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Volume:114 No.249, NOVEMBER 17TH, 2017

THE PEOPLE’S PAPER: $1

A COMIC’S VIEW: RATS IN THE SNAIL MAIL - SEE PAGE EIGHT

‘Detainees must be taken to court’

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

DESPITE continued immigration sweeps throughout the country, officials have yet to find any of the migrants who were believed to be on board a large empty sloop, which was discovered on the shoreline of Adelaide Beach last weekend.

In an interview with The Tribune yesterday, Kirklyn Neely, head of the Department of Immigration’s Enforcement Unit said while the ongoing search operations have yet to find any of the sloop’s passengers, there have been 175 people detained this week.

This is something Fred Smith, QC, president of Rights Bahamas, yesterday railed against as he accused the Minnis administration

of violating the Constitution and the Criminal Procedure Code.

He called on the Minister of Immigration Brent Symonette and Immigration Director William Pratt to present all the recently detained people to the courts.

Mr Neely said there were 28 people apprehended on Monday, 57 Tuesday, 30 on Wednesday and 41 detained yesterday morning.

Immigration officers in Eleuthera also took into custody ten people while nine others were arrested in Abaco. Asked whether these people will face charges in court, Mr Neely said: “It’s difficult to march 175 people off to court. They will be taken to the Detention Centre and sent home.”

SEE PAGE FIVE

BPL FRAUD: TWO FACE $2M CHARGES

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net A FORMER Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) employee and an attorney were arraigned in Magistrates Court yesterday over allegations they collectively defrauded the electricity provider of close to $2m over a four-month span.

SEE PAGE THREE

Connery: Life of a movie idol See Weekend

AG DEMANDS TOUGHER SENTENCE FOR CHILD PORN

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

FORMER police officer Edmund “EJ” Lewis Jr, who was accused of producing child porn videos between 2014 and 2015, has been given a conditional discharge of two years after being found guilty on one count of child pornography.

Former Deputy Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes, in a ruling on November 13, said during those two years Lewis Jr will be required to attend

the Department of Social Services, specifically the Domestic Violence Unit and perform 50 hours of community service.

Upon full compliance and completion of the order, Lewis Jr will be given an absolute discharge, the written ruling said.

However, the Office of the Attorney General filed an appeal yesterday against the ruling by thenMagistrate Forbes, now a Supreme Court judge, on the grounds that the sentence is “unduly lenient”.

SEE PAGE SIX

ACTIVISTS’ FEARS FOR CAT CAY SCREENING FOR SCHOOL AS PUPIL GETS TB

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

ENVIRONMENTAL activists claim they have evidence showing the development at South Cat Cay is harming the environment.

In 2015, the Christie administration signed a heads of agreement for a $94m luxury boutique resort project at the cay.

When finished, the project is anticipated to comprise a 53 room five-star branded boutique hotel with related amenities, 29 marina condo units, 37 residential units, 137 slip marina, restaurants, shops and recreational facilities.

GAPS in the silt barriers at Cat Cay. Dr Enrique Murciano and his wife, wealthy residents of Florida, are partners in the project alongside Ernesto Salvador, a citizen of Ecuador.

The construction phase of the project, former Prime

Minister Perry Christie said previously, is expected to create 75 jobs while 170 Bahamians could be employed when the resort is complete.

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

SEE PAGE TWO

THE Ministry of Health and the Department of Public Health are investigating a case of tuberculosis (TB) in a student at R M Bailey Senior High in New Providence.

According to a statement from health officials, a public health team will be on campus today and all teachers and staff at R M Bailey will be screened.

“All students will be offered screening for exposure to tuberculosis over SEE PAGE SIX

PAGE 2, Friday, November 17, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

AERIAL photographs showing the environmental impact of developments in South Cat Cay, above and below.

Activists’ fears for Cat Cay from page one Activists from Save the Bays, Waterkeepers Bahamas and Save Our Home-Bimini flew over South Cat Cay last week to inspect the environmental impact of developments at the cay.

The groups said it appears the necessary silt barriers are not in place at the development.

“Memories of the same devastation at the hands of Resorts World Bimini in 2014 during the dredging of the cruise ship pier spring to mind, with the same ineffectually yellow silt curtains that within two weeks of being installed broke open, covering the ocean in drifting polystyrene and beaches to this day, covered in yellow plastics,” said a statement by the groups.

“Large populations of turtles used to be seen on the cays around South Cat, just like they did offshore from RW Bimini.

Now the water is so muddy with silt, nothing can be seen and in Bimini an annual Power Boat Grand Prix is organised around the very reefs that are home to turtles and sharks.”

The statement added: “Bimini and South Cat Cay has a blessing and curse, a blessing that it is at the top of the Bahamas chain and so brings an abundance of tourism to these shores, but a curse that successive governments seem to cash in on in taxes from such large-scale developments, none of which is seen invested back into the local communities. As Fred Smith, QC, has

pointed out, until we have local governance and taxes made on these islands invested back into local community developments, instead of going into the countries capital never to be seen again, the family islands will continue to deteriorate and decline.

“One would think, that when heads of agreement come together, that a budget could be put in place with the developers to financially cover the employment of an on-site environmental advisor to monitor the development and provide weekly reports that all is in keeping with plans laid out, providing jobs for Bahamians and protecting our shores. Instead, developers seem to think they have carte blanche to do whatever they like while no one is watching. Accountability seems sadly lacking throughout the Bahamas’ development. At the end of the day, we are left with our natural resources ransacked and foreign developers pulling out, once the damage is already done.”

The activists said new legislation is needed to put the environment first to save the country’s natural resources before it is too late.

“With the Bahamas being such low-lying islands and global warming and sea levels rising, it makes no sense not to put new environmental legislation at the top of the priorities list moving forward.”

Environment Minister Romauld Ferreira, a former member of Save the Bays, could not be reached for comment up to press time yesterday.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, November 17, 2017, PAGE 3

PARENT SHOT IN THE HAND AS HE COLLECTS CHILD FROM SCHOOL A PARENT collecting his child from school was shot in the hand by assailants in the parking lot of St Francis Joseph Catholic Primary School on Thursday.

Despite the harrowing incident, school officials said students, administrators and staff were in no immediate danger.

Police said shortly before 3pm they received information a man was shot in

the school’s parking lot on Boyd Road. When officers arrived, they met the victim sitting in a red car with a gunshot wound to the hand.

The parent was taken to hospital where he was listed in stable condition yesterday. Police said they had no suspects in custody up to press time.

The victim’s car also had bullet holes in the driver’s

side window and one of the rear windows.

Last night, Claudette Rolle, director of the Catholic Board of Education (CBE), said despite yesterday’s incident, school will open as normal today. She said police have said the campus is secure and there is no imminent threat.

“We wish to confirm that shortly before school dismissal, a parent who was

collecting his child was accosted by assailants in the outside parking lot and subsequently shot in the hand,” Ms Rolle’s statement said.

“The school immediately went into lock down following standard procedures outlined in the Archdiocesan Comprehensive Safety Plan. The police arrived on the scene immediately to secure the campus. The

students, administration, and staff were in no immediate danger.

“The police have confirmed that the campus is secured and there is no imminent threat. School will open [today] at the regular time. Guidance counselors will be on the campus to provide counseling to students, staff and parents. “...Our thoughts and

prayers are with the victim and his family.”

The statement said the CBE will continue to ensure the safety and security of those in the school’s community.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call police at 919, the Central Detective Unit at 502-9991 or the Crime Stoppers hotline at 328-TIPS.

BPL fraud: two face $2m charges from page one

James Ruben Dean, 31, a former fixed assets officer at BPL, and 35-year-old Che Campbell Chase stood before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt facing 54 and eight fraud related charges respectively.

Dean was charged with 42 counts of fraud by false pretences, 11 counts of falsification of accounts, and one count of conspiracy to commit fraud. Chase meanwhile was charged with eight counts of fraud by false pretences and one count of conspiracy to commit fraud.

It is alleged that between February 8 and May 11 of this year, both Dean and Chase collectively obtained $1,966,163.85 from BPL’s Scotiabank account while at either CIBC FirstCaribbean (FCIB) or Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) on John F Kennedy Drive.

Dean, via his 54 counts, was accused of solely defrauding BPL of $1,752,077.6, while Chase, via the eight counts against him, was specifically accused of defrauding BPL of $214,086.25.

It is further alleged between January 27 and May 15, Dean, while a BPL employee, falsified numerous work order codes on various payment certificates made out to numerous companies totaling $670,056.19, which he was required to review and correct to show that the worker order number affixed was correct.

Both Dean and Chase pleaded not guilty to all of the charges.

The matter was adjourned to March for

trial along with co-accused in the matter Reno Bethel, who has been arraigned on a total of 140 fraud related charges on two separate occasions in connection with the alleged theft scheme.

On Monday, Bethel, a former employee of FCIB, was arraigned over nearly 100 additional fraud related charges.

The charges included 35 each of possession of a forged document and uttering a forged document, 18 of fraud by false pretences, two of attempted fraud by false pretences, and three of money laundering.

Monday’s arraignment came just over two months after the 34-year-old was initially arraigned on 47 fraud related charges stemming from the BPL fraud investigation. At the time, Bethel stood before thenMagistrate Andrew Forbes facing 23 counts of fraud by false pretences, 23 counts of receiving and one count of conspiracy to commit fraud by false pretences.

Bethel, Dean and Chase were all wanted by police on the weekend for questioning in connection with the fraud investigations.

The RBPF circulated a notice on November 10 requesting the public’s help in locating the three men.

