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FIRE TRUCK OUT OF ACTION AS ELEUTHERA WOMAN DIES IN HOUSE BLAZE THE BLAZE in North Eleuthera in which the remains of a woman were found.

PM: I will meet protest leaders Christie responds 18-YEAR-OLD CHARGED WITH RAHMING on eve of Black MURDER, STORE ROBBERY AND RAPE Friday march

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

AMIDST a defence of his government’s performance this term, Prime Minister Perry Christie yesterday told organisers of today’s “We March Bahamas” protest that he was “painfully aware” that the country has suffered tremendous setbacks.

In advance of what has been foreshadowed to be a major protest against governance, Mr Christie released a five-page response to the protest organisers that itemised reform initiatives and made the case that many of those setbacks were “beyond” his adminis-

tration’s control.

Organisers of today’s demonstration issued a list of 23 non-partisan demands to the Prime Minister’s office - and those of several of his Cabinet ministers - on Tuesday.

Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald also released a statement yesterday defending his effectiveness in his post in the face of calls for Freedom of Information legislation and an overhaul of the education system.

March organisers have called for a public response to their letter on the steps of the House of Assembly later today, as the group moves in to occupy Rawson Square.

SEE PAGE EIGHT

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net THE CHARRED remains of a woman were found inside a home in North Eleuthera early yesterday morning after police extinguished a massive fire that destroyed four homes, burned six vehicles to the ground and left eight people displaced.

The local firetruck was not used in fighting the blaze, which started shortly after 3am in Current, as it had broken down and one resident claimed that some of the homes might have been saved had it been in service.

SEE PAGE TWO

BASTIAN SAYS WEB SHOPS SUGGESTION IS ‘BIZARRE’

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

ISLAND Luck CEO Sebas Bastian yesterday criticised the “bizarre” suggestion by FML Group of Companies CEO Craig Flowers that the government should regulate the proliferation of numbers houses, charging that Mr Flowers is attempting to “level the playing field for self interest”.

Mr Bastian, in a statement, said Mr Flowers’ suggestion to limit the number of outlets for each operator is “outright nonsensical” and “flawed”, dubbing it an attempt by FML CEO to influence regulatory changes for personal benefit.

SEE PAGE SIX

HUMAN RIGHTS GROUP BLASTS ‘NONSENSICAL’ GOVT RESPONSE

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

MARCO DAVIS, 18, escorted by police into court yesterday. Photo: Lamech Johnson/Tribune Staff

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

TEENAGER Marco Davis was remanded to prison yesterday after he was arraigned in connection with the recent armed robbery of a Super Value food store and the fatal shooting of a

restaurant owner.

Davis, 18, also faced charges of armed robbery and rape in a further arraignment.

He appeared before Magistrate Kara TurnquestDeveaux facing a charge of murder in the November 13 killing of Albert Rahming, 52, owner of the popular

downtown nightspot Via Caffe.

He was charged with murder under section 291(1)(b) of the penal code, which does not attract the discretionary death penalty if a conviction is reached at trial.

SEE PAGE FIVE

PAINT &

ACCESSORIES

IN response to the government’s attempt to lift precautionary measures set to protect five activists, the Grand Bahama Human Right’s Association (GBHRA)yesterday issued a scathing rebuke of counter-claims as disingenuous, nonsensical and delusional.

In a statement, the local human rights group said it was shocked by the government’s intolerance SEE PAGE SIX

NOV 19 TO DEC 3 CHECK OUR FACEBOOK FOR MORE DETAILS!

PAGE 2, Friday, November 25, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

THE FIRE as it raged in the Current area of North Eleuthera.

FIRE TRUCK OUT OF ACTION AS ELEUTHERA WOMAN DIES IN HOUSE BLAZE from page one

Fire Chief Walter Evans said police dispatched a team to help after they received reports of a house fire in the Current area.

When officers arrived, they found a two-storey home engulfed in flames.

Supt Evans said despite attempts by police and volunteer fire fighters the building, as well as three other homes, were completely destroyed.

After the fire was extinguished, police discovered the charred remains of a “human being”. An autopsy will have to be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.

Police have not identified the victim but The Tribune understands she is Audrey Symonette.

Responding to reports that there were no available firetrucks in Current or nearby settlements, Supt Evans said “the firetruck in Current is experiencing mechanical issues”.

“I have to give credit to the Officer in Charge of Eleuthera, Superintendent Christopher Wright and his team, who responded immediately, “ Supt Evans said.

“We have five officers from the capital assisting with the investigation. As it relates to available firetrucks, they do have one in the area but it is experiencing mechanical difficulties, that is being looked at right now. This fire was very near the sea and wind played a major role in the spread of this blaze.”

Current resident Aldred Albury told The Tribune there were no fire engines or fire hydrants in the settlement at the time of the blaze. While he said he does not believe the death could have been prevented had

THE AFTERMATH of the blaze.

AUDREY SYMONETTE, who is understood to have died in the blaze. fire trucks been present, he believes more homes would have been saved.

“There is no fire engine in Hatchet Bay, the one in Gregory Town isn’t working, there is none in Governor’s Harbour. The fire engine came from Palmetto Point, 40 miles away, and it took a while to get here,” Mr Albury said.

“We had a fire hydrant in Current but, for some reason, it has been removed.

So no fire hydrant, no fire engine. Nothing, but the government can spend $20 million on a carnival that no one is benefiting from except the friends, family and lovers of the Progressive Liberal Party.

“Is it too much to ask for fire equipment? If we had it we could have stopped the extent of the damage. It’s time we show the government we mean business. I don’t think the death could have been prevented because she was in the house in which the fire started and it was already engulfed by the time people realised it.

“This cannot happen again. This is a disgrace.

Just keep us in your prayers on this Thanksgiving; we have eight people with nowhere to live and a husband who doesn’t have his wife.”

Officers from the Police Fire Services and the Central Detective Unit flew to Eleuthera to assist with the investigation.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, November 25, 2016, PAGE 3

MARINAS WELCOME PM STATEMENT ON FISHING

THE COFFIN of Anthony Culmer’s mother that was found in Ebenezer Methodist graveyard.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

Mother’s coffin taken from grave and hidden in bushes

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net FUNERAL services at a local church have come under fire after a man discovered that his mother’s coffin had been removed from her grave and hidden in bushes.

The harrowing experience has shaken 65-yearold taxi driver and life-long member of Ebenezer Methodist Church Anthony Culmer to the core.

While the matter has been resolved by the church’s administration, with his mother’s coffin with her remains to be returned, Mr Culmer said the incident has left him questioning whether his family were the only ones suffering this type of ordeal.

On Wednesday, he recounted the drama and his search to locate his mother’s earthly remains that were taken from his family’s plot in the church’s cemetery.

“I am a member of the church for 65 years, that’s how long I’ve been alive.

The family plot goes back to the 1950s. The anger of my mom’s remains just being cast aside,” he said.

“My mother’s box is not there, the woman is not resting in peace. This is where the anger comes in, and frustration, because the question is why was the box in the bush covered up?

“The problem is that the

preparation to put George (Mr Culmer’s brother) in the grave, my mother’s coffin was removed and my brother’s coffin was removed. My mother’s coffin was taken out of the grave but then it was put in the back of the cemetery’s yard and covered up.”

Mr Culmer was alerted to the missing coffin while attending the funeral of his brother, George, on Saturday. George was buried at the Ebenezer Methodist Church’s cemetery in a family plot that contained his mother, Rosalie Evans, and brother Arthur Johnson.

While visiting the grave site before the funeral, Mr Culmer said he was approached by a man who frequented the cemetery who told him that his mother’s coffin had been removed and took him to where it had been hidden.

“One of the persons who basically lives in the cemetery, he would have helped the undertaker’s workman who came to prepare the grave,” he said.

“Apparently the worker didn’t get paid, there was a dispute pertaining to him and the man who was contracted to do the work so he then told me that the box was where it was in the back of the cemetery. He went and showed me where the box was.”

