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VOLUME:115 No.03, NOVEMBER 23RD, 2017
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‘We have to open up the economy’ Turnquest: There’s nothing to fear from foreign cash By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribumedia.net FINANCE Minister K Peter Turnquest yesterday accused the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) of “dumbing down” debate on the “visionary” Commercial Enterprises Bill 2017, as he castigated the opposition for attempting to “stop” the Bahamas’ progress. Speaking in the House of Assembly yesterday as debate began on this legislation, the East Grand Bahama MP made a strong push for the bill telling Parliament it would facilitate ease of doing business, and more importantly make The Bahamas
attractive to niche high value markets. These markets outlined in the bill include mutual fund administration, wealth management, computer programming, nano technology, call centres and manufacturing or assembly of manufactures among other niche areas. But before debate began in the morning session of Parliament, Official Opposition Leader Philip “Brave” Davis insisted there had not been sufficient public consultation or discussion among nongovernmental agencies (NGOs) on the bill, calling on the government to defer debate.
LAND OF THE GIANTS
AMENDMENTS to the Bahamas Nationality Act to expand automatic citizenship rights for children of Bahamians may retroactively apply for up to 17 years, Attorney General Carl Bethel said yesterday. In a comprehensive address about citizenship to the Rotary Club of Southeast Nassau, Mr Bethel said while this number is not
L SOUR CE
SUSPECT CHARGED WITH TEEN’S MURDER By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net A 24-year-old man was arraigned in Magistrate’s Court yesterday charged with the murder of a Fox Hill resident. Byron Demeritte, 24, was charged with one count of murder before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt. He is accused of causing the death of 17-year-old Mitchell Munroe on September 16. According to police, shortly after 6pm on the day in question, the teen was walking on Johnson Road, Fox Hill, with another man, when two men in a grey coloured vehicle approached and shot at them before speeding off. SEE PAGE NINE
BODYCAMS BOOST TO BETTER POLICING
By MORGAN ADDERLEY
SEE PAGE SIX
THE Ministry of National Security is still unaware of how much it will cost to outfit Royal Bahamas Police Force officers with body cams, National Security Minister Marvin Dames said yesterday. Still, he said he believes the use of body cams, once expanded throughout the force, will reduce the number of complaints of police brutality and improve professionalism in the force. Mr Dames spoke with The Tribune after delivering an address at a ceremony to welcome Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) vessel, HMBS Lawrence Major, back from its humanitarian voyage to Dominica. SEE PAGE 12
RIGHTS CHANGE MAY GO BACK 17 YEARS By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net
$1
yet absolute, it is what he has recommended to those drafting an amendment to the law. He expects that “scores, but not hundreds” of people will gain citizenship once the amendment is enacted. “It’s very rather small the numbers,” he said at East Villa restaurant. “It’s not like you’re going to have masses and masses of newly created Bahamians coming from hither and yon.” SEE PAGE SEVEN YOUNG basketball fan Aubrey Allison poses for a photo with Lennard Freeman (forward position) from NC State. See Sports for more from the Battle 4 Atlantis event. Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff
SIR ARLIE’S FAMILY BACKS DOWN By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribumedia.net
TWO days before Sir Arlington Butler’s funeral, his children announced their decision to relinquish any direct involvement in planning of the arrangements to their stepmother. In the interest of propriety and the Butler family’s
dignity, Sir Arlington’s children said yesterday they were allowing his widow Lady Hazel Butler to solely plan his funeral, claiming there were repeated attempts, which failed, to engage her and resolve several pertinent issues. These included a funeral date, place of interment among other things. The decision to step back came two days ago, they
said in a press statement. Yesterday, Lady Butler’s attorney Romona Farquharson-Seymour said because of the tensions since Sir Arlington’s death, his widow needs personal police protection and is considering not attending the funeral because she is so “broken” over the ordeal. SEE PAGE THREE
IT TAKES COURAGE TO GO WHERE YOU HAVEN’T BEFORE
SEE PAGE 11
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PAGE 2, Thursday, November 23, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
FROM left, Clarence Ingram, Salvation Army divisional commander, Emmanuel Azzopardi, H&P International, Vernitta Hepburn, major Salvation Army, Felix Stubbs, chairman of the Salvation Army advisory board.
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Food donation for those in need AS the Salvation Army continues its efforts to help those in need, the organisation was happy to receive a significant food donation to assist with its programme of providing meals for those in need. Corporate philanthropist and friend to the Bahamas, Emmanuel Azzorpardi
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A MAN was shot while sitting in a tattoo shop on Carmichael Road on Tuesday, leaving him and another man, who was shot in a separate incident hours later, in hospital. According to police, around 6pm Tuesday, a man was sitting in a tattoo parlour when he was approached by a man armed with a handgun. The gunman shot the victim in his back and shoulder before leaving the scene. The victim is in stable condition. In the second incident, shortly before 1am Wednesday, a man was standing near his home when he was approached by two masked men who attempted to rob him. A struggle followed and the man was shot in his shoulder before the gunmen ran away. This victim is also
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made a donation to the Salvation Army’s pantry that will provide meals for more than 350 people. On Behalf of the Salvation Army, Major Clarence Ingram spoke to the importance of donations like this and Chairman Felix Stubs expressed his thanks.
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in stable condition. Police are also investigating an armed robbery that occurred after 2am Wednesday. A woman was standing near her car on Croton Street off Faith Avenue when she was approached by two men armed with firearms. The gunmen stole her grey Honda Accord, registration AJ8475, and other items before escaping. Police also said a woman was arrested after AntiGang and Firearms officers found 16 pounds of marijuana in a bushy area on Dorsette Alley. This occurred around 9pm on Tuesday. Anyone with information on these incidents is asked to call police at 919, 5029991 or Crime Stoppers at 328-TIPS.
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THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, November 23, 2017, PAGE 3
Sir Arlie’s family backs down from page one “As a result, I rushed here to the Police Staff Association to request personal assistance from police,” Mrs FarquharsonSeymour told reporters yesterday. “I note that it’s a state [recognised] funeral, however my client will need, we believe, personal police to be with her from Thursday evening through Friday for the funeral.” Meanwhile, Sir Arlington’s family said it hoped their decision would allow relatives to move past the “unnecessary” court action launched by Lady Butler, saying at the appropriate time all the facts will be made public. Pointing to regrettable persistent “erroneous” reports and “misinformation” in the public domain, the statement said there are simply family matters not for public consumption. House Speaker Halson Moultrie told Parliament yesterday a state recognised funeral was slated for 11am tomorrow at Christ Church Cathedral. Sir Arlington will also lie in state today. “We, the children of the late Sir Arlington Griffith Butler, KCMG, wish to inform the public that after careful consideration, and on the advice of our legal counsel, senior family members, our father’s dearest friends and colleagues, we have decided as of two days ago to relinquish any direct involvement in his funeral arrangements planning,” the children said in a press statement yesterday. “Regrettably, there have been persistent erroneous reports and misinformation in the media regarding what is essentially a private family matter. As we were taught by our father and mother, there are simply matters of which a family does not engage in for public consumption. “In the interest of propriety and our family’s dignity, we will allow our father’s widow to solely plan his funeral arrangements, inasmuch as repeated attempts to engage her have failed to resolve several pertinent issues - eg date, place of internment et al - in a timely manner. “We trust that this gesture of sacrifice of his clearly stated wishes, and our responsibilities as his children will now allow us to move past the unnecessary and unfortunate legal process initiated by our father’s widow.” They continued: “Hopefully, this will cause for our father to receive the national commemoration of his extraordinary life, and for his mortal remains to be laid to rest in a dignified Anglican church ceremony, which he loved and believed in so firmly. “At an appropriate time following a proper period of bereavement, and in the proper legal environment, a complete presentation of all the facts in this matter will become publicly known.” “We apologise for such short notice for family and friends who had wished to travel from or are travelling abroad at this busy time of
the year, and we know that if you are unable to attend in person, you will be with us in spirit and thoughts at this time of our loss.” Last week, Lady Butler resorted to legal action to prevent her from being removed from her marital home by two of her stepchildren, as well as to have a say over her husband’s funeral. Her attorney filed an injunction before Justice Cheryl Grant-Thompson last week against the alleged “eviction” attempt, as well as an application for a declaration that Lady Butler be permitted to lead the funeral arrangements. A writ of summons, as well as an ex parte summons supplemented by an affidavit was filed in that regard, according to Mrs Farquharson-Seymour. Mrs Farquharson-Seymour said last week the “emergency application” was made in response to a letter served upon Lady Butler on November 13, just days after Sir Arlington died, by his two sons, who said they are the personal representatives and executors of his estate according to their father’s will. A copy of the November 13 letter, obtained by The Tribune, shows how Sir Arlington’s sons instructed their stepmother to “cease and desist with all activities” concerning his “business, financial matters and/or properties,” inclusive of “any transactions on any bank accounts, collection of rent or representation of his interest to any parties”. According to the letter, they also requested all of his “personal belongings, legal papers, conveyances, mortgages, etc…, mail, book manuscripts, medical records, monies and any business - apartment keys, extra keys held by others to home, receipt books, names of tenants, past or current bills, etc… - and/or financial information, bank account numbers, cheques etc in her possession be handed over immediately.” Further, to facilitate these requests and a “smooth transition,” the letter said the two sons will need “full and unimpeded access” to Sir Arlington’s bedroom as of November 13. It also said Lady Butler is “welcome to be present at any time of our entry and during our search”. Additionally, the letter
SIR Arlington Butler and Lady Hazel Butler. stated Lady Butler was statement denying the heirs free to begin removing her of the politician’s estate “personal effects” from had issued any ultimatum the residence in east New to anyone to vacate their Providence, but only under father’s home or not be the supervision of one of involved in the planning of the two sons “or a repre- his funeral. sentative we designate for Sir Arlington married such”. Lady Butler in 2015 after Towards the end of the his first wife, Lady Sheila letter, it stated Sir Arling- Butler, died in 2013 followton’s two daughters would ing a long illness. be given a copy of the He died on Thursday, house keys on the date of November 9, after being the letter’s issuance, and admitted to Princess Marthat the children will begin garet Hospital just over a to receive “relatives, friends week before after battling a and other well-wishers” long illness. as of the day after and the Sir Arlington, 79, was the days following, “at which first speaker of the House of time we request [Lady Assembly in an independButler] not be present”. ent Bahamas. During his One of Sir Arlington’s lengthy career as a statessons, Arlington Gabao man, he was government Butler, later released a minister and diplomat.
