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FNM REVOLT • Seven MPs vote • Butler-Turner is to oust Minnis as chosen to replace leader of opposition Minnis in House

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

IN A bold move that stunned Parliament, seven Opposition MPs submitted a letter of no confidence in Free National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis to both House Speaker Dr Kendal Major and Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling yesterday, revealing that a vote was taken among them for Long Island MP Loretta ButlerTurner to be the new Official Opposition Leader in the House of Assembly.

Although the unexpected petition to revoke Dr Minnis’ appointment was accepted by Dr Major, the governor general still has to officially approve the request.

The historic moment unfolded during the session that was expected to begin debate on a series of financial bills. After delivering several announcements and without indication, Dr Major informed parliamentarians that he received a formal letter from the seven MPs. As he read the request to oust Dr Minnis, the letter’s contents triggered taunts and gasps from seated government members of Parliament.

And while he listened to the formal rejection of his leadership, Dr Minnis

SPECIAL DRINKS & GIFTS SECTION INSIDE

• Call for rebels to quit party in late-night meeting

REBEL SEVEN: From left, Hubert Chipman, MP for St Anne’s; Edison Key, MP for Central and South Abaco; Richard Lightbourn, MP for Montagu; Loretta Butler-Turner, MP for Long Island, Neko Grant, MP for Central Grand Bahama; Theo Neilly, MP for North Eleuthera and Andre Rollins, MP for Fort Charlotte. Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff did not make eye contact 82 (4) of the Constitution with any of his colleagues of the Bahamas, and this seated on his side of the to withdraw our confidence House of Assembly refloor. Instead he showed no in Dr Hubert A Minnis as By KHRISNA VIRGIL voked, while insisting that reaction, only from time to leader of the Opposition,” Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net democracy will not be “subtime staring at his notepad Dr Major read.

verted” by this latest ator raising his bowed head “Your Excellency, as we KILLARNEY MP Dr tempt to have him ousted. to glance at those seated on know you are aware, our Moments after the By KHRISNA VIRGIL the government side. parliamentary democracy Hubert Minnis yester“We have the solemn rests on the notion of con- day admitted that he was thrice-elected Free Na- Deputy Chief Reporter duty to most respectfully fidence. A prime minister blindsided by the actions tional Movement leader sat kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

inform you that a major- may continue to govern of the seven “rebel” MPs through a gut-wrenching CARL Bethel, Kwasi ity of our caucus wishes to only insofar as he or she who moved to have his ap- reading by House Speaker pointment as leader of the Thompson and Dr Duane avail ourselves of the proSEE PAGE SIX Sands each last night conSEE PAGE THREE Official Opposition in the visions outlined in Article firmed that they tendered resignations, with immediate effect, from the Senate following a bombshell move the honourable thing and have destabilised the govfrom the majority of Free resign from the party or ernment.

National Movement (FNM) face disciplinary action.

He called the plot a MPs to have Dr Hubert Speaking to a raucous “stunning usurpation of the Minnis removed as leader crowd of supporters at the very essence of the demoof the Official Opposition party’s headquarters, Dr cratic right of a political orin the House of Assembly.

Minnis said he thanked ganisation to determine its The three FNMs repreGod that the MPs launched leadership”. sent 75 per cent of the Optheir plot before the party Likening the party to position in the Senate and was victorious at the 2017 SEE PAGE SEVEN HUBERT MINNIS, leader of the Free National Movement, speak- the fourth representative, ing at last night’s meeting of the party. polls, as their actions would Monique Gomez, speaking to reporters last night at FNM headquarters, said she would deliver her resignation this morning.

