11242016 news

THURSDAY

McRIB IS BACK!

i’m lovin’ it!

HIGH 81ÂşF LOW 69ÂşF

The Tribune L ATEST NE WS ON TRIBUNE242.COM

The People’s Paper

SUN & A SHOWER

Biggest And Best!

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2016

N G A I B A R

D E R F I N

Čą

help wanted

-%

$" ) Ĺš( Š0ÂœÂ‘Čą Â?Â&#x;Š—ŒŽ

˜•Â? Ž› žŠ—Â?Â’Â?¢ ȹǛŗȹ ž¢ Â’Â?‘ȹ ŠœœŠž Ĺ˜ ”

ŚŖř

Ç›ČąĹœĹ?ĹœČŹ

tuition school

Čą Š— ›ȹÂ?Â˜Čą Œ˜Â?’Š Â? ÂŽÂĄÂ?Čą Â˜Â˜ČąÇ­Čą ŠœÂ?Čą ˜ŒŠÂ?ÂŽÂ?ǹȹ ž•ěȹ Â?

PRICE – $1 (Family Islands $1.50)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Trade

S A M A B A H

Cars Fo Real r Sale Help Estate W Rental anted and m Ads much uch, more. ..

cars for sale

OBITUARIES

ds Classifier h 12, 2012 Monday, Marc

e TheTribun

real estate

Volume: 113 No.4

CARS! CARS!

CLASSIFIEDS TRADER

TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe yesterday warned protestors to be mindful of their actions during the Black Friday march and occupation of downtown Bay Street as the American Embassy and US cruise ships have expressed security fears over the rapidly-growing demonstration set for the busy Thanksgiving weekend.

Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe yesterday confirmed that the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) contacted the ministry to express concerns given the thousands of cruise ship passengers expected to be in

AT STARTING

$25

GUN USED IN RAID LINKED TO MURDER OF RAHMING

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net  THE FIREARM used in the Super Value robbery last Sunday is linked to “several murders� in the capital, Minister of State for National Security Keith Bell revealed yesterday.

Addressing members of the Senate, Mr Bell said because of excellent police work several recent SEE PAGE SIX

Ready for Thanksgiving

‘Be mindful of your actions,’ warns tourism minister

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

Call today 328-0

for rent

US alert over protest march L! ADS SEL PHOTO 351 002 / 502-2

port on Friday. “On Friday, we have 17,000 visitors coming on cruise ships,� Mr Wilchcombe said, “the question was what should our vessels do?� “So we told them after we spoke to the Commissioner of Police that we’re advising that we believe that we will be able to conduct business as usual,� he said, “and we certainly hope that’s understood by those involved in the protest. “The democracy we do have has to be respected.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force will be managing the protest and we’ve assured the cruise lines that visitors can arrive and all will be well.�

SEE PAGE TEN

US OFFICIALS TELL STAFF SAND TRAP ‘OFF LIMITS’ BELL CALLS FOR MEASURES TO MINISTRY SAYS ACTIVISTS’ FEARS

CHILDREN lined up ready for the Island Luck Cares Foundation second annual children’s Thanksgiving luncheon at Ridgeland Primary School yesterday. See page 13 for more photographs.

Photo: Aaron Davis

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

AMERICAN officials have declared that the St Albans Drive nightspot, Sand Trap, is “off limits� for its employees and their families, citing the shooting death of a woman there last week and an “ongoing association with known criminal elements�.

Part of a series of security messages released yesterday, the United States

Embassy “strongly� recommended US citizens to avoid “frequenting this establishment�.

Another advisory warned American citizens to avoid tomorrow’s ‘We March Black Friday’ civic demonstration.

The Embassy also issued a warning reminding its citizens in the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos of the annual increase in crime during the holiday season.

SEE PAGE TEN

TACKLE DOMINICAN POACHERS FOR LIVES ‘WITHOUT MERIT’

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net  STATE Minister of National Security Keith Bell yesterday advocated for the government to take more aggressive measures against Dominican poachers, claiming that the intruders are becoming “more and more violent� towards fishermen and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.

While addressing members of the Senate, Mr Bell said fines are not working and discussions with the Dominican government

have fallen on “deaf ears�.

He said despite being charged over and over again and having their vessels taken away, the Dominicans continue to come back, relentlessly and aggressively.

Earlier this month, the RBDF arrested more than 100 Dominicans who were poaching in the Great Bahama Bank. During the apprehension, Her Majesty’s Bahamian Ship Madeira received substantive damage after the poachers rammed their boat in to the Defence Force vessel.

SEE PAGE SEVEN

THE government last night announced it has asked the Inter-American Human Rights Commission (IACHR) to lift the precautionary measures it proscribed earlier this month after upholding a claim by five Bahamians that their lives are in danger because of their political advocacy and that some have had to flee the country.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration responded to the international human rights body on Tuesday and said it had found the claims of the Grand Bahamas Human

Rights Association on behalf of the five men - Fred Smith, Joseph Darville, Romauld Ferreira, Franciso Nunez and Kirkland Bodie - to be “baseless and without merit�.

In a statement, the ministry said: “Having thoroughly investigated the claims made the Petitioners of the Save The Bays - Grand Bahama Human Rights Association, the Government has requested that the Commission lift the precautionary measures of November 4, in SEE PAGE SIX

BISHOP HALL STEPS BACK FROM CLICO CAMPAIGN

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

AFTER eight years of championing the cause, Bishop Simeon Hall yesterday announced he is “throwing in the towel� on agitating for Government to resolve the CLICO debacle.

*Incl. VAT

WWW.BURGERKING.BS

/BURGERKINGNASSAU

Bishop Hall suggested to former policyholders in an outgoing fashion: “Call your pastor or your MP and put pressure on them.�

In a brief statement, the prominent policyholder and pastor emeritus of New Covenant Baptist Church, explained that his decision was due to his “sheer frus-

tration� over the lack of progress towards achieving a positive resolution.

Claiming that “someone else has to take us over Jordan,� Bishop Hall urged former policyholders to reach out to their religious leaders and area representatives in hopes that “maybe that kind of agitation will

bring greater than I have achieved.�

Nonetheless, Bishop Hall said he is “getting too old to be doing these kinds of things.� Instead, he said, he will direct his energy towards dealing with “family matters,� such as attending SEE PAGE 15

PAGE 2, Thursday, November 24, 2016

URBAN RENEWAL HANDS OUT 700 FOOD PACKAGES

THE TRIBUNE

A RECIPIENT of a food package from Urban Renewal.

By KATHRYN CAMPBELL Bahamas Information Services IN the spirit of thanksgiving, the Urban Renewal Commission presented over 700 food packages to residents of Nassau Village and its neighbouring communities during an Urban Community Uplifting Service.

Packages presented to those in need, particularly residents affected by Hurricane Matthew, at Nassau Village Park contained staples including rice, flour and canned goods. The items were donated by the Urban Renewal Commission along with its partnering agencies and the National Emergency Man-

+

agement Agency (NEMA).

The service was organised by the Nassau Village Urban Renewal Centre under the direction of ASP Kirk Douglas and included prayers, scripture readings, testimonials, words of encouragement and entertainment. In attendance was Dion Smith, Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly and Chairman, Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation; Algernon Allen and Cynthia Pratt, co-chairs of the Urban Renewal Commission; Joycelyn Simms, Deputy Permanent Secretary, and Patricia Francis, First Assistant Secretary.

Photos: Patrick Hanna/BIS

Working together to serve you better

RBC and Royal Fidelity have partnered to provide you with the ultimate in financial convenience: A one-stop-shop for everything from mutual funds, pension plans, and investment services from Royal Fidelity and private banking, business banking and wealth management services from RBC. ALGERNON Allen helping to distribute food packages.

Successful financial planning for the future requires having partners you can trust. Why not find out how you can benefit from our partnership?

URBAN RENEWAL CLEANS UP COMMUNITY

We’re ready to serve you.

Mutual Funds

Pension Plans

Investment Services

Business Banking

Wealth Management

Private Banking

URBAN Renewal held a community clean-up initiative in Coconut Grove recently, with co-chair Cynthia “Mother” Pratt assisting in the effort.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

®™ / Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence. ‡ All other trademark(s) are the property of their respective owner(s).

THE TRIBUNE

Allen calls for curfew and national service

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net POSITING that anger and the rate of violent crime in the country were critically linked, renowned psychologist Dr David Allen is calling for the imposition of mandatory national service and a national curfew in “high crime areas”.

The suggestions are among a list of recommendations to combat crime based on the findings of his community-based outreach project “The Family: People Helping People” in an advertisment in national daily newspapers today.

Dr Allen said: “Each person must spend some time working in the best interest of our little country, The Bahamas. For young people coming out of high school, there should be a period of national service from one to two years in duration.

“Older persons should be

willing to contribute several weekends per year.

“The Bahamas is a beautiful place, but unless it is cared for, the nation will be destroyed,” he added.

A complementary programme to national service, Dr Allen said, would be the establishing of a well-organized cadet programme attached to various branches of law enforcement with pathways to future employment.

Dr Allen acknowledged that the imposition of a curfew was a “debatable” strategy; however, he noted that “drastic times de-

Thursday, November 24, 2016, PAGE 3

DR David Allen has called for measures to take on the rate of violent crime in The Bahamas. mand drastic measures”.

He said that curfews must be well planned, clearly defined and efficiently executed.

“Our challenge is that unless we reduce the anger rate in the country, it may be very difficult to reduce the rate of homicides and violent crimes,” the release issued yesterday read.

“The journey of reducing the crime rate in The Bahamas is no easy feat.

It will take time, patience and intense effort but hopefully these points can function as a first step to helping us move toward a crime-free

Our challenge is that unless we reduce the anger rate in the country, it may be very difficult to reduce the rate of homicides and violent crimes.’

Bahamas.”

