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PLP SHAME OVER PROTEST SEE INSIGHT ON PAGE SEVEN
Majority Rule Day event pledged if govt fails to act By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net ORGANISERS of the “We March Bahamas” protest have promised to stage a similar event on Majority Rule Day if the government does not meet their demands. Ranard Henfield, community activist and lead organiser of the massive protest, made the pledge as he spoke to protestors in Rawson Square on Friday night. As he addressed the crowd, Mr Henfield laid out a laundry list of issues he said the government avoided addressing or dealt with in a slow fashion. Spurring the crowd for more than 12 hours during a sit-in in Rawson Square, Mr Henfield criticised members of the current Christie administration and other successive governments for ineffectiveness in managing the country’s affairs. Mr Henfield insisted that if protestors’ demands were not met in the coming weeks,
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‘We will march again’ MARCHERS on Bay Street on Friday as they headed towards Rawson Square.
they would again march to the House of Assembly on January 9, 2017, and demand Parliament dissolve immediately and move the country into an election cycle. “They have a few weeks to address our demands or we will return. They will not rest until we get what we want from them,” declared Mr Henfield to resounding applause shortly after 9pm in Rawson Square. Last night, Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Chairman Bradley Roberts urged the protestors to meet with Prime Minister Perry Christie. “On behalf of the PLP, I thank the organisers for their letter to the government, for exercising their democratic rights and freedom of expression and in so doing, present a further opportunity for constructive engagement and honest dialogue with the government on its going programmes, policy initiatives and legislative agenda,” Mr Roberts said. SEE PAGE THREE
MOTHER‘S TEARS AS MENTALLY-ILL SON IS SHOT DEAD BY POLICE By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net
THE fatal shooting of her 23-year-old mentally ill son, Lorenzo “Renzo” Bain, by police on Friday has left Starretta Bain and her family “emotionally wrecked”. The mother of eight now has a host of unanswered questions as she plans to bury her “quiet and loving son”. She revealed that her son had recently been released from the Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre, following a previous run-in with police. During that earlier altercation, he was also shot, she told The Tribune, adding that officers alleged her son had a knife at a gas station. “I have to identify the body. That is what my kids are telling me today, but I left Renzo in the room and I want it so bad for him to still be in there,” said Mrs Bain, her voice shaking during a telephone interview with The Tribune on Sunday. SEE PAGE 12
MAN FOUND SHOT DEAD IN FREEPORT PARKING LOT
By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net
LESLIE Miller at the Black Friday protest march. Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
MILLER: I’LL GIVE ACTIVIST $1,000 FOR EVERY VOTE OVER 200 IF HE RUNS By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net
IN the wake of Friday’s massive “We March” protest, Tall Pines MP Leslie Miller has issued a challenge to lead organiser Ranard Henfield, daring the community activist to run as a candidate in the next general election, adding that he would pay the activist $1,000 for every vote beyond 200 he receives if he runs in the 2017 general election.
He also urged Mr Henfield “to show up” to the House of Assembly to try and stop parliamentarians from doing their jobs, while lamenting that fame has gone to the activist’s head and given him a “false sense of power”. In an interview with The Tribune on Sunday, an irate Mr Miller said Mr Henfield needed to “step up or shut up,” adding that the activist now sees himself above the “democratically elected Parliament”. SEE PAGE FIVE
ACTIVISTS WANT MITCHELL OUT OF TALKS AFTER HE ‘ALIGNS’ WITH WEBSITE’S VIEWS By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net
THE Grand Bahama Human Rights Association has called for Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell to be excluded from further discussions with the InterAmerican Commission on Human Rights over precautionary measures granted on behalf Save The Bays members, citing his appar-
ent connection to an anonymous political website. In a letter to the human rights arm of the Organisation of American States, the GBHRA used audio of Mr Mitchell to establish a link between the Cabinet minister and bahamasuncensored.com. In a recording released last week, Mr Mitchell encouraged supporters to read the website, as well as ‘Fred Mitchell minute-by-
minute’ on Facebook, because it “aligns with much of my thinking on political issues”. The GBHRA said it viewed Mr Mitchell’s comments as an admission of his ownership of the website’s content, or at the very least, an indication of a close ideological correspondence between the website and his own views.
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SEE PAGE 12
POLICE in Grand Bahama are seeking the public’s help in solving that island’s latest murder, which occurred shortly before 3am Sunday. According to police, officers received reports of gunshots in the parking lot area of a business in the area of the International Bazaar on East Sunrise Highway. Responding officers, once on the scene, discovered the lifeless body of man who had been shot, lying on the ground. SEE PAGE 12
PROPOSAL IS SUBMITTED BY BAHA MAR BUYER
By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net THE government has received the highly anticipated Baha Mar proposals from prospective buyer Chow Tai Fook Enterprises (CTFE), including a list of operators that the Hong Kong-based conglomerate is eyeing to run the shuttered mega-resort’s casino - the largest in the Bahamas and the Caribbean. Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe confirmed yesterday that the Gaming Board began its due diligence on the list of casino operators late last week. SEE PAGE 12
PAGE 2, Monday, November 28, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
SCENES from Black Friday’s protest in Rawson Square. See page 14 for more photographs. Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
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THE TRIBUNE
Monday, November 28, 2016, PAGE 3
‘We will march again’ from page one
“I urge the organisers to meet with Prime Minister Christie to discuss these issues in great detail in the interest of democracy. I am confident that their expressed concerns have either been addressed by the Christie administration, are being addressed in the form of pending legislation or are being addressed via the National Development Plan (NDP). I urge the organisers to actively participate in the National Development Plan that is a blueprint for the country’s path to sustainable development over the next 25 years. “Access to affordable and quality healthcare; education reform with the bipartisan VISION 2030; and the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) are in the advance stages of development and execution. As for Value Added Tax, the
RANARD Henfield speaking during the Rawson Square protest. Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff record clearly shows that FNM. The Christie govern- tween the government and to date the Christie gov- ment has steadily reduced the organisers is so imporernment has significantly that level of borrowing and tant; it will clarify much of reduced the budget deficit Value Added Tax has con- the misinformation in the from the more than $500 tributed significantly to this public domain.” Mr Roberts added that million the government was achievement. “These are just some of “constructive engagement forced to borrow in 2012 based on the fiscal state of the reasons why an open in good faith” is the only affairs it inherited from the and honest dialogue be- “rational” way forward for
the organisers of the protest if they are “serious and sincere”. Last Thursday, Mr Christie released a statement inviting protest organisers to meet with him to discuss their issues. On Friday, Mr Henfield said he had no interest in meeting the nation’s leader at the “ninth hour” but would meet once Mr Christie has tabled the legislation the protestors have demanded. Ripples The march has sent ripples through the political community, with many in opposition forces seeing the protest as the start of a necessary revolution. Free National Movement Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest called the protest an “excellent patriotic and democratic call for action”. The East Grand Bahama MP said under the current PLP administration, the Bahamas has seen a further deterioration of its systems
of government, marked by excess and arrogance, which has resulted in millions of dollars wasted and unaccounted for. “Many of us feel that we are at a tipping point in this country where our basic values are under assault from crime and joblessness resulting in a breakdown in society,” Mr Turnquest said. “Our middle class, the backbone of any democratic society is under serious pressure and we have seemingly yet to respond to the threats though we have seen them coming for years,” Mr Turnquest added. “It is time for a more participatory citizenry and so I welcome the open display of dissatisfaction or satisfaction for that matter of our various public and private systems. We can do better and we must lest we find ourselves in a very polarised society of ‘haves and have nots.’”
“The integrity of everything is predicated on what you do after,” he said, “if we’re seeking to cause resolution of these issues, there’s a process in achieving that. I don’t know what that means saying you won’t meet privately with the prime minister.” The day of the protest, Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell told his party’s supporters not to take part in the event, adding that the march would not change anything. Speaking directly to this, Mr Wilchcombe said: “We have to appreciate that Fred Mitchell is Fred Mitchell and the prime minister spoke for the government, that is the position of the government. We may not all share in how he (Mr Mitchell) approaches things, but all of us appreciate that Fred will establish his positions. He was speaking as an individual member of
Parliament.” Minister of State for National Security Keith Bell yesterday maintained that Friday’s march was “purely political”, but noted that the government ought to remain focused on major initiatives the administration will begin rolling out in the near future. “There are big announcements to be made shortly,” he said. “I’m very impressed with the prime minister, and happy with the position of the government on any number of issues. The Bahamian people will continue to have confidence in this government.” Mr Bell said that while there were some legitimate concerns raised, the march appeared to be a “preemptive strike” with no intention to engage the government. He added that the intrusion of “certain characters” made the demonstration “purely political”.
MINNIS: MARCH WAS A WAKE-UP CALL FOR POLITICIANS By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net
DESPITE insistence by some that last week’s “We March Bahamas” protest was politically motivated, several Cabinet ministers yesterday praised the peaceful protest as a testament of democracy. However, Free National Movement (FNM) Leader Dr Hubert Minnis, who attended the march, said the “historic” event was a “wake-up call” for politicians. “I joined the march in solidarity with all Bahamian citizens who seek positive change,” Dr Minnis said. “This is the dawn of a new day. Bahamians will no longer accept second-class citizenship. We demand the highest standards of accountability, transparency and equality,” he added, as he urged people to register to vote. Meanwhile, in a statement yesterday, Minister of Education Jerome Fitzgerald said he was glad that he attended the demonstration despite the “perceived short-sightedness” of organisers. He was referring to the position taken by organisers against the attendance of sitting government MPs. “As many of you know, an invitation was extended to members of the government by the organisers to attend the march on Friday past and while the acceptance of this invitation was met with accusation of event hijacking by the organisers and the subsequent directive to the attendees to turn their backs on us, my individual decision to participate was based on my love and commitment for our great country,” Mr Fitzgerald said.
