for long-term remediation.
PAGE 8, Thursday, November 2, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
CARNIVAL CORPORATION: STAFF ON PRIVATE CAYS ARE MOSTLY BAHAMIAN By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net
THE Carnival Corporation has claimed staff on its private cays are mostly Bahamian in response to industry claims of an increasing trend of employing foreign workers. Chief Communications Officer Roger Frizzell responded to a Tribune inquiry sent to the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA). “For Princess Cay, 100 per cent of the 85 positions we employ are Bahamian,” he said. “For Half Moon Cay, 90 per cent of our 147 employees are Bahamian. “Our preference is to always hire Bahamians, but there are unique skill sets required for some specific positions that occasionally require us to expand our job search criteria.”
Workers Over the last month, The Tribune received numerous allegations from industry workers over hiring practices on privately-owned islands. It was claimed jobs are not tendered and foreign workers are increasingly being brought in to do entry-level work, as well as tour guides and other tour operations. The companies identified are: Disney – Castaway Cay, Holland American Cruise Line/Carnival – Half Moon Cay, Royal Caribbean – Coco Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line – Great Stirrup Cay, and Mediterranean Shipping Company – Ocean Cay. The FCCA circulated the Tribune’s inquiry to its member lines. The Tribune also questioned the association about its stance on discharge, a long standing and global environmental concern. Yesterday, Mr Frizzell said: “As to your question on discharge, our company meets and exceeds all local and international standards.” Last year, Princess Cruise Lines pleaded guilty to seven felony charges stemming from its deliberate pollution of the seas and intentional acts to cover it
“Our preference is to always hire Bahamians, but there are unique skill sets required for some specific positions that occasionally require us to expand our job search criteria.” Carnival Corporation Chief Communications Officer Roger Frizzell up, according to the US Department of Justice. Princess, a Carnival Corporation subsidiary, was fined a $40 million penalty– the largest-ever criminal penalty involving deliberate vessel pollution – and also pleaded guilty to charges related to illegal dumping of oil contaminated waste from the Caribbean Princess cruise ship.
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, November 2, 2017, PAGE 9
Gaming’s here, it always has been and it’s never going away
By DIANE PHILLIPS
I
F you grew up anywhere near the water tower in the heart of Nassau or just east of Chippingham, there is a sound that you will always identify with a group of men having fun the old-fashioned way. They didn’t have guns or knives or utter predictably ugly multi-syllabic words. They had dominoes and the sound was the clack-clack of tiles in a game that involves a combination of skill, strategy and yes, a dose of luck. Whether it was the tiles of dominoes, the poker hands of would-be champions at casino poker match invitationals, football pools in the workplace or at Arawak Cay, or a chess game at a private club with a six-figure membership initiation fee, Bahamians have always loved to gamble. It may have something to do with the risk-taking that led to the country’s birth. Gaming is, after all, based on the premise of hope. The genesis is less important than the reality and the reality is that The Bahamas has always been a gaming culture. We may have pretended otherwise, forbidding casinos by law and only granting licences to operators exempted from the law because we wanted the business they would bring to the resorts that housed their casinos.
Preventing Bahamians and those holding work permits or enjoying other legal status such as spousal permits from playing at those exempted-from-the-law casinos was one of the most blatantly prejudiced – and largely racial – offences ever directed at the majority of the Bahamian population. If they couldn’t get into casinos in their own country or benefit from the profits, Bahamians had their own way
“We cannot turn back the clock and cancel the referendum that never needed to be held. But we can take a practical look at gaming today and what it has done and continues to contribute to the Bahamian economy.” of continuing the gaming tradition. They would put money into a man’s hands who came around to the parking lot of the fanciest buildings in town to sell them numbers. He gave them a piece of paper with the numbers and they gave him their money and trust. It was a trade-off that seemed almost impossible to maintain. It was only a matter of time until businessmen like Craig Flowers and later Sebas Bastian and others recognized the potential of gaming and brought it into a modern world. They
computerized it, brought sophistication and with the money the industry earned, invested it back into the economy. The new style of gaming has had a few glitches, especially in how it was regularized. Those faults were not necessarily brought on by them but were primarily of the making of the previous government that felt pressured to ask the people what they thought of the gaming industry when all they had to do was amend legislation and policy.
