THURSDAY i’m lovin’ it!
The Tribune Established 1903
24/7 BREAKING NEWS ON TRIBUNE242.COM
HIGH 84ºF LOW 70ºF
Biggest And Best!
OBITS
VOLUME:115 No.08, NOVEMBER 30TH, 2017
OFFICIA
CL ASSIFIEDS TRADER: CARS, CARS, CARS - AND TECH!
BARBARA HANNA By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net
INSIDE
L SOUR CE
I won contract - then Smith wanted $5,000 a month
THE complainant in former Progressive Liberal Party Senator Frank Smith’s bribery and extortion trial told a judge Smith asked her for $5,000 a month, which she said she paid over a one-year span after she received a government cleaning contract. Barbara Hanna, testifying before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt, said within a week of being awarded a oneyear, $43,350.89 contract to clean the Critical Care Block (CCB) at the Princess Margaret Hospital in 2016, she spoke to
Smith who told her she had to give him $5,000. Believing it to be a one-time payment, Ms Hanna said she obliged and gave him the money. Upon doing so, however, she said she was told she had to make monthly payments in that amount. She said she responded by saying making monthly payments in that amount would affect her operation, and questioned why he did not tell her so she could put it in the contract. Smith’s response to her, she said, was that there was nothing he could do as the contract was already drawn up. She said she made the payments as often as she got a cheque for payment, which she said was issued monthly,
although noting that she was never paid on time. The first payment she made to Smith was in April 2016, she said. The last payment was in April 2017. Ms Hanna said she didn’t make any payments to Smith in May 2017. However, she said when they spoke around that time, she told him she needed $17,000 to pay off an outstanding balance with the National Insurance Board. In response, she said Smith told her she would have to come to his office on Village Road and fill out a form. She went to the office and retrieved the form, however, she said when she examined the document, she realised it was a loan form,
$1
FRANK SMITH
and consequently did not bother to fill it out. She later said during cross-examination that subsequent to her being awarded the contract, she got a loan from Smith to assist with various items she lacked but needed to commence her services. That loan was granted in February 2016, she admitted. During her testimony, Ms Hanna also told the court she feels like she is being “used” to testify in the matter. She said while she cannot say exactly who is using her, she feels she is at a “disadvantage” by testifying in the trial. SEE PAGE THREE
UNION FURY AT GAMING DISMISSALS ENTERPRISE BILL ‘WILL BE MADE LAW’ By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net
By AVA TURNQUEST and MORGAN ADDERLEY
ATTORNEY General Carl Bethel yesterday made it clear that government intends to pass the Commercial Enterprises Bill into law in its current form. While he acknowledged no legislation was “drawn in stone,” Mr Bethel confirmed there were no plans to review recent suggestions before the bill is passed in the Senate. His comments follow
criticisms levelled by the Official Opposition, former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, and the Chamber of Commerce. At a press briefing on Tuesday, Press Secretary Anthony Newbold told the media the administration will consider “recommendations and suggestions” for the bill and incorporate those it believes have merit. Senate debate is due to start on Monday. SEE PAGE SIX
NEARLY one dozen employees at the Gaming Board were terminated on Monday, according to Bahamas Public Service Union President Kingsley Ferguson, who told The Tribune he believes the firings were both “personal and political”. The terminations come weeks after Press Secretary Anthony Newbold confirmed 18 people were
“let go” from the Gaming Board in early November. Mr Ferguson said the Gaming Board is blatantly disregarding the Bahamas Public Service Union (BPSU) and breaching its industrial agreement. He said when he discovered people were being let go on Monday, he went to the Gaming Board only to be told the terminations will continue “if the board feels like” doing so. “They told me that the board will continue to fire people if they feel like it
and when I asked to speak to the chairman I was told he was unavailable,” Mr Ferguson claimed. “We don’t have an accurate count but we were told between 10 to 12 persons were let go. We are currently seeking a meeting with the chairman however he has been unreachable, even before this incident. I do not want to say too much about this because it may end up in court but we are concerned about how the persons are being selected.” SEE PAGE FIVE
THE RECORDS WE LOVE - AND THOSE THAT SHAME US
SEE PAGE EIGHT
NEW PLAN SENT HOME FOR NATURAL HAIRSTYLE NEEDED FOR ‘PAID’ NHI By MORGAN ADDERLEY
SINCE October, two women have been sent home from their jobs at local establishments for wearing their natural hair. Anthonique Hall, 24, said she was told her hair is “nasty” and Rolanda Davis, 22, said she was asked why she wasn’t wearing a wig. Both women consider these incidents to be examples of discrimination. After initially posting on social media, they described their experiences in further detail with The Tribune. Ms Davis, a senior at the University of the Bahamas,
ANTHONIQUE HALL, 24, who claimed a superior at her workplace said her natural hairstyle was “nasty” and was told to leave work to fix her hair.
wore her natural hair to work for the first time this summer. Although it was “pulled back” and “slicked and gelled,” she said: “A high ranking executive passed the store. When she glimpsed me behind the register, her face distorted in scorn.” Ms Davis added: “After that, a general note went around the store from our higher ups that we need to be more presentable — more makeup, suit jackets, hair ties – basically they addressed me without addressing me.”
SEE PAGE NINE
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
ALL Bahamas residents must “contribute” to the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme’s financing to ensure its sustainability, its chairman warned yesterday. Dr Robin Roberts said the newly-appointed NHI Authority had effectively been given a “blank canvas”, and was starting all over again in designing a plan. FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS
Get a Scotia Plan Loan for the holidays and you could win!† Grand Prize
$2,500
OR
Second Prize
Third Prize
$1,500 $1,000
Go to bs.scotiabank.com/myholiday for contest details. Hurry! Contest ends January 15, 2018.
#MyHoliday †
Conditions apply. Subject to credit approval. @Registered trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia.
Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, November 30, 2017, PAGE 3
I won contract - then Smith wanted $5,000 a month
from page one She also expressed her disdain for being involved in the matter by repeatedly saying “I don’t want to be here” while seated in the witness box. She stressed that she was not the one who pursued the charges against Smith, and did not go to the police willingly concerning the initial investigation. “The police called me,” she said. “I didn’t go to them.” Ms Hanna also said she felt “frustrated” and “uncomfortable” by the many calls she received from police requesting she come in for questioning concerning Smith’s charges. She said she received several calls from police, one of whom was an assistant commissioner, to come in for questioning concerning the matter, but didn’t go “for days” after they called. And although she said she ultimately went to police, she admitted while being cross-examined by an attorney for the accused that she felt pressured to do so. Ms Hanna’s testimony came during day one of Smith’s trial over allegations he solicited $65,000 in bribes from a woman he is said to have assisted in getting a contract. It is alleged that Smith, between April 2016 and April 2017, in respect of his duties as a public officer, demanded and obtained $5,000 per month from Mrs Hanna, knowing he was not lawfully authorised to do so.
FRANK Smith outisde court yesterday. Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff After giving her testiHe is also alleged to have attempted to extort another mony and as the court was $5,000 from Ms Hanna in about to adjourn for lunch, May of this year. Concern- the witness spoke about her ing the bribery charge, it feeling “used.” Following submissions is alleged that he solicited $5,000 a month from Mrs from counsel that Ms Hanna for aiding her in Hanna’s schedule be congetting a contract with the sidered heading into the Public Hospitals Authority, adjournment and subsewhere he formerly served quent cross-examination, and the chief magistrate as chairman. Smith pleaded not guilty questioning her on the to all of the allegations same, Ms Hanna said she had “a lot of things I need during his arraignment.
to get done” concerning her business, and, having been given another contract recently, said she was preparing her “people” for the days ahead. “And so I have my hands full,” she said. “And honestly, I really don’t want to be here. I don’t really want to be here. And I just need to express to you how I feel. I don’t want to be here. “I feel like I’m being used.” Addressing the reason why she sat for a portion of her testimony as opposed to standing, she added: “I have a business to attend to. I have to be on my feet all the time. That’s why I don’t want to stand too long because I have swinging in my head.” When cross examination began, Keith Knight, QC, opened up by questioning her on what she meant when she said she feels “used.” When the Jamaican attorney asked her who is using her, she said she could not say exactly, but insisted that she did not pursue the matter with police. She further stressed that she is not a person who gets embroiled in court matters, stating that doing so is not in her nature. When questioned if she felt pressured to participate, and if her participation was against her will, she said “yes”. Prior to the start of evidence, Damian Gomez, QC, submitted to the chief magistrate that the allegations Smith both demanded and obtained funds from Ms Hanna actually amount
PLP DOUBTS MINNIS ON FERREIRA DOCUMENT By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net MEMBERS of the Progressive Liberal Party expressed doubt over claims by Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis that he did not see or sign off on matters in a gazetted document that he dismissed as “fake news” over the weekend. A draft notice of functions to be transferred from one minister to another is ordinarily sent to the prime minister for his “initials” before the official document is gazetted, PLP Chairman Fred Mitchell said yesterday. “The prime minister instructs the secretary to the Cabinet (on such matters),” he added. His comment came as he and former State Minister for Legal Affairs Damian Gomez were dubious about the prime minister’s claim that he did not see the document. Dr Minnis’ Press Secretary Anthony Newbold said Tuesday the document, which reported the transfer of some functions
from Environment Minister Romauld Ferreira to Dr Minnis, contained responsibilities for matters Cabinet did not authorise to be transferred. Notwithstanding this explanation, it is the prime minister – not Cabinet – that has sole constitutional power to prescribe responsibilities and functions to ministers. Mr Newbold suggested fault for the error lay with the Cabinet Office. “The woman who works doing the gazette is meticulous,” Mr Gomez, a former PLP MP, said. “She would not print something that did not have the right initials and it would have had to be the prime minister’s initials because only he could hire or fire or assign functions.” For his part, Mr Mitchell said: “This really begs the question of the authentication of government announcements and documents. The whole thing comes off as so 19th century. This whole thing would be comical if it were not so serious. The responsibility for portfolio allocations is
FREe DOuBLE upgRadE!
s..