FNM leader Dr Hubert Minnis speaking during Friday’s protest in Rawson Square. “At Arawak Cay prior to the march I had the opportunity to speak with many in attendance. I learned that some persons gathered there because they were dissatisfied with the government, some because they do not believe the opposition party is a credible voice to represent their interests and others because they simply wanted to be part of the event. But most of all, however, I spoke with people who above anything else, just wanted to put the politics aside and focus on improving our country.” Mr Fitzgerald maintained that he too wanted a better and stronger Bahamas, and that this desire motivated him to commit the past nine years to front line politics. He concluded that the march was reflective of Bahamian aspirations for nation building through a healthy exchange of ideas;
a willingness to collaborate to improve our quality of life; communication; and listening to the Bahamian people. But he noted that the majority was often drowned out by the louder minority, whom he said had a “purely political agenda.” Mr Fitzgerald said he was disappointed by the disrespectful rejection of the invitation to meet with Prime Minister Perry Christie. “In doing so,” he continued, “the organisers in a fit of hubris have squandered an opportunity many of those who marched and supported them wished they would have seized instead of issuing threats to hold the country hostage. “Despite what can be perceived as short-sightedness of the organisers, the peaceful display by Bahamians reflects the best of The Bahamas and how the majority of us are invested in making meaningful change.” He added: “The government doesn’t have all the answers and we most certainly can’t solve every problem. At the end of the day, the rate and success of the change we desire as a nation will be dictated by the rate and pace of our change individually and collectively as a people.” Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe remarked that the march demonstrated the
strength of democracy in the country. He noted that the issues protested were wide-ranging, and as such, must be considered and prioritised accordingly by the government. One major concern raised by protesters that Mr Wilchcombe fully endorsed is calls for a solution to air pollution caused by the New Providence landfill. Speaking to calls for the release of Crown land, he said he personally felt that priority should be given to address the land issues arising from the Quieting Titles Act. “The march speaks to our liberties and how we can manage affairs in a respectful way,” Mr Wilchcombe said. “The issues that concern the people is the issues we should be dealing with, sometimes the issues we’re dealing with are important but not a priority for the people. “The issues that concern the people are issues that concern us, that’s what we have to be concerned about if we’re of the people, for the people and about the people.” Mr Wilchcombe also took issue with the organisers’ refusal to meet with Mr Christie, questioning how the meeting would detract from their cause if the end goal was to achieve a resolution.
PAGE 4, Monday, November 28, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
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Fred Mitchell now confronts a new political duck WHILE Prime Minister Perry Christie attempted to extend a hand of cooperation to the many Bahamians who have lost faith in his government, his arrogant Foreign Affairs Minister, in an audio recording released on social media only hours before the organised demonstration was to begin, forbade his party’s supporters to attend. Despite this warning three Cabinet ministers did attend. The “We March”, organised by two young Bahamian activists, both lawyers, gathered at Arawak Cay Friday night and marched to Rawson Square, filling the square with more than 1,000 protesters. They had come in peace, but Mr Mitchell’s pre-march message that their efforts to reach their government was a waste of time, added several more arrows to the protestors’ quivers. These dissatisfied Bahamians had come to make their voices heard. However, many left fired up in anger to be told by Mr Mitchell that their march would not change one “diddly squat”. If Mr Mitchell knew his history, he would have understood that lesser words have started revolutions. Remember, the oft quoted remark of France’s Queen Marie Antoinette, when told that her people were so hungry that they didn’t even have bread to eat, replied: “If they don’t have bread, give them cake!” The French revolution followed, and many, including the king and queen, losts their heads on the guillotine. That, of course, will not happen in The Bahamas, but people like Mr Mitchell have to understand that idle words do carry consequences. And a man in his position should have more sense. From comments made yesterday by members of the public, PLP politicians have not heard the end of this. Mr Michell’s comments have fuelled their defiance. Friday night’s campaign was launched on Facebook earlier this month. “It’s really, truly a people’s movement to send a clear message to politicians about the expectations of Bahamians,” the organisers explained. Among their requests they wanted the immediate tabling of the revised Freedom of Information Bill. “The passage of a robust Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is essential to empower Bahamians and keep the government honest, and it is one of the campaigns for The Bahamas’ most pressing objectives,” said their press release. They also pointed out that they were exercising their “democratic right to take to the streets in protest. For our part we will be standing up for the Freedom of the Information Act to let our political leaders know that this is not something that can be forgotten or ignored.” Mr Mitchell seems to have blotted out his own past. Has he forgotten December 20, 1989, when, under the spreading arms of the giant fig tree in front of the Supreme Court building, he gathered a small group of his People’s Democratic Force, burned a copy of the Constitution and sent its ashes to the late Prime Minister Sir Lynden Pindling? It was to protest the disciplinary action that the Bahamas Bar Council had proposed to take against him. Does he remember his speech at the Pilot House Club’s tenth anniversary on May 3, 1989 when he said: “I say to the government, leave the Bahamian alone and let him flourish. You will see 1,000 businesses start up. You will see economic expansion, the likes of which the country has never seen before. Let’s get rid of as much government in the general sense as we can and make it easier for all of us to live.” Commenting in June 1987 on a decision by the Baptist to suspend their con-
stitution so that they could retain a popular Baptist leader, he disagreed with the decision, likening it to politicians who were reluctant to step down. “We ought to thank our supporters for their support and move on. But, no, we like the wealth and the power so we stay on, and on, and on, and we don’t know when to quit. This is what happened in the PLP,” he said. Mr Mitchell has had a very colourful past, with one ambition — to become prime minister. He started with the PLP, became disenchanted, left and started his own small party. He flirted with the FNM for a time, hoping for a nomination, but when that failed he returned to the PLP where he saw his best opportunity for his star to rise. But with his growing dictatorial attitude, we see no chance of that ever happening. Asked what he thought of Mr Mitchell telling his party supporters not to attend Friday’s march, adding that it will not change a “diddly squat”, Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcome, who believed the march demonstrated the strength of democracy, replied: “We have to appreciate that Fred Mitchell is Fred Mitchell and the prime minister spoke for the government, that is the position of the government. We may not all share in how he (Mr Mitchell) approaches things, but all of us appreciate that Fred will establish his positions. He was speaking as an individual member of Parliament.” However, Mr Mitchell’s opinions cannot be brushed aside. We must remember that he is not only Foreign Affairs Minister, but he is also Minister of Immigration. Mr Mitchell has tried to dismiss the importance of the march by claiming that it is an FNM propaganda exercise. “Once you see Janet Bostwick’s son in it, it’s an FNM propaganda exercise plain and simple and no PLP will be caught dead on it,” he said. “The old saying if its walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it’s a damn duck. This is nothing but an FNM in disguise with glasses. Pretending to be neutral, but they are FNM,” said Mr Mitchell. Anyone who believes this will make a grave mistake. John Henry Bostwick, Jr, is the son of former FNM Attorney General Janet Bostwick, but he belongs to no political party. Mr Bostwick, Jr, 45, and his colleague Renard Henfield, 37 – both lawyers – are community activists, associated with no political organisation. Theirs is a people’s movement — something that Bahamians have never known before. They embrace all parties, including those persons not affiliated with any party. Their common goal is to gather in all those who want the best for their country and its people. Mr Henfield was recently recognised by Rotary International in a ceremony in the ballroom of Government House for his community activities with Our Carmichael Movement. The two young men even had the vision to assist with voter registration. The Parliamentary Registrar was invited to register as many Bahamians as possible. A tent was sent up in the square during the rally with ten registration booths. The effort was so successful that the department’s staff had to leave before the evening ended because they had run out of registration forms. So to quote Mr Mitchell, it might walk and quack like a duck, but he had better put on his glasses again – he’s only deluding himself if he thinks it’s an FNM duck. He now has a new political duck to deal with and this young duck will not tolerate his arrogance.
Travel advisories from the US EDITOR, The Tribune. US Embassy Travel warnings - where do the guns come from? Travel Advisories? Not as if we have notoriety for demonstrations or protest marches far from what we witness on US TV News I have to question the seeming quickness of the US Embassy in issuing Travel Advisorywarnings to US Citizens. The irony is that very, very few Americans go on-line to the
State Department and check if at destination A-B-C there is a travel advisory or warning. How many of the 16,000, primary US citizens on the cruise boats in Nassau Harbour Friday, November 25th 2016, will know of a warning? Where are the guns coming from? 2015 - 147 murders, mostly with the use of a gun - The Bahamas does not manufacture guns so where are they coming from? It seems owing to the make and type
all come from the US. Who should take responsibility? Moreso than ever if the means of killing is with the use of a gun and the guns are smuggled from the US to The Bahamas I have to say the US has to take the fullest responsibility and effectively take all means available to stop the smuggling. Will they? W THOMPSON Nassau, November 25, 2016.
Moment in time EDITOR, The Tribune.