Campaign Instead, they foolishly held a referendum. Voters, influenced by a very powerful ‘Just Say No’ campaign organized by the Bahamas Christian Council and others, said ‘No’, hoping to put an end to something that was already thriving. So the government, and specifically Minister of Tourism and Gaming Obie Wilchcombe, called the referendum a straw vote, proceeded to legalize the industry that had helped bring it into office and in a single swoop lost the trust of the Bahamian people. We cannot turn back the clock and cancel the referendum that never needed to be held. But we can take a practical look at gaming today and what it has done and continues to contribute to the Bahamian economy. Gaming, as Richard Coulson pointed out in his column on Monday, is one of the most significant and compliant contributors
BAHAMIANS ‘have always loved to gamble’. in the financial sector. Those who close down those complexes that enter a building are asked for were funded in part or whole by their passport and a utility bill revenue from gaming? Do we not or other identification before an appreciate the beauty of the hisaccount is set up. The interiors, at toric buildings that Craig Flowers least of Island Luck, are attractive restored just west of the Hilton? with TVs, screens and a pleasant atmosphere. Players are treated with respect, security is tight but not obnoxious, there is even a sense of being treated as a guest Did we not celebrate the statue rather than being told you are not of Ronnie Butler that adorns the welcome here by a casino worker grounds covered in a grass called less than a mile away. We under- Cashmere, one of the prettiest stand the popularity and yes, we sites along an otherwise largely worry about addiction. We know higgly-piggly strip? a professional woman who lost Get real, Bahamas. Hundreds everything but her account was on of millions of dollars are pourher phone and we doubt she ever ing into the Bahamian economy, entered a gaming house. thousands of jobs are created, Gaming is here to stay and dozens of new entrepreneurial so are the trickle down effects. opportunities are opening up Would all those who bought because one very well-watched at Venetian West or Venito or and highly regulated sector of other popular affordable com- the private economy is succeedmunities with clubhouses, pools, ing. We are a gaming people and playgrounds choose to move out, gaming is here to stay.
A LEADER WITH PURPOSE By GEORGE SMITH
“T
he leader should be the servant of his people, purposefully seeking to uplift them and their lives. He must lead with wisdom, resolve and valour.” THE delegates came from all across the archipelago. Like the true patriots they are. Black Bahamians, white Bahamians, Asian Bahamians, Haitian Bahamians, European Bahamians, they came to repair their beloved SS PLP. They came to replace the broken planks and to right the rudder. They installed a new mast and set new sails, with the single-minded purpose of charting a new course.
Optimism With patience and pride, late into the night, the delegates selected a new captain and crew. I am extremely proud that the delegates selected a fellow Exumian, Chester Cooper, as first mate. After accomplishing their mission, the delegates packed their bags and proudly and orderly returned to their homes with renewed optimism of a brighter future. I congratulate each and every one of the delegates who participated in this historic convention. Now with renewed purpose, Philip Davis must begin the process of wide consultation in preparing plans which will propel the country onto the progressive course to a prosperous, stable and peaceful enlightened nation, with the people at the heart and centre of its plans and strategies. Mr Davis is expected to reconnect the party to the time-honoured values, traditions, core principles and fraternal spirit which sustained the PLP in government for 25 years from 1967 to 1992. This re-energised PLP must now enlist the best minds available in exploring and finding workable solutions to the major problems facing our nation. Crime, health challenges, education, economic growth and empowerment, the environment and rescuing and motivating our
young people to pursue productive lives, free of crime, are but few of the many challenges that the PLP must boldly embrace, with renewed energy and purpose. Great emphasis should be placed on managing our natural resources, including oil, aragonite and public lands, in creating opportunities for ordinary Bahamians to enjoy the economic empowerment that has persistently evaded us. The problems of Grand Bahama require special attention. Solutions must be found by closely examining the amendments that must be made to the Grand Bahama Port Authority along with the full involvement and engagement of the residents of that island. We must also recommit ourselves to transforming our Family Islands into centres of excellence, fully cognisant of the unique attributes and cultural differences of each island, in order to realise the potential of all who reside within our archipelago. Together, we must assess what kind of nation we envision for the Commonwealth of the Bahamas and what progressive steps must be taken to achieve that vision. All who dream and hope for more productive lives for all of our citizens should look anew at the PLP, embrace the possibilities of our true potential and inspire all Bahamians to become fully engaged, ensuring that we all actively participate in the unfinished agenda of nation-building. With a new captain and first mate at the helm, bolstered by an army of dedicated Bahamians as the supporting cast, we must all purposefully contribute in ensuring that the Bahamas continues the dream of becoming one of the best nations on earth. – George A Smith is a real estate broker and consultant. He was a member of Parliament for 29 years, parliamentary secretary to the prime minister and a member of the delegation at the London talks on independence. He was chairman of the secretariat that directed the programme for independence, and a Progressive Liberal Party Cabinet minister for 11 years.
