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The Tribune

Volume:114 No.239, NOVEMBER 3RD, 2017

Established 1903

Weekend

SPORTS: DEANDRE AYTON DOMINATES IN ARIZONA WILDCATS DEBUT

Minnis overturns citizenship vote

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday announced his administration’s intention to amend the Immigration Act to allow all Bahamian women the right to automatically transfer citizenship to their children regardless of where they are born.

And while stressing his administration will “not back down” regarding its December 31 deadline for illegal immigrants to leave the country, Dr Minnis also revealed a retired judge will head an independent commission which will be created to approve citizenship applications. Dame Joan Sawyer, The Tribune

understands, is being considered to head this commission.

Just last year in the June 8 gender equality referendum, the electorate was asked whether they would support Bahamian women being afforded the same right as their male counterparts in being able to confer citizenship to children regardless of the county they were born.

However, this issue - the first of four questions in the vote - was overwhelmingly rejected. Of 83, 271 total votes cast for this question, 32,249 people voted ‘yes’ while 51,022 voted ‘no’.

“We know that there were four referendum

CATWALK QUEEN

SEE PAGE FIVE

THREE years after opposing a salary increase for parliamentarians because of the weak economy, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis now says his administration will raise the salaries of members of Parliament in the next fiscal year.

His position is a U-turn from 2014 when, in response to the Christie administration’s desire for the same thing, he said: “As long as I am leader

of this country, the FNM would not support any pay increase with all the pain and suffering that is going on in this country.”

Since 2014, economic growth remains slow and the Minnis administration frequently laments the state of the country’s finances and the unemployment rate remains high.

Yesterday, Dr Minnis painted the intended increase as a sensible development, especially in light of the substantial salaries the former Christie SEE PAGE SIX

EXUMA GROUNDED

BY FAULTY FIRE ENGINE

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter Sdorsett@tribunemedia.net FLIGHTS from the United States to Exuma International Airport have been suspended, according to Member of Parliament for Exuma Chester Cooper who said the issue is costing the island’s economy “hundreds of millions of dollars.”

Speaking in the House of Assembly on Thursday, Mr Cooper said the flights were suspended because SEE PAGE THREE

IT’S GREEN LIGHT FOR NEW DPP THE passage of the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2017, yesterday in the House of Assembly will result in the creation of the country’s first-ever independent Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The Constitution (Amendment) Act 2017 will move to the Senate for debate and passage.

Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, whose administration foreshadowed the legislation during the Speech From the Throne in May, said Thursday’s development was “long overdue”.

ABOUT TURN: MPs WILL GET PAY RISE

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE PEOPLE’S PAPER: $1

SEE PAGE FIVE

‘LOW LEVEL’ CORPORATION TAX STUDIED LOCAL designs had a chance to shine alongside international creations at the first ever Bahamas Fashion Week held last weekend at the Meliá Nassau Beach Resort. See today’s Weekend section.

PHOTO: Shawn Hanna/Tribune staff

$800K DEAL DAYS BEFORE ELECTION

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribumedia.net

When this contract is compared with an earlier three-year contract dated May 19, 2015 and effective May 14, 2015, no justification for a salary increase was apparent. The DAYS before the 2017 general 2015 agreement showed the former election, the Christie administraadvisor was initially to be paid tion renewed Sir Baltron Bethel’s $140,000 for the same duties outcontract as a senior policy advisor and consultant in the Office of PRIME Minister lined in the new 2017 contract.

Dr Minnis also tabled the contracthe Prime Minister and Ministry Dr Hubert Minnis. tual agreements of Theresa Burrows of Tourism nearly a year before it and Cecile Williams-Bethel, two was set to expire and increased his salary, agreeing to pay him $800,000 over a four- National Insurance Board executives, each year period. This is according to documents with salaries of $125,000 per annum and a tabled in the House of Assembly by Prime yearly duty allowance of $9,000.

SEE PAGE FIVE Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday.

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net THE Deputy Prime Minister yesterday revealed the Bahamas “may have to look at” implementing a lowrate corporate income tax, as global regulatory pressures force “hard decisions” upon it.

K P Turnquest, while emphasising that such a move was a long way off, agreed that compliance with the OECD’s Base Erosion and Profit Sharing (BEPS) initiative presented a dilemma for the Bahamas.

SEE BUSINESS SECTION

PAGE 2, Friday, November 3, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

ASHLEY ROLLE, 26, (centre left) and Keithra Stubbs, 23, (centre right).

BRITNEY EVANS, 20, (centre left) and Tanique Peet, 20, (centre right). Photos: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune staff

FOUR WOMEN JAILED AFTER AIRPORT DRUG SEIZURES

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

FOUR women were collectively sentenced to two years and nine months in prison after pleading guilty to multiple drug related charges allegedly stemming from separate drug seizures at the Lynden Pindling International Airport earlier this week.

Ashley Rolle, 24, and Keithra Stubbs, 23, were both sentenced to six months in prison and fined $4,000 dollars after pleading guilty to conspiracy to export dangerous drugs, and fined $2,500 or six months in prison for pleading guilty to possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply concerning an October 31 incident.

Should the $4,000 fine not be paid, Magistrate Jeanine Weech-Gomez said, they will serve an additional six months at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDCS).

Rolle, who was further charged with possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply, and taking preparatory steps to export dangerous drugs, was further given a $2,500 fine or six months in prison for the former charge, and six months for the latter charge, to run concurrently.

Meanwhile, Tanique Peet, 20, and Britney DavisEvans, also 20, were both fined $6,000 or one year in prison for pleading guilty to

GB TAXI UNION CHIEF HITS OUT AT ILLEGAL TOURS

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FROM left: Philmore Cartwright, Quinton Williams, Phashad Arnette, Rudolph Mott and Keito Ferguson (not pictured) also appeared in court to face drug related charges. conspiracy to possess dangerous drugs with intent to supply, and nine months in prison for pleading guilty to conspiracy to export dangerous drugs on October 31.

The sentences are to run concurrently if the fine is not paid.

Possession Peet, who plead guilty to one count each of possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply and taking preparatory steps to export dangerous drugs concerning an October 30 incident, was hit with a $10,000 fine or one year imprisonment for the former, and one year imprisonment for the latter, to run concurrently.

According to a summary of the facts read by the prosecution, on October 31 at around 7.15pm, and while at LPIA,

Rolle was allegedly found with some 10 7/8 ounces of suspected cocaine contained in in two clear plastic packages, which were concealed under her clothes in her chest area.

At the time of the seizure, Rolle was allegedly Fort Lauderdale-bound on a JetBlue flight.

The prosecution further alleged that on October 30, Peet was found with some 2.5 pounds of suspected cocaine, with a street value of $21,000, sewn into her hair after presenting herself for inspection at pre-clearance at LPIA. She also had on her person $403 in US and Bahamian currency which was seized as the suspected proceeds of crime.

She was booked to travel on a Delta Airlines flight en route to Atlanta, final destination Detroit.

Peet’s attorney Nathan Smith as well as Ian Cargill,

Rolle’s and Stubbs’ attorney, each pleaded for the magistrate to exercise lenience on their clients, stating \none of their clients have any previous convictions and plead guilty at the earliest convenience.

Mr Cargill in particular noted both of his clients are young mothers.

Pleas However, Magistrate Weech-Gomez said while he accepted the pleas in mitigation by their counsel, she “can’t overlook” the actions and the four women and the type of drugs involved, thus sentencing them to imprisonment.

Meanwhile, five Flight Services employees were arraigned in a Magistrates Court yesterday stemming from a drug seizure last week.

Rudolph Mott, Phashad Arnette, Keito Ferguson, Philmore Cartwright, and Quinton Williams all stood before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt each facing several drug related charges in connection with an October 24 incident.

They each faced one count of possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply, taking preparatory steps to export dangerous drugs, conspiracy to export dangerous drugs, and conspiracy to export dangerous drugs with intent to supply.

Mott faced an additional count of possession of dangerous drugs, after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana on October 27.

Each of the men plead not guilty to the charges they were faced with.

The matter was adjourned to November 21 for a status hearing.

DAVID Jones, president of the Grand Bahama Taxi Union, said the most significant issue cab drivers face in the Grand Bahama is with the illegal operation of tour operators at the harbour, airport and hotels.

Mr Jones said Minister of Transport Frankie Campbell met with cab drivers last week at a special meeting in Grand Bahama to address the challenges they face.

He said the minister is expected to meet with them again to further discuss the matter concerning tour operators at the harbour.

“Taxi drivers turned out in full numbers and are looking forward to Minister Campbell’s return to Grand Bahama soon,” Mr Jones told The Tribune.

The taxi union president claims tour operators are not only selling pre-arranged transportation on cruise ships but also selling it to visitors on the ground which is against the rules governing tour operators and taxi drivers at Freeport Harbour.

They also claim tour operators are encroaching at the airport. Mr Jones told The Tribune in July that cab drivers are “barely surviving” at the airport.

Taxi drivers have complained about these issues for some time. In 2016, Mr Jones called for a 50-50 arrangement to be put in place at the harbour. It is alleged taxi drivers move only a small percentage of cruise ship visitors at the harbour, while a single tour operator reportedly transports as much as 80 percent of visitors.

Former Prime Minister Perry Christie, whose father was a cab driver, had promised there would be an equal sharing arrangement at the harbour. However, that never happened.