THE recent politicallybased march and demonstration clearly unmasked the ‘hidden hands’ hell bent on the destabilisation of the Gold Rush Administration. They are anxious to see the backs of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) and its erstwhile leader. Mind you, this is all wishful and juvenile thinking, in the extreme. The PM was wrong to have stooped to the level of a mob of rabble rousers and publicity seekers. The PLP was elected by the people during general elections in 2012 to govern The Bahamas for a fiveyear period, which expires next year. The hapless and clueless Free National Movement (FNM), led by a man who has to live in the Eighth Dimension, was elected the Opposition. As such that crumbling house of contrasts is mandated to hold the feet of the government to the fire, so to speak. It is a matter of profound regret that all the FNM seems to be capable of is to attempt to offer bogus and baseless sound bites about incompetence, transparency and accountability. If those in that party were
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net serious they would have sought to topple the PLP by parliamentary means. Instead what do they do? They ,allegedly, are being funded by “hidden sources” and taking to the streets via so-called community activists, previously completely unknown, and the unmasking of the establishment for what it is. This event, while apparently noble in its cause, will achieve nothing of value except to show this administration and its supporters that the gauntlet has been thrown down. The FNM on its own is impotent. Minnis, God bless his soul, has flopped, big time as alternative Prime Minister. This is the core reason why in the coming months ahead Bahamians will continue to witness the roll out of charades and spectacles of no mean order. The PM is advised to get on with the people’s business and not, ever again, offer to meet with a nonelected and self appointed so-called community leader. That individual was ‘rude’ to the point where he rebuffed the PM’s invi-
tation in a very public way. Why subject yourself and the administration, beloved leader, to ridicule and disrespect? This is the Gold Rush’s moment in time. The PM should be all about the completion of the construction of his political legacy. Our efforts must be redoubled in many areas which we have abjectly neglected for too long. Yes, there will be more noise in the political market and the “hidden hands” will play out their deadly game of destabilsation and debilitation by distraction. It is everyone’s constitutional and God-given right to protest, but what was being protested and who funded the spectacle? It would be a privilege to host characters like Henfield, Bishop Patterson and, of course, Dr Minnis on Real Talk Live Prime Time on these questions. This is a moment in time for the PM and our administration. I encourage all eligible Bahamians to register to vote. Vote PLP, of course. To God then, in all things, be the glory. ORTLAND H BODIE JR Nassau, November 26 2016.
When will police reservists be paid? EDITOR, The Tribune. AS a reservist in New Providence, I am retired and work as a police reservist. During the hurricane, three rooms in my home sustained severe damage to the roof and ceiling. My plea is to the Prime Minister Hon Perry G Christie, minister of national security Mr Bernard J Nottage and the Commissioner of Police Mr Ellison Greenslade in respect to a Bill that has
been passed in the House of Assembly in which the reservists’ hours have been increased from 150 hours to 200 hours. We have been working these hours from March, 2016 and to date we are still only being paid for 150 hours. We go above and beyond to accumulate these hours because some of us need the extra funds to help us pay our bills. The hurricane is over and I would like to make repairs to my severely damaged
home but due to not being paid for my time I am unable to make the necessary repairs. Reason being I had to drop my home insurance after I retired and started working as a reservist. Please let us know when we would be paid for the 200 hours already worked. I agree 100 per cent with Miss Baptiste from Freeport. SENIOR RESERVIST JOE BLOW Nassau, November, 2016.
LETTERS EXTRA including Richard Lightbourn MP - see page 19
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, November 28, 2016, PAGE 5
Scared of crime, tired of secret deals: protesters voice their frustrations By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net FRUSTRATED residents occupied Parliament Square on Friday afternoon as a part of the ‘We March’ protest against the performance of government in its handling of the country’s affairs. The protestors walked down West Bay Street towards Rawson Square, singing the national anthem and chanting as bystanders, locals and tourists alike, filmed the occasion. “I have serious concerns as to the direction this country is headed in and it’s about time Bahamians took a stand,” Caroline Stubbs, a protestor, told The Tribune. “We have been complacent too long. We see every nationality come into this country and advance ahead of Bahamians. Children are coming out of school illiterate. Everybody can’t have a hotel job. You need to educate our people.
ONE of the banners at Friday’s protest. Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff “There’s only some community and I’m still 300,000 plus of us. Why is scared to live there. I love the government not educat- fishing and I’m scared the ing us? Why don’t we have Chinese will come in our wajobs? Why are we import- ters and take all the fish away ing so many foreigners to and we’ll have nothing.” do what Bahamians can “The people are angry. do? It’s time for us to take They’re frustrated and we a stand and say no more; need answers,” Anna Coleenough is enough.” brooke, a senior citizen, Dylan Lightbourne, a told The Tribune. university student and pro“We’re tired of the secret spective first-time voter, deals. We’re tired of the said that the future appears reports they promised and bleak for Bahamians. four and a half years later “I’m scared to come back you still don’t have it. I’m because I don’t know if here for the people’s movethere’s going to be a possi- ment and most importantly ble job for me to come back on behalf of my grandchilto,” he said. “I am scared of dren yet unborn that they crime here. I live in a gated can have a better country.”
“I don’t know much about politics but whatever they’re playing around with as their personal game, it’s not for the interest of the Bahamian people,” said Artis Miller, another senior citizen. “Anybody can sign a deal now on behalf of the government and the prime minister is the leader. I don’t know but don’t give a s*** about it. $40 million went missing from Road Traffic and nobody has been prosecuted for it. And this is who you want running the country?” Mr Miller asked. “I feel for the nation. We’re in a dilemma. There has to be some accountability of some nature because as I see it everybody could do as they feel and get away with it,” said resident Eli Major. “I’m afraid for the youngsters. The cost of living is over the youngsters’ head. They can’t afford to purchase a piece of property in this town that is less than $60,000 today and your annual salary is less than $30,000?” Roger Gomez II, a pub-
lic defender, said he was “thrilled by what I see”. “The Bahamian people are exercising their constitutional rights. Of course, all of the necessary permits from the government was obtained and we’re here as Bahamians to voice our opinions in a peaceful manner which is the nature of our history and culture. “If you recall, when we got our independence it was called the quiet revolution. So we’re just a little louder but the important thing is we’re out here peacefully as Bahamians, black, white, just looking for a better way for our country and our people.” Romona FarquharsonSeymour, another lawyer, also supported the protest. “I’m a Bahamian and so I’m here to really support the cause. We have some real concerns with what’s happening in the country and we wish for our presence to be felt, to be known to those who are making the decisions to know, listen, we’re not happy with
what’s happening. You have a lot of Bahamians who are hurting. “They believe there’s a certain group coming in and wreaking havoc. Also the lack of transparency. You just see certain moves taking place, certain corporations purchased, whatever the case may be and all you’re hearing are just rumours and its really for legislature to speak out and say these are the facts and then we the people can make the decision.” The protest attracted significant support from activists and civic organisations, as well as the support of the country’s two umbrella unions, the Obie Fergusonled Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the John Pinder-led National Congress of Trade Unions Bahamas (NCTUB). Promoted as a silent protest, ‘We March’ began at Arawak Cay at 1pm on Friday, with one estimate of up to 1,000 gathering at the start point.
MILLER: I’LL GIVE ACTIVIST $1,000 FOR EVERY VOTE OVER 200 IF HE RUNS from page one
Insisting that the activist was attempting to get around the election process, Mr Miller said Mr Henfield was now lost in a “political whirlwind where he feels powerful and thinks all those people next to him respects him”. Mr Miller blasted the activist, calling him a “lost fool” who was out of his depth and needed to “wake the hell up”. “He said he was going to make our professional lives a living hell until the Prime Minister (Perry Christie) did what his group was asking,” Mr Miller said. “He needs to relax himself. In fact, if he thinks he is so powerful, he should come to the House of Assembly on Wednesday and stop us from doing our jobs. Lost fool. He needs to wake the hell up because he isn’t built for this.” During Friday’s protest, Mr Miller and Mr Henfield had an awkward exchange in Rawson Square when it appeared that the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) MP attempted to address the crowd, but was denied by the activist. In a move that has since gone on to encapsulate Fri-
day’s protest, Mr Henfield turned his back to the former Cabinet minister, demonstrating that the voice of the people no longer valued the “tired and useless words of politicians”. However, Mr Miller on Sunday said he wanted to “set the facts straight” as it relates to the protest and clarified his reason for attending the protest aimed at the governing PLP, of which he is a long-serving member. Mr Miller said he turned up in Rawson Square on Friday to “give an ear” to the concerns of the people. However, he contended that he never offered to speak or attempted to address the massive crowd. According to Miller, moments after the crowd gathered in Rawson Square he was approached by organisers to speak and reas-
sure the crowd that he, like them, had issues with the government. “Now what the hell I look like, me, Leslie Miller trying to address them in that manner? “The officials there came to me and tried to pull me to say some words and I told them immediately that I had nothing to say,” Mr Miller added. “Next thing I know, the crowd was chanting against me. I was out there to hear what they had to say. They flipped it, and made me look like a fool. This guy, (Mr) Henfield has an ego, he wanted to show up the politician for his own gain. “Who the hell is he? I mean who the hell does he think he is? Back up buddy. You don’t have any credit in these communities, you are fresh out here and want to
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walk around and give the impression that you have arrived. Stop it. “I was working on behalf of Bahamians since 1962 your a** wasn’t even born yet. I give you credit for getting people to march, but don’t let that get to your head and force you to start disrespecting people in that House (of Assembly). We were elected to that place, what were you? “If you feel as if you are capable enough I dare you to put your name on a ballot ‘Mr Big and Bad’, show your a** and see just how much the Bahamian people believe in you.”
He added: “He demanded all types of stuff, talked about shutting the country down and closing the airport if his demands aren’t met. Who the hell is he? You see, if he thinks he has that kind of power, tell him step up to the plate and get in to the House (of Assembly) just like we did and affect change from there. “He isn’t the first Bahamian with a bright idea or a solution, but there are ways to go about make changes in this country. Not acting a fool in the streets and shouting things out. “Go tell him, Leslie Miller said come to the polls, put
his name on a ballot and ask the Bahamian people if he is worth enough to walk in that House (of Assembly). For every vote over 200 he gets I would give $1,000.” Friday’s protest saw frustrated residents occupy Parliament Square following a march from Arawak Cay. Led by Mr Henfield, it is estimated that more than 1,000 protesters walked down West Bay Street towards Rawson Square, singing the national anthem and chanting. Some of the protestors stayed in Parliament Square - an estimated 50 people until 1am Saturday.
PAGE 6, Monday, November 28, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
Bell denies convicted drug dealer Lamm is campaigning with him By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net
DESMOND Bannister, FREE National Movement candidate for Carmichael, yesterday accused State Minister of National Security Keith Bell of campaigning alongside convicted drug dealer and former Progressive Liberal Party campaign general Carlos Lamm.