Mr Culmer said he

brought his discovery to the attention of several church members on Sunday, and alerted church administrators to his discovery on Monday after he sought counsel at the Wulff Road police station. On Tuesday, a meeting was set up at the church hall with the undertaker, the grave digger, a police officer and the church administration.

However, Mr Culmer said his mother’s coffin was moved a second time, between Monday evening and Tuesday morning.

“The big question was asked of the grave digger, ‘where is my mother’s box and her remains in the box?’ He told us that he had it hidden in another empty grave in the cemetery which is covered up and he was prepared to put her body down in the grave which she came out of, because the grave is large enough to hold George. And there is space for another person to go on top.

Mr Culmer said: “But he didn’t spell that out to us before the funeral, nor did the funeral director because she depended on him. He let her down and then everybody got let down. It was hidden in the bush.”

According to the law, the same grave can be used again after seven years. Ms Evans was buried in 1982 and Mr Johnson in 1999.

MAN DETAINED OVER DISCOVERY OF HANDGUN AND MARIJUANA OFFICERS from the Mobile Division took a man into custody yesterday following the seizure of a handgun and a quantity of dangerous drugs.

Police report that shortly before 2pm, Mobile Division officers were on routine patrol on Wulff Road when they stopped a suspicious Honda vehicle occupied by an adult male.

The officers searched the vehicle and found a .45 pistol with one round of ammunition along with a

quantity of marijuana. The suspect was arrested.

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Although the incident has been explained as a misunderstanding, Mr Culmer said he believes he may have stumbled upon a scheme to resell used coffins.

“When I went to George’s funeral,” he said, “I went to look at the grave before I went into the church and when I looked at the grave there wasn’t two boxes in the grave, there was only half of a crushed box which was Arthur.

“They crushed it mainly to use it as a scam, to say that both boxes were in the grave just crushed up and not telling the truth that the other box was hidden in the bush.”

Mr Culmer said: “He was hiding the box to most likely sell it over. See the casket in itself is one of those expensive boxes. It’s a $25,000 box, and then again it’s still in good shape. The question is why was the box in the bush covered up? Why

is the box in the grave which he told the police where it is now? Where is the box?”

He added: “The question now is, is this the norm?

Perhaps we may not be the only family who this might have happened to.”

In 2012, The Tribune published a series of articles investigating the funeral service industry and exposing the concerns of industry professionals over licensing and regulation.

Most professionals interviewed pointed to the failure of successive governments to institute any form of licensure for practitioners in the industry, and the failure of the industry to effectively regulate itself.

They expressed concern about a lack of regulation in the industry, particularly when it comes to the certification of workers who present themselves as professional embalmers, funeral directors and removal specialists.

THE Association of Bahamas Marinas (ABM) yesterday welcomed the recent statement by the Prime Minister that put to rest the recent speculation and concerns about fishing in Bahamian waters.

The ABM, which represents the boating, yachting, sportfishing and marina industries of The Bahamas, said it was “relieved” that Perry Christie issued a statement on Tuesday to the effect that no consideration was being given to a Chinese fishing incursion into Bahamian waters and stated emphatically that the government had worked out no such arrangement with the Chinese government or with Chinese companies.

“The ABM and its membership were very relieved to receive the Prime Minister’s assurance,” said Stephen Kappeler, the ABM president.

“As with the rest of the nation, we were deeply concerned by the implications of even a remote possibility of industrial-scale fishing activity in Bahamian waters by anyone.

“As an association, we are deeply concerned about the preservation of the country’s marine environment and resources. Our businesses benefit thousands of Bahamians by offering experiences to visitors that involve interaction with a pristine marine environment.

“Where visitors to The Bahamas are permitted to fish, it is done under strict control and supervision in compliance with regulations. This sustainable practice attracts thousands of people to The Bahamas each year, people who were deeply alarmed as the recent controversy spread beyond our shores. Thankfully, that is now behind us.

We are happy that the matter has been laid to rest.”

PAGE 4, Friday, November 25, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

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Protest and the spread of populism IN AN increasingly interconnected world in which information can be instantaneously and continuously transmitted across time zones at the click of a computer mouse, it comes as no surprise that globalisation continues to grow at a bewildering pace.

The development of digital technology has facilitated more effective international co-operation, in particular economic interdependence, and this has boosted the drive towards the so-called “new world order” and the Utopian dream of Western liberal democracies becoming a form of universal government.

To achieve this, Western political leaders have relentlessly pursued, since the end of the Cold War, ever wider co-operation on issues like open borders and mass immigration, financial globalisation, including the scrapping of currencies in Europe, and the strengthening of diversity of equality, together with indulgence of drugs, scorn for patriotism and the promise of worldwide prosperity which has not materialised — and all this has been done with the ultimate aim of imposing a governmental system which supersedes the nation-state as global institutions are further developed and reshaped.

Although many people favour such lofty ideals and objectives in a world beset with, and torn apart by, conflict, the inevitable reaction has been a wave of nationalism in the Western world and the spawning of a reinvigorated populist movement which is transforming politics.

Described as a resentment of existing authorities – elected politicians as well as big business, banks and multinational corporations – which are depriving the people of their rights, values and prosperity, populism is essentially a reflection of the public’s dissatisfaction with, and rejection of, the political establishment.

Older people, in particular, fear they are being marginalised and left behind while they watch the metropolitan elite, from whom they feel alienated, condemning the traditional basic principles of patriotism and personal responsibility together with a sense of community and belonging. Unsurprisingly, therefore, they reject multiculturalism and the free flow of people, labour and capital because they favour national self-interest and identity together with the protection of traditionalism over progressive and liberal social values.

The wave of populism and antagonism between the populace and political elite

(driven by fear, anger and distrust and partly encouraged by social media), which is now sweeping the richer northern European countries, manifested itself last June in the vote for ‘Brexit’ in the United Kingdom while President-elect Trump came to power in the US essentially on a populist, anti-establishment platform.

Globalisation will surely develop further, but, reportedly, British Prime Minister Theresa May has said that claiming to be a citizen of the world means one is a citizen of nowhere. She has pledged that in a post-’Brexit’ UK a fresh national effort will take advantage of new global opportunities, including free trade, for the benefit of all its citizens.

In the midst of geopolitical uncertainty and conflict, people want security, stability and a sense of rootedness as well as reassurance about the future. However, one fundamental danger of the rise of populism is a revival of the ugly face of nationalism, demagogy and totalitarianism as existed over the years in some Latin American countries and which led to fascism in Europe in the 1930s and eventually to the Second World War. Western democracies have been evolving since 1945 and, with the establishment of the rule of law and functional judicial systems, they appear to be strong enough to withstand the potential threat of populism to democracy. But, ironically, their stability has been weakened by the European Union’s long-standing commitment to “ever-closer union”, which now seems to be making voters nervous of EU bureaucrats trying to dismantle the nationstate.

Here in The Bahamas, it remains to be seen whether people exposed to news of the spread of populism, particularly in our giant neighbour, may be inspired to flex their political muscles and express meaningful dissatisfaction with a corrupt and failing Progressive Liberal Party government.

The political class would do well to accept that the old, comfortable relationship with a largely quiescent local public, normally reluctant to protest, has ended.

There is growing pressure on politicians to respond more readily to people’s fears, needs and demands since it is these which have precipitated today’s so-called Black Friday March in the Bahamas. Perhaps this demonstration and the fast approaching general election, due to be held in May next year, will serve to concentrate the minds of our leaders on the political reality of the times.

Sense of balance lost over march EDITOR, The Tribune.

