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Performance blamed as workers are fired in Christmas shock

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

MORE than 60 employees, including management and line staff, have been fired from the One&Only Ocean Club for “performance based� reasons, with the hotel’s reported dissatisfaction over unsavoury guest reviews about its staff serving as the primary reason for conducting preChristmas layoffs.

The Paradise Islandbased luxury hotel, in an official statement yesterday, said it is in the process of “reorganising our structure and redefining job descriptions across the resort�.

This, it said, has resulted in a “necessary turnover of about 60 positions� at the hotel that will “ensure a streamlining of the guest experience�.

Yesterday’s terminations involved around 15 per cent

of the near 400 employees who worked at the hotel.

Ashley McBain, vicepresident of corporate communications at Kerzner International, suggested to The Tribune that the terminations were the result of poor employee performance at the hotel, saying that some staff were not working in sync with “performance standards that we’ve set in place, not only in The Bahamas but beyond�.

She said the hotel consequently had “to make the hard decisions, and say who really is pushing themselves forward and adhering to those standards, and maybe who’s not�.

Other senior hotel officials said all positions would be replaced before an extensive hotel-wide training exercise, likely aimed at targeting those performance issues, prior to the hotel’s opening next year following

HARRISON WILLIAMS, vicepresident of the BHCAWU, speaking to reporters yesterday, as workers were dismissed from the One &Only Ocean Club, right.

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

a four-month closure for repairs after Hurricane Matthew in October.

But senior officials in the Bahamas Hotel Catering and Allied Workers Union SEE PAGE SIX

FRANK WATSON

THE 2017 general election will be a measure of pitch-perfect campaigns rather than base support or popularity, according to former Deputy Prime Minister Frank Watson, who yesterday projected that no political party held any “real� advantage going into the polls.

Speaking candidly on the

pre-election political landscape, the former Free National Movement Cabinet minister remarked on an unprecedented level of discontent from Progressive Liberal Party supporters towards the government, but quickly noted that the Official Opposition has not been able to capitalise on this phenomenon.

He also criticised the bloated number of Cabinet ministers, calling for a limit of 11 portfolios in ad-

dition to that of the prime minister, and better wages for MPs. “There are a number of things going on in the political arena right now,� he said. “I have never seen PLPs more upset with their government than they are today. What that means is to be seen because during the course of the campaign there will be a contest between FNM and PLP, and probably the DNA, and right now in my view,

whichever one of them presents the most attractive slate and the best plan will win. I don’t see any real advantage at this point. “Of course these things tend to come together in the course of the actual election campaign,� he added.

The inner-workings of the FNM and its embattled Leader Dr Hubert Minnis were thrust back into the SEE PAGE SIX

COLLIE: FNM SOUGHT REPLACEMENT ONLY AFTER KEY SAID HE WAS RETIRING

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

THE Free National Movement only began seeking a new candidate for the Central and South Abaco constituency after area MP Edison Key informed the organisation that he would not be seeking another nomination because he was retiring from front line politics, party Chair-

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net  PRESIDENT of the Bahamas Electrical Workers Union Paul Maynard yesterday threatened industrial action if the government does not immediately repair the damage to Bahamas Power and Light’s Clifton Pier Plant caused by the passage of Hurricane Matthew in October.

In an interview with The Tribune, Mr Maynard said the situation at Clifton requires “urgent attention� and the environment is too dangerous for his members to continue to work. According to the union president, the covering on the smoke stacks at the plant is “peeling� and falling to the ground. He said at any moment, one of the metal plates can “hit one of the workers� severely injuring them.

SEE PAGE THREE

SEX ATTACK CASE AGAINST FOUR-YEAR-OLD DISCONTINUED

WATSON: NO PARTY HAS ADVANTAGE AHEAD OF ELECTION

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

‘REPAIR BPL HURRICANE DAMAGE’ OR UNION STRIKES

man Sidney Collie said yesterday.

He added that no decision has been made as the interview process is continuing. It has been widely speculated that 24-year-old James Albury was the party’s pick.

In a press statement, Mr Collie further denied that any secret gatherings took place in the constituency as all meetings were widely advertised on television and

radio. He said FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis had not attended the most recent meeting to discuss party business on the island, but instead Peter Turnquest, FNM deputy leader, led a delegation to that constituency.

This response from the executive level of the party follows a stinging critique of Dr Minnis by Mr Key. SEE PAGE SEVEN

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

PROCEEDINGS have been discontinued against a man awaiting trial concerning the alleged sexual assault against a four-year-old child.

O’Neil Ferguson, 29, was due to stand trial in November before Senior Justice Stephen Isaacs stemming from a reported assault on the girl, now eight, on July 21, 2012.

However the matter did not start as the question of whether the complainant was fit to give sworn testimony in court had arisen.

SEE PAGE SEVEN

BAHAMIANS ARRESTED FOR HUMAN SMUGGLING

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net THREE Bahamian men are in the custody of United States authorities after they were alledgedly caught attempting to smuggle six Haitians to Florida last week.

Three of the six Haitians were also taken with the Bahamians, while the other three were returned to the Bahamas by the US Coast Guard and handed over to Bahamas immigration authorities in Grand Bahama on Saturday, December 3.

SEE PAGE SEVEN

PAGE 2, Wednesday, December 7, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

MEMBERS of the government with Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling at the annual preChristmas luncheon at Government House.

Photo: Patrick Hanna/BIS

GOVT HOUSE HOSTS FESTIVE DINNER

PRIME Minister Perry Christie enjoys a light moment with his Cabinet at the traditional pre-Christmas luncheon. In welcoming the Cabinet, Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling invited ministers to reflect on the traditional pre-Christmas religious themes of hope, joy, love, and peace, and she conveyed personal warm wishes to them and their families. The Prime Minister thanked her for her invitation.

Photo: Peter Ramsay/BIS

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, December 7, 2016, PAGE 3

Too little, too late, warns DNA leader over probe into BPL

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

DESPITE Prime Minister Perry Christie’s recent pronouncements that he plans to launch a probe into Bahamas Power and Light’s inability to provide uninterrupted electricity supply to consumers, Democratic National Alliance Leader Branville McCartney has issued a staunch rebuke of the move, calling it “too little, too late”.

In a statement released Tuesday morning, Mr McCartney took issue with Mr Christie’s claims, questioning why it has taken the Centreville MP more than four years in office to notice the “consistent challenges” faced by the government owned power company.

The former Bamboo Town MP called it “interesting” that the prime minister was only now concerned, saying that Mr Christie was only attempting to “commiserate” with the Bahamian public as the 2017 election approaches.

On Monday, Mr Chris-

tie suggested that the latest mass disruption had brought the government embarrassment as it took place the day before the opening ceremony of an international civil aviation conference. He later noted that the incident was too “catastrophic” and “unusual” to let it pass without the “highest investigation”.

He also said Sunday’s island-wide blackout could have been the result of “human error.”

Addressing this statement yesterday, Mr McCartney said he was puzzled by the prime minister’s outrage, insisting that BPL’s inability to keep the lights on were indicative of the years of mismanagement of the company by Mr Christie’s current administration and earlier administrations.

Mr McCartney stated that for years, electricity consumers have had to deal with “woefully unreliable” services which have been underscored by well documented equipment failures, mounting financial issues, island-wide blackouts and

rolling outages - all while successive governments did nothing.

“Despite an initially glowing endorsement from the Christie administration, the company has been unable to provide the promised relief and reliability of service and furthermore, their promised business plan, meant to be a roadmap out of our current energy crisis remains a well-guarded government secret,” noted Mr McCartney in his release.

He continued: “Only now, years after initially announcing plans for energy sector reform, is the PM concerned enough to seek out answers from BPL. Only now, with months to go before a general election, is Mr Christie apparently frustrated and distressed by the poor performance of the company which his government sought out and paid millions to ensure that those reforms take place.

“His comments which are clearly an attempt to commiserate with the Bahamian public as we ap-

proach another election cycle, proving yet again that Mr Christie and his government will always be too little, too late in addressing the pressing needs of our country.

“While the DNA has absolutely no confidence that the promised investigations into BPL will yield any results if it in fact takes place at all, perhaps such a probe would best be suited to finally uncovering the details of the power company’s business plan.

“Even more disappointing has been the reaction of our elected officials who are not only late again regarding the needs of the energy sector, but who seem unable to speak with one voice on the issues facing BPL. “While Mr Christie on one hand lamented his apparent frustrations with the most recent round of outages, the DPM (Philip Davis) was elsewhere praising the company and expressing faith in their ability. How can this administration be trusted to make good decisions about the country’s energy future when they

seem not to be communicating at all regarding the company responsible for managing such critical infrastructure?”

Around 2pm on Sunday, New Providence was plagued by a power cut.

When The Tribune spoke to President of the Bahamas Electrical Workers Union Paul Maynard around 4.30pm, he indicated that the company “had no idea” what caused the problem.

BPL posted updates about the blackout on its Facebook page.

Around 4pm, the company said BPL said teams were working to restart engines and eventually begin restoring power to customers.

Subsequently, at around 7.30pm, BPL said it had started restoring power to some areas as it asked for patience, saying the process would be a slow one.

There have been three blackouts and frequent disruptions in supply for several days. Sunday’s outage followed a weekend of power issues as residents complained of intermittent

outages on Friday and Saturday.

Last Thursday, BPL blamed a “damaged underground cable” for blackouts on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Reflecting on these recent occurrences, Mr McCartney said the country now needed a real plan, one designed to reduce the cost of electricity, improve reliability and introduce renewable and green energy solutions.