Firing back, Senator Bell denied those claims as “absolutely untrue”, adding that it was unfortunate Mr Bannister had decided to target a reformed man because he felt politically threatened. Senator Bell was recently ratified by the PLP to represent the Carmichael constituency. In a press statement, Mr Bannister, a former Cabinet minister, alleged that
he had been inundated for several weeks with complaints from Carmichael constituents, who claim that Lamm and “other disreputable persons” have been canvassing the area with Mr Bell. He maintained that the alleged campaign association was a “grave disservice” to law-abiding members of the Carmichael community, and a betrayal of the sacred oath Mr Bell
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swore to the Bahamian people. “Constituents complain that Lamm has been visiting their homes to introduce the minister,” Mr Bannister said. “How can citizens trust the minister to protect them from the criminal element when he surrounds himself with persons who personify that element? In these days of ever-rising crime, how can the minister consort with persons of such ill repute? “The minister’s actions confirm our worst fears about his government’s close relationship with the criminal element in our society.” Mr Bannister added: “The minister of state is warned to be careful of the message that he sends to our vulnerable children when his canvassing team consists of convicted law breakers and undesirables.” Lamm spearheaded the 2012 election campaign of Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald, and had a significant role in the PLP’s Abaco by-election campaign. After the PLP won the May 2012 general election, Lamm’s company, JFK Construction, was awarded more than $100,000 in school repair contracts. He was found guilty of having three-and-a-half pounds of marijuana with intent to supply, and sentenced to one year in prison and a $5,000 fine in February 2013. The charge was related to a police seizure in December 2009.
CARLOS LAMM, who was convicted in 2013 of possession of marijuana with intent to supply. Yesterday, Senator Bell chances. said: “The statement is ab“It is unfortunate that solutely untrue, and I would he feels threatened by Mr call on Mr Bannister to re- Lamm. There are more veal who has complained than enough persons in because it never happened. Carmichael. All of our stal(Lamm) never campaigned wart councillors and very with me. strong party supporters, any “He is a schoolmate of number of them have come mine, he is a good friend. I out in strong support of me. have no issues with him, he It is unfortunate that he is is a kind and nice person, going to take issue with an and this is a government individual that has served that believes in second his time, let him move on.”
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POLICE are looking for the suspects who left a man in hospital with gunshot wounds on Sunday. According to police reports, shortly after 1am, a man was walking on Croton Street in Pinewood Gardens when the occupants of a dark coloured vehicle pulled alongside him and shot him before speeding off. The man was taken to hospital where he was admitted in stable condition.
POLICE in Exuma are looking for the suspects who robbed a service station of cash on Saturday. According to police reports, shortly before 8pm Saturday a man armed with a handgun robbed a service station located in Ramsey’s, Exuma of an undisclosed amount of cash before fleeing in a green vehicle driven by a woman. Investigations are ongoing.
Your day can be beautiful, successful and pleasurable if you take your mind off your problems... Think about positive things that have occurred in your life.
~Betty Taylor ~
Original Author
the stories behind the news
insight@tribunemedia.net
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2016
Where is the shame?
“We March” organiser Ranard Henfield addresses the crowd in Rawson Square. Photo/Shawn Hanna
W
hen over a thousand Bahamians from all walks of life took to Bay Street on Black Friday, they changed the face of this country for the better. They demonstrated to an out-of-touch government that they have had enough. They have had enough of not being listened to. They have had enough of being lied to, day in and day out. They have had enough of feeling frightened in their homes while criminals run amok in our country. They have had enough of the empty promises and political rhetoric. They have had enough of being overlooked for opportunities in their own country while the Chinese reap the rewards. They have had enough of this Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) and their bumbling Prime Minister, Perry Christie. Having “just” gotten the message that the people were sick and tired, Christie had his foreign consultants/public relations firms pen a five-page letter to the organisers of the march. The point of the letter, we imagine, was to deflect attention from the groundswell of support the event was attracting, and re-direct attention back to our Prime Minister as the Alpha and the Omega. After all, the letter had the sanctimonious gesture of inviting the organisers of the event, Ranard Henfield and John Bostwick, to a meeting with the Prime Minister at his office. The organisers, in their wisdom, declined the offer publicly, much to the shock and horror of sycophantic PLP supporters. We could hear their cries now. “How could they turn down a meeting with the chief? They don’t know who he is, eh? And he was trying to speak to their level ya know, inviting them in to deal with their ‘little concerns’. They so ungrateful!” On the eve of the march, PLP operatives were online sowing seeds of confusion and misinformation. Their objective was simple - disrupt and hinder the effort however you can.
The Black Friday march shows how an out-oftouch government is still badly misreading the signs, Malcolm J Strachan says That objective failed. The day of the march, the PLP had changed their tactics from being the gracious and benevolent overseers to the dictators in chief. This new architype was seen manifest by the infamous voice-note sent out by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Fred Mitchell, who lambasted the organisers as being Free National Movement front-men, who were promoting the concerns and issues of the people, issues the Minister described as “pedestrian”. Foot, meet mouth. In one audio clip, Mitchell had set the cat amongst the pigeons. The people were livid! The voice-note was shared around the country, and citizens were alarmed at the high-handed, holier than though, flippant approach of their chief foreign diplomat. After all, Mitchell himself was a demonstrator extraordinaire in his own right. Surely he should see the irony in what he has done? But alas, no such introspection occurred,
were there to hijack it. But what they did not bargain for was the resolve of the people. The organisers called for their supporters to “turn their backs” to them - and that is exactly what they did. Moments before leading the protesters on the march, lead organiser Ranard Henfield laid into four of the government members who showed up to the event. Those PLP members were Shane Gibson, Jerome Fitzgerald, Cleola Hamilton and Kenred Dorsett. Henfield: “To now look around and see the ministers of government who were just blasting us on the airwaves and in the papers for the last few days, now standing with us in black, that’s a political ploy, we’re not interested,” he said. “Every time they have walked up to me I’ve turned my back to them. I have no respect for what I see happening here today. “And it’s clearly their way of trying to hijack this and make it political and to come off to the people as
“But what the PLP ministers and members did not bargain for was the resolve of the people. The organisers called for their supporters to “turn their backs” to them - and that is exactly what they did. PLP minister Shane Gibson at the assembly point of the march at Arawak Cay on Friday.
only the dismissiveness that comes with age. Which turns us to the march itself. We were horrified to see PLP Ministers and PLP Members of Parliament, dressed in black in attendance at the starting site. Many people questioned why they would attend an event that was largely organised to protest actions they had done or failed to do in this term in office. The answer is simple: they
if they stand with us when we know they don’t stand with us. Because if you can stand with Sandals, who fired 600 Bahamians, and you can still meet at Sandals this week, and wine and dine and shake hands with (Sandals owner Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart) after he had 600 families losing their homes, kids being pulled from school, you’re not a friend to the people, you’re not a friend to us. So, I have no respect
for what they stand for.” Bravo, Mr Henfield! Bravo! As for the PLP MPs, they bandied out their canned political answers which they were no doubt supplied by their consultants - “we are here because we support change”. What utter garbage. This from a grouping who have had four and a half years to effect real change but have done
nothing but make life harder for the people of this country. Instead of implementing policies and plans that would benefit Bahamians, they have bowed to the will of the Chinese and sided with foreign interests time and time again. So, no Minister Dorsett or Fitzgerald, we don’t care to hear what you have to say any longer. You’ve had your chance to govern and
we have seen what you’ve done with it. You should be ashamed of yourselves. But as you have no shame, we will have to remove you from office, and bring good governance to this country once again. The Bahamian people deserve it, and they are tired of waiting. They have had enough. • Comments and responses to insight@tribunemedia.net
PAGE 8 MONDAY, November 28, 2016
Email: insight@tribunemedia.net
THIS WEEK IN THE TRIBUNE
What does this university “thing” mean? L
et’s begin with what the College of The Bahamas (COB) becoming the University of The Bahamas (UB) does not mean. It does not mean that we have become the equivalent of Harvard University, established in 1636 and an institution with an endowment of $35.7 billion. It does not mean that we offer every programme and specialisation at the undergraduate level that any citizen might desire to study. It does not mean that we have facilities to match North American institutions. It does not mean every student is happy with the level of service they are receiving. It does not mean that every employee is going to do their jobs enthusiastically. It does not mean that every faculty member will publish a book next year. If you’ve been expecting any or all of those things you may be being more than a little unrealistic. The 2016-2017 operating budget expenditure of Florida Atlantic University (a Tier 2 university) was in excess of $760 million. Do you know what the entire Bahamas budget for education was for 2016-2017? I’ve heard this snide remark often during the last five years: “And they talking ‘bout they going to University” (followed by a suck teet’). This remark is essentially meaningless. It presupposes that universities are a special kind of institution: the flawless kind. It presupposes that there is some magical power in the very word “university” that ought to have transformed COB into paradise by now. The fact is progress is being made; not as fast as we’d all like, but it is being made. So what does the birth of UB really mean? Surface answer: COB has rebranded
Tuesday Woman and Health weekly advice on taking care of your mind and body and women making waves in the Bahamas Plus comment from Nicole Burrows and sporting mischief and mayhem with Inigo “Naughty” Zenicazelaya
Wednesday Tribune Tech - a weekly look at what’s new in the world of technology Larry Smith’s forthright Tough Call column - in search of Fidel Castro
Thursday Obituaries and Religion, a weekly review Young Man’s View trenchant opinion from Adrian Gibson on the hot topics in the country Sports - The Tribune’s ‘experts’ pick their weekend NFL winners The University of the Bahamas Act gives the institution the right to determine its course more independently. Photo: Peter Ramsay/BIS
Dr Ian Strachan shares his thoughts on what expectations are realistic after the rebranding of COB itself. Deeper answer: COB has taken the next step in its evolution, gaining in law the right to greater self-determination and the right to incentives that should aid in its growth and development. I am a former student of COB. I have been a Professor at COB for 20 years. I have been a Vice President
of COB. I had the privilege of working on the UB Bill, now an Act. The creation of UB is a good thing and is long overdue. The rebranding of COB raises expectations within the institution and within the community. It has the potential to increase the prestige of and pride in the institution. It gives an
institution that has changed significantly since 1975 an opportunity to reintroduce itself to the nation, the region and the world. These are good things. The UB Act gives the institution the right to determine its course more independently; it increases the flexibility of the institution; it lays the ground work for higher standards; and it broadens the involvement of stakeholders in crafting its policies and vision. These are good and necessary things. A national university offers degrees to its citizens at home. Increasing participation in the advantages that post-secondary education provides necessarily means making that education readily available. UB is the university in our back yard, our university, offering