PHILIP ‘BRAVE’ DAVIS speaking at the PLP Convention after being elected party leader.
Celebrate
PAGE 10, Thursday, November 2, 2017
BRAVE: CLARIFY POSITION ON NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net
OPPOSITION Leader Philip Davis yesterday called on the government to clarify its position on the future of the National Development Plan, insisting that the nonpartisan initiative represented the aspirations of the nation. His call was supported by NDP Secretariat member Gowon Bowe, who when contacted, said “enough time has passed” for policymakers to make a decision on the future of the plan. “If it’s the people’s time,” Mr Davis said, “tell us what you are going to do with the people’s vision. The National Development Plan goes beyond a political party or administration, it speaks to the path for the future, the future of the Bahamas.” He continued: “The work has been done, it is very advanced, we have a 400-page draft that was released. Are we to believe that it will just collect dust on the growing list of projects this administration has cancelled?”
Labelled ‘Vision 2040’, the NDP focuses on four main policy pillars - the economy, governance, social policy and the environment. It has been heralded as the first effort to
“If it’s the people’s time, tell us what you are going to do with the people’s vision. The National Development Plan goes beyond a political party or administration, it speaks to the path for the future, the future of the Bahamas.” Philip ‘Brave’ Davis plan the Bahamas’ development using empirical data and analyses, with input from private sector and civil society organisations. Setting out a road map, the plan aims to break with
the Bahamas’ past ad hoc approach to national growth by setting a clear path towards a more sustainable future. In May, former Minister of State for Investments Khaalis Rolle told Tribune Business “there’s no sustainable future without it” as he urged the next government not to interfere with the NDP’s crafting. Mr Rolle, who had ministerial oversight of the plan, stressed that the NDP’s structure had been created to keep it free from political contamination regardless of whether administrations changed. He told Tribune Business the Christie administration had been moving to give the plan full legal effect, with a draft National Development Plan Bill that was ready for Parliament. Yesterday, Mr Bowe told The Tribune the plan was in “abeyance” as it relates to public relations. “When you have a change in administration there was a settling of various roles and responsibilities, and the embracing by the new Cabinet,” he said.
THE TRIBUNE OPPOSITION Leader Philip ‘Brave’ Davis speaking in the House of Assembly yesterday. PHOTO: Shawn Hanna/ Tribune Staff
“We’re really in what I would call in that mode of having to re-energise the public understanding. “When you speak with all key stakeholders in the private sector, on the economic front, the environmentalists in terms of the bill for natural environment, the social programmes like the Crisis Centre, and all the others, are still very much supportive and in full throttle behind getting it ironed out. “All we really need is the policy makers to have the same enthusiasm, and with that, what is critical is that this was created in a nonpartisan manner. There’s a new government but the whole motive behind the plan is
to change the course of the country for the next 25 years. So maturity in policymakers should be saying while it was started under previous administration, I can have my input as contributor, as all parties have contribution, but as a policy maker, I should make sure it’s promoted, adopted, and followed.”
Impetus Mr Bowe revealed a roving team from the United Nations’ Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean ECLAC met with the Secretariat on Tuesday, and commended the plan as it matched or
integrated the body’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He said the positive response has provided an impetus to get the NDP work back in the public. “Sometimes the honeymoon period of being a new administration is still too much clouded by the degradation and chastisement of the previous one,” Mr Bowe said. “The younger generation is saying ‘I don’t care what was not done in the past, I want to know what is being done now.’ “Highlight deficiency in the past but match it to an outcome, because it doesn’t change the course we’re moving.”
ALL INSTRUCTIONS FROM AG TO DPP ‘WILL BE GAZETTED’ Government to make amendment to Constitution By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net IN a bid to shield the director of public prosecutions from undue political interference, the Minnis administration will amend the Constitution to require that all instructions from an attorney general to the director of public prosecutions be gazetted. The amendment is a bold one for the region. It is featured in an amendment to the administration’s previously tabled Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2017, which aims to make the Department of Public Prosecutions independent.