In April 2015, the DNA proposed its $1 billion energy plan, which would see power provided to the Bahamas by a Florida power plant via a submarine electrical cable running from a Florida electrical grid to Clifton Pier.

When introduced, the party said the project would take about two years to complete and would transform electricity provision in the country.

The government signed a five-year agreement with PowerSecure in February to manage the Bahamas Electricity Corporation which was later renamed BPL.

‘REPAIR BPL HURRICANE DAMAGE’ OR UNION STRIKES from page one Mr Maynard said the issue was brought to the attention of the executive director of BPL’s Board, Deepak Bhatnagar, but he claimed Mr Bhatnagar refuses to sign off on the repairs to be done “in order to save a dollar”.

He said if the issue is not resolved by next week, his workers will not return to the Clifton Pier Plant, which means if the electricity were to go off, it will stay off.

“He handles all the maintenance contracts and so on and he just sits there micromanaging and not doing anything of real substance,” Mr Maynard claimed.

“Bhatnagar was a problem at the airport when he

was there and he is a problem here. A lot of the issues we are having with the electricity going on and off is because of him, he refuses to allow the problems to be fixed,” Mr Maynard further claimed.

“He is very condescending and arrogant and likes to play the victim like it’s everyone’s fault but his, but we are not going to entertain that.

If they don’t deal with him and get him out of there, oh you will see what will happen. This situation at Clifton requires urgent attention. I wrote to the deputy prime minister and complained and got no response.

“What if those things fall and hit someone in the head? What if someone gets severely hurt? If they do not fix the damage, no staff

will go to Clifton Pier, so if the engines shut down, the entire island will be in the dark and stay in the dark. I will not put my members at risk. They will not report to work next week under these conditions.”

On February 8, the government and PowerSecure signed a Management Services Agreement (MSA) that assigns PowerSecure management of BPL, formerly the Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC), for the next five years.

At that time, the old BEC Board was dismantled and Mr Bhatnagar was named executive director of the new BPL board.

The Tribune attempted to contact Mr Bhatnagar but calls were not returned up to press time.

DAMAGE to a stack at BPL’s Clifton Pier plant, which has not been repaired since Hurricane Matthew.

‘WHAT’S THE BPL BUSINESS PLAN?’ DEMANDS FNM DEPUTY LEADER

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Movement Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest urged the government to fully disclose its agreement with American company PowerSecure and to publicly detail the $900,000 business plan it drafted amid fierce criticism sparked by Bahamas Power and Light’s failure to provide steady electricity supply.

Mr Turnquest told The Tribune yesterday that based on the company’s performance to date, its five-year agreement with the government would “definitely” have to be reviewed should the FNM be elected to office following the 2017 general election.

He said it has been abundantly clear that Bahamians have not got value for money more than one year since the government signed the transitional agreement with PowerSecure in July 2015.

In February, PowerSecure signed a five-year management services agreement with the Bahamas Electricity Corporation, which officials have said is worth as much as $25m.

Meanwhile, Senator Dr Duane Sands said it was curious that Prime Minister Perry Christie, Deputy Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis and BPL CEO Pamela Hill have each taken different positions on BPL’s issues.

He was speaking of Mr Christie’s comments on Monday when he said he was unofficially informed that “human error” was the cause of Sunday’s power cut.

Mrs Hill said she was unaware that “human error” was at the heart of the outage, while Mr Davis has said BPL is meeting its mandate.

Dr Sands also pointed to Mr Davis’ admission that the government had challenges raising capital to upgrade BPL’s equipment.

Mrs Hill instead took a different tone during Monday’s press conference at BPL’s headquarters on Baillou Hill Road. At the time she asked consumers to be patient as the utility provider upgrades and makes investments in the existing system.

The differences in positions, Dr Sands said, warranted an explanation from the government.

“The details of the contract have not been made public nor have the details of the business plan been made public,” Mr Turnquest said yesterday when he was contacted.

“So the Bahamian people don’t know what was agreed and so here we are stuck with a very inadequate utility and inefficiency. “(So if) the FNM is elected we would definitely have to look at the contract as to date they have not provided value for money and we have not seen any increase in efficiencies or viability in utility.”

He added: “I have said before we could do bad by ourselves. So there is no reason for us to be paying the kind of money we are paying to have the same inefficient system.

“We have to determine what did the $900,000 produce and why and if there was a business plan produced why is it not bringing us results and forward progress in turning this utility around.”

Responding to the situation, Dr Sands said Bahamians are owed an explanation or at the least an assurance that the energy sector in the country is set for an overhaul that will result in reliable service.

He said: “Maybe it’s time for the deputy prime minister to have some direct pointed questions put to him because he has gotten a pass on a number of these issues.

“What is the real deal?

What is the plan for energy reform in the Bahamas?

What is the real deal about the business plan of BPL? What is the contractual relationship? How much are we spending for it? What is the expectation? Are we paying millions purely so they can have a whipping boy to deflect the public ire from the government or is BPL really managing the electrical infrastructure generation and distribution of Nassau?”

Dr Sands further expressed doubt regarding the prime minister’s sincerity when he said on Monday

that he was distressed along with every Bahamian over the constant power cuts.

Mr Christie said not only was he “distressed”, but that he ordered an investigation to uncover the root cause of Sunday’s outage.

At the time he said: ““I am as distressed about this as every Bahamian. I spent yesterday (Sunday) between church services and public functions talking to all of the persons that I could with respect to the cause

of it. I have asked them, I know that they are troubleshooting now to determine.

I have been advised that this could be human error and I have a view on that and I am asking them to investigate it to determine what happened and I am too concerned about a Sunday afternoon when people are home.”

He continued: “When internationally events are taking place at Fort Montagu.

Where people of world

prominence are in the Bahamas. When Bahamians are home watching sports as they do. But this happened for the second time in a week. That is too catastrophic, too unusual and is deserving of the highest investigation.

“I have been unofficially advised at this point that it’s human error. I want to see what that really means… human error because to me it is just too amazing to have happened twice in a week.”

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CORRECTION THE Secretary of the Gaming Board is Vernon Scott and not Dennis Martin as we reported on December 2 (Govt team flies to Hong Kong for talks with Baha Mar buyer).

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PAGE 4, Wednesday, December 7, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

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

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Govt’s due diligence of CTFE must be thorough AS a Bahamas government delegation jetted to Hong Kong over the weekend, to meet with and conduct a due diligence investigation of the conglomerate that wants to purchase Baha Mar, it would seem by announcements being made in Nassau that the trip is only a formality.

Not only does the Chow Tai Fook enterprise (CTFE) want to purchase the Cable Beach resort, but it also wants a gaming licence to operate the casino.

“We are going to meet with the potential owners of the property. We are going to take a look at their operations, and we are going to take a look at the casino operations also in Macau that they do run now,” said Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe, a member of the four-member delegation, led by Attorney General Allyson Maynard Gibson. As for the casino, presumably the delegation will also meet with “the groups and individuals they intend to have who will run the business”.

Although, the deal will not (or certainly should not) be consummated before the due diligence has been completed, it was claimed that a few days ago – even before the group set out on its due diligence trip – the Prime Minister had a meeting with CTFE when the company gave a presentation to two investing Bahamian businessmen and Mr Christie told them of their intention to open 700 rooms in Baha Mar by March next year.

Recalling what this country went through in the drug years – from which it has never fully recovered — and the reports that we now have in our possession on this new group and their various associations and associates, we hope that the Christie government is not going to make it possible for history to repeat itself.

We recall the late seventies when The Tribune started to get disturbing reports of strange activities going on at Norman’s Cay. We made enquiries and were told that International Dutch Resources, owned by a wealthy German had bought up land on the small island and was doing business there. We were assured - even by his lawyers — that the German’s business was “legit”. However, the reports kept coming in and the suggestions of the suspected activities on the island were becoming more disturbing.

Norman’s Cay was a popular anchorage for visiting yachts, with an attractive club house and marina. Several wealthy residents had made their homes there. It was an idyllic hideaway. According to officials, the most sinister thing being done on the cay by International Dutch Resources was that it was buying up as much land as it could.

It is true that Carlos Enrique “Joe” Lehder was born of a German father.

But his mother was Colombian. And, if the Pindling government had done its due diligence, it would have discovered that International Dutch Resources was built from the proceeds of a very successful drug running operation. If it had also done proper due diligence it would have discovered that Lehder had a criminal rap sheet in the US. He started as a stolen car dealer. He had served a federal prison sentence for car theft in Danbury, Connecticut. It was there that he and a cell mate hit on the idea of making their wealth by drug smuggling. For sometime, on release from prison, they were petty drug smugglers until they built up their wealth to compete with the best of them.

And then they went their separate ways.

That is when Lehder came to The Bahamas. He obviously quietly made friends with the right Bahamians, and eventually set up his kingdom at Norman’s Cay, where he boasted that he belonged “to the

club” and was untouchable. However, the rumours started to rumble so loudly and The Tribune continued to ask question about this “Dutch” company and its German owner, that one day parliamentarian Norman Solomon anchored his boat off Norman’s Cay and swam ashore only to be held up at gun point by Lehder’s armed guards and ferocious dogs. Mr Solomon returned to Nassau and told parliament that Norman’s Cay was one of the largest drug smuggling operations in this part of the world. For that revelation his life was threatened and his car burned.

In 1979, the Opposition challenged Prime Minister Pindling to explain publicly why drug trafficking “continued unabated” in The Bahamas.