If, as the backers hope, it is well attended, it will not OF course the guarantee be demonstration but rather of free demonstration must an occupation –a take-over always be protected, and of our central downtown. sensible permits must be The rights of public asgranted. sembly must always be balThis Friday’s march and anced against the rights of speeches are being or- citizens to enjoy free moveganised for a good cause. ment and the rights of shopHowever, when I read that keepers to conduct their this event is to start at 1pm business. Here, all sense of and last for 12 hours to Sat- balance has been lost. urday 1am, I was astoundI only hope our stressed ed. Who in authority could police officers can keep reahave been rash enough to sonable good order. grant a 12-hour permit?

The American Embas-

sy’s release does nothing to help. What can one make of the fatuous warning that US citizens should “avoid the area of demonstration”?

Are the thousands of cruise ship passengers supposed to stay off our principal thoroughfare Bay Street on one of the busiest holiday Fridays? A little more realism from the Embassy would be welcome.

RICHARD COULSON Nassau, November 24, 2016.

Property tax arrears EDITOR, The Tribune.

SURELY the first criteria of the Financial Secretary should be collecting the incredibly high arrears of Real Property Tax ... a polite request to settle doesn’t work then revert to a guaranteed approach of publish-shame and collect.

5000 property owners who will be receiving new Assessments - priority Mr

Financial Secretary must be those who owe for years some I have heard owe $’000s and because of who they are and know, hope they will never have to pay, some have not paid since they purchased the property.

No, Mr Financial Secretary, we want your assurances the persons in arrears get chased first - if in 21days they do not pay then

shame (run a notice in the newspapers) to pay within 21-days or face the legal consequences.

Now no discounts deals or such like - payment in full.

Mr Financial Secretary Minister of Finance, Rt Hon Perry Christie understand?

W THOMPSON Nassau, November 21, 2016.

Incredible hypocrisy EDITOR, The Tribune.

PERMIT me the liberty of dispensing a bit of advice to the Leader of the Opposition.

Sir, you must dispatch forthwith an email to your anointed candidates advising them to stay on message at all times. And in the case of your man for Fort Charlotte make sure he acknowledges receipt and acts accordingly.

Professor Mark Humes, like his grandfather before him, has a passion for Fort Charlotte. But unlike the late patriarch, Mark lacks focus and has just a bit too much hubris for the political arena, which may be his undoing.

In a recent missive aimed, one suspects, at the man who will stand for the PLP in the constituency, the Professor empties his quiver on Alfred Sears. He tortured a couple of metaphors, genuflected to scripture and seemed to have a complete misunderstanding of political protocol.

The reader is left with but two conclusions: 1.

The Professor is a raging hypocrite and 2. He gets all tangled up in PLP business and just gave Perry Christie a ringing endorsement to remain as leader.

It is truly stunning that Humes appears to endorsing the Leader of the PLP, whose party he is trying to defeat.

He seems more ambitious for himself than for the FNM. The Professor, a Johnnycome-lately to the FNM, should be about convincing the people of Fort Charlotte why he and his leader are the right team for them.

Instead he makes the case that Sears is not the right man for the PLP. And why?

According to Mark it’s because Sears is an ingrate who doesn’t appreciate the many gifts Christie has lavished on him over the years.

Those gifts should have purchased Alfred’s loyalty in perpetuity, says the man who pretends to have the moral high ground and suggests that he cares more about public service than Sears.

By this twisted logic Mark should be licking the boots of DNA leader Bran McCartney. The green man installed Mark as Chairman of his vanity party. Surely he should have remained every loyal to McCartney.

Instead he packed his georgie-bundle and high-

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net tailed it to the bosom of the FNM leader because he saw a chance to realise his ambition.

But supposedly such ambition is only okay for Humes.

It is generally well-known that Humes did not initially support Minnis and desired a different leader for the FNM. But when he saw that Minnis would win he swore fealty to the man who gave him a nomination.

The man who now pretends to be morally superior to his potential Ft. Charlotte rival is really the one who is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Dr Minnis should not trust him in the least.

Strategic thinker is not a moniker that anyone applies to Dr Minnis and so it was a safe bet that with current MP Dr Andre Rollins out of favour in Fort Charlotte, Minnis fell for Mark’s sweet talk, hook, line and sinker.

To curry favour with Minnis, Humes attacked Dr Rollins for criticising his leader, many of the same criticisms Humes reportedly had. Oh what hypocrisy by a man with explosive and obvious ambition, who must believe that people can’t see through his ambition.

Mark is a relatively new professor (let’s call him Professor Lightweight). Alfred was a tenured professor who earned a Doctorate and was Attorney General and Minister of Education (let’s call him Professor Heavyweight).

Lightweight heaped scorn on heavyweight for not criticising Christie while he chaired the College of the Bahamas Board. Lost on Lightweight was the protocol that you demit the office you hold before you intend to challenge for a higher office. Heavyweight followed that protocol.

Again, according to Humes’ poor logic, perhaps he should openly criticise Dr Minnis whenever he sees fit.

Board chairmanships are gifts from the Prime Minister. By contrast, the position of Leader of the Party is the one gift that party members bestow and according to the rules any member with standing can challenge for it. Professor Heavyweight threw down the gauntlet.

As a newly-minted member of the FNM, Profes-

sor Lightweight, if he had standing in the party, could indeed have challenged Minnis for the leadership.

Given his gargantuan ego, it’s probably not a stretch to imagine that Lightweight gave some thought to a run for Minnis’ job.

Professor Lightweight crossed the line when he questioned Professor Heavyweight’s heart and his motives. With a straight face he quotes the Pope, hopelessly out of context, of course, but he doesn’t even bother to first take the plank from his own eye.

The Pope, voicing his frustration with people who invest in the weapons manufacturing industry said “duplicity is the currency of today…they say one thing and do another”.

In Lightweight’s mind this is similar to the Holy Father chastising politicians for, in essence, doing exactly what Mark has just done – maligning the character of his challenger by hoping and praying that he gets defeated in the party elections, in the hope that a vanquished Sears becomes a beatable opponent in the general election.

Far be it from me to label as duplicitous Lightweight’s attempt to influence the choice of Shepherd for the PLP sheep. He seems to bet on Christie prevailing and a dejected Sears leaving the arena altogether.

Did Mark for one minute think he might come across as a tad disingenuous?

Should he not prefer to duke it out with Sears on the great Fort Charlotte battlefield rather than rely on the outcome of the upcoming battle royal just down the way at Gambier House?

Faking the moral high ground while taking the low road, as Humes has done, will backfire. But he is perhaps too arrogant to realise the mistake he is making in order to secure his ambition.

Need I remind Professor Lightweight that the original Wolf in Sheep’s clothing incantation is a warning to those who play a role in life that is contrary to their true character. The ending of that idiom is ominous: beware those wolves in sheep’s clothing, particularly false teachers.

THE GRADUATE Nassau, November 23, 2016.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, November 25, 2016, PAGE 5

‘Minnis bringing back the stop, cancel, review team’

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia,net ACCUSING Free National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis of “public courting” of former Deputy Prime Minister Brent Symonette, Progressive Liberal Party Chairman Bradley Roberts yesterday claimed that Dr Minnis is attempting to reassemble his party’s “stop, cancel and review” team.

Mr Roberts levelled a scathing rebuke of the FNM leader and his style of leadership, positing that the emergence and quick elevation of cohorts of former Baha Mar developer, Sarkis Izmirlian, were blatant acts of fascism that have created a “toxic mix” that would return the country to “dire economic straits and ultimate collapse”.

The outspoken PLP chairman further claimed that, from all indications, the sole purpose of Dr Minnis’ recent moves are to “stop, review and cancel” all advancements to the Baha Mar project.

“The Bahamian people can ill afford this impending doom,” Mr Roberts said, “given the fact that (Dr) Minnis and (Mr) Symonette presided over the most spectacular economic decline of the country’s economy since the Great Depression.”

FORMER Deputy Prime Minister Brent Symonette.

Accusing Dr Minnis of agreeing to “a hostile takeover of the FNM by Sarkis and his loyalists in exchange for money”, Mr Roberts was likely referring to the FNM’s Mount Moriah candidate, Marvin Dames, and Montagu candidate, Dionisio D’Aguilar - both of whom have done work for, or with, Mr Izmirlian in the past.