Recommendations call for the appointment of a citizen security council to bridge the gap between government policy and community concerns; the use of foreign law enforcement and the Defence Force; legal reform on capital punishment, bail restrictions, and the witness protection programme; to establish a residential programme for at-risk young men; psychological support for law enforcement; and the use of CCTV in high crime areas.

The Family project has 26 focus groups ongoing in New Providence, and data collected indicate that the top six crime issues are: anger; violence; grief and sadness; relationship dysfunction; abuse; and suicidal ideation and depression.

For Dr David Allen’s full anti-crime plan, see page 14

SANDS SAYS HOSPITAL RESIGNATION A SIGN OF ‘FLEETING RESPECT’ FOR STAFF

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

SENATOR and leading surgeon Dr Duane Sands yesterday suggested that the sudden resignation of the Princess Margaret Hospital’s medical chief of staff, Dr James Johnson, was the result of “fleeting respect for medical personnel” in the Bahamas.

Dr Sands said despite some reassurances by staff throughout the public healthcare system, he is of the impression that months of a lack of respect toward doctors and medical workers throughout the country has finally hit a “boiling point”.

“The Tribune may have reported it from a monetary perspective (on Wednesday), but it is way beyond that,” said the Free National Movement Senator, who is also a member of the Consultant Physicians Staff Association (CPSA).

“This is not about money.

Fundamentally this is a line that has been drawn over appointments and patient care.”

According to Dr Sands, major challenges in communication between various medical associations and governmental bodies have left many in the industry with a feeling of disenfranchisement.

On Wednesday, The Tribune reported that just months into his second term, Dr Johnson resigned with immediate effect after reaching an impasse with the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) over its decision to disregard recommendations on the appointment of two foreign doctors.

According to sources close to the matter, Dr Johnson’s suggestion was for the doctors to start at a lower salary ranking, with the option for review and promotion after one or two years; however, this was disregarded for a higher ranking at the beginning of their tenure, supported by PHA Managing Director Herbert Brown.

The Tribune was advised that Dr Johnson’s recommendations were supported by the medical advisory committee; however, they were not adopted by Mr

POLICE FIND DRUGS AND AMMUNITION

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

GRAND Bahama Police discovered a quantity of suspected marijuana and ammunition in the Garden Villas area on Tuesday, police reported.

According to reports, shortly after 1pm, officers of the Drug Enforcement Unit, acting on information, went to an area in Gar-

den Villas where they discovered 35 rounds of .9mm ammunition and a plastic bag containing a quantity of suspected marijuana.

No arrest was made and police are investigating.

Brown, who ultimately changed the proposal with the support of the authority’s board.

When questioned on Wednesday, Dr Johnson said he decided to step down from the post after it became clear that officials had already proceeded with the recruitment exercise despite months of back-andforth discussion over the changes.

President of the CPSA Dr Locksley Munroe told The Nassau Guardian on Tuesday that consulting staff at PMH - some 100 doctors - could withdraw services as a follow up to Dr Johnson’s resignation.

“Anyone that has worked in the public healthcare system has a view on how to make it better, those opinions are often based in fact because they are referenced from experiences on the front line. If the theme coming from PHA and the Ministry of Health comes across as hostile, then you are going to have a major, and I mean huge problems,” Dr Sands said.

“I remain hopeful that this could be seen as an is-

sue where communication was lacking, and one where it could be quickly corrected. If not, and this was a situation where all sides are speaking at different levels, this could get frightening moving forward. There is a feeling of diminishing respect.

“Follow me with this.

There are strange and consistent parallels between what we see going on with Dr Johnson’s resignation and what we saw with the roll out of National Health Insurance. There are a lot of people, from the standpoint of medical workers, that feel as if they are being talked to instead of being talked with.

“The overwhelming majority of consulting staff provide sacrificial service with a desire to deliver quality healthcare, that is a big problem in and of itself because of the tremendous challenges that are presented in the field; now you want to work around these people and them to feel as if their words and opinions aren’t valued. That is not a smart move in my opinion,” Dr Sands added.

PAGE 4, Thursday, November 24, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

The Tribune Limited NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI “Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”

LEON E. H. DUPUCH,

SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH,

jrolle@tribunemedia.net

Publisher/Editor 1903-1914 Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt .

Publisher/Editor 1919-1972 Contributing Editor 1972-1991

EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON,

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

Published daily Monday to Friday

Shirley & Deveaux Streets, Nassau, Bahamas N3207 TELEPHONES

News & General Information Advertising Manager Circulation Department Nassau fax Freeport, Grand Bahama Freeport fax

(242) 322-1986 (242) 502-2394 (242) 502-2386 (242) 328-2398 (242)-352-6608 (242) 352-9348

WEBSITE, TWITTER & FACEBOOK www.tribune242.com

@tribune242

tribune news network

The gallows or a second chance - Bahamians must decide LAST WEEK, Archbishop Patrick Pinder urged the government to abolish the death penalty. Instead, in a pastoral letter from the Bishops of the Antilles Episcopal Conference, it was recommended that government should concentrate on the rehabilitation of the offender.

It said that while a “climate of lawlessness” is prevalent in The Bahamas and the region, capital punishment does not “assist the criminal to reform,” nor does it “assist the victim to restore his or her violated dignity”.

Five days later, Bishop Walter Hanchell, chairman of the Citizens for Justice, begged to disagree. He announced that he remained a firm supporter of “restorative justice” for all those convicted of crimes, but not for murderers. In his opinion murderers should “suffer the penalty of death for their crimes as prescribed by law”. In other words Bishop Hanchell belongs to the school of “hang ’em high!”

On the other hand, Archbishop Pinder and the Bishops of the Antilles Episcopal Conference believe that to take away a person’s “basic right to immunity from fatal harm” is to “compromise his/her sacred dignity”.

As for Bishop Hanchell, he believes that capital punishment is an act, not conceived by Man, but by God. Scripture, he said, decreed that murderers should be “punished and removed” from society.

However, he quoted no Scripture that said that they should be killed.

And then there is psychologist Dr David Allen with a plan to save youth from the anger that triggers violence, thus setting them on the right path before they stumble and have to be rehabilitated.

(See story page 3).

We have often been asked what side we are on. Having grown up in the midst of two brothers with strong opinions on the matter we wavered for a long time, until experience convinced us that hanging was not a deterrent.

However, Sir Etienne Dupuch believed it was a deterrent, although towards the end he had started to have doubts. His “baby brother”, the Hon Eugene Dupuch, QC, had no doubts. He was firmly against capital punishment. This was the only subject on which the two brothers disagreed.

Sir Etienne believed it was a deterrent because he recalled his father talking of the public hangings on the Eastern Parade. On February 2, 1856, the Bahamas Herald reported the hanging of Daphe Neilly on the Eastern Parade. As crowds gathered an open coffin was put in front of the prisoner at the foot of the scaffold.

Neilly was positioned beneath the drop “and in a few moments afterwards she was in eternity.” After being “suspended for nearly half an hour,” the report continued, “the body was removed to a neighbouring burial ground and there interred”.

Such a gruesome public scene would certainly have been a deterrent. However, statistics today show that the death penalty is no longer a STOP sign to murder. In the US, states that do not have the death penalty show that murder is consistently lower than in states with the death penalty.

Said Police Chief James Abbott of West Orange, New Jersey, in 2010: “I ... know that in practice, (the death penalty) does more harm than good. So while I hang on to my theoretical views, as I’m sure many of you will, I stand before you to say that society is better off without capital punishment… Life in prison without parole in a maximum-security detention facility is a better alternative.”

Although still on the statute books, no one has been hanged in the Bahamas since January 6, 2000. We believe that it should be officially abolished.

Too many mistakes are still being made and too many innocent persons in other jurisdictions are still being executed — despite DNA testing – to justify its retention.

However, even in this — although we believe that a convicted murderer should be jailed for life with life meaning a man’s full lifetime, not 25 years—even these rules should not be so hard and fast that during the course of an offender’s lifetime, there cannot be a reprieve.

Not too long ago, we received a letter from a young Bahamian who is serving a life sentence in a US prison for participating in an argument with a group of boys that ended in murder. We know the family. A fine Bahamian family deeply anchored in their religious faith. But we shall let the young man tell his own story.

“I grew up,” he writes, “in an environment that was full of love, devotion to faith and was taught how to care, share and respect others. I can remember my high school days where I would do the announcements in the mornings in the dean’s office and then turn around and plan events for the school with some of my other peer councillors, a prefect, on the Key Club and participated in the Kiwanis Club meetings, along with the school’s basketball and softball teams that I played for.

“During the summer months, I worked doing air-conditioning and refrigeration until I finished high school. Upon completing high school I earned a partial scholarship from the Lyford Cay Scholarship Foundation to attend––––––––. It was during this time that I got into trouble with the law for the decision to hang with the wrong crowd and that decision cost me my freedom.”

The young man admits his mistakes, but he is not bitter. He has a positive attitude and is preparing himself for the day that he can come home and help others to avoid his errors.

The prison to which he has been assigned has many positive programmes to prepare inmates for the world outside. He has taken advantage of everyone of them so that he can return home equipped to help young Bahamians stay out of trouble, and show them the consequences of a wrong decision. In prison he tutors other prisoners to prepare them for their tests. He has taken anger management courses, a psychological course that deals with criminal thinking, a course for ways in which to keep a family together, and a course to help a man be a better father for his children.

“In between helping these guys, I find time to exercise and work out, write and read. But none of these things would have been possible if not for God’s grace and my positive attitude. That is all that it takes. It’s not easy dealing and coping with what I go through — but I know deep down inside me that I’m going to come home and some day have an impact in my country.

“This institution has a Gavel Club and I’m in the process of trying to enrol and become a member. I do these things in order to be of service and to be able to give back and to lead by example.”

This is a young man who is needed in this country. However, his one unfortunate decision has banished him from society for life — unless a way can be found to have him released.