Police later reported that Bethel turned himself into the Central Detective Unit (CDU) shortly before 1pm on Monday, accompanied by his attorney. Dean and Chase surrendered themselves to CDU on Wednesday morning.

The latter two men are represented by attorneys Elliot Lockhart, QC, and Dion Smith.

CHE CAMPBELL CHASE, above, and James Ruben Dean, below, outside court yesterday.

COOPER CONCERN AT BANK OF THE BAHAMAS LAYOFFS

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

THE level of layoffs across the country is “disconcerting,” Progressive Liberal Party Deputy Leader I. Chester Cooper said yesterday in the wake of Bank of the Bahamas announcing 30 job losses.

Meanwhile, PLP Chairman Senator Fred Mitchell said men and women losing their jobs is “an unfortunate pattern” with the Minnis administration. He said the Free National Movement (FNM) thinks too often of statistics and figures and not enough about people.

Tribune Business reported yesterday BOB’s job cuts were a part of the bank’s bid to return to sustained profitability following recent branch closures.

The lay-offs, BOB said, were related to the closures of its Exuma and Eight Mile Rock branches, plus a drive to cut costs as part of its turnaround strategy. The Eight Mile Rock branch in Grand Bahama has already closed, while the facility in Exuma will shut its doors on December 31.

Mr Cooper said: “The government must swiftly mobilise a plan for job creation and encouraging business start ups and expansion to redeploy some of the displaced workers.

There’s also a need for a swifter permitting process as this is reportedly a problem in Chub Cay. “This speaks to the need for tangible ease of doing business initiatives. Also I trust that every member of the Cabinet wakes up each day thinking about how to fix Grand Bahama.

My heart goes out to the many hurting Bahamian families.”

For his part, Senator Mitchell said: “It is always dreadful when men and women lose their jobs. It is an unfortunate pattern so far in this administration job losses after job losses.

The (FNM) administration thinks too often of stats and figures and not enough about people.

“The PLP is expecting to move shortly, through its council, to provide some policy guidelines on these developments in the banking sector including issues such as labour retrenchment, banking fees and the

services that are no longer offered in far flung communities. Our concern is always the fate of our people.

“No doubt the government will explain fully and frankly its strategy with regard to the bank at a time of retrenchment in the availability of banking services in communities that are unbanked or under banked.”

In a statement Wednesday, BOB’s executive management said the bank had started “the rightsizing of departments and units this week in another strategic move to improve operational efficiencies, with the ultimate goal of setting the bank back

on a path to sustainable profitability.”

The statement read: “The bank anticipates that less than 30 members of staff will be affected throughout its operations, including the closure of branches,” it added. “This follows recent decisions taken by the Board of Directors to rationalise the bank’s branch network...

“These are extremely difficult decisions to make primarily because they hold implications for continued employment of members of our team, and impact many areas of the bank. However, these decisions are based on careful assessment of our operations and the corporate objective of securing

enhanced efficiencies.

“We wish to emphasise that all decisions were

taken with the greatest level of diligence, care and sensitivity.”

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PAGE 4, Friday, November 17, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

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Welcome progress in just a week from the government IN these columns last week we took the Free National Movement government to task for a sense of drift that seems to have developed recently despite its good start in office six months ago.

One reason for this impression has been an apparent lack of coordination within the government itself together with a lack of adequate public communication in relation to its policies, activities and achievements, A week later, the situation is already looking rather different following a number of satisfactory developments.

First, there has been some backtracking on the important issue of an increase of parliamentarians’ salaries which we had drawn attention to and which the prime minister’s Press Secretary has now announced will be linked to an improvement of the economy. In a damage limitation exercise, this has brought to a close, at least for the time being, the furore following Prime Minister Dr Minnis’ earlier unwise pronouncement on the subject.

Given the principle of Cabinet responsibility, it is important the government should speak with one voice; and this makes it all the more important for his Press Secretary to be more proactive in articulating official policy. Conveying the government’s intentions and plans promptly and accurately to as wide an audience as possible is a vital function – as a means of supplementing official statements with further information -- since the FNM’s fortunes will depend on the public’s perception of its performance over the coming years.

A second significant development just revealed by the Press Secretary is the plan to establish a ‘Deliverables Unit’ early next year. This will be tasked to keep a check on official projects and initiatives across-theboard and help to ensure progress is made in implementing them. Judging from the fortunes of a similar body in a previous British government, the success of such a unit will depend on the degree of co-operation it receives from officials in the ministries it is scrutinising and this, in turn, will depend on how strong a lead is provided by the Prime Minister.

Another example of welcome progress is the government’s approach to the long-standing issue of the difficulty of doing business in The

Bahamas. This has been a major concern for many years, but until now different administrations have declined to address it seriously. With our excessive red tape and inefficient bureaucracy The Bahamas is now ranked 121st among 190 countries in the World Bank’s index of the ease of doing business.

The private sector has been complaining consistently about our onerous and poorly functioning regulatory regime which presents a challenge for business owners to carry out even the simplest tasks without obstacles and delays. Clearly, in order to streamline the existing system there should be major reform through decentralising the decisionmaking process and instituting proper time frames for action together with greater accountability so that those officials who are failing to deliver can be identified.

The government’s response so far has been encouraging. According to reports, it has started drafting legislation to improve the ease of doing business with a view to stimulating economic growth and job creation – and the remarks last week by the minister responsible for financial services, trade and industry and immigration about creating conditions that “facilitate the ease of doing business in an open, innovative, productive and competitive environment” will be music to the ears of the business community. Equally, the government’s commitment to push for full membership of the World Trade Organisation by 2019 is another indication of the Minnis administration’s intention to liberalise and deregulate the economy as a whole.

A further example of this government’s new transparency about its policies and actions is the Deputy Prime Minister’s helpful explanation earlier this week of the circumstances of its successful efforts to raise capital in the international markets and his speculation about the possible change of our “junk” status by the ratings agencies.

These various recent developments reflect well on the government and should be widely welcomed. We must also hope it will continue to improve its communications skills so that its policies and achievements are fully explained and widely disseminated.

As one of Britain’s prime ministers famously said, “a week is a long time in politics”.

Why the surprise over the sloop?

EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE Prime Minister was “disturbed” by the broad daylight landing of an illegal Haitian sloop and wants a “full report” on how this was possible. That seems ridiculous to me.

The Prime Minister had to speak through an interpreter when he went to a Haitian church, that alone should have told him something. It is obvious illegal Haitians continue to enter through the very porous borders of The Bahamas because they can find refuge here. There are no major deterrents or penalties to dissuade them. They recognise that we lack the

discipline to consistently apply any law in this country and for the right price anything goes.

Will we create a law to ensure that once an illegal enters this country their biometrics are taken and then neither them nor their offspring can ever be granted a work permit, residency or citizenship? Will we confiscate the properties of illegals? The answer is obvious!

We have gone the way of the USA in allowing immigrants, who are not even top tier immigrants, to so increase in number here that their presence alone influences our nation’s policies. As a result they will

continue to flock in droves.

The body carries out the desires of the head.

Those at the highest levels of decision making who are entrusted with this nation’s national security and immigration concerns are lazy, tolerant and unpatriotic. I judge that by their actions.

They pay lip service to our immigration woes and nothing more. That, Mr Prime Minister is why the immigrants keep coming!

An overgrown yard will not be cleaned by endless talk; action without talk is the only thing that will do.

JB Nassau, November 15, 2017.

Respect our police officers EDITOR, The Tribune.

REFERENCE/TO POLICE RESERVE OFFICERS IN THE BAHAMAS Dear Ms/Mr Reader, HERE in this country the government says that all employees should treat their workers with respect and workers should be paid minimum wages, so when will the government set example and start first.

Any honest person in this Bahamas knows that the people who work the hardest are treated poorly.

Mr Commissioner of Police, we don’t hear your voice speaking out for the hard-working men and women of the Royal Bahamas Police Reserve Officers.

And why not? These men and women work very hard to serve and protect us, the people, in this country but yet they are not respected.

Sir, when will you and others remember they do the same duties as any regular police officer and in some cases more because on some islands where there’s lack of manpower, police reserves are the ones to hold shifts day and night working 4/12 an 12/8.

Do you realise their lives are in just as much danger as any other police because when a criminal sees them in the uniform they only see a policeman? If they

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net shoot trying to escape from a crime scene do you think they will stop and ask are you regular police or reserve? No, that officer’s life is in danger too. Do you even care?

And they have work like slaves to get a couple of hundred dollars whenever the Public Treasury decides to pay them. I call it like I see it. Why is it that all these years police reserve constables are earning only $5.25 a hour and corporals $6.60? My God, what a disgrace.

What happened to the 200 hours the (PLP) said that Reserves are allowed to work? They work it but can’t get paid for it. No kind of benefits for these hard working people. No business place will do any sort of business with them.

I won’t speak of the banks, they would tell them the police reserves is not a job.

When and who will give some help to the single man and woman who wants to be able to send their children through college like anyone else in this Bahamas, be able to afford a nice home or even a vehicle just to get simple necessities in this country? How can we be so cold to these people who risk their lives to keep us safe night and day? if they die what do their families get? Nothing.

A big zero.

Mr Minister sir, you were a part of this force and you know these things needs to be addressed (ASAP).

I was one who refused to believed something like this happens in this force until I sat and listened to the daughter of a friend of mine, a police reserve officer who passed away may his soul rest in peace. I heard their cry, how they can’t afford to even bury their father who served us in this country so many years. You tell me the government can’t do better?