The official resignations came after seven MPs By RASHAD ROLLE position in the House of finalising details yesterday Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner, Central Tribune Staff Reporter Assembly yesterday, Long morning. rrolle@tribunemedia.net Island MP Loretta ButlerAlthough he did not at- Grand Bahama MP Neko Turner said. tend the Tuesday night Grant, St Anne’s MP HuChipman, North VOTER apathy and the The move, which plunged meeting, Central and South bert Free National Movement’s the party into unprecedent- Abaco MP Edison Key was Eleuthera MP Theo Neilly, failure to capitalise on the ed crisis, came without an contacted by one of those Central and South Abaco Progressive Liberal Party’s extended period of plan- parliamentarians Tuesday MP Edison Key, Montagu mistakes prompted seven ning, The Tribune under- night and informed of their MP Richard Lightbourn, and Fort Charlotte MP Dr parliamentarians to seek stands, as the parliamentar- plan, he told The Tribune.

Dr Hubert Minnis’ removal ians decided on their action SEE PAGE THREE Andre Rollins - sent a letter of no confidence in Dr Minas leader of the Official Op- by 10pm Tuesday night, nis to Governor General SEE PAGE SIX

MINNIS ‘BLINDSIDED’ BY LETTER SENATORS HAND IN RESIGNATIONS

MPS TOLD TO RESIGN OR FACE DISCIPLINARY ACTION

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis last night called on the seven MPs that staged a coup to remove him as Opposition leader in the House of Assembly to do

VOTER APATHY AND FAILURE TO TACKLE PLP MISTAKES MOTIVATED REBEL SEVEN

MORE FNM COVERAGE ON PAGES 2-9

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

FNM REVOLT THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, December 8, 2016, PAGE 3

from page one

continues to enjoy the confidence of the House of Assembly. Likewise, an Opposition leader may continue to serve in this position only if he or she enjoys the confidence of his or her colleagues in the House. That being the case, we respectfully ask you to revoke the appointment of Dr Hubert A Minnis as leader of the Opposition in accordance with Article 82 (4) of our Constitution.

“Furthermore, in revoking his appointment, we request that you consider not only the will of the majority of the parliamentary Opposition’s caucus in the House of Assembly, but the wellbeing of our nation.

“We are deeply pained by the growing crisis of confidence that ails our beloved country.”

The letter adds: “In addition to good government by the executive, the Bahamas needs an effective and dutiful Opposition that will work with Bahamians to develop a clear vision for the future, along with effective solutions to the many problems affecting our country.

“In that spirit, our caucus will, once under new leadership, devote itself entirely to those priorities, doing whatever it can to ensure Bahamians can once again look to the future with confidence, assured of their safety and prosperity.

“Your Excellency, it is also our duty to inform you that in the interest of ensuring a seamless transition,

FNM CRISIS

our caucus has also voted to undertake its work in Parliament under the leadership of Loretta ButlerTurner.

“We are honoured to be Your Excellency’s humble servants and we thank you for your attention to this matter.”

It bore the signatures of Mrs Butler-Turner, Central Grand Bahama MP Neko Grant, St Anne’s MP Hubert Chipman, North Eleuthera MP Theo Neilly, Central and South Abaco MP Edison Key, Montagu MP Richard Lightbourn and Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins.

FNM members Renward Wells, the Bamboo Town MP, and East Grand Bahama MP Peter Turnquest did not sign this request to remove Dr Minnis.

This third attempt is the closest the MPs have come to successfully forcing Dr Minnis out of the post. It was previously reported that several FNM MPs had drafted a letter in 2014 to Dame Marguerite to have Dr Minnis removed, however it was never sent.

Earlier this year, six of the MPs - excluding Mr Key - threatened to write to the governor general unless Dr Minnis agreed to hold an earlier national convention.

He acceded to this request.

However, in July, he re-

emerged as party leader after a contentious and dramatic three-day political event that resulted in Mrs Butler-Turner and her running mate Dr Duane Sands dropping out of the leadership races ahead of when delegates voted.

During the convention’s closing night, Dr Minnis told supporters that he had extended the “olive branch” to the Long Island MP and it was perceived that the party had got past its division and infighting.

But despite the continuous declarations of unity from the party’s executives, there were sporadic public shows of a menacing fracture deep within the organisation.

Last month, the Pinewood Constituency Association branded the party “deceitful” and claimed that although Dr Minnis had assured them that talk show host Lincoln Bain would be ratified to represent the area, community activists Reuben Rahming was ratified instead. Some of the association’s members boldly rejected his selection by protesting at the party’s candidate’s launch toting signs lambasting both Dr Minnis and Mr Rahming.