PAGE 4, Thursday, November 23, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
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Economic reform and WTO accession THE phrase “it’s the economy, stupid” has entered the US political lexicon. It was coined to encourage staffers in the Clinton presidential campaign in 1992 to concentrate on what was considered to be most important. The state of the economy is always a major issue in an election and our own poll last May was no exception, though other factors like corruption and poor governance were also significant. On taking office, the FNM government made it clear the nation’s finances were in dire straits with an unprecedented level of debt. This meant it was just recently compelled to borrow in the international market in order to meet existing financial obligations. It was also clear radical measures would be required to reduce public spending and stimulate growth to enable the economy to recover and be placed on a sound footing for the future. It is, therefore, encouraging to learn of the government’s strategy to overhaul the nation’s existing economic model and re-position it through liberalisation and deregulation with a view to improving GDP growth and attracting new investment. Most recently, it has demonstrated its intent by tabling the Commercial Enterprise Bill designed to build a stronger and more stable economy, including measures to encourage investment and to streamline the issuing of work permits. The Minister of Financial Services, Trade and Industry and Immigration should be congratulated for spearheading this new strategy. Not only has he stated publicly that The Bahamas must face reality and embrace change and reform in order to comply with international regulatory standards and best practice in relation to financial standards, but he has also made it clear, as an essential step in making the Bahamian economy more open and competitive, the government will make an “aggressive” push to join other major CARICOM countries by becoming a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) by 2019. Such membership has been on the table for a number of years, but earlier negotiations withered on the vine and were discontinued. The WTO is a negotiating forum for its member states to ensure the conditions for world trade are stable and transparent – and this includes a mechanism to resolve trade disputes. It is concerned only with free trade and the global rules which apply to it. Its task is to facilitate the removal of barriers to trade because goods and services moving as freely as possible among its members promotes economic growth and reduces poverty. In today’s interdependent world, with global companies and marketing and distribution networks - together with increased movement of tourists, money, goods and services across national borders -- it is important for
smaller countries to interact as widely as possible internationally and to accept competition. This is particularly important for us in The Bahamas because we are dependent on others for our livelihood and prosperity insofar as we need to earn foreign exchange to import what is required to sustain the way of life to which we have become accustomed. Traditionally in this country we have resisted any opening up of our domestic industries and businesses to foreign competition and have reserved certain sectors for Bahamian ownership only. So, moves towards WTO membership will require a lengthy period of consultation across-the-board to determine what exemptions may have to be negotiated there is provision for these in respect of national security, health, safety or other public policy grounds as well as the need to protect a specific industrial or commercial sector. One clear advantage of membership will be to encourage potential overseas investors in the knowledge that international rules will be respected; for example, in relation to preventing government intervention in investment decisions. Far from the perceived danger of foreign firms taking over successful local businesses and freezing them out, cross-border investment offers opportunities for joint ventures and partnerships. Moreover, competition can result in greater efficiencies and productivity leading to more choice for consumers and lower prices. In addition, apart from facilitating trade and investment as a whole, WTO membership provides protection against bilateral bullying by larger countries which could be important to us as a net importer. Another issue of concern is the apparent loss of sovereignty in signing up to a set of international trade rules. Accession to any international organization involves some diminution of sovereignty, as in the case, for example, of The Bahamas’ membership of the International Civil Aviation Organization or the International Maritime Organization which require adherence to international regulations. But this does not affect an independent state’s sovereign right fundamentally to regulate its own society and its borders and to protect its national security. We believe the success of the government’s plans for WTO membership will depend to a large extent on its willingness to engage in advance with the private sector in order to determine an agreed negotiating stance. It will also need to consult about tax reform since import duties are not normally compatible with WTO rules. Overall, accession to the WTO is a major and complex issue and we commend the government for grasping this particular nettle so early in its term of office.
Bahamians should be first EDITOR, The Tribune.
AS a Bahamian I am often confused as to why Bahamians treat foreigners better than their own people. Foreigners come here and open large hotels and Bahamians are only hired to fill entry level or low paying positions. Why aren’t we hired for well paying higher positions? There are many qualified Bahamians who are overlooked because of the belief that foreign is better. In our schools I am told that foreigners are holding positions such as heads of department that Bahamians are able to fill. I am also told that many foreigners are in charge of marking Bahamian examinations and that they are quite rude to the Bahamians who work under them. If we have qualified Bahamians to mark our exams and who also better understand our culture why are foreigners
being chosen to oversee this area? If I went to another Caribbean country to work in a school or any other industry would I be given a head position when the local persons there are qualified to fill it? I do not think so. Most countries in the Caribbean love their country and put their people first as it should be. Why doesn’t The Bahamas do the same? While watching the news the other night I came across a report on a Haitian art gallery called the Brownstone. Why is Haitian art being sold here when there are many Bahamian artists who need the exposure? Why wasn’t this opened in Haiti in hotels there or some other appropriate place? I also wonder why the options on my phone are in English and Creole. All are welcome to come here legally but why are those in high positions trying to make it seem like they
are catering to persons who should know or learn English if they are here legally and want to become a part of this country. It seems to me that many want to take over The Bahamas and make it their own. This is not right. If you want to be here legally then learn and respect our land and culture. I also wonder why Haitians of means do not go back to Haiti and try to improve and build up that country instead of trying to over take other lands. All Bahamians need to wake up. Yes we can welcome others who are here legally but we must put our people and our country first and stop being foolish and letting foreigners graciously smile in our faces but laugh at us and call us fools behind our backs. CONCERNED BAHAMIAN Nassau, November 22, 2017.