Please, someone give these people what they deserve, help them to live a better life. They are the lowest paid, most disrespected and still the most hard working police officers. When called upon how many regular police officers go to work and work their full shift? I know some go to work and once reserves arrive at work they are left to man the station while the regular officer goes off to sleep with their sweethearts.

Please, please listen to the cries of these people.

They need their 200 hours and higher pay and please don’t forget to give these officers some kind of benefits.

For God’s sake, remember God made ugly, but he don’t like it.

ANONYMOUS Nassau, November 14, 2017.

Ready for Thanksgiving EDITOR, The Tribune.

LIKE most residents we look forward to US Thanksgiving, the fourth Thursday in November, so this year November 23 for a full house in all of our hotels as it really kicks off the season.

I have no doubts on certain of our established hotels and hope that finally we will see what Baha Mar’s potential really is or isn’t.

Are there enough ground transportation vehicles,

taxis if there is a full house at Baha Mar? Are we prepared at LPIA? Here’s Hhoping they will not do as they usually do between 12noon and 3pm and wave all visitors through customs without a boo or question. Do you have anything to declare?

Too late after November 23 to be ready... if we’re not then it’s egg all over our face.

For me I expect the majority of the Hyatt at Baha Mar to be occupied

- lights in rooms do not deceive so we want to see the place lit up like a Christmas tree, registers ringing and employees smiling all the way to the bank with top gratuities.

We have waited far too long - it is now collection time and we must keep the pressure on - we expect the best and no excuses.

W THOMPSON Nassau, November 11, 2017.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, November 17, 2017, PAGE 5

‘Detainees must be taken to court’ from page one However, he said there were a few people among the group who were expected to be charged for harbouring illegal immigrants. Mr Neely was unable to give a specific number as he had not finished processing immigration reports up to press time.

Mr Neely said: “None of these of the 175 are ‘boat people’ as yet so we still have an intensive effort ongoing. Now it’s quite obvious that somebody has to be hiding these people.

“To the people who are hiding them, if caught there is a hefty fine and a sentence. And I will request that the powers that be throw both fine and sentence at them.

“It is a disgrace that we are trying to clean up and create more jobs and stuff for Bahamians for illegals to come on an illegal boat and disappear. Some persons have to be hiding them.”

He said the sweeps will continue for some time, suggesting he could not say when this ramped up effort will come to a close.

Meanwhile, Mr Smith said for the people detained this week he planned to apply for habeas corpus or a writ requiring a person under arrest be brought before a judge or into court to secure the person’s release unless lawful grounds are shown for their detention.

“That’s what the law requires,” Mr Smith told

THE CARMICHAEL Road Detention Centre.

He continued: “The The Tribune yesterday.

“The Constitution says [Department of] Immigrathat a person must be tion is not judge, jury and taken before a court and or commissioner. So either given bail within a reason- charge them or release able time and the Criminal them. Because otherwise Procedure Code says that all they are doing is acting it must be done within 48 illegally.

“It is only the court, hours or else these people either the Magistrates or have to be released.

“If these people are not the Supreme Court, that taken before a court and have the power to concharged in accordance with trol who is in custody. Not the law, then Rights Baha- immigration. So by leavmas will be requiring the ing it in the hands of the director to give the names ‘Carmichael concentration of every person arrested so camp’ [Carmichael Road that we could issue a habeas Detention Centre] despite the prime minister railing corpus for them.

“It is illegal to simply against corruption he is hold people without taking actually creating an envithem before a court and ronment for corruption at the concentration camp. I without giving them bail.”

am very careful in calling it a concentration camp because I have said before the detention centre does not exist under any law.

“Parliament has not provided for its existence so this is just like Argentina and Chile where the government just picks people up and they disappear without any account.

“So Rights Bahamas demands that these people be taken before a court if they are suspected of committing an offence and charged otherwise publish their names so we could apply for habeas corpus for them.”

The sloop came ashore sometime Saturday night or early Sunday morning.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff Mr Pratt said Monday he is, you take a tour on one “had no idea” how such a of these helicopters or you sloop could land so close to take a tour on one of these the RBDF Coral Harbour boats. You travel for hours Base and go undetected. and don’t see anything. But He said the RBDF should is there anything out there? perhaps “improve their Of course. Always rememsurveillance”. ber that these persons who In an interview with are trying to evade the law, the Nassau Guardian on they have their techniques Monday, National Security and strategies too. We have Minister Marvin Dames to adjust to those techniques emphasised officials won’t and strategies to ensure that always get it right. we are much better and we “I have been in this busi- are able to interdict them on ness, and I have first-hand a more frequent basis.” experience,” Mr Dames said.

Mr Neely estimated ear“I have flown these lier this week between islands and these oceans 150 to 250 undocumented for hours not seeing a single migrants were on board the thing in sight. And so, if you sloop. want an appreciation of just • ‘Don’t believe social how expansive this country media reports’ - see page six

LOOKOUT POINTS SUGGESTED TO STOP ILLEGAL MIGRANTS

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

FORMER Assistant Commissioner of Police Paul Thompson believes he has a credible solution to strengthening border security but top officials have yet to consider his recommendations.

Mr Thompson told The Tribune he has suggested the erection of three strategic lookout points on New Providence to law enforcement executives for several years, and challenged that such an initiative would have prevented the recent illegal sloop landing.

He added his calls for increased patrols in Nassau Harbour when cruise ships are in port, have also gone unanswered despite the noted rise in global terrorist attacks since 9/11.

“For some years now I had made recommendations to both governments concerning the Haitian boats that sneak into Nassau at night,” the former police officer said.

“One of the recommendations I made was to have lookout points: one where the lighthouse is on Paradise Island, one out at

Coral Habour by the base and the other somewhere in the Montagu/Yamacraw area.”

He continued: “What I was thinking of is a small high-rise building with night vision, as used by the US army and others where you could see anything in the dark. This was put on paper and sent to both governments and it has been sitting there and I believe if they did that no boat would be able to sneak in.

The illegal landing of a sloop on Adelaide Beach near the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBPF) Coral Harbour Base on the weekend has captured national attention as officials were flummoxed by the incident.

The Tribune understands the Minnis administration has ordered the Department of Immigration officers to find the missing passengers. Officials believe around 150 to 250 irregular migrants were on board.

The sloop came ashore sometime Saturday night or early Sunday morning.

In recent days, immigration officers have conducted sweeps of areas known for

holding Haitian migrants after the discovery of the vessel.

Immigration Director William Pratt said Monday he “had no idea” how such a sloop could land so close to the RBDF Coral Harbour Base and go undetected. He suggested the RBDF should perhaps “improve their surveillance”.

“You can man them (lookouts) at night,” Mr Thompson continued, “ and you don’t need it in the day. This is something that can still be done. We don’t know what came on that boat, they are thinking only people but we’ve had experiences of cocaine on Haitian boats and also guns. In addition to that I had written to them and tell them that we have at our harbour sometimes six cruise ships in there, that would have about 7,000 people. I suggested when those ships are in port we should be patrolling the harbour so that no boat can come in and do anything to the ships. Boats are stolen from marinas and used for human trafficking to the states, we need patrols in the harbour at night.”

Mr Thompson

underscored his extensive training at leading global centres like London and Paris during his tenure and lamented on why the government spends “exorbitant sums” for foreign experts.

“Seems like the recommendation falls on deaf ears,” he said.

“I give them the advice free, if they had to pay for it, like if some persons coming from abroad and give them same advice, they

would accept it. We cannot blame the defence force it’s dark out there, there is no light, a boat could sail past and you wouldn’t see it. But if they had the lookout with the proper night vision this wouldn’t happen.”

PAGE 6, Friday, November 17, 2017

SCREENING FOR SCHOOL AS PUPIL GETS TB from page one

the coming week,” the statement said.

“Parents are asked to send school health forms along with completed and signed consent forms for public health staff to commence Mantoux testing. Your child will not receive a Mantoux test without this completed and signed consent form.”

The Mantoux is a skin test that would tell if a person has had exposure to TB. The test will be read 48 to 72 hours after it is done and results will be given to parents, the statement said.

“The skin test will be negative if there has been no exposure. If it is positive we will advise you further.

We will update you on the progress we are making,” health officials said.

On Wednesday, Minister of Health Dr Duane Sands spoke about concerns about the growing number of new cases of TB on Eleuthera.

“I have recently returned from Eleuthera where we have started focused screening of the residents,” he said in the House of Assembly.

“We have started in Eleuthera because from 2012, the surveillance unit has documented a gradual increase in cases on the island.”

Dr Sands later told The Nassau Guardian there are currently 100 confirmed cases of TB on Eleuthera.

He also there are also 15 cases of TB on Exuma but added it was unclear if those 115 cases on the two islands are latent or active.

Dr Sands said health officials will conduct screening and chest x-rays throughout Eleuthera then move to Exuma over the next few weeks.

Anyone with questions on TB is asked to call the Ministry of Health’s Surveillance Unit at 376-1103, 376-3970 or 502-4705.

THE TRIBUNE

AG demands tougher sentence for child porn from page one Lewis Jr, a former constable, previously stood trial concerning allegations he produced child pornography videos between July 2014 and January 21, 2015.

He was first arraigned on January 23, 2015 and denied bail. He was dismissed from the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) shortly after charges were filed against him.

He elected to be tried in the Magistrates Court and was granted $5,000 bail days after being re-arraigned due to an “inadvertent error” at his first court appearance, when he should have been given the option to be tried in either the Magistrates Court or Supreme Court and enter a plea to the charges.