Empower The bill would empower the DPP to “institute and undertake criminal proceedings against any person before any court in respect of any offence against the law of the Bahamas; to take over and continue any such criminal proceedings that may have been instituted by any other person or authority; to discontinue, at any stage before judgment is delivered, any such criminal proceedings instituted or undertaken by himself or any other person or authority.” The amendment responds to criticism that the government’s bill gives the attorney general power to direct the DPP based on three broad and vaguely defined categories: public policy, national security and international obligations of the Bahamas. Critics say these provide a loophole that allows an administration to undermine the independence of the DPP by making him subject
MINISTER of National Security Marvin Dames pictured recently in the House of Assembly.
to guidance of a political appointee. The Minnis administration hopes that by mandating that the directions be gazette, it has created a buffer that would discourage an administration from intervening in the DPP’s work for the wrong reasons. “The Bahamian people will immediately be informed through the media or of the specific directive, such as terms and rationale given by attorney general (when directions are given to the DPP),” National Security Minister Marvin Dames said yesterday in Parliament, although the amendment doesn’t specify that the attorney general must give a rationale for his/her instructions. “This demonstrates that ours is a government of transparency and accountability. This amendment directly follows the provisions of the law of Canada which will be a first of our region. We are not only a government of transparency, accountability and maturity, we are also a pioneering government and
we are demonstrating it through the bills we seek to bring to this House.” One criticism of the bill for which it is unclear that the administration intends to respond is that it makes the DPP eligible for two five-year terms of appointment.
Region Some countries in the region, like Barbados and Jamaica, appoint directors until retirement age. Critics are concerned that the DPPs eligibility for a second five-year term increases pressure on him/ her to consider the political implications of actions in hopes of securing a second term of appointment. The Canadian Act respecting the office of the director of public prosecutions, which Mr Dames mentioned as a blueprint for some provisions in his administration’s bill, grants that country’s DPP a single seven-year tenure with no eligibility for a further term.
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THE TRIBUNE
SIX YEARS FOR GUNPOINT RAPE AND ROBBERY By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net
A SUPREME Court judge yesterday sentenced a man to six years in prison after accepting his “unequivocal plea of guilt” to raping and robbing a woman at gunpoint almost five years ago. However, Justice Carolita Bethel said she took into consideration the four years, 11 months and eight days Jamalio Laing spent in custody in connection with the May 12, 2012 incident. Laing, as part of a plea agreement, pleaded guilty to three charges yesterday, namely rape, armed robbery,
and possession of a firearm with the intent to endanger life. According to initial reports, on the day in question, the victim was walking to her grandmother’s house when she was accosted by the accused, who pulled her into nearby bushes, forced her to commit sexual acts and have sexual intercourse at gunpoint. He also stole a Nokia phone from the victim during the attack. Laing accepted the facts after they were read to the court by Crown prosecutor Anthony Delaney. Justice Bethel, after noting Laing did not waste the court’s time, and by his guilty
pleas spared the complainant the trouble of having to testify in the matter sentenced him to six years for each count. The sentences are to run concurrently, she said. However, she ordered that Laing be placed on a two-year probation at the Department of Rehabilitation upon the completion of his sentence, and consequently be assigned a counseling supervisor. In the event he commits any criminal offences during that time, or if he fails to appear for his counseling or fails to follow his counselor’s instructions, he will serve an additional two years in prison.
Thursday, November 2, 2017, PAGE 11
PAGE 12, Thursday, November 2, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
POLICE CAR PARKED IN HANDICAPPED SPOT By MORGAN ADDERLEY
THE Royal Bahamas Police Force is investigating an incident involving a patrol car that was parked in a handicapped spot at a local bank off Wulff Road. The investigation was sparked after a photo, which was sent to The Tribune by a concerned citizen, showed the patrol car parked in the designated handicapped parking space at Scotiabank on Wulff Road and Jerome Avenue. The incident occurred shortly after 2 pm on Tuesday. The concerned citizen expressed disgust that police officers are not setting “a good example” for the public by using such a space, and hoped the sharing of this photo would
A PHOTO sent to The Tribune by a concerned citizen showing a police patrol car parked in a handicapped spot.
“discourage others who frequently and selfishly do the same thing at other commercial enterprises.”
When contacted for comment, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Stephen Dean
said that it is not RBPF policy for officers to use disabled parking spots. However in cases of
police emergency, such as an investigation, officers may park wherever is necessary. Senior ACP
Dean promised to inquire about the circumstances surrounding this incident.