our degrees, reflecting us as a people, while it also improves us and challenges us. This is a good thing and cause for celebration. Finally, the birth of UB means that, at last, the institution can cast off the albatross of “transition” that has hung around its neck for a decade. This is a good thing. At UB we can now focus on our real business: teaching, creating new knowledge through research and serving our communities, with open hearts and minds and with ready hands. • Dr Ian Strachan is a Professor of English Studies with University of The Bahamas and a respected Bahamian playwright, poet and filmmaker. He is also a former Lyford Cay Scholar. • “Gain An Edge” is a weekly collaboration of the Lyford Cay Foundations, Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute and the College of The Bahamas aimed at promoting a national dialogue on higher education. Once a month a guest writer will share their personal views, insights and perspectives on higher education. To share your thoughts, email gainanedge@tribunemedia.net
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EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2016 PAGE 9
Vehicle dumps are driving crime and health hazards G
OVERN MENT must be given credit for efforts over the years to improve the state of our environment in the in terest of a clean and orderly society for both ourselves and our guests. But this costly effort is being defeated by the pres ence of hundreds of derelict vehicles all over New Provi dence and on other islands. Most of these vehicles are abandoned in residential areas where unregulated roadside garages operate. They are left on the sides of streets or in yards and are a health hazard. They provide shelter for pests, reduce property values and detract from the appearance of our neighbourhoods. A look back may help to inform our present ap proaches to this issue. From the early 1950s po lice officers reported the presence of any derelict vehicle in their station ar eas. This information was compiled and passed on to headquarters, from where it was sent monthly to the Public Works Department. The report included a description of the vehicles, the name of the owner and the licence plate number. Owners were then ordered
A plan drawn up in the 1970s to address the issues of roadside garages and never enacated remains as relevant today as ever, Assistant Commissioner of Police Paul Thompson says
to move the vehicles to a was to provide the govern disposal site and a sign was ment with a workable pro posted with a deadline for cedure to control the rapid this. If the vehicle was not spread of unregulated ga moved within the specified rages and abandoned ve time, the Public Works De hicles in ‘Over-the-Hill’ partment would do the job neighbourhoods. and bill the owner. Those We produced a list of all who failed to roadside ga pay were tak “Areas in Bain rages on the en to the civil island, as well Town, Grants court. as the names When Lof Town and Kemp of their own tus Roker was Road have become ers/operators. Minister of Police officers Health and vehicle dumps, provided us Environment which are often with informa in the 1970s, seen as good places tion on the the prolifera number of tion of road to dispose of derelict vehi side garages household garbage cles surround became a as well as to hide ing those ga contentious is rages. And sue. Roker set guns and drugs.” we discussed up a commit new zoning tee of representatives from laws that would close them various ministries and the down. police to draw up a plan to The plan was to notify address the problem. the owners that they would As Assistant Commis have to close or face pros sioner of Police, I was on ecution. We also recom the committee. Our goal mended that the govern ment provide a suitable PAUL Thompson is the quintessential policeman. His piece of Crown land for career spanned the modern development of The Baha construction of a simple mas - from colonial times to the challenges of nation building to house the vari hood. ous mechanics under one Born in a small farming village in Trinidad, he was re roof in a non-residential cruited by the Royal Bahamas Police Force in 1951. He area. The garage owners/ spent most of his time on the force in the Criminal In operators would be fully vestigation Department, retiring in 1981 as an Assistant consulted and encouraged Commissioner. to form a co-operative. He then began a second career as head of security for We discussed the ap the Paradise Island Resort & Casino, returning to the po proach with some of the lice force as a civilian training officer in 1998, and in 2002 owners, who were more was appointed general manager of Wemco Security. than happy with the ideas Five years later, he set up his own security company put forward, and finally Paul Thompson & Associates. Now in his 80s, he remains presented it to the minister. active in security work. But soon afterwards, Roker
OLD, abandoned cars and trucks on a lot next to Q Club by the roadside in Mackey Street. Photo: Valden Fernander was moved to another Min istry and we heard no more about the plan. In 1998 the plan was brought to the attention of the public through the me dia. And in 2007, a letter with information about the plan was sent to Dr Hubert Minnis, then Minister of Health. The Tribune also published portions of the plan in 2007. But over all this time there has been no effort by any administration to implement these wellconsidered proposals to deal with what has now be come an intractable issue. Today, areas in Bain Town, Grants Town and Kemp Road have become vehicle dumps, which are often seen as good places to dispose of household gar bage as well as to hide guns and drugs. We hear very little about these common sights today, but the plan developed by the Roker committee re
mains relevant and work able. A related vexing issue that has mushroomed over time is the illegal dumping of garbage around the is land, which contributes to pollution of the water table, creates health hazards, im pacts wildlife and is gener ally unsightly - as well as downright disgusting. This problem has ex panded because illegal dumping often attracts more dumping. It is some thing we, as taxpayers, should be concerned about because the costs to clean up illegal dump sites can be significant. Perhaps not much can be done about casual dump ers who uncaringly dispose of their household garbage on vacant lots, unless they are caught in the act and prosecuted. But there are a number of private waste haulers who collect garbage from various places on New
Providence. These haulers need to be properly regu lated and the regulations actively enforced. It goes without saying that the vehicles the haul ers use should be covered to prevent spillage. I have also recommended in the past that a registry of these ve hicles should be maintained by the Environment Min istry. Records at the land fill would disclose whether they visit the dump regular ly. And if not, they should be suspected of dumping elsewhere. The penalties for illegal dumping should be high in order to discour age the practice. Perhaps it is time for the implementation of an envi ronmental court dedicated to the prosecution of crimes like these. Environmental protection has to become a rising priority for us all. NEXT WEEK: the chal lenge of effective policing in the modern era
PAGE 10 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2016
EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net
ANALYSIS: MUCH UNCERTAINTY AHEAD IN US-CUBA RELATIONSHIP Fidel Castro’s death highlights doubts as to whether Cuba’s critical neighbours will continue a policy of resuming normal ties, Bradley Klapper says
FIDEL Castro’s death at the age of 90 on Friday night removes what was long the single greatest psychological barrier to a warmer US-Cuba relationship. But it also adds to the uncertainty ahead with the transition from an Obama to a Trump administration. “A brutal dictator” of a “totalitarian island”, declared President-elect Donald Trump, underscoring the historical trauma still separating the countries. A more restrained President Barack Obama, carefully promoting and working to preserve his own attempt to rebuild those ties, said history would assess Castro’s impact and that the Cuban people could reflect “with powerful emotions” about how their longtime leader influ-
CUBAN President Fidel Castro stands on the Great Wall of China in 1996. enced their country. decision to engage rather In death as in life, Castro than pressure Havana in the has divided opinion: a revo- hopes of forging new bonds lutionary who stood up to could quickly unravel. Trump American aggression or a has hardly championed the ruthless dictator whose move- effort and Republican leadment trampled human rights ers in Congress fiercely opand democratic aspirations. posed Obama’s calls to end President Raul Castro, the 55-year-old US trade emFidel’s younger brother, is bargo of the island. 85. Their Communist Party “We know that this moshows no signs of opening ment fills Cubans - in Cuba up greater political space de- and in the United States spite agreeing with the Unit- - with powerful emotions, ed States to re-establish em- recalling the countless bassies and facilitate greater ways in which Fidel Castro trade and investment. altered the course of indiAs President Obama vidual lives, families and of leaves office in January, his the Cuban nation,” Obama
said. He offered neither ing chief of staff, Reince condemnation nor praise Priebus, told “Fox News for Castro, who outlasted Sunday”. And without that, invasion and assassination Priebus said Trump “absoplots and presided over the lutely” would reverse ObaCuban missile crisis, which ma’s opening with Havana. took the world to the brink Castro’s reign began of nuclear war. when his improbable in“History will record and surrection ousted the U.judge the enormous impact backed strongman Fulgenof this singular figure on the cio Batista in 1959. Only 32 people and world around at the time, Castro was the him,” Obama said, adding youngest leader in Latin that US-Cuban relations America and inspired revoshould not be defined “by lutionaries as far afield as our differences but by the Africa and Asia. many things that we share But Castro’s socialist as neighbours Cuba was anyand friends”. ‘President Obama thing but an Trump did idyll, and the not pass off his offered neither United States evaluation to condemnation nor quickly became the historians. praise for Castro, his fiercest op“Today, the ponent. world marks the who outlasted Members of passing of a bru- invasion and Batista’s govtal dictator who assassination plots ernment went oppressed his before sumown people for and presided over mary courts, nearly six dec- the Cuban missile with at least 582 ades,” Trump crisis, which took executed by firsaid in a stateing squad in the ment. “Fidel the world to the first two years Castro’s legacy brink of nuclear of Castro’s is one of firing war.’ rule. Independsquads, theft, ent newspapers unimaginable were closed. suffering, poverty and the Gays were herded into denial of fundamental hu- camps for “re-education”. man rights.” Tens of thousands were Trump expressed hope held as political prisoners. that Castro’s death would Hundreds of thousands of mark a “move away from Cubans fled. After the Sothe horrors” toward a fu- viet Union vanished, Cuba’s ture where Cubans live in economy collapsed. freedom. But he said nothIn Miami and other ing about Obama’s project American cities, a powerful to reset ties, and even hailed emigre community emerged the election support he re- that was bitterly opposed to ceived from veterans of any improvement in US rethe failed 1961 Bay of Pigs lations with Castro’s governinvasion that was backed ment. For many years, their by the Central Intelligence threat alone was enough to Agency. sink any attempts to bridge Such a statement prob- divides. ably will irritate Havana, The dynamic began coming after a two-year pe- changing a decade ago, as riod of intense diplomatic Castro stepped back from discussions with Washing- public life. His health ailton that have done more to ing, he handed over power improve relations between to brother Raul in 2008 and the countries than anything a period of limited economin the past five and a half ic reforms was ushered in. decades. After Cuba’s government Trump “is going to be released American prisonlooking for some move- er Alan Gross and agreed ment in the right direction to a spy swap with Washin order to have any sort of ington in 2014, Obama and deal with Cuba,” his incom- Raul Castro felt they finally
had enough trust to embark on a journey of rapprochement. While some US investment has opened up and travel rules for Americans are now greatly eased, the normalisation has been limited because Obama could never get Republican lawmakers to end the vast restrictions tied up in the trade embargo. Triumphant alongside Trump in November, some Republican Party leaders have vowed to reverse Obama’s effort. “Now that Fidel Castro is dead, the cruelty and oppression of his regime should die with him,” House Speaker Paul Ryan said in a statement on Saturday. “Sadly, much work remains to secure the freedom of the Cuban people.” Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar, of Minnesota, who is pushing legislation to scrap the embargo, said in an interview that Castro’s shadow “loomed over all the government’s decisions” even though he had left power. She hoped Trump and Republican leaders would respond to Castro’s death by at least not rolling back Obama’s openings to Cuba and perhaps advancing them. During his campaign, Trump criticised Obama for striking a “very weak agreement” and threatened to reverse Obama’s executive orders “unless the Castro regime meets our demands.” He never laid out those demands, and at other times hinted about being amenable to more US investment in Cuba. As with much of his foreign policy, Trump never outlined clearly a set of policy objectives with Cuba. The ambiguity leaves much of the recent warming on uncertain ground. It’s unclear if Castro’s death, however powerful for castigators and champions, will dramatically sway Trump one way or the other. • Bradley Klapper covers diplomacy and international affairs for The Associated Press.