In February of 2016, the court heard how Lewis Jr allegedly admitted, in his record of interview with police, to filming his sexual encounters with a teenage girl he met in September 2014. However, Lewis Jr allegedly said he thought the girl was older than 17 and she consented to being filmed.

According to the record of interview, taken in January 2015, Lewis Jr was asked by a senior officer about allegations that he secretly filmed his sexual interaction with the complainant in the matter.

Lewis Jr said the sexual interactions between the two began in September of 2014. In response to questions by the interviewing officer, Lewis Jr said he recorded the interactions on his Samsung Galaxy S2

EDMUND “EJ” Lewis Jr outside court last year. cellphone in his room on filmed their encounters, two occasions, and that the Lewis Jr allegedly said: “We complainant was aware. both agreed to it and it was He further denied solic- fun,” adding that it was for iting anyone or secretly sexual gratification. filming sex, adding And when asked if that “everything was anyone else was involved, consensual.”

Lewis Jr said there was When asked by the inter- a 19-year-old whom he viewing officer why he met sometime in October

2014 and had sex with both females. However, he denied filming the acts without their permission.

When asked by the interviewing officer what he subsequently did with the contents, Lewis Jr said he “took the chip out of the phone and secured it.”

SOCIAL MEDIA CLAIMS OVER NEED TO CARRY DOCUMENTS ARE FAKE

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

MINISTER of Immigration Brent Symonette yesterday condemned an erroneous social media report that alleged all residents are mandated to carry legal identification documents due to an influx of illegal migrants.

Mr Symonette said it was unfortunate irresponsible

people were attempting to spread panic and confusion under the cloak of anonymity.

He maintained there were no new rules nor policy and the Department of Immigration continued to rely on existing legislation and the rule of law.

The fake advisory claimed Bahamians must produce their e-passport upon request as the frequency of “random

roadblocks, home searches and door-to-door inspections of legal Bahamian documents” increase.

It also falsely claimed people would be remanded to the Detention Centre, if documents are not produced, for further processing.

The false report was circulated on Tuesday and quickly gained traction as officials in New Providence and ramped up the search for illegal migrants following the discovery of an empty sloop on Adelaide Beach on the weekend.

The sloop’s illegal landing, and probable cargo of illegal migrants, have come under heavy public scrutiny due to its proximity to the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Coral Harbour Base.

Mr Symonette said: “The message is totally false; no new rules have been issued.

The Immigration Department continues to rely on the [Immigration] Act, and we are committed to the rule of law.”

While the memo circulated was false, it has sparked discourse over the criteria used by officials to distinguish between irregular migrants and those who are legal residents or citizens.

Yesterday, Immigration

Director William Pratt pointed to the Immigration Act as he explained the powers bestowed upon immigration officers. He explained officers also received intensive training on interrogation tactics Mr Pratt said: “Once you approach someone who is not legal in the country, one, they gonna break off running most of the time, and two, they gonna be so fearful you’ll see it all over them.

“We have power of interrogation,” he continued, “because there are persons who have citizenship who still have slang in their speech. Immigration officers have the power to interrogate and hold someone until they can provide proof but we don’t go about just apprehending Bahamians.

“If we interrogate someone, and after we speak to them if the officer suspects the person may be not be legal, the officer has to have a real suspicion. If they suspect, then the onus is now on the person to prove their identity, and their status.

The [Immigration] Act gives officers that power to hold a person until they identify themselves.”

Search operations undertaken by the Department of Immigration routinely draw

the ire of local activists and international human rights agencies, who condemn a process that notably targets migrants by use of ethnic profiling.

In 2013, the implementation of a national ID card was floated by thenNational Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage. Dr Nottage, now deceased, surmised the time had come for the country to consider the introduction of such a card, considering the Bahamas’ long-standing illegal migration problem.

The following year, then-Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Fred Mitchell confirmed a proposal for an integrated identity card was being reviewed by the Cabinet.

It was suggested the card could unravel the complex and contentious issue of regularisation for people born in the Bahamas to migrants.

The technology for a national ID card is in place, he said at the time, but noted national ID cards invoked the issue of civil liberties.

Mr Mitchell said the proposed card should not be mandatory but implemented as soon as possible given the public demand for heightened security and enforcement.

READERS SPEAK OUT ON POST OFFICE PROBLEMS AFTER Bahamas Public Services Union President Kingsley Ferguson said he “has no idea” how people will receive their mail this week due to protests at the General Post Office, readers took to tribune242.com to give their reaction.

Sickened got straight to the point: “Demolish that building. What a disgrace.”

But DaGoobs asked: “Demolish the Post Office building and replace it with what? I’ve said in these columns before that the Government owns a number of buildings and complexes in the East Hill Street/Parliament Street area that are in various stages of decay. Yes, a decision needs to be made about what to do with the main Post Office building but it is not alone. The government also needs to decide what to do with the Rodney Bain Building on the the corner of Parliament and Shirley Streets, plus the Royal Victoria Gardens complex which has pretty much been abandoned except for the car park after all of the courts there moved to South Street. You also have the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building just east of Government House that probably needs maintenance work, to say

nothing of Government House itself. This is a lot of valuable real estate just sitting around in various states of need for repair. What is going to be done with any or all of them?”

And there was this from Sealice: “Come on - it’s always been like that here, saying it now like it’s something new . . . Bahamian population in general has always felt that they have no idea when the mail ga reach!!!”

Readers also responded to the news that the Bahamas is the only Caribbean nation to suffer a decline in per capita GDP this century, while also being the “notable exception” to major tourist arrivals growth.

Porcupine said: “GDP per capita is a horrible way to analyse a country’s progress. That said, we are probably in worse shape than the paper noted.”

John said tourism needs a “hefty dusting off”: “The tourism marketing and growth plan seems to have been lost over the past five years. And despite the

dumping of millions and more millions in Carnival, this event was never properly marketed and hardly, if ever, marketed to the international market. Tourism needs a hefty dusting off and brought back to the fore. One thing too that tourists complain about is the Bahamas has become too Americanised.

A common complaint is tourists can get a lot of stuff that’s here back at home, and it’s far cheaper. The big hotels have virtually destroyed the tourist product by trying to eliminate the Bahamian experience.

And when Bahamians go to other Caribbean countries, like Trinidad and Jamaica and see that their culture is intact and nightlife and tourist participation is booming, they have to come back home embarrassed.”

But there was optimism from Sheeprunner12: “We have failed to revolutionise our tourism product despite having 30 inhabited islands and another 600+ cays . . . and despite the high value executives in the Ministry of Tourism. But DD will change that status quo and we will become the fastestgrowing destination soon.”

• Don’t miss your chance to join the debate on tribune242.com.

THE TRIBUNE

‘Improved’ strategies to stop crime

By MORGAN ADDERLEY THE Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBDF) has implemented new and improved strategies to enhance its crime-fighting capabilities, according to Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Stephen Dean, as he lamented the “big business” crime has become in the country.

His statement came after National Security Minister Marvin Dames said on Tuesday overall crime is trending down, and that “from an enforcement standpoint, we’re seeing some measure of success, we’re not there yet…but [gun] seizures are certainly up, the targeting of drug houses in these atrisk communities are up, and officers are yielding tremendous success.”

During a presentation at the Rotary Club of West Nassau yesterday, Senior ACP Dean also referenced this downward trend in violent crime. He said the reasons there have not been regular reports of murders over the past few weeks is because “since the new commissioner has come in, we have looked at some new initiatives”.

“Things have been happening. We have been arresting a number of bad guys off the streets. We have been taking particularly a number of firearms off the streets of New Providence, all kinds: high-powered weapons, automatic weapons, we have been finding them.

“And so we believe that because we are taking a number of firearms out of the criminals’ hands, we are causing a reduction in some of these serious crimes… most of our serious crime [continues] to trend downwards. So to [the RBPF], while we don’t glory in it, it’s a positive sign of what is happening here.”

Senior ACP Dean then outlined some of the specific police strategies which have contributed to this phenomenon. He referenced the Anti-Gang and Firearms

Unit, saying: “[The RBPF] realised that gangs in our country is a reality. It’s real.

We have a lot of young men [and women] involved in these gangs and when they come into custody, you see it. You see the tattoos and the signs on their hands.

“These are real issues in communities. And some of our good children are going to be forced to get into these gangs. You have good people even trying to join the RBPF, but when you look, you do an examination, they’ve got these tattoos and the tattoos give us a lot of signs. So these are the difficulties that [the RBPF] are faced with. But since our Anti-Gang Unit has been in, we have been targeting these gangs…

There’s a law, an anti-gang law that we are targeting of persons who are involved in gangs so we are doing a lot of work behind the scenes to bring these persons into custody.”

Senior ACP Dean then outlined the second initiative: “We have instituted what we call The Flying Squad… We had the Flying Squad [previously], but we’ve enhanced the Flying Squad, this is a group of very serious elite officers who target some bad guys.

And they have been targeting them. And they have been bringing them into custody.”

The third initiative is the Rapid Response Unit.

Senior ACP Dean said: “This is another group officers who are… always willing and ready for any emergencies, any situations where it is needed, any person who believe that they are above the law, this who [the RBPF sends] to get them.”

The Uniform Divisions is the initiative behind why “you’ve seen a lot of road checks, a lot of road blocks that we have been increasing…Those road checks have been reaping a number of dividends. We have been bringing persons into custody, we have been causing people to licence their vehicles now,

[and] we have been causing a number of things to happen. But all these things are reaping success.”