The rejection of the Opposition’s application for a committee to investigate Lehder’s illegal activities at Norman’s Cay was of itself a major scandal.

The 1984 Commission of Inquiry eventually appointed to investigate the criminal enterprise said it was “alarmed at the extent to which persons in the public service had been corrupted by money derived from the drug trade” – certain members of the police force, immigration and customs, even as high up as permanent secretary and minister, it concluded. Lehder and his crew were certainly on more than speaking terms with the town’s political “movers” and “shakers” and right doors opened easily for them.

The Commission said there was every reason to believe that in both the public and private sectors the “material benefits of the drug trade caused persons to wink their eyes or look the other way.” The Bahamas had truly earned the reputation of “a nation for sale”.

We all know how this country suffered during the narco-dollar period – and is still suffering from the inherited backlash. And so, it would be a grave error should this government “wink its eyes and look the other way” in the investigation of the sale of Baha Mar. Already we are overwhelmed with crime in this country. The Bahamas cannot afford to be associated with anyone or any consortium that would have any affiliation— no matter how remote — with the notorious Triad gang.

And what is the Triad? It is described as one of many branches of Chinese transnational crime organisations based in the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and in countries with significant Chinese populations.

Just as in the days of Joe Lehder, The Tribune is receiving much troubling information. Maybe while our delegation is in Hong Kong it should do a special check of all the persons listed in The Tribune of Monday, November 7, and find out how they are all interconnected. We certainly are doing our due diligence. Prime Minister Christie should not want a wrong decision of this potential magnitude to be his legacy.

And so, based on Mr Wilchcombe’s misinformation – “when Sol Kerzner came to the Bahamas he couldn’t get a license in the US because of some speculation, but it didn’t stop him from putting together a major company, and it proved to be a great fit for The Bahamas” – it shouldn’t be assumed that CTFE can do the same. The rumours now engulfing CTFE never came near Sol Kerzner.

On Monday, Sir Sol told us: “We were licensed to operate casinos in the USA, and did in fact operate the resorts international casino in Atlantic City for a couple of years in the late ‘90s as well as the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut and have never been denied a licence anywhere.”

Can CTFE or its associates say the same?

Good riddance to Fidel EDITOR, The Tribune.

Re:Saying a farewell to Fidel Castro.

The Tribune, Letters, 29 November, 2016 ...and good riddance! The above brain-washed, saccharine-sweet ode to a very unsavory dictator, overlooks the fact that many dissenters who opposed Fidel Castro were reportedly imprisoned, tortured and killed, albeit ‘indirectly’, by this murderous communist tyrant, and his accomplice Che Guevara.

It is very common for totalitarian rulers to delegate others to perform their ‘dirty work’, so that few people, if any, ever actually see a Hitler, a Stalin or a Pol Pot kill anyone. Nevertheless, they were ‘indirectly’ and ultimately responsible for ordering the torture and deaths of many people.

It is certainly bizarre for the writer to say that “in heaven he’ll be happy”. Especially since Comandante Castro, like other Marxist despots, did not believe in

heaven, and spent much of his life vigorously suppressing Christianity. However, he relented magnanimously in 1998 and graciously permitted the return of previouslybanned Christmas celebrations in Cuba. Let us give thanks for that - and remember it in the coming weeks when parroting our politically correct “Season’s Greetings” or “Happy Holidays”.

KEN W KNOWLES, MD Nassau, November 30, 2016.

Disasters of the PLP EDITOR, The Tribune.

YOU got to love it when seasoned PLP politicians make sound bites about issues such as the recent protest. “We are the democratically elected government of the Bahamas these people are rabble rousers/stooges of the FNM, etc, etc”. You know what wake up, do you the PLP government of the Bahamas think you have done well since you were put into power?

The answer is a resounding no, this, in my opinion, is by far the most ineffective and corrupt government since independence.

There is a litany of broken promises/endless waste of our money, blatant cronyism/out and out corruption and incompetence.

Let’s look at the list: 1) Disaster #1 BAMSI, complete fiasco and waste of our hard earned tax dollars. No one knows how much money has been squandered there! What’s it achieved? From what I can see a few hundred bananas.

2) Disaster #2 Vat, we were warned by the world’s credit agencies that our economy was in serious trouble and we could, if we continued our ways, have junk status. This has many far reaching repercussions which everyone of us would suffer for. Christie brought in VAT to bring down the national debt. Guess what the national debt has gone up and nobody knows

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net where the PLP have managed to spend, or make disappear, the $800m raised

by VAT. 3) Disaster #3 Baha Mar, poorly handled by the affable but clearly incompetent Perry Christie. His negotiations with the Chinese have been “sealed”. There is only one possible reason for that the terms are appalling for the Bahamas.

Huge tax breaks and concessions no doubt. Meanwhile, other than an offer from a Hong Kong conglomerate with questionable connections, nothing seems to be going on at Baha Mar and it’s stalled yet again.

4) Disaster #4 V Alfred Grey this MP in a pretty sorry bunch is clearly either stupid or incompetent or possibly both. To even consider signing away fishing rights to the Chinese beggars belief. Why the hell is he not joining the ever growing class of the unemployed? Christie show some backbone!

5) Disaster #5 The Dump.

The PLP have thrown huge money at the dump and brought in a specialist management company to get the immense problems sorted out. Well that company has gone and we are right back where we started.

6) Disaster #6 BEC or

Bahamas Power whatever you want to call them.

Again money thrown at this inefficient labour heavy company. Is it any better?

After the painfully slow response to Hurricane Matthew clearly not.

7) Disaster #7 Urban Renewal or what it really should be called “dispersion of funds to PLP cronies for doing nothing”? No accountability again, no idea where the funds have gone.

8) Disaster #8, this is peering into the future, the PLP borrowed $150,000,000 for hurricane Matthew clean up and repairs. Of all the MP’s to put in charge of this vast sum Christie chose Shane Gibson. Enough said but I suspect in years to come there will be inquests as to what happened to this $150m.

The PLP promised 10,000 new jobs within 100 days in office, no sorry, unemployment up, they promised they had new ideas and solutions to fight crime, no, sorry failed again.

This is why people protested and joined the march we know when “we being swung” we know when “we being lied to” we know honesty when we see it.

That is why Bahamians of every persuasion and of every political party protested. It’s called democracy in action.

THE REALIST Nassau, November 28, 2016.

Full inquiry needed into Power Secure EDITOR, The Tribune.

YOUR editorial of today (December 6), put the matter of the BEC management arrangements quite bluntly, but absolutely quite correctly. Not unusually, it seems that our Cabinet does not speak about, nor correspond on, such matters of National, and now International import, as our Deputy Prime Minister, in yesterday’s Tribune, palmed the blackouts off as simply “old” equipment, but our Prime Minister, in today’s Tribune, is demanding an inquiry, as

he has it on good authority that the problems are human ones.

I think that while our Prime Minister is in the mood for an inquiry, that the terms of that inquiry might perhaps be broadened, so as to include a FULL inquiry into how this company, Power Secure, came to be awarded a contract such as this one, to manage this Government Entity.

The good news is that an inquiry in the United States where these people are from, will uncover things, that are not readily appar-

ent nor publicly known in this country.

It would seem that the Prime Minister now understands the urgent need for a Freedom of Information Act. Certainly if we terminate their contract here, they may wish to challenge that termination over there, and then we will be told all of the terms and conditions, written and not written, about how this deal came to be.

BRUCE G RAINE Nassau, December 6, 2016.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, December 7, 2016, PAGE 5

Recommendations on crime in National Development Plan

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net THE National Development Plan makes a number of recommendations for fighting crime and increasing respect for the rule of law.

The draft version of the NDP, released on the weekend, endorses making the Department of Public

Prosecutions independent to boost trust in the independence of law enforcement.

The NDP also calls for legislation that would end the practice of allowing police officers to prosecute cases in the Magistrate’s Court.

Trained lawyers alone should be used, the plan says, allowing for reduced opportunities for

conflicts of interest since police won’t be both investigator and prosecutors in cases.

At the moment, police prosecutors can appear on behalf of the Office of the Attorney General in any case before the Magistrate’s Court.

The NDP said there should be an increase in the ration of “frontline, community-based officers” and

detectives so police are stationed in areas susceptible to crime.

The NDP also calls for increased independent oversight over investigations of police conduct.

An independent body comprised of a Citizens Review Board should be established to review complaints, the NDP says.

The NDP Secretariat will host a conclave Thursday

at SuperClubs Breezes that will involve panel discussions on improving governance in the Bahamas, proposing strategies to strengthen human capital, the environment and the economy.

The Christie administration hopes the NDP will prove to be a groundbreaking work that plays a central role in influencing policy decisions for the future.

Unlike other reports or plans, which have appeared in the past and in some instances propose similar recommendations, the NDP is expected to be accompanied with accountability mechanisms, including legislation.

The University of the Bahamas will play a key role in assessing progress made towards realising the plan’s visions.

KENNEDY JR HITS OUT AT GOVT OVER CIVIL RIGHTS

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

MINISTER of Transport and Aviation Glenys Hanna-Martin.

SIX AIR SERVICE CONTRACTS SIGNED THE Bahamas signed six new air service contracts this week.

This, according to Minister of Transport and Aviation Glenys Hanna-Martin, will open new windows for the country’s aviation industry.