PPINES S YOUR HA
TIPLIE ALAMO MUL
• Reserve a compact car and get a standard one, or book an intermediate car and get a full-size one. • Promotion valid until December 14, 2017 on reservations 4-3 days in the USA. • Be sure to include coupon code AU4368BJZ on the reservation.
Reserve on alamo.com or contact Going Places Travel at (242) 393-6900 or (786) 245-0520 or at 1-800-468-3334. Double upgrade is subject to availability. Blackout dates may apply. Offer subject to change without notice.
the prime minister’s.” Multiple officials in government, including Jack Thompson, permanent secretary to the Office of the Prime Minister, steered The Tribune toward the Cabinet Office yesterday when they were asked about the process by which such matters are gazetted. “That’s a Cabinet function and not the Office of the Prime Minister,” Mr Thompson said. “I don’t deal with that.” However, most top officials at Cabinet Office, including the permanent secretary and the Cabinet secretary, could not be reached before press time despite repeated attempts to contact them. At one point, The Tribune was referred to a woman who began working in the office in September; the document in question was gazetted on August 22. One official, when told there should be documents and records with signatures
of all who signed off on what was gazetted, said such matters are “internal documents” not released to the public. Mr Gomez noted that The Tribune would have been able to obtain such documents had the Freedom of Information Act’s (FOIA) provisions been in force. “It is not a matter of national security and it has nothing to do with Cabinet deliberations so I don’t see why you wouldn’t be able to get those documents,” he said. The Free National Movement, in opposition, repeatedly criticised the Christie administration’s slowness on matters related to the FOIA. In a recent interview, Attorney General Carl Bethel could not say when all the provisions of the FOIA will come into force. He said the government is seeking consultation on the matter.
to just one offence. He submitted that the charges are “duplicitous” as there are two charges that arise from the alleged act, and further submitted that the Crown “multiplying” the offence “embarrasses” the side opposite. As an example, Mr Gomez said if an individual breaks into a home and steals 100 bags from that home, that individual would consequently be charged with one count of theft, as opposed to 100 separate counts of theft to reflect each stolen bag. In response, lead Crown
prosecutor Anthony Delaney insisted that demanding and obtaining are two acts that amount to two offences, with “demanding” automatically representing an offence and “obtaining” being an offence pursuant to the demand. However, he noted that one can obtain something illegally without making a demand for it. He further submitted that had both acts – demanding and obtaining – happened simultaneously, the defence’s argument would have been more valid. The trial continues today.
PAGE 4, Thursday, November 30, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
The Tribune Limited NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI “Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”
LEON E. H. DUPUCH,
Publisher/Editor 1903-1914
SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH,
jrolle@tribunemedia.net
Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt .
Publisher/Editor 1919-1972 Contributing Editor 1972-1991
EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON,
C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B. Publisher/Editor 1972-
Published daily Monday to Friday
Shirley & Deveaux Streets, Nassau, Bahamas N3207 TELEPHONES
News & General Information Advertising Manager Circulation Department Nassau fax Freeport, Grand Bahama Freeport fax
(242) 322-1986 (242) 502-2394 (242) 502-2386 (242) 328-2398 (242)-352-6608 (242) 352-9348
WEBSITE, TWITTER & FACEBOOK www.tribune242.com
@tribune242
tribune news network
The insidious strategy behind Trump’s retweets YESTERDAY, President Trump retweeted a series of videos that purported to depict violence committed by Muslims. They had originated from the account of a far-right British ultranationalist who had been convicted for harassing a Muslim. The backlash was swift, with British Prime Minister Theresa May saying “the President is wrong to have done this”. But Trump’s retweeting of controversial (sometimes outright false) content is part of a pattern. For example, during the 2016 campaign, George Stephanopoulos asked Donald Trump about his retweet of a follower who insisted that both Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz were ineligible for the presidency. Trump dismissed Stephanopoulos’ question with “it was a retweet” – as if to say that retweeting someone else’s claim meant that he wasn’t responsible for the content. When pressed, Trump continued: “I mean, let people make their own determination. I’ve never looked at it, George. I honestly have never looked at it. As somebody said, he’s not [eligible]…and I retweet things and we start dialogue and it’s very interesting.” It’s a response that can be reduced to I’m not saying it, I’m just saying it. As a scholar of American political rhetoric, I’ve previously written about the ways that Donald Trump’s rhetorical style mirrors that of polarising figures like George Wallace and Joseph McCarthy. But it’s becoming increasingly clear that what sets Trump apart is his reliance upon paralipsis, a device that enables him to publicly say things that he can later disavow – without ever having to take responsibility for his words. Just saying…The art of rhetoric – or persuasive communication – can include any number of forms: speeches, essays, tweets, images, films and more. Paralipsis (para, “side” and leipein, “to leave”) is a Greek term that translates to “leave to the side.” It’s thought to be an ironic way for a speaker to say two things at once. For example, say you wanted to imply that your coworker takes too many coffee breaks without actually accusing him wasting time at work. You might say something like, “I’m not saying that he drinks more coffee than anyone else in the office, but every time I go to the break room, he’s in there.” You might also shrug and make a “something seems kind of off” facial expression. Paralipsis is a powerful rhetorical device because it can also allow someone to make a false accusation – or spread a false rumor – while skirting consequences. And Trump has become a master at wielding this tool. For example, after he was widely condemned for retweeting a graphic of homicide data delineated by race, FactCheck.org found that “almost every figure in the graphic is wrong.” His response on the Bill O’Reilly Show was: “Bill, I didn’t tweet, I retweeted somebody that was supposedly an expert, and it was also a radio show…am I gonna check every statistic? …All it was is a retweet. And it wasn’t from me. It came out of a radio show, and other places…This was a retweet. And it comes from sources that are very credible, what can I tell you?” In other words: I’m not saying, I’m just saying. Meanwhile, Trump has repeatedly used paralipsis to deflect criticism that he’s courting white supremacists. In January 2016, Trump retweeted a photoshopped image of Jeb Bush from a user with the handle
WhiteGenocideTM. In response to the backlash he received for retweeting a white supremacist, Trump simply shrugged: “I don’t know about retweeting. You retweet somebody and they turn out to be white supremacists. I know nothing about these groups that are supporting me.” Likewise, he blamed a faulty earpiece for his unwillingness to disavow David Duke and the KKK in a CNN interview: “I don’t know anything about what you’re even talking about with white supremacy or white supremacists. So I don’t know. I don’t know – did he endorse me, or what’s going on? Because I know nothing about David Duke; I know nothing about white supremacists.” I’m not saying, I’m just saying. And when Gawker tricked Trump into retweeting a quote from Benito Mussolini during the campaign, his response was “What difference does it make whether it’s Mussolini or somebody else? It’s certainly a very interesting quote.” Certainly it’s a good thing to “start dialogue”. Trump knows that “interesting” content attracts retweets, followers, audiences and media attention. However, there’s danger in circulating accusations and rumours, even if the purpose is to “start dialogue”. Research shows that once an accusation or a rumour begins to circulate, it’s very difficult to retract. Often, a retraction or clarification doesn’t receive as much attention as the initial accusation. Meanwhile, the mere act of retracting misinformation can reaffirm the deceptive assertions as facts, even after the clarification. So what does it mean when a political figure gains a devoted following and rises to prominence – yet consistently avoids taking responsibility for the content of his public messages? Political theorists, rhetoricians and historians have grappled with this exact problem since the rise of the “demagogue” in Athens in 429BC, when Pericles’ death created a vacuum for “unofficial” leaders of the people to rise to power. The danger, according to political scientist Ernest Barker, was that “such a leader – having no official executive position – could exercise initiative and determine policy without incurring political responsibility, since it was not his duty to execute the policy which he had induced the assembly to accept”. In the Greek context, Barker described the danger of demagogues who weren’t tasked with implementing the policies for which they advocated. In our current political context, Trump can argue that he can’t be held accountable because he wasn’t the one who originally posted the tweet. He can shrug and claim that he’s simply giving a voice to an idea. In both cases, the defining feature of demagogues is their refusal to accept responsibility for their actions. Yet Donald Trump (the television star) routinely fired people on his show “The Apprentice” for failing to take responsibility for their team’s failures. And he’s often given lectures on “responsibility” to his Twitter followers, like on February 14, 2013 when he invited his followers to “take responsibility for yourself – it’s a very empowering attitude”. To use the President’s brand of paralipsis: I’m not saying that Trump’s a hypocrite and a demagogue. I’m just saying that he doesn’t exactly follow his own advice. Jennifer Mercieca, Texas A&M University This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article at: http://theconversation.com/ theres-an-insidious-strategy-behinddonald-trumps-retweets-55615.