Another issue is the matter of hotels providing transportation to their guests off the property. Mr Jones said the practice continues to take place at a local resort in Freeport. Last Thursday, Mr Campbell met with public transportation drivers on Grand Bahama and with staff at the Road Traffic Department. He met with cab drivers at a special meeting at the Grand Bahama Taxi Union Hall, where he addressed issues, such as the contentious situation at the harbour, and matters surrounding the issue of taxi plates and franchises.

Mr Campbell also talked to them about the importance of keeping their taxicabs clean and adequately maintained.

He assured them the public transport system in Grand Bahama, as it relates to cab drivers, has to be dealt with to fix the entire island.

The minister stressed Grand Bahama is a very important part of the Bahamas, and that taxicab drivers play an essential role in the economic sustainability of the island. Mr Campbell explained because tourism is the number one industry all stakeholders must play their role to ensure the tourism experience is one that will result in repeat visitors.

Mr Jones said there are some ongoing matters Mr Campbell is expected to address next week.

“The tour operators are operating illegally at the hotel and drivers are concerned about taxi plates, but the biggest issue is tour operators and road traffic officials doing what they were supposed to do,” he said.

“We have some other issue, but I can’t say right what those are because he (Mr Campbell) will be back this week to continue discussions,” Mr Jones said.

THE TRIBUNE

EXUMA GROUNDED BY FAULTY FIRE ENGINE FROM PAGE ONE

the airport’s fire engine was out of service.

He pleaded with the government to rectify the issue “as soon as possible.”

“The airport is closed to US flights and I have spoken with the honourable minister responsible and I understand that some effort is being made to rectify the problem but I want to emphasise the economic impact of this closure will be in hundreds of millions of dollars and will adversely impact our tourism product,” he said.

“So I trust that a resolution to the issue will be complete in the very near term.”

In response, Tourism and Aviation Minister

Dionisio D’Aguilar said the problem at the airport was caused by years of neglect.

“I am fully aware of the problem,” Mr D’Aguilar said in Parliament.

“When I worked in the other place, Superwash, our motto was ‘we prevent we don’t react’ and this problem is a result of reactive maintenance.

Neglected “So we are scrambling around trying to fix something that is old and neglected and should have been fixed many moons ago. So it will be done as quickly as possible, we are trying to repair a part. I am praying and hoping we fix it in the shortest possible

time so we can bring the fire engine back.”

A concerned citizen wrote to The Tribune expressing worried that toruists are stuck in the US unable to the get to their planned Exuma vacations.

“It’s being reported by many visitors that they are stuck in Miami and the American Airlines authorities are telling passengers the airport is closed, yet Canadian and domestic flights are coming and going without issue,” the person wrote.

“Some are saying it is because of US FAA requirements and not a Bahamas issue, though it has become our issue with passengers now stranded in Miami and other airports instead of enjoying themselves in Exuma.”

NEARLY HALF OF 77 BTC CONTRACTORS AGREE NEW TERMS

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter Sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

NEARLY half of the 77 Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) contractors who were allegedly told to sign new contracts or be terminated have agreed to BTC’s new terms, Labour Minister Dion Foulkes confirmed yesterday.

In an interview with The Tribune, Mr Foulkes said the remaining employees have until next week to sign the new contract or BTC will “do what they have to do.”

In a statement yesterday, BTC CEO Dexter Cartwright finally commented in public on the issue. He said to date “all of our existing contractors in Northern Bahamas and 38 percent in New Providence have signed the new independent contractor agreement.”

In a statement BTC management clarified there have been no terminations at the company as a result of the contract dispute.

Meeting “The company met with the independent contractors and discussed the terms and conditions of the new contract which took effect on November 1. During the meeting, the contractors were advised of the time frame to review the new contract and provide comments for consideration,” the BTC statement said.

“During the meeting, the Department of Labour was represented, and BTC has been working in conjunction with the department to ensure that the terms of the contract are in keeping with the labour laws of the country. BTC has a massive transformation agenda and driving improvements

EVERY MONDAY IN THE TRIBUNE

INSIGHT

FOR THE STORIES THAT MATTER

SENATOR Dion Foulkes.

Friday, November 3, 2017, PAGE 3

MEMBER of Parliament for Exuma and PLP Deputy Leader Chester Cooper.

CYNTHIA ‘MOTHER’ PRATT AND PM ON THE SAME PAGE

Yesterday, Mr Foulkes said he intervened on behalf of the workers and BTC has given them an extension to allow them to review the contract.

“There are 77 persons, so I have been told, who were involved in the contractual agreement with BTC and over half of them have signed the new contract,” Mr Foulkes said.

“I have been told that 23 signed in Grand Bahama and three in other Family Islands. Of the 53 in New Providence, 11 have signed the new contract. So the remaining persons in Nassau and the others in the Family Islands BTC has agreed to allow them an opportunity to review the contract.

I have also spoken with Bernard Evans and we are continuing our discussions tomorrow (Friday).”

On Monday, Mr Evans explained the situation.

in the overall customer experience is paramount for us. Our ultimate goal is to serve our customers, our communities and the country with excellence.

We will continue to do the same, buoyed by the passion of a team determined to be the best, every day,” the company added.

On Monday, Bahamas Communications and Public Officers Union “About two years ago, (BCPOU) President Bernard Evans told The (some) employees in the Tribune BTC had threat- technical field were made ened to terminate to accept voluntary sepacontracts of 147 work- ration packages and were ers if they did not sign a told that BTC would outsource the department,” new agreement by 1pm the union leader told The on Tuesday. However, Tribune.

Mr Foulkes has said “They were also encourthe number of affected aged to form into a employees is only 77. company and BTC would Mr Evans said at the give them the contract to time the employees have perform the same services. all agreed to “stand their “At the time, the union ground” and not sign negotiated that the workthe new contracts until ers would continue to they have “proper rep- make salaries until they resentation” and time to put together the company renegotiate. and BTC was able to preHe said the employ- pare the RFP. ees accepted voluntary “Well, two companies separation packages emerged from among (VSOP) from BTC some those persons, however time ago, under the guise two years later BTC took they “could become the RFP off the table and entrepreneurs.” now they want to change However, he said two the terms and conditions years later, BTC seems to of the agreement and sign be “going back on their a new deed of release and Friday, 3rd November word.” have a2017 new contract.”

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FORMER Deputy Prime Minister Cynthia ‘Mother’ Pratt presented a copy of her book ‘An Ordinary Woman from the Heart of the Inner City’ to Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis in a courtesy call at the Office of the Prime Minister this week. Photo: Peter Ramsay/BIS

PAGE 4, Friday, November 3, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

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Serious political turmoil in Spain WHILE new nations were created in Eastern Europe and beyond by the break-up in the 1980s of the state of Yugoslavia followed later by the dissolution of the Soviet Union, borders in Western Europe have largely remained firm since the end of the Second World War. So the crisis in Spain resulting from Catalonia’s unilateral declaration of independence has introduced a new dimension which could affect the future of the European Union itself.

Despite this apparent stability, however, there continue to be underlying divisions in many parts of Europe in the shape of numerous nationalist separatist movements or communities within established countries seeking greater autonomy or outright seccession.

Examples include Corsica, Bavaria, Lombardy and South Tyrol in Italy, the Basques in Spain and Flemishspeaking Flanders and the majority French-speaking Wallonia in Belgium.

There are also ongoing tensions in Britain, not least Northern Ireland and Scotland which held an independence referendum in 2014.

The grievances of such movements have not resulted in the break-up of established countries.

But events in Catalonia are particularly controversial given its role as the base of republican resistance during the Spanish civil war, and, as the nation is now a leading member state of the EU, they have taken on a wider significance.

Catalonia’s quest for independence dates back to the 18th Century.

In modern times with a population of 7.5 million and as an economic powerhouse it has considerable autonomy and its own regional parliament.

The Spanish government has declared its bid for independence to be unconstitutional and illegal and has imposed direct rule on the region after stripping the Catalan government of its powers.

It has also charged the now former president, who has fled to Brussels and may be detained under a European Arrest Warrant and his ministerial colleagues with sedition, rebellion and misuse of public funds.

All this has already caused serious political turmoil in Spain, not least because a successful independence bid by Catalonia might inspire other regions to follow suit.

As for the EU, even though respect for the rights of national minorities is one of the bloc’s key values, separatist and secessionist movements conflict with its aim of ever-closer political union.

Thus, the EU will always support the territorial integrity of its member states. However, the fallout from this crisis could be damaging for the EU project.

Viewed from faraway this side of the Atlantic, it must be right for the rule of law to prevail and for the Spanish government to take strong measures to counter Catalonia’s illegal actions. It is hard, however, to see how confrontation and heavyhanded action - in particular police brutality in attempting to thwart the independence referendum in early October - can work in the long-term if a majority of the population refuse to co-operate.

The first step is an election on December 21 called by Madrid.

Thereafter, recognition of Catalonia’s nationalist ambition by the offer of even greater autonomy may be necessary, bolstered by financial incentives to a region that contributes so strongly to Spain’s economy.

Democracy is based on the consent of the people and the willingness to accept a government’s authority under the rule of law. So, negotiation will always be more effective than the use of force which cannot be imposed indefinitely.

History has taught us this time and again.

PARLIAMENTARY PRIVILEGE SHOULD NOT DIFFER WITH EACH ADMINISTRATION EDITOR, The Tribune.