PM is first among equals EDITOR, The Tribune “PRIME Minister is first among equals!” This is self explanatory, but just for the record, no one in cabinet has more power than anyone in cabinet, not even the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister does not dictate to the cabinet or his colleagues. It is collective responsibility. All members are equally responsible for all decisions made. It is inappropriate for Minnis to even believe that he does not need to consult with The Cabinet. This kind of thinking has all of the makings of a dictatorship. Policy cannot be implemented unless it goes through the channels that has been practised for decades. I strenuously object to the notion that Minnis or any prime minister can create policy on their own willy-nilly. Anyone who believes that the PM can do as he wishes, is sadly mistaken. There are some in the country who would want us to believe that Minnis is the maximum leader and must genuflect to him for their very existence. It is sad to see men who masquerade as strong, expressing themselves in private, while being “frightened to death” to offer the opinions they offer behind the scene in broad daylight. This is a good time for Bahamians to revisit how prime ministers are selected. We have bought into a system that was designed for a chosen few to have that position. The voters have no say. We have abdicated that responsibility to the men in the smoke filled room. Sensible and civilised countries vote directly for
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net the President/Prime Minister. Never mind that some will argue that we use the Westminster System, I am saying that the system is designed for the chosen few to occupy the seat. Maybe when we open up the idea that the people have a say, then we just may get who we really want. It is high time we vote directly and exactly for who we want to lead the country, not let a few “frightened cats” sit in a room under enormous pressure and sometimes in debt to select. Imagine this, a bully, frightened everyone with threats, promises or otherwise is in the group, could be the PM, not because of ability, but because of the lack of courage of the group. Therefore an aggressive person would end up being PM. Mark Twain said “Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear.” The intimidation felt from a bully is excruciating and causes one to make decisions from fear, rather than reason. Loretta Butler-Turner, a woman, did not allow herself to be bullied! Furthermore, deviating ever so slightly, the time that is wasted on petty vindictiveness could be better spent on addressing the many things that was promised on the campaign trail. People believed that the FNM government would deliver some if not all of the promises. Jobs are what the Bahamian people want to hear, absolutely nothing else. The new bill that would
grant work permits to those who could afford a quarter of a million of dollars is not designed for people of a darker hue. This is the full game of the minister who has investment and immigration under one portfolio. Picture this, the Minister who has been blessed with Financial Services, Trade, Industry and Immigration, can fly to wherever, have a meeting with whomever, agree to the terms and pass the potential investor his immigration papers on the spot, no formalities. Abracadabra, MAGIC!!! Please help me, does this smell like conflict of interest? Bahamians must be the biggest fools in the whole wide world, if they believe for one minute that the light will be shown. Finally, at one of the rallies, I remembered distinctly the PM blurting out about the “recall system”. I wonder if he was sincere then, and if he was, when is he going to apply all of his thoughts to the idea. Where are the right thinking Bahamians? Where is the Christian Community who are barking up the wrong tree? Where are the people who claim they have integrity? Dawn Steel said, “Dishonesty, lack of integrity catches up with you.” I am thankful to God for cutting away the necessary fat from my brain, now I am laser focused and certainly unafraid and will not be intimidated. IVOINE W. INGRAHAM Nassau, September 22, 2017.
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, November 23, 2017, PAGE 5
Homecoming from mission to Dominica
HMBS Lawrence Major returning home after its mission to Dominica. By MORGAN ADDERLEY THE Royal Bahamas Defence Force vessel that set out last month to provide aid to Dominica arrived safely in The Bahamas yesterday morning. HMBS Lawrence Major, led by Lieutenant Commander Milton Munroe, embarked on this mission on October 21. The trip fulfilled the promise Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis made in Parliament on September 27, that the ship would be deployed to provide aid to Dominica after Hurricane Maria ravaged the island-nation. At yesterday’s welcome back and award of commendation certificate ceremony, held at the RBDF’s Coral Harbour base, Commodore Tellis Bethel gave further background on how this mission was accomplished. He said: “It was during a strategic planning session in August of this year that members of the Defence Force’s executive command team discussed the need to [ensure] that the Defence Force [has] the capacity and capability to conduct military maritime disaster relief and humanitarian operations, not only at home but also abroad. This strategic goal was termed ‘Operation Mobilisation.’ “Little did we know that in just over a month, the Defence Force would be mobilised for an overseas mission disaster relief operation in the Eastern Caribbean more than 1,500 miles away from home.” In his remarks, LCDR Munroe provided the details of the operation, describing it as “an historic and humbling experience”. “We departed Coral Harbour Base on Saturday, October 21, en route to Dominica by way of Jamaica with a complement of 40 persons on board.” This included officers and marines, emergency medical technicians, defence force technicians, cooks, and four fire fighters from the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) Fire Services Branch, led by 1149 Corporal Patrick Colebrooke. “Our joint mission was to provide disaster relief and recovery assistance to the people of Dominica in collaboration with efforts already underway by regional military and civilian counterparts in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria,” LCDR Munroe said. “Soon after arrival, the disembarking of supplies
from The Bahamas and Jamaica had commenced. Repairs of the prison compound’s perimetre fencing that was extensively damaged was carried out by Petty Officer Dwayne Bethel and his technical team. Corporal Patrick Colebrooke…and his team of fire fighters assisted local fighters and were able to put out some illegally lit fires almost immediately. “The Defence Force’s medical team consisting of Leading Seaman Joseph Pugh and Able Seaman Deangelo Bain were able to administer basic medical care to persons as they assisted local physicians,” he added. “A total of 6,350 meals were prepared for the education and social services of [Roseau, Dominica] … over 3,000 meals were provided for breakfast to the students of 18 schools on the island. We also helped to dispense meals provided by our galley staff to the community, and had the privilege of delivering an assortment of grocery items to those in need. Additionally, HMBS Lawrence Major provided a total of 7,400 gallons of potable water to Dominica’s Water and Sewage Company.” Aside from administering aid, LCDR Munroe also said: “One of the finest moments of the entire mission happened on November 3 when we were proud to represent the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and also the [RBDF] in Dominica’s 39th Independence Parade Ceremony. It was again humbling and historic and my crew and I are grateful that we were a part of this. That signified [that] Dominica [is] well on its path to recovery. We were also able to speak with locals, hear their stories and bond with them, heart to heart. “Despite their devastating experience, the people of Dominica were some of the most resilient and hopeful that we had ever met. It made the hard work in which we were engaged for the next two weeks, that [much] more meaningful.” Although he was unable to attend, Dr Minnis sent remarks via the RBDF’s public relations publication, saying: “Commodore Bethel, we, here in The Bahamas, are extremely proud of the hard work, dedication and professionalism that demonstration by [the RBDF] in making this noble effort a great success. We applaud the achievements of your men
HMBS Lawrence Major, welcome back and award of commendation
and women and the positive role they played as Ambassadors of The Bahamas as they displayed our flag.” Minister of National Security Marvin Dames, who delivered an address at the ceremony, said: “The delivery of hurricane relief and recovery supplies to Dominica from The Bahamas and Jamaica, the provision of food and medical attention, and the conducting of basic technical repairs to buildings and facilities in Dominica are commendable and speaks volumes of The Bahamas’ willingness and capacity to reach out and help our CARICOM neighbours. Yours was the first mission of its kind for the Defence Force in the Eastern Caribbean region and has set a standard for other missions that may follow.”
Photos: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff
COMMANDING OFFICER, HMBS Lawrence Major Lieutenant Commander Milton Munroe reports to Commandore Tellis Bethel.
PAGE 6, Thursday, November 23, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
‘We have to open up the economy’ from page one PLP Deputy Leader I Chester Cooper later backed Mr Davis. During his contribution, the Exuma and Ragged Island MP went on to maintain that the bill “rolled out the red carpet” for foreigners. He further criticised the government over its $250,000 threshold of investment. In its current form, Mr Cooper said he could not support the bill. And when the House convened after the morning session, PLP South Andros MP Picewell Forbes said he would not support the proposed bill while PLP MP for Englerston Glenys Hanna Martin raised strong objections. Mrs Hanna Martin said the legislation is institutionalising the “marginalisation
of the Bahamian people” and is “gouging” the foundation on which the country was built. “I want to encourage the side opposite, please stop dumbing down the debate,” Mr Turnquest said. “Again the fears of Bahamians is not about positive immigration, it’s about migration and we must not confuse the two because we do so to the detriment of country and development of our own country. “We need economic growth. We’ve got to figure out how we are going to stimulate and cause that to happen and it is not going to happen by having regressive immigration policy. “We have to open up the economy. We have to invite people to participate. We have to encourage Bahamians to invest.