Senior ACP Dean said the newly formed AntiCorruption Unit has seen success in recent months and put persons in court for various charges.

“Then we have Enhanced Ballistics Capabilities, because the question [keeps] coming, ‘Mr Dean where all these guns coming from? How come y’all can’t find the guns? How come?’ You know the reality? And I want us to check — do you really believe a fella through McCullough Corner or through Fowler Street and Kemp Road… [people] who don’t have a passport, do you really believe he goes on a flight to the US and [brings] a gun here?

“What we have been finding, for some reason the guns have been coming in, and they haven’t been coming from [any] strange area…people have been very creative. We just had had to stop a group who had a refrigerator, they had the gun all through the refrigerator, and what they do is they break the guns up into parts now, and they have a piece over here, a piece over there.

“Then you have some gun traffickers, some people only specialise in the bullets, they say they don’t touch the gun, they sell the bullets. So you need to buy the ammunition. So they are very creative and crafty.

Because it’s a big business - guns are being sold. And you will be surprised who [has] an illegal firearm in this country. But you know, time will tell. And I can tell you we have been doing some good work.

“We have what we call an eTrace system, [where] we work with US authorities, so… in a 48-hour period, we can tell… when that [firearm] was bought, where [it] came from in the US, which store it came from, we can tell. We have had firearms in a turnaround, almost 24 hours after being brought in

PM’S WIFE ENCOURAGES READING SCHEME

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net THE Prime Minister’s wife, Patricia Minnis, made an official visit to the West Grand Bahama constituency yesterday, where she helped launch a reading programme at the West End Primary School and visited senior citizens.

West Grand Bahama and Bimini MP Pakesia ParkerEdgecombe accompanied Mrs Minnis to West End. Mrs Minnis read the first book to the students, kicking off the reading programme.

The students performed a number of cultural dances and songs.

Mrs Minnis also met the oldest West End resident Alicia Thompson, who is in her 90s.

“We were honoured to have the presence of First Lady Patricia Minnis in West Grand Bahama,” said Mrs Parker-Edgecombe.

“She went to the West End Primary School where she read to the students.

This is something she is very familiar with, having read for years at Gambier Primary in New Providence. She also visited the eldest resident in that area and was able to not only get words of knowledge and wisdom bestowed on her, but encouraged Ms Alicia as well.”

Mrs Minnis also stopped in Eight Mile Rock where she attended a senior citizens Thanksgiving luncheon at St Stephen’s Anglican Parish Hall, hosted by the West Grand Bahama Free National

PATRICIA MINNIS, wife of Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, visited Grand Bahama on Thursday. Mrs Minnis is pictured rear, second from left, with West Grand Bahama and Bimini MP Pakeisha Parker-Edgecombe, rear left, and students and an official from West End Primary School.

Photo: Derek Carroll that their lives would be Movement Association.

During her keynote fulfilled when they pass on address, Mrs Minnis shared knowledge that will benefit that she too is considered a someone else.

She mentors young ladies senior citizen. “When I went to get my NIB card and I between the ages of eight to received it ‘senior citizen’ 19 in her community. She was on it; so I am a senior said that two of the young just as you,” she said. “It is ladies are expected to a pleasure to be here today.” attend college in the spring.

“Through that proMrs Minnis encouraged the seniors to mentor young gramme, two of the young people in their community ladies who would not norby showing them how to mally finish high school care for their homes, chil- have finished and are going dren and husbands. She on to the University of the said it is important they Bahamas in January. I am pass on their knowledge to mentoring an additional 13 of them; I have breakfast the younger generation.

“Perhaps you can bring with them,” she said.

Mrs Minnis said many young ladies together and teach them jewelry making, young ladies are having crochet, and patchwork,” children at an early age and getting pregnant before she suggested.

Mrs Minnis also suggested finishing school. She said men in the community can women must advise young mentor and teach young girls to wait a little later men a skill by going around before having children.

After the luncheon, Mrs assisting their neighbours with home repairs. “You Minnis and Mrs Parkerwent to can help fix a house, a roof, Edgecombe and the next time fix a door; Pinedale, Eight Mile Rock, go and impact someone in and visited the oldest resident, Wellie Jones, who is the community,” she said.

Mrs Minnis told seniors 104 years old.

Friday, November 17, 2017, PAGE 7

SENIOR Assistant Commissioner of Police Stephen Dean speaking at the Rotary Club of West Nassau yesterday.

Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff The Bahamas and involved values and standards.” for your home security. Is “So our young men are your home secured? Is your in crimes.”

He added: “The trend- devoid of these things. vehicle secured?” ing we are seeing now, (is) Young men and young “Don’t care how much we that one firearm is being women are devoid of these preach, criminals are going used in multiple crimes. values. So when you don’t into cars finding laptops, So this lends to what intel- have a thinking faculty in finding jewellery, cash…[for ligence is telling us on the your head, it doesn’t matter criminals], that’s incentive streets— that firearms are if I pull a gun to you and I to do wrong.” being rented. So we might kill you…. There are young Senior ACP Dean also find a guy for murder, but men around looking for a implored the public to stop he [doesn’t have] a gun, job to kill somebody. That’s broadcasting when they’ve because he borrowed the all. They don’t think noth- come into money, either gun for the murder. And ing about it. They go home through an asue or loan, that’s what it is. Crime has and they go to sleep. Their when they’re going on vaca[washes] their tion, and showing off their become such a big busi- mother ness out there. These clothes with the blood on it, valuables on social media, criminals have become she [will not] call the police. “not knowing that the crimvery organised out there And these are normal inal is on Facebook too.” on the streets….And so things in the community.

Speaking directly to the that’s why we have been Because there’s big money audience of Rotary Club what’s happening… members, Senior ACP turning up the heat from in the Royal Bahamas Police There’s big money in this Dean said: “As service Force, we’ve been turning business of crime.” clubs, as citizens, all of us Senior ACP Dean also have a responsibility. And up the heat in what we do.

So we are targeting these listed what citizens and I would encourage you to criminals, we are trying to civic groups alike can do try to work along with your bring them into custody, but to protect themselves and police. I know the Rotary you know — who are the contribute to the downward [has] this ‘Road to Peace’ trend in crime. He said: [initiative] that is going on, criminals?”

“You interview an aver- “More than 50 per cent of that is pretty good.” age 18-year-old now…[or the crime that [occurs] in He indicated wanting to someone who is in] that the country, can be pre- work alongside the club 18-30 [age range] who is in vented, can be avoided, so that “we could expand custody. You ask them basic because of a lot of us con- that [initiative] and could questions, like, what church tribute to crime.” develop [it] and become He gave examples of more powerful in the New do you go to? What you think is the answer? ‘Um, I people who have been held Year.” know the church my mother up and robbed in front of “I know sometimes goes to, I know where my their homes, because they you think your work is in father goes to,’ and he starts lingered outside or in their vain. When you might go drawing reference. Because car while distracted and in the community, fix up a he don’t go to no church. chatting on cell phones. house… the programmes “As we come into the you have in the school, they So I’m just trying to bring you the perspective of the Christmas season, this is are very important.” type of person’s you’re timely…I implore you to “We need your supdealing with. Because you please pay attention to your port, we need you to get know most of us grew up in surroundings. Know where involved, we need you to some sort of church. We got your children are going. continue to support those some sort of understanding Give account for who is in children, but we need you of right from wrong. We your house; give account for to more importantly work got some understanding of your friends. Give account with your police.”

PAGE 8, Friday, November 17, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

www.ub.edu.bs

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Suitably qualified candidates are invited to apply for the following positions at University of The Bahamas:-

ACADEMIC ADMINISTRATION Dean, Liberal & Fine Arts Dean, Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning Assistant Vice President, Sponsored Research and Grants Grants Writers

BUSINESS, HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM STUDIES Business and Hospitality Management Assistant/Associate Professor, Accounting Assistant/Associate Professor, Economics and Finance Assistant/Associate Professor, Management and Marketing

LIBERAL AND FINE ARTS English Studies Coordinator, University Writing Centre, UB-North (Staff Position) Writing Tutor, University Writing Centre (part-time, Staff Position) Assistant/Associate Professor, Caribbean Studies and Rhetoric and Composition Assistant/Associate Professor, Cultural Studies and Rhetoric and Composition Assistant/Associate Professor, French Literature and Francophone Studies Assistant/Associate Professor, Rhetoric and Composition Communication and Creative Arts Director, Confucius Institute (Staff Position) Assistant/Associate Professor, Art Assistant/Associate Professor, French and Haitian Creole Assistant/Associate Professor, French Assistant/Associate Professor, Journalism and Communication Assistant/Associate Professor, Spanish (UB-North and Oakes Field) Studio Technician, Art (part-time, Staff Position)

PURE AND APPLIED SCIENCES Chemistry, Environmental and Life Sciences Assistant/Associate Professor, Agriculture Assistant/Associate Professor, Architecture Assistant/Associate Professor, Biology (UB-North and Oakes Field) Assistant/Associate Professor, Chemistry Assistant/Associate Professor, Geography Assistant/Associate Professor, Coastal and Marine Sciences Assistant/Associate Professor, Conservation Biology Assistant/Associate Professor, Electrical Engineering/Engineering Technology

THE SCENE of the crash yesterday morning.

Several hurt as car and prison bus collide

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net AN EARLY morning collision between two motorists and a small prison bus sent several people to hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

The small white Mitsubishi L300 bus operated by the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services was traveling west along Eastern Road when it collided with another car traveling east near Dick’s Point, Assistant Superintendent Craig Stubbs said.