I HAVE read an article in The Tribune, dated October 26, 2017.

Major need for parliamentary reform still exists. Parliamentary privilege should not differ with each administration.

Dr. Kendal Major would you please tell me – how would you separate the Parliament from the Cabinet and how would they function?

From time immemorial, the speaker has been appointed by the PM from the Governing side of the MP’s.

A speaker cannot have his own administration in a unitary system, because a speaker is a part of the governing party and has his own office.

There are the separation of powers between the government and the judiciary, but I have never heard of any person asserted that Parliament should be separate from the cabinet.

Tell the Bahamian people how does that function? And give the name of the country that you know the system is in practice.

Dr. Major, you did not convince the former PLP government about your interests, in having parliamentary reform, but you are trying to convince the present administration on a reform of the House. I watched you make a few

errors, while you were in the Speaker’s chair prior to election 2017.

Your suggestion is nonsensical and is absolutely out of order, because you are referring to Parliamentary rules that were in the books from the 19th Century.

Dr. Major in your seventh paragraph, you asserted I think members have to exercise judicial responsibility.

While I was studying British politics many years ago, I wrote a letter to the Editor and I have made a comment about an Ombudsman System for The Bahamas.

I am very much in favour of having the Ombudsman in our Government System.

Now I am so very happy for the Ombudsman having been passed to be assented into law.

The Ombudsman System will also take some of the work load and complaint load not only from the Central Government Departments, but also from the local government departments in The Bahamas, there should be a difference.

I am also in favour of an independent public prosecutor in the judicial system of The Bahamas.

BEVAN B. MOSS, Nassau, October 31, 2017.

What lies ahead for the new PLP EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE 53rd national convention of the Progressive Liberal Party has now come to a close with the election of the Hon. Philip ‘Brave’ Davis, QC, MP (Cat Island, Rum Cay & San Salvador) as de facto and de jure leader of that entity. Others elected were the Hon. I. Chester Cooper (PLP-Exuma) as Deputy Leader; the Hon. Senator Fred Mitchell as National Chairman. Several other posts were filled, inclusive of the Treasurer’S position which was secured by my good friend and fellow Bahamian, Paul Bevans.

The huge margin of victory secured by Brave as contrasted to the handful of votes ascribed to Mrs. Hanna-Martin is indicative of the massive admiration; love and respect which most PLPs and even some ordinary Bahamians hold towards him. Brave is not a natural speaker nor is he charismatic in the manner of a Christie or Pindling. What he is is a hard working; focused and believable leader. Whether or not these traits will propel him into the Office of the Prime Minister will soon be tested.

I am a life long supporter of the PLP but the latter two years of the Christie Administration 2.0 were a political and economic disaster of the highest order for most Bahamians and a ton of party supporters. Christie, et al, led us straight down the proverbial garden path with absolutely no shame.

There was a lot of greed demonstrated and far too much arrogance.

It was refreshing to see and hear Mrs. Monique Pindling, the younger daughter of the late Sir Lynden Oscar Pindling and our erstwhile Governor General, Dame Marguerite Pindling, offer up a profound and telling “indictment” on the PLP of recent years.

The Hon. Philip “Brave” Davis has now achieved step two in a three step process.

The first step, of course, would have been his election to the House of Assembly a decade or more ago.

Step two has now been accomplished in his successful election as party leader.

Step three now lies before him. Is he capable of rising to the occasion?

The FNM came to office on the 10th May, 2017 and secured a huge electoral

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net victory which translated into 35 seats in the House of Assembly.

The cabinet is huge and there are Ministers of State and Chairman/woman all over the place, after all the PM was obliged to find jobs for his crew members.

The honeymoon, such as it was, is now over. Some say that Bahamians are “too impatient” but I beg to differ with this patently bogus accusation.

Most of us are no longer a part of the so-called millennial generation and most of us have little time, if any, to waste.

Traditionally, the established news media, like The Nassau Guardian and The Tribune, have always supported the FNM. It seems as if that party, even while in opposition, received the lion’s share of positive press, even if some of it would have been fake.

It is, therefore, not to be expected by THE NEW PLP, going forward, to receive good and real coverage by the fake media.

Immediately, Brave and his team must flesh out a realistic and workable manifesto; contract with the people or covenant. Call it whatever you’d like but the average Bahamian deserves a viable alternative to the PLP. The unceremonious, but expected, departure of Branville McCartney from the DNA signaled the death blow of that entity. In my view, there is a stark void of credible leadership with gravitas.......harsh but true.

And so, the NEW PLP has embarked on a political pilgrimage that could result in electoral victory in 2022.

The NEW PLP has several things going for it. The FNM came to office unexpectedly and was totally unprepared to commence governing from day one.

The leadership of that party, as epitomized by Dr. Minnis, is not spontaneous and cannot speak off the cuff. Witness the bold and ill thought out statement by Minnis a few weeks ago relative to a deadline for illegals to leave The Bahamas. He might not have been deliberately referring to illegal Haitians but that is how it

came across in the ‘fake’ media.

The Haitian communities in Abaco and New Providence, immediately raised hell and reminded the PM and the FNM that “five years was not a long time!”

Upon hearing this political ‘threat’ Minnis and Minister Frankie Campbell, of self admitted partial Haitian parentage, ran/drove down to the Metropolitan Church on East Street, on a Sunday, to assure the Haitian pastor and congregation that they and others were safe and would be regularized in short order.

Brent Symonette, if he was in sight, has stated that “it is the Christian” thing to do!

Dr. Duane Sands, a good and compassionate man, has his work cut out for him as Minister of Health.

The PMH and The Rand are falling apart as you read this.

Yes, the former PLP administration has to carry most of the blame for this state of affairs but both Sands and his putative leader are medical doctors who are used to using those facilities.

Six months later, things have gotten worst.

With five members of parliament from Grand Bahama and the smartest Tourism Minister in the history of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas (Hon. Dionisio D’Aguilar) one would have hoped for Our Lucayan to be opened “for this winter season”.

The Bazaar in Freeport remains an eyesore of no mean proportions.

Crime continues unabated and it is now clear that no administration and no single politician or any other single Bahamian, standing alone, has the solutions, even though they are as big as Godzilla and King Kong combined.

Unemployment is still a vexing issue, despite the gradual opening of Baha Mar. Our brain drain will continue for now and into the future.

Yes, the pilgrimage for Brave and the NEW PLP has begun. Will it lead to more of the same or will it usher in, at last, heaven on earth? To God then, in all things, be the glory.

RTLAND H. BODIE, O JR. Nassau, October 26, 2017,

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, November 3, 2017, PAGE 5 PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis hit out at critics of the government’s recently announced plan of aggressive pursuit and repatriation of undocumented migrants in the country after December 31.

It’s green light for new DPP FROM PAGE ONE

Minnis overturns citizenship vote FROM PAGE ONE (questions) that were brought to this country that have failed,” Dr Minnis told Parliament yesterday “My government will make changes to the Immigration Act to ensure that all children born to Bahamian women, single or married, out of the Bahamas are automatically (conferred citizenship).”

Presently, those born in another country to a married Bahamian father are able to automatically receive Bahamian status, but not if the father is non-Bahamian and the mother is Bahamian. Instead, these children would have to apply to receive Bahamian citizenship.

This issue was also a component of the failed 2002 constitutional referendum.

The prime minister went on to blast critics of the government’s recently announced plan of aggressive pursuit and repatriation of undocumented migrants in the country after December 31.

Dr Minnis said it was disturbing that some who claimed to be concerned about human rights and the rule of law seemed to want to suspend laws pertaining certain immigration matters.

He said: “This government will continue from now until the end of the year

to interdict and repatriate individuals here illegally. This means individuals from all countries be it black or white regardless. We will continue to enforce the rule of law. In our repatriation efforts, we will be humane and just.

“It is disturbing that some who claim

“My government will make changes to the Immigration Act to ensure that all children born to Bahamian women, single or married, out of the Bahamas are automatically (conferred citizenship).”

Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis to be concerned about human rights and the rule of law, seem to want to suspend the rule of law when it pertains to certain immigration matters,” Dr Minnis said.

“But let me say here that this government will not back down. All illegals are urged to leave voluntarily before because after December 31 we will aggressively pursue all illegals. We must

be a nation of laws, not of personal fancies and extreme positions.

“I agree with those activists who have spoken and written of the need for the Bahamas to act in accordance with our Constitution, and the demands of human dignity and social justice, in the grant of residency and citizenship for eligible individuals,” the prime minister also said.

He continued: “To help advance this goal, my government will create an independent commission to approve applications for citizenship, in accord with the Constitution of the Bahamas.

“Mr Speaker I can say that this commission will be headed by a renowned prominent and distinguished retired justice of the court.

“Except for cases of national security, we will remove the approval of applications for citizenship from the Cabinet.

We will continue to make the people’s government more transparent, more accountable and freer from corruption.”

The prime minister’s comments came as parliamentarians brought remarks regarding an amendment to the Constitution for the creation of an independent Office of the Director of Public Prosecution.

The amendment was passed in the House of Assembly yesterday and must now go on to the Senate for debate and passage.

$800K DEAL DAYS BEFORE ELECTION

FROM PAGE ONE

Mrs Burrows, a consultant/senior deputy director of business support services, signed her contract on May 4 of this year, to take effect from May 21, 2018.