In 2011, then serving as Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr Dames announced that he would step down from the post to take up a position as the Vice President of Security at Baha Mar. Mr D’Aguilar once served as Director at the stalled Cable Beach resort.

On the ratification of these candidates, Mr Roberts said he clearly understands Dr Minnis’ “motivation” for being “joined at the hips with Mr Izmirlian was one of “financial convenience”.

However, he said he could

not understand his public push for Mr Symonette.

Mr Roberts said: “The only logical reason is (Dr) Minnis’ desperation for more money to fund the FNM’s election campaign.

In light of the following facts, why would (he) even be bothered with (Mr) Symonette other than for his money?”

Mr Roberts went on to list six points, the first being: “Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham revealed in a Wiki Leaks interview with the US Embassy in the Bahamas that he was saddled with (Mr) Symonette as his Deputy Prime Minister and had no confidence in him.”

Secondly, according to Mr Roberts: “During the FNM’s July convention, Brent Symonette openly rejected Dr Minnis as Leader and openly supported Loretta Butler Turner.”

Next, Mr Roberts added: “Symonette exposed the financial fragility of the FNM and its challenges to pay for that convention.”

He continued: “(Mr) Symonette was a failure as Tourism Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister. His “Hip to Hop to the Bahamas Campaign” is still today regarded on Madison Avenue as the biggest marketing promotional flop in recent history.”

And then finally, Mr Roberts said: “Symonette is ‘Mr Market Forces’. He

feels market forces should prevail while (Dr) Minnis has marketed himself as the champion of the small man.

So why is he inviting Mr Big Business into his bosom?”

“Money is the only logical conclusion,” added Mr Roberts.

“Sarkis (Izmirlian) is seeking retribution and (Mr) Symonette represents big business, so how is (Dr) Minnis going to look out for the small man?”

“He cannot. He is conflicted. He is seeking to make two deals with the devil in exchange for money.

Mr Roberts said he doesn’t see the clarity of vision or political will needed to look out for ordinary Bahamians in Dr Minnis.

He added that the PLP shall stay vigilant and focused, not missing an opportunity to alert and tell the Bahamian people of what Dr Minnis, Mr Izmilian and Mr Symonette have cooked up for them.

Mr Symonette earlier this week told reporters that he was asked by Dr Minnis to consider a return to frontline politics. However, he said he has not made a formal response, suggesting that it would take a substantial offer to lure him out of political retirement.

Mr Symonette represented St Anne’s during the previous Ingraham administration.

SHERMAN BROWN BID FOR STAY IN RULING DISMISSED

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

A FORMER ZNS reporter’s application for a stay of a ruling made by a Supreme Court judge in contempt proceedings against him was dismissed in the Court of Appeal yesterday.

Sherman Brown was found guilty of contempt by Justice Indra Charles and ordered to pay $15,000 or spend a month in prison for giving false testimony while being cross-examined for his involvement in defamatory websites and articles published against billionaire hedge fund manager Louis Bacon.

Mr Bacon is a resident of the exclusive gated community of Lyford Cay. An application had been filed to the appellate court seeking a stay of the effect of Justice Charles’ July

order and a hearing was scheduled for yesterday.

Damian Gomez, QC, told the appellate court that he was appearing for Mr Brown but had received no instructions with respect to the appeal.

Mr Gomez added that he was aware of a recent ruling by the appellate court in similar proceedings where it determined that the substantive case should be completed before an appeal of any ruling within a case is lodged.

The presiding judges, Justices Dame Anita Allen, Jon Isaacs and Roy Jones dismissed the appeal as a result and affirmed the order of Justice Charles.

Justice Charles’ ruling stems from an ongoing feud between Mr Bacon and fashion designer Peter Nygard, who own adjacent mansions at Lyford Cay. Mr Bacon, an environmentalist, claims that Mr Nygard has retaliated against him

because he believes it was Mr Bacon who complained about the alleged environmental damage being done by the dredging of the seabed to expand the Nygard Cay property.

Mr Bacon is suing Mr Nygard for $100m for defamation. He has alleged that the fashion designer organised rallies, marches and protests where he was defamed, created and distributed defamatory T-shirts and signs, published defamatory accusations about him and used websites to defame him.

However, Mr Nygard filed a $50m countersuit in April accusing Mr Bacon of a “vendetta” against him, in-

cluding harassment and frivolous litigation. Each has denied the other’s allegations.

In August, a New York court ruled that Mr Bacon should pursue his $100m claim in The Bahamas where the defendants resided.

Robert Adams and Edward Marshall appeared for Mr Bacon in yesterday’s proceeding.

18-YEAR-OLD CHARGED WITH RAHMING MURDER, STORE ROBBERY AND RAPE from page one

Rahming was shot dead and his bullet-riddled body found slumped in a black Mercedes Benz in the parking lot east of the Nassau Sailing Club on the Montagu foreshore around 7.30am that day.

Davis was told that he would not be allowed to enter a plea to the allegation until formally arraigned before a judge in the Supreme Court. He is due to return to the Magistrate’s Court on January 31, 2017 for the presentation of a voluntary bill of indictment which will facilitate the transfer of the case to the higher court.

Davis was then charged with the November 20 armed robbery of the Super Value on West Bay Street, where it is alleged that armed with a Glock Smith &Wesson .40 pistol and a Springfield .45 gun, he robbed John Collie of $11,881 cash belonging to the food store chain.

He was then charged with the lesser crime of receiving as prosecutors alleged that he was found with the funds stolen from the Westridge store.

He was further charged with three counts of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life with his alleged victims being Inspector Cash, Cpl 2127 Hanes and 3542 Cindy Rolle.

Police received information of a robbery in

progress at the food store, where more than a dozen customers were inside.

When officers arrived, 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.

The armed robbery suspects led the police on a high-speed chase that ended in a residential area off East Street South. This matter also will be transferred to the Supreme Court on January 31, 2017.

In another arraignment, Davis faced charges of armed robbery and rape.

It is alleged that, on November 8, he robbed a 16year old girl of an iPhone and a $400 gold Michael Kors watch before sexually assaulting her.

Davis is further alleged to have robbed a man of $2,000 cash, a $400 Samsung phone and a watch on the same day.

It is also alleged that on October 12, he held up and robbed two women of a Samsung phone and a Gucci hand chain.

He is expected to return to court on January 31, 2017 concerning these matters as well.

Due to the nature of the allegation, he was informed that he would be denied bail and remanded to the Department of Correctional Services to await trial.

However, he has a right to make an application for bail in Supreme Court.

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PAGE 6, Friday, November 25, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

Human rights group blasts ‘nonsensical’ govt response from page one of the recent granting of precautionary measures by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR).

The government was given a 20-day window to report to the IACHR on action taken to protect the lives and safety of five members of the environmental

advocacy group Save The Bays (STB) and their nuclear families. The Commission specified that the government’s efforts should be discussed and agreed upon with activists - a requirement with which the GBHRA claims the government “utterly failed” to comply.

“Instead - and in callous disregard of the IACHR’s directives - the government

took it upon themselves to investigate the victims and their movements,” the GBHRA statement read, “and to denounce them as politically-motivated opportunists in an official response riddled with exaggerations and untruths. Virtually all of the 83 points made by the government are demonstrably inaccurate or downright false, and the remainder are totally irrelevant to the case at hand.”

Sticking to its position that the STB member’s claims of victimisation and harassment were “baseless and without merit”, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration released its statement and supporting evidence for its request that the precautionary measures are lifted.

Noting that the Commission was required to consult with applicants before considering the government’s request, the GBHRA said it was preparing a detailed refutation of the government’s statement.

“The government, it

seems,” the GBHRA statement read, “has missed the point of this exercise entirely. Precautionary measures are, as the name suggests, a precaution. They are granted when, on the face of it, there is cause for urgent concern for the lives and safety of certain individuals. Whether the government thinks the threats are credible or not, it is obligated to adopt such protections as mandated by the IACHR until such time as the facts can be established.