Mrs Hanna-Martin delivered remarks at the opening ceremony of the 9th International Civil Aviation Organisation Air Services Negotiation Event (ICAN2016) on Monday at the Kendal G L Isaacs Gymnasium.

The five-day conclave runs from December 5-9 and is being held at the National Stadium.

“The Bahamas will ne-

MAN INJURED IN SHOOTING AT FREEPORT BUSINESS

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net A MAN was hospitalised early Tuesday morning following a shooting at a business in Freeport, police reported.

According to reports, the victim was near a business on East Sunrise Highway when he was reportedly shot in the leg. He was taken to the Rand Memorial Hospital, where he is listed in stable condition.

Police are investigating the incident and are asking the public for assistance.

Anyone with information that might assist the police is asked to call 242-3503107 through 12, 911, 919 or call the nearest police station.

gotiate new agreements which open new windows of opportunities into the world,” said Mrs HannaMartin. “This will not only mean opportunities in the aviation sector but also will impact our tourism sector as it would facilitate the movement of people, which is germane to the economic health of our country.”

The government signed agreements with Qatar, Singapore, New Zealand, Curaçao, Brazil and Kuwait on Tuesday. Two other agreements were recently signed with Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.

Under Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Aviation Charles Albury

said that the event was a great opportunity for the Bahamas to showcase to the world that it is “ready for business,” not only in the aviation sector but also for any type of world-class event.

Over 800 delegates representing over 90 countries will gather over the next five days to negotiate air services agreements for their respective countries.

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) is a UN specialised agency, which was established in 1944 to manage the administration and governance of the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention).

INSURANCE MANAGEMENT (BAHAMAS) LIMITED. INSURANCE BROKERS & AGENTS

IS SEEKING TO FILL VACANCIES IN OUR

ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT We are looking for driven and self-motivated individuals with knowledge and experience in the Accounting field.

Requirements for a suitable candidate include: • • • • •

Minimum 2 years of experience in the Accounting field A Bachelor’s Degree (preferred) or Associate’s Degree in Accounting Proficiency in Excel, Word, and processing Accounts Receivable Strong oral and written communication skills Able to work well as part of a dynamic team

Interested persons should hand deliver their resumes to: Human Resources Insurance Management (Bahamas) Limited Rosetta Street East Nassau, Bahamas

Or email to: hr@imbbah.com

THE protracted and bitter dispute between environmental action group Save The Bays and the government has one high-profile American environmentalist questioning whether civil rights and the rule of law are under attack.

In a missive posted to popular environmental website EcoWatch, activist lawyer Robert F Kennedy Jr spotlights longstanding allegations made by STB members - most of which have been rigorously denied by the government, and some of which are still being arbitrated.

He claims that “developer-friendly Cabinet ministers are attacking the rule of law, stomping on privacy rights, and savaging judges, lawyers and environmental and human rights organisations”.

Mr Kennedy Jr, is chairman of the Waterkeeper Alliance, a global umbrella organisation for environmental groups advocating for the defense of clean water, energy, and farms.

STB Chairman Joseph Darville, also vice-president of the Grand Bahama Human Rights Association (GBHRA), is the president of the organisation’s Bahamas chapter.

Lyford Cay billionaire Louis Bacon is a major donor of the organisation.

Mr Kennedy Jr’s article focuses on allegations made

by STB members that they

have been targeted as a result of their legal action against Canadian fashion mogul Peter Nygard, another Lyford Cay billionaire.

He calls for “level-headed” leaders in the country to “step in and fix this fiasco before permanent damage is done to the country’s natural environment and international reputation as a scenic destination and secure financial haven.”

“Shortly after a feisty environmental group, Save the Bays, sued Nygard, undercover police raided the home of Nygard’s neighbour, Louis Bacon, a philanthropist who co-founded the Save the Bays,” the press release alleged.

“In March, Bahamian Cabinet ministers disclosed Save the Bays’ private emails and financial (information) during an open session of Parliament.

“Responding to a legal action by Save the Bays, the Bahamian Supreme Court ruled that (a minister) had violated the environmentalists’ constitutional rights to privacy. But instead of backing down, the (minister) doubled down.

“They appealed the ruling, arguing that parliamentary privilege trumped personal rights to privacy, and that the Supreme Court lacked power to enforce the constitution against Parliament.”

He also said a process had been launched to hold the lawyer who argued the case and the judge who decided against them in contempt of Parliament.

That process was the House of Assembly’s Committee of Privilege’s probe into Supreme Court Justice Indra Charles’ ruling earlier this year that ignited a debate about parliamentary privilege and the role Save The Bays, an activist organisation, played in possibly infringing upon it.

However, that investigation has been postponed until the appeal lodged by Minister of Education Jerome Fitzgerald is complete.

The STB allegations were compiled in a petition by the GBHRA to the InterAmerican Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), the human rights arm of the Organization of American States, on behalf of five members in October. The IACHR granted precautionary measures to those STB members and their immediate families, and requested that the government work with petitioners to ensure their protection and ability to work without threats or intimidation.

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 has submitted a request for the precautionary measures to be lifted.

PAGE 6, Wednesday, December 7, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

Sacked: 61 go at Ocean Club from page one (BHCAWU) called the terminations, which come three weeks before Christmas, an “outrage” and another indicator that “the labourers in this country basically have nobody to defend them”.

Former One&Only Ocean Club employees, who were anxiously awaiting the resort’s Valentine’s Day re-opening, called the terminations heartless and not Christian.

Robert Farquharson, Director of Labour, told The Tribune the government was made aware of the planned firings. He said the 61 terminated employees were those who were previously utilised to assist in the hotel’s extensive posthurricane cleanup exercise, but had become expendable as the hotel is now shifting into its “construction phase”.

Nonetheless, Mr Farquharson said he has been assured by Ocean Club Human Resources Director Latoya Kemp that those 61 employees would be reconsidered for re-employment when the luxury hotel reopens on February 14.

“We’re really looking at the resort experience as a whole,” Ms McBain told The Tribune yesterday.

“And we need to continue to elevate, and we really take our guest feedback seriously. And I think we’ve got some amazing staff members. But I think some of our staff members who we’re looking to continue to develop, maybe aren’t moving at performance standards that we’ve set in place, not only in the Bahamas but beyond.

“And we need to stay firm on what our standards are, and continue to develop that. And we’re obviously very committed to the Bahamas, but we need to continue to push that. And it’s very important that we streamline the guest experience and really elevate it.”

Training time Regarding the timing of the layoffs - two months before the re-opening date - Ms McBain said the hotel needed sufficient time to conduct “training programmes to improve the future growth of team members and the overall service quality expected by today’s discerning travellers.”

She added: “We’re looking at this, when we open in February, as a new opening. Just as much training as we would do for any new

resort around the world, we’re going to do the same at One&Only Ocean Club.

And that takes time. And that training takes a significant amount of time. And we need to be able to put the timing in place, to be able to make sure that when we open the doors on February 14 - which we can’t wait to do - we’re ready and we’re welcoming guests at the utmost level of service.

“We want to be welcoming guests and we want to be doing everything we can for our employees, but that also means that they’ve got a great environment surrounded by people who are all wanting to look forward to the future and continue to grow.”

Yesterday’s termination exercise represents a sour end to the hotel’s hurricane closure saga for the 61 employees, some of whom had been agitating for some form of reassurance during the period amidst their difficulties in meeting their mortgage payments and honouring other financial obligations.

The Tribune understands that the terminated employees have the option of reapplying within six months, and if they decide not to, can apply for a reference letter to aid them in applying for other jobs.

One Ocean Club employee told The Tribune: “These people aren’t Christian. They don’t care about us. They have no heart.”

The employee said the General Manager, John Conway, had told staff before there would be no layoffs.

“You can’t trust anyone no more,” they said.

Another ringing into a local radio talk show claimed that employees who had been there for 20 or 30 years had been laid off - including one who had been considered for employee of the year - and said the hotel had not appreciated the sacrifices that staff had made. She claimed that it was a cost cutting exercise in terminating long-term staff and that there was jealousy among management over the amount of gratuities earned by employees. She was critical of the role of Nicole Martin, the BHCAWU president, who she said had “not done anything for the people of Ocean Club”.

‘Total surprise’ BHCAWU Second Vice President Harrison Williams decried the terminations as “blatantly wrong”.

He also said the firings came as “a total surprise”

AN AERIAL view of the One&Only Ocean Club and, right, one of the letters issued to staff. to the union, given the hotel’s previous assurances that no employees would be terminated during the hotel’s four-month closure.

“The union is extremely outraged by it,” Mr Williams said. “We are upset because again, they should’ve sat with us, they should’ve sent us a letter.

The same way they claim they met with the Minister of Labour, and Mr Farquharson, they could have invited my president to that meeting and they all could have sat down together.

Normally in situations like this, they would send us a listing of names and we would have sat around the table and have a discussion on what the second stage would be.

“To be honest with you, it’s like (being) heartbroken. This is something else to show that the labourers in this country basically have nobody to defend them. Because if the company can do that, and the labour minister can agree to let these persons go this time of the year, it’s heartbreaking on his behalf too. He should feel for these 60 persons.

And it’s really sad.”

He added: “Sixty persons were made redundant, and we had a meeting at Worker’s House with the employees of Ocean Club, and they promised us clearly that there will be no redundancy during this period, everybody would return to work

by February. By February 14, all of the employees were supposed to have been back on this property.”