Earlier this week, Mr Key slammed the FNM leader.

He accused Dr Minnis of

of us in opposition must accept our share of the blame.

We have failed to convince Bahamians that we represent a change for them to vote for. Instead, we have taken the posture that the electorate will choose by default to vote against the PLP. Such a strategy fails to meet the challenges of our time and is not deserving of the confidence of the Bahamian people.”

This, she said, and the general failure of the FNM to inspire Bahamians, is why they sought to remove Dr Minnis as leader of their side in the House.

The petition by the seven MPs was sent to Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling asking her to invoke Article 82 of the Constitution.

Speaker of the House Dr Kendal Major read the contents of the MPs’ letter in the House of Assembly

yesterday, shocking those in the room, including Dr Minnis.

The request has to be approved by Dame Marguerite to take effect. If it is approved, Dr Minnis would still be leader of the FNM. Seven of the FNM’s 10 MPs - Mr Key, Mrs ButlerTurner, Dr Andre Rollins, Theo Neilly, Neko Grant, Hubert Chipman and Richard Lightbourn - signed the petition.

A HUG between Loretta ButlerTurner and Andre Rollins at yesterday’s press conference

by FNM MPs who voted no confidence in party leader Dr Hubert Minnis and to replace him as Leader of the Opposition with Mrs Butler-Turner.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff betraying him by holding secret meetings in his constituency and ultimately choosing another candidate.

However, the party denied that any secret meetings had taken place and that the organisation only began its search for another standard-bearer after Mr Key communicated to them that he was retiring from front line politics. They also maintained that no candidate had been selected for the area.

VOTER APATHY AND FAILURE TO TACKLE PLP MISTAKES MOTIVATED REBEL SEVEN from page one

Mr Key dismissed notions that Mrs Butler-Turner spearheaded the move even as Bahamians took to social media to insist she did.

“No, no, no, that’s foolishness,” he told The Tribune. “They all wanted to do it before. After (Dr Minnis) threw me under the bus, I said, what do I have to lose?”

Earlier this week, Mr Key lambasted Dr Minnis and accused him and other FNM officials of going behind his back to select a new candidate for the Central and South Abaco constituency.

As news of the move began to reverberate yesterday, it remained unclear whether other prominent members of the FNM were aware of or approved of the plan.

Former Deputy Prime Minister Frank Watson, an outspoken critic of Dr Minnis in the past, said he was shocked and surprised by the move.

He declined to say whether he would have discouraged the parliamentarians against their plan if consulted, though he said he and others persuaded them in the past to abandon such a move.

“It’s a difficult position to put the party in because the solution for the way forward is not clear,” Mr Watson said.

Former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham could not be reached for comment.

During a press conference in Parliament’s Minority Room, the seven parliamentarians refused to take questions, saying they will do so at a later date.

“The majority of Bahamians believe that our country is spiralling out of control,” Mrs Butler-Turner said as she read from a prepared statement. “By any objective measure, our national failures far outweigh our successes. Proof of our decline is found in the pervasive apathy among our people: a sense that we are incapable of doing any better. This apathy has conditioned us to accept the unacceptable on the false premise that we lack the power to change our circumstances. The simple truth is this: Wherever apathy prevails, there can be no meaningful change.

“The reality is that those

Speaking in the House of Assembly yesterday evening, Dr Rollins said the MPs’ decision was in the best interest of the country, not for selfish reasons.

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PAGE 4, Thursday, December 8, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

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

LEON E. H. DUPUCH,

SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH,

jrolle@tribunemedia.net

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

Publisher/Editor 1919-1972 Contributing Editor 1972-1991

EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON,

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

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Is the era of Minnis now over?

“THE era of Ingraham is over,” declared a self-satisfied Hubert Minnis who inherited the FNM leadership from former prime minister Hubert Ingraham, who resigned his North Abaco seat after serving as prime minister for 15 years – three terms.