Talk show experts EDITOR, The Tribune. I NEVER realised how many brilliant people we had in the country until the advent of the local radio talk shows. We have experts on aragonite and oil. We have experts on the solarisation of an island. We have experts who, with a wave of
a magic wand, can solve all the county’s ills if “given an opportunity”. So what if the economy’s sick and on its knees? Who needs direct investment from the outside when we have so many brilliant people with all the answers inside? So go ahead and save our economy. Bahamians, invest your money in
oil and aragonite and bitcoins. In nano technology, biomedical industries and international call centres. What are you waiting for? Who needs direct foreign investment? ATHENA DAMIANOS Nassau, November 28, 2017
Bahamian decline EDITOR,The Tribune. IT’S easy to forget now, when we as a people, a Bahamian people, have come so far, but have forgotten from whence we’ve come, to where now, our people are more than ever, falling victims to great sufferings of poverty, imprisonment, victimisation, political hostages, oppression, neglect, and so much more. Bahamians, what has become of us? During the days of the UBP, or the “White Man’s Slavery” that Sir Lynden Pindling, Sir Milo Butler, AD Hanna and all the others had supposedly emancipated us from; out of the iron fist of bondage, just how much courage was required to allow us as a people to systematically raise our voices as proud Bahamians, some 40 years ago, challenges our own assumptions, and compellingly questions the future direction of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas as a country. Maybe you and I were too young or were not yet alive, or too young to remember those great sacrifices that were made by those men and women on our behalf who had paid the ultimate price, or maybe those of us who do remember, to satisfy our own greed and selfish desires, push ourselves to forget, but 44 years of independence is not a long stretch of time for us to now be living like savages among ourselves. And yet today, every day, in every way, young, poor, and disadvantaged citizens encounter what too often divides us as a people, which was intended to consistently bind us together as Bahamians. As the nation’s leader, what an incredible burden to bear, to have a country of people’s concerns, pain, sufferings, and despair, set onto your shoulders. But what a priceless honour it is, and can be, to satisfy hopelessness with hopefulness, neglect with blossoming
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net dreams, depression and misery with inspiration, aspirations, and sustainable confidence. This too, is the responsibility of leadership, and when a leader of any nation, fails to inspire and or, reignites hope within their people outside of the grouping of those that they are bonded with through biological or personal attachments, that person should be declared unfit to serve in such capacity, because their intentions are parasitic, self-serving, and detached from the balance of the citizens. Truth is, I don’t expect Bahamian politicians to fix or solve my problems, because this responsibility personally rests within me. However, I do expect them to understand my problems and concerns, and as a result, do all that they can, with everything that sleeps within them to insure that all citizens are fairly treated and respected within the confines of the law, both legally and economically. This concern has become a great stranger to this Bahamian society. Fact is, ever since the reign of Sir Lynden, every leader the Bahamian populous has elected to their House of Parliament, has betrayed the people. The voice of the people is only heard during the few weeks of the general election cycle, but neglected throughout the administration of the government. Bahamians are stuffed to vomit with lies, deceptions, failed promises, abandonment and blatant disrespect. Foreign citizens enter the country daily dressed in designer suites armed with the very ideas and goals Bahamians possess. Yet, they become practical millionaires overnight, only for the citizens of the country to fall at their tables of mercy, compel to
endure overwhelmingly bad treatment and disrespect by non-citizens, simply because they had fallen victims to very low paying, but desperately needed, mediocre jobs. This is the Bahamas that has, and continues to be handed down to Bahamians. Today I ask, and out rightly, rightfully demand that the Commonwealth of The Bahamas be released to the people immediately! The lies, trickery and deception must cease. The betrayal and selling out of the citizens’ birthright must cease. The abuse and breaking of laws by those who were elected to serve the people must cease. Suppression, oppression and ostracism must cease. There should be no “trickle down” economic effect in The Bahamas. You don’t build a sustainable economy by allowing benefits to “trickle down” to the most disadvantaged of the country. This is why the conditions of the country rest in such poor straights. You build a strong economy by systematically building from the “bottom up”. A house is not built from the roof to its foundation. It is built from the foundation to the roof. By attacking the issues and concerns that plague our nation’s youth along with the most disadvantaged citizens, not only supports a firm economic foundation of the country, but also takes a huge “bite out of crime”. The voice of the people must be adhered to long after the election and an administration is sworn in. Until this happens, we can forget what was of The Bahamas, and accept what it has become as it races steadily toward the decline of Bahamian ownership. The Commonwealth of the Bahamas is not an FNM, PLP or DNA thing, it’s a Bahamian thing, and keeping it to just that; should be the sole priority and responsibility of its leader! DENO P. ELLIS Nassau, November 29, 2017.
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, November 30, 2017, PAGE 5
EMERGENCY DRILL PUTS SAFETY FIRST AT AIRPORT
STAFF at Lynden Pindling International Airport and rescue services hosted an emergency drill last night for a simulated plane crash, including volunteers standing in pretending to be casualties. The drill was to help emergency teams practice in case of a real crash. Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
UNION FURY AT GAMING DISMISSALS from page one
“We were told that the exercise was only supposed to include persons who just went in right before the election or the persons nearing retirement but that is not what happened.” Mr Ferguson said the union was not consulted when the terminations began and the bargaining agent is working to ensure this practice does not continue. “They breached the industrial agreement and when we asked about the firings we were told they were conducting a manpower analysis. Our agreement said that any exercise that would impact positions or security of employment should be done in consultation with the union, that is clear in our agreement,” he said. “We are doing some stuff, just wait and see.” The Tribune attempted to contact Gaming Board Chairman Kenyatta Gibson but calls were not returned up to press time. On Monday, Mr Ferguson said he is “seriously concerned” about the number of people being let go from the public sector, adding the “union is not being consulted” about the lay offs. He told The Tribune he
learned of most of the previous terminations over the past few months through the press and he is concerned some might be political. His comments came days after 30 people were sent home from the Department of Inland Revenue after their contracts ended. In a statement on Friday, Acting Financial Secretary Marlon Johnson said the department “has determined not
to renew the contracts of 30 employees whose contracts have come to an end.” The Minnis administration has taken a conservative approach to public sector hiring and has not shied away from letting workers go since the May 10 general election. Since that time, more than 100 people have been let go for various reasons, according to The Tribune’s reports.