There is no point in waiting to protect a person who has already been harmed.

“The victims do not need to prove that they are in danger in order to qualify for protective measures; these measures are to be established immediately and discontinued only when it is clear the danger no longer exists. The government added insult to injury by not only failing to live up to the letter and spirit of the IACHR decision, but also going on to criticise and gainsay that organisation’s important work.

It is unlikely that such a direct slap in the face will be looked upon kindly by the Commissioners.”

The government on Wednesday reiterated that the IACHR had granted the precautionary measures “regrettably” before it could respond definitively, despite a diplomatic note to say a response was being prepared and without recourse to the government.

However, the GBHRA questioned why the government was unable to meet the deadline afforded to both groups and needed more than 50 days to report on steps taken to investigate claims made, in some cases, as far back as 18 months.

The group pointed out that the most frightening part of the government’s response is its “delusional” claim that the petition submitted by STB members was “politically motivated”.

“We wonder if they have stopped to ask what possible political use such an application could be in practical terms. Elections in the

Bahamas are hardly won or lost on the basis of international opinion; if anything, defending the country from ‘foreign interlopers’ will win the PLP political points - a fact which may explain the intolerant response to the IACHR as a case of playing to the crowd.

It continued: “The FNM and DNA certainly don’t seem to believe the matter has any political currency; both have remained silent since the matter was first made public - publicised we may add, by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on October 3. The application was made on September 6, but neither the GBRHA nor STB made any announcement of its existence. This is because neither group was seeking to make political hay; we only wanted to ensure the safety of embattled local activists.

It added: “If the matter ever does become politically relevant, the government will only have itself to blame for its overbearing, ham-fisted handling of this matter.”

BASTIAN SAYS WEB SHOPS SUGGESTION IS ‘BIZARRE’ from page one

Stating that there are many contributing factors to being successful besides the number of locations, Mr Bastian stressed that the number of locations any one operator decides to open is “an internal business decision based on demand and financial sustainability”.

Ultimately, Mr Bastian said he is content with the Gaming Board’s “current regulatory oversight and zoning plans,” which, he said, puts the government agency “on the right path in building a sustainable industry and a reliable source of tax revenue to enhance the growth of our country.”

Earlier this month, Mr Flowers, a pioneer in the

ISLAND Luck CEO Sebas Bastian. gaming industry, questioned when the government would start to do more to regulate the “proliferation” of numbers houses in the country, which he said has “quadrupled” since provisional licences were awarded to eight companies last year.

Mr Flowers suggested at the time that the government has not been as responsive on the issue of

clamping down on the proliferation of webshops.

“There’s a proliferation of stores all over the country and there is no indication that the government will ever put a stop on it,” Mr Flowers said at the time.

“Of course, the more stores we open, the more money we have to pay. The intent of web shops is to raise funds so perhaps that’s why we’ve heard nothing.

There’s nothing in place to stop you from building more web shops.”

In response, however, Mr Bastian said Mr Flowers’ statements “leaves one to question his motive behind such a bizarre request.”

Mr Bastian used the comparison between John S. George’s multiple locations (now closed) and Kelly’s Home Centre, which still has one location. Mr Bastian said based on the number of locations John S. George had, one would assume that it had “some type of competitive advantage” over Kelly’s.

Kelly’s, however, has withstood both that presumed competitive advantage as well as the test of time, something Mr Bastian said showed that “Kelly’s proved that theory wrong.”

“This industry is a fast evolving one and there are many contributing factors to being successful which are far more than the amount of locations an operator has,” Mr Bastian continued.

“I don’t support Mr Flowers attempting to influence regulatory changes to suit a personal agenda or benefit.

As operators we all run our

operations differently and some are able to be successful with smaller and others with large footprints.

“Now that we have crossed the major milestone of getting the final licence, our focus at this time as an industry should be to get more problem gambling programmes going and also begin planning ways to broaden the ownership opportunity in this industry for all Bahamians to benefit.”

He added: “The Gaming Board has done an excellent job in getting the industry to this stage in such a short time and I am confident with current regulatory oversight and zoning plans they are on the right path in building a sustainable industry and a reliable source of tax revenue to enhance the growth of our country.”

Last month, Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe, the minister with responsibility for gaming, said he shared Mr Flowers’ concerns, and that steps would be taken to further clamp down on the proliferation of web shops.

However, Mr Wilchcombe said he is “satisfied” that the Gaming Board has made “tremendous progress in reducing the number of houses from 600 to around 400.”

Before that, Mr Wilchcombe had said that the government would place a moratorium on web shops-presumably halting construction of new ones during that period--although he said details about that had to be determined.

Death Notice For

Bern Evan Evans, 55 a resident of Bacardi Road, died at PMH on 19th November, 2016.

He is survived by his wife: Shantel Rolle Evans; mother: Christine McDonald; 1 daughter: Brooke Evans; 1 son: Wren; step father: Rev. Brazil McDonald; 1 grand child: Brayden Evans; 3 sisters: Eve Evans, Karen Mebane of Missouri & Anne McKinney of Atlanta; 2 brothers: Brian Evans & Ian Evans of Freeport, Grand Bahama & a host of other relatives & friends.

Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date

PAGE 8, Friday, November 25, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

PM: I will meet protest leaders from page one In his letter, Mr Christie told the group that his government remains “resolute” in its commitment to build and a peaceful, economically progressive and politically enlightened society, and invited organisers to a meeting at his office at a “mutually convenient time”.

Mr Christie stressed that his government has always worked and continues to work towards it core goal of improving the quality of life of all its citizens.

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

The protest has attracted significant support from activists and civic organisations, as well as the support of the country’s two umbrella unions, the Obie Ferguson-led Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the John Pinder-led National Congress of Trade Unions Bahamas (NCTUB). Opposition Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday encouraged all Bahamians to participate in the “people’s march”.

In a post on FaceBook, Dr Minnis wrote: “I encourage all Bahamians to participate in the “Black Friday” March beginning at Arawak Cay at 1pm Friday November 25th. Please wear black. This is the people’s march. No political paraphernalia.”

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PRIME Minister Perry Christie has responded to a letter sent by protestors ahead of today’s march.

Lead organiser Ranard facing our country and deHenfield yesterday project- velops a true agenda for ed that the number of par- sustainable progress in our ticipants could reach into country.” the thousands.

He continued: “I am In what could be seen as pleased to invite you and an attempt to dampen those representative of your efforts, Mr Christie last group to attend a presentanight detailed several cur- tion of the preliminary first rent efforts being promoted draft of the Plan. I invite or prioritised by his admin- your input into this docuistration to advance the sta- ment so that together we tus of life for Bahamians. can continue to make this Referring to the National a truly collaborative effort Plan document, Mr Christie transcending partisan and indicated that his adminis- other divisive differences. tration was operating with “I believe that we can and the view to address “many, must continue to develop if not all, of the issues” pre- our philosophy of govsented by the group in its ernance, emphasising inletter. creased accountability and Mr Christie wrote: “This transparency. At the same Plan was based on discus- time, we must strengthen sions with persons from all the institutional framework across The Bahamas and of governance, emphasising the political spectrum. It the deeper involvement of tackles the critical issues our people in a more participatory democracy, one that allows our people greater say in the formation of major policies that will guide our economic development and social transformation.”

Mr Christie said his government is steadfast on governance reform through the National Development Plan, as it looks to address public service reforms; a revision of General Orders to help ensure greater efficiency and accountability in the delivery of public service; the implementation of a Freedom of Information Act and an Open Government Strategy to ensure greater transpar-

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ency throughout the government; conflict of interest rules to govern politicians and public officials; the need for enhanced financial management and planning so as to ensure prudent, efficient and honest use of public funds at all levels of government and the need to create a regime for Campaign Finance Reform.