“I want to encourage the side opposite, that when you look at this, don’t look at it from a narrow view of immigration because that’s not what it’s about. This is about changing the paradigm in this country. It is about giving us the opportunity to grow. It’s about recognising the fact that we have a deficit of talent in this country.” Mr Turnquest also said: “Mr Speaker again what we are talking about here is niche opportunities that do not exist or are undisturbed and so as I listened to the member speak about the investment threshold being $250,000 and how that might be too low, I understand where he is coming from but here is the rationale. “In most economies, small businesses drive the majority of economic activity. What we are trying to do
is to encourage again these niche investors - Bahamians and foreigners to invest in The Bahamas even if it is a sole-proprietor. “If you have somebody come to invest in say a software development company in The Bahamas he has no need to build a million-dollar building. He has no need to hire 1,500 people, but what he does have a need for is modest accommodation, house, apartment, rent whatever. He is going to participate in civic society. He is going to patronise restaurants and bars or whatever. He’s going to buy a car. He’s going to use services and the business itself is going to pay taxes so there is a lot of spin off for Bahamians.” For his part, Mr Cooper said he was also concerned the bill created too
much bureaucracy - which does not encourage local businesses. He said the bill was a hard sell to Bahamians because it appeared to make it easier for foreigners through the relaxation of the country’s immigration policy. The bill would liberalise the granting of work permits to an enterprise that wishes to establish itself in The Bahamas, and requires work permits for its management team and key personnel. If passed into law as is, the legislation would enable a “specified commercial enterprise” to obtain an Investments Board certificate granting it a specific number of work permits for certain positions. The certificate, which will initially be issued for one year and can be
renewed, would allow key personnel to set up the company’s physical operations in The Bahamas before they obtained a work permit. Such a permit must be applied for within 30 days of their entry, and the bill mandates the director of immigration to make a decision on approval within 14 days of receiving the application. If the director does not respond within that time frame, the work permit will be “automatically deemed to have been granted.” Work permits issued under the bill’s provisions will be for a three-year period, and are renewable for the same duration. They can only be revoked on grounds of “public safety, public morality or national security.” • FNM chairman on Bill, page eight
MCALPINE URGES CAUTION ON ZONING By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net PINERIDGE MP Frederick McAlpine urged the government to proceed with caution and due diligence regarding specified zoning for commercial enterprises, particularly in the Family Islands. During debate on the Commercial Enterprise Bill in the House of Assembly on Wednesday, he said the legislation does not require any consultation with the public and the proposed board on zoning. Tensions between Rev McAlpine and members of his own party flared at one point during his speech. He expressed concern about the extent to which foreigners in Grand Bahama appear to be better off than Bahamians. As members of his party began to mumble from their chairs, Rev McAlpine said the people of Grand Bahama were listening to
their reaction to him. “When I stand up in here and I speak boldly and proclaim, then y’all say I on the other side. I’m speaking my conscience.” As chatter from his colleagues continued, he sat down until the room quieted. “We can sing together but we cannot all speak together,” he said when he resumed speaking. “If I’m going to be distracted I would prefer to be distracted by the opposition, but not my colleagues.” Supporting the bill in the end, Rev McAlpine said the legislation is not the best but the government “needs to do something,” adding that it will be a stimulus for the economy. “People should have a right to know what industry or enterprise is coming in their area or proximity of their locality,” Rev McAlpine said earlier during his contribution. “If there is no consultation with the public and
the board on such matters it therefore leads one to believe that the zoning will be left up to the political directorates,” the outspoken Free National Movement MP said. He is concerned that if such decision is influenced by a politician, there is a temptation for corruption. “A more transparent process will ensure the long-term intent of this provision to be achieved,” he said. While the bill also states that the minister of finance after consulting with the minister of financial services may prescribe such economic incentives as may be required to give effect to such Specified Commercial Enterprise Zone, Rev McAlpine said the bill speaks of very little or no measures as to how these incentives are to be met and no mechanisms put in place for oversight. “It’s important that the board sees to it that while we are accommodating to
our foreign investors and those bringing folks along, in many instances to oversee, build, work and help in establishing their business, Bahamians must be afforded an opportunity to be trained, developed and employed in the various enterprise establishments,” he said. The MP stressed the government should see to it that specific training is facilitated for companies in a time frame for which Bahamians should be promoted to some positions in the company. Rev McAlpine said these companies must go beyond just being a source for collecting revenue, taxes, etc, for the Consolidated Fund, and that Bahamians must feel some residual benefit. The MP believes that the Facilitation Unit, which is to help expedite the work permits granted under the new legislation, also needs to be thorough about vetting individuals coming in the country.
PINERIDGE MP Frederick McAlpine. “We want to know who’s shareholders who feel coming into our country that they are being taken and their history is very advantage of as it relates to prevalent as it relates to their shares in the Grand character, morals and Bahama Power Company. source of funding,” the MP “They describe it as a said. hostile takeover. They want “We must also ensure their dividends in a timely that those coming to do fashion and they wish to business in the country keep their shares in the are above board in their company that they have dealings especially when invested in,” he said. it comes to Bahamian “They describe our govshareholders.” ernment’s silence on this The Pineridge MP also matter as deafening, please stated that many people see what can be done to in Grand Bahama are call- ensure that our people ing for assistance from receive equity, fair play the FNM government to and financial justice in this deal with the Bahamian matter.”
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, November 23, 2017, PAGE 7
Rights change may go back 17 years from page one “To prevent any harshness in terms of the category being children under 18, when the bill is drafted it will be my suggestion that it be made retroactive for up to 17 years so that a child in being is not disenfranchised. After the child in that circumstance turns 18, then the rigours of the Constitution and the law will apply. If you are over 18, bring your police record. Give up your past citizenship. Show that you are familiar with the Constitution, with the national anthem, with Bahamian symbols, etc.” What convinces Mr Bethel that the administration is not running afoul of the Constitution is its position that the country’s founding fathers bestowed “quasi-constitutional significance” upon the Bahamas Nationality Act, creating it precisely to ensure children would not suffer because of the strict citizenship provisions in the Constitution. And while the Bahamas Nationality Act already gives the government discretion to grant citizenship to whichever child it chooses, Mr Bethel said the administration’s chief motivation in pursuing amendments to the Act is to prevent political abuse that’s possible when the ability to bestow citizenship is discretionary. “It’s a very, very simple amendment we will put forward,” he said. The government will amend Section Six of the Bahamas Nationality Act, removing the words a “minister may at his discretion cause the minor child of a citizen of The Bahamas to be registered as a citizen of The Bahamas upon application” and replace this with the mandate that “the minister shall cause the minor child of a citizen of The Bahamas to be registered as a citizen of The Bahamas upon application.” He explained: “Shall doesn’t always mean ‘must.’ It usually does [mean must] and it weighs in favour of granting but it doesn’t make it absolutely guaranteed. Nothing takes
ATTORNEY General Carl Bethel.
away the fundamental right of a minister at some point for very valid reasons to say no, but ‘shall’ will mean that the basic presumption is when the parent applies, the child gets to register as a Bahamian. We think that this is not a similar situation of putting something to the people and blatantly going against it. We are amending a document clearly designed to assist in the humane implementation of our nation’s Constitution and we think this is consistent with the intentions of the fathers of our Bahamian democracy.” Addressing the importance of removing the government’s discretionary ability to grant citizenship to children, Mr Bethel recalled the Pindling-era and said some female supporters of the FNM whose children had legitimate claims to citizenship were victimised and told not to apply to the government “for your children to be made citizens by virtue of any ministerial decisions. If you want your children to be Bahamians, you got to adopt them.” “That’s the evil that we
are seeking to prevent from ever happening again,” Mr Bethel said. “The evil is this word discretion which in our living history has been prone to grotesque and oppressive abuse by politicians.” Recalling the history of the Bahamas Nationality Act, Mr Bethel said: “The Bahamas Nationality Act was passed and assented to by the then governor, Sir John Paul, five days before independence. It was brought into full legal effect on the day of independence. It is clearly an Act that was passed with the provisions of the independence Constitution directly in mind. It is in reality a document of quasi-constitutional significance because it was clearly passed to go and be utilized in association with the soon-to-be brought into effect independence Constitution in order to formalize the ways in which that Constitution would be applied to all persons who would gain rights under the Constitution. “In Section 6 of the Bahamas Nationality Act, there is a very interesting series of provisions. It is my contention…that those
provisions in section six were clearly designed by the founding fathers of the Constitution through the Bahamas Nationality Act to have the ability to soften some of the provisions of the Constitution that they were clearly aware would have discriminatory or harmful effects on some segments of the population… Knowing that the very terms of the Constitution were bound to create hardship for the children of Bahamians and not wishing that to happen [Section 6 of the Act was created]. The clear intent of the Act in my submission is notwithstanding the rigours of
the Constitution and the inherent sex based discrimination that is to be found in the Constitution, the children were not to suffer because of that discrimination. That was the intent of the founding fathers in these provisions.” Acknowledging that Bahamians have twice rejected referendums that sought to expand citizenship rights, Mr Bethel said “there is no equivalency” in what the Minnis administration is now doing and what the Christie administration did when it went against the results of the 2013 gambling referendum. He said: “The former
government put a straight forward question, yes or no, on a very simple issue: Do you want legalised gaming in web shops or do you not want it? The answer was no, the government said we’ll give it to you anyway. The issue of the equality to the treatment the children of Bahamians was part of a package in each case and so it’s difficult to determine whether the views and results of each referendum on that particular question was one directly related to the question or whether it was a result within a scenario of a package that was deemed unacceptable.”