There was no recognition nor was there any note of gratitude for all the years of service that Mr Ingraham had given his country. Neither was there any recognition from Dr Minnis that the position that he now holds was largely due to the influence of Mr Ingraham.

“I wish him luck in his future endeavours, but his era is over. That’s it for him,” was all Dr Minnis had to say after Mr Ingraham’s former constituency — North Abaco — was won by PLP Renardo Curry in the bye-election of 2012.

The bye-election was called after Mr Ingraham announced that he was stepping down from front line politics.

An echo of Dr Minnis’ prophetic words reverberated in the House of Assembly yesterday when Speaker Kendal Major announced to a stunned House and an equally surprised Dr Minnis that he had received a formal letter from seven FNM MPs saying that they had lost confidence in their leader and wanted his appointment revoked in accordance with Article 82(4) of the Constitution. They wanted to continue their term in parliament under the leadership of Loretta Butler-Turner.

Only two FNM members declined to sign.

The no confidence letter was also sent to Governor-General Dame Marguerite Pindling, who will have the final sign-off on their request.

This was one of the closest guarded political secrets in a long time. It was obvious that a startled Dr Minnis had not been given a hint.

No sooner was the news making the rounds than social media was speculating that this was typically the hand of Ingraham. Although, he might have learned of these political machinations by today, Mr Ingraham was nowhere around to plan anything. His wife, who has been seriously ill in an Ohio hospital and later as an out patient of that hospital for more than two months was recently released for her return home. Instead Mr Ingraham took her on a cruise. They are not expected back in Nassau before December 16. So on this one he can be counted out.

There has been political unrest in the FNM ever since Dr Minnis took the helm. It was obvious almost from the first day that — although a skilled doctor — he was not a skilled leader. However, he refused to accept reality to the detriment of a once respected political party.

For us, as soon as the graceless words were uttered – “the era of Ingraham is over” without even a “thank you” – we

recognised that Dr Minnis did not have the healing, unifying qualities of leadership. If after four years as leader he could not keep his party together, how did he expect to have unity in readiness for an election? And if in that time he could not inspire his party to pull together how could he expect a country made up many disillusioned Bahamians to flock to his banner? For the sake of the country, Dr Minnis should have recognised that he was an unskilled politician and if a true patriot should have resigned the leadership post for the good of his country. But, unfortunately, this is the result of false pride, and a willingness to listen to the flattery of false prophets.

From statements he has made from time to time, Dr Minnis seemed to have been relying on Bahamians’ disillusionment with the PLP to win the government from them. Unfortunately, he has misjudged the temper of the people, their reluctance to register to vote shows they might decide to turn their backs on the election. If the low voter count persists the PLP certainly will not be justified in adding any more seats in the House of Assembly.

If the Governor-General signs off on the dissenting FNM’s request for the removal of Dr Minnis as Leader in the House, he still remains leader of the party.

However, whatever the outcome, it is important for the Opposition to regroup and make a decision. A general election is just around the corner, and might be called even sooner than expected because of the Opposition’s confusion. The slow voter registration might be the only delaying factor.

However, it is important for the FNM to regroup — if necessary form a new party and make an effort to attract the best from all of the other parties, especially from the organisations that joined in the “We March Bahamas” last month.

Among them are genuinely disillusioned Bahamians, many who have talent and a willingness to cooperate. Seek them out, bring them together, and bring the most qualified of them to the fore so that they too can contribute their skills to building a better Bahamas.

The PLP have had their day. Having kept too much information from the people, and failed to fulfil too many promises, they have worn out their time. This small chain of islands has no future under their leadership. If ever there were a time for a change it is now. But time is of the essence. Either build a stronger FNM or build a new FNM — but it is now time to prove to Foreign Affairs and Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell and persons like him that the protests of an angry, disillusioned people can in fact change “diddly squat.”

What impact from march?

EDITOR, The Tribune.

BLACK Friday March what real political effect did it and will it have?

For starters, Bran McCartney/DNA should not be so confident that the writing is on the wall for the PLP - he obviously is not listening to the new things the PLP will be launching right before the May-June 2017 Election.