PASTORS AND POLITICIANS SET FRANKENSTEIN BABY BORN AT TO HOLD COURT AT JAMBOREE FLORIDA HOSPITAL ON HALLOWEEN By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net REACH Out Youth Organisation (ROYO) has announced the return of its basketball jamboree, with a battle between Grand Bahama pastors and politicians. Dudley Seide, founder of ROYO, said the purpose of the tournament is to bring the entire community together for a night of fun, culminating a month of youth activities organised by the group. He said the tournament is being held under the theme, “Let’s Save Our Youth.” “We are losing too many of our young people to violence; if we all join together and reach out to the young people we can make a dent in crime,” said Mr Seide. The basketball event will begin on Friday, November 3 at 6pm at the Jack Hayward High School Gymnasium. It ends Saturday at noon.
Mr Seide has received confirmation from participating politicians, including Grand Bahama MPs Michael Pintard, Iram Lewis, Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe, Fredrick McAlpine, as well as City of Freeport Council members, to be coached by Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest and Minister of State for Grand Bahama Kwasi Thompson. The participating pastors are Orin McPhee, Robert Lockhart, Bruce Russell, Kyle Maycock, Ricardo Grant, Ken Strachan, and Simeon Outten. Mr Seide said there will be games on Friday night with teams from the police force, the Bahamas Broadcasting Corporation, taxi drivers, the Grand Bahama Port Authority, youth leaders and other youth teams. He is urging the public to support the event. He said door prizes are available. Mr Seide said that there will also be a slam dunk contest. Youth teams must register on Friday evening. The age groups are 13 and under, 15 and under, and under 18.
WINTER PARK, Fla. (AP) — A Florida couple got an extra treat on Halloween — a baby Frankenstein. Make that Oskar Gary Frankenstein, who made his entrance into the world four days late and after 14 hours of labor on Tuesday at Winter Park Memorial Hospital. Parents Kyle and Jessica Frankenstein tell news outlets that Baby Frankenstein weighed in at 6 pounds (3 kilograms), 9 ounces (255 grams) and is 20 inches (50 centimeters) long. The baby’s grandmother Jennifer Frankenstein tells WKMG the family is “super excited.” She said Oskar is her first grandchild and the Frankenstein family’s first baby born on Halloween, although
she does have a 13-year-old daughter who shares the same birthday as “Frankenstein” author Mary Shelley Winter Park is near Orlando in central Florida.
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Thursday, November 2, 2017, PAGE 13
ROYAL Bahamas Defence Force Petty Officer Anthon Gardiner, who won a Scotiabank calendar photo competition award, is pictured with a Scotiabank employee at the Bahamas National Trust’s Wine and Art Festival last weekend.
RBDF PETTY OFFICER SHOOTS AND SCORES FOR Petty Officer Anthon Gardiner or “Telley” as he is called by those who know him well, the Scotia Bank 2018 Calendar competition presented him a unique opportunity to receive unbiased feedback on his new found love, photography. And that he did. His photo “Sunrise out at East End Point” captured the hearts of the judges and will be leading the Scotiabank 2018 Calendar off, being featured in January.
Award He was presented his official award at Bahamas National Trust Wine & Arts Festival held over the weekend. He has been involved in photography a relatively short time. In 2015, Petty Officer Anthon Gardiner bought a drone because it was a cool and trendy. He took pride in flying it and began taking photos simply because it was an option in the drone he purchased. What he didn’t expect was that his interest would
grow exponentially in capturing imagery. He began studying online tutorials from global artists about photography and editing and began posting some of his favorites on his Instagram handle Telley G Aerial Photos. He also purchased a good DSLR camera and began shooting photos all around New Providence. He felt he found his calling and his goal became to “bring the beauty of the Bahamas to the world.” He wasn’t sure how to digest the praises from his followers, as they gushed and awed at his photos, high-fiving him for his creative eye. He plans to continue shooting and creating masterpieces, bringing vivid images of our way of life to the world. Petty Officer Gardiner joined the force in April 2001 as a member of Entry 36 along with Woman Entry 8. He has served his entire career as an engineer, currently billeted as the chief engineer on board HMBS Leon L Smith.