PAGE 8, Thursday, November 23, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
Culmer says FNM backs Enterprise Bill plans FREE National Movement Chairman Carl Culmer said the party supports the Commercial Enterprise Bill, which was debated in the House of Assembly yesterday. In a statement released Wednesday, Mr Culmer accused the former Christie administration of looking out for “family, friends and special interests” over the past five years and selling the country “to the highest bidder.” “For the first time in five years, we finally have a government that is committed to bringing high paying jobs to The Bahamas and the first step in doing so is
enacting the Commercial international persons to Enterprise Bill,” Mr Culmer invest here in The Bahamas said. by creating By opening The “As economic the Com- Bahamas up to more zones mercial throughout business fields, we Enterprise the entire Bill is being will finally be taking country. debated on steps to diversify our These the House zones will floor this economy. And for the target spefirst time we will see cialised week, people businesses jobs being created in should such as capknow how The Bahamas that will tiveinsurance, much of provide higher wages, computer an impact long-term employment technolthis bill will ogy, data have on the and job security. storage, lives of evemaritime ryday Bahamians. It is going trade, wealth management to cause both domestic and and many other unique business fields. “By opening The Bahamas up to more business fields, we will finally be taking steps to diversify our economy. And for the first time we will see jobs being created in The Bahamas that will provide higher wages, long-term employment and job security. Unlike the previous PLP government that allowed companies to come here and use mostly foreign
labour, the Commercial Enterprise Bill will ensure that Bahamians are given the opportunity to work at all levels in the companies investing their money here. It will also require these companies to make an investment into training Bahamian employees so that they are able to work and prosper in their new roles. “When the Bahamian people decided to entrust the FNM with our country’s future we knew it would be a long hard road to dig out from the disastrous tenure of the PLP. We are working hard every day to make sure that our country is on the correct path and this is just one of the many ways that we are making sure that it truly is the people’s time.” Members of the Progressive Liberal Party have pushed back against the bill, saying they will not vote in favour of the legislation, which they feel will not bring a huge benefit to local entrepreneurs but will roll out the red carpet to foreign investors.
FNM chairman Carl Culmer.
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THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, November 23, 2017, PAGE 9
SUSPECT CHARGED WITH TEEN’S MURDER from page one The victim was rushed to hospital in critical condition where he later died. The other man was unharmed, however. Yesterday, Demeritte was not required to enter a plea to the charge and the matter was adjourned to January 16, 2018, for service of a voluntary bill of indictment. He was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services in the interim.
BYRON DEMERITTE, 24, of Garden View Estates, was arraigned at Magistrate’s Court yesterday on a charge of muder.
JURORS SEE INTERROGATION VIDEOS OF TEACHER MURDER ACCUSED By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net
TESTIMONY continued yesterday in the trial of two men and a teenager accused of murdering former Queen’s College elementary teacher Joyelle McIntosh.
Jurors also reviewed video evidence of police interrogating two of the accused days after the incident occurred. During yesterday’s proceedings before Justice Bernard Turner, jurors saw two videos submitted by the Crown involving police interrogation of two of the
accused, Armando Sergeant and Johnny Mackey, concerning their involvement in the November 11, 2015, crime. Jurors also heard from a medical officer stationed at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. Yesterday’s proceedings are the latest in the murder
trial of the fourth-grade teacher. It is alleged that the teenager, who was 17 at the time of the incident and was charged as a minor, along with Sergeant of Kemp Road and Mackey, aka “Eagle Eye, of Bonaby Alley, attempted to rob McIntosh at gunpoint of
her 2009 silver coloured Toyota Corolla worth $6,000. It is alleged that during the failed carjacking, the victim was shot multiple times in her head and body. She later crashed into a wall at the intersection of Parkgate and Village Roads.
All three have denied the allegations. Viola Barnett and Akeyra Saunders represent the Crown. Sonia Timothy represents the teenager, while David Cash represents Sergeant. Dorsey McPhee represents Mackey. The trial continues.
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PAGE 10, Thursday, November 23, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
ISLAND Luck Cares Foundation held a Thanksgiving luncheon for students at Sandilands Primary School.
Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
Thanks for the Thanksgiving lunch THE Island Luck Cares Foundation held its third annual children’s Thanksgiving luncheon yesterday at Sandilands Primary School. The event began two years ago as an initiative to connect to local youth by hand delivering Thanksgiving meals to students. This year, more than 600 children received lunch under
the initiative. “Thanksgiving is a time to be with family and friends and to reflect on what we are most thankful for in our lives,” a press release from IL Cares noted. “Unfortunately, many families cannot afford a Thanksgiving meal, therefore our goal is to bring awareness and community support to those less fortunate as well
as to help teachers, principals, student leaders and community leaders inspire students to stay on track to graduation and beyond. “The IL Cares Foundation’s goal is to assist more and more children and families each year through our initiatives that offer educational resources to children and families that need them the most.”
THE IL Cares Foundation Team sings happy birthday for sixth grade student Deana Nassies, also pictured below right.
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, November 23, 2017, PAGE 11
It takes courage to go where you haven’t gone before
BY DIANE PHILLIPS
Y
OU’VE proba- audience. And her star conbly never heard tinued to rise. of Stella McCaJust as Stella McCartrtney. I never ney went where others in had either, until she landed high and mid-fashion had on the cover of my favour- not gone - tying planet ite business magazine, preservation to everyFast Company, in October. day dressing - and just as McCartney, a famous fash- she made a success of the ion designer, it turns out, is unexpected, Nassau has known for her men’s, wom- an opportunity to do the en’s and children’s clothing same. But it will take couras well as shoes, bags, caps age, courage on the part of and even gifts. owners, partners, governIn the world of fashion, ment, financing facilities she is a star. It is not her and a public that says just stardom but what got her because we never did it this to where she is that makes way before does not mean her interesting (even to we should not do it in the someone whose idea of future. well-heeled starts with I am talking about saving a premise that the finest the city of Nassau and clothes are those that nei- though I never thought I ther rub nor irritate). And would say this, there is only what made McCartney one way to do it and that is famous was not her lineage, vertical. though she is the daughter First, the background. of Beatle Paul McCartney The City of Nassau is home and first wife, photographer to irreplaceable architecLinda McCartney. What tural treasures, buildings made her interesting was whose lines not only please her courage. the senses from the street Twenty years ago, when level but whose rows of the word sustainability was open gable and box gable more likely to roofs tell a refer to physi- No new buildings story of shipcal stamina have been erected, ping and than natural no new life has trade, wars resource presand supplies, evolved and ervation, rogues and McCartneyinked the continuing romantics. and linked the deterioration of They are the concept of susremains of tainability to downtown Nassau warehousthe creation of seems inevitable. ing along the clothing. She This is not what waterfront. shunned fins, They remind furs, feathers. we want to show us of why She eschewed our guests. Nassau is the materials that capital and of even in their the days, long disposal would pollute in before airlift, when people favour of natural threads arrived and goods and supthat wouldn’t. She included plies were traded by water. images of the animals Nassau’s deep and prowhose feathers she did not tected harbor with its strong pluck, or fur she did not flow through eastern and skin, in her designs, leaving western entrances created the lamb and the livestock a clean, healthy and largely to graze in fields and on safe trading depot. That is prairies. the waterfront of the gateShe taught a generation way to the New World, a that polyester takes 200 city with a history that must years to disintegrate and be celebrated. How foolish microfibers pollute oceans, it would be of us to ignore making clothing one of the the potential of that gateworld’s least known yet way as part of the story we worst pollutants. She did tell. not preach. What she did Sentimental value for struck a nerve, reached an preserving and resurrecting
DOWNTOWN Nassau - which is sorely in need of some refurbishment, but could a solution be to build upwards? the city of Nassau aside, the The real improvement real property tax for seven city like Nassau, so integral most compelling reasons to needed is the one which years for owners and for to the history of the New do so are economic and for starts with courage. It will those who buy residences World, so much a part of national development. The take a courageous owner, in the new Nassau which we our lives, the centre for our historic city and particu- ombudsman or developer could simply name Nassau government, our judicilarly the property to its east to be the first one to pull East or find something ary, once the heartbeat of hold the key to creating and together the half dozen or more glamorous like Port our financial services and defining our new national so families who own the Nassau. robust shopping and enterurban identity. bulk of the land east of East For years, we argued the tainment experience, today From East Street east, Street - that is the key to commercial shipping with a hand waiting to be held, opportunities are staring us the future of Nassau and, its heavy truck traffic would desperate for a little attenin the face and we cannot possibly to the city’s very have to move from down- tion and affection. The key to a new Nassau see them because the old survival. town Nassau to clear the East or Port Nassau and concrete walls and increasKnitting together a con- way for revitalisation. ing pieces of construction sortium is step one. New It was the first recom- the survival of the heart equipment are hiding them. plans must be drawn, mendation in the Historic of the city which must be The right blend of mixed- though existing ones that Nassau Study commissioned preserved at its current use development rising were denied when submit- by the Ministry of Tourism two-storey level lies in gainon and along a stretch ted for approval may be and the Nassau Tourism ing a residential population. nearly half a mile long has part of the new plan. Com- and Development Board No living city thrives withthe power and potential munity must be consulted and authored by the late out a population living in it. to breathe new life into with town hall meetings and Jackson Burnside. Shipping People bring it to life. And all the surrounding areas, social media forums. Rede- moved to Arawak Cay. The the only way to make the spilling over with ben- velopment could include 56-acre Nassau Container city to the east of historic Nassau work is by apporefits to properties south of two towers, as much as 12 Port opened in 2012. Meeting Street, rejuvenat- to 14 storeys high to make In the five years since, tioning a piece of it as tall ing and reinvigorating the the numbers work. Ideally, the area it moved from has vertical construction. It entire economy of New one of the towers would increasingly become extra may still have a cottage feel Providence. be on the south side of the space for more cranes, roof with the right type of shutWaterfronts across the street. trusses and construction ters and Bahamian touches. world have reinvented On the north side, materials, handy perhaps Imagine young families out themselves with great suc- the new Nassau will for some, but not the best for a stroll in the evening, cess. What is preventing have five- to six-storey resi- and highest use of some of cafes, a small art gallery, us from doing the same dential blocks with shops, the most valuable water- bookstores, jazz or a movie in Nassau where we wel- a pre-school, fitness centre, front property in the region. in the park, runners in the come nearly five million restaurants, night spots, No new buildings have early morning, cyclists on visitors a year who now boutique grocery or deli been erected, no new life the weekend. Imagine. If Stella McCartney could traipse through a mostly along with open spaces, has evolved and the condowntrodden area kept parks, cycling and jogging tinuing deterioration of imagine designing clothes in alive by artificial respira- trails. downtown Nassau seems a way no one else had, surely tion administered by cruise Government’s role would inevitable. This is not what we can imagine re-inventing passengers, according to be to expedite, provide we want to show our guests. the city of Nassau waterfront Downtown Nassau Partner- incentives, including the More importantly, it is in a way others have with ship’s Ed Fields, who has possible creation of the first not what we want to leave immense success all over the been trying his hardest to real economic zone for New for our children. This world. Imagine. Then dig make improvements. Providence, forgiveness of cannot be the legacy of a deep for the courage.