NHI- Training with pay, Budget allocation $20m - Urban Renewal Small Loan programme.

Certainly the DNA could not have organised and attracted that number of participants nor the PLP nor

the FNM - now that says a lot and is extremely significant.

For PM Christie to suggest that the National Development Plan is the healing panacea he has to be joking. There basically is no credibility to the Plan as to implement even a small portion at once will be marred, stopped, owing to the lack of finances.

Said it before a good exercise in Economics, but that’s it.

PLP Convention will not be held in the new mega Convention Centre of Baha Mar this raises the issue, the place was used for the

lOB Convention so why not now?

Talking Party things possibly the FNM webmaster could update who is the Chairman? Brencil Rolle long time gone.

Will Leslie Miller have the nomination for Tall Pines taken from him if he continues to embarrass the PLP? Some Ministers not nominated, watch this.

March - did you see Minister Shane Gibson signed the March Petition - wonder what PC will say?

W THOMPSON Nassau, November 26, 2016.

LETTERS EXTRA TODAY See pages 22-23

Pride over jobs in The Bahamas EDITOR, The Tribune.

LOOKING at the way our society is heading the common man today doesn’t have much support or none at all, no matter which direction he or she turns.

Whether it be the government, church, a neighbour, family or your good friend, but there is something today that when we have it we appear to take it for granted – and that is our jobs.

If you can remember a time in your life when you were down on your luck or maybe you were just coming out of the shadows of your parents and you needed that job.

Well, as I remember those days here in The Bahamas, we were an island people with integrity, we were hard working, humble and prided ourselves in our good manners. When we walked into that particular business establishment looking for work and

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net nothing to offer other than our hands and our word, we forget that in that interview we were ready to work in any position that they had available.

In The Bahamas, we are a very fortunate set of people, especially for the common man to walk out of school with no other form of education to land a job in a hotel and in some areas, because of nature’s talents and our hard work we could make over a thousand a week from satisfied guests.

Now today you see yourself making this kind of money, but for some reason the attitude that helped you succeed in those days has disappeared.

Today, you consider that certain things are beneath you, yet you are that same

person who couldn’t find a penny to his name, but today you have too much pride to even pick up some bits of paper off the floor, to go and help with getting some dishes clean after the machine breaks down, or, as in the recent hurricane, help in the manual clean up process to get your employer back into business so as to protect your job - because once your employer is down, so are you.

At this point, you should put all your pride aside and protect the only thing that you know that you can depend on – that piece of a job that you and that future of yours is riding on. We all need to know how to put aside our differences to do what it takes and kiss it until the day you can kick it.

So far, at least in my life, that day has not yet arrived.

A BAHAMIAN Nassau, December 7, 2016.

Tourism levels EDITOR, The Tribune.

WHAT are our actual, net stay-over visitor levels?

How many ‘oo’s do we attract by holding Government meetings, etc…?

Is the 1.25 million stayover visitor level a true level of private visitors?

Count up the numerous official government-sponsored and paid-for meetings, etc, each probably bringing in a minimum of 100 persons. The current ICAO meeting they say represents views for some 150 countries, possibly times three-four.

I have to suggest the true

private tourist level could be as low as 850,000 not the 1.25 million fan fared by the Ministry of Tourism.

Tiger Woods Golf Tournament last weekend... Sunday I was watching it for about two hours then Bahamas Power and Light crashed, but in those two hours not once did the commentators mention The Bahamas Nassau or even Albany - can someone at tourism explain what was the use of holding the tournament here?

I have to suggest the performance of tourism has not just been a disaster, it is a total disaster considering when an attendee to a

Government Convention seminar meeting their stay is probably paid for and they are civil servants who don’t have too much money to spend. Is it we are simply putting people in beds?

We constantly hear that expression from the Ministry of Tourism... This event created so many bed nights.

Popeye American Football it will be the same – the bleachers will be half-empty and Ministry of Tourism will call it a fantastic success.

MARCIA SMITH Nassau, December 6, 2016.

So very specific...

EDITOR, The Tribune.