All are concepts that the Christie administration have mentioned since coming to office but have been slow to introduce or advance.

Mr Christie claimed that he is “deeply conscious” of the need to deepen the country democracy. He said his government is actively considering the improvement in local government as a tool for meaningful development throughout the Family Islands. He also made mention of better mechanisms to ensure the more efficient management of New Providence as well, with new ways for civil society to be more involved.

Addressing the labour force, Mr Christie prefaced his comments by noting the “series of brutal external economic blows and devastation from natural hurricane disasters in recent times” and its affects on the tourism and financial sectors.

The Centreville MP said it has become more clear that The Bahamas must compete on its business environment and the efficiency and productivity of its labour force.

His comments come as his administration remains locked in several labour disputes, with issues becoming so severe that labour unions committed themselves in recent weeks to participate in today’s march.

Mr Ferguson said last week it was “stupid” for voters to support a government that was working against their interest, referring to the current government’s inaction or lack of support in recent disputes.

He indicated that as the country makes needed adjustments, it must be careful to preserve its strong labour traditions.

However, Mr Christie stated: “My party throughout its history has been inextricably linked with the labour movement. I cherish this long vibrant fraternal tradition. It is one that I am personally determined not to betray.

“Though we have our differences from time to time, it would be good to remind ourselves that virtually every major legislative and policy advance in relation to trade unionism and workers’ rights over the years was championed by a Progressive Liberal Party administration, bearing in mind that our contraction and labour costs are high than elsewhere in the region.”

In his lengthy letter the Prime Minister also addressed his administration’s effort to limit government spending, reduce government debt and arrest the scourge of violent crime throughout the country.

Mr Christie indicated that the country’s tax models do not yield enough in taxes to offset the cost of running the country.

He said the introduction of major platforms and his administration’s commitment to “budget tightening” mechanisms, the government is seeing “some significant success.”

With regards to crime he added: “Crime remains a very major concern of Bahamians. No one is immune from the effects of crime.

My government is determined to effect a major reduction in crime by dealing with the social troubles of our nation - from drug abuse to broken homes and high youth unemployment.”

“Our people must feel safe again - on the streets and in their homes. This is the only way to improve the quality of life on a sustainable basis. As a government we are resolute in our commitment to achieve this goal.”

Addressing the economy, Mr Christie told organisers that he shares their concerns on the challenges facing the county, particularly the impact of unemployment of the lives of many Bahamian families -

calling this issue as “source of great distress”.

To that end he added: “Although opportunities for the development of nontraditional sectors to drive growth and create entrepreneurial and ownership and ownership opportunity are opening up, I really agree that the process of opening a business needs simplification. My government is actively working to remediate this problem. In so doing, we must also improve access to capital for Bahamian entrepreneurs to ensure the development of an ownership economy.”

He added: “We must also empower Bahamians by engendering a culture of savings and investment from an early age so that our collective capital can be used to create an economy that is for Bahamians and owned

by Bahamians.”

Mr Christie also said that his government intends to move “earnest towards” the creation of an efficient land registry to reduce land disputes and to clarify who own lands in The Bahamas.

Lastly, the Prime Minister made mention of his administration anti-poverty policies and programmes, initiatives geared toward increasing employment and entrepreneurial opportunities as a source of life sustenance; increasing the availability of safe and affordable housing and the revitalisation of our traditional communities; improving access to affordable and nutritious food with our communities for healthier lives; and strengthening the resources and capabilities of our social services institution to better assist Bahamians in dealing with poverty generally and the sudden financial shocks and dislocations such as were recently experienced with Hurricane Matthew.

In closing, the Prime Minister said he hopes his meeting with organisers will engender “serious and mutually respectful dialogue aimed at bring them closer to a common aim and purpose - improving the quality of life of Bahamians”.

understand Bahamian people. The Bahamas’ form of government is not a dictatorship. Perry Christie and the PLP did not take the country over by force.

Despite having a history of incompetence and failures, the PLP was voted into office by the Bahamian public through the proper democratic process. What did the Bahamian public expect would happen when they voted for proven failures like Bernard Nottage, Shane Gibson, Perry Christie, and Phillip Davis? The PLP government is doing exactly what every person with sense knew they would do . . . ‘fail’.

DonAnthony thought the march was a chance for meaningful change: “Large,

peaceful demonstrations like I hope tomorrow’s will be are really the only hope for needed, meaningful change in our Bahamas.

We have been cursed with poor leaders and no statesmen whatsoever since independence. Simply elites on both sides who put private interests (their own) above the common good, and we are now paying the price of 40 plus years of corruption and abuse. I am hopeful that change will come because with our debt and crime our backs are against the wall.

I’m frightened too because there is no more margin for error, a few more years of this and we may become an irreversible failed state.

Please Bahamians, lose your apathy and demand change and accountability!”

John hoped more people would register to vote: “It is good that protests are being organized and carried out so close to election. With less than six months before Bahamians will be dipping

their fingers in ink and electing a new government there is strong evidence that there are many, many citizens who are not satisfied with the current government’s performance in office over the past four and a half years. Is there enough time on the political clock for the government to fix the things that remain broken, do things that remain undone and to satisfy persons that are displeased?

The sad thing is there are so many who, regardless of which side of the political divide they find themselves on, are not exercising their constitutional right to register and be counted as a registered voter with the power to change things come election day, or maintain the status quo. Maybe whatever happens tomorrow will serve to motivate more people to go and get registered, if only for the hell of it.”

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

READERS RESPOND TO SECURITY ALERT OVER MARCH SECURITY fears from the US Embassy and cruise ships over today’s Black Friday March prompted an interesting reaction from readers on tribune242.com.

LeslieM said: “Obie Wilchcombe is warning protestors to be mindful of their actions, how about warning yourself along with all of your other ministers including the Prime Minister of worthless governance of our country?”

Cobalt asked what those unhappy with the government expected after the last election: “I really don’t

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THE TRIBUNE

Friday, November 25, 2016, PAGE 9

FITZGERALD INSISTS FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT WILL BE TABLED SOON

BY SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sbrown@tribunemedia.net

EDUCATION Minister Jerome Fitzgerald yesterday reiterated that he intends to table the Freedom of Information Act in the House of Assembly before the end of 2016.

In a press statement, Mr Fitzgerald, the minister with responsibility for FOIA, responded to the organizers of the “We March” protest, who in a letter to the Prime Minister Perry Christie on Monday, demanded the FOIA be tabled immediately.

“The Freedom of Infor-

mation Bill Working Committee have been working diligently for over two years and from April to June 2016 engaged in an extensive consultation process holding public town meetings in five islands, participating as presenters at civil society meetings and made multiple appearances on radio talk shows,” the statement said.

“Additionally publications of the Bill and prepared Fact Sheets were made available through the daily newspapers and the websites of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, the Office of the Attorney General and

many civil society organisations also posted the Bill on their websites. All recommendations that were submitted were reviewed and considered. As a result, I have received a number of recommendations for changes to the Bill by the committee.

“I wish to reassure the public that every effort has been taken to ensure that the proposed Freedom of Information Act is thorough and comprehensive from the onset and we have used the FOIA of Trinidad and Tobago, Cayman, Jamaica, Canada and the United Kingdom as benchmarks.”

THE TRIBUNE

Mr Fitzgerald also defended his term as Minister after the “We March” organisation requested an overhaul of the educational system.

“The request for reform of our educational system is rather surprising as over the past four-and-a-half years that has been happening in a way that is unprecedented in the past 20 to 30 years in our country.

More than two years ago, the National Education Committee was formed with the sole purpose of creating a bi-partisan policy for education,” the statement said.

“This body comprised

former Ministers of Education, Bernard Nottage, Senator Carl Bethel, and Mr Alfred Sears; it included representation from the Official Opposition

by Mr Hubert Chipman; Mr Branville McCartney of the DNA; civil society as well as a cross section of education stakeholders.