CARIBBEAN NEWS
SAN JUAN MAYOR QUESTIONS ABRUPT POSTPONEMENT OF HURRICANE HEARING WASHINGTON (AP) — San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulin Cruz on Wednesday questioned why Republicans abruptly postponed a House hearing where she was scheduled to testify about the devastating impact of Hurricane Maria on Puerto Rico. Cruz, who has tangled with President Donald Trump about the federal response, suggested the White House did not want to hear her criticism. “There was a meeting scheduled for today that was cancelled as I was getting to Washington,” she said during a news conference with Democratic House members. “It is evident that this administration does not want to listen to the truth and does not want to own up to it.” The mayor was referring to a hearing about the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s preparedness and response capabilities that was scheduled for Wednesday morning and was supposed to include testimony from both Cruz and FEMA Administrator Brock Long. Rep. Bennie G. Thompson of Mississippi, the top Democrat on the Homeland Security Committee, who had invited Cruz to testify, told reporters he was given no explanation for the postponement. “It is inexcusable that the Republicans have delayed this hearing for the third time with no rational reason in a blatant attempt to silence the mayor and shield the Trump administration from another bad news story,” he said. A committee aide told The Associated Press that Thompson had requested the witness Friday evening, leaving only the weekend to plan for a panel of state and local witnesses. The aide, who was not authorised to speak to reporters and spoke on condition of anonymity, said that given the short turnaround time it was not possible to assemble a full second panel of witnesses to reflect areas of the country affected by recent natural disasters. Cruz reiterated her criticism about the federal response, which she called “inadequate” and “insufficient.”
PAGE 14, Thursday, November 2, 2017
HURRICANE DEATH TOLL IN PUERTO RICO INCREASES TO 54 SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Authorities in the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico say the number of deaths tied to Hurricane Maria has increased to 54 with three new deaths reported. Public Affairs Secretary Ramon Rosario said Wednesday that two of the deaths were accidents involving trees and the third was a person who committed suicide after losing their job. The deaths occurred in the municipalities of Vega Baja, San Sebastian and San Lorenzo. Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico on Sept. 20 as a Category 4 storm with winds of up to 154 mph (248 kph). It wiped out crops, damaged or destroyed 230,000 homes and left the entire island without power. Puerto Rico’s power company is producing nearly 40 percent of its normal output, and roughly 20 percent of customers are still without water.
MIAMI BEACH MAYOR ENTERS FLORIDA GOVERNOR’S RACE
MIAMI (AP) — Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine, who built a cruise ship media company worth hundreds of millions of dollars, entered Florida’s Democratic primary for governor Wednesday, joining an already crowded field hoping to replace outgoing Republican Gov. Rick Scott. Levine evoked the memories of President John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. with large murals showing their images. He quoted King, saying, “The time is always right to do what is right,” during his 15 minute speech to several hundred supporters in Miami’s Wynwood Design District. “It’s long past time to say we’ve had enough of the political bickering and posturing, enough of the calculated words of hate, enough of those who would tear us down and tear us apart just to score a political point,” Levine said. “They’ve had their turn. Today belongs to us.”
THE TRIBUNE
TRUCK ATTACK SUSPECT IS CHARGED WITH TERRORISM OFFENCES IN NY By COLLEEN LONG AND JENNIFER PELTZ, Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP) — Federal prosecutors brought terrorism charges Wednesday against the Uzbek immigrant accused in the truck rampage that left eight people dead, saying he was spurred to attack by the Islamic State group’s online calls to action and picked Halloween because he figured streets would be extra crowded. Even as he lay wounded in the hospital from police gunfire, Sayfullo Saipov asked to display the Islamic State group’s flag in his room and said “he felt good about what he had done,” prosecutors said in court papers. Saipov, 29, was brought to court in a wheelchair to face charges that could bring the death penalty. Handcuffed and with his legs shackled, Saipov nodded his head repeatedly as he was read his rights in a brief court proceeding that he followed through a Russian interpreter. He was ordered held without bail. Outside court, his appointed lawyer, David Patton, said he hoped “everyone lets the judicial process play out.” “I promise you that how we treat Mr. Saipov in this judicial process will say a lot more about us than it will say about him,” Patton said. Meanwhile, the FBI was questioning a second person from Uzbekistan, 32-year-old Mukhammadzoir Kadirov. A law enforcement official said Kadirov was a friend of Saipov’s and may not have any role in the case. The official wasn’t authorized to speak publicly and spoke to The
SAYFULLO Saipov is facing terrorism charges. (St. Charles County, Mo. Department of Corrections/KMOV via AP)
Associated Press on condition of anonymity. Prosecutors said Saipov had 90 videos and 3,800 photos on one of his two cellphones, many of them ISIS-related pieces of propaganda, including images of prisoners being beheaded, shot or run over by a tank.