Meanwhile, Mr Farquharson told The Tribune that following a conference call with Ocean Club representatives on Friday,

as well as an arranged meeting between Labour Minister Shane Gibson, Mr Conway and Ms Kemp on Monday, the Labour Department was informed that the terminated 61 employees were those who were previously employed during the closure to assist in hurricane cleanup efforts, but had become expendable because of the hotel’s transition to its “construction phase”.

Mr Farquharson said: “Notwithstanding the fact that the employees of the hotel were used for the cleanup and removal of the debris, those employees will not be involved in the construction phase, and as such the hotel terminated their services with effect from (Tuesday).”

Guest complaints When asked about the rationale behind the hotel’s termination exercise, which Mr Gibson had said in a local news broadcast yesterday was because the Ocean Club was “having challenges with a lot of guest complaints,” Mr Farquharson said he was not in the meeting with Mr Gibson, Mr Conway and Ms Davis on Monday, suggesting that it was then that the hotel’s

concerns about the poor guest reviews may have been raised.

“We are saddened obviously that the hotel had to reduce staff at this time, but as you know the tourism and hospitality sector was significantly damaged as a result of the hurricane, and we think this is another example of the real economic plight that the Hurricane Matthew left on our economy,” Mr Farquharson said. “We look forward to these 61 persons being reconsidered for reemployment once the hotel opens sometime in 2017.”

He added: “I was not in the meeting with the

minister on Monday. So I can’t say what they discussed with the minister. I would have spoken to the human resources manager yesterday, and she advised me that those persons would be reconsidered for re-employment once the hotel opens.”

The hotel closed its doors to conduct hurricane repairs in October, with an aim to open this month.

In October, however, Mr Conway confirmed that the hotel had delayed its re-opening date to February 2017, stating that the hotel was still reeling from the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew.

WATSON: NO PARTY HAS ADVANTAGE AHEAD OF ELECTION from page one

spotlight this week, when Central and South Abaco MP Edison Key lambasted Dr Minnis in a report in The Nassau Guardian. The 78-year-old MP told the local daily he will not run again on the FNM’s ticket and claimed that Dr Minnis was not a man of his word.

The Central and South Abaco Free National Movement Constituency Association, in response, attributed Mr Key’s criticism of Dr Minnis to disappointment that he will not be the party’s candidate for the 2017 general election.

His withdrawal means that Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner and Dr Minnis, at the moment, are the only FNM candidates to have served in government.

The pair, alongside East Grand Bahama MP K Peter Turnquest, who was elected in 2012, so far are the only candidates with prior experience running on the FNM’s ticket.

Mrs Butler-Turner was one of the most vocal critics of Dr Minnis from within the party, and is now the only “gang of six” member of Parliament who has been renominated by the FNM for the 2017 general election.

The other parliamentarians, who either supported Mrs Butler-Turner or were critical of Dr Minnis’ leadership – including Neko Grant, Theo Neilly, Richard Lightbourn, and Hubert Chipman – have all either withdrawn from consideration for a nomination or have not been given a nomination.

While Mr Watson skirted direct questions about the ongoing, public shake-up within his own party, he did push back against the characterisation of the organisation as the “new FNM”.

Mr Watson said: “People want something new but the slate has to be balanced it

has to have some experience and some new blood and that slate has to represent what people see as a group that is capable of governing their country.

“Our philosophy hasn’t changed,” he said, “it’s the same. We believe in the government providing the atmosphere and environment in which the private sector can operate successfully. We ought to act as the arbiter between citizens, the mechanism by which justice and equality is adhered to.

“And we believe in having a safety net for those who may have fallen on hard times and need the help of the country. I’m not listening to anybody else, that is where we stand, that’s where we have been successful and that is what needs to happen, for the government to get out of the business of the private sec-

tor and let economy work.”

Boundaries The Constituencies Commission has confirmed the government’s intention to increase the number of seats ahead of the 2017 general election.

Mr Watson strongly rejected this sentiment yesterday, comparing the country’s parliamentary make-up to Jamaica or Trinidad. In this vein, he argued for the strengthening of local government in New Providence.

“We don’t need more seats,” he said, “what we need is fewer ministers and pay the MPs a decent wage.

No government can operate when you have 18 ministers, the duties are too thinly divided, at the end of the day you don’t know who’s responsible for what. We could have permanent secretaries to give experience.

“We need to further develop local government.

Even with the little economy, the Out Islands have their streets clean, communities well kept. We cannot keep the environment of New Providence clean from a centralised ministry. Every community or plots of communities together must be responsible for some things. Politicians can’t go to residents and say clean your yard or we’re going to fine you, but if you’re a local body you can do that without fear or favour because you’re not looking for a vote.”

Commenting on the political impact of grassroots activism, such as We March Bahamas, Mr Watson praised the critical role of civil society on democracy and governance.

“Our system of parliamentary democracy, or any government,” he said, “requires there to be groups of people in the community to be activists in whatever they have an interest in and knowledge of. We should have an activist grouping whose job is to bring to the forefront knowledge and experience on the education system, the police department, it goes on. We are not going to have democracy unless a voice, apart from the political system, is setting out what they believe is best.

“This is wonderful. We (FNM) certainly opened up the airwaves when we were in office, the people must have a voice.”

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, December 7, 2016, PAGE 7

Committee fears health risks for ten Grand Bahama communities

BY DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE Pinder’s Point Lewis Yard Environmental Committee claims that area industrial plants pose health risks not only to the five nearby settlements, but to at least ten communities in total in Grand Bahama.

The committee claimed that the subdivisions of Hawksbill, Regency Park, Wellington Pinder Heights, Sunrise Subdivision, and even some parts of South Bahamia are affected.

Last week Tuesday, the committee and a group of residents from Pinder’s Point, Lewis Yard, Hunters, and Seaco Town staged a protest at the Freeport Industrial Park on West Sunrise Highway.

“The government is turning a blind eye to the reports that have proved that there are significant risks to these residents every day of their lives,” said members of the committee.

The committee was very critical of comments made

by Minister for Grand Bahama Dr Michael Darville in response to last week’s protest.

They believe that Dr Darville’s announcement of plans to launch a 13-week study is just a political ploy.

“The 13-week study starting in January will run all the way to mid or the end of April 2017. The results will not be out until after election. We see this as ‘a spin’ to make the residents think the government is doing something for them. We are not buying what Dr Dar-

ville and the government are selling.”

The committee stated that the residents living around the industrial plants do not accept a Pan American Health Organisation/ World Health Organisation report recently tabled in the House of Assembly by Minister Darville that there are no health risks from living near the industrial plants.

“It is not factual in its conclusion. We are 100 per cent certain that living near the industrial plants is dangerous to our health.

With 2,000 residents unaccounted for in the study, the results are distorted, inconclusive and unreliable,” the committee claimed.

The committee also argued that the electronic noses - devices that detect odours - that were installed

throughout the communities are too high above the residents and the actual air they breathe.

“We are asking the government to remove the eNose… as they are measuring the quality of the air high above the residents,” committee members said.

The committee contends that hydrogen sulfide is heavier than air and will be more highly concentrated closer to the ground.

“We do not trust PAHO to produce a reliable and factual study as they have already proved otherwise,” the committee said.

In 1989, two institutions were relocated from the Hawksbill area to Freeport, and just last year the government relocated the Lewis Yard Primary School to the St Vincent de Paul

School campus.

“The evidence proving that living near the industrial plants pose health risks to the residents of Pinder’s Point, Lewis Yard, Hunters, Hawksbill, Wellington Heights, Mack Town and Seaco Town was established when Catholic High, Hawksbill High and Primary were relocated 30 years ago. This evidence was reestablished when Lewis Yard Primary was relocated in 2015, almost 30 years later. And reconfirmed again when Lewis Yard Primary was shut down because of sickening odours three weeks ago.”

The committee noted that residents around the industrial plants and all the way to Regency Park and Bahamia are also affected.

The committee claimed

that statements made by Dr Darville demonstrates a lack of concern about what residents think.

“Dr Darville is on the side of the industrial plants.

He was happy to tell the House of Assembly and the Bahamas that they finally have evidence that living near the industrial plants pose no risk to the residents.

“Dr Darville is telling the residents that the industrial plants are more important than the residents.

“We would like for Dr Darville to look directly in the eyes of the residents and assure them that he is acting in their best interest.”

The committee, which is calling for the relocation of residents, is planning more protests to bring awareness about the situation.

COLLIE: FNM SOUGHT REPLACEMENT ONLY AFTER KEY SAID HE WAS RETIRING

BAHAMIANS ARRESTED FOR HUMAN SMUGGLING

from page one

from page one

He told The Nassau Guardian that he will not run again on the FNM’s ticket, suggesting that the reason for this was because Dr Minnis was not a man of his word.

Mr Key, 78, further claimed that Dr Minnis conspired with certain FNM supporters to end his political career. A part of this plan involved not informing him about secret meetings that took place in his constituency, it was reported. Mr Key also claimed that there were “a few white dissidents” led by the association chairman, who were involved in this conspiracy.

The constituency association has denied Mr Key’s accusations, saying his reaction was sparked by disappointment that he will not be the party’s candidate in the 2017 general election.

“It is with deep appreciation and much respect for his long years of exemplary faithful service to The Bahamas, the people of Abaco, and his constituents that we thank the Hon Edison Key for his service to our country,” Mr Collie said.

“Mr Key has served with distinction and we celebrate his long and unwavering commitment to The Bahamas and his dedication to his constituents, all of Abaco and to the Bahamian people as he serves out the remain-

Local immigration officer Napthali Cooper reported that the Bahamians and Haitians, along with the vessel, were retained for further investigations in connection with charges of illegal human smuggling in the United States.