RELOCATION NOTICE Dr. Bimal Francis Cardiologist Will now be working from
Hawkins Hill, Medical Plaza
For Appointments: 242-356-9146/7 242-356-9100
Email: info@cvibahamas.com
PAGE 6, Thursday, November 30, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
Enterprise bill ‘will be made law’ from page one “We have no present intention to make any changes other than those made in the House of Assembly,” Mr Bethel, leader of government business in the Senate, told The Tribune. “Every bill is a work in progress, if when the law is implemented it is discovered there are some things that need to be addressed, then it will, but that is not the present intention of the government. “It’s not a static legislation. Look at the Progressive Liberal Party’s attempt with the first Grand Bahama bill. They passed it and had to come back the next week with immediate amendments, then had to come back with extensions every six months. “That will not be the fate of this bill,” he continued, “it is well intentioned, it has safeguards, and we will be monitoring how effective it will be at attracting businesses not in The Bahamas. Whether it’s with foreigners, or Bahamians, or a joint venture. Right now, you have a very anaemic financial services sector and the economy is not where it should be. “But no legislation is drawn in stone.” The bill would allow foreigners or Bahamians to receive “economic concessions” if they establish specified types of businesses in The Bahamas with an investment of no less than
$250,000. Such businesses would be entitled to a specified number of work permits for executives, managers and people with “specialised knowledge”. Although the bill has faced strong backlash, many Cabinet ministers have defended it as a means to grow the economy. On Tuesday, Minister of Education Jeff Lloyd said critiques on the legislation have been “misguided” and “unfounded”. Speaking with The Tribune after a press conference at the Ministry of Education, Mr Lloyd was asked what he thought of the rising number of voices critical of the bill. “Well I think it’s misguided, it’s unfounded,” the South Beach MP said Tuesday. “Many of the persons who are making those criticisms don’t have a clue as to exactly what the bill says. And it’s unfortunate because what our people are appreciative of, I hope that they are, is that the economy needs to expand. “We need to invite new businesses and new opportunities for Bahamians, not only to get into business but Bahamians to be able to learn new skills within the financial services industry, an industry that has been in the slide now for the last 15 years. It’s a crucial industry, it employs many very wonderful Bahamians who make great salaries and unfortunately those persons have lost that opportunity over the last 15 years. So
it’s really unfortunate that [these comments are] as misguided as [they are], but we understand.” Mr Lloyd, an attorney, continued: “I do however have to admit that there are some very good suggestions that come from persons here and there, and those are under consideration by the government. But the Commercial Enterprises Bill is an excellent piece of legislation, it’s a wonderful opportunity being presented to Bahamians for us to expand our economy or in a sense to revive a lagging financial services industry, and one that is going to assist in growing the middle class.” Mr Lloyd was also asked his perspective on concerns regarding the lack of stipulations for Bahamian workers in the bill. He said: “[The company] will not get a permit, they will not get a licence to operate. That’s the bill. This is what I mean when I say that people don’t read the bill. Read the bill! Your business plan has to be approved and the business plan must say how many Bahamians you are going to hire and those Bahamians must be trained. Because there is a permit that is – first of all, you’re given the licence and the licence for trade. There is a permit that is given, a certificate that is given, every single year. And that makes a rigorous standard. “And that standard is, are you training these Bahamians? Are you in
MINISTER of Education Jeff Lloyd. fact transferring these came to The Bahamas and skills? We’re not just going said today that we are going to take your word for it, to build a spacecraft in The there will be an inves- Bahamas, we’re going to tigation, there will be lay down one of our spacean inspection to ensure. craft building platforms in Listen, we’ve got hundreds The Bahamas, and we are of Bahamians who started going to train Bahamians out in the financial services in the art of building spaceindustry with companies craft, would we be in here that were owned by for- carrying on this nonsense eigners. Today they are about, ‘oh no don’t bring now experts in that indus- them here, Bahamians try. How? Through the gotta be the ones, you’re taking jobs out of mouths of transfer of skills.” Mr Lloyd added: “Let’s Bahamians!’ “What nonsense. But the look at it this way: if NASA
narrative that carries the day is the one that talks about fears and lies about Bahamians losing out on jobs. Nonsense.” On Wednesday last week, the Commercial Enterprises Bill passed the House of Assembly with unanimous support from the Free National Movement. Opposition Leader Phillip “Brave” Davis has said the Progressive Liberal Party will repeal the legislation if it is re-elected to govern.
MORTIMER SAYS BILL WILL NOT EMPOWER BAHAMIANS By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net
DEMOCRATIC National Alliance (DNA) interim leader Chris Mortimer yesterday slammed the controversial Commercial Enterprises Bill as “poorly constructed
and unfocused,” contending the bill, as presented, is a complete departure from the government’s promise to “facilitate the empowerment of Bahamian entrepreneurs”. In a statement released by the party Wednesday, Mr Mortimer branded the Minnis administration
a group of “grandstanding hypocrites”. Mr Mortimer also backed the criticism the bill has faced, insisting it promotes the interests of wealthy foreigners over Bahamians. The Commercial Enterprises Bill would allow foreigners or
Bahamians to receive “economic concessions” if they establish specified types of businesses in the Bahamas with an investment of no less than $250,000. Such businesses would be entitled to a specified number of work permits for executives, managers and
people with “specialised knowledge.” Mr Mortimer stated: “The idea that this sham of a legislation will somehow expand the middle class or create opportunities for Bahamians will undoubtedly fail, leaving our already fragile economy in a more precarious state.” He said the bill was so severe in nature, it forced former Prime Minister and Leader of the FNM Hubert Ingraham to speak out against it. Mr Ingraham criticised most of the bill’s key provisions in an interview with The Tribune on Monday. Mr Ingraham said tradeoffs for Bahamians are not clear and the bill represents a piecemeal approach to changing longstanding immigration policies when a more comprehensive, bipartisan approach would be useful. “Rather than the same old outdated, and FDIreliant policies, the Bahamas must implement country first, SME focused economic model which strengthens small and medium size Bahamian enterprises,” Mr Mortimer insisted. “This is the kind of policy that has proven to be the growth engine of every strong economy. “The DNA has long advocated policies which provide incentives for such entities including a significant reduction in the cost of capital, and an overhaul of the currently regressive business licence structure to a flat rate structure which allows business to keep more of the money they earn. “Coupled with plans to drive down the cost of energy and improve the ease of doing business such policies would quickly usher in an era of economic prosperity for all Bahamians,”
Mr Mortimer continued. He also claimed he was disappointed by the government’s insistence in the face of the bill’s opposition, claiming the government is pursuing the same visionless course of action which has stagnated economic growth in this country for years. Mr Mortimer furthered: “Equally disappointing, has been the reaction of the Official Opposition who, after failing in five years to stimulate any real economic growth, is now filled with righteous indignation and are threatening to repeal the bill if returned to office.” Mr Mortimer asserted that in the face of the PLP’s dismal record on the economy during its 20122017 tenure as government, PLP Leader Philip ‘Brave’ Davis’ threats now “ring hollow” and stand “eerily reminiscent” of the empty threats waged by Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis on Baha Mar while in opposition. “Bahamians no doubt found it curious to hear the finance minister condemn the assertion of a repeal as unfortunate, dangerous and harmful to investor confidence when the leader of his own party just months ago threatened to execute a ‘real sale’ of the largest investment in the country. “Where was Mr Turnquest’s rebuke of those statements then, where was his outrage? “The DNA admonishes both the government and opposition to abandon this exercise in political grandstanding and work together, putting country and Bahamians first, to find real dynamic solutions to pull the country out of the economic doldrums,” Wednesday’s statement concluded. Debate on the bill begins in the Senate on Monday.
CAVES VILLAGE Premium Office Space for Lease 1,409 sq.ft. 5 offices, conference room, reception, kitchen, bathroom with shower, IT/filing room. $5,459.88 pm inc. CAM +VAT Contact Mr. Simon Chappell on 327 1575 or 477-7610 Email: simon@cavesvillage.com
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, November 30, 2017, PAGE 7
90 days more for Ragged Island water By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net RAGGED Island residents will have to wait another 90 days before water supply on the island is back to normal, Water and Sewerage Corporation Assistant General Manager of Family Island Operations Cyprian Gibson told The Tribune yesterday. About two and half months since Hurricane Irma decimated the island, Ellery Lockhart, a spokesperson for a group of descendants who have banded together to get the island back to normal, claimed the Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) is only generating eight gallons of water per hour every day. This he said, is “totally inadequate” to meet the needs of the island. However, Mr Gibson said WSC is producing far more water – 700 gallons each day – which, he said, is only to meet critical needs. The dilemma, he explained, lies in the fact that the water provider’s plant was completely destroyed by Irma and a temporary plant was put in while a new permanent facility is being completed. He said there are also plans to upgrade the plant for increased resiliency. “Water is still a challenge down here,” Mr Lockhart said. “It’s a serious challenge and the water manufacturing company is still only producing eight gallons of water an hour, which is totally inadequate. “Bahamas Power and Light has gotten their power generation and distribution system up to the point where they have connected houses to the grid and these are the houses that are in compliance with Ministry of Works code. Those that are not up to code are not connected.
Eastwood Judo Club Sensei Name: Mickey Munnings Phone Contact: 557-1310 Location: Seagrapes Shopping Center
Congratulations Eastwood Judo Club on a job well done at the 2017 Dallas Invitational
DESTRUCTION on Ragged Island after Hurricane Irma. “The clean-up of the island is approximately 90 per cent complete. There are small pockets of debris and the residents, as I speak to you, are in the community picking up small pieces and making piles to be disposed of at the city dump but they are still waiting for the government to say and do what they are supposed to do. “But there is still a desperate need for houses to be prepared. Other than that, we are still doing the best to persevere,” Mr Lockhart said. He was referring to plans for Ragged Island as outlined by Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis in the House of Assembly back in September. At the time Dr Minnis announced his administration’s intention to “transform” Ragged Island into the first fully “green” island in the region. The prime minister also explained that renewable energy and smart technology from solar energy and sustainable water purification systems would be utilised for this effort with
the help of residents and descendants of the island. Minister of Works Desmond Bannister was unable to discuss the restoration on the island yesterday, saying he would have to produce a report at a later date. “We know that the prime minister’s planning committee met on Monday and he is challenging them to get to a point where they can put a timeline on the plan,” Mr Lockhart said. Hurricane Irma’s destruction of the island prompted Dr Minnis to declare the island unlivable in early September as he urged those remaining there to evacuate following the storm because of major health and safety concerns. Rotting animal carcasses and the destruction of all essential services led Dr Minnis to strongly urge those still on Ragged Island to leave until the small community can be restored. Despite this, residents of the island at the time said they were determined to go back home immediately and rebuild despite the decimation left by Irma.