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THE TRIBUNE
Monday, November 28, 2016, PAGE 11
PILOT HURT AS PLANE CRASHES ON GOLF COURSE POLICE and officials from the Department of Civil Aviation are investigating the circumstances surrounding a plane crash on a golf course in western New Providence on Saturday. According to police re-
THE WRECKAGE of a plane at the golf course in western New Providence yesterday.
ports, shortly after 2pm, the pilot of a small, singleengine plane “escaped serious injury” after landing his aircraft on the golf course. Police said the pilot was taken to hospital where he was treated for minor injuries and later discharged.
‘Help my paralysed son to come home for the holidays’ By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net A MOTHER is asking for the public’s assistance in fulfilling her paralysed son’s request to be brought home for the holidays as he recovers from his latest ailment. Jacqueline Ford told The Tribune that her 23-year-old son, Renaldo Gibson, recently underwent surgery for kidney stones that had been delayed for almost a year and has asked her to take him home. However, their Yamacraw home was devastated by Hurricane Matthew and she is unable to accommodate her son there. Her mother, Alfreda Edwards, has offered to house him but her home also suffered roof damage and will require plywood before a new room could be set up for her grandson. Mrs Ford is also asking for assistance in purchasing a generator, a bed and air conditioning that would allow him to breathe and rest comfortably. Mr Gibson was paralysed from the waist down in a car accident seven years ago. “I took him to the Accident and Emergency in April and he was admitted in ICU because he was having abdominal pains from renal stones doctors found out he had sometime back about a year ago,” she said. “He had stones and the surgery had gotten delayed and delayed. He was in there for about a month. He went in there, was able to move his legs, he was talking and he was able to use his left hand
what he normally use to do everything with. He could have fed himself, use his phone but he took ill and he was in ICU for a month. And upon his discharge, he was unable to do everything that he could have done previously.” Mrs Ford said she took her son into hospital before the approach of Hurricane Matthew in October “to have him secured”. “I spoke with one of his doctors who are always there for him. He made the arrangements for him to be admitted. He’s on an oxygen machine at home and for fearing the electricity would go and not be immediately restored, I didn’t want him home. To date, he’s still in hospital.” He had surgery on November 17 and Mrs Ford wishes profoundly to thank the Public Hospitals Authority and doctors at Princess Margaret Hospital, especially those on the Male Surgical Ward 2. She also wishes to thank her mother and brother, Jonathan Edwards, as well as the congregation at the family’s church, Rhodes Memorial Methodist, for their support. Mrs Ford also expressed gratitude to The Providence Rehabilitation Centre that she said has been a continual help to her son. In 2009, while taking a then 16-year-old Renaldo to school, Mrs Ford and her son were involved in an horrific car crash on Prince Charles Drive. The force of the collision propelled Renaldo out of the vehicle and onto the pavement, paralysing him from the waist down.
Mrs Ford said upon impact, her head struck the steering wheel of the car, causing her to black out. She said when she regained consciousness and didn’t see her son in the car, she managed to crawl to the passenger side of the vehicle to look outside. She said she noticed her son lying on the ground not too far from the crash. She indicated that local doctors initially informed her that her son would require the assistance of a ventilator for the rest of his life. She said that revelation prompted her to fly him to the Orlando Regional Medical Centre in 2012. Shortly after his 20th birthday, Mr Gibson breathed without the help of a ventilator for the first time. “Right now my focus is on getting him out of hospital because he’s getting in that depressive state. I promised him I would take him home and I intend to keep my promise,” she said. Anyone who wants to lend support or offer donations can contact Mrs Ford at 393-8555 or jacqueline_55@hotmail.com.
JACQUELINE Ford (right) and her son Renaldo Gibson with fellow Rhodes Memorial Methodist Church members
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PAGE 12, Monday, November 28, 2016
THE TRIBUNE
Mother‘s tears as mentally-ill son is shot dead by police from page one “I can’t believe Renzo gone, but that is what my kids are telling me. I left him home, in his bed, I told my kids to keep to an eye on him until I got back from work. He was in his bed, I saw him before I left. He was in his bed, he should still be there.” That is how Mrs Bain, a native of Andros and proud mother and wife, summed up her last interaction with her son who was fatally shot by police on Blue Hill Road south on Friday. According to reports, the 23-year-old held up a shop owner and stole a loaded shotgun. He took to the street with the weapon a short time later, leading several alarmed motorists
and residents to phone police in fear. “The neighbour said she sent him to the shop for a soda,” Mrs Bain said. “She does it from time to time and nothing like this ever happens. One man that was in the shop said Renzo walked on to a wet part of the floor and that got the shop owner upset.” What followed, according to Mrs Bain, was a series of avoidable events that ended with her son “face down, shot to death like a dog.” “Everyone in the community knows my son, they know my children. Renzo wasn’t violent unless provoked. Something happened in that store to trigger his episodes. “While I am not blaming anyone in particular, it just hurts so much because it has been a tough
couple of years for my son and to lose him like this. No words can ease my heart now because I don’t want my neighbours, the country, the world to remember my son as a thief, as an armed man storming in a shop trying to rob it. That wasn’t my child; he didn’t have a need to do that. Something triggered him in that store and that is all I want to get out there.” Mrs Bain said her son, a graduate of Carlton Francis Primary School and former student at S C McPherson, first used drugs while in junior high school. His first experience with marijuana, paired with the loss of his sister who died around that time, led him to his first psychological episode, she said. “As the young kids like
to say, he was ‘laced’ and he was never the same from that point,” she said, using a colloquial term referring to a drug being tainted with a more harmful substance. Mrs Bain said from that point on, she and her husband struggled to help their son. “We did all we could to get him the help he needed. He was in and out of counselling. Medical doctors would see him regularly, and we prayed non-stop for his recovery. “Renzo had an episode with police earlier this year. They shot him at that point too. Police told me he had a knife and approached a man at Porky’s gas station. “They shot him in the leg. He spent a month in the hospital and then went to Sandilands to be evaluated.
Doctors ruled that he was unfit to stand trial and kept him there for a long period of time. “They placed him on medication, then changed it because it was not agreeing with him. Later on they got him to a point where he could be around people and communicate with them. “When he got back home, we kept him as close to the house as we could because we feared that any extreme situation could trigger him and set him off. “That is what happened Friday. They called me and told me he went outside. I told them to get him back in and that I was coming home shortly. I was too late,” the grief-stricken mother said. “We wanted him back to Sandilands because we could see he wasn’t doing
well, over the last couple of weeks. He needed medication and they told me he had to come there to be properly treated. I couldn’t get him to go and had made plans with my brother to get him in a car and get him there. Again, I was too late. “When I got the call that he was in the road with a gun I panicked. I was rushing to get home. My son was trying to get him to come home, the police showed up and Renzo, probably scared started to run away from them. Now we have all seen the videos (circulating online). I was too late.” Mrs Bain said she has been asked to go to the Central Detective Unit (CDU) this week. Circumstances surrounding the shooting are still under investigation.