PAGE 12, Thursday, November 23, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
Bodycams boost to better policing from page one When asked about the estimated cost of the body cam pilot programme, Mr Dames said: “We don’t know yet. We’re just in the testing phase. So…we’ll send it out as soon as we get a good feel for which cameras best [suit] our needs… the commissioner and his team will be testing any number of cameras, before we make a decision. “Right now we’re in the assessment phase where we’re trying to get a feel for which cameras are best, [and determining] what are we looking for… we’re looking in terms of storage, in terms of comfortability for the officer, you know, any number of things that we [are] looking for in selecting the best camera for us.” When asked if he expects these cameras will help
“And we’re not only doing that with respect to the police force but also the defence force and the Corrections Department, and so there are a lot of things that we’re doing now to improve the level of professionalism, to improve the quality of service that we’re delivering to our community. “So the big focus is on training, on looking at technology and equipment that will enhance the training component of what it is that we’re doing. And also that will add to officer safety, and that will bring about a greater degree of professionalism throughout the organisation.” Under former Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade, 73 officers were discharged for misconduct. Thirteen people were dismissed from the RBPF in 2016 for misconduct and betrayal of the public trust. Public complaints against police officers last year included 101 complaints of assault, up from 86 in 2015. They also included 15 complaints of unethical behaviour, 12 of missing property, five of extortion, seven of unlawful arrest, four of threats of harm and five of causing harm. One
MINISTER of National Security Marvin Dames. Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff reduce incidents of police officer.” “[Secondly], what it also He added: “What we allows us to do, forces that brutality, Mr Dames was very optimistic, saying, want to do is…protect have them employed now, is “Certainly, they would cer- the citizens from officers that it allows us to improve tainly reduce the number who may be abusing their on our training capabiliof complaints against police powers, but we also want ties. Because…you pick up officers, whether they are to protect the officers things with cameras and real or even, you know, from persons who may say ‘wow, why are we doing complaints where people have something against an that?’ We see a consistent are taking it out on an officer. So it goes both ways. pattern when officers are in the field. And so how can we improve on that? “So (the body cams) will help the organisation internally too, to move towards a greater level of professionalism. And that’s what we’re seeking to do. We’re seeking to build a professional force or a more professional force.
hundred and one of the complaints resulted in complete investigations in some form, statistics released in January show. Current Police Commissioner Anthony Ferguson announced the body cam initiative earlier this month. Last week, Commissioner Ferguson said: “I can tell you that the officers are excited. I’ve spoken to any number of people in the community and they are excited to see the police advancing their level of technology. We in the police force, particularly the executives and all members, are excited because we believe this will help the police image-wise and boost public confidence with the police.” “When police interact with members of the public, they can be assured police will be behaving with the utmost level of professionalism and can be assured that police are truly our friends because they know when we speak we are speaking the facts and there can be no doubt about the actions. “Once testing is done we will move to acquire this practice for all of our mobile units. As of this date, the same thing is going on in Grand Bahama and Abaco.”
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PAGE 14, Thursday, November 23, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
DESTINATION PRAGUE FOR YOUNG BAHAMIAN DECISION MAKERS THREE Bahamians were among participants from around the world who gathered recently in Prague for a global leadership
programme designed for the next generation of key decision makers and influencers within The Duke of Edinburgh’s (DoE)
International Award a programme active in The Bahamas and more than 140 countries and territories.
www.ub.edu.bs
ADMINISTRATION Suitably qualified persons are invited to apply for the following position: Assistant Director, External Communications, responsible for developing dynamic content and media initiatives to externally promote the brand and narrative of University of The Bahamas (UB), ensuring that the message is consistent, relevant and timely. A key consideration for this position is the ability to lead and execute multiple projects simultaneously involving multiple teams, competencies in writing for diverse media and leveraging external contacts to further UB’s communications goals and objectives. Among the duties and responsibilities are collaborating with constituents to promote milestones, innovations and outreach initiatives; developing and executing strategies for short and long term communications, marketing and branding; liaising with media outlets to create opportunities for UB narratives; monitoring and evaluating media coverage to increase and maximize opportunities for further message penetration; developing and implementing content for UB broadcast programming; and marketing and promoting profit-generating operations. The required qualifications include a baccalaureate degree in Media, Communications, Journalism or a related field; at least seven (7) years of experience in the media and/or a communications field; and at least three (3) years’ experience at the supervisory level. The complete position announcement is available at: http://www.ub.edu.bs/about-us/career-opportunities/administration/ . Interested applicants should submit the following to the Human Resources Department by Thursday, 7th December 2017 by emailing hrapply@ub.edu.bs: • A cover letter of interest highlighting work experience and accomplishments relevant to the position; • Current Curriculum Vitae or Resume; • Copies of Qualifications and Certificates; • Copy of the relevant pages of a valid passport showing passport number, photo • identification and expiration date; • Copy of N.I.B. Card; • At least three (3) written, professional references. A UB application form is accessible online at: http://www.ub.edu.bs/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Application-forEmployment-Staff.pdf.