Back row left to right: Vince Sweeting, Noah Sweeting, Xavion Johnson, Keith Saunders, Dylan SimonFront row left to right: Sensei Mickey Munnings, Ordain Moss, Keith Saunders, Angelo Simon, Peter Knowles, Ethan Cuffy, Lyle Sherman
left to right: Noah Sweeeting, Dylan Simon, Peter Knowles, Xavion Johnson, Keith Saunders, Lyle Sherman.
PAGE 8, Thursday, November 30, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
The records we hold, the ones we love, the ones that shame us By Diane T HE Bahamas holds an amazing array of records. From athletes who have run faster and jumped higher to worldshattering numbers of shark species in our 100,000 square miles of waters, The Bahamas shines. We exceed in sailing, singing and culinary arts. Our hotels are among the most famous on the globe, our fantasy islands among the most sought after, our beaches among the most dreamed of, some of our residents among the most noted or notorious. Yes, when it comes to records and even to making news, The Bahamas is a pretty impressive finisher. With a population less than that of the City of Fort Lauderdale, this little country generates so much news and stands out in so many categories it is hard to find a subject we do not figure in or one that does not touch us. It is little wonder Bahamians feel a sense of pride, a swelling of the chest that morphs into self-chestthumping when the name Bahamas arises unexpectedly. This is indeed a proud country filled with people who have plenty reason to be proud. We secretly think the song “Proud to be American” should be rewritten with Bahamian at the end. Such a little country, so many records. Some of the records we hold we love. We deserve to be proud. But then there are the others, the records we hold that should shame us, but what do we do? We behave as a whole just like an individual does. We boast about the good records and live in denial about the ones we wish would go away. If we are going to own records, let’s get real. We need to own all and own up to all. Otherwise, we are never going to fix what is wrong because we are going to keep thinking it is up to someone else to fix it. Some of the bad records are exposed largely because they are well-covered by media. We know our childhood pregnancy rates are too high, our murder, rape and incest rates are too high. There are too many bullies and too many bullied. We have too many gangs with too many guns. We bury too many with HIV/AIDS and take too
Phillips
much solace in the fact that has one of the highest rate while we are off the charts of diabetes in the world. What did we do when with the disease, Africa has it even worse. We have too Dr Sands confronted us many church-going men with this frightening news? visiting too many sweet- Maybe we didn’t hear. hearts once Sunday dinner Maybe we were gobbling is over. We have too many peas ’n rice, macaroni and young boys growing up with cheese and a heaping helptoo little hope, too many ing of homemade potato young girls who think grow- salad and slurping a sugary ing up means giving in and soda, a bit too engaged putting out. We have too to realise he was talking many people living in fear directly to us. We consume and too afraid to go out and fast food and tell ourselves it is healthy because that do something about it. But there is one shame- burger on a sesame seed ful record we can no longer roll comes with lettuce afford to ignore. That is and tomato. We secretly the record of our national harbour the status symbol un-health. We are a fat, attached to running the kids out of shape nation with through a drive-in window. extraordinary rates of non- It says a) My Mom has a car, communicable illnesses and b) Mom has the money - hypertension, cardio- to drop $10 or $20 so I don’t vascular disease, cancer, bug her to stay home from work and cook since I know diabetes, arthritis. she doesn’t I am not have a getting There is one choice political anyway here, plenty shameful record and withpeople out her do that we can no longer income we far better afford to ignore. wouldn’t than I ever have a car could, but That is the record and the do want of our national unopportuto give the health. We are a fat, nity to run Minister through of Health out of shape nation the drive Dr Duane thru and Sands credit with extraordinary besides it for attempt- rates of nontastes good ing to bring and it saves it to the communicable her time. public’s illnesses And attention. meanThe stats hypertension, while, we he delivall get ered are cardiovascular fatter. And startling. disease, cancer, unhealthier. Seventy As for nine per- diabetes, arthritis. exercise cent of the Bahamian population is for the 60,000 school stuoverweight or obese, he dents, we have to ask, what said, with half the popu- happened to the hours we lation of The Bahamas spent at physical education falling into the obese cat- when everyone particiegory based on body mass pated? Maybe, as someone index. One in every two pointed out, perhaps it was or every other person is Dr Sands, we are so bent on obese, think about what creating super athletes to that means to a country as bring home those records, a whole. Obesity, he said, that all attention is on the among school-aged chil- kids with promise and the dren has skyrocketed 436 fat kids sit on the bench happy to cheer on their percent since 1988. As for records, here is classmate who is star another one: The Bahamas material in the rough and
then one day they can say they went to school with JohnnieSuperHero. Historically, when did we begin to become A Nation out of Shape? So ironic when you count the number of super athletes, and the records The Bahamas holds in sports. Yet someone just this week described a quasigovernment department where he works as containing twice the weight it needed – not the number of people, but the space they occupied. Part of the problem with Bahamians being overweight or obese is Bahamians are a truly handsome, even beautiful, people. They carry the fat so well, especially if they are well-groomed. It would be hard to find a Size 12 woman in the US who could hold a candle to a Size 16 woman in The Bahamas if the two were similarly dressed and coiffed. It doesn’t help that a lot of men like a lot of women with a lot of meat on them, either. And another irony, if you look up unhealthy in an online
dictionary, it will describe the condition in words that have no relevance in terms of appearance like “unhealthy pallor,’ or “looking pale and sickly,” or wan or sallow. Most of the unhealthy Bahamians who are carrying around enough weight for another half a person have smiles that would make a dentist proud and except for their weight, look like the picture of health. Maybe that’s another record we have to explore – the handsomest unhealthiness… It’s not all blabbing about blubber. Fortunately, as the problem with obesity and its side effects increases, so does the interest in wellness. There are at least three local doctors, and maybe more, whose growing practices revolve around their desire to keep patients well as opposed to just seeing them when they are sick. Dr Arlington Lightbourne (Collins Ave), Dr Darius Bain (Sandyport) and Dr Graham Cates (Blake Road) are all believers that every individual has the capacity to make ourselves
whole and healthier than we are. This is an extremely promising trend. I believe that as frightening as one end of the spectrum is, there is light at the other end. More people are out walking in the early morning, jogging, cycling, exercising at Goodman’s Bay or Montagu Beach. That trend, too, shows promise. If the health of a nation is the wealth of a nation, it is no wonder our economy has been sluggish, stutter stepping like a drunk on a Friday night under the bridge. Productivity requires healthy minds and bodies. Is there a solution? Only the one deep inside each of us – to create our own record, not one we shun as shaming us, but one that invites a boost in selfrespect and a new spurt of energy. Maybe, just maybe, when we feel better about ourselves, we will transfer that to feeling better toward the people around us and then we will all be a little better off. Maybe it is, in the end, all about setting our own goals and achieving our own records.