ASP Stubbs, officerin-charge of the Traffic Division, said the car careened off a wall after impact and then collided with another vehicle.

He said the incident occured shortly before 9am, but gave limited details.

“Two inmates were being transferred to PMH, and the officers had minor

injuries,” he said. “Emergency Medical Services carried the female officer and the others drove themselves.

“The cars, all three have significant damage. The first car sustained significant front and right end damage, and the bus itself received significant damage to its front and partial right side.”

All three cars were towed from the scene, ASP Stubbs said.

It is not clear what circumstances led to the collision at this time and an investigation is ongoing, he said.

A prison bus collision in 2014 left an elderly woman in hospital.

In 2011, a collision with another prison vehicle resulted in two inmates and a guard being sent to hospital.

While the 2014 incident left many of the residents shaken, they said it was no surprise as every day,

prisoners are transported to the courts at dangerous speeds.

The bus, driven by a Royal Bahamas Police Force officer, and carrying eight prisoners, charged with armed robbery and murder, and two prison guards, was travelling south on Fox Hill Road when it hit a car coming out of a side corner on Rose Street.

Sheila Rolle, 77, was driving a blue Daihatsu Terios when the accident occurred shortly before noon.

The impact caused the prison bus to flip on its side. The driver’s side of Mrs Rolle’s small SUV was severely damaged. She was on her way to the Fox Hill community centre, which is opposite to where the accident happened.

At the time, prison Superintendent Patrick Wright said the convoy only travels at speeds safe to motorists and those on board the bus.

Mathematics, Physics and Technology Assistant/Associate Professor, Applied Mathematics (UB-North and Oakes Field) Assistant/Associate Professor, Civil Engineering Nursing and Allied Health Professions Assistant/Associate Professor, Nursing

SOCIAL AND EDUCATIONAL STUDIES Education Assistant/Associate Professor, Mathematics Education (Primary) Assistant/Associate Professor, Mathematics Education (Secondary) Assistant/Associate Professor, Education (UB-North and Oakes Field) Social Sciences Assistant/Associate Professor, Law Assistant/Associate Professor, Political Science Assistant/Associate Professor, Psychology Assistant/Associate Professor, Social Work Assistant/Associate Professor, Religious Studies

COUNSELLING SERVICES Counsellor (Part-Time) Counsellor (Mental Health) Counsellor (Career Counselling) UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES ONE of the stalls at a previous Jollification.

Law Librarian Librarian, UB-North University Archivist (Staff Position) Office Administrator (Staff Position)

GERACE RESEARCH FACILITY (SAN SALVADOR) Facility Manager

PART-TIME POSITIONS (UB-NORTH) Lab Technician (Chemistry, Environmental and Life Sciences) Pure & Applied Sciences (Chemistry, Environmental and Life Sciences) Social & Educational Studies (Education and Social Sciences) Business, Hospitality & Tourism Studies (Accounting, Banking, Computer Information Systems, Economics, Finance, Human Resource Management, Management, and Marketing) Liberal & Fine Arts (French, Spanish, Haitian Creole, Art and Music)

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

For Academic Administration/Faculty Positions Application materials should include: 1. A cover letter describing academic philosophy and vision, research and publications; 2. Copies of academic qualifications; 3. Copies of transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate degree programmes completed; 4. A current and complete curriculum vitae; 5. Copy of relevant pages of a valid passport showing photo ID, passport number and expiration date; 6. Three letters of reference; 7. Completed UB Application for Employment Form found at this link: http://www.ub.edu.bs/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/UB-Application-for-EmploymentFaculty.pdf

IT’S TIME FOR JOLLIFICATION “IT’S beginning to look a lot like Jollification” and that is the theme for the Bahamas National Trust’s very popular Christmas fundraiser being held November 18 and 19 at the Retreat Gardens on Village Road.

“The Christmas Jollification is an important fundraiser for The Retreat Garden. This national park protects an outstanding palm collection and has tremendous potential for increased touristic visitation. Funds raised from the Jollification will assist in upgrading the infrastructure to enhance the visitor experience.” said Lynn

Gape, BNT deputy executive director.

Christmas Jollification features some of the finest arts and crafts in The Bahamas, a variety of food with an international flair and a tasting of holiday spirits provided by Bristol Wines and Spirits and Bahamian Brewery. The staff of Commonwealth Bank, who are also major sponsors, will again assist the BNT at the gate and at a number of booths.

Caribbean Bottling and Coke Zero Sugar are partnering with the BNT to offer a special membership promotion tonight with any newly signed up

For Staff Positions Application materials should include: 1. A cover letter describing how the applicant’s professional qualifications and experience relate to the responsibilities of the position; 2. Copies of academic qualifications; 3. Copies of transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate degree programmes completed; 4. A current and complete curriculum vitae; 5. Copy of relevant pages of a valid passport showing photo ID, passport number and expiration date; 6. Three letters of reference; 7. Completed UB Application for Employment Form found at this link: http://www.ub.edu.bs/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Application-for-EmploymentStaff.pdf Apply electronically at facultyapply@ub.edu.bs, noting the position in the subject field.

Only electronic submissions will be accepted.

Positions are for the Oakes Field Campus location unless noted otherwise. For additional information or informal inquiries, contact provostoffice@ub.edu.bs.

CRAFTS on show at a previous Jollification.

member receiving a special sleek water bottle. If you want to attend this evening you must become a member first. The event is open to the general public on Saturday, November 18, and Sunday November 19, from 11am–5pm at The Retreat on Village Road.

Jollification will feature over 80 talented artisans who will have wonderful crafts, jewelry and gift items on sale on Saturday and Sunday.

Admission is $5 for BNT members and $10 for the general public, Children aged five to 17 are $3.

• For more, see Weekend

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, November 17, 2017, PAGE 9

Partners team up to feed 5,000 families DECLARING that no one should go hungry during the holiday period while others are feasting, AML Foods Limited and mobile phone operator Aliv announced a partnership with the Bahamas Feeding Network for what they call the most ambitious charitable campaign in the network’s history.

They aim to raise $100,000 to put food on tables of families who might otherwise go hungry during the holidays.

The campaign, called Feed 5,000 Families, will start in AML’s eight stores today and run through December 17, with customers able to donate $40 holiday meal packages in full or contribute to the make-up of a package at the checkout counter.

AML Foods has pledged $20,000 to the feeding fund to jumpstart the initiative.

In Nassau, participating stores include Solomon’s Fresh Market, Cost Right Wholesale, Solomon’s Super Centre and the new Solomon’s Yamacraw store.

In Grand Bahama, donations can be made at Solomon’s locations there and Cost Right Wholesale Freeport.

Meanwhile, Aliv customers can participate by texting FEEDAML to 2648 to make a donation.

“This is the most amazing donation and an incredible partnership. We cannot thank AML Foods enough, especially for understanding the need,” said Philip Smith, executive director of the Feeding Network. “And this year we are really grateful Aliv has joined the effort and is making it so easy to donate.”

He added: “There is nothing more heart-wrenching

AML Foods launch their Feed 5,000 Families Christmas campaign at Solomon’s Fresh Market at Harbour Bay. A cheque was also presented in the amount of $20,000. From left, Benea Bastian, AML Food LTD, Philip Smith and Jayme Pinder, ALIV. Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff than to look into a hungry person’s eyes and see the sadness. It is bad any time of year, but over the holidays it can tear your heart out.”

The Bahamas Feeding Network’s team of volunteers prepares and distributes more than 2,200 meals weekly in an ongoing campaign to end

hunger.

Every $40 donation will buy a food parcel that includes a picnic ham, whole chicken, five-pound bag of rice, two cans of

peas, two cans of vegetables and a box of stuffing. The package will comfortably feed a family of four.

No purchase is necessary to make a donation.

OLD SCHOOL REGGAE PARTY TO BENEFIT THE HUNGRY

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

AS they enjoy the tunes of yesteryear, guests of tomorrow night’s benefit edition of the One Blood series are asked to party the night away for a good cause.

The philanthropic event presented by Concepts is a “old school” reggae party which is usually held twice a year, in August and December. This time around, proceeds will benefit Hands

For Hunger, a non-profit which seeks to end hunger in The Bahamas.

The party will take place at the British Colonial Hilton from 7pm to midnight. And organisers are asking party-goers to make donations at the door to aid the organisation that works tirelessly year around to deliver meals to those in need.

Hands for Hunger will obtain the proceeds of the admission donations for the event. Persons are asked to make a minimum donation

of $10 and to bring a canned food item.

“Hands for Hunger is one of my favourite community partners. They are a non-profit organisation that has been making significant strides to eliminate hunger and reduce food wastage in New Providence,” said Leah Davis, organiser.

“Given the impact of the recent hurricane and the upcoming Thanksgiving season, I wanted to give back to the community and thought to do so by supporting an organisation that

is on the front lines making a difference everyday.”

A reggae lover herself, Leah designed the event to take mature party-goers back in time while also filling a void in Nassau’s entertainment scene.

The event was introduced almost two decades ago, she said, and it often creates a feeling of nostalgia that people don’t usually get a chance to experience.

“I think that one of the things that has made the One Blood parties successful is the consistency of

the concept. Patrons have grown to expect a mature crowd who are simply out to enjoy a musical trip down memory lane, dancing the night away to the golden oldies of good, reggae music. What has certainly grown is the following and I am very grateful to the loyal One Blood patrons who have made the event a favourite over the years,” said Leah.