The outcome of the National Education Committee is the policy document called, “A Shared Vision for Education 2030” which is the road-map for educational reform from present to 2030. It is comprehensive, systematic and relevantA13MAIN to the needs of today’s learners; preparing them

‘March will be NEWS peaceful’ WEEKEND

for the future.”

A FOIA was passed in early 2012 by the former Ingraham administration months before the last general election. However, there was no date for enactment.

When the Progressive Liberal Party assumed office that year, it said the legislation needed significant tweaking before it could be enforced.

Last year, the government released a revamped draft version of the legislation.

Mr Fitzgerald has previously said the implementation of the FOIA will cost about $2m.

Friday, Novemb

FOLLOW THE

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net “WE MARCH” lead organiser Ranard Henfield yesterday insisted that the Black Friday march would be “well organised” and “peaceful”, as he sought to allay local and international fears that the rapidly growing demonstration could become violent and chaotic.

Projecting that the number of participants could swell into the thousands, Mr Henfield told The Tribune that residents and tourists have nothing to fear as protestors will be well-behaved and professional.

Mr Henflied said organisers suspect that some detractors will try to “infiltrate the march to cause confusion”, and to that end, officials intend to alert the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

He said every organisation that will be represented on the march will have “marshals”.

Mr Henfield dismissed concerns highlighted by the United States Embassy in a security message to its citizens, which warned that the Black Friday march could become violent or chaotic.

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FNM leader Dr Hubert Minnis encouraged people to participate - but urged them not to wear political paraphernalia.

He noted that the US Em- all be well behaved, there downtown Nassau on their bassy is in “full support” of will be no rioting, there way to Parliament and rethe protest, and its recent will be no shouting, no ar- main there until 1am the warning to its citizens was a guments, nothing, this will following day. “formality”. be a well-organised, profesThe event, which has “This will be a well-or- sional, peaceful march.” been posted on Facebook ganised, quiet march toHe added: “The police for much of the last two morrow,” he said. “Every- have actually come on weeks, has attracted signifibody who I’ve spoken with, board in full support. We’ve cant support from activists every organisation that is gotten all of the permits and civic organisations, as represented under the 40- and approvals for every- well as the support of the plus organisations will have thing from the police now, country’s two umbrella unmarshals. We expect there so we’re not holding up on ions, the Obie Fergusonwill be people who don’t anything. So I would say we led Trade Union Congress support the march, trying to have the support of the po- (TUC) and the John Pininfiltrate the march to cause lice.” der-led National Congress confusion, we are prepared Promoted as a silent pro- of Trade Unions Bahamas for that. The police have test, “We March” will start (NCTUB). been notified. at Arawak Cay at 1pm toOn Wednesday, the US “But again, as far as the day.

Embassy highlighted the persons who will be marchFrom there, organisers proposed 12-hour occupaing, I can assure you we will will lead participants into tion 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.

Additionally, Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe confirmed on Wednesday that the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) contacted the ministry to express concerns given the thousands of cruise ship passengers expected to be in port on Friday.

When asked if he was concerned about the US Embassy’s warning, Mr Henfield said: “I can assure you that the US Embassy is in full support of We March. It’s (the warning) only a formality. So they really have no concerns to be honest. They actually encouraged us.”

However, Mr Henfield seemed to take exception to Mr Wilchcombe’s assertion that the march’s organizers should have first met with the government to discuss

FOLLOW TRIBUNE242.COM FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM TODAY’S MARCH its campaign, suggesting that many of the concerns listed are at various stages of redress by the government.

“Obie Wilchcombe, the guy that just said in the papers last year that the people should march?” Mr Henfield remarked.

“You want me to respond to that guy who just said in the papers last (year) that people should march because crime is out of hand and this government hasn’t been able to address crime?”

According to Mr 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 today’s march, participants have been asked to wear black clothing and not to take part in any media interviews.

PAGE 10, Friday, November 25, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

Bahamians have more than enough good reasons to march today A

S I shopped in a Super Value foodstore yesterday (the same one that was recently robbed at gunpoint), a young Bahamian woman asked me about today’s ‘Black Friday March’.

After I told her I supported it 100 per cent, she grinned and said, “Me too.

I dun press my black jeans from last week and I can’t wait to march cause I sick and tired of all of it.”

It was much later, after we had parted ways and I continued about my business of finding the elusive can of cranberry sauce my wife couldn’t live without that I realised I’d neglected to ask the lady what - specifically - was the final straw that pushed her to act.

But as I scoured the Mecca of information in this country, aka Facebook, I quickly realised that there are a whole lot of people marching today for a whole lot of reasons.

Bahamians, for the most part, are pretty laid back people. Sure, there are a few of us who are naturally outspoken and somewhat loud (cough, cough) but more often than not, we the people seem to prefer to take the old “wait-andsee” approach. You have to do a lot to make Bahamians march for a cause. And as a politician, you have to mess up big time, repeatedly and with “no shame” to make even your most staunch supporters finally “suck teet” and say “all a dem gotta go”.

You have to be so incompetent, or lazy, or greedy to the point where your celebrity (which, truthfully, is matched only by well known DJs, pastors, numbers boys or gang leaders) no longer makes you seem special. Where you’re no longer given the benefit of the doubt.

In this country, when you officially cross over into the “totally lousy” category in Bahamians’ eyes, there aren’t too many paths back to popularity. Suddenly, your magical ability to “sell dreams” disappears. Your amazing ability to “talk” your way out of scandal dissipates. And the people

A Comic’s View

By INIGO ‘NAUGHTY’ ZENICAZELAYA declare they “ain’t on your run” anymore.

This is where 90 per cent of our political leaders find themselves today.

After years of living “high on the hog” and leading “high flying” lives, these same elected officials now seem shell-shocked that public opinion has turned against them swiftly and decisively.

Now I don’t claim to know every issue Bahamians are marching for today but I do have a pretty good idea about a few that may have motivated our citizens to “get off their duff”, throw on their sneakers and take a stand.

Crime If you’re a criminal, the past few years have been pretty good for you. Murder, rape and robberies have been on the rise. And our judicial system, backed up to the point an enema couldn’t help it, has simply remained clogged. Bail seems to have been given out like candy at Hallowe’en, and even people with ankle monitors have been tied to more

crimes. As accustomed as law abiding citizens have become to crouching behind curtains and hiding in our homes, it’s obvious we were sold a dream before the last election. That dream has turned into a living nightmare. #MaybeItIsTimeToMarch Education We’re a ‘D’ average nation led by the smartest politicians on the planet.

So smart, they think we should be impressed that the national average has gone from an E to that D. So smart, they decided they will no longer publish national grades because hey, who needs to know grades?

Millions of dollars, no grades published and a subpar education? #MaybeItIsTimeToMarch Health care Ok, so National Health Insurance seemed like a nice idea until Bahamians viewed is as an unnecessary tax. More money out our pockets, same old PMH and we still have to have steak-outs?

#MarchTime Gambling The people said no (to the referendum) and our ‘horseless’ Prime Minister said yes. Now there are more ‘numbers houses’ than liquor stores and churches around this town.

And yet we still can’t gamble in Atlantis? #MaybeItsTimeToMarch

ability to reach into the cookie jar called the ‘consolidated fund’ and grab out all those extra dollars, aka ‘VAT taxes,’ and spend those instead. Follow that logic? Me neither. #LetsJustMarchThen

The Gender Equality Referendum We’re still not sure whether it was about equal rights for women, citizenship, Baha Mar same sex marriage or “getIt’s pretty hard to mess up ting foreigners straight to a multi-billion get votes” as dollar invest- “We’re a ‘D’ average some people ment that’s speculated.

97 per cent nation led by the Either way, it smartest politicians was bungled complete, right? Right? on the planet. So magnificently.

Yet somehow, And a whole this current smart, they think lot of women, we should be government men and ... managed just impressed that the um ... evethat.