This is one of the many reasons that we are against the gallows — there are those who can be redeemed, and are worth being given a second chance.

Hypocrisy of the PLP EDITOR, The Tribune.

IT WAS reported that on the 20th October, two sidelined MPs were urged

by PM Christie to fight for their political careers and to resist Dr Minnis with all of their might.

In this unsolicited political advice, we understood PM Christie to suggest that there was something patently wrong about a political party deciding not to offer sitting MPs its nomination for re-election. Or was this just an attempt to score cheap political points?

However, in a funny turn of events we see that just one week later, it was reported that the Progressive Liberal Party’s ratification of its candidate for the Exuma seat had to be postponed.

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net This is relevant because the candidate rumoured to be receiving the party’s nomination in this area is none other than Mr Chester Cooper and not PLP incumbent Mr Anthony Moss. How amusingly hypocritical.

Why are there not calls from the PM to Anthony Moss to resist this move with all his might as was directed to the FNM? Before this revelation neither to date as far as we are aware, there has not been any public declaration that Mr Anthony Moss is uninterested in re-election.

In fact, he has delivered the Exuma seat to the win-

ning column of the PLP for the past three elections.

Surely such a senior and effective MP deserves to be afforded more courtesy than that.

If the call to fight for political careers can apply to FNM MPs who are both first time MPs, surely this logic and rational must apply to a three time sitting PLP MP. All I’m saying is what is good for the goose ought to be good for the gander. Conjecture KEITH O MAJOR II, AA, LL.B (Hons), LEC Nassau, November 22, 2016.

“Humble enough to know that I am not better than anyone, and wise enough to know that I am different from the rest.” - Unknown

Issues in the news EDITOR, The Tribune.

BEEN listening to one of Doc Minnis secret weapon candidates - boy he still has mother’s milk around his lips. A caller told him that his primary opponent, the current MP, has been giving out roof repair stuff - plywood etc, to all in the constituency but, sir, what have you been doing? The FNM candidates’ reply before the storm we gave out sandbags... We are preparing a development plan!

He better get to know what politics Bahamianstyle is all about - Matthew brought all early into testing their pockets. Voters

are watching.

New License plates and discs - so I get stopped, how do the Police have proof that the car I am driving is actually mine? Have the Police been provided with a mobile bar code reader or do they have to take my word?

You know this thing cost $8m should have all the bells and whistles. Is the Police computer online to the Road Traffic?

My bet because none of the others aren’t it isn’t... wow $8m!

West Bay Street coming to Goodman’s Bay roundabout turn off to Prospects can’t PWD limit traffic in

the right lane going east to only traffic that is turning at the roundabout? Boy people think this stretch of West Bay is a race track.

Minister Davis really thinks the PLP Government since 2012 did something to reduce the price of electricity? Boy some think we real stupid!

Tourism - direct flight from France to San Sal lord be with us how stupid these officials are - we spent $21m building an airport to take long range jets years ago - what’s the fuss?

B FERGUSON Nassau, November 21, 2016.

Why I will march on Black Friday EDITOR, The Tribune.

I AM marching on Black Friday because of the outrageous situation with Bahamas Power and Light. I am marching because a power company that used to be controlled by Bahamians was put under the control of an American company that promised to do better, but

delivered even more unreliable service than before.

I am marching because before the hurricane, BPL failed to make the necessary preparations, failed to listen to the advice of their experienced local professionals who have been through big storms before.

As a result, some of us were without power for

weeks and weeks. BPL had to call in reinforcements from Florida that only got here days and days after the storm, whereas if they had listened and called for help earlier, things would have been much better for us.

I march because weeks after Hurricane Matthew, when Bahamians are still

suffering across the country, BPL has decided to go after those households that are behind on payments.

Meanwhile, I can’t speak for anyone else, but it seems to me that my bill is higher than before.

I remember a few years ago when Hubert Ingraham sold BTC to a foreign company, peo-

ple were up in arms and thousands marched in the streets.

I see Shane Gibson in the press now talking about the same thing. But I don’t see how what this government has done with another public corporation, BEC, by handing control over to foreigners, is any better.

Either way, the people are the ones who suffer.

I hope Friday is at least as big as that BTC march back in 2011 or 2012 and I hope many of the people who are out there come for the same reason as I will.

PRETTY MOLLY Nassau, November 22, 2016.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, November 24, 2016, PAGE 5

BCP calls for 2017 election observers from the OAS

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

A FRINGE political party has taken steps to secure electoral observers from the Organization of American States, charging that the high “level of corruption” in the government will not allow for a fair general election process in 2017.

In a statement, Bahamas Constitution Party (BCP) leader Ali McIntosh said the organisation has started “preliminary ground work” to solicit the services of the OAS. Ms McIntosh also noted

that the influence of the People’s Republic of China, primarily through financial support, will affect the general election greatly.

“I am therefore calling on the Government to seek the approval of an observatory mission for the general elections,” Ms McIntosh said. “As the BCP will continue its pursuit to lobby the OAS to request permission to come and observe.”

Ms McIntosh also hit out at the Christie administration for not yet setting a date for the upcoming general election, and demanded that the government do so “forthwith.”

“It is despicable that 167 days from a Constitutional mandate for general elections, and this PLP-Christie administration has not seen fit to warn the country, the day designated for general elections, as if our schedules do not matter in the light of their planned shenanigans,” she said.

And, by virtue of her statement, announced that the BCP, which had suspended its campaign “indefinitely” for introspective purposes in August, has relaunched its “reorganised” and “restructured” campaign in a bid to provide “substantive hope for the salvation and reclamation

of the entire Bahamian society.”

“The strategy to retreat and reorganise has been primarily successful, which is why we have returned to forward the BCP agenda for Righteous Governance all the way to the polling day,” Ms McIntosh said.

“The BCP determination to educate the populace on values necessary for good governance and a more transparent standard of leadership, is certainly what the people are indeed ready for, and has placed these demands before the leadership of the government – and have sought their answers in a few days.”

ALI MCINTOSH, leader of the BCP.

MINNIS ASKS WHY GRAY HAS NOT BEEN FIRED BY PM

MINISTER of Agriculture and Marine Resources V Alfred Gray.

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

OPPOSITION Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday questioned why Prime Minister Perry Christie has not “fired” Agriculture and Fisheries Minister V Alfred Gray for his alleged endorsement of the $2.1bn agri-fisheries venture with Chinese investors.

Dr Minnis claimed that Mr Christie’s admission in Parliament that his Cabinet would have never approved such a deal, was a telling sign that the Agriculture Minister “continues to subvert the will of the people.”

In a statement, Dr Minnis asked if the Prime Minister did not agree with the proposal, then why is “he allowing Minister Gray to continue supporting these ongoing negotiations and why does Minister Gray still have his job?”

On Monday, Mr Christie emphatically stated that the proposed agreement with Chinese investors at the centre of widespread public controversy would never have been approved by his government.

The proposal reportedly projects a $2.1bn injection into the local economy over ten years through an equal partnership between Bahamians and the People’s Republic of China. The proposal also reportedly included the option to lease 10,000 acres of Crown land in Andros.

Mr Gray has admitted that he gave Bahamas Ambassador to China Paul “Andy” Gomez the goahead to have discussions on the proposal, but has stressed that the matter is not before the government for consideration.

Mr Gray has said the ideas put forth in the proposal, which was leaked to the media, came from Mr Gomez and not Chinese investors.

“The embattled Prime Minister has finally broken his silence on the secret proposal to give away 20,000 acres of Crown land and our fishing rights to the Chinese Government and this is not good news for Minister Gray, nor the Bahamian people. On Monday, Prime Minister Christie said, in front of Minister Gray, that his Cabinet has not approved the proposal that Minister Gray signed off on,” the statement said.

“This begs the question how could the embattled Prime Minister not know of such an ill-advised and ill-conceived proposal that was being conducted by his own Minister right under his nose? Even a blind man can see Minister Gray continues to subvert the will of the Bahamian people, yet he goes on unimpeded.

This is insanity, who is in charge of this Government?

The people deserve an answer and more importantly they deserve action. After weeks of all but ignoring the growing scandal the embattled Prime Minister was forced to address it. But this ill-advised deal still lives, and this inept and hopeless Minister still hasn’t been fired!”

Dr Minnis said the Bahamian people are tired of the PLP and its broken promises, however, he said, it is something “we all are used to”.

“After weeks of backlash from the Bahamian people the Prime Minister is serving up his typical doubletalk when he suggests this in Parliament. Does he mean his dealmaker, Minister Gray, is sitting next to him? This is bizarre, but unfortunately unexpected from this Government,” Dr Minnis said.

“The Bahamian people are tired of their empty rhetoric and broken promises. We must institute a true reform agenda that includes

a Freedom of Information Act and brings transparency and accountability to government. A Minnis led Government will be a people’s Government, answerable to the people, not the chosen few like the PLP’s Chinese allies.”

Last week, Mr Gray called Dr Minnis a “hypocrite” over the latter’s call for him to resign. He accused Dr Minnis of being party to a “secret deal” between the FNM and Chinese officials for the “agricultural development” of thousands of acres of land in Abaco seven years ago.

Mr Gray accused the previous FNM administration, of which Dr Minnis was a member, of allegedly striking a “private deal” with China Shandong Expressway Investment Holding Company Limited in 2009 for the “rent free” development of 10,000 acres of land in Abaco. Mr Gray claimed that the deal allegedly called for some 1,354 Chinese workers versus just 167 Bahamians.

Are you tired of losing your shingle ROOF in hurricanes ?

Get a FREE quote for a hurricane resistant METAL STANDING SEAM ROOF by a PROVEN contractor with 20 years experience of metal roofing.

Call: 376-2876 / 377-0030

PAGE 6, Thursday, November 24, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

MINISTRY SAYS ACTIVISTS’ FEARS FOR LIVES ‘WITHOUT MERIT’ from page one

accordance with Rule 25 of the Commission’s Rules of Procedure. Further, the Government requests that the Commission urgently reviews the measures, in consultation with The Bahamas and any other parties as may be necessary.”