Mrs Williams-Bethel was engaged as consultant/senior deputy director of operations with effect from June 5, 2012 to June 4, 2017 and extended from June 5, 2017 to August 20, 2021.

In each of these three instances, Dr Minnis said none of the contracts would be honoured, adding they could “take me to court” over the agreements.

Delighted “Mr Speaker, I was very happy to hear the member for Cat Island the leader of the opposition (Philip “Brave” Davis is) saying that he will practice zero tolerance and therefore I am delighted you are now with us.

“If that is so, I am certain that you would not have agreed with what was done,” Dr Minnis said during his contribution to the government’s amendment to create an Office of the Director of Public Prosecution.

“A contract was signed for a particular individual.

“The contract was expiring next year May of 2018. It’s at least $200,000 for one person (and) was expiring, listen carefully now because if you believe in zero tolerance you don’t believe in this.

“May 2018 the contract was expiring. On the 4th

of May of this year you signed a new contract for the individual, which was not expiring until May of next year, but you said this new contract would be effective from the 21st of May next year.

“So I know that you don’t believe in this and therefore I won’t honour it.”

Expired Dr Minnis also said, referring to Sir Baltron’s contract: “(Another) contract was expired June 5 this year. But hours before election, he signed a new contract for the individual for about $800,000 in salary.

“And I know he (Mr Davis) don’t believe in zero tolerance. So I said to them that I am not going to honour it.

“Take me to court because there is pain and suffering and you are going to give one person $800,000?

“But you know why I want it to be taken to court? So that everything can come out and all the other cases I could bring forth.

“Mr Speaker let me say we will establish a committee to review all salary structures of government entities, the (Public) Hospitals Authority, National Insurance (Board), the airport etc.

“I don’t see how you could give one individual $800,000.

“I only want to put the nation on notice, the time has come when individuals are being paid by that government up to

$800,000 (but) members of Parliament are being paid $28,000.

“I want to put the country on notice that at the next budget I will come forth with a pay increase for the members of Parliament,” the prime minister continued.

According to Dr Minnis, on April 24, 2017, Sir Baltron signed a contract from Permanent Secretary Charles Albury “agreeing to extend” the current contract which was to expire May 14, 2018.

Mr Albury wrote that this contract would go on for a further period of two years, effective, May 14, 2018.

The agreement read: “Additionally, having regard to the expanded services you are providing, it has further been agreed to increase your fixed salary to $200,000 per annum with effect from January 1, 2016.

Salary “In addition, you will receive paid medical insurance for you and your spouse and have provision of an automobile.

A gratuity of 15 percent of your salary is payable on successful completion of your contract.”

In addition, all expenses relating to approved travel, inclusive of air fare, hotel accommodation and per diem necessary to the successful execution of Sir Baltron’s duties were to be governed by the extant policy of the Ministry of Tourism.

He said the legislation is part of his administration’s programme for transforming the country’s political culture, while simultaneously reforming the culture of governance.

The legislation, Dr Minnis continued, deepens democracy in the Bahamas and advances the liberty of citizens and basic justice.

Dr Minnis said the creation of an independent Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions will also help to enhance the rule of law in the Bahamas by removing the unnecessary influence of political figures.

Transparency The prime minister said the government is creating a new “architecture of governance” that will lead to modernisation and reform in areas such as promoting transparency ad accountability in all areas of government – from the awarding of contracts to incentives for investors; public finance; policy planning and implementation; combating official corruption and the efficient delivery of public services.

“This legislation is in keeping with international best practices and norms,” Dr Minnis said. “It is long overdue. The Bahamas has been lagging in this area for far too long. This reform enhances our democratic culture. It deepens our democracy. It advances the liberty of citizens and basic justice.

“This legislation is part of my government’s programme for transforming our political culture and reforming the culture of governance.”

The bill sought to amend Article 78 of the Constitution to provide for the creation of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

By virtue of the creation of the Office of DPP, the bill further sought to confer all powers relating to criminal prosecutions previously vested in the attorney general.

“The Director of Public Prosecutions shall have power in any case in which he considers it desirable so to do, 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 and to discontinue, at any stage before judgment is delivered, any such criminal proceedings instituted or undertaken by himself or any other person or authority.

“Under the former government, there was an abuse in the grant of the nolle prosequi, including a nolle prosequi for a former client of the former attorney general. We saw high-profile cases related to criminal prosecutions dropped with little to no explanation.

“The legislation before us is intended to limit the abuse of power,” Prime Minister Minnis said.

PAGE 6, Friday, November 3, 2017

ABOUT TURN: MPs WILL GET PAY RISE FROM PAGE ONE

administration paid some contract workers in the past five years. “I only want to put the nation on notice that the time has come when individuals are being paid by that government half-a-million per annum, individuals are receiving contracts up to $800,000 and the members of Parliament are being paid $28,000.

“I want to put the country on notice that at the next budget I will come forward with a pay increase for the members of Parliament,” he said as debate wrapped up in the House of Assembly on a constitutional amendment bill to create an independent Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

“I will establish an independent committee who will look at the members’ salaries, who will look at salaries for these half-amillion, these $800,000 and these contracts signed a few hours before election, all of that will be reviewed. (The committee will) review all salary structures for government entitles.”

When asked for comment on the planned salary increases, Bain and Grants Town MP Travis Robinson said parliamentarians should make $60,000 to $70,000 per year, likening their current pay to “janitorial salaries.” He said increasing the pay of politicians would help stamp out corruption.

In 2014, the Christie administration’s establishment of a

parliamentary select committee to consider a salary increase for parliamentarians was widely criticised. It came mid-term as that administration’s popularity began to wane; the plan was ultimately scratched and MPs’ salaries remained the same.

At the time, Dr Minnis told the Nassau Guardian: “The FNM has

agree at this particular time for any increase when many people outside are suffering, cannot pay their bills, are underpaid.”

He said: “A politician’s position, that’s a service position. You have been elected to service and just as we had pain and suffering during the road reconstruction where the entire [population of New Providence] suffered at that time, the politicians must likewise feel the pain and suffering that the rest of The Bahamas is going through.”

Leader

PLP Leader Philip ‘Brave’ Davis said a salary increase for MPs is ‘overdue’.

not agreed to any salary increase.

“The FNM has agreed to refer it to an independent committee who would look at it. But under these austerity measures that we’re seeing today and hard times that Bahamians are experiencing, the FNM cannot agree, even if the report comes back, cannot

Dr Minnis added at the time: “People are suffering and you are talking about salary increase.

Salary increase my foot. As long as I am leader of this country, the FNM would not support any pay increase with all the pain and suffering that is going on in this country. The FNM will push hard for equality. The FNM will push hard to stop this income inequality.”

Progressive Liberal Party Leader Philip “Brave” Davis yesterday said a salary increase for MPs is “overdue”. He said Dr Minnis should consider recommendations the former administration made rather than establish an entirely new committee to consider the matter.

The report from the former parliamentary select committee, which was headed by Dr Bernard

Nottage, now deceased, was never disclosed to the public.

For his part, Mr Robinson, the youngest parliamentarian, said Thursday a salary increase would help deter corruption.

“I think it’s about time that they increase members of Parliament salaries,” he said.

“I think that $28,000 a year is highly ridiculous. Members of Parliament are being given janitorial salaries.

“It is no easy task out there and if we are serious about stemming this tide of corruption then we must have a balanced approach to it and I think this increase would give that balanced approach.”

Asked to recommend a salary, he said: “I would say about $60,000 to $70,000 a year. It’s long overdue.

“You cannot expect that members of Parliament in the government, they are dealing with staff who are being paid three and four and five times their salaries and they must sit there and not indulge in some form of corruption.

“It is ridiculous. My Minister of Tourism (Dionisio D’Aguilar), there are 32 persons in our ministry who are paid more than him.

“He’s the minister and 32 people are paid more than him, so imagine me as the parliamentary secretary.

“I think that the public should have no objections to it. We should see it as another phase of stamping out corruption.”

HOUSTON FAMILY, BUSINESSES BENEFIT FROM WORLD SERIES RUN HOUSTON (AP) — The Houston Astros’ victorious World Series run has not only given an emotional boost to a city still recovering from Hurricane Harvey. It has provided an economic lift as well.

And for one Houston family, the journey to a championship led to a financial opportunity that will help their grandparents rebuild after the devastating storm.

Brianne Bueno’s family had bought two tickets for Game 3 of the World Series in Houston but didn’t use

them to watch their beloved Astros. Instead, the family raffled them off last week on Facebook and raised enough money to help repair the Houston-area home of Bueno’s grandparents.

Raffle “During Game 6, I got a text from one of the ladies who purchased a ticket. She put, ‘Glad it went well with the raffle. Was bummed to not win the tickets but really

hope you guys were able to help out your folks,’” Bueno said. “This is like ... a whole week since the raffle and people are still showing their support for us, which is pretty amazing.”

Local businesses saw increased sales, with people spending more money at restaurants, bars and hotels.

“It’s obvious more people were out on the streets, and more people were out spending money that they wouldn’t have spent otherwise,” said Patrick Jankowski, regional

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economist for the Greater Houston Partnership. “It’s like a shot in the arm for the city.”

He said Houston’s economy had been rebounding after bottoming out in August 2016 due to falling oil prices — and then Harvey hit.

That recovery will likely be delayed about three months because of the hurricane.