Knives Saipov left behind knives and a note, in Arabic and English, that included Islamic religious references and said, “Islamic Supplication. It will endure,” FBI agent Amber Tyree said in court papers. “It will endure” commonly refers to ISIS, Tyree said. Questioned in his hospital bed, Saipov said he had been inspired by ISIS videos and began plotting an attack about a year ago, deciding to use a truck about two months ago, Tyree said.
During the last few weeks, Saipov searched the internet for information on Halloween in New York City and for truck rentals, the agent said. Saipov even rented a truck on Oct. 22 to practice making turns, and he initially hoped to get from the bike path across lower Manhattan to hit more pedestrians on the Brooklyn Bridge, Tyree said. He even considered displaying ISIS flags on the truck during the attack but decided it would draw too much attention, authorities said. John Miller, deputy New York police commissioner for intelligence, said Saipov “appears to have followed, almost exactly to a T, the instructions that ISIS has put out.” In the past few years, the Islamic State has exhorted followers online to use vehicles, knives or other close-at-hand means of killing people in their home countries. England, France and Germany have all seen deadly vehicle attacks since mid-2016. A November 2016 issue of the group’s online magazine detailed features that an attack truck or van should have, suggested renting such a vehicle, and recommended targeting crowded streets and outdoor gatherings, according to the SITE Intelligence Group, a militant-monitoring agency. Carlos Batista, a neighbor of Saipov’s in Paterson, New Jersey, said he had seen the suspect and two friends using the same model of rented truck several times in the past three weeks.
It was not clear whether Saipov had been on authorities’ radar. Miller said Saipov had never been the subject of a criminal investigation but appears to have links to people who have been investigated. In Tuesday’s attack, Saipov drove his speeding
“I promise you that how we treat Mr. Saipov in this judicial process will say a lot more about us than it will say about him.” Sayfullo Saipov’s appointed lawyer David Patton truck for nearly a mile along a bike path near the World Trade Center, running down cyclists and pedestrians, then crashed into a school bus, authorities said. He was shot in the abdomen after he jumped out of the vehicle brandishing two air guns, one in each hand, and yelling “God is great!” in Arabic, they said. The attack killed five people from Argentina, one from Belgium and two Americans, authorities said. Twelve people were injured; nine remained hospitalised in serious or critical condition. President Donald Trump called Wednesday for eliminating the 1990s visa lottery programme that Saipov used to come to the U.S. in 2010, and the Republican president said he would consider sending Saipov to the Guantanamo Bay detention center — an idea
the White House reinforced by saying it considered Saipov to be an “enemy combatant.” Hours later, Saipov was charged in federal court with providing material support to a terrorist group and committing violence and destruction of motor vehicles, resulting in death. Trump’s administration could, at least in theory, still send the suspect to the U.S. base in Cuba later, though such a step would be unprecedented. “There’s no legal impediment to that,” said Bryan Broyles, the former deputy chief defense counsel for the Guantanamo military commissions. On the morning after the bloodshed, city leaders vowed New York would not be intimidated and said Sunday’s New York City Marathon, with 50,000 participants and some 2 million spectators anticipated, will go on as scheduled, with increased security.
Cyclists Runners and cyclists who use the popular bike path were diverted from the crime scene by officers at barricades. “It’s the messed-up world we live in these days,” said Dave Hartie, 57, who works in finance and rides his bike along the path every morning. “Part of me is surprised it doesn’t happen more often.” The slight, bearded Saipov is a legal, permanent U.S. resident. He lived in Ohio and Florida before moving to New Jersey around June, authorities said. Birth records show he and his wife had two daughters in Ohio, and a neighbour in New Jersey said they recently had a baby boy. Saipov was a commercial truck driver in Ohio. More recently, he was an Uber driver. In Ohio, Saipov was an argumentative young man whose career was falling apart and who was “not happy with his life,” said Mirrakhmat Muminov, a fellow truck driver from heavily Muslim Uzbekistan. “He had the habit of disagreeing with everybody,” Muminov said. He said he and Saipov would sometimes argue about politics and world affairs, including Israel and Palestine. He said Saipov never spoke about ISIS, but he could tell his friend held radical views.