IT seems quite remarkable that a proposed investment that has not yet been contemplated by the Minister, nor the Cabinet, could have such significant and specific quantities published as fact.

To wit: Ten thousand acres of Crown land in Andros. Two billion, one hundred thousand dollars to be invested by the Chinese in one hundred joint venture partnerships to be created for that purpose.

Would Minister Gray

kindly publish how these several specific numbers were arrived at, or did he just wake up one morning and have a vision.

MONKEEDOO Nassau, December 7, 2016.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, December 8, 2016, PAGE 5

Miller says Minnis should have backed Key for renomination

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net TALL Pines MP Leslie Miller yesterday faulted Free National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis for not backing Edison Key’s bid to be renominated by the party in the Central and South Abaco constituency before the next general election, citing this as a key reason why seven parliamentarians were able to petition Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling to remove Dr Minnis as leader of the Official Opposition in the House of Assembly.

Mr Key has assailed Dr

Minnis in recent days, calling him deceptive and unreliable. He claimed that Dr Minnis and other FNMs were going behind his back to select another representative for the area.

Yesterday Mr Key said “he has nothing to lose,” therefore deciding with six other parliamentarians to seek Dr Minnis’ ouster.

“When Mr Key made the decision that what was going on in Abaco in his constituency was unfair to him and insulting to him as a senior statesman in this country, that I think was the last straw,” Mr Miller, a member of the Progressive Liberal Party, said.

“Mr Key is a regular fel-

la, like myself a potcake, he knows what’s going on on the ground. You either love him or you hate him.

In most cases people love him. Edison Key, if he is with you, he is with you to the very end and he was with ‘Doc’ from day one when all of the senior fellas and others went against him in a vicious manner.

“He remained steadfast and gave him his full support. That to me is deserving of having total support placed with him and I told my good friend Dr Minnis just a few weeks ago that a man of the stature of Edison Key, he should decide

when he wants to go. He should never be seen to be pushed out by anyone because I don’t care what it is, if he’s with you, he’s with you to the very end.

Likewise, if he is against you, God help you.”

Mr Miller also blamed Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner for the move to oust Dr Minnis, although it’s unclear if Mrs ButlerTurner played a central role in the matter, despite being named by the seven MPs as the best replacement leader of the opposition in the House.

“I don’t think (Dr Minnis) ever fully appreciated the fact that as long as Loretta Butler has breath

in her body, her aim is to be the leader of the FNM and if she got to go through Christ to get there, she would got through Christ,” Mr Miller said. “With that mindset, unless you prepared to do what Sir Lynden Pindling would’ve done or Hubert Ingraham would’ve done, you have to make some decisions that’s not going to be nice but that’s going to be in your best interests.

“A woman with great ambitions is almost like Cleopatra with Julius Caesar, in the end, she gon’ get ya.”

The other FNM MPs who signed the letter to Dame Marguerite were Dr Andre

Rollins, Mrs Butler-Turner, Richard Lightbourn, Theo Neilly, Neko Grant and Hubert Chipman.

Mrs Butler-Turner ran against Dr Minnis for the FNM’s top post twice, at the party’s convention in 2014 and again this year.

She lost by a considerable margin in 2014 and dropped out of this year’s race hours before delegates were set to vote, citing irregularities and deception in the process.

Despite her bitter fight against Dr Minnis, she recently received the party’s ratification to run as a standard bearer again in Long Island for the upcoming election.

ROBERTS: MOVE AGAINST MINNIS A SIGN OF MESSY DEMOCRACY

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Chairman Bradley Roberts said the “recall” of Free National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis as Official Opposition leader in the House of Assembly yesterday is evidence that democracy can be “quite messy” at times.

In a statement, Mr Roberts said clearly Dr Minnis does not “command the confidence” of the FNM parliamentary team he leads. It is “virtually impossible”, he said, for the Killarney MP to command the confidence of the nation when he cannot lead his colleagues.

On Wednesday, during the morning session in the House of Assembly, it was revealed that seven FNM MPs wrote Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling expressing a vote of no confidence in Dr Minnis and asking that he be removed as Official Opposition leader.