According to Mr Cooper, the USCG intercepted a gofast boat, with nine males, about five miles off Florida.

He said reports are that the vessel left Cat Cay sometime on Thursday, and was spotted near Florida.

The Haitians told Bahamian authorities that they were five minutes away from Florida when the vessel ran out of fuel. They also claimed to have each paid the three Bahamian operators $3,000 for the trip to Florida.

Two of the Haitians admitted to arriving illegally in the Bahamas by boat from Haiti a year ago and remained in the country without seeking legal status. The third, who is in his teens, claimed to have entered the country at age five with his parents, and was currently enrolled at a government high school in New Providence.

The men were processed at the Department of Immigration in Freeport, and were flown early this week to New Providence, where they are being detained at the Detention Centre.

EDISON Key in the House of Assembly. der of his term in office. and approval by the Central “Last year, Mr Key in- Council of the party.” formed the FNM and the He added: “On Friday constituency association of last Deputy Leader (Peter) Central and South Abaco Turnquest led a delegathat he would not be seek- tion, which included myself ing nomination for the and members of the party’s constituency as he would Candidates Search Combe retiring from front- mittee, to meet with the line politics at the end of South Abaco constituency the present parliamentary association to solicit their term. He also encouraged views. We also met with a the constituency associa- cross section of the commution to identify a suitable nity who attended a public replacement. In accordance meeting to hear their views with his request the Central as well. Contrary to what and South Abaco branch was reported in the newsof the FNM started upon papers Dr Minnis was not a process of identifying ap- in Abaco and the meeting plicants for consideration was not held in secret, but

was widely advertised both on TV and radio.

“I wish to make it clear that no decision has been made by the Central Council with respect to the Central and South Abaco constituency as the interview process is continuing.

“The FNM is committed to listening to the wishes of the people in the various constituencies and will shortly present a change team to replace the failed PLP government next year.

While we hope that Mr Key continues to support the FNM as he has done tirelessly for years, we wish

Mr Key and his family God speed in their future endeavours,” Mr Collie said.

Progressive Liberal Party Chairman Bradley Roberts has used the FNM’s internal spat to question Dr Minnis’ loyalty not only to his party but to Bahamians.

On Monday he defended Mr Key, suggesting that his loyalty to the FNM leader was allegedly rewarded with “backstabbing, disrespecting and undermining.”

He also said the PLP would welcome Mr Key, a former member, back into the fold if he decided to cross the floor.

MURDER SUSPECT TO CHALLENGE SUPREME COURT RULING ON BAIL

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

A MAN who was denied bail ahead of his murder trial will appear in the Court of Appeal next month challenging a Supreme Court judge’s decision to refuse him pre-trial release.

Tavaras Roker, 36, and his lawyer Krysta MasonSmith appeared in the Claughton House courtroom on Monday for a hearing stemming from Justice Cheryl GrantThompson’s refusal of bail ahead of Roker’s May 2017 trial.

Roker is accused of intentionally causing the death of Jermaine Ferguson on December 31, 2015 and was charged with murder under

Section 291 (1)(B) of the Penal Code.

A charge under this section does not attract the discretionary death penalty if a conviction is reached at the end of trial.

Ferguson, of Golden Palms Estates, was shot dead at his Lily Drive home, hours after he argued with another man.

Roker denied the allegation when formally arraigned in the Supreme Court and maintains his innocence.

He had initially applied for and was denied bail by Justice Deborah Fraser in May. He reapplied in September but the application was rejected by Justice GrantThompson.

Ms Mason-Smith, in Monday’s hearing before

Justices Dame Anita Allen, Stella Crane-Scott and Roy Jones, said that no submissions in support of the appeal had been filed because she had not received a copy of the judge’s notes from the hearing, which outlined the reasons for refusal of bail.

The defence lawyer said the notes had only been given late because the judge had not been sitting for a period.

She and Crown respondent Abagail Farrington had agreed to an adjournment until January 18, 2017 that would allow for submissions to be filed given the circumstances.

The Crown prosecutor confirmed the same and the matter was adjourned to next month for hearing.

SEX ATTACK CASE AGAINST FOUR-YEAR-OLD DISCONTINUED from page one

The case was further adjourned to December 6 for a status hearing.

When the matter was called yesterday, prosecutor Rosalee Ferguson presented a nolle prosequi signed by the attorney general

asking that the charge be discontinued against Ferguson.

Ian Cargill, lawyer for the accused, was also served with the document, as was Senior Justice Isaacs.

The Office of the Attorney General could bring the case against Ferguson again at any time in the Supreme

Court, but it is unlikely.

Ferguson, who was on bail, had denied the allegation since his formal arraignment in the Supreme Court in May 2013.

A person tried and conviction of unlawful sexual intercourse faces between seven years to life imprisonment.

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PAGE 8, Wednesday, December 7, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

Power problems mask lack of renewable energy progress A

CCORDING to the latest report from the International Energy Agency, which tracks these things, renewables and natural gas (much cleaner than other fossil fuels) are leading in the race to meet energy demand growth.

In other words, a big transformation is taking place, spurred by the Paris climate agreement.

But whether The Bahamas will benefit from these advances within a reasonable timeframe is questionable.

Government officials often refer to our high vulnerability to climate impacts, like rising sea levels and stronger storms. But we see little real leadership in moving towards a clean energy economy.

Environment Minister Ken Dorsett said recently he became involved in politics to facilitate change. “And over the last four-and-a-half years we have seen evidence of the foundational work for that change, (including) energy sector reform.” In support, he pointed to a national energy policy that was developed over successive administrations. It sets a goal of 30 per cent renewable energy use by 2030.

The policy envisions The Bahamas as a “world leader in sustainable energy”. And

to its credit, the government did pass a new Electricity Act, which specifically provides for renewable energy generation and grid inter-connection. The draft law was left on the table by the previous administration and not enacted by this government until 2015.

Provisions in the law for the establishment of Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) are already in effect, but the renewable energy provisions are not.

That’s because everything is on hold until the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) can approve plans and set up a licensing and regulatory system for the electricity sector. URCA assumed responsibility for the sector this summer. Since then it has been working with consultants until sector experts can be appointed.

The renewable energy provisions in the new Electricity Act cover self-generation by homes and businesses (using solar panels or wind turbines, for example) together with grid inter-connection and utility billing credits (known as net metering). The law also provides for utility-scale renewable energy generation, based on power purchase agreements to be negotiated between BPL and third party providers.

In fact, BPL is actually required to increase renew-

BAHAMAS Power and Light Company Limited chief executive Pamela Hill, flanked by Shevon Cambridge, BPL’s deputy general manager of engineering and operations, left, and Ian Pratt, BPL’s assistant general manager of field operations.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff able energy supply in the arate the small-scale plan, several owned by cabinet uty Prime Minister Phillip country based on URCA- for which an outline has ministers. But less costly Davis boasted that the govapproved plans, which must been in place since 2011 grid-tied facilities and net ernment had created marbe reviewed every three (when BEC first approved metering will not be author- vellous new opportunities years. The first of those it), from the utility-scale ised until next year (they for renewable technologies plans was submitted to plan, which Bereaux says are less costly because they in manufacturing, project URCA by BPL in May, but requires a lot more work. don’t require battery stor- development, construction, The plan for small-scale re- age). has yet to be finalised. installation, maintenance, When that happens, own- logistics, and financial, legal According to URCA’s newable generation by conchief executive, Stephen sumers and businesses will ers will have to apply for and consulting services. But Bereaux, “the introduction be published within days, permits to operate their RE the handful of legitimate of renewable energy is one and implemented at the be- units, grid inter-connection renewable energy installers will have to conform to spe- who struggle in an unhelpof the highest priorities of ginning of 2017.

This means there will be cific equipment standards, ful and confused environthe government. The need for the regulatory regime opportunities for grid-tied and installers will have to ment, and the many inves(is) critical. However, it was solar and wind genera- be appropriately qualified. tors who have proposed Owners who fail to apply renewable energy projects simply not possible to ad- tion for homes and small dress it more quickly, with businesses in the first nine for a permit or who oper- over the years, probably see months of the year. After ate outside the terms of the things differently. the resources available”.

“We have had to ensure further consultation with permit will commit an ofThe solar industry can that the plans are consist- BPL to expand these op- fence for which they can be provide lifetime technical ent with the act, that they portunities in the second fined. training and high-paying According to Ministry jobs, one local installer told address existing renewable phase. a third phase will installations so that invest- form the status quo going of Works Permanent Sec- me, but the difficulties of Exretary Colin conducting legitimate busiments are protected, and forward.