The IACHR granted the precautionary measures to prevent irreparable harm to the lives of the petitioners, having found that the five men are in “a serious and urgent situation since their lives and personal integrity face an imminent risk of irreparable harm”. In its ruling it said it required the Bahamas government to adopt the necessary measures to protect their lives and those of their families, to ensure the men could pursue their work as human rights defenders without being subject to threats, harrassment or intimidation, to agree with the petitioners on the measures to be adopted and to report on investigative actions taken.

However, the government said last night that the IACHR had granted the precautionary measures “regrettably” before it could respond definitively, depsite a diplomatic note to say a response was being prepared and without recourse to the government.

“On 27 September 2016, the Government of the Commonwealth of The

Bahamas received from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) a request for information concerning the submission made by Petitioners Fred Smith, QC, Joseph Darville, Romauld Ferreira, Franciso Nunez and Kirkland Bodie in their request for precautionary measures submitted 6 September 2016 to the Commission,” the ministry statement read. “Regrettably, before The Bahamas could respond definitively to the Commission’s request for information, and despite a Diplomatic Note from the Bahamas dated 3 October 2016 indicating that a response was being prepared, the Commission on 4 November 2016, without recourse to the Government, granted the precautionary measures, by Resolution 54/2016. This was notified to The Bahamas by letter dated 8 November 2016.

“In light of the gravity of the allegations made by the Petitioners, it was the view of the Government that it was necessary to conduct a thorough review of the claims made by the Petitioners in order to submit a comprehensive report to the Commission. That comprehensive report has now been submitted within the time frame proscribed by the Commission.

“The Petitioners have alleged that they were living in urgent fear for their lives, safety and freedom because

of their work as human/environmental rights defenders and that the relevant authorities failed to protect their right to life and personal integrity. The Government has found no proof of these allegations and therefore asserts there is no fear for the lives, safety and freedom of the Petitioners as they have claimed. Furthermore, the evidence has revealed that the Petitioners have been moving freely within and outside the country.”

The ministry said the five men had alleged they had access to detailed plans of harm “but are unwilling to share them with proper law enforcement officials, and they have failed to cooperate otherwise with the Police. This in and of itself shows that there is no urgency to the claims they have made.”

The statement said the government in its response had reaffirmed the importance it attaches to the protection of and respect for the human rights of all of its citizens. “Furthermore, the Government will take the necessary action by the State agencies to continue to monitor the situation with respect to the Petitioners and take pre-emptive action if required to not only ensure their safety, but to continue to provide an environment in which they are free to continue their work as environmental/human rights advocates,” it said.

SUPER VALUE, on West Bay Street, which was targeted in a robbery.

GUN USED IN RAID LINKED TO MURDER OF RAHMING from page one

murders are on their way to being solved.

“The weapons recovered in that armed robbery were used in the commission of several murders recently committed,” Mr Bell said.

“One of those murders specifically in the eastern area, those murders will now be solved. I don’t want to say too much but in the next few days a whole lot will be revealed.”

Officer in Charge of the Central Detective Unit, Chief Superintendent Clayton Fernander confirmed that police have matched one of the weapons recovered from the scene of the robbery, with the murder of former bodybuilder and restaurateur Albert Rahming.

The 49-year-old father of three was found in his car shot to death on the Montagu foreshore almost two weeks ago.

Chief Supt Fernander said police have one man in custody in connection with that murder.

Police shot two armed robbery suspects early Sunday morning, moments after they robbed Super Value Food Store on West Bay Street and led police on a high-speed chase that ended in a residential area

off East Street South.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Stephen Dean said police received information of a robbery in progress at the food store, where more than a dozen customers were inside.

When police arrived on the scene, the armed suspects had already left the store in a stolen silver coloured Honda, but police immediately issued an all points bulletin for the men.

ACP Dean confirmed that shots were fired inside the store during the robbery but luckily no one was injured.

A chase followed, which resulted in two of the three suspects being shot by police. Two of the men managed to escape and the third suspect is listed in serious condition in the hospital under heavy police guard. Police also recovered two weapons from the suspects.

The two suspects are still at large and police are appealing to members of the public who may have any information to contact police at 911 or 919, the Central Detective Unit at 911 or 919, the Central Detective Unit at 502-9991 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 328-TIPS.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, November 24, 2016, PAGE 7

Bell calls for measures to tackle Dominican poachers from page one Mr Bell said the damage will cost taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars.

In May, marines were involved in a shootout and subsequent high-speed chase with suspected Dominican poachers in the Cay Lobos area. No marines were hurt, nor were any of the vessels damaged during the encounter.

“We have had major challenges on the sea and each time the Dominicans are getting more and more aggressive. This government has had meetings with the Dominican government and we sought to put in

place policies and safeguards through diplomatic means but in my humble estimation it has all fallen on deaf ears because the Dominicans continue to come,” Mr Bell said.

“Their acts of aggression has gotten worse and so that means, and I wish to make it very clear, collectively we as legislators have to determine what it is we are going to do as it relates to the protection of our boarders. On one Dominican fishing vessel you will find they have about 50 dingys, so when the mother ship anchors they release about 50 dingys out to go and fish in our waters.

“When I saw one of the boats, they have these walk

in freezers between, two of the boats they had over 1,500 sacks of lobsters and crawfish and they had them itemized by size.

“What makes matters worse, many of these persons have poached in our waters before and were convicted and this is why I believe that our job here is very serious. We have to determine whether or not our laws are effective enough because despite being fined $20,000 on the last occasion, they are back.

This time they are fined up to $70,000. One of our new boats they rammed it, a big hole is in the side, hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage and who will pay for it, the taxpayers. So I

want us to think very seriously as to how we will deal with these persons because obviously fines, regardless of the amounts are not enough.”

The government has previously engaged the Dominican government in discussions in an attempt to curb the long-standing problem of poachers from that country robbing Bahamian waters of hundreds of thousands of pounds of seafood.

In February 2015, Agriculture Minister V Alfred Gray said he met with Dominican Republic President Danilo Medina, who gave his assurances that the Christie administration had the country’s full support in tackling the issue.

He said a memorandum of understanding was prepared, with one of the conditions being that Dominican vessels were to be outfitted with GPS systems to ensure that the fishermen do not venture out of their own borders.

However, with the continued violation of the fisheries laws, Mr Gray said he was not sure whether officials in the Dominican Republic took the government’s warnings seriously.

In May, 11 Dominicans were fined a collective $170,500 in Magistrate’s Court after pleading guilty to five poaching related charges. The Dominicans, including a 16-year-old, pleaded guilty to charges of

engaging in foreign fishing in the exclusive fishing zone of the Bahamas, possession of Nassau Grouper weighing less than three pounds each, possession of fresh crawfish during a closed season, possession of crawfish measuring less than three and a quarter inches and possession of a shark.

They were each fined $10,000 with respect to illegal fishing, $1,000 for the undersized groupers, $2,500 for the closed-season crawfish, $1,500 for the undersized crawfish and $500 for the Lemon shark.

They were told failure to pay the fine would result in eight months at the Department of Correctional Services.

THE GROUP of 11 Domincan nationals who appeared at court in Freeport yesterday.

DOMINICANS FACE COURT OVER FORGED WORK PERMITS

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

ELEVEN Dominican nationals found in possession of forged work permits were arraigned in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

The accused men appeared before Magistrate Rengin Johnson in Court Three, where they pled guilty to possession of a forged document. They were each fined $3,000 or one year’s imprisonment.

It is alleged on November 22 at Freeport, the men were found in possession of forged short-term work permits knowing them to have been obtained by fraudulent means.

The men were attempting to enter the Bahamas by

fraudulent means. They had arrived from Haiti aboard a chartered airplane and presented fraudulent work permits to an immigration officer on duty.

One of the Dominican men, who is known to Immigration officials, had been arrested in Freeport in July along with others for possession of fraudulent work permits. The man was eventually flown to New Providence and repatriated to the Dominican Republic.

It is believed that the men were part of a smuggling operation to get people into the Bahamas by obtaining Bahamian fraudulent work permits to enter the country, and then be smuggled across to the United States.

Magistrate Johnson imposed the maximum penalty, a $3,000 fine. In default

Caves village Premium Office Space for Lease 850 sq.ft. 3 offices, conference room, reception, kitchen, bathroom, iT closet, ample parking.

$2,939.58 pm inc. CaM + vaT Contact Mr. Simon Chappell on 327 1575 or 477-7610 email: simon@cavesvillage.com

of payment, the men are to serve one-year imprisonment at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. She also ordered the men to be deported on

payment of the fine or time served.

The Dominicans arraigned were Cristian Leandro Casado Lara, 32; Puro Benito Martinez, 20;

Jose Luis Tejada Mordan, 50; Johnny Rodriguez, 54; Jose Armando Arias Medrano, 35; Joan Antonio Encarnacion Baez, 30; Melvin Alexander Confe-

sor Soto, 35; Stalin Rafael Lara, 25; Marino Enrique Guerrero Andujar, 49; Juan Carlos Arias Diaz, 39; and Jean Carlos Ezequuiel Pena, 33.

PAGE 8, Thursday, November 24, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

Radical reforms required to improved public trust in our political system

T

HE Bahamas’ electoral process and the parliamentary registration procedures are seriously flawed and are in desperate need of a complete overhaul.

With the 2017 general election setting up to be a nail-biter, there is clearly a need for reform of our electoral process, beginning with campaign finance reform. In certain quarters, the electoral campaigns have become a revealing display of naked skulduggery.

Several years ago, the Supreme Court ruled that Byron Woodside, of the Free National Movement (FNM), was the duly elected MP for the Pinewood constituency in the 2007 general election. He defeated current Attorney General Allyson MaynardGibson.