Rainfall Bueno said after Harvey’s torrential rainfall in late August flooded her grandparents’ home about 44 miles (70 kilometers) south of Houston in the city of Angleton, her father bought the World Series tickets with the purpose of raffling them off to raise money. Her grandparents, both 70 years old, lost most of their possessions and now live in the grandfather’s small law office.

Bueno said when her father “saw that the tickets for Game 3 were on sale, there was no hesitation for him to buy those and use them for a better purpose rather than fulfilling a desire he had to go to the World Series himself.”

She promoted the $20-a-ticket raffle on social

media as well as in her classes at the University of Houston.

One of her professors bought five tickets.

Bueno was surprised so many people found out about the raffle and wanted to buy a ticket. “I didn’t expect this reaction honestly,” she said.

The tickets were given away on Oct. 26.

With the raffle being a success, having the Astros win the World Series “was definitely the icing on the cake,” Bueno said.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said Harvey highlighted the “can-do spirit” of the city’s residents.

“It almost seems as though the greater the challenge, Houstonians see the greater the opportunity,” Turner said at a news conference Thursday. “So we meet challenges and then we turn around and take advantage of the opportunity.”

Marcus Davis, owner of The Breakfast Klub, said the popular restaurant’s sales slowed down because of Harvey. But business picked up a lot when the Astros started their playoff run.

The Breakfast Klub even hosted Dodgers fans who traveled to Texas from Los Angeles.

THE TRIBUNE

COLLECTED VAT ‘AHEAD OF SAME TIME LAST YEAR’

By MORGAN ADDERLEY MINISTER of Finance K Peter Turnquest said the Minnis administration is pleased with the level of compliance in value added tax returns since the May general election, saying the figure is ahead of the amount collected this same time last year.

However Mr Turnquest, the deputy prime minister, would not reveal how much has been collected by the Minnis administration since taking office.

Speaking at the one-day conference of the Bahamas Association of Land Surveyors, Mr Turnquest told reporters: “Persons are required to file their VAT returns either monthly or quarterly and we have been pleased with the level of compliance so far.

“There are some very complex issues that have lingered on from the beginning of the year and even before that we’re working on, trying to cut them down. Unfortunately the buck has been passed in a lot of these cases which has caused frustration amongst the tax payers.

“But we have made a commitment to ourselves that we are going to tackle them. And whether they are popular or unpopular, we are going to come to a resolution.

Law “Those that we cannot find a common ground on, we will refer to the VAT Tribunal for them to decide based on the law, and we will come to a conclusion.”

When asked to estimate how much VAT revenue has been generated so far, Mr Turnquest declined to give a specific total: “I don’t want to say the number because I will probably be wrong, but we are ahead of where we were same time last year, so we are pleased by that.”

VAT was implemented on January 1, 2015, at a rate of 7.5 percent on most goods and services.

Former Prime Minister Perry Christie explained earlier this year that $1.14 billion in VAT revenue was accumulated during 2015 and 2016, insisting that not one dollar of the money has been “frittered away” or spent “surreptitiously.”

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, November 3, 2017, PAGE 7

MINISTER CONFIRMS 152 AFFECTED BY RWB LAYOFFS

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

LABOUR Minister Dion Foulkes yesterday confirmed 152 workers will be affected by temporary layoffs at Resorts World Bimini (RWB), with 14 people to be made redundant.

Mr Foulkes added that 11 workers have voluntarily resigned at the resort.

RWB had 600 workers pre-Hurricane Irma and staffing levels are expected to return to 575 workers once staff have been reengaged, Mr Foulkes said.

In a statement on Wednesday, RWB President

Missy Lawrence 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.”

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.”

Yesterday, Mr Foulkes said the resort has asked for a few months to increase arrivals. When pressed for a more specific timeline, he said it would like be three or four months.

He maintained that all affected employees will be eligible to NIB unemployment benefits, adding the Labour Department will process applications in a timely manner.

CIGARETTE COMPANY TO EMPLOY 25-30 GRAND BAHAMIANS

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

DEPUTY Prime Minister K Peter Turnquest has hailed operations associated with the Wind River Tobacco Company, which will employ 25-30 Grand Bahamians in the coming months, as the start of a potential rebound for the island’s economy.

In an interview on the sidelines of a Bahamas Association of Land Surveyors seminar, the East Grand MP called the US based company’s efforts in Grand Bahama a “tremendous opportunity” for manufacturing, adding that if done correctly, the venture could mark a shift in investment prospects for Freeport.

The Office of the Prime Minister in Grand Bahama on Wednesday announced the nation’s second city will become the new international base for all of Wind River’s overseas manufacturing activities.

“Grand Bahama offers tremendous tax advantages, both domestically and internationally, and so this company will be coming in to take advantage of the duty-free environment that we have and hopefully they will find the kind of success that we believe that our environment offers.”

Deputy Prime Minister K Peter Turnquest Wind River Tobacco’s portfolio includes four chewing tobacco brands and a twist tobacco brand.

Executives of the company said Grand Bahama’s unique free zone concept and inherent trade and tax advantages, paired with the already established trading routes there, made the island very attractive.

They further noted the youthful educated workforce, stable economic and political environment also added to the attraction.

The company has said it will create up to 50 jobs by mid-2018.

To that end, Mr Turnquest said yesterday: “As you know, Grand Bahama has suffered tremendously over the last couple of years as a result of the loss of its tourism infrastructure and as we wait for that to rebound, we are encouraging diversified businesses to come to the island and to look at the prospects and (consider) the propositions that we have.

“Grand Bahama offers tremendous tax advantages, both domestically and internationally, and so this company will be coming in to take advantage of the duty-free environment that we have and hopefully they will find the kind of success

FROM left: Cat Island Sailing Club Association Treasurer Andrea Sturrup; BTVI Associate Vice President of Fund Development Alicia Thompson; The Cat Island Sailing Club Association President Patrick Strachan and BTVI Professional Development Courses Coordinator Paulette Davis-Richardson. Photo by Shantique Longley

FIVE CAT ISLANDERS TO ATTEND BTVI AFTER $2,500 SCHOLARSHIP DONATION DEPUTY Prime Minister K Peter Turnquest. that we believe that our environment offers. And not only in terms of export, which we certainly hope they will be able to be access and be able to be successful in, but also in term of domestic export from the island of Grand Bahama.”

Moreover, Mr Turnquest said a number of other “exciting opportunities” were coming on stream for Grand Bahama soon particularly in the industrial sector.

He added: “(These moves) will again solidify (Grand Bahama) as the industrial capital of the Bahamas and create the kind of diversity generally in the Bahamas we need to even out the peaks and valleys that happens in tourism industry.”

Last week, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis confirmed Hutchison Whampoa had responded to the government’s offer to buy the Grand Lucayan resort, which he has continued to call “pivotal to the survival of Grand Bahama.”

While he did not elaborate on the response received at the time, he said the government had 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 Grand Lucayan resort last Friday and was very pleased with the condition of both the Memories Resort and Lighthouse Point.

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

According to the most recent labour statistics, unemployment in Grand Bahama now sits at around 12.4 percent - the highest in the country.

However, despite the dire outlook of these figures, labour pundits across the country have asserted that week to week statistics paint an even more bleak picture.

“I would jump off a bridge if you could really tell me that the unemployment rate in Grand Bahama is 12.4 percent,” then Bahamas Public Services Union (BPSU) President John Pinder said in August when presented with survey results.

He added: “Are you kidding me? I’m in Freeport two, three times a month.

Freeport is a ghost town.

Ain’t no employment in Freeport, unless the people have all moved to New Providence or Bimini and stopped looking for jobs.

But don’t tell me the unemployment rate in Freeport is 12.4 percent. I don’t believe that.”

The labour survey was conducted between April 24 and April 30 by the Department of Statistics.

THE Cat Island Sailing Club Association recently made a $2,500 scholarship donation for five Cat Islanders to attend the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI).

The hope is this scholarship will aid in producing skilled tradesmen who will return to Cat Island and continue to rebuild the island which is still recovering from the effects of Hurricanes Joaquin and Matthew.

“Cat Island needs infrastructure development. We need electricians, carpenters and plumbers that would better assist in rebuilding the island,” said four-year president of the association, Patrick Strachan.

As he demits his post as president, Mr Strachan hopes to see the traditions of the club continue. He also believes

that scholarships such as this should be a precedent for other companies and Cat Islanders to follow, in the effort to rebuild the island.

In support of his goal, treasurer of the association, Andrea Sturrup also hopes more Cat Islanders get involved in the rebuilding project. As a BTVI graduate, Ms Sturrup said she is 100 per cent behind the education BTVI offers.

“BTVI gave me an excellent career.

I attribute my success in the various government departments I served in to BTVI. I am happy to see future scholars get the same kind of education,” said Ms Sturrup.

The scholarship is available to all Cat Islanders wishing to attend the institution.​

PAGE 8, Friday, November 3, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

Has PM forgotten debacle of the FNM convention?

P

RIME 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.

While addressing the Free National Movement members at the party’s meritorious council members (MCM) ball at the Atlantis resort on Saturday night, Dr Minnis said: “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. 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.

“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 mess 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 was extremely critical of the Progressive Liberal Party for its “chaotic” national convention, inferring that, if the PLP party could not execute a national convention properly, then it was clear they can’t lead the country.

Dr Minnis played on the pull no punches, brutally honest critique that Monique Pindling, daughter of former Prime Minister and PLP Leader Sir Lynden Pindling, unleashed at the PLP’s convention last Monday night.