While the event is presented by Concepts, creators of the One Blood party series, this edition

is also being sponsored by the British Colonial Hilton and A Sure Win. “People should come out for the perfect opportunity to enjoy your favourite old school reggae music by two of Nassau’s most talented deejays, Selector Ty and Selector 3D, while you are giving back to persons in need in your community,” said Leah.

The annual holiday edition, One Blood XVII, is slated for Saturday, December 30.

Funeral Service Gerald Elliott Albury, 80 of Tower Heights, Nassau, The Bahamas, who died peacefully at his residence, on Monday, 13th November, 2017, will be held at Calvary Bible Church, Collins Avenue, Nassau, (TODAY) Friday, 17th November, 2017 at 10:00 a.m.

MEMBERS of the Freeport Lions Club conducting glucose screenings at Stephen Dillet Primary School.

Freeport Lions Club Freeport Lions Club. The Freeport Lions Club traveled to Nassau on November 11 to conduct glucose screenings at the Stephen Dillet Primary School. The association is always willing to partner with other civic organizations and we were invited by the Bahamas Rotary Club of Nassau. In excess of 50 students were screened and no referrals were needed.

Rotary Club of New Providence Rotary Club Providence.

-

of New District

governor Robert Leger of District 7020 and his spouse, Rosa, paid an official visit to the Rotary Club of New Providence (RCNP) on Tuesday, November 7.

He met the board of directors of RCNP to review the club plans for the current year. Following the special board meeting, he addressed Rotarians and guests and conducted the induction ceremony of three new members.

The new inductees were Candace Russell, Navendu Biswall, and Jasmine Wright. The trio extends RCNP’s membership to 47. The new inductees are excited to be a part of RCNP’s membership and look forward to serving the community.

JOIN THE CLUB OUR Clubs and Societies page is a chance for you to share your group’s activities with our readers.

To feature on our Clubs and Societies page, submit your report to clubs@tribunemedia.net, with “Clubs Page” written in the subject line.

For more information about the page, contact Stephen Hunt on 502-2373 or 447-3565.

Also, during the district governor’s visit, he assisted with the Rotaract Club of BTVI charter installation, which was held on Friday, November 10, on the campus of The Bahamas Technical & Vocational Institute.

Past district governor Felix Stubbs also assisted with the ceremony. RCNP is anxious to work closely with the new Rotaract club, which is the first sponsored Rotaract Club of RCNP. The club meets every Tuesday at 7pm at Poop Deck, West. Anyone interested in Rotary are invited to visit the club’s page at portal.clubrunner.ca/1527 or like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram to view our activities and upcoming events.

Pastor Thomas (Tommy) Albury, Pastor Robert (Rob) Elliott and Pastor Nicholas Rogers will officiate and interment will follow in Ebenezer Methodist Cemetery, East Shirley Street, Nassau.

Mr. Albury was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Matred; son, Derek; brother, Albert; sister, Alice; sisters-in-law, Myrtle and Colleen.

He is survived by his wife, Suzanne Albury; sons, Elliott, Charles and Mark; daughter, Carol; grandsons, Ethan, M.J and Walker; granddaughters, Rachael, Annisa and Hannah; brothers, Fred and Stanley; brother-in-law, Harry Roberts; sisters-in-law, Yvonne Pinder and Maureen Roberts; daughters-in-law, LaShondra, Zina and Kelly; grandson-in-law, Adams Reilly; sister-in-law, Jan; nieces and nephews, Marlene Albury, Connie Albury, Tom and Dee Albury, Kathleen Albury, LeeAnn Albury, Joseph and Tiffany Albury, Gareth and Clarabelle Pinder, Kim and Dan Sweeting, Joan and Ricky Cates and Irene Park, many other relatives and special friends including, Debbie and Victor Balmaseda, Donna and Wilfredo Serrano, Beth and Raymond, Amy and Matt Collins, Colyn and Jan Roberts, Donna and Bob Davis, Craig and Dianna Roberts, Karen Albury, Sandra and Edward Kemp, Melvena Roberts, Chris and Robyn Layne, Tony Dupuch, Celia and Phillip Albury, Linda and Eugene Weatherford, Jack, Carolyn and Alexis Stuart, Edwin Knowles, Pastor Tommy Albury, Pastor Roland Bryan, Nicholas Rogers, Brynn and John Stewart, Clinton and Muriel Cartwright, Lindsey and Pamela Pinder, Amelia Taylor, Paulena Bowe, Grace Pinder, Dianne Dunn, Dave Jenner, Pearl Mills and Dr. Quentin Richmond.

A special thank you to those wonderful people who helped take such good care of him, Frances Morley, Deborah Wallace, Lucille Kelly, Donn Knowles, Bridgette Hanchell, Dr. Ian Kelly and Dr. Indira Grimes, we love you and are forever grateful for you.

Instead of flowers the family request that donations be sent to the Christian Counselling Centre, P.O. Box S.S. 6106, Nassau in memory of Mr. Gerald E. Albury.

THE ROTARACT Club of BTVI.

Arrangements by Kemp’s Funeral Home Limited.

PAGE 10, Friday, November 17, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

A LARGE group of post office workers protesting around the House of Assembly this week about conditions at the Post Office.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

Stamp out this post office problem ONCE again, this was a busy week of tackling issues in the country.

SNAIL MAIL AND RAT TRAPS After years (perhaps decades?) of having to do their job in an environment that most of us only dash into and out of, the workers at the country’s General Post Office decided that enough was enough and began protesting on Bay Street.

Chief among their concerns was the dilapidated state of the post office, and what they called “union busting” tactics by the commissioner of police.

According to Bahamas Public Service Union President John Pinder: “The third largest revenue generated for the country comes through the post office but these people are not being treated fairly.

“They don’t know when they will get out that building. The rats are crawling, the building is falling and full of mould but they don’t want to spend the money on us. So we will be out here every day until we get some resolution.”

The rats are crawling?

Mould?

Now the subject of “union busting” is more nuanced, and may require further debate to determine the scope and veracity of that claim but there can be no debate about whether “the rats are crawling”.

I mean, are there rats or aren’t there? And if there are rats how on earth can anyone expect employees to work in a place like that?

Let’s be honest, anyone who has ever had to use that post office can clearly see the building is in a horrible and broken down state. I’ve personally only been there a handful of times over the past year and every time I go quickly to my mailbox and exit as fast as I can to avoid a piece of the building falling on my head. That’s how bad the place looks.

To know that rats are running around makes me want to give up “snail mail” altogether.

I mean, haveyou seen the size of the rats on this island? Let’s just say they fight cats. And win.

So even though many of us are “inconvenienced” by the protests, I agree with Transport Minister Frankie Campbell when he urges the public not to “judge” the post office workers despite their “calculated mission”.

According to Campbell, “They are getting the attention they deserve and I am satisfied that we should not be so quick to judge them, notwithstanding the fact that some 17 islands this week will not get the mail bag.”

None of us would want to trade jobs with the postal workers at East Hill Street.

None of us would willingly keep showing up to a place that allegedly has a “mold” problem.

At least, not if we’re smart.

In my mind, “health” is still more important than “wealth”.

On a practical front, with a third of the country’s revenue generated through the post office, the government needs to address this situation quickly.

Fix the rat problem.

Fix the mould problem.

Those two issues are just unsanitary and unnecessary. Repair the building.

Bahamians can all see a refurbishment (or replacement) is long overdue.

It’s clear, with all this talk of “union busting” that all sides need to come to the table and work out a suitable agreement.

But there’s no negotiating with rats. Deal with that post-haste because soon we’ll not only worry about losing money because “the check’s in the mail”... we’ll also have to worry whether the “rattus norvegicus” ate it.

It’s clear, with all this talk of “union busting,” that all sides need to come to the table and work out a suitable labor agreement.

But there’s no negotiating with “Rattus Norvegicus”.

Deal with that rodent situation post-haste. Or soon we’ll not only have to worry about losing money because ‘the checks’s in the mail’...we’ll also have to worry whether the rats ate it.

THE SLOOP that was found on the shoreline of Adelaide Village in this photograph posted to Facebook.

FRESH OFF THE BOAT After a large mysterious sloop turned up on the shores of Adelaide Village, a stone’s throw away from the RBDF Base in Coral Harbor, it started tongues wagging and conspiracy theorists...well...theorising.

In true Bahamian fashion, the tales of the mystery sloop and how it got there were epic; Jules Verne would have been envious.

Local officials feel the immigrants landed between Saturday night and early Sunday morning, and had organised assistance from persons already on shore in New Providence. Citizens were also warned of the impending fines or jail time that accompany anyone found harboring these undocumented foreign nationals.

Kirklyn Neely, head of the Department of Immigration’s Enforcement Unit, said he estimated between 150 to 250 undocumented migrants were on board the sloop.

He said immigration officers apprehended 27 immigrants on Monday in an effort to gain information on the people who landed illegally the day before, adding none of the people caught were from that vessel.

In an interview with The Tribune, Immigration Director William Pratt said he “had no idea how such a large sloop could land so close to the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) Coral Harbour Base and go undetected”.

Pratt also added “the RBDF should improve their surveillance”.

We all know that illegal immigration is a vexing problem for the country.

But Mr Pratt should stop the finger pointing, because people in glass houses should not throw stones.

Yes, a sloop allegedly belonging to foreign nationals landed in close proximity to the RBDF base.

Yes, their surveillance needs to be adressed and improved where needs be (as I’m sure the RBDF Commander and his team are doing as we speak).

However, the department of Immigration also has their share of issues to deal with-many of which have been well documented over the years.