Following the court’s decision to conduct a recount and disqualify 110 votes, Mrs Maynard-Gibson, who was the Attorney General at the time of the election, cheekily and disingenuously claimed that “the system was corrupted” and that she was “hoping that we all as Bahamians move quickly to address this issue as quickly as possible, so that we can see the integrity of the system restored.” But, what has she done - since being re-appointed as Attorney General - to restore the integrity of the system and press for electoral reform?

Prime Minister Perry Christie, who was then the Opposition leader, also asserted that the failures and deficiencies of the electoral process revealed a threat to the nation and clearly undermines the government.

But, what has he done to effect change since he returned to the seat of power?

The 2007 general election was poorly executed and Bahamians were hur-

A Young Man’s View

By ADRIAN GIBSON

ried to the polls. The con- mation centre and hotline; stituencies order was made 3 Setting new and precise on March 26, the polling guidelines for determindivisions order was made ing someone’s eligibility to the following day and he vote; dissolved the House of As4 Implementing new balsembly eight days later on lot systems or electronic April 4. The election was voting. The machinery of in May. As it stands, we are elections must be modernon course to see a repeat of ised. We are still using an2007 in 2017. tiquated methods and techMoving forward, radical nology. There is a need to reforms must be made to reduce the long wait times the electoral process. Once that it takes to vote. the political will is there, 5 Organising alternative electoral reform can be at- means to count votes; tained. The adoption of the 6 Proposing fixed boundfollowing suggestions could aries and/or an independent lead to a smoother electoral boundaries commission; process: 7 Stipulating a fixed elec1 Generating an accu- tion date; rate register that could be 8 Establish electoral ofproduced through ground fices in different districts of work in the an island to communistimulate vot‘This election, ties. The Parer registration we must demand liamentary and maintain Registration that the leaders of a convenient Department the PLP, FNM and presence; must mini9 Political mise redun- DNA parties - and parties should dant pro- perhaps one or two embrace the cesses.

We of the fourth and democratic should incorprocess and porate door- fifth party leaders have primato-door enu- - participate in at ries in every meration to least three national constituency; register peo10 Hire ple. A secure, debates.’ youth liaison online voter officers who registration system should visit the university and colalso be developed. In the leges, schools, employers, year or two prior to a gen- social media, etc to encoureral election, personnel at age registration of young the department could take voters; to the field and register pro11 Improve facilities for spective voters who might special needs voters, betbe domiciled in shelters, the tering voting tools for such homeless and infirmed; people and meeting with 2 Conducting voter out- organisations that cater to reach programmes via the physically disabled, and direct mail, multi-media the visually and hearing imadvertising, a voter infor- paired. There is a need for

ATTORNEY General Allyson Maynard-Gibson, who said that “the system was corrupted” after losing out in the 2007 general election. better signage at the polls, least three national debates. ernment was giving people On April 7, Dr Min- jobs with a clear intention better lighting and braille stickers should be placed nis told a Bain and Grants of influencing the vote. on ballots (if and when we Town constituency associa- That’s not proper, ethical or move to electronic voting, tion meeting that the FNM fair,” Mr Christie asserted braille interfaces could be would begin term limits for in another interview. He the post of Prime Minister, continued: “Both parties used); 12 We must embrace a recall system for members should look at what’s happroportional representa- of Parliament and a primary pening in the country today tion and a reformed Senate election where parliamen- with a view to reorganising would deepen our democ- tary candidates would be our approach to elections racy and cause for such rep- determined by constituents. because it is awfully difI endorse this view and have ficult for independent and resentation; 13 Political party leaders long called for such changes small parties to have even and candidates in their con- to the status quo. a remotely small chance (to Dr Minnis also proposed win) given what is happenstituencies should have at least three debates before that candidates vying to rep- ing on the part of the two resent a constituency dur- major parties.” polling day.

14 Furthermore, for vari- ing a general election must I wonder if Mr Christie ous reasons - one being the first be endorsed through continues to have that view fact that the fee hasn’t been an electoral primary by about independents and raised in decades - I also that constituency prior to small parties? Does this think that the nomination the general election. It is mean that his government fee should be increased unfortunate that we have will not dole out jobs this not seen a manifestation of election cycle? from $400 to $1,000.

We must aim to improve these proposals - by both In the July 28, 2012, edipublic trust in our political the PLP and the FNM - this tion of The Tribune - fresh election cycle. system. off a general election win Prime Minister Christie - Mr Christie urged ParliaOver the years, the governing party at an election is perhaps one of the most mentarians to promulgate a politicians ‘new culture’ in Bahamian - Progressive Liberal Party hypocritical (PLP) and FNM - have serving. In the February politics, as he sparked fresh been known to redraw con- 18, 2010, edition of The discussions on campaign stituencies in favour of their Tribune, Mr Christie - then finance reform in the wake party. Earlier this year, Mr campaigning during the of concerns by the OrganiChristie called for a public Elizabeth by-election - said sation of American States debate between The Baha- that there is a serious need (OAS). mas’ three political leaders for campaign reform to asDrawing on recommento determine who is best sure third-party and inde- dations outlined by CARIpendent candidates of an COM and the OAS’ report suited to run the country.

“Bring Minnis here, even playing field. His com- on The Bahamas’ electoral bring Branville here, Chris- ments came as he accused process, Mr Christie said tie here and say ‘tell us what FNM operatives of running that “the only way (reform) you believe in’, and make an unethical by-election is going to work is if Parliayour judgment. Ask ques- campaign filled with al- mentarians agree that there tions, see who has a com- leged promises of jobs and is a compelling urgency mand of the country, who other incentives to voters in to be more accountable understands where the exchange for their support. in what we’re doing; more Mr Christie claimed that transparent in what we’re country ought to be going and who could speak to the weeks leading up to the doing. We are challenged those issues” Mr Christie Elizabeth by-election were to determine the extent “the worst I’ve ever seen it” to which foreign investors said.

Democratic National Al- in terms of allegations that should be contributing to liance (DNA) leader Bran- members of the FNM were our democracy directly in ville McCartney accepted allegedly using their gov- campaign finance matters the invitation. Thus far, ernment clout to sway vot- and we have to determine there has been no accept- ers. He said that on the eve whether we are prepared ance from FNM leader Dr of the by-election, a PLP to regulate that by way of Hubert Minnis. This elec- supporter told him that her disclosure, even if it’s to an tion, we must demand that daughter had been offered electoral commission and the leaders of these parties a job by a member of the not to the public,” he said.

- and perhaps one or two of FNM, presumably to influ“We are living a lie to the fourth and fifth party ence her vote. just continue to allow this “Up to (Monday) the gov- current system that we’re leaders - participate in at

black friday month end specials at

Roberts Furniture

% save 20 *

storewide

november 24-30, 2016

% on save 40 plus select bed & dining se ts *

Roberts Furniture

5th Terrace & East Avenue CENTREVILLE Phone: 322-8862 Join us on Facebook

LINEN DEPT. * % UP TO

50

OFF

*Except net

THE TRIBUNE

A CROWD at a PLP rally during the 2012 election campaign. operating under to exist,” we hear accounts of forMr Christie said, “because eigners and local, high you know and I know and net worth special intereveryone else knows that a ests groups who view malot of things are happening, jor party candidates as where you’re taking advan- pieces on a political chess tage of all sorts of opportu- board.

The unabated pursuit of nities if you’re power and, the governin some cases ment and it ‘Prime Minister enrichment, places people Christie is perhaps has become at a signifi- one of the most a hallmark cant disadof Bahamian vantage and hypocritical politics. Bathat’s not how politicians serving. hamians are a democracy He has been at well aware functions.” of the propoWell blow the helm of a sitions of me down! government that politicians Mouth could has been anything - the bribes say anything! but transparent so and blatant Wow. sweeteners So, Mr one wonders if he for votes, Christie, how whether that much money forgot everything means purdid Peter he said in 2012.’ chasing food, Nygard conclothing or tribute to the PLP’s last general election campaign? appliances, paying utility Mr Christie, what have bills, raising public funds you done to bring about to create temporary jobs, doling out contracts for campaign finance reform?

Mr Christie has been at campaign favours, or unathe helm of a government shamedly giving away monthat has been anything but ey, alcohol, cellular phone transparent so one wonders cards and even drugs.

As an ever maturing elecif he forgot everything he torate, we must not stand said in 2012.

Election after election, by and watch as political

Thursday, November 24, 2016, PAGE 9

parties fall into the pockets of wealthy donors. When it comes to campaign financing, we should cap expenditures by putting ceilings on donations and carefully scrutinise the institutions and/or individuals contributing to the coffers of these parties.

Politicians should be made to disclose their contributors and expenditures.

Restrictions must be enforced to limit the contributions of individuals and groups.

Whilst at it, let’s also adopt the approach of Barbados, where all election posters must be taken down two days before a general election. Moreover, shirts representing political parties/entities must be sold rather than given away as we do locally. This would not only cut costs associated with Bahamian elections, but also serve as a starting point for electoral reform.

Comments and responses to ajbahama@hotmail.com

Thanksgiving & Black Friday S

A

L

E

Thursday 24 - Sunday 27 • Table Lamp 30% • Stand Lamp 30% • Selective Chandeliers 25% • Selective Bathroom Vanities 25%

• Ceiling Fans 15% • Selective Outdoors Wall Lighting 20% • Stand Fans 20%

HOME CARE #4 Joe Farrington Road • Phone: 324 7953

Man gone crazy

PAGE 10, Thursday, November 24, 2016

US alert over protest march from page one

Mr Wilchcombe said: “We will have to see [impact] because this is a Thanksgiving weekend, a big weekend for tourism.

We have to pray God all goes well and that the visitors continue on their trip and don’t alter their plans because of the warning.

We’re hoping we’re able to get through this situation.”