PROPOSAL IS SUBMITTED ACTIVISTS WANT MITCHELL OUT OF TALKS BY BAHA MAR BUYER AFTER HE ‘ALIGNS’ WITH WEBSITE’S VIEWS from page one
“(CTFE) has submitted to the government of The Bahamas proposals for the hotel and the casino,” he said, “and the government of The Bahamas is now looking at what they have submitted. We got it in last week. “(CTFE) they’re going to pretty much follow what they’ve done in other jurisdictions where they have major casino operators from veterans in the industry. We’re looking at all the components, we have to take a look at what they do now. “They’ve given us a list of players that we’re doing due diligence on.” CTFE announced in a press statement last month that it was in talks to acquire the beleaguered Cable Beach project. The announcement was heavily criticised by the Official Opposition, namely its Montagu candidate Dionisio D’Aguilar, a former Baha Mar director and key ally of embattled developer Sarkis Izmirlian. Mr D’Aguilar charged that CTFE was “unsuited to invest in The Bahamas,” citing an alleged “well-documented connection to organised crime in Asia”. While he did not identify the connection, it likely refers to the Cheng family’s – owners of
CTFE – link to billionaire Stanley Ho through its stake in Macau group STDM. Mr Ho and his associates have reportedly been unsuccessful in attempts to expand gaming interests into Australia, Canada and other countries due to alleged associations with Chinese triad gangs in his Macau casinos. Democratic National Alliance Leader Branville McCartney has also raised concerns over due diligence, and the proposed buyer’s alleged “deep rooted relationships to elements of organised crime”. CTFE immediately refuted those assertions, and stated its commitment to integrity and good governance in business operations worldwide. The Hong Kong conglomerate pointed out that the Cheng family’s role in the Macau casino is strictly as an investor with no involvement in day-to-day management of the casino or oversight of the gaming industry in Macau. It further stated that there will be no affiliation on the Baha Mar project with STDM. Under its original developer, Sarkis Izmirlian, the casino would have been operated under the Baha Mar brand with a management firm hired to run it. Mr Wilchcombe has previously said that the due diligence process will take at least three weeks.
from page one
Its statement read: “As the commission is aware, www.bahamasuncensored. com is well known to be closely connected to the governing PLP party and has been responsible for much of the intimidating and aggressive rhetoric which has targeted the beneficiaries of Precautionary Measure MC 706-16, including an image of a victim with a gun in his mouth with the caption ‘Save the Bays needs to be destroyed.’ “Under the circumstances, the GBHRA strongly urges the commissioners to take the view that Mr Mitchell cannot be acting in good faith in any discussion or process regarding Precautionary Measure MC 706-16. This is particularly in light of the state’s recent rejection of the concerns of the beneficiaries for their lives and safety and its request to have 706-16 lifted, and the manner in which it has been portrayed on www.bahamasuncensored. com on Sunday, November 27, 2016. “We feel the minister’s admission of agreement with and support for the content on www.bahamasuncensored.com disqualifies him from any role in this sensitive matter and ask that the state be required to officially assign another individual to lead all future discussions with the commission, the ben-
MINISTER of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell. eficiaries and their repre- column and encourage you sentatives.” on a regular basis to read An audio recording of Mr bahamasuncensored.com Mitchell was circulated Fri- and Fred Mitchell minuteday morning, hours before by-minute on Facebook bethe start of the “We March cause it tells you what I’m Bahamas” protest. doing and it also aligns with The Fox Hill MP con- much of my thinking on podemned the protest as a litical issues.” propaganda exercise and Reading from the column, said his party’s support- titled “The Fake and Phony ers should not attend. He Black Friday March”, Mr said the march would not Mitchell continues: “A few change “diddly squat.” weeks ago, Ranard HenIn the recording, Mr field woke up on the wrong Mitchell also aligns himself side of the bed and said: I’m with bahamasuncensored. mad as hell and I’m not gocom - an admission that has ing to take it any more. His long been rumoured due to response was to sit down the pro-Progressive Liberal with former FNM Senator Party (PLP) slant of its con- and son of the FNM Grand tent and vitriolic takedowns Dame Janet Bostwick, (John of persons or entities in oppo- Bostwick II), to plan a Black sition to the Cabinet minister. Friday march . . . He set out The recording starts: a list of things, none of them “Good morning I just want- revolutionary and of any speed to share some thoughts cial import, quite pedestrian with you about this so- really, that he demanded the called Black Friday march government should do.” which is scheduled to take Last month, the GBHRA place today. made a petition on behalf “I’d like to read from (a) of Fred Smith, Francisco bahamasuncensored.com Nunez, Joseph Darville,
Kirkland Bodie and Romauld Ferreira that asked the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) to request that the Bahamas government adopt precautionary measures to prevent irreparable harm to their lives. The IACHR found that the five members of Save The Bays are in “a serious and urgent situation since their lives and personal integrity face an imminent risk of irreparable harm.” The precautionary measures require the Bahamas government to adopt the necessary measures to protect their lives and those of their families, to ensure the five men could pursue their work as human rights defenders without being subject to threats, harassment or intimidation, to agree with the petitioners on the measures to be adopted and to report on investigative actions taken within a 20day period. The petition stems from longstanding allegations made by the GBHRA and STB concerning their public advocacy, and ongoing legal action in a number of environmental matters. 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 last week released its statement and supporting evidence for its request that the precautionary measures are lifted.
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The man was pronounced dead at the scene and investigations into the matter are continuing. While police did not release the victim’s identity, friends and loved ones have identified the dead man is Kashon Fowler, pictured. Those who knew the victim expressed condolences on Facebook, many in shock over this death. Sunday’s murder pushed the country’s toll to 95 for the year, with 17 for the island of Grand Bahama. The killing came five days after a Freeport Harbour employee, who did not show up for work, was found murdered in his apartment in Freeport. The victim, Dwayne Jackson, a courier, was found stabbed to death shortly before 11am last Tuesday inside his unit at the Maxim Court Apartments, off Ponce de Leon Drive in Freeport. Anyone with information on these incidents is asked to call police or the Crime Stoppers hotline at 328-TIPS.
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, November 28, 2016, PAGE 13
Tips to protect yourself against criminals Police advice
ADVISING individuals to take various safety precautions never gets old. Even though the odds of being victimised by crime while in public places are low, one too many persons are being violated on a daily basis which is not acceptable. For this reason, you must protect yourself. Remember, criminals often plan crimes and look for the right opportunity with the easiest victim to prey on. Your best defence is to plan ahead. Being safer does not require changing your lifestyle, personality, wardrobe or to stop socialising. On the other hand, it dictates that you use common sense along with tapping into your gut instinct. The Royal Bahamas Police Force National Crime Prevention Office provides these crime prevention measures to increase your personal safety and security. Personal safety • Always pay attention to your surroundings, and be aware of your environment. • Consider socialising with others. There is safety in numbers. • Know who you are socialising with. • Let someone know whom you are with and where you plan to go • Avoid walking alone, in dark isolated areas such as back parking lots and alleys. • Keep your wallet or purse close to your body; remember to dress casual and comfortable. • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash - use an
By CORPORAL MAKELLE PINDER
ATM/debit card when possible. • Consider using ATM machines located in the malls or bank. Avoid using ATM machines located in isolated areas. • Stay away from hot spots where senseless arguments or gun shots may occur. • Choose a sober designated driver. • Avoid wearing excessive valuable jewellery, such as heavy gold chains and bracelets. • If you feel that you are being followed, drive to the nearest police station. Protect your vehicle • Lock your doors, and buckle up while driving. • Beware of jewellery snatchers who may lurk on street corners. • Park in well-lighted areas. • Avoid parking in isolated areas. • Never leave your motor running and unattended. • Take all personal property out of your vehicle every time you leave. Hide property that you have to leave behind. • Do not approach your car if suspicious people are nearby. Secure your home • While you are socialising, ensure that your home
windows and doors have secondary locks. • Keep landscaping trimmed back so that you can easily see around your property. • Consider having a trusted neighbour or friend watch your home while you are away. Ask your neighbour to occasionally park their car in your driveway. • Never open your door to strangers. Always find out who is on the other side of the door before answering. • Never let people know you are home alone. People are watching and they know when you are at home alone. • Install an alarm system, and ensure that your home is well lit with sensor lights. • Always have both your cellphone and land phones charged and accessible, in cases of emergencies. Should you need more information on personal safety or if you have information pertaining to any crime, please contact the police at ‘919’ or Crime Stoppers at 328-tips (New Providence), 1-300-8476 (Family Island). Or if you know of Individuals who may be in need of counselling and emotional support please contact the Department of Social Services hotline 322-2763.
THE CROWD at the BTC store on Friday morning at South West Plaza.
HUNDREDS FLOCK TO BTC PROMOTION HUNDREDS of eager Black Friday bargain hunters descended on BTC’s store at the South West Plaza early on Friday, with police called to control the surge of shoppers as the doors opened. BTC’s special ‘door buster’ offer of a free Samsung J2 prime phone with
the purchase of $29.99 2G data from 5am to 7am at its Carmichael Road outlet drew such a huge response that the store opened by 4.30am. One shopper, Magaritte Bethel, had been queuing outside the store from Thursday night, the company said. Such was the throng try-
ing to get in, police officers were called to keep control. The plaza car park was full to overflowing and the crowds continued to be large throughout the morning. After 7am and until stores closed at all BTC locations nationwide, the price became $69.99.
19-YEAR-OLD CHARGED WITH MURDER By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
A 19-YEAR-OLD male was charged with the murder of a messenger at Freeport Harbour in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court on Friday. Naki Roberts was arraigned in Court Three before Magistrate Rengin Johnson. It is alleged that on November 22, Roberts intentionally caused the death of Dwayne Augusus Jackson by means of unlawful harm. Jackson was found murdered in his apartment at Maxim Court. His death was the 16th homicide for the year on Grand Bahama, according
NAKI Roberts is led into court on Friday in Freeport to face a murder charge. Photo: Vandyke Hepburn/BIS to The Tribune’s records. Roberts was not required to enter a plea to the murder charge. He was represented by attorney Norris Carroll. The matter was
adjourned to March 28 for preliminary inquiry, and he was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until that time.