THE TRIBUNE
Sent home for natural hairstyle from page one Ms Davis took note and started wearing a weave. “Fast forward to the day I was sent home (October 23). I came to work on time with my hair styled as is in the photo. My manager took one look at me and was like, ‘where my wig?’ I told her that it’s being washed. She asked me if I didn’t have another one or why I didn’t do that on my day off, which happened to be the following day.” Ms Davis explained that she would be getting hair extensions the next day. Despite this, she said her manager told her she had to leave. Due to the impossibility of getting her appointment switched to that day, Ms Davis lost a day of work. For her part, Ms Hall said on the morning of November 20 she wore her hair in a “twist out.” “My manager stared at my hair… (Later she) told me my hair wasn’t appropriate and that I should fix it, but I told her my hair wasn’t long enough to go in one (a ponytail). “Then she left and came back and brought my supervisor and they pulled me outside. My supervisor wasn’t much help. She (agreed) with my manager and told me to fix my hair. I repeated my hair isn’t long enough, but they didn’t care. “That’s when my manager proceeded to call my hair nasty and I got
extremely offended. (Then) my manager told me to go home.” Ms Hall left and got her hair styled in box braids. “As punishment, I got a write up slip because my manager believes she told me to go home, fix my hair and come back to work,” Ms Hall said. “But she never said that. She blatantly told me to go home.” Neither woman feels as though much has been done to rectify her situation. Ms Davis said: “I had a meeting with (human resources) a few days later…they said my hair was fine. The company expressed their policy which does not discriminate against natural hair.” However, Ms Davis pointed out that the policy of “‘attractively arranged’ is at the discretion of the manager. While they issued a half apology there has not been policy reform,” she said. She also expressed concern at being penalised in other ways. “(I know) I will make a mistake, that’s human nature, and the one incident, which would normally get a pass, won’t because of what I did. That is the fear, the fear that keeps many silent,” Ms Davis said. Meanwhile, Ms Hall told The Tribune she attempted to report her manager. “It wasn’t effective,” Ms Hall said. “She’s pretty much a figure in the company where people believe she (can) do no wrong. She didn’t apologise for
her rude remarks, another manager had to apologise for her. And I still felt like in the end what was the point…if she got it her way? “I’ll always feel like I’m losing every battle.” Neither woman can afford to leave her job. Ms Davis said: “I have bills that are due like clockwork every end of the month. Like so many other Bahamians I suck it up, put on my name tag, wear a smile and push through.” Both women acknowledged the role of race and complexion in their experiences. Ms Davis said: “I have a co-worker (with) natural hair but her hair texture is different, she has a loose curl or ‘mixed hair.’ “She wears her natural hair every day in different styles, some days a ponytail, even a puff, and no one says anything. But the minute I wear my hair it became an issue.” Ms Davis noted that her manager is black, and that other girls in the company have experienced similar situations. On Facebook, she wrote: “My anger became sadness because as a young black woman in this country I know that this (European) standard of what we should look like, need to look like, has a vice grip on my country, my Bahamas.” In her Facebook post, Ms Hall wrote: “My manager is a white Bahamian so she’ll never understand the struggle black people (have) to go through with dealing with our kinks and coils.”
Thursday, November 30, 2017, PAGE 9
ROLANDA DAVIS, 22, pictured the day she claimed she was sent home from work in October due to her natural hairstyle. Ms Hall added: “Hon- more than 6,700 people. her daughter and a stateestly this experience has Ms Davis’ story was also ment defending her hair. only made me embrace my published on the popular Shortly after, the hashtag 4C hair even more...and it’s website Afro-Punk. #SupportThePuff was creonly made my bond with In February 2016, ated. Tayjha’s story was my hair stronger. another Bahamian natu- featured on several inter“I’m going to (wear) ral hair controversy went national news websites more black inspired hair- viral. Tayjha Deleveaux, and blogs, including BBC styles (such as) braids to a CR Walker student, was News, Cosmopolitan, The pretty much tell the com- reprimanded for what the Huffington Post and The pany through my hair that I school’s principal viewed Shade Room. am proud to be black and I as not properly groomed Anyone with labour will not apologise for it.” hair. The student reportedly complaints or who feel as Up to press time, Ms sported an Afro puff. though they may have been Davis’ and Ms Hall’s The incident sparked terminated unfairly can Facebook posts have collec- much controversy after contact the Department tively received over 8,800 Tayjha’s mother posted of Labour at 302-2550 or “likes” and been shared by a photo on Facebook of 302-2551.
TOUGH TIMES CALL FOR A TOUGH TRUCK. D-MAX GETS THE JOB DONE. It’s the workhorse that’s designed to take on any road. Always reliable now with more modern features that fit any lifestyle.
Wulff Road T: 325-4961/3 or 322-2237 sales@TyreFlexStarMotors.com tyreflexstarmotors.com
> New & Pre-Owned Vehicle Sales
> Service & Parts
PAGE 10, Thursday, November 30, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
CHRISTIAN COUNCIL PUTS FOCUS ON YOUNG MEN By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net
on national issues since ascending to the post of BCC president earlier this year, added that the church THE Bahamas Chris- has “acknowledged” that tian Council yesterday young men in The Bahamas announced initial plans were falling victim to gun to kick-start its ‘Year of violence more so than any Repentance and Restora- other sector of society. tion - 2018,’ spearheaded “If we don’t focus on the by youth and male-driven problem, it will continue,” initiatives, sectors BCC he told reporters as the President Bishop Delton organisation announced its Fernander acknowledged upcoming events. as sore points in society. “But (youth and men) During a press confer- are the areas that we feel ence held at Assemblies as a council, need immeof God’s Warwick Street diate attention. So we headquarters, Bishop Fer- applaud Bishop (Gregory) nander, flanked by several Minnis and our Men’s senior BCC members, said Department. We applaud the church thought it nec- Pastor (Diana) Francis essary to lead the country and our youth student back to a point of prayer movement.” and repentance in the face His comments come on of crime. the heels of several recent Bishop Fernander, who shootings and the arraignhas remained outspoken ments of several young men
for serious crimes. He gave as an example a 21-year-old man being charged with the murder of his father and the ongoing trial of three young men in connection with the 2015 murder of a school teacher. Bishop Fernander continued: “Nationally…. we are going to tackle the prayer focus; we are going to tackle something as church; we are going to focus in our teaching and preaching to those who want (the help) in our congregation and then we are going to hit the ground and try to have initiatives like the panel discussions and meetings with key supporters…. that we can make a difference. “And so, it is just the journey of the church, we can’t be anything else than what the church is.
The church believes in prayer. The church believes in transformative ministry,” he said. The BCC, through its Student Christian Movement (SCM) initiative, on Wednesday held prayer drives at various school centres across the country. On Saturday, the BCC, through its Men’s Department, will hold it ‘Men’s March’ and its first prayer drive. Bishop Fernander added: “This is what the church does best and we are engaging in that for one year and that we hope that it will end in a national revival in November of next year and we are hoping to make a difference in our society.” Saturday’s march will start at Windsor Park at 8am and conclude in Rawson Square. The BCC will also hold its annual Christmas tree lighting programme on Saturday. The BCC’s ‘Year of Repentance and Restoration - 2018’ aims to re-establish peace, push for the restoration of a culture of discipline, stiffer gun laws and to advocate for capital punishment by way of the electric chair.
BISHOP DELTON FERNANDER
THE TRIBUNE
Remembering Ronnie Butler
Thursday, November 30, 2017, PAGE 11
By MORGAN ADDERLEY THE memorial service for the life of the “Godfather of Bahamian Music,” Ronnie Butler, was held yesterday at the William Johnson Auditorium. Described as a multitalented musician and singer-songwriter, Prince Ronald “Ronnie” Butler’s career spanned 60 years and spawned fifteen albums. His classic hits include “Burma Road,” “Crow Calypso,” and “Age Ain’t Nothing But a Number.” Butler was made a Member of the British Empire (MBE) in 2003. He died on November 19 at the age of 80. The service of celebration for Butler’s life was fittingly filled with music. Performers included Emily “Sweet Emily” Williams, Dion Turnquest, Nehemiah and Beatrice Hield, Alia Coley, and Butler’s extended family. Butler’s son, Ronnie Jr said: “We love him because in private, he did his best to become a better person for us. So you see, besides the immense gifts his talent has already given us, he gave his children something even greater. When the radio is off and all the songs are over, his love and pride and joy in who we are shines over us and through us. So thank you Daddy, for all these gifts.” In his tribute, former Tall Pines MP Leslie Miller said it was a “privilege” to know Butler. “To know Ronnie is to love Ronnie,” Mr Miller said. “And those of us who knew him, truly loved him. But more important, he loved us. He was the kindest human being.” A recurring theme of the tributes paid at Butler’s memorial was the need for more national appreciation of Bahamian music, talent, and culture.
MUSICIANS pay tribute to Ronnie Butler at yesterday’s service. Mr Miller said: “Let us foreign owned resorts, had hope today as we move failed to ensure permathrough our journey in this nent performance spaces in life that we would show those resorts for Bahamian more compassion, more entertainers.” appreciation, and more Mr Sears also spoke of love for Bahamians eve- his personal relationship rywhere. That we would with Butler. appreciate the talent that “My cultural identity, God has given some of us in pride, and patriotism as a this country, that we should Bahamian has been shaped show them the respect and and enriched by Ronnie the gratitude, instead of us Butler’s vision, voice, and showing those from else- personal courage,” Mr where those same things Sears said. that our musicians and “[Ronnie] made us others long for.” laugh at ourselves, he told Producer Fred Ferguson us about our past, and said: “No country survives he put a rhythm to it to without the artists being an make us dance. Then he important and integral part made us laugh and think of the country.” as we danced. This musical He called for a “scholar- legend is ours. He was as ship fund [to be] established bold as our history. From at the University of The Burma Road to today, his Bahamas for the purpose of art chronicled our motions cultural studies” in Butler’s and marked our manner… name. He used his musical genius “This will create some- as a creative weapon to thing that will be able to empower the Bahamian live and to breathe into per- people.” petuity, so that the name of Friend Sir Charles Carter Ronnie Butler will never be said: “We are one of the forgotten,” Mr Ferguson luckiest countries in the added. world to have somebody Former Attorney Gen- with the vision and talent of eral Alfred Sears said: Ronnie Butler…He helped “Ronnie was disap- me to help this nation pointed that successive appreciate who and what governments, in provid- we are.” ing hundreds of millions of On the sidelines of the Bahamian tax payer dol- memorial, Prime Minislars and Crown land to ter Dr Hubert Minnis told reporters: “I didn’t know him personally like many
OPPOSITION leader Philip ‘Brave’ Davis, left, and Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis.