And ryone in bethat’s after we national average tween is still swallowed our has gone from pretty upset. pride about an E to that D. So #IHearimporting Jamaicans8,000 Chinese smart, they decided MarchingToo workers. Now, they will no longer 2,500 Baha- publish national Mortgage mians are jobrelief less while the grades. Millions of Undoubtedsame compa- dollars, no grades ly, if you owed nies involved published and a money on your (and their imhome because ported work- sub-par education?” of financial difers) continue ficulties, you about their business at The bought all the pre-election Pointe like nothing major spiel about saving Bahamihappened. ans’ homes by introducing #WeMarching mortgage relief. Fast forward a few years later and Value Added Tax you - that dream buying BaRemember when we were hamian - are now living with told that VAT was a good Grammy. Or Mummy. Or thing because it would help whoever threw you “and your this country reduce its na- chirren” a lifeline in hard tional debt? Silly us thought times. And to make matters that meant the government worse, you still have to come would actually pay down up with that same money you the debt. Turns out it means couldn’t afford for your mortwe would reduce the po- gage just to keep the lights on tential debt we hadn’t yet in “Grammy house” because, accrued by growing it more well, BPL. While our Prime slowly because we wouldn’t Minister’s house is “solar have to borrow as much right down”. money (as fast) due to the #TimeToMarch

Party Politics Losing money on Carnival, Caribbean Muzik Fest and BAMSI is one thing.

But losing money because of “tiefen” at Road Traffic and various other government departments is just untenable. Seriously? And certain cronies still have their jobs? #MarchMadness Crown Land This one is the straw that broke the camel’s back. You mean to tell me Bahamians who have been waiting to receive Crown Land since King Hammer was a hatchet still have to wait while our “dusty foot” Minister of Agriculture okays a proposal that if eventually agreed to and approved would mean 10,000 acres of that same Crown Land goes to the government of China? And not just the land but rights to our fish too? And you already negotiated away the all the trees in Andros? Essentially our birthright? #WeGattaMarchNow As I said, I don’t know all the issues at stake but there are many. After I’ve done my shifts (at all seven of my jobs ... gotta make these ends meet) I will make my way downtown and join the “Black Friday March” to show my support.

The way I see it, it’s time to heed our national anthem and ‘March on, Bahamaland’ while it’s actually still ours to march on.

• Inigo ‘Naughty’ Zenicazelaya is the resident stand-up comic at Jokers Wild Comedy Club at the Atlantis, Paradise Island, resort and presents ‘Mischief and Mayhem in da AM’ from 6am to 10am, Monday to Friday, and ‘The Press Box’ sports talk show on Sunday from 10am to 1pm on KISS FM 96.1. He also writes a sports column in The Tribune on Tuesday. Comments and questions to naughty@tribunemedia.net.

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THE TRIBUNE

Friday, November 25, 2016, PAGE 11

‘A lot of deficiencies’ in DNA information plan

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net A LOCAL civic group has commended the Democratic National Alliance for its effort to draft a Right to Information document, but told The Tribune there are still “a lot of deficiencies” to be overcome if it is to be adapted and legislated.

Policy Chairman for the Citizens for a Better Bahamas (CBB) organisation, Lamarque Campbell, compared the contents of the DNA’s draft document to that of the draft Freedom of Information Bill, 2015, put forward by the Progressive Liberal Party.

Calling it an improvement over all versions of the documents offered in the past by political parties, Mr Campbell praised the DNA for its foresight in calling for a reduction in the time a record is exempted; appointment of an Information Commissioner by the Governor General on advisement by the Leader of the Opposition; and its changes to legal privileges and publication of information by public authorities.

The DNA’s document calls for full access to all documents that are made available as a part of Cabinet deliberations. The party’s Deputy Leader Chris Mortimer believes this element of their legislation would negate the potential for government “secret deals”.

Addressing these proclaimed strengths, Mr Campbell said the reduction of the time frame for exempt documents was “significant”, adding that the revised appointment scheme for the Information Commissioner “essentially” eliminated a “political appointee for the government”.

However, reflecting on the deficiencies of the document, Mr Campbell admitted that he would have to take a swipe at the DNA’s appointment scheme, insisting that a completely independent Information Commissioner would serve a better purpose.

He claimed: “We need an independent Information Commissioner to oversee the enforcement of any transparency law in The Bahamas, so I would go further in recommending that civil society representatives be involved in the appointment process.”

Further deficiencies in

DNA deputy leader Christopher Mortimer with the party’s Freedom of Information Act proposal. the DNA’s document, according to Mr Campbell, include the definition of public authority in the Right To Information Act (RTIA) remains limited to a government ministry, department, statutory body, or company in which the government holds more that 50 per cent of the shares.

Mr Campbell said the move was problematic because it limits the public’s right to information from powerful non-statutory bodies that approve major development projects in the Bahamas, such as the Bahamas Investment Authority, the National Economic Council and the Bahamas Environment Science and Technology (BEST) Commission.

He said a strong Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) should also include private organisations that operate with substantial public funds and perform public functions and services.

Mr Campbell said: “Therefore, I would recommend that we should look at Acts such as the Antigua and Barbuda FOI Act, 2004, which takes a wide approach in defining a public authority as a body owned, controlled or substantially financed by the government from public funds.”

He continued: “Secondly, there is still an inordinate amount of time in which a public authority has to respond to a request for information. Under the RTIA a public authority will have up to 30 days to respond to an application and could extend it for an additional 30 days for good cause, which isn’t defined in the draft.

“So essentially it could take an individual up to 60 days to get information from the government. We

live in a digital age, where it should not be taking 60 days to receive pertinent information from the government.”

Widening his discussion on the status of FOIA in The Bahamas, Mr Campbell said since the Freedom of Information Act, 2012 was passed by the Free National Movement government, the Progressive Liberal Party government circulated the draft of its Freedom of Information Bill, 2015, and now the DNA party has circulated their draft Right to Information Act, 2017.

He insisted that with these three proposed transparency laws in The Bahamas, it is worth noting that there is a trend in which each draft is an improvement to its precursor.

“If this trend continues then the next draft, which is due to be tabled before the end of the year, should be the best one thus far,” he said.

Mr Campbell added: “It is great to see that each draft FOI Bill circulated is an improvement to previous ones. However, the real issue is the time in which it is actually taking to enact a strong Freedom of Information Act here in The Bahamas.”

“There hasn’t been the political will to do so. The constant delays in enacting a FOIA translates to a delay in empowering citizens, reducing corruption and mismanagement, and increasing accountability.”

The CBB is one of several civic organisations that have remained intent on advocating the passage of a FOIA. Earlier this month, officials with the CBB, along with Executive Director of the Organisation for Responsible Governance Matt Albury; President of the Bahamas Bar Association Elsworth Johnson and Chairman for Citizens for Justice Bishop Walter Hanchell held the first in a series of town hall meetings geared toward advancing discourse on the FOIA. Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald has indicated that the Christie administration would seek to table the document before the end of 2016.

PAGE 12, Friday, November 25, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

STAFF and students at Roker’s Point Primary School.

PRAYERS AND SONGS FOR STUDENTS’ THANKSGIVING ROKER’S Point Primary School principal Jasmine Hepburn and the entire faculty, staff, students and parents took time to offer praise and thanksgiving to God during this Thanksgiving season.

Thanksgiving a time when many people reflect on the goodness of God in their lives and consider how blessed they are to be alive and well.

Children from grades K3 through grade 3 memorised

and recited prayers and poems and sang songs to celebrate Thanksgiving and reflect on how good God is in providing food, shelter, clothing and a good education.

Councilman Glen Davis represented the local government of the Exuma district. Students who achieved academic excellence were also awarded for being on the Principal’s List, the Honour Roll and other academic acheivements.

YOUNGSTERS at the school show off their achievements.

Friday October 28 - Saturday December 24, 2016

House & Spray

We can computer colour match:

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, November 25, 2016, PAGE 13