The petition by the majority of FNM MPs says that Dr Minnis should be replaced

by Loretta Butler-Turner, the MP for Long Island. The move has to be approved by the governor general.

“This phenomenon called democracy is a numbers game driven purely by confidence and often times the motivation and intent of the players matter little in

FNM CRISIS

the way it manifests itself.

Clearly Dr Minnis does not command the confidence of his inner circle of leaders – the FNM parliamentary that he leads,” Mr Roberts’ statement said.

“If he cannot command the confidence of his colleagues, it is virtually impossible for him to command the confidence of a nation and in a nutshell that is the fundamental dilemma he finds himself in. We will watch and see how Dr Minnis negotiates himself out of this political ambush and by all accounts his latest ‘baptism by fire.’ He is a relative political neophyte who was thrust into a position of great consequence and he must find his way and his political bearings if he is to survive. He is not seen as a strong, charismatic or inspirational leader within his party and generally.”

Mr Roberts said only time will tell what will “come of the FNM” after this latest debacle.

“Since power concedes nothing without a demand, the coming days and weeks will be quite interesting for him, the FNM, the composition of the Lower House and the impact of these events on the unforgiving and dynamic political land-

scape of the Bahamas,” the statement said.

“It is worthy of note that the ones who stabbed Caesar to gain power; were forgotten in history. Time has never been kind to the coup makers,” Mr Roberts added.

The FNM’s Torchbearers Youth Association weighed in on the matter yesterday, putting support behind Dr Minnis.

“The Free National Movement was built on the tenants of democracy, transparency and a commitment to good governance,” the association said. “The Torchbearers Youth Association, our country’s longest standing political youth organisation holds firm to the tenants of our great party and true to current efforts of our party to make our great country a newer and better Bahamas.

“In light of the proceedings in the House of Assembly today, the Torchbearers Youth Association recognises that the leader of Her Majesty’s Official Opposi-

FNM leader Dr Hubert Minnis, flanked by Renward Wells and deputy leader Peter Turnquest, speaking to Prime Minister Perry Christie in the House of Assembly yesterday. Photo: Peter Ramsay/ tion and leader of the Free National Movement are two separate positions. We emphatically state that Dr Hubert A. Minnis remains the democratically elected leader of the Free National Movement and as such he will enjoy the unwavering support of the young people of the FNM. To this end, we will continue to work with our party to ensure the FNM becomes the government of The Bahamas in 2017.”

PAGE 6, Thursday, December 8, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

Minnis ‘blindsided’ by letter from page one

Dr Kendal Major of a letter of no confidence from the seven MPs, Dr Minnis responded calling their actions a rebellion, which he attributed to them not achieving their desired result following the party’s July convention.

He said despite these “saddening” efforts, democracy will always prevail and suggested that their move would ultimately be rejected by the Bahamian people.

Dr Minnis went on to declare that while the incident was “unfortunate”, Bahamians would still vote in favour of the FNM in the next general election.

The MPs who signed the letter of no confidence were Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner, Central Grand Bahama MP Neko Grant, St Anne’s MP Hubert Chipman, North Eleuthera Theo Neilly, Central and South Abaco MP Edison Key, Montagu MP Richard Lightbourn, and Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins.

Renward Wells, the Bamboo Town MP, and East Grand Bahama MP Peter Turnquest did not sign on to this request to remove Dr Minnis.

way in a democratic process, they are determined to subvert democracy and still make their way.”

Dr Minnis also said: “Mr Speaker it is unfortunate that I am hearing of such an occurrence. However, Mr Speaker, we are at a time when democracy truly prevails in our society. I believe in democracy. I believe in reform and this country needs reform.

“Unfortunately reform, Mr Speaker, is not easy it’s painful. When one thinks of reform one thinks, as an obstetrician/gynecologist, one thinks of a lady having a baby, which is very painful and at the end the most enlightening and meaningful event would have just been completed and the admiration and the peace of the world would have been brought forward.”