“The daughter of Sir Lynden told the PLP what the FNM had been saying for years about the last PLP government. Her indictment of the PLP is clear and compelling. Sadly, the

Funeral Service For Mr. Robert Smith Jr., 35

PLP cannot and will not change, especially given their leader,” Dr. Minnis said.

Okay, stop the tape, I can’t take anymore. Too much hypocrisy and irony in one dose can be potentially dangerous for a comedian.

WATCHING MONIQUE

F

irst of all, why are you studying Monique Pindling’s address at the PLP National Convention so keenly, Dr Minnis?

Agreed, one must keep abreast of the opposition’s doings.

However, I’m sure there are other ways to collect data and info on the present Opposition that would allow you to get to work on delivering one of the myriad of “campaign promises” that you and your government has failed to deliver on, Dr Minnis.

Don’t get me wrong, considering that you are challenged from time to time, with public speaking, speeches and the like, I get your admiration for Ms Pindling’s speech. It was most certainly powerful and timely. I can see it being a “teachable moment” for you.

Now, if your “speech watching” leads to you improving on your “speech game” and indirectly leads to better speeches and more frequent addresses to the media and nation from yourself, as well as informing us of the delivery on some of those (thus far)

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and Monique Pindling.

failed campaign promises, then by all means, watch away, Dr Minnis.

doctor. It’s obvious Dr Minnis must be suffering from amnesia.

In a “nutshell” how could TEMPORARY AMNESIA Dr Minnis so easily forget Secondly, it appears we “Loretta and the Starfish need a doctor for the good Crew”?

“The Vote of No Confidence” and the debacle that was the FNM Convention?

It could only be amnesia!

Truly, in some cases, the more things change, the more they remain the same.

CARIBBEAN NEWS

sa resident of Windsor Place & formerly of

Ft. Lauderdale, will be held at Community Holiness Church, Bahama Avenue on Saturday, November 4, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. Officiating will be Rev. Gladston Patton Jr., assisted by Rev. Anthony Sands. Cremation follows.

Cherishing his memories are his two (2) daughters: Robin and Angelica Smith; Two brothers: Anthony Bertram Coakley and Jason Rolle; two sisters-in-law: Nethaly Coakley and Ordia Rolle; Seven aunts: Marion Bowe of Miami, Fla, Dona Bowe, Keneen Knight, Constance Brice, Celestina Taylor of Hollywood; Fla, Brenda Albury and Bethsheba Bowe; Five uncles: Bertram Jr, James, Kenrick and Bradley Bowe and Phillip Taylor of Hollywood, Fla; Two nephews: Tyrese Coakley and Tachii Rolle; Four nieces: Alliyah and Alisha Coakley, Jayden Rolle and Cheprei Lewis; a host of relatives and friend including: Bertram Taylor, Robert Prater, Abraham Bowe, Debbie Rose and the Rose Family, Joan Mckay, Visna Mackey, Lilian Ward, F,Nigel Bowe, Areil Curtis, Nurse Patrice Gilbert, Mr and Mrs John Wright, Phil Carey and The Redland Soldiers Junkanoo Group, Arthur Gibson and the A.G. Electric Family, Members of the One Love Junkanoo Group, Perry “Punkin” Nicolls, Lorenzo “Bud” Gibson, Kevin and Keith Evens, Mrs. Estelle and family, McDonald Rolle & family, Brenda Carroll & family, Mrs. Carol Adderley & family.

Friends may pay their last respects at Demeritte’s Funeral Home, Market Street, from 12-6:00 p.m. on Friday & on Saturday at the church from 9:00 a.m. until service time.

CUBAN Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez speaks at the National Press Club, Thursday in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

CUBAN OFFICIAL ACCUSES US OF LYING ABOUT SONIC ATTACKS

By LUIS ALONSO LUGO, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Cuba’s foreign minister on Thursday accused the United States of lying about mysterious sonic attacks that U.S. diplomats in Havana say left them with ailments including headaches, hearing problems and concussions.

Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said the U.S. was “deliberately lying” about the attacks, which Cuba’s government has denied any knowledge of.

Speaking at a news conference, Rodriguez alleged the issue has been used “as a political pretext for damaging bilateral relations and eliminating the progress made” under U.S. President Barrack Obama.

Rodriguez said the dispute has caused delays in proposed public health cooperation and technical meetings on agriculture as well as cultural, sporting and student events.

Noises The Trump administration has said that 24 U.S. officials or their relatives were subjected to deliberate attacks by a still-undetermined culprit. Many officials reported being subjected to loud, grating noises before falling ill.

The U.S. has not accused Cuba’s government of carrying out the attacks, but says it has not met its obligation to protect diplomats on its territory.

Cuba has said it does not possess any technology capable of carrying out a sonic attack, and Rodriguez said the broad range of symptoms reported indicates they could not have a single cause.

The U.S. has cut staffing at its Havana embassy by 60 percent in response to the incidents, expelled Cuban diplomats from their embassy in Washington, issued a travel warning for Americans going to Cuba and stopped issuing visas for Cubans in Havana.

The measures have sent U.S.Cuba relations plummeting from a high point under Obama and cut into the increasingly important flow of tourists to Cuba, whose economy went into recession last year for the first time in more than two decades.

THE TRIBUNE

PUERTO RICO GOVENOR TO TOUR SUPERSTORM SANDY SITES IN NY ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — The governor of Puerto Rico traveled to New York Thursday to see how the state rebuilt following Superstorm Sandy and meet with Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo to discuss his island’s recovery from Hurricane Maria.

Gov. Ricardo Rossello joined Cuomo for an aerial tour of sites on Long Island impacted by the 2012 storm that were rebuilt to be more resilient to flooding.

The two men then discussed additional ways New York can help the U.S. territory, and Cuomo announced the deployment of additional utility workers to assist in restoring electricity.

Rossello said he hopes Puerto Rico emerges from Maria as well as New York did after Sandy.

“Five years down the road we can have a bigger event where we remember what the catastrophe was,” he said.

Cuomo, who has slammed the federal response to the storm, said an additional 350 utility workers and 220 utility trucks would be sent to Puerto Rico this weekend.

The state already has sent hundreds of personnel and millions of pounds of supplies, and Cuomo has visited the island twice since the storm.

Friday, November 3, 2017, PAGE 9

DEPUTY PM: GOVT CONSIDERING WAYS TO MODERNISE REGISTRY OPERATIONS

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

DEPUTY Prime Minister K Peter Turnquest says the government is aiming to streamline its critical services.

DEPUTY Prime Minister K Peter Turnquest has suggested the government is considering ways to modernise several of the country’s registry operations, with a view to simplify and streamline critical government services.

Mr Turnquest, who was the guest speaker at a Bahamas Association of Land Surveyors symposium held at the Hilton yesterday, said this new form of technology, if instituted correctly, could have a tremendous benefit to the Bahamas and the way general business is done.

The East Grand Bahama MP juxtaposed the idea of the modernisation process with the legacy issues that have plagued land acquisition and generational deed verification, insisting this new method would ease processes and security around accessing records.

Mr Turnquest said: “This is all new technology and so we are a little bit behind in some other jurisdictions, but we are excited about the potential of that technology, and we certainly are trying to move now rapidly to do our due diligence and background studies to determine what is involved, how this technology can be utilised to effectively manage data and data records for us, and make the whole process easier.”

He continued: “Again, this kind of new technology, it’s not totally new but it’s kind of still on the front edge of development, and so from what we have been able to determine thus far, it will have, it can have tremendous benefit to us in terms of our ease of doing business and, as I say, the ease of accessing records and the security of accessing records.

“For instance, if you have tried to open a bank account, you know how difficult it is - you have to bring all your personal records and it takes weeks if not months to get that account open.

Institution “But if you can establish a digital record that is secured, and establish it once, then that same record can be accessed by any financial institution or any other institution that you need, without you having to again present that same information,” Mr Turnquest added.

He asserted the change, in addition to speeding up the process “very much,” offers “a lot of promise”.

Mr Turnquest said while there are some regulatory and cyber security issues which still need to be considered before a complete roll out of the new system, he was hopeful aspects could be seen and adopted in the “not too distant future”.

MAN GETS SIX YEARS AFTER GUILTY PLEA TO MANSLAUGHTER

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

A FORMER Baha Mar steward previously accused of murdering a waitress by ramming her with a car in 2015 was sentenced to just shy of six years in prison after pleading guilty to a lesser charge.

Clarence Rahming was sentenced to five years and eight months after pleading guilty to manslaughter and causing grievous harm in connection with the June

Former Baha Mar steward rammed woman with car 20, 2015 incident which caused the death of Dajonne Woodside.

At his initial arraignment on June 24, 2015, Rahming faced both murder and attempted murder charges for the incident that also left bar owner Gerard Nairn in serious condition.

Justice Bernard Turner accepted Rahming’s

“unequivocal” plea of guilt in respect to the two charges yesterday, which were also accepted by Crown prosecutor Anthony Delaney.

Rahming’s attorney, Romona FarquharsonSeymour, during her plea of mitigation, subsequently recommended an eightyear sentence be exacted

on her client, minus the 29 months he spent in custody since his initial arrest.

Mrs Farquharson-Seymour noted while her client was involved in a “very unfortunate circumstance,” he was “very young” at the time of the incident, having just turned 19, and had no previous convictions.