THE MEMORIAL service for Ronnie Butler at William Johnson Auditorium yesterday. Photos: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff others, but he’s obviously essential that we suspend an icon that I would think Parliament and spend the that one day would be a time here with a cultural national hero, as what he icon who has done so much has done for the culture for this country.” Leader of the Official and the music cannot be matched. Obviously, he Opposition Philip Brave played a very, very impor- Davis said: “I remember him not only as a musical tant role in the country.” Dr Minnis, who arrived icon but as a true patriot or late to the ceremony after Bahamian. I knew Ronnie leaving the House of from he grew up in CulmAssembly, continued: “If ersville not too far from our Parliament was in session legendary Joseph Spence. and we suspend Parlia- So his attraction to music ment so that individuals can no doubt would have been LESLIE MILLER attend the funeral…that is inspired by that community I’m the sure the melody will in which he live in Culmvery, very significant. But I can recall people coming ersville. I lived in Rolle remain with us forever.” Along with a nation here, guests or visitors to Avenue which is a neighThe Bahamas and specifi- bouring community and I left to cherish the legacy of Ronnie Butler are his cally asking, ‘who is Ronnie knew him from then. “I grew up with his music mother, Roselyn Davis; Butler?’ [Asking] where and I long for the days for children, Rhonda Michelle, can they find him. “So his music has made us to recapture the music of Ronnie Jr, and Tara Butler, The Bahamas known not his time. His song writing is Candice Contrera and just throughout the Carib- no more, but his sounds will Dionne Patterson; grandgreat-grand bean but throughout the live on. We will not hear his children, world and we cannot pay voice live anymore, and his children; and numerous for that. So it was fitting and voice has been silenced, but relatives and friends.
PAGE 12, Thursday, November 30, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
MINISTER of Environment & Housing Romauld Ferreira at the fifth High Level Forum on United Nations Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM) at the Sheraton Maria Isabel Hotel in Mexico City. Photo: Gena Gibbs/BIS
FERREIRA SPEAKS AT MEXICO CONFERENCE By GENA GIBBS Bahamas Information Services
MINISTER of the Environment & Housing Romauld Ferreira addressed the fifth High Level Forum on United Nations Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM) at the Sheraton Maria Isabel Hotel in Mexico City on November 28. Mr Ferreira thanked the UN-GGIM, the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), and UN committees for their leadership. He also thanked Dr Julio Santaella and Stefan Schweinfest for inviting The Bahamas to speak on its experience regarding policy perspectives and the progress the country is making. He said: “Mr President, within the wider context of implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals, The Bahamas continues to maintain relations with the UN through its participation in several UN fora on a number of fronts including gender equality, biodiversity, climate change, energy, disaster management, resource management, as well as other programmes stipulated in the Millennium Development Goals.” “In 2014, The Bahamas enacted The Bahamas
Spatial Data Infrastructure Act. This is intended to strengthen the capacity of our technical arm, The Bahamas National Geographic Information Systems (BNGIS) Centre, to meet its national mandate to effect the practical and efficient use of geospatial technologies.” Mr Ferreira added that it is the government’s intent to continue to build on its Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) programme. “Mr President, The Bahamas’ application of this technology has been utilised in areas of national importance such as, but not limited to, utility management, planning, and national security. Additionally, The Bahamas is using geospatial technology in our ongoing matters related to the United Nations Convention on the Law of The Sea (UNCLOS),” said Mr Ferreira. “The integration of this technology has resulted in The Bahamas’ successful declaration of our Archipelagic Maritime Borders and our lodging, with the UN, a successful median line agreement with our neighbouring state, the Republic of Cuba. Geospatial technologies will continue to play a vital role in our ongoing negotiations with the United States and eventually the Turks and Caicos, and Haiti.”
THE TRIBUNE
NATIONAL Teacher of The Year 2017-2019 Antonique Josey accepts a certificate of appreciation. From left, Minister of Education Jeffrey Lloyd, Mrs Josey, and acting director of education Marcellus Taylor. Photo: Edgar Arnette
Thursday, November 30, 2017, PAGE 13
Teacher of the year named THE Ministry of Education Teacher of the Year (TOY) Steering Committee hosted its first-ever teacher of the year luncheon with Minister of Education Jeffrey Lloyd at the Stapledon School Auditorium. In attendance were Mr Lloyd, Acting Director of Education Marcellus Taylor, Deputy Director Serethea Clarke, district TOY winners including the National Teacher of the Year Antonique Josey; and a number of Ministry of Education officials.
In his speech, Mr Lloyd outlined many of the challenges faced by teachers daily. “Today a teacher has to be it all: parent, nurse, doctor, counselor…” He went on to say that teachers also have to deal with “difficult parents,” who in many cases are young and inexperienced. He said on top of that, teachers, in addition to having their own financial challenges, have to “dip into their own resources to fill their teaching needs
and the needs of their children.” He indicated that this practice seems to be getting worse, and advised that politicians need to stop merely talking and start doing more, including paying teachers monies that are owed to them and supplying the needs of the various schools, so that teachers don’t have to use personal resources. National Teacher of the Year for 2017-2019 Antonique Josey talked about her challenges as a teacher. She recalled the sleepless nights, the hard-work, and the grueling interview that preceded her being chosen for the privileged position. However, she said it has all been worth it. District winners got the opportunity to mingle and socialise with each other during the luncheon, with ministry officials, and with TOY Committee members. The district winners were pleasantly surprised at the honour bestowed upon them. This is the first event of its kind, and because of its success, the committee is hoping to include it as one of their established biennial TOY events. The TOY district finalists are: Antonia Carmen Bain, Gambier Primary, northwestern district winner; Cory Cole from E P Roberts Primary, southeastern district winner; Sharoline Deal-Pratt from Uriah McPhee Primary, northeastern district winner; Ronette McCaulay from R N Gomez All-Age School, North and Central Andros and Berry Island District; Paul Knowles from Central Abaco Primary, Abaco district winner; Julie Knowles from L N Coakley High, Exuma district winner; and Shantel Seymour from Central Eleuthera.
PAGE 14, Thursday, November 30, 2017
TRUMP SLAMMED FOR ANTI-MUSLIM VIDEO SHARING WASHINGTON (AP) — Stoking the same anti-Islam sentiments he fanned on the campaign trail, President Donald Trump on Wednesday retweeted a string of inflammatory videos from a fringe British political group purporting to show violence being committed by Muslims. The tweets drew a sharp condemnation from British Prime Minister Theresa May’s office, which said it was “wrong for the president to have done this”. May spokesman James Slack said the far-right Britain First group seeks to divide through its use of “hateful narratives which peddle lies and stoke tensions”. Brushing off the criticism in an evening tweet, Trump said May instead of focusing on him should “focus on the destructive Radical Islamic Terrorism that is taking place within the United Kingdom”. Trump had turned away from taxes, North Korea and other issues facing his administration to share the three videos tweeted by Jayda Fransen, deputy leader of the British group. It was not clear what drew him to the videos, though one had been shared by conservative commentator Ann Coulter the day before.
KUSHNER QUIZZED BY MUELLER TEAM WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner has been questioned by special counsel Robert Mueller’s team of investigators about former national security adviser Michael Flynn, a person familiar with the investigation confirmed Wednesday to The Associated Press. The person said the questioning of Kushner earlier this month took about 90 minutes or less and was aimed in part at establishing whether Kushner had any information on Flynn.