Higgs, “Persons ness in the sector are hard that they are consistent with isting systems established best practice,” will be grandfa- ‘So if the utility- who have in- to overcome. “Two succesthered in, with scale plan is stalled renew- sive Prime Ministers have Bereaux told me. able energy promoted solar to the pubSo to speed things up, the option for published by to systems that are lic, but BEC has always shut URCA has decided to sep- consumers switch to grid- mid next year, in compliance it down. The people should tied generation we are likely to with the former know where the blame lies. if desired. be approaching Electricity Act Those of us who try to work But the can continue to professionally to interna2020 before large-scale operate them tional standards, often find plan requires anything until Section ourselves swimming against more engage- concrete 27 of the new the tide,” he said. ment with BPL Act comes into “Solar power is a mature before it can can happen. force and neces- and cost-effective technolbe approved, This is hardly sary regulations ogy with many benefits URCA said. acceptable for are prescribed for the environment and Unfortunately, and other meas- the economy, yet there has that translates an island nation ures issued by been continuous obstructo a significant touted as a URCA.” tion and stonewalling of the delay for the Part of the process by BEC, the Min‘world leader’ implementation subtext to all istry of Works and the govof utility-scale in sustainable this is a proxy ernment inspectors. URCA renewable en- energy.’ war between should appoint overseers ergy. Once the the renewable with the authority to prepubic consultaindustry and vent civil servants from tion phase ends, the plan the legacy fossil fuel indus- abusing the public. It’s as if will be finalised by URCA. try, which benefits from the government removed all Then regulations have to be huge subsidies and politi- taxes on conch to promote brought into force, followed cal influence worldwide. In consumption and then said by a procurement process. the Bahamas, for example, only government-approved So if the utility-scale plan there is a strong current of conch salad could be sold, is published by mid next opinion that progress to- or conch salad would only year, we are likely to be ap- wards cleaner energy is be- be available for government proaching 2020 before any- ing restrained by powerful officials, or only experithing concrete can happen. special interests who bene- mental conch salad would This is hardly acceptable fit from supplying oil to fuel be allowed, or only the govfor an island nation touted BEC/BPL generators. ernment can decide what a as a “world leader” in susLast year, Costa Rica conch salad is. In the meantainable energy. powered itself purely with time, our conch spoils and Executives at BPL have renewable energy for 299 the conch stand goes out of talked in the past about util- days. That isn’t just due to business.” ity-scale renewable energy size or location - the Costa As for the bigger picture (RE) projects for the out Rican government is seri- of powering the national islands. But CEO Pamela ous about eliminating the economy, the problems curHill did not respond to use of fossil fuels and is rently faced by BPL are the my email asking to discuss providing the leadership to shared responsibility of sucBPL’s future generation achieve it. cessive governments - probmix and other issues .

Non-hydropower renewa- ably best illustrated by a forBPL’s business plan calls bles are forecast to generate mer chairman’s unashamed for construction of a $600 nine per cent of electricity admission that he did not million power plant us- generation in the United pay his electricity bills and ing gas turbine generators States next year. In Nevada, the conviction of a political burning propane or natu- a 100-megawatt solar pro- crony for bribery relating to ral gas. But BPL (which is ject will deliver electricity a generator contract. owned by BEC, which is at four cents per kilowatt The utility is burdened owned by the government, hour. Chile and India are by a $400m-plus legacy which appointed the board) experiencing similar costs. debt that it can’t repay, and is bankrupt and can’t raise Germany’s cumulative needs to raise hundreds the money on its own. solar energy generation ca- of millions more to build The Electricity Act al- pacity reached around 37 a modern power plant. lows BPL to buy electricity gigawatts in 2014, or about Failure to address these from private investors and 21 per cent of the country’s problems could result in a even contract public supply total power generation ca- catastrophic meltdown that to third party providers in pacity. Jamaica is finalis- will shock our economy the out islands. And those ing an agreement for a 33.1 and dramatically affect our providers can receive duty megawatt solar facility that quality of life. exemptions, plus other con- will start supplying power In the context of the cessions as agreed. in 2018 - at eight and a half Paris agreement and the But, as mentioned earlier, cents a kilowatt hour. A $90 ongoing transformation of this is not expected to hap- million wind farm was com- global energy production, pen for years under current missioned in August, pro- renewables must be an inteconditions. And an election viding energy at just under gral part of that Bahamian is likely to interrupt the 13 cents per kilowatt hour. solution. And that requires process next year, causing Morocco is building a huge genuine interest and leaderfurther delay. solar farm in the North Af- ship to move things forward As for residential and rican desert, and expects to as fast as possible. small business solar photo- generate 14 per cent of its voltaic (PV) installations, energy from solar power by What do you think? Send there are already hundreds 2020 - when we will just be comments to lsmith@ of these operating around getting started. tribunemedia.net or visit the country - including In a speech last year, Depwww.bahamapundit.com

THE THE TRIBUNE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, December 2016,PAGE PAGEA9 9 Wednesday, November 7th, 7, 2016,

WACKY TECH-SAVVY

($45), 6 Plus and 6S Plus ($50), and the iPad Mini ($60). There’s no version yet for the iPhone 7 or Android. Belkin makes these under license from Lego, so they should work fine with standard Lego bricks.

GIFTS

THE latest technology can make for an easy holiday gift, but when it comes to the ultra-tech-savvy people in your life, finding a cool gadget they don’t already own can be tough.

Fear not! From “Star Wars”themed speakers to radiationblocking boxer briefs, there’s a lot to pick from for all the super geeks in your life.

DEATH STAR LEVITATING SPEAKER That’s no moon. It’s a $180 wireless speaker shaped like the Death Star from “Star Wars.”

It’s a little tricky to set up, but once you get the Death Star positioned correctly over its base, it floats in the air thanks to wellplaced magnets and a little help from the Force.

The Death Star rotates with a tap.

The sound quality is pretty good, and the rechargeable battery will give you five hours of sound.

Just keep it away from rebel fighter pilots.

ANTI-RADIATION UNDERWEAR It’s a Faraday cage for your, um, crown jewels.

Silver fibers woven into Spartan’s boxer briefs are designed to block radiation from electronics.

That’s good news for men who might be worried about their laptops spending too much time on their laps.

But while recent research has pointed to a possible link between radiation from wireless devices and

THAT’S no moon . . . it’s a Death Star levitating speaker. decreased sperm count, studies are far from conclusive, so there’s no reason to panic just yet.

Until January, the underwear is available only on Spartan’s website for about $45.

3-D IMAGING Got a friend with mice or termites in their house?

WalabotDIY is a 3-D-imaging tool that lets you see deep into your walls. The device attaches to an Android phone (sorry, iPhone users) and lets you see up to four inches through drywall, cement and other materials, just like Superman’s X-ray vision.

How? Sensors pick up heat from mice motion and termite nests.

At a recent demonstration, heat from hiding rodents could easily be seen in glowing red on a device screen.

The sensors also will let you know the depth and location of pipes, wires and other objects to avoid if your next home improvement project calls for drilling into your walls.

The WalabotDIY is available online for $200.

LEGO PHONE CASES Ever wish your smartphone or tablet could keep your fussy children entertained long after it runs out of battery?

Belkin’s Lego cases offer handson play, bringing new meaning to the term “screen time.”

The back sides are covered with those familiar Lego dots, giving kids something to attach their creations to during long road trips and painful visits to grandma’s house with no Wi-Fi. Of course, they help protect the devices when dropped, too.

Cases are available for the iPhone 6 and 6S

RETRO VIDEO GAMES The $60 NES Classic Edition includes all your childhood favourites, assuming you came of age in the late 1980s or 1990s. If not, think of them as the horribly dated, super-pixellated games you sometimes see in the back of dive bars.

To amp up the nostalgia even more, the system looks just like a miniature version of the one you remember, complete with a cordconnected black and grey controller.

But there’s no stack of cartridges to clutter your room. All 30 games are stored in the system.

Before you get too excited about getting on your “Donkey Kong” or finally saving Princess Zelda, be warned that these systems are very hard to find.

They’re selling on eBay and other sites for well over their retail price.

You’re probably going to have to collect a lot of gold coins if you want to land one of these for your favourite child — or more likely, the adult child in your life.

BREE FOWLER, AP Technology Writer

RELIVE the video games of your youth with the NES Classic Edition.

GOOGLE HITS RENEWABLE ENERGY GOAL IN QUEST TO PARE POLLUTION SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Google is crossing a milestone in its quest to reduce pollution caused by its digital services that devour massive amounts of electricity.

The internet company believes that beginning next year, it will have amassed enough renewable energy to meet all of its electricity needs throughout the world.

That’s significant, given Google’s ravenous appetite for electricity to power its offices and the huge data centres that process requests on its dominant search engine, store Gmail, YouTube video clips and photos for more than a billion people.

Google says its 13 data centres and offices consume about 5.7 terawatt hours of electricity annually — nearly the same amount as San Francisco, where more than 800,000 people live and tens of thousands of others come to work and visit.

The accomplishment announced Tuesday doesn’t mean Google will be able to power its operations solely on wind and solar power.

That’s not possible because of the complicated way that power grids and regulations are set up around the US and the rest of the world.

Google instead believes it is now in a position to offset every megawatt hour of electricity supplied by a power plant running on fossil fuels with renewable energy that the Mountain View, California, company has purchased through a variety of contracts.

About 95 per cent of Google’s renewable energy deals come from wind power farms, with the remainder from solar power.

Nearly 20 other technology companies also

PLAYERS at a ‘Pokemon Go’ event in Lincoln, Nebraska, check their phones (AP)

WINDMILLS at a wind farm in Oklahoma provide Google with some of its renewable energy (AP). have pledged to secure enough renewable energy to power their worldwide operations, said Gary Cook, senior energy campaigner for the environmental group Greenpeace.

Google made its commitment four years ago and appears to be the first big company to have fulfilled the promise.

Apple is getting close to matching its rival.

The iPhone maker says it has secured enough renewable energy to power about 93 per cent of its worldwide operations. Apple is also trying to convert more of the overseas suppliers that manufacture the iPhone and other devices to renewable energy sources, but that goal is expected to take years to reach.