She also submitted he accepted responsibility for his actions at the outset, and with his guilty pleas spared the victims’ families and friends the trouble of reliving the incident

via the trial process. Mrs Farquharson-Seymour also said her client spared the “public purse” as well in that regard.

After hearing Mrs Farquharson-Seymour’s submissions and factoring in the 29 months Rahming spent in custody, Justice Turner ultimately sentenced Rahming to five years and eight months for the manslaughter charge and eight months on the charge of causing grievous harm.

According to initial reports, shortly after 1am on June 20, 2015 several people, including Woodside, were involved in an argument at Da Brick House on Gladstone Road.

A short time later, a motorist rammed his car into Woodside and a man standing next to her, bar owner Gerard Nairn.

The victims were rushed to hospital, but Woodside died of her injuries, while Mr Nairn remained in serious condition, according to initial reports.

ZONTA CLUB CELEBRATES 35 YEARS OF ADVANCING STATUS OF WOMEN

ON OCTOBER 12, 1982, a heroine, Judy Munroe chartered Zonta Club in the Bahamas.

She followed the non-partisan objectives of Zonta and 19 presidents later, the club still seeks to improve the legal, political, economic health and professional status of women at the global and local levels through service and advocacy. Zonta Club of Nassau is celebrating 35 years of advancing the status of women both locally and internationally.

Zonta partners with NGOs to accomplish its goals. Entities like the Crisis Centre and the Department of Social Services are important partners. Notable achievements would be the formation of the AIDS Foundation, PACE and youth development through the Golden Z and two Z Clubs in New Providence.

“Our renewed commitment to PACE and AIDS is encouraging,” a Zonta member noted in a press release.

“Zonta also contributes financially to the Persis Rodgers Home for the Aged and holds an annual soup and fellowship thanksgiving affair. On an annual basis, Zonta members support the Salvation Army, Red Cross as well and contribute to hurricane relief efforts. “ln observance of the ‘day of charity,’ Zonta outfitted the PACE centre with stoves. Pace recently relocated to its own facilities on East Street, and will be able to add technical cooking skills in addition to their regular curriculum, giving the teen moms opportunities for empowerment and advancement.”

Each year, Zonta partners with Abaco Markets, who graciously allows its patrons at Solomon’s to donate to Zonta, food and personal hygiene items along with cash and school supplies which are distributed to persons in need.

PAGE 10, Friday, November 3, 2017

OSAMA BIN LADEN FILES BACK UP US CLAIMS ON IRAN TIES TO AL-QAIDA DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The CIA’s release of documents seized during the 2011 raid that killed al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden appears to bolster U.S. claims that Iran supported the extremist network leading up to the Sept. 11 terror attacks.

U.S. intelligence officials and prosecutors have long said Iran formed loose ties to the terror organisation starting in 1991, something noted in a 19-page al-Qaida report in Arabic that was included in the release of some 47,000 other documents by the CIA. For its part, Iran has long denied any involvement with al-Qaida, and its foreign minister disparaged the documents in a tweet late Thursday: “A record low for the reach of petrodollars: CIA & FDD fake news w/ selective AlQaeda docs re: Iran can’t whitewash role of US allies in 9/11.”

The report included in the CIA document dump shows how bin Laden, a Sunni extremist from Iran’s archrival Saudi Arabia, could look across the Muslim world’s religious divide to partner with the Mideast’s Shiite power to target his ultimate enemy, the United States.

“Anyone who wants to strike America, Iran is ready to support him and help him with their frank and clear rhetoric,” the report reads.

The Associated Press examined a copy of the report released by the Long War Journal, a publication backed by the Washington-based Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a think tank fiercely critical of Iran and sceptical of its nuclear deal with world powers. The CIA gave the Long War Journal early access to the material.

The material also included never-before-seen video of bin Laden’s son Hamza, who

may be groomed to take over al-Qaida, getting married. It offers the first public look at Hamza bin Laden as an adult.

Until now, the public has only seen childhood pictures of him.

The release comes as President Donald Trump has refused to recertify Iran’s nuclear deal with world powers and faces domestic pressure at home over investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 election. The 19-page report included in the CIA release was available online Wednesday. The CIA later issued a warning about the files on its website, saying that since the material “was seized from a terrorist organisation ... there is no absolute guarantee that all malware has been removed.” The CIA then took down the files entirely early Thursday, saying they were “temporarily unavailable pending resolution of a technical issue.”

“We are working to make the material available again as soon as possible,” the CIA said.

The unsigned 19-page report is dated in the Islamic calendar year 1428 — 2007 — and offers what appears to be a history of al-Qaida’s relationship with Iran. It says Iran offered al-Qaida fighters “money and arms and everything they need, and offered them training in Hezbollah camps in Lebanon, in return for striking American interests in Saudi Arabia.”

This coincides with an account offered by the U.S. government’s 9/11 Commission, which said Iranian officials met with al-Qaida leaders in Sudan in either 1991 or early 1992. The commission said al-Qaida militants later received training in Lebanon from the Shiite militant group Hezbollah, which Iran backs to this day.

THE TRIBUNE

TRUMP’S TWEETS SEEN AS UNLIKELY TO SLOW NEW YORK TERROR CASE

By COLLEEN LONG AND LARRY NEUMEISTER, Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — President Donald Trump’s tweets calling for the death penalty for the man charged in the New York truck rampage could give defence attorneys grounds to argue that Trump has poisoned the minds of potential jurors. But some legal experts doubt that argument will slow the case.

In a highly unusual instance of a president weighing in on the fate of a defendant awaiting trial, Trump said on Twitter that 29-year-old Sayfullo Saipov “SHOULD GET DEATH PENALTY!” in the attack that left eight people dead.

In another tweet, Trump said prosecutors “Should move fast.

DEATH PENALTY!” Some legal experts Thursday said judges in Manhattan’s federal courts will not let the president’s remarks slow the case or throw it off track, especially in a courthouse with a quarter-century record of swift terrorism prosecutions with mostly airtight outcomes.

“Nothing slows down the train,” said James Cohen, a professor at Fordham Law School. He said the yetto-be-assigned judge will question prospective jurors to ensure they can be fair despite anything they might have heard or read.

Lawyers differed over whether Trump was out of bounds.

IN this courtroom drawing, defendant Sayfullo Saipov, right, addresses the court during his arraignment on federal terrorism charges, Wednesday at Manhattan Federal Court in New York. (Elizabeth Williams via AP)

“Even presidents are entitled to First Amendment rights,” said Michael Wildes, a former federal prosecutor.

Joshua Dratel, a veteran defence attorney in terrorism cases, would not predict what a judge might do, but he said the tweets should disqualify prosecutors from seeking the death penalty.

“It’s inconceivable that it would be fair to seek the death penalty when the president has expressed it twice in a tweet,” he said.

“It poisons the jurors, all the prospective jurors.”

In bringing terrorism charges against Saipov, federal prosecutors Wednesday said the Uzbek immigrant used a rental truck to mow down people along a bike path after being inspired by Islamic State propaganda videos.

Investigators continued poring over Saipov’s phone records and online contacts and combing surveillance footage to reconstruct his movements in the weeks before the rampage.

They were also interviewing acquaintances and family, including his wife, who according to a law enforcement official was cooperative and claimed she did not know about the attack beforehand. The official who was not authorised to discuss the investigation and spoke on condition of anonymity.

ERIC FLEMING, 41, stops by to express his condolences in front of a bike memorial where people leave flowers to remember the victims of the attack on Thursday in New York.

(AP Photo/Andres Kudacki) At one point, the FBI put out a bulletin seeking any information on a fellow Uzbek immigrant, Mukhammadzoir Kadirov, but quickly canceled it after locating him.

The law enforcement official said Kadirov was a friend of Saipov’s and may not have a role in the case at all, but authorities got suspicious because he “went off the radar” when they went to speak with him. He was questioned and released.

John Miller, the New York Police Department’s deputy commissioner for counterterrorism and intelligence, told CBS that authorities so far believe Saipov acted alone.

Also Thursday, Attorney General Jeff Sessions told members of law enforcement in New York in a visit scheduled before the attack that the U.S. justice system can handle suspects like Saipov.

He noted over 500 defendants have been convicted of terrorism-related crimes since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

Saipov is being held without bail at a Manhattan federal lockup next to the courthouse. His attorney, David Patton, has said he hopes “everyone lets the judicial process play out.” He did not respond to a request for comment Thursday.

Later Thursday, about 100 mourners remembered

the victims in a candlelight vigil and march along the route where Saipov’s vehicle entered the bike path and crashed into the bus.

On Wednesday, Trump called the U.S. justice system a slow-moving “joke” and “laughingstock” and said he would be open to seeing Saipov transferred to the U.S. prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where enemy combatants are tried by military tribunals.

But the president appeared to reverse course a day later, tweeting that “statistically that process takes much longer than going through the Federal system.”

Justice can, in fact, be swift in Manhattan’s federal courts. Two weeks ago, a jury took four hours to convict a man in a September 2016 bombing in New York City that wounded 30 people.

In 1994, four men were sentenced to life in prison 15 months after they carried out a February 1993 World Trade Center bombing that killed six people and injured over 1,000 others.

Attorney Ron Kuby, who represented a blind Egyptian sheik sentenced to life in prison after a Manhattan terrorism trial, said Trump’s tweets, if anything, could work against his desire to see the death penalty.