The Governor General’s Youth Award (GGYA) dispatched three of its emerging leaders to the Czech Republic’s International Gold Event (IGE). The trio, Jacquette Maycock, Clifton Francis and Arvis Mortimer, found the experience enriching. The three gold award holders were provided with training and experience in leadership and were given an opportunity to consider issues faced by young people in the Czech Republic and Slovakia and contrast that with issues in their own country. Mr Francis was placed in a small, multinational group that made up the “laboratory” for the experiential learning about leadership which formed the core of the IGE experience. His group visited a children’s home to investigate why participants started but didn’t complete their DoE Award and created a plan to help turn things around. “Being a former resident of a children’s home in The Bahamas, I was able to connect to the children there,” said Mr Francis who assumed a leadership role in the group, narrating its PowerPoint presentation. His group’s closing presentation also featured a resident of the children’s home who left his residence at 3am to travel to Prague. “We were the only group that the prince [the earl of Wessex] commented on. They were pleased to see we did our homework and left no stone unturned,” said Mr Francis. His fellow Bahamian, Ms Maycock, a member
FROM left, Gold award holders Clifton Francis, Arvis Mortimer and Jacquette Maycock, who attended the International Gold Event in Prague, Czech Republic. Photo: GGYA of GGYA’s management council, attended a meeting of the International Council, the governing body of the international award. “It’s about coming together to decide the best way forward in remaining the programme of choice for young people around the world,” she said. “We examined how the award proceeds from here. What’s the way forward? The things discussed will come into effect in another year or two, once final decisions are made on how to best proceed.” “[The] International Gold Event provides us all with an excellent opportunity to plan for growth in our various countries, to ensure that we reach as diverse a range of participants as possible, to help young people effect real impact for themselves and their communities - and to set up the peer networks that we will need to make all this happen,” said John May, secretary general of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award
Foundation. The International Gold Event culminates with the election of eight new emerging leader representatives. In 2014, in South Korea, Arvis Mortimer was chosen in the presence of Prince Edward. This time around, IGE covered the cost of her attendance. “In Prague, at IGE 2017, my term ended with the election of new representatives for the Americas region but my passion for the GGYA continues,” said Ms Mortimer. “This is the programme that every single young person in The Bahamas should have access to, especially those who are marginalised and socioeconomically disadvantaged in any way. The award allows young people to challenge themselves in ways they may have never done and the result is a more resilient, confident, socially minded person who can work well with a diverse range of people.” GGYA is open to those aged 14 to 24.
JAMAICANS HELD IN IMMIGRATION SWOOP By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
A BAHAMIAN man was arrested and six Jamaicans were apprehended this week by Bahamian authorities at Cat Cay,
police reported. ASP Terecita Pinder reported that shortly after 10am on Tuesday a team of officers in Bimini, acting on information, went to the cay where they discovered six undocumented immigrants hiding in the bushes.
She said that a Bahamian male was also taken into custody. The Jamaicans were handed over to Bahamas immigration officials. ASP Pinder said police are continuing investigations into the matter.
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, November 23, 2017, PAGE 15
January date set for Red Cross Ball THE Committee for the 46th Annual Red Cross Ball has announced that planning is underway for the signature formal event of the 2018 calendar. Under the patronage of Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling, the ball will be held Saturday, January 27, 2018, at 7pm at the Baha Mar Convention Centre. The ball is the Bahamas Red Cross’ largest annual benefit and has provided considerable funding to assist the society in fulfilling its mandate of “alleviating human suffering wherever it may be found”. “Over the past three years, there has been varying levels of devastation experienced in The Bahamas be it from natural disasters or economic fallout,” said Craig Tony Gomez, president of the Bahamas Red Cross Society. “As a result, the doors of the Bahamas Red Cross have been open and used as refuge and resource for many more persons across the archipelago, and in some instances for extended periods. The proceeds from the Ball go directly to those in greatest need.” It was this very reason that the committee selected Code Red as its theme. “While the mood of the evening will be festive and celebratory, we thought it necessary to couple that with the more serious, emergency response role the Bahamas Red Cross plays and the allhands-on-deck approach we make,” said Caroline Turnquest, director general of the Bahamas Red Cross Society. Guests will be soothed by the sounds of the Lou Adams Orchestra and dance the night away with the Royal Bahamas Police Force Pop Band and Visage Band. Patrons will bid on luxury travel items including airfare, resort packages, excursions and fine dining
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in hopes of winning the opportunity to visit destinations in The Bahamas, all part of the ‘staycation’ themed silent auction. “We’re looking to corporate Bahamas to show their usual support and our aim is to make this an oversold event,” said Cyndi
Williams-Rahming, board member, fundraising and ball committee chair. Tickets for this black-tie event are $275. Those wishing to purchase platinum, gold or general tables, may contact the Bahamas Red Cross Society on JFK Drive at 323-7370.
COMMITTEE members of the Bahamas Red Cross Society Ball, from left, Kim Thurston, committee co-chair; Caroline Turnquest, director general of the Bahamas Red Cross Society; Cyndi WilliamsRahming, board member, fundraising and ball committee chair; Alexavia Dorsett & Nashon Rolle. Not pictured are Craig Tony Gomez, president Bahamas Red Cross Society; Alfred Culmer; Candise Rahming, Lisa Pinder; Nickola Dawkins; Brendalee Rolle and Dr Mitchell Lockhart.
PAGE 16, Thursday, November 23, 2017
READERS RESPOND TO ISSUES OF THE DAY 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 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 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
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.
ONLINE readers have been giving their reactions to the stories making the news this week. After Press Secretary Anthony Newbold said Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis does not intend to apologise for his shifting position on Baha Mar or for criticising the Christie administration’s handling of the project, John said: “At this point in time Minnis would be foolish to say or do anything to stall or even lessen the already slow and delayed progress at Bah Mar. And those gooseying him to do otherwise are only being politically mischievous. Bahamians are hurting, the economy is shrouded in doom and gloom. In fact it is still shrinking. And to interfere with the little ray of hope on the horizon is worse than political suicide. It would be treason. And as a yardstick to measure how bad things really are in this country economically, despite Bah Mar being years delayed no new project or new investment initiatives have been announced. So there should be a concerted effort to keep Bah Mar moving and make it successful.” The government’s new Commercial Enterprises Bill – which it claims will ensure “that Bahamians are the priority,” despite the fact it will “liberalise the granting of work permits” to foreign companies, prompted Happyfly to ask: “Uuuummmm . . . Didn’t somebody try this by creating ‘FREEPORT’? If I recall rightly as soon as it started to become the biggest (legitimate economic) boom this country has ever seen, some of them people went and bent it and broke it!!! And now they are going to reinvent it all over again?” ThisIsOurs referred to the fact that, under the bill, a company’s investment must be a minimum
of $250,000: “$250,000 is nothing. It sounds like a bar deliberately set too high for the average Bahamian but chicken feed for the foreign investor. The fact that Newbold points it out as significant is very troubling. “There’s no stipulation in the bill for training of Bahamians. How long will a company be allowed to say ‘I can’t find Bahamians to do the work’? What’s the plan for qualified trainees to be identified? Unless they’re asking for a heart surgeon, what’s the plan to ensure that that claim can’t be made for a period longer than 3 years? Also what is a ‘health care boutique’, what is ‘wealth management’? The language is simply too ambiguous. Who decides whether ‘in competition with’ means the existence of 2, 10 or 100 local businesses? I can see locally established business owners using the bill to cover the simple fact that they don’t want to employ Bahamians.” On Monday, President of the Bahamas Press Club Anthony Capron said Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis should have been “more gracious” in his address at Saturday’s awards banquet for members of the media, prompting Tell_it_like_it_is to say: “I definitely DON’T think the media always gets it right. Case in point . . . leaking info from E & Y audits before verifying info is accurate. However, government should never seek to control the media. That will allow democracy to go downhill for sure. “Only dictators want to control the press and, Dr Minnis, I want to think
THE TRIBUNE
better of you than that (please don’t prove me wrong). In fact, there have been many instances that things don’t get done in government until some family/individual makes a complaint to the media and sheds light on a troubling issue. Then you see everyone suddenly scrambling to address the issue. “So media DOES serve a purpose, like them or not. Let the regulatory bodies do their job and monitor what needs monitoring . . . but Government, please STAY OUT of it!” And DDK responded to the news that Bahamas Power and Light customers were complaining over an increase in their power bills despite claims that less electricity was used: “The so-called fuel surcharge on BEC electric bills is not a surcharge. It is a fee, usually more than the charge for the electricity consumed, imposed at will and paid by the tax payer to cover the cost of the inefficient running of the shambles of BEC/BPL by consecutive Bahamas Governments for over 50 years. The utility charge itself should have been adjusted a long time ago to reflect the cost of running the public corporation. The surcharge originally should have been imposed, as in the case of airlines back in the seventies, to cover the extreme rise in the cost of fuel at the time. It should then have been adjusted up or down, depending on the rise or fall of the fuel price, as necessary. Obviously this was not done by BEC. To add insult to injury, the dreaded VAT is now imposed on this nasty fee. Whatever name they decide to call themselves, the corporation remains a true national disgrace.” • Don’t miss your chance to join the debate on tribune242.com.