The US Embassy yesterday highlighted the proposed 12-hour occupation of downtown Bay Street as part of a series of crime warnings, and warned that demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn “confrontational and escalate to violence”.

To that end, the Embassy advised US citizens to “avoid the areas of the demonstrations, and to exercise caution if in the vicinity of large gatherings, protests or demonstrations” while in The Bahamas this week.

THE TRIBUNE

Mr Wilchcombe said: “We can never underestimate a warning, what we have to always do is ensure that our country is not seen as a country that frightens people away. We literally have to be concerned about it and it’s imperative for us to watch what’s going on. We also have a democracy and in a democracy certain things happen, how we manage ourselves that’s important.

“Just as the national anthem states ‘see how the world marks the manner of our bearing’, it is fundamentally important to recognise that the world is going to be watching us and if anything goes wrong the damage that could be impacted.”

The Royal Bahamas Police Force will be doing their best in their job,” he added, “at the end of the day we’re hoping we can get through this without incident and don’t create any issues.”

Promoted as a silent protest, “We March” will start at Arawak Cay at 1pm to-

morrow.

From there, organisers will lead participants into downtown Nassau on their way to Parliament and remain there until 1am the following day.

The event, which has been posted on Facebook for much of the last two weeks, has attracted significant support from activists and civic organisations, including environmental group Raising Awareness about the Bahamas Landfill (RABL).

On Tuesday, Trade Union Congress (TUC) President Obie Ferguson, along with National Congress of Trade Unions Bahamas (NCTUB) President John Pinder, who is also the president of the Bahamas Public Service Union (BPSU), called on workers to “make an effort” to be a part of the march in order to “demonstrate your rights as a Bahamian”.

Yesterday, Mr Wilchcombe said he felt that or-

ganisers should have first met with the government to discuss its campaign, suggesting that many of the concerns listed are at various stages of redress by the government.

“The issues that I think are being raised are issues that can be discussed with the government,” he said.

“Opportunities should be sought to discuss issues and subsequent if they weren’t satisfied, then demonstrate.

But in a democracy you can’t tell people that they can’t do something, but I do believe sometimes we are ignoring the reality of the importance of dialogue.

“We looked at a letter sent to the Prime Minister and most of those issues are being addressed either in the national plan or as we speak.

“At the end of the day,” he said, “what is the objective? We’re seeking to work together to resolve the issues, you help me to understand the issues.”

The event’s social media page further outlines a 17-point petition of demands for lawmakers, among which includes: a referendum on term limits for MPs and the prime minister; the introduction of a national lottery; waste management reform; and to strip the Cabinet posts of Jerome Fitzgerald, minister of education, and V Alfred Gray, minister of agriculture and marine resources.

Other demands listed on the event’s social media page were: “Cancel all negotiations on these Chinese fishing, agriculture and forestry ventures and issue our Crown land to our people with an annual lease fee.

Implement Marco’s Law immediately to protect our children from predators.

“Show us the $600m plus from VAT. Enact laws to empower civil society organisations in hurricane relief efforts and community development. Enforce public disclosure and advise

the commissioner of police to arrest any MP that has failed to disclose.”

It continued: “Table a bill to introduce an all-Bahamian cruise industry with vessels owned by Bahamians only. Lift the moratorium on taxi plates and end the practice of leasing plates, which is truly a form of indenture labour. Allow civil servants to participate in demonstrations and to have second sources of income. Cap the interest rates banks can charge on mortgages, personal loans and credit cards.”

According to lead organiser Ranard Henfield, protests are also expected to be staged simultaneously in Grand Bahama, Abaco, as well as in New York and Toronto, Canada. The march will be broadcast via Periscope and Facebook Live, according to officials.

For the upcoming march, participants have been asked to wear black clothing and not take part in any media interviews.

government and also associated with criminal activity such as assault”.

A woman was killed and two people, a woman and a man, were hospitalised following a drive by shooting at the Sand Trap off West Bay Street around 8pm on November 14.

The shooting took the country’s murder count to

90 for the year.

Speaking to crime trends, the United States Embassy reminded US citizens in the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos of the annual scourge in crime in these countries around the holiday season.

“This notice is intended to provide security information to help ensure a safe

holiday season,” the statement said.

It continued: “Vigilance plays a key role in the early detection of danger. If you observe anything you perceive as suspicious or dangerous the best option is to move away immediately and call the police at 911 or 919 in the Bahamas, and 911 or 999 in Turks and Caicos.”

The Embassy said that perpetrators of residential crimes typically conduct “pre-attack surveillance”, insisting that the trend underscores the need for an increased awareness of common activities which can directly impact personal security.

Embassy officials warned its residents to think prudently about after dark travel, stressing that they avoid unlit areas where persons could hide and ambush unsuspecting persons, listing the Arawak Cay area as such a spot.

US residents were also urged to keep wallets and purses close to their bodies while shopping or at restaurants around the Bahamas.

The statement read: “Avoid carrying large amounts of cash, use an ATM/credit card when possible and check your credit card statements regularly for potential fraud or unauthorised charges. “ It continued: “Avoid using ATM machines located in isolated areas and consider using ATM machines located in locations that have security coverage. Be particularly aware of your surroundings when making withdrawals.”

“Keep your car doors

locked and your windows rolled up, as you drive.

Keep valuables out of sight when parked (including cell phones, laptops, cash, GPS, or other valuables). Utilise a car alarm or steering wheel locking device.”

“Do not display or wear expensive jewellery that may make you a target for criminals.”

“In crawling traffic or in a stopped line of cars, leave at least a half a car length between your vehicle and the car in front of you. If you believe you are being followed, drive immediately to a safe location such as a police station, a gas station, or a hotel. If travelling in an unfamiliar area use a GPS or map app on your cell phone to know where you are when driving.”

Embassy officials also recommended to its residents, that if confronted by armed criminals, that they should value their lives over any vehicle or valuable.

“Remember your vehicle or valuables are not worth your life or anyone else’s life. Try to remain calm, clearly display your hands and do not make any sudden moves that could be interpreted as resistance,” the warning added.

US OFFICIALS TELL STAFF SAND TRAP ‘OFF LIMITS’ from page one

For the Sand Trap, the statement described the establishment as the “launching point” for jet ski operators, a group the Embassy has repeatedly taken issue with in recent years.

It claims that operators are “minimally regulated by

THE TRIBUNE

‘The Bahamas’ own street philosopher’

Thursday, November 24, 2016, PAGE 11

PAGE 12, Thursday, November 24, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

Killer of Kurt McCartney misses deadline for appeal

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

A MAN convicted and sentenced to 45 years in jail for the murder of businessman Kurt McCartney has missed the deadline to formally lodge an appeal against conviction.

Thorne Edwards appeared in the Court of Appeal yesterday for an extension of time application concerning the appeal he

would like to have heard relating to the October 2013 slaying of Mr McCartney.

As he missed the 21-day deadline for filing an appeal after sentencing, he must first apply for permission to be heard on appeal, which could be granted if he is able to convince the court that the challenge is likely to be successful.

The hearing of the matter was adjourned to a date to be announced as he is required to file additional

documents in support of his application for the extension.

Edwards and Lyndera Curry, along with Okell Farrington and Sumya Ingraham, were on trial for nearly two weeks concerning McCartney’s murder and armed robbery.

On December 14, 2015, a jury took three hours to return verdicts for each of the accused persons after they had been excused to deliberate on the evi-

dence.

Edwards was unanimously convicted of murder and was found guilty of armed robbery on a majority verdict of 9-3. Curry was acquitted of murder but found guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter by 11-1. The same count was returned on her conviction for armed robbery.

Farrington and Ingraham were acquitted of murder, manslaughter and armed robbery. Businessman and

community activist Terry Delancy, who had been accused of being an accessory after the fact to the murder, was acquitted of the charge for legal reasons following the close of the prosecution’s case.

It was alleged that Edwards shot McCartney in the face after he became involved in an argument between Curry and the victim. The prosecution maintained that McCartney was crushed when Farrington,

Ingraham and Curry allegedly rolled over his body as they fled the scene in the victim’s Hummer. It was also alleged that Edwards ran away after the shooting.

Edwards was sentenced to 45 years for murder and 20 years for armed robbery for his role in the killing while Curry was sentenced to seven years on the manslaughter charge and five years for armed robbery.

The sentences were ordered to run concurrently.

PAIR ACCUSED OF ROBBING WELL-KNOWN PSYCHIATRIST FACE COURT FOUR ARE CHARGED OVER DRUG DISCOVERY

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

A TRIAL date in 2018 has been fixed for the accused behind the home invasion and gunpoint robbery of a well known psychiatrist.

Leonard O’Brien, 19, and Wilson Lacroix, 20, appeared before Senior Justice Stephen Isaacs for a fixture hearing for their case concerning the accosting of Dr David Allen and his family.

They had pleaded not guilty to housebreaking and armed robbery when formally arraigned in the Supreme Court three weeks ago.

However, they were without legal representation and were told that lawyers would be appointed for them at the public’s expense.

In yesterday’s hearing before Senior Justice Isaacs, lawyer Sonia Timothy confirmed her appointment as counsel for Lacroix and held brief for Damian Whyte who is representing O’Brien.

The judge said that the earliest available date on his calendar was March 12, 2018.

Timothy and Crown prosecutor Erica Duncombe ac-

cepted the date.

It is alleged that the pair, sometime on July 26, broke into Dr David Allen’s home. The armed robbery took place around 6.30am at Dr Allen’s West Bay Street home. Dr Allen’s daughter and grandchildren were also at home during the invasion, however no one was physically harmed.

It is alleged that they, while armed with a handgun, robbed Dr Allen of a $1,500 gold Cuban link chain, a $200 gold Seiko watch and a 32-inch TV set valued at $250.

The men are also accused of robbing Marie Allen Caroll of $100 cash, an American passport, a Land wallet that contained bank cards, her Bahamian driver’s license, a PlayStation 4 gaming console and assorted games worth $650, and $1,200 Mac Book Pro laptop and two jewellery boxes that contained $300 worth of assorted jewellery.