“Particularly in New York, if he’s for it, we’re against it,” Kuby said.

PEOPLE bike as a police officer stands guard at the intersection of Houston and West streets on Thursday, in New York.

(AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)

THE TRIBUNE

GOVT SLAMMED FOR ‘EXCUSES’ OVER PUBLIC DISCLOSURE ACT

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

CITIZENS for a Better Bahamas (CBB) yesterday slammed the government for failing to meet its campaign promises on enforcement of the Public Disclosure Act. In a press statement the advocacy group called on citizens to reject “implausible” and “unreasonable” excuses and demand the full enforcement of the critical anti-corruption law.

Lemarque Campbell, Citizens for a Better Bahamas’ chairman and Transparency International’s country representative, said: “Civil society can’t remain silent on this issue. You have countries such as the UK where the assets, incomes, liabilities and campaign contributions for government officials are automatically posted and updated online for the public to view. Yet we can’t even get the foundation right – by having the Public Disclosure Commission meet in a timely manner.”

Disclosures Present and former parliamentarians and senators, along with senior public officers, are required to submit their disclosures to the PDC

by March each year.

Earlier last month The Tribune reported the Public Disclosure Commission had yet to conduct any work because the commission’s building on East Bay Street is mould infested.

At the time PDC Chairman Myles Laroda confirmed, outside of initial introductions to staff, the commission’s work was stalled.

This came more than three months after the government’s self-imposed deadline to prosecute delinquent public officials under the Public Disclosure Act. In a report published by the Nassau Guardian nearly two weeks later, Mr Laroda confirmed its status remained unchanged.

The CBB statement read: “Recent revelations by the Public Disclosure Commission chairman, Myles Laroda, confirm that the work of his committee is on hold with no clear timeline for resumption in sight due to a mould infestation in their East Bay St building.

“The chairman’s implausible excuse for further delaying the enforcement of this long-neglected law should send a strong signal to the public that more than mould

“You have countries such as the UK where the assets, incomes, liabilities and campaign contributions for government officials are automatically posted and updated online for the public to view. Yet we can’t even get the foundation right – by having the Public Disclosure Commission meet in a timely manner.”

Citizens for a Better Bahamas’ chairman Lemarque Campbell is beginning to fester.”

It continued: “The promise to correct the failure of previous administrations on this basic issue was a central and recurring theme throughout the governing party’s campaign - and no doubt contributed to its success at the polls.

“However, public expectation for full and prompt enforcement of this law continues to go unmet due to one of the most far-fetched and preposterous reasons anyone could imagine – mould.”

On June 6, Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Anthony Newbold told the

media Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced former and sitting parliamentarians had three weeks to file delinquent disclosures or face the court for breaking the law.

The law specifies that people in breach could face a fine of $10,000 or two years in prison, or both, or confiscation of land if land is involved.

The July 3 deadline affected more than 20 MPs, while the number of parliamentarians who had not disclosed for an entire five-year term was put at “not less than six.”

Delinquent parliamentarians were not named, and three missed the deadline; however, at the time, Mr Newbold said movement in the matter hinged on the appointment of two more board members to the Public Disclosure Commission.

Since then, the first annual deadline for newly elected members of Parliament and senators to submit their full disclosures has passed.

In the case of persons appointed or elected after the annual March 1 deadline, the Public Disclosure Act states disclosures must be filed within three months from the date - effectively, August 10 for MPs and August 22 for senators.

The CBB statement called the missed deadline “alarming”.

“Citizens for a Better Bahamas calls on all citizens to reject these unreasonable excuses and demand that the government immediately make arrangements for the full and prompt enforcement of this important anti-corruption law. Corruption and lack of transparency has not only crippled our country, but has also been an affront to our democracy.

“A modern democracy striving towards its fullness can only progress when the rule of law is respected and applies to all. Any government that intends to foster an environment of integrity, transparency and accountability must be seen to act promptly and judiciously to uphold not only the laws which govern the masses but also themselves.”

Friday, November 3, 2017, PAGE 11

PRESENT and former parliamentarians, senators and senior public officers are required to submit their disclosures to the Public Disclosure Commission by March each year.

PAGE 12, Friday, November 3, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

FORMER RANFURLY HOMES’ RESIDENT ADJUSTS FOCUS

By HADASSAH HALL LIFE changed for Edneka Farquharson at the age of 13. First, she was taken from her mother and placed with her grandmother, only to eventually land in the Ranfurly Home for Children.

As a resident of the home, she regularly attended St Andrew’s Presbyterian Kirk and then occasionally after having to leave the home upon graduating from high school in 2014.

Since then, the 20-yearold has worked at several companies including Baha Mar, Solomon’s and Unique Vacations – none lasting more than a few months.

Little did Ms Farquharson know, this summer she would experience a breakthrough with the “opportunity of a lifetime.” She became one of five recipients of the KirkRanfurly scholarship fund, which aids transitioning or former students of the Ranfurly Home for Children to attend the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI). She is now studying information technology entry level. The

others include: Marcel Presume, massage therapy; Shaquille Williams, office assistant; Raynard Francois, electrical installation and Rasharme Wallace, media technology.

“I wanted to return to school. I prayed about it and then I learned about the scholarship. I wondered, ‘Is this for real?’ I am really thankful for every good thing that has happened. I’m not going to waste these people’s scholarship money. They didn’t have to do it.”

Edneka Farquharson The brainchild of BTVI’s president, Dr Robert W. Robertson the fund is spearheaded by St Andrew’s Presbyterian Kirk – where current residents worship – with the assistance of corporate Bahamas.

RECIPIENTS of the Kirk-Ranfurly scholarship fund began studying at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) this semester. Shown back row from left: Raynard Francois, Shaquille Williams and Rasharme Wallace. Shown front, from left: Edneka Farquharson, and Macelin Presume. Photo by Shantique Longley “I wanted to return to school. I prayed about it and then I learned about the scholarship. I wondered, ‘Is this for real?’ I am really thankful for every good thing that has happened.

I’m not going to waste these people’s scholarship money.

Fresh Prepared, In-store, Daily.

DEAL

They didn’t have to do it,” said the grateful young woman, who has the word ohana - Arabic for family tattooed on her right wrist, while on her left hand is ‘Christ alone’ in Hebrew.

“Everything about BTVI is because of the Kirk. The Kirk is an awesome church.

I really love the Kirk. It feels like family. Everyone is so nice; they made us feel we could live a normal life.

They made us feel a part of them,” she said.

Ms Farquharson has since returned to her grandmother’s home, two months after graduating high school.

While life is still not perfect, she has adopted the attitude that it is her perspective that makes a difference.

“When I came out of the home, I had to put the pieces together. I don’t have time playing the victim.

I am now creating what I want,” she stated.

She spoke highly of the Ranfurly Home for Children, her safe haven for three years.

“They’re like my family.

The caregivers were like mothers. We lived normally, doing chores. It was good treatment at the house. We

use to go to Kids Crush at Atlantis, the water park, movies, and the beach.

I did modeling at Yodephy. Every weekend was fast food. We had tutors at our disposal. They tried to make it as normal as possible for us,” said the former resident.

“If we did something wrong, we got punished like any other parent punishing a child,” she added.

Contributions Ranfurly’s administrator, Alexander Roberts’s hope is that the scholarship recipients go on to make stellar contributions to society.

“Thanks to the Kirk, BTVI and other partners, you are addressing the needs of society. With a good education and a good attitude, doors will open, making for a better society,” said Mr Roberts.

Dr Robertson said BTVI sees the Kirk as advocates, joining the fight for the recipients’ future.

“Their lives are more tenuous because of their circumstances.

However, we are grateful that

Reverend McPhail and his congregation understand that education is the great equaliser. It is no secret that one has a better chance at succeeding in life with access to a good education,” said Dr Robertson.

While expressing gratitude for the generous contributions to the fund from members and the wider community, Kirk Reverend Bryn MacPhail said the impetus for the scholarship fund is because the Kirk cares about the youth at the homes.

“We want to build into their lives not only spiritually, but help them along in life,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ms Farquharson has learned to see the glass as half full as opposed to half empty.

“I questioned why my life was in shambles, but I realised it wasn’t forever. You must have tough skin in this world.

“I believe it may be raining now, but after the showers, there is sunshine.

It’s kind of tough being out here in the real world, but I’ve learned to make the best of situations,” said the optimistic young woman.

TRUMP BOOSTS FEDERAL ASSISTANCE TO PUERTO RICO

20

$

(INCL. VAT)

• 8 PIECES OF CHICKEN • LARGE FAMILY FRIES • 4 BISCUITS

#WICKEDGENIUS

By ZEKE MILLER AND MICHAEL BIESECKER, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump cleared the way for additional federal funding for storm-ravaged Puerto Rico Thursday, as the territory continues to recover from the devastation left by Hurricane Maria.

Trump amended a September disaster declaration to increase the share of rebuilding and recovery costs borne by the federal government on the cashstrapped island.

Trump had already authorised the Federal Emergency Management Agency to pay 100 percent of some cleanup and emergency costs for 180 days. Washington will now pay 90 percent of the additional cost of rebuilding Puerto Rico, including repairing public infrastructure like hospitals, bridges and roads, and the costs of rebuilding the island’s devastated power grid.

Typically, U.S. states cover 25 percent of those costs, with federal taxpayers covering the remaining 75 percent. Puerto Rico’s finances were in shambles even before the storm made landfall in September.