I won’t rehash them (at least not this time) because I’m trying to show that when we face a problem of this nature (and this magnitude) it would probably be more productive if our uniformed branches focus on working together instead of playing the blame game.

That goes for the Police Force, Defense Force, Customs and Immigration.

And everyone else who is expected to help uphold the laws of the country.

I’m talking to you, fellow non-uniformed, regular, everyday Bahamians.

So if you are “aiding and abetting” this new batch (or even the old batch) of “undocumented migrants”, then the illegal immigration problem, crime and all of the rest of it, well, that’s on you, too!

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, November 17, 2017, PAGE 11

Leafing through the years

By MORGAN ADDERLEY AN American visitor has taken 10 photos of the same crooked tree on Bay Street for the past 16 years and in doing so captured the modern history of the Nassau Straw Market.

Charles Levin, an attorney from Tampa, Florida, took his first photo of the striking tree in November 2001.

Its trunk is curved so extremely that it resembles the trigger of a gun. In the 2001 photo, the tree’s leaves are brown and sparse, and people are waiting under a nearby bus stop sign.

However, the historical significance lies in the background, where a concrete wall with a yellow sign stands, directing onlookers to find the Straw Market.

This photo was taken two months after the September 2001 blaze that burnt the original Straw Market to the ground. The fire forced hundreds of vendors to seek refuge in a makeshift tent not far from the original site.

Mr Levin and his wife returned to The Bahamas in 2008, and photos from September and October of that year and January 2009 show that no new Straw Market building was built.

However, the tree’s branches are flourishing with life and a bench has been added to the bus stop.

Unfortunately, the January 2009 photo was taken a mere month before the 2009 Bay Street fire occurred.

Over 40 Straw Market vendors were displaced from their stalls and the

losses were estimated in the tens of thousands.

When the Levins returned in January 2010, the tree was still there but no new Straw Market had been built.

However, in the background the makeshift wall erected to conceal its construction was painted in vibrant colours and designs reflecting the country’s Junkanoo heritage. A leftover Christmas tree decoration is still affixed to the lamppost.

Finally, when the Levins returned in August 2013, behind the crooked tree stands the Straw Market. The current facility was officially opened in December 2011.

In his press release following the historic occasion, then-Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham described the inspiration behind the design of the structure. He said: “Our determination to restore the historic ambiance of old Nassau to our capital city influenced our decision to direct the architect involved in the design of the new market to seek inspiration from the architectural flavour of the building that housed originally the Fish, Vegetable and Straw Market located on the site up to 1974.”

The Levins took four more photos of this site, in January and February 2014, and March and August 2017. In each, their beloved tree is flourishing, with branches laden with bright green leaves. In the background, the new Straw Market stands proud, bustling with tourists and Bahamians alike.

PAGE 12, Friday, November 17, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

MOORE TARGETS ACCUSERS

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Ever defiant, Republican Roy Moore’s campaign on Thursday lashed out at the women accusing him of sexual misconduct, declaring “let the battle begin”.

Women’s advocates decried the talk as worn intimidation tactics in a desperate attempt to keep his imperiled Senate bid alive.

Moore ignored mounting calls from Washington Republicans concerned that Moore may not only lose a seat they were sure to win but also may do significant damage to the party’s brand among women nationwide.

“You ask me if I believe the girls. No, I don’t believe the girls. I believe Judge Moore,” Moore strategist Dean Young said. “Let the battle begin. ... Get ready to fight Mitch McConnell.

We’re going to fight you to the death on this.”

President Donald Trump, through a spokeswoman, called the allegations of sexual misconduct against the former judge “very troubling”. The Republican president stopped short of calling on Moore to quit the race, however.

FRANKEN IS ACCUSED OF GROPING

WASHINGTON (AP) — Minnesota Sen Al Franken faces a storm of criticism and a likely ethics investigation after a Los Angeles radio anchor accused him Thursday of forcibly kissing her and groping her during a 2006 USO tour.

He is the first member of Congress caught up in the recent wave of allegations of sexual abuse and inappropriate behavior.

Franken apologised, said he would welcome an investigation.

Leeann Tweeden posted her allegations, including a photo of Franken seemingly holding her chast as she napped during a military plane flight, on the website of KABC, where she works as a news anchor for a morning radio show.

MENENDEZ MISTRIAL ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (AP) — New Jersey Democratic Sen Bob Menendez exited his federal bribery trial after a mistrial Thursday.

Menendez was accused of helping a wealthy friend in exchange for luxury trips and campaign donations.

SOLDIERS sit on a military vehicle parked on a street in Harare, Zimbabwe, yesterday.

Photo: AP

Mugabe removal long a US goal WASHINGTON Associated Press WITHOUT lifting a finger, the Trump administration may be witnessing the culmination of nearly two decades of US efforts to pry Zimbabwe from the powerful grasp of its authoritarian President Robert Mugabe. Yet with Mugabe’s fate and Zimbabwe’s political future in limbo, neither Trump nor previous administrations can claim credit or celebrate.

The past three American leaders have actively and outspokenly sought to isolate Mugabe and his ruling clique for human rights abuses, hoping to encourage a democratic transition. Since January, however, it’s been virtual crickets.

Now the 93-year-old is under house arrest with his rule nearing an end, a victim not of US and Western pressure but of domestic infighting.

After staying silent through the first day of Zimbabwe’s possible coup with the exception of warning American citizens there, Trump’s State Department weighed

in Wednesday by voicing concern about the military’s actions.

The department urged Zimbabwe’s leaders “to exercise restraint, respect the rule of law and uphold the constitutionally-protected rights of all citizens”. It encouraged leaders “to quickly resolve differences to allow for a rapid return to normalcy”. The US does not take sides in Zimbabwe’s internal politics, it said, while stressing that it also “does not condone military intervention in political processes”.

Mugabe on Thursday was meeting a South African delegation at the state house as negotiations continued for a resolution to the political turmoil. South Africa President Jacob Zuma, speaking in parliament, said the political situation “very shortly will be becoming clear”.

The negotiations unfolded as African foreign ministers gathered in Washington for a regional summit focused largely on democracy and the rule of law. Moussa Faki Mahamat, the chairman of the African Union Commission,

wouldn’t say explicitly whether Mugabe should step down, but said nations on the continent were working expeditiously to resolve the crisis.

“We believe we will find a solution which will be within constitutional legality,” the AU leader told The Associated Press on Thursday.

If that indeed translates into Mugabe’s ouster, it’s a result the United States has long hoped for.

Washington started acting against Zimbabwe toward the end of President Bill Clinton’s administration in 2000, condemning Mugabe’s moves to consolidate power by suppressing dissident voices, often violently, and implementing controversial seizures of white-owned land. The US then began restricting aid, international loans and weapons sales, eventually cutting off virtually all nonhumanitarian assistance to the country.

In 2003, then-President George W Bush declared a national state of emergency with respect to Zimbabwe and signed the first of three

executive orders he would issue while in office, authorizing sanctions against senior Zimbabwean officials deemed to be undermining democracy. Following national elections in 2008 that Bush called “a sham”, the US took a lead in encouraging a power-sharing arrangement between Mugabe and Zimbabwe’s main opposition leader. When that failed, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said it was “well past time” for Mugabe to leave power.

Former President Barack Obama maintained the pressure, annually extending the Bush-era state of emergency authorizing sanctions.

When elections in 2013 saw Mugabe re-elected, Obama’s administration pronounced them “deeply flawed” and the US president himself said he was “heartbroken” at deteriorating conditions in Zimbabwe.

Obama’s two secretaries of state, Hillary Clinton and John Kerry, and UN ambassadors, Susan Rice and Samantha Power, all delivered speeches that scathingly criticised Mugabe.

TAX BILL MOVES FORWARD WITH REPUBLICAN HOUSE WIN WASHINGTON Associated Press

REPUBLICANS rammed a $1.5 trillion overhaul of business and personal income taxes through the House Thursday, edging toward the code’s biggest rewrite in three decades and the first major legislative triumph for President Donald Trump and the GOP after ten bumpy months of controlling government.

The mostly party-line 227-205 vote masked more ominous problems in the

Senate. There, a similar package received a politically awkward verdict from nonpartisan congressional analysts showing it would eventually produce higher taxes for low- and middleincome earners but deliver deep reductions for those better off.

The Senate bill was approved late Thursday by the Finance Committee and sent to the full Senate on a party-line 14-12 vote.

Like the House measure, it would slash the corporate tax rate and reduce personal income tax rates for many.

But it adds a key feature not in the House version: repeal of the Affordable Care Act’s requirement that everyone in the US have health insurance. Elimination of the so-called individual mandate would add an estimated $338 billion in revenue over ten years that the Senate tax-writers used for other tax cuts.

The Senate panel’s vote came at the end of four days of often fierce partisan debate. It turned angrily personal for Chairman Sen Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, as he railed against Democrats’

accusations that the legislation was crafted to favor big corporations and the wealthy.

“I come from the poor people. And I’ve been working my whole stinking career for people who don’t have a chance,” Hatch insisted.

After the panel’s approval, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell declared, “For the millions of hard-working Americans who need more money in their pockets and the chance of a better future, help is on the way.”

The analysts’ problematic projections for the Senate bill came a day after Wisconsin Sen Ron Johnson became the first GOP senator to state opposition to the measure, saying it didn’t cut levies enough for millions of partnerships and corporations. With at least five other Republican senators yet to declare support, the bill’s fate is far from certain in a chamber the GOP controls by just 52-48.

Even so, Republicans are hoping to send a compromise bill for Trump to sign

by Christmas.