Concerning the lesser charge of receiving, it is alleged that the stolen jewellery boxes were found in their possession. If convicted at trial, they could face up to life imprisonment.

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net FOUR Grand Bahama men were charged with possession of dangerous drugs in New Providence this week.

Patrick Pyfrom Jr, 28, of Yorkshire Drive, South Bahamia; Jaran McIntosh, 30, of Sea Grape, Eight Mile Rock; Steven Smith, 23, of Sea Grape, Eight Mile Rock; Tavares Moss, 29, of Bartlette Hill, Eight Mile Rock appeared before Magistrate Constance Delancey.

Smith pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three years imprisonment at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. The other three accused pleaded not guilty and the matter was adjourned to February 16, 2017.

LEONARD O’Brien outside court during a previous appearance.

MURDER SUSPECT TO WAIT A WEEK FOR BAIL DECISION

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

ANNUITANT VERIFICATION As part of its verica�on of benets procedure, Colina Insurance Limited requires all recipients of annuity payments to produce evidence of their con�nuing eligibility to receive such payments twice each year – during the months of May and November.

To be veried during the month of November 2016, annuitants must visit any of the following Colina loca�ons and be veried by one of our Customer Service Representa�ves: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

21 Collins Avenue 56 Collins Avenue Rose�a Street Carmichael Road (Walk‐In Medical Clinic bldg) 12 Village Road Carter Street, Oakes Field (The Nassau Guardian bldg) East Mall & Poinciana Drive (Freeport) Don McKay Boulevard. (Marsh Harbour) Turnquest Star Plaza (George Town)

Clients may also visit CFAL (308 East Bay St., 3rd Fl.) The following documents must be presented at �me of verica�on: ■ ■

Annuity card, and Valid Passport, Drivers License, or Voters Card

Annuitants residing outside of The Bahamas, or those who are unable to visit our offices physically may download the Life Cer�cate Form from the Company’s website, www.colina.com, complete it, have it validated by a Notary Public and delivered to our office at the address below.

Colina Insurance Limited 21 Collins Avenue, P. O. Box N‐4728 Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas Annuitants who fail to verify on or before November 30, 2016 will have their payments suspended un�l such �me as this process is completed. Should you require addi�onal informa�on, please contact our Customer Service Centre at 356‐8300.

‘Colina’ and the Colina Globe are Registered Trademarks of Colina Insurance Limited

A MAN accused of murder will have to wait another week before his bail application is heard before a judge who will also set a date for his trial.

Kyle Newbold, 24, and his lawyer Krysta MasonSmith were due to appear before Justice Cheryl Grant-Thompson yesterday for a fixture hearing con-

cerning the August 23 slaying of Martin Nixon.

His application for bail was also to be heard as Senior Justice Stephen Isaacs last week forwarded the matter to the judge set to preside over the case.

However, Justice GrantThompson revealed that she had not yet received the file concerning the application and that Newbold had also not been transported from the Department of Correctional Services.

As a result, his fixture hearing was postponed to November 28 while the bail application would be heard the following day, November 29.

Newbold and co-accused 22-year-old Christopher McQueen pleaded not guilty to murder when they were formally charged before Justice Bernard Turner on November 4.

According to initial police reports, shortly after 11pm off Blue Hill Road South, Nixon was involved in an argument with anoth-

er man in front of a home when he was shot.

He was rushed to the hospital, but died of his injuries early the next morning.

When Newbold and McQueen’s case was transferred to the Supreme Court for trial in October, they were informed about the Voluntary Bill of Indictment and their right to enter an alibi in court or to the Office of the Attorney General in 21 days. Both men chose the latter option.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, November 24, 2016, PAGE 13

Thanksgiving lunch thanks to Island Luck

CHILDREN at the Island Luck Cares Foundation second annual children’s Thanksgiving luncheon, held at Ridgeland Primary School yesterday.

Photos: Aaron Davis

’S

ANY OMP

C

Y R E L TRE L A G ART ING CEN le T Sa H s G I a m &L hrist ASS L G U

SA NAS

C ~ e r P

E* D I EW

ment

26 R O ber m T e v S No day r u t OFF Sa ough g the

din *exclu

day

Mon

glas

nd ite

ent a

artm s dep

nsign

n co ms o

hr r7t

be ovem

N

CUSTOM & READY-MADE FRAMES

15% OFF

All major credit cards accepted as cash! www.nassauglass.com

Mackey Street 393-8165 • 393-3723 HOURS Mon - Fri 8:30am - 4:30pm Saturday 8:30am - 1:00pm

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, November 24, 2016, PAGE 15

BISHOP HALL STEPS BACK FROM CLICO CAMPAIGN from page one

to his South Beach home, which he said sustained “a lot” of damage from Hurricane Matthew.

Bishop Hall also said he is done “wasting my time” in trying to get State Minister for Finance Michael Halkitis to give an update on the matter, adding that “I don’t think I should be sitting outside any minister’s office for more than an hour and still can’t see him.”

“It’s sheer frustration, man,” Bishop Hall said of his reasons to abandon his long-fought battle. “And I’m getting too old to do these kinds of things.

“I just felt like I’m not getting anywhere, and they keep putting it off from March, they said it was August, then September, then October then November and now I understand it’s gone to December .

“So I told the persons who showed up last night, call on their MPs and call on their pastors and maybe that kind of agitation will bring greater than I have

achieved. But I’m tired and frustrated, and I don’t think I should be siting outside any minister’s office for more than an hour and still can’t see him.

“I’ll just leave it alone, and let somebody else do it, or let Mr Halkitis do it.”

When asked if he would still try to reach Mr Halkitis, Bishop Hall said: “Not at all. I’m not wasting my time with him anymore. I’m a pastor. If he comes through then fine but I’m not doing anything more with this.”

Bishop Hall’s statement, and subsequent comments to The Tribune, came less than a week after he criticized the Christie administration for not honouring its self-imposed mid-November deadline for the issuance of compensatory government bonds, stating at the time that a potential end to the CLICO debacle was beginning to look more and more “like a hopeless situation”.

Last month, the government said CLICO (Bahamas) policyholders would receive their compensatory government bonds by midNovember plus accrued

interest, and that it would “earmark” over $40m to facilitate the payout process.

The bonds in question are designed to compensate clients of the insolvent life and health insurer who are owed more than $10,000.

The bonds can be obtained by the exchange of promissory notes issued by the government at the end of March.

However, the government said the issuance of the government bonds would happen once the insurance license for Coral Insurance Company, the government’s special purpose vehicle (SPV) for this process, is processed and completed, which was expected to be no later than the second week of this month.

The statement said once “duly licensed with regulatory approval in hand”, Coral’s “first order of business” would be to undertake a bond offering of approximately $45m, the proceeds of which will be “earmarked” for issuance to qualified CLICO (Bahamas) policyholders in exchange for the promis-

‘NO EVIDENCE’ OF RAPE AT RESORT

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A RESORT in the Lucaya area of Grand Bahama has responded to an alleged rape that was posted on Facebook by a couple who were guests at the property almost two months ago.

The general manager of the Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach told The Tribune yesterday that the couple were guests on September 30 and the resort was aware that the rape allegation was posted on social media.

The hotel executive said that police investigations were conducted and there was no evidence found of any such incident having occurred at the resort.

In the post, the couple said they eloped while stay-

ing at the resort, and were married on the beach. The man claimed that his new bride was allegedly raped in their guestroom after he had gone out to the bar to get some celebratory drinks. On his return to the room, he claimed that he saw a member of the security staff open the door and allow some other people go into the room and they raped his wife. He claimed that the perpetrators jumped over the deck railing and ran across the beach and escaped.

The general manager said that when such claims are made it is unfortunate, not only for the hotel, but also for The Bahamas.

“An investigation was held and we have a final police report that there is no kind of evidence about

a rape. There was a medical report to the person involved and there was no kind of evidence of rape and or sexual activity,” the general manager said. “They created a Facebook page and this kind of thing is not positive about the island.”

The manager said that personnel encounter all different kinds of people at the resort.

When asked about a complaint of bed bug infestation, the executive said they follow strict cleaning procedure.

“We have a company that makes regular fumigation and we have all our inspection licences where we follow a strict programme of cleaning all public areas and guestrooms daily. We adhere to strict rules and procedure about health and safety here,” the executive said.

sory note letters issued by the government “reflecting residual claim balances owing” following the partial claims payout exercise earlier this year.

Before that, Prime Minister Perry Christie had promised that a collective $16m cash payout would be issued to victims of the CLICO situation before the end of March.

Mr Christie said at the time that the insolvent insurer’s executive flexible premium annuity (EPPA) holders, and surrendered

pension policies, would receive a cash payment capped at $10,000.

Anything owed above that sum would be paid off via the issuance to former clients of seven-year promissory notes (government bonds), which will provide them with quarterly insurance payments at the prime rate (4.75 per cent).

Via the payout process, some policyholders recovered at least some of their life savings and long-term investments, all of which were lost when the life and

health insurer collapsed into insolvency in 2009.

However, some policyholders have said they still have not recovered any lost funds. Bishop Hall’s brief statement to CLICO (Bahamas) policyholders said yesterday: “Before the 2012 elections this government promised it would address it – less than 10 per cent was paid and we remained hopeful the balance would be paid in this lifetime.

“Call your pastor or your MP and put pressure on them. God bless you.”

Bring out the beauty of your floor this Christmas

35% Off Selected Styles of Carpet 50% Off Carpet Remnants

CARPET VINYL LAMINATE WOOD Bakco Building | East Shirley St. | 393-2966

PAGE 16, Thursday, November 24, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

A SPANISH Wells Fishing guest turned his cooler into a fresh lobster bar.

GYS DeWet Wahoo fishing near Harbour Island.