THE TRIBUNE
Today show host Lauer fired over sex claims NEW YORK Associated Press “TODAY” show host Matt Lauer was fired for what NBC on Wednesday called “inappropriate sexual behavior” with a colleague and was promptly confronted with a published report accusing him of crude and habitual misconduct with other women around the office. With his easygoing charm, Lauer has long been a lucrative and highly visible part of NBC News and one of the highest-paid figures in the industry, and his downfall shook the network and stunned many of the roughly four million viewers who start their day with him. He is easily one of the biggest names brought down in recent weeks by the wave of sexual misconduct allegations that have swept through Hollywood, the media and politics. Network news chief Andrew Lack said in a
memo to the staff that NBC received a complaint about Lauer’s behavior on Monday and determined he violated company standards. NBC said the misconduct started when Lauer and a network employee were at the Sochi Olympics in 2014 and continued beyond that assignment. Lack said it was the first complaint lodged against Lauer in his 20 years at NBC, but “we were also presented with reason to believe this may not have been an isolated incident”. NBC News received two new complaints against Lauer on Wednesday, “NBC Nightly News” reported. The network didn’t respond to a request for comment. Earlier Wednesday, it was left to Lauer’s shaken “Today” colleagues, Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb, to break the news to viewers at the top of the morning’s show. Hours after the firing,
TODAY show host Matt Lauer, who has been fired. the trade publication Vari- with three children. In other developments, ety posted what it said was a two-month investigation former “Prairie Home that included dozens of Companion” host Garriinterviews with current and son Keillor was cut loose former staffers who asked by Minnesota Public Radio over an allegation of “inapto remain anonymous. Among other things, propriate behavior”. MPR Variety reported allega- gave no details, but the tions that Lauer once gave 75-year-old Keillor said he a colleague a sex toy with inadvertently put his hand an explicit note about how on a woman’s bare back in he wanted to use it on her; an attempt to console her. Ari Wilkenfeld, the attorthat he exposed himself to another female co-worker; ney for Lauer’s accuser, that he would question praised NBC for acting female producers about “quickly and responsibly” their sex lives; and that he in response to the mornwould talk about which co- ing host’s “egregious acts of hosts he would like to sleep sexual harassment and misconduct”. The lawyer did with. Messages to Lauer and not identify his client. Lack, in his memo, said, his agent were not immediately returned, and NBC “We are deeply saddened would not say whether he by this turn of events. But denied or admitted to any we will face it together as wrongdoing. He is married a news organisation — and
do it in as transparent a manner as we can.” On Wednesday’s show, Guthrie appeared to fight back tears as she called Lauer her friend who is beloved by many at NBC. She said she was “heartbroken for my colleague who came forward to tell her story and any other women who have their own stories to tell”. “How do you reconcile your love for someone with the revelation that they have behaved badly? I don’t know the answer to that,” she said. “But I do know that this reckoning that so many organisations have been going through is important, it’s long overdue, and it must result in workplaces where all women, all people, feel safe and respected.”
WAR CRIMINAL DIES AFTER DRINKING POISON AS HE IS SENTENCED THE HAGUE, NETHERLANDS Associated Press
SECONDS after a UN judge confirmed his 20-year war crimes sentence on Wednesday, former Bosnian Croat military commander Slobodan Praljak shouted, “I am not a war criminal!” threw back his head, drank liquid from a small bottle and told the court he had taken poison. A flustered
judge halted the hearing and Praljak was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he died. Shocking images of the 72-year-old former philosophy professor and theatre director who became a wartime general shouting and drinking what he said was poison were streamed live on the court’s website and around the Balkans. The death cast a pall over the last case at the
groundbreaking International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. Judges upheld sentences ranging from 10-25 years against Praljak and five other Bosnian Croat wartime political and military leaders for their part in a plan linked to Croatia’s late former President Franjo Tudjman to violently carve out a Croat-dominated mini-state in Bosnia during the Balkan wars by killing, mistreating and deporting Muslims. Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic offered his condolences to Praljak’s family and said the former general’s actions reflected the “deep moral injustice” done to him and the five others whose sentences were also upheld
SLOBODAN Praljak brings a bottle to his lips during a Yugoslav War Crimes Tribunal in The Hague, Netherlands. He died soon after drinking its contents. by the appeals judges Wednesday. In their ruling, the judges confirmed that Praljak was guilty of crimes including murder, persecution and inhumane treatment as
part of the plot to establish a Croat entity in Bosnia in the early 1990s, as well as the 20-year sentence initially handed to Praljak in May 2013 at the end of the six men’s trial.
THE TRIBUNE Thursday, November 30, 2017, PAGE 15
GIRL CON SEEKS TO INSPIRE YOUNG WOMEN By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
ABOUT 150 high school girls received words of encouragement and inspiration at Girl Con 2017 - the first girls conference of its kind held in Grand Bahama, highlighting National Women’s Week. The event – which is the brainchild of Senate President Katherine Forbes-Smith – took place Tuesday at Keen i Media Studios in Freeport. It brought together a diverse panel of women speakers in various genres who shared their personal stories of struggle and success with girls in their senior year of high school to uplift them as they prepare for their transition to adulthood. The speakers were Senator Jasmine Turner-Dareus; Marie Roach-Hepburn, a woman Anglican priest, Eldri Ferguson, vice-president of BTC Northern Bahamas; Bahamian playwright Gia Pierre; and photographer Lynda Wells. The girls were encouraged to pursue their passion or dreams in life and to be the best they can be by working hard. Mrs Smith said that the event was a success, and hopes to have it as an annual event. “This event taking place during National Women’s Week which was launch on November 26 at Holy Trinity in New Providence. And in Nassau, Abaco, Exuma and the other Family Islands they are doing events in conjunction with [National Women’s Week],” she said. Mrs Smith said that Girl Con 2017 is something she has always wanted to do for a long time. The event is supported by Minister of Social Services and Urban Development Lanisha Rolle.
“This is truly a success today and this is something we will build upon because we want to continue to talk to our young women,” Mrs Smith said. “We have to do things to recognise women generally. I always tell people I don’t understand why we are not where we ought to be when we represent more of the voting bloc in this country, where we represent more than half of the world’s population. “But, sometimes I think we don’t support each other enough, and really that is the message I want to get out from this conference with these young ladies. First of all, there should be no barriers that you should not be able to overcome as you move along in your life. And secondly, let’s start supporting women in this country.” Mrs Smith said that when young ladies are graduating from high school and getting ready for the next level of development, it is important to give them some encouragement. She believes it is necessary to bring women together who can give them some good advice as they move on to the next level of life. “They have a lot of decisions to make; college is a big deal and some of them have to go into the workforce. I think (a conference of this kind) is always helpful.” According to Mrs Smith, much thought went into organising the conference and to make it as interactive as possible for the participants. She was pleased with the turnout of participants, which included 151 students from various high schools, and some 40 women representing non-government organisations in the community, as well as women who are at the top in their profession.
+ Working together to serve you better
RBC and Royal Fidelity have partnered to provide you with the ultimate in financial convenience: A one-stop-shop for everything from mutual funds, pension plans, and investment services from Royal Fidelity and private banking, business banking and wealth management services from RBC. Successful financial planning for the future requires having partners you can trust. Why not find out how you can benefit from our partnership? We’re ready to serve you.
Mutual Funds
Pension Plans
Investment Services
Business Banking
GOSPEL MUSIC FOR SENIOR CITIZENS AT LUNCH EVENT By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
PINERIDGE MP Rev Frederick McAlpine held a luncheon for senior citizens in his constituency at the Foster Pestaina Auditorium on Wednesday, complete with live gospel entertainment. Simeon Outten, Jay Mitchell, and the Police Pop Band performed, but the Cooling Waters Gospel Group got seniors up and out of their chairs and dancing. Will Stubbs provided comedic entertainment. Rev McAlpine and his wife, Tracey, welcomed guests as they entered the hall. He said the luncheon was a nonpartisan event and all seniors from Pineridge were invited to fellowship, eat and drink. He said that it is important to reach out and show appreciation to the “precious pearls” in the community. “I thank you for coming; you are the persons who allowed us to be where we are. I stand on your shoulders,” he told guests gathered in the hall. “You have contributed to The Bahamas and Grand Bahama by virtue of your children; the way you brought them up, sought educate for them and made sure they are productive citizens. “I want to thank you all in Pineridge. I am here because of you…” he said. “I have the responsibility for Pineridge, and after May 10 as far as I am concerned there is no more FNM, PLP,
DNA, or independent – it is only Pineridge.” Rev McAlpine said it was important to him to create an atmosphere where everyone can sit together without a political divide. “I am happy that they enjoyed themselves,” he said. Rev McAlpine also celebrated his birthday at the event. “They sang happy birthday to me, and I am honoured and I would not be here without them,” he said. Rev McAlpine said that constituents of Pineridge can expect more events, and hinted that a major event is planned before Christmas. Pineridge resident Cherry Malone, said she enjoyed the luncheon and entertainment provided by her MP Ivan Deveaux, said that he has resided in Pineridge for almost 30 years. “[The luncheon] was awesome – and it is a good thing what the MP said that there is no PLP, FNM, or DNA, it is only Pineridge and that it is not about politics.” When asked about the establishment of the Pineridge Institute, the MP said that they are working towards getting classrooms ready for the next school term next year. “We will want to be in compliance with the Ministry of Education and they are telling us that persons must take four BJCs in order to qualify to graduate. “But I have since modified the plan, and we are also looking at a smart classroom online providing a curriculum to help persons get their GED,” he said.
®™ / Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence. ‡ All other trademark(s) are the property of their respective owner(s).
Wealth Management
Private Banking