Cook said the symbolic message sent by Google’s achievement is important to environmental experts who believe electricity generated with coal and natural gas is causing damage that is contributing to extreme swings in the climate.

MICHAEL LIEDTKE, AP Technology Writer

RIO 2016, ELECTION 2016, POKEMON GO ARE TOP GLOBAL TWITTER TRENDS THE Rio Olympics, the American presidential election and Pokemon Go were the top global trends on Twitter in 2016.

The social media site says Rio2016 was the most tweeted-about topic around the world, followed by Election2016 and PokemonGo. Euro2016, Oscars, Brexit, Trump and BlackLivesMatter also made the top 10.

A Spanish gamer known as elrubius originated the year’s most popular tweet: It reads “Limonada” (lemonade) and was re-tweeted more than 1.3 million times. One Direction’s Harry Styles had the second most-repeated post — quoting a Taylor Swift song — with more than 700,000 retweets. A postelection tweet from Hillary Clinton encouraging little girls to recognise their power and seize opportunities was the third most popular of the year with 634,560 retweets.

Associated Press

TECHTALK • SCIENTISTS have developed a mindcontrolled robotic hand that allows people with certain types of spinal injuries to perform everyday tasks such as using a fork or drinking from a cup.

The low-cost device was tested in Spain on six people with quadriplegia affecting their ability to grasp or manipulate objects.

By wearing a cap that measures electric brain activity and eye movement the users were able to send signals to a tablet computer that controlled the glove-like device attached to their hand.

Participants in the small-scale study were able to perform daily activities better with the robotic hand than without, according to results published this week in the journal Science Robotics.

• PAREN TS spend more than nine hours a day with TVs, computers and other screen devices while also giving themselves high marks as role models for their children’s media use, according to a survey released Tuesday.

Among all those surveyed — nearly 1,800 parents in the US — daily screen time averaged nine hours and 22 minutes, with the bulk of that, seven hours and 43 minutes, categorised as personal screen time and the other roughly 90 minutes spent on work.

The study also found they were enthusiastic about technology’s role in their kids’ lives but wary of the risks it may hold, including loss of sleep and online oversharing.

Researchers from the nonprofit Common Sense Media group and Northwestern University’s Center on Media and Human Development conducted the project.

• THE largest US solar panel installer is moving into Florida’s residential market after the state’s voters last month rejected a utility-backed ballot measure that critics said would make going solar more expensive.

SolarCity, a San Mateo, Calif.-based subsidiary of electric car maker Tesla Motors, on Thursday said it is opening an operations centre in the Orlando area and plans to expand into other areas of Florida.

The company’s decision to enter the Florida market was helped by voters’ rejection of Amendment 1 on Nov. 8.

If successful, the utility-funded Amendment 1 would have opened the door to new laws that could have hindered the growth of residential solar power.

PAGE 10, Wednesday, December 7, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

MORE THAN 300 NEW GRADUATES AIM TO BE GOOD HOSTS PERMANENT Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism Harrison Thompson encouraged over 300 new Bahama Host graduates to take the country’s tourism product to new heights.

Mr Thompson spoke during the graduation ceremony at the William Thompson Auditorium on December 1.

“You are joining a noble profession and you must help move this country to the next level,” Mr Thompson said during the keynote address. “We want all of you to make considerable effort to ensure that whatever you do it is the best that can give.

“Treat every tourist as your bread and butter. Bahama Host ensures that you develop a passion for the country. Listening to the testimonies earlier it is clear that your passion and your commitment will ensure that the Bahamas remains on the cutting edge.

“We look forward to your excellent service and taking your country to higher heights. This graduation tonight is just the beginning.

You are starting anew. We at the Ministry of Tourism welcome you. There is much work to be done and we need all hands on deck because tourism is every-

SOME of the new Bahama Host graduates at the William Thompson Auditorium.

“I took the course to ac- big thing in my life.” one’s business.”

Benjamin Hoffer of Bay Bahama Host is a train- quire a tour permit, but afing programme designed ter being in the course and West Adventures said his to familiarise participants seeing what the course is it company placed five of its about the country’s history, became a training process captains in the course.

“We thought it was in culture and geography. It for life,” he said. “It enis also a customer-based hanced me as a Bahamian. our best interest,” he said. programme, which places It opened my eyes to see “We had to shut business emphasis on service excel- the importance of service. down for a week but it was It made me understand the definitely worth it. Shane lence.

Thompson and Diana It was a big night for the coat of arms, the flag etc.

“Bahama Host to me was Brooks are good people to Ministry of Tourism’s Industry Training Depart- an eye opener. I’m signing be around. We learned so ment, which spent all year up next year for the ad- much from them.” vanced course. I have my Darron Bethel, a Royal training professionals.

Michael Miller, an en- brother and a few friends Bahamas Defence Force oftrepreneur who graduated, signing up next year for this ficer, said he was among 20 officers to take part in the said he the programme course.

“It touched me, which is a course. “touched him.”

“I was delighted to be there,” he said. “There was a lot of information passed on us and about the tourism sector and how to better yourself. It is going to help us to be better stewards.”

Graduates included professionals from the Ministry of Tourism, the Department of Immigration, the Nassau Airport Development Company, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, tour guide operators, and high school students.

Director of Industry Training Ian Ferguson said it was a busy year for Ba-

hama Host.

“We were able to partner with the Urban Renewal Centre, the Department of Public Health, Terice Curry of the Marjorie Davis Institute and David Curry of the Ministry of Finance to provide for a period of three weeks a Bahama Host and life skills program to unemployed youth in that inner-city community,” Mr Ferguson said. “We have already engaged the Urban Renewal centres in Bain and Grants Town and Fox Hill to begin those community Bahama Host sessions at the immediate turn of 2017.”

Mr Ferguson said Bahama Host held a certification programme in 14 schools on New Providence, four in Grand Bahama and many more throughout the Family Islands in 2016.

“Additionally, we were able to begin a pilot programme for two cohorts of ninth grade students at the LW Young for the first time exposing a younger audience to the certification.”

The programme has a bright future and aims to cover the islands of The Bahamas with relevant and impactful talent development initiatives that will ultimately positively influence the visitor experience.

INAUGURAL HALF-MARATHON ATTRACTS 100 RUNNERS TO GRAND BAHAMA

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE Grand Bahama XTREME 13.2 Intracoastal Challenge got off to a good start with some 100 runners and athletes competing in the inaugural half-marathon race on Saturday, December 3.

The course featured three distinct terrains - a steep bridge, a beach, and several roadways. While it proved a challenge indeed to many, competitors were able to take in the beautiful scenic views of the island.

The Grand Bahama Am-

ateur Athletic Association (GBAAA) organised the event, which got underway 7.30am at Taino Beach. It appealed to runners of all ages and different skills.

There was an open division, school division, team relay, and corporate relay division.

Zed Eve Maycock Dorsett, of New Providence, was the winner in the female open division. “The course was very extreme, but it’s a good race and I want people to come and participate,” she said.

Iram Lewis, president of the GBAAA’s, plans for the event “to be put on the world stage” and looks

forward to next year being even bigger and better.

Numerous participants are already looking forward to competing next year.

Betty Bethel, director at the Ministry of Tourism in Grand Bahama, was pleased with the launch. “In partnership with the GBAAA’s, we have finally gotten a signature marathon event off the ground,” she said.

Jay Philippe, assistant manager of sports tourism in Grand Bahama, said that the Ministry of Tourism “looks forward to partnering” with the event organisers to help attract athletes from around the world.

PRESENTATIONS at the Grand Bahama X-TREME event on Saturday.

EDUCATION AWARD FOR FITZGERALD ON Friday, Minister of Education Jerome Fitzgerald will be one of two recipients of the Friend of the Industry Award to be presented at the Education Business Forum in New York.

This two-day forum is hosted by the Education Technology Industry Network (ETIN) of the Software and Information Industry Association (SIIA).

Mr Fitzgerald and Senator Angus King, Maine’s first Independent United States senator, are the recipients of this year’s Friend

of the Industry Award.

Both recipients’ public service achievements have improved teaching and learning opportunities for educators and students.

Mr Fitzgerald has been working feverishly during his tenure as education minister to raise the bar and close the achievement gap within the public school system through a concentrated focus on improving the high school graduation rate, according to a press release from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST).

The ministry’s goal is to increase the high school graduation rate from 50 per cent to 85 per cent by 2030.

This is the thrust of the “Shared Vision for Education 2030”, a bi-partisan policy on education, the ministry said.

“In recent years, the Ministry of Education embarked on an aggressive initiative to upgrade technology in our public junior and senior high schools, investing more than $6 million,” the ministry said. “Through the INSPIRE project, the MoEST has created partnerships with Promethean and Microsoft to enhance the teaching and learning process within public school classrooms. Teachers are now being encouraged to embrace technology in the classroom and use it as a tool to add value to the learning experience.

In short, the MoEST will implement an Education Management Information System (EMIS) throughout public schools as it seeks to keep a closer eye on students to prevent them from ‘falling through the cracks’.

“It will also increase accountability up and down the education system.”

Mr Fitzgerald is the chair of the Commonwealth Education Ministers as well as chair of the Committee on Education for Education Ministers of the Organisation of American States.

“Many countries are looking at the Bahamian education system and some of the initiatives that have been recently implemented as a model for adaptation in their respective countries,” the ministry said.

“While many argue that our system is broken, there are more things right than wrong.

The global education community has noted with keen interest the Shared Vision for Education 2030, the Preschool Expansion Project and the INSPIRE Project among others.”