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, November 23, 2017, PAGE 17
SEARCH UNDER WAY FOR THREE MISSING SAILORS AFTER CRASH TOKYO Associated Press US and Japanese ships and aircraft were searching in the Philippine Sea on Thursday for three sailors missing since a US Navy aircraft crashed a day earlier. Eight people were rescued about 40 minutes after the crash of the C-2 “Greyhound� transport aircraft Wednesday afternoon, the Navy said. They were taken aboard the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier and were in good condition. The C-2A twin-propeller plane came down about 500 nautical miles (925 kilometers) southeast of Okinawa as it was bringing passengers and cargo from Japan to the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier, the Navy said in a statement. The cause wasn’t clear but the crash would be investigated, the Navy said. The Reagan was participating in a joint exercise with Japan’s Maritime SelfDefense Force when the plane crashed. The aircraft carrier was leading the search and rescue efforts along with Japan’s naval forces. The ships and aircraft had searched more than 320 nautical miles as of Thursday morning, the Navy said. Japan’s Defense Ministry said the crash site is about 150 kilometers (90 miles) northwest of
Okinotorishima, a Japanese atoll. The Navy said it had notified next of kin that the three sailors were “whereabouts unknown� but it would delay releasing their identities publicly for three days due to policy. In Washington, the White House said President Donald Trump had been briefed on the crash. Trump said in a tweet: “We are monitoring the situation. Prayers for all involved.� The Nov 16-26 joint exercise in waters off Okinawa has been described by the Navy as the “premier training event� between the US and Japanese navies, designed to increase defensive readiness and interoperability in air and sea operations. The Navy’s Japan-based 7th Fleet has had two fatal accidents in Asian waters this year, leaving 17 sailors dead and prompting the removal of eight top Navy officers from their posts, including the 7th Fleet commander. The USS John S. McCain and an oil tanker collided near Singapore in August, leaving 10 US sailors dead. Seven sailors died in June when the USS Fitzgerald and a container ship collided off Japan. The Navy has concluded that the collisions were avoidable and resulted from widespread failures by the crews and commanders,
A US Navy C-2 Greyhound, a type of plane similar to the one which crashed into the Pacific Ocean on Wednesday. who didn’t quickly recognize and respond to unfolding emergencies. A Navy report recommended numerous changes to address the problems, ranging from improved training to increasing sleep
IN TERROR-WARY NYC, SECURITY TIGHT FOR THANKSGIVING PARADE NEW YORK Associated Press
SAND-FILLED sanitation trucks and police sharpshooters will mix with glittering floats and giant balloons at a Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade that comes in a year of terrible mass shootings and not even a month after a deadly truck attack in lower Manhattan. New York City’s mayor and police brass have repeatedly stressed that layers of security, along with hundreds of officers, will be in place for one of the nation’s biggest outdoor holiday gatherings, and that visitors should not be deterred. “We had a couple of tough months as a nation,� Police Commissioner James O’Neill said. “We won’t ever accept such acts of
hate and cowardice as inevitable in our society.� A posting last year in an English-language magazine of the Islamic State group, which took credit for the Oct 31 truck attack that killed eight people, mentioned the Thanksgiving parade as “an excellent target.� Authorities say there is no confirmation of a credible threat. “I want to assure the people that we swore to protect that anytime something happens anywhere in the world, the NYPD works with our law enforcement partners and studies it and we learn from it and it informs our decision making going forward,� O’Neill said. This year’s security plan includes dozens of city sanitation trucks, which weigh about 16 tons empty and up to twice that with
sand, that will be lined up as imposing barriers to traffic at every cross street along the 2 ½-mile parade route stretching from Central Park to Macy’s flagship store on 34th Street. In addition, officers with assault weapons and portable radiation detectors will walk among the crowds, and sharpshooters on rooftops will scan building windows and balconies for anything unusual. Mayor Bill de Blasio said Wednesday that security at the parade increases every year “because we understand we are dealing with a very challenging world.â€? He told crowds gathered to watch the parade’s giant balloons being inflated that “the amount of resources and personnel we put in has increased each year to make us safer.â€?
The Board of Directors of Fidelity Bank (Bahamas) Limited is pleased to notify all shareholders that a dividend of $0.25 per ordinary share has been declared to be paid on November 30, 2017 to all shareholders of record as of November 28, 2017.
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PAGE 18, Thursday, November 23, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
War criminal Mladic sentenced to life THE HAGUE, NETHERLANDS Associated Press AN unrepentant Ratko Mladic, the bullish Bosnian Serb general whose forces rained shells and snipers’ bullets on Sarajevo and carried out the worst massacre in Europe since World War II, was convicted Wednesday of genocide and other crimes and sentenced to spend the rest of his life behind bars. Defiant to the last, Mladic was ejected from a courtroom at the United Nations’ Yugoslav war crimes tribunal after yelling at judges: “Everything you said is pure lies. Shame on you!” He was dispatched to a neighbouring room to watch on a TV screen as
A BOSNIAN woman raises her arms upon hearing the sentence of former Bosnian Serb military chief Gen Ratko Mladic. Presiding Judge Alphons years on the run before his Orie pronounced him guilty arrest in 2011. of ten counts that also “This landmark verdict included war crimes and marks a significant moment crimes against humanity. for international justice and Human rights organisa- sends out a powerful mestions hailed the convictions sage around the world that as proof that even top mili- impunity cannot and will tary brass long considered not be tolerated,” said John untouchable cannot evade Dalhuisen, Amnesty Interjustice forever. Mladic spent national’s Europe director.
For prosecutors, it was a fitting end to a 23-year effort to mete out justice at the UN tribunal for atrocities committed during the Balkan wars of the early 1990s. Mladic’s conviction signaled the end of the final trial before the tribunal closes its doors by the end of the year. But legal battles will continue. Mladic’s attorneys vowed to appeal his convictions on ten charges related to a string of atrocities from the beginning of the 199295 Bosnian war to its bitter end. “The defence team considers this judgment to be erroneous, and there will be an appeal, and we believe that the appeal will correct the errors of the trial chamber,” Mladic lawyer Dragan Ivetic said. Mladic’s son, Darko, said his father told him after the verdict that the tribunal was a “NATO commission ... trying to criminalise a legal endeavour of Serbian
people in times of civil war to protect itself from the aggression.” Presiding Judge Alphons Orie started the hearing by reading out a litany of horrors perpetrated by forces under Mladic’s control. “Detainees were forced to rape and engage in other degrading sexual acts with one another. Many Bosnian Muslim women who were unlawfully detained were raped,” Orie said. The judge recounted the story of a mother who ventured into the streets during the deadly siege of Sarajevo with her son as Serb snipers and artillery targeted the Bosnian capital. She was shot. The bullet passed through her abdomen and struck her seven-year-old son’s head, killing him. In Srebrenica, the war reached its bloody climax as Bosnian Serb forces overran what was supposed to be a UN-protected safe haven. After busing away women and children, Serb forces
systematically murdered some 8,000 Muslim males. “Many of these men and boys were cursed, insulted, threatened, forced to sing Serb songs and beaten while awaiting their execution,” Orie said. Mladic looked relaxed as the hearing started, greeting lawyers, crossing himself and giving a thumbs-up to photographers in court. But midway through the hearing Mladic’s lawyer, Dragan Ivetic, asked for a delay because the general was suffering from high blood pressure. The judge refused, Mladic started yelling and was tossed out of court. When he started speaking, “it was not about his health but much more I think trying to insult the judges,” Chief Prosecutor Serge Brammertz said. The conflict in the former Yugoslavia erupted after the country’s breakup in the early 1990s, with the worst crimes taking place in Bosnia.
QUESTIONS REMAIN AFTER MANSON DEATH LOS ANGELES Associated Press
CHARLES Manson’s death came with a string of unanswered questions, from whether the notorious cult leader left a will to what, if any, possessions he left behind. The convicted killer, 83, who once aspired to musical fame and dabbled in art, died Sunday after spending nearly half a century in prison. What will happen to his body? According to the state penal code, if no claim is made for an inmate’s body by a family member or appointed representative, the remains will be cremated or buried “no sooner than ten calendar days” after the death. The state may waive the ten-day period if confirmation is received that the inmate’s family or
CHARLES MANSON, pictured in 2014. appointed representative refuse to take possession of the body. Vicky Waters, a spokeswoman for the state Corrections Department, said she could not confirm if the agency was aware of a family member. Manson was born in Cincinnati on Nov 12, 1934, to a teenager, possibly a prostitute. “My father is the jailhouse,” Manson once said in court.
Will there be an autopsy? That was unclear Monday. Authorities attributed Manson’s death on Sunday to natural causes. The state Corrections Department referred questions about a possible autopsy to the Kern County coroner, a branch of the county sheriff’s department. What will become of his possessions? The state did not disclose what, if anything, the convicted killer left behind in his cell, citing rules that limit information that can be released about inmates. Waters said she could not say if Manson left a will. If one is located, state officials must, within 30 days after the death, deliver the will to the court having jurisdiction of the estate. If an executor is named in the will, that person would be notified.
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