SPEARHAMAS team member Ed Fitzgerald lll with a nice Permit.

THE change of weather brought a predicted increase in catch for Wahoo fishermen in The Bahamas this week.

Keep checking the BSFN expert page for fishing reports throughout The Bahamas: this will be helpful in tracking the “hot spots” and providing advice on gear and fishing methods being used.

For a sample of the spectacular fishing to be had in The Bahamas, expert advice, tournament dates and results, informative features and photo galleries visit the BSFN page at tribune242.com or www. bsfn.biz.

• BSFN slideshows can be found on USA Today’s website in the Travel section at experience.usatoday.com.

LUKE Maillis with a ‘stud’ Yellowfin Grouper near Long Island.

JACK Hitchcock on the ‘zebras’ fishing for Wahoo in Abaco.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, November 24, 2016, PAGE 17

THE SLINGERS at the Andros basketball event.

Basetkball to build better relationships

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net AN Andros resident is hosting a free weekly basketball tournament in hopes of developing the youth in his community and fostering better relations between the island’s four main districts.

Cyril Miller, a Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) officer who also owns his own construction company, hosts a free basketball tournament at the Mangrove Cay High School Park for not only youth between the ages of 8 and 18, but also for adults in the im-

mediate and wider Andros community, typically between the ages of 21-35.

Mr Miller also said he arranges a “revival service” at a local church in order to further develop the “spiritual” lives of the youth and others in the community.

The tournaments, which feature competition in three divisions: junior, senior, and “community”, are held each Sunday from 3pm until, according to Mr Miller, who said the jamboree typically sees participation from persons from North Andros, Central Andros, Mangrove Cay and South Andros.

Mr Miller, who said he funds the tournament him-

self, said he has received the assistance of two local coaches in running the local jamboree. The tournament is a by-product of his “Flourish Again” programme, he said.

“I want to really aim for the youth so that we can build leadership characteristics, integrity, and, of course, we want to build the relationships between the different islands, so that they can get familiar and know each other,” Mr Miller told The Tribune.

“The young people in the tournament, it was awesome,” he said of the turnout thus far. “We had at least 300 youngsters out there on the park.”

ONE of the participants in the basketball event in Andros.

ACTION at the basketball tournament.

$21.45 $108.00

PAINT &

ACCESSORIES NOV 19 - DEC 3 FRANKIE LIGHTBOURNE

TRIBUTES ARE PAID TO FRANKIE LIGHTBOURNE

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net THE Grand Bahama Entertainers, Musician and Artist Association (GBEMAA) yesterday paid tribute to Bahamian guitarist and singer Frankie Lightbourne, who has died.

Nat Cambridge, president of GBEMAA, described Mr Lightbourne as a talented entertainer and an “all round nice guy”.

He said Mr Lightbourne had performed on many stages with local and world renowned performing artists, from Smokey 007 to Teddy Pendergrass. “He has given his life to the entertainment industry,” Mr Cambridge said.

“Frankie was always a constant professional, always on time, never unprepared and always willing to go the extra mile to share

his talent. The entertainment community and those that heard his music, saw his smile, and fell in love with his spirit. We will truly miss this ‘man among men’.”

Cambridge extended condolences to his family.

“I thank them for lending us “Frankie’, his talents, time and spirit, and for being patient with him as he bore us on his shoulders artistically and emotionally.

“There are so many good things to be said about Frankie and the legacy of love and music he has left behind and that time will come. On behalf of the members of the entertainment community, and all those that loved and enjoyed Frankie, I would like to extend condolences to his family and those that love him and belong to his tight inner circle,” he said.

$35.48 ACRYLIC GLOSS

$26.46 $136.52

SPECIAL OFFER! BUY ONE GET ONE HALF OFF! Purchase any 1 or 5 gal of Protecto Coat or Acrylic Gloss white paint and get the second 1 or 5 gal

$19.35 $92.45

PAGE 18, Thursday, November 24, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

DRIVER’S ANGER AT ROAD DANGER

THE EXPOSED drain cover on East Bay Street.

THE upkeep of roads in New Providence has been a sore point for public works officials in recent months as The Tribune’s “Fix My Street” campaign has highlighted scores of potholes and unrepaired surfaces on behalf of frustrated motorists.

On Friday, Gavin Lloyd was left stranded after an uncovered East Bay Street drain cover took out his left-front tyre and rim said he could no longer quietly sit back as “poor street conditions become the norm”.

Mr Lloyd, an entrepreneur, said he has had enough, claiming that his anger is not caused by the damage inflicted on his car but with the possibilities he faced while behind the wheel as he hit the pothole.

“I could have killed someone,” Mr Lloyd said.

“I could have killed the driver in the other lane, I could have killed someone walking on the sidewalk ...

GAVIN Lloyd points to the damaged tyre and rim of his car. even myself. That is what gets me with this situation because if someone had died today we would have heard so much about fixing the damn hole then. Why not do it now?

“I wasn’t speeding, I wasn’t driving recklessly.

None of that. But if something had happened, they

would have gone on for months about how my accident was about everything but the road.”

Shortly after 10am, Mr Lloyd was on his way to a meeting and struck the manhole in an unrepaired part of the road just west of the old Royal Bahamas Marine Base. Appalled by the

situation, Mr Lloyd walked a block to The Tribune offices to vent his anger.

“I mean we are in a modern country,” he said. “Why in the hell is it so difficult for our government to ensure that when someone digs up a hole, they don’t leave until it is closed, repaved and ready for use. This is sad.”

FAMILY JOIN CENTENARIAN CECILIA TO CELEBRATE BIRTHDAY

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

FAMILY and friends recalled a century of love, memories and triumphs as they celebrated the life of Cecelia Smith, who turned 100 on Tuesday.

During a small luncheon held in her honour at the St Joseph Day’s Care Centre, Mrs Smith, the younger sister of the late Simpson Penn, said it was the grace of God that has kept her “this long”.

Mrs Smith said she was humbled to see members of her family and the religious community on hand at the Boyd Road centre to

cheer and celebrate on her big day, calling it “a gift” to be as well aware as she is at her age.

“100 years is a lot to so many people, but 100 to me is happiness and family and God. That is what kept me. I became a Christian at 15-years-old; from then till now I have prayed and stayed close to God,” she said. “Prayer was something that was always important to me. It is something that I passed on to all of my children and to their children.”

The matriarch of a family of seven children, 57 grandchildren and 11 greatgrandchildren with her late husband James Williams

Smith, Mrs Smith said she still finds joy in helping those around her when she can.

“I have seven kids, all who I raised to respect God and love each other. They can tell you, prayer was important in our family and their actions shows that.

Family is important to me, and it means so much to have my kids here with me on this day. My other family who are here are special too, but I am so happy to have my daughters here with me today.”

She told of her pride in her brother, after whom the Simpson Penn Centre for Boys is named. “Simpson?

Simpson was my brother

and he was very respected throughout the community.

He took care of the children, he loved children and did all he could to help them be great people. Simpson also loved the Lord. That is what made him so good to people, his love for God guided all of his actions.”

A major figure in the historic East Street community, Mrs Smith remains a dedicated member of her neighbourhood Church of God of Prophecy.

An avid baker, musician and home maker in her prime, Mrs Smith was born on November 22, 1916, a time when the First World War was still raging in Europe.

CECELIA Smith at her 100th birthday celebration.

READERS REACT TO MILLER’S PREDICTION OF WIPEOUT FOR PLP MPS AFTER Tall Pines MP Leslie Miller said most of his parliamentary colleagues will be “gone” following next year’s general election, readers gave their reaction on tribune242. com.

Economist thought it might be time to give the DNA a chance: “The problem is that there is little or no difference between the PLP or the FNM. Neither

are capable of leading the nation out of the economic depths. Neither has come forward with a realistic economic plan because they

don’t know what to do.

“Both parties are filled with old people with old ideas. While the DNA doesn’t sparkle either, it may be time to let them run the country. They can’t do any worse than the FNM or the PLP. Indeed, the DNA might surprise us.”

But CommonSense responded with this: “What’s the difference between allowing the DNA to lead and

the FNM who have a new leader to lead? We can’t say that the FNM is the same as the PLP when the FNM has a new leader who can take the party in a new direction.

Whereas the only person with political experience in the DNA is Branville himself.”

And Realfreethinker added: “New leader and a new set of candidates that seem to have their pulse on the situation in the country. I would be willing to give them a try rather than the DNA based just solely on the candidates put forth.

DDK said: “Like it or not, Mr. Miller is spot on!”

Honestman believed the FNM would form the next government: “There is no doubt in my mind that the FNM will form

the government come May 2017. Aside from regular populist soundbites, Bran hasn’t raised the DNA’s profile to a level that would suggest the DNA has a realistic chance of breaking through into government.

I would have been less certain of this had Bran had been able to persuade such as D’Aguilar, Lloyd and Dames to join the DNA. Why was he not able to do so? The PLP will be wiped out next May - I agree that much with Leslie Miller.”

SP agreed with Mr Miller and criticised both the PLP and FNM: “Leslie Miller has seen the writing on the wall and interpreted it correctly. The PLP will without question suffer the biggest loss in their history come 2017 and the FNM

won’t be far ahead. Perry Christie totally destroyed the electorates’ confidence in the PLP, same as Hubert Ingraham totally destroyed the electorates’ confidence in the FNM in 2012.

“The PLP and FNM are equally responsible for ‘leading our country’ from the number one tourism destination in the Caribbean and the 3rd most prosperous country in the region only surpassed by the USA & Canada, to deep poverty, the worst unemployment tragedy in our history, war zone crime status, totally out of control immigration crises and massive, debilitating corruption throughout government.”

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

Wrap your home in the colours of your dreams this Christmas

20% off

storewide (except for net items)

If you can dream it, we can help you make it come true.

Jolly Roger Building | 130 Shirley Street | t 393 2836 or 393 2966