MINISTRY HAILS ‘ALLY’ CASTRO AS HE DIES, AGED 90 THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration expressed condolences to the government and people of Cuba in response to the death of the island’s former President Fidel Castro, calling him an “ally” to The Bahamas. Castro, 90, died on Friday, according to Cuban officials. “President Castro, who led his country for almost 50 years has left an endur-
ing legacy,” the ministry’s statement said. “The Bahamas and Cuba established diplomatic relations in 1974, and throughout that time President Castro was a strong friend and ally. “The ministry extends condolences to the government and people of Cuba as they mourn the passing of their former leader. The Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell has spoken to the Cuban ambassador in
The Bahamas and extended condolences on behalf of the nation and the prime minister. A diplomatic note will be sent to the government of Cuba.” A polarising figure, Castro was seen by some as a revolutionary and others as an oppressive dictator. Castro ruled Cuba for 47 years before handing power over in early 2008 to his younger brother Raul Castro.
PAGE 14, Monday, November 28, 2016
DNA leader Branville McCartney at the march.
PROTESTORS at the Black Friday march to Rawson Square.
THE TRIBUNE
Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
Hundreds march in protest By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net
HUNDREDS of Bahamians took to the streets on Friday in solidarity with the “We March Bahamas” movement, whose organisers called on Bahamians far and wide to “turn their backs” to some politicians, mainly those affiliated with the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP). Promoted as a silent protest, “We March Bahamas” began at Arawak Cay at 1pm, with one estimate of up 1,000 gathering at the rally point. Dressed all in black, protestors faithfully marched from the rally point to Rawson Square without incident, occasionally sing-
ing the Bahamian national anthem and chanting things like “the power of the people is better than the people in power.” Moments prior to the start of the march, Labour and National Insurance Minister Shane Gibson, Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald, Environment and Housing Minister Kenred Dorsett, as well as South Beach MP Cleola Hamilton, all clad in black, made an unexpected appearance at the Arawak Cay meeting site. As the four PLP MPs mingled with those participating in the march, which included union leaders, religious leaders, and radio personalities, various protestors could be heard questioning - mostly under their
breath - why Mr Gibson and the others were there. Others lamented that those appearances would offset the focus of the demonstration, and at one point during the march, some protestors started chanting “Shane got to go.” Tall Pines MP Leslie Miller was also seen in the crowd of protestors on Friday. This comes after Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell, in an audio recording, condemned the protest as a propaganda exercise, and said that no PLP supporter should be “caught dead” at the event. Mr Mitchell said that the demonstration had put “young PLPs in a tizzy” but insisted that the march wouldn’t change “diddly squat.”
Funeral Service For
Panagiotis Peter George Mousis, 79 known as “Mr. Opa” Owner of Athena Café
of West Bay Street, will be held on Wednesday, November 30, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Greek Orthodox Church, West Street North. Officiating will be Rev. Fr. Irenaeus J. T. Cox. Interment will follow in Ebenezer’s Church Cemetery, East Shirley Street.
Left to cherish his memories are his loving wife: Maria Mousis; his darling daughters: Evangeline Doukas, Martha Salpadimos, Annamaria Diamantis; his one and only son: George Mousis; grandchildren: Marianna, Maria, Fotini, Panagiotis, Stavros, Konstantinos, Andres, Anastasia, Aikaterini; brother: Fotios Mousis; sister: Georgia Mousis; sons-in-law: George Salpadimos and Ploutarchos Doukas; daughter-in-law: Anya Mousis; brothers-in-law: George, Mandie, Paulie, Angelo, Mike, and Nicholas Constantakis, Wayne Cartwright and Renato Ramacola; sisters-in-law: Helen Mousis, Maggie Constantakis, Sandra Ramacola, Bernadette Cartwright, Christina, Monique, Cheyenne, Marcia and Amber Constantakis; nephews: George Mousis, John and George Dimopoulos, Tristan and Nathan Cartwright, Enrico and Miguel Burrows, Akeem Turnquest, Renato Jr., Sandino and Diego Ramacola, Paul George, Vangalis, Mandie, Yanni, Regan, Angelo Jr., Manoli, Xander and Apostolos Constantakis; nieces: Bonnie Mousis, Vaso and Soula Dimopolous, Meshalique Knowles, Sarena Ramacola, Athena, Demetria, Gianna, Charleena, Diane, Elpida, Angelina and Malayna Constantakis; dedicated nurse: Imelda DeGuzman; numerous relatives and friends including: Irene Mousis and Family, Bonnie Mousis Rizopoulos and Konstantine, The Entire Burrows Family, The Entire Knowles Family, Jose Acosta, Lennox Cartwright, Raphael, Chloe Cartwright, and Family, Diane Greene and Family, John Constantakis and Family, Sandy Watkins and Family, The Babb Family, The Diamantis Family, Fotoula Salpadimos and Family, Nicholas Salpadimos and Family, George Milatos, Paul Major, Frederick Neilly, DeeDee Rolle, Cathopoulis Family, The Entire Long Island Community, The Bay Street Community, The Maillis Family, Elpiniki Roussos and Family, Alanna Rodgers and the Tru Bahamian Food Tour, Holy Cross Family, Ruth Watkins and Family, The Darville Family, Alexia Tolas, Steven Munroe Family, Maria Antonas and Family, Matteo Dicandia, Donald Cheong, Leteris Mitrogiannis and Family, Island Dental Staff, Mr. Photo Staff, Clayton Saunders and Family, Athena Café Staff, Mrs. Allen, Minerv, Sally, Peterson, Alex, Lennox, Joseph, Lion, Gabby, Keith, Rashad, Leandra, Warren and to all his many cousins in The Bahamas and around the world.
Mr Mitchell described the list of demands presented by organisers as “pedestrian”, noting that the campaign was not special or revolutionary. Moments before leading protesters on the highly-anticipated march, organiser Ranard Henfield laid into the four government members for showing up to the event. “To now look around and see the ministers of government who were just blasting us on the airwaves and in the papers for the last few days, now standing with us in black, that’s’ a political ploy, we’re not interested,” he said. “Every time they have walked up to me I’ve turned my back to them. I have no respect for what I see happening here today. “And it’s clearly their way of trying to hijack this and make it political and to come off to the people as if they stand with us when we know they don’t stand with us. Because if you can stand with Sandals, who fired 600 Bahamians, and you can still meet at Sandals this week, and wine and dine and shake hands with (Sandals owner Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart) after he had 600 families losing their homes, kids being pulled from school, you’re not a friend to the people, you’re not a friend to us. “So I have no respect for what they stand for.” Mr Henfield later made an impassioned speech to the hundreds of participants after they had gathered in Rawson Square, cautioning them to “turn their back” to politicians when approached by them, charging that they all have “empty promises”. However, in his initial interview with The Tribune at Arawak Cay, Mr Henfield hit back at Mr Mitchell’s suggestions that the protest would be for naught, and asserted that via their actions on Friday, the protest-
ers would prove Mr Mitchell wrong. “I heard the voice note from Fred Mitchell this morning and I thought it was too funny,” Mr Henfield said. “To hear Fred Mitchell say no matter what we do today it won’t change anything. You have the minister of foreign affairs, the member of Parliament for Fox Hill, saying to the Bahamian people ‘I don’t care what you do, you ain’t going to change nothing, the status quo will remain.’ “And what you see here is those of us standing out here saying we’re tired of the status quo. We will show him we will change the status quo. We will change him.” Mr Henfield also dismissed Prime Minister Perry Christie’s Thursday night letter to the march’s organisers, which stated that he is “painfully aware” that the country has suffered tremendous setbacks and extended an invitation for a meeting. “If the prime minister is not in Rawson Square by 2pm to address this today, I can assure you this country will stop today,” Mr Henfield said. “But the prime minister asking to meet now at the ninth hour; we have no interest in meeting the prime minister. We will meet the prime minister when he tables the legislation we have asked. “We will meet the prime minister when the attorney general has drafted the court actions we’ve asked for. Until then I have nothing to meet the prime minister for.” Meanwhile, Mr Dorsett told The Tribune that his reasons for showing up to the protest was because he, like all Bahamians, “all support change.” “I didn’t get involved in public office four and a half years ago because I was prepared to accept the status quo,” he said. “I got
involved and offered myself for public office to facilitate change, and to do it from the political directorate’s perspective. “And over the last four and a half years we have seen evidence of some of the foundational work for that change, be it energy sector reform, be it educational reform, be it change in fiscal reform, be it change in social reform, the safety net, and all the rest of it. “And so the concept of change is not something I don’t think any Bahamian is averse to. And with the advancement of the National Development Plan, which was advanced on a bipartition approach, it has given Bahamians from all walks of life, far and wide to make a contribution to what we all want for out country.” However, Democratic National Alliance Leader Branville McCartney claimed that the presence of the Progressive Liberal Party MPs was an attempt by the government to “show face” and sarcastically chided them for not adhering to Mr Mitchell’s admonitions. “They came out to show face, but they gone contrary to what Fred Mitchell said,” Mr McCartney said. “Fred Mitchell told people not to come out. Fred Mitchell encouraged people not to exercise their constitutional right to demonstrate, their constitutional right of assembly, their constitutional right of freedom of speech, and I find it amazing, because it used to be the PLP who supported those kind of rights.” He added: “This shows that the Bahamian people are fed up. Something similar happened a few years back with the BTC sale, and a few months after that the (Free National Movement) was gone. A few months from now the PLP will be gone. This is the memorial service for the PLP. May they rest in peace.”
Special thank you to: Dr. Dean Tsrerotopolous and Lyford Cay Hospital and Staff, Dr. Carlos Thomas and Family and Dr. Dane Bowe and Family. Friends may pay their last respects at Butlers’ Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Ernest and York Streets, on Tuesday, November 29, 2016 from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and at the church on Wednesday, November 30, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. until service time.
SOME of the protestors were calling for the payment of hazardous pay allowance by the government.