HUBERT MINNIS, Leader of the Free National Movement, at last night’s meeting of the party following the vote to remove him as Leader of the Opposition.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff When she spoke in the House of Assembly during the evening session, Mrs Butler-Turner thanked her colleagues for reposing confidence in her to lead in the House.

She acknowledged that their actions would most likely spark fallout, but said an important lesson to re-

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spect the contribution of others must be taken from yesterday’s events.

“Mr Speaker, very, very soon we will be going to an election and the people again will elect a democratic government,” Dr Minnis said Wednesday morning.

“If we have individuals like we see here today, if the results are not what they intended to be or what they want, then we could be headed towards an undemocratic society and possibly one of dictatorship.

“The Bahamian people are witnessing the subversion of democracy here today and these individuals they are having their way (now), but the Bahamian people would eventually have their say.

“Democracy will always

rule in this Bahamas and I as I stand here as leader of the Opposition until they carry their letter to the governor general and as leader to the Free National Movement, (which) was democratically elected to such a position, and the Free National Movement will democratically move towards a democratic electoral process.

“Through the process of democracy the people realise that we are about to change and reform this country and they will remain with the Free National Movement in the interest of democracy.

“But Mr Speaker, as I am hearing this for the first time, it saddens me that individuals are prepared because they did not get their

‘Deceptive’ Speaking to reporters following yesterday’s shocking House session, Mr Key explained why he had a change of heart to now sign the letter of no confidence, siding with the majority of opposition MPs. Mr Key previously revealed he had been approached by several FNM’s to express a vote of no confidence in Dr Minnis, but declined to at the time.

However he said this time around, he joined the effort to remove the Killarney MP after he was “betrayed” and “treated like a dog”.

Mr Key said the actions of the group were likely to earn them an expulsion from the FNM. When asked to reveal his feelings about this, Mr Key seemed indifferent.

“I supported him but he betrayed me. He turned his back on me. He sent a

crew up there (to Abaco) - C A Smith, (FNM Chairman Sidney) Collie, (Deputy FNM Leader) Peter (Turnquest), Mike Smith - some of those people who couldn’t even win a seat,” Mr Key said.

“He sent them up there to meet with small group of dissidents, the people who came down on the last convention to vote him out of office and he joined with them against me. They never supported him and I stuck my neck out against all of the odds of the rest of the crew and supported him. He turned his back on me so what I must do?”

“Minnis is a very deceptive person,” Mr Key added. “You cannot take his word and I hope the Bahamian people realise that out there. I mean I was the only person, the only single member who was supporting him during this whole episode between him and Loretta. “(Now Loretta) is more qualified. I went against them (first) when they decided for Loretta to send the letter to the governor general before it was only because of the lack of my signature why it didn’t go.

(But) now they have treated me like a dog and an outsider (so I have signed the letter).”

This comes just two days after a report in The Nassau Guardian in which Mr Key lambasted Dr Minnis over the Central and South Abaco constituency nomination.

For his part, Mr Turnquest said he was “surprised” and caught off guard by yesterday’s events.

Meanwhile, Mr Wells told reporters he was not shocked by this latest effort to remove Dr Minnis.

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FREE National Movement senator Monique Gomez speaking last night.

FORMER Senator of the Free National Movement Carl Bethel at last night’s meeting.

SENATORS HAND IN RESIGNATIONS from page one

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Dame Marguerite Pindling and House Speaker Dr Kendal Major.

They have asked Dame Marguerite to remove Dr Minnis as leader of the Opposition in the House, citing Article 82 of the Constitution.

They also revealed that they voted to have Mrs Butler-Turner lead in the House.

Speaking to The Tribune, Mr Bethel said his resignation came because there will be a new leader of the Official Opposition in the House of Assembly. This leader, he said, has the task of appointing FNM senators.

FNM CRISIS

However, he further expressed doubt that the efforts of the seven MP’s would work.

“There is a new leader of the Opposition and that is who advises the governor general on who should be in the Senate,” he said during a telephone interview.

“Since the leader of the Opposition changed she will advise on senators.

However,,. party leadership continues and we will see where this goes and I can assure you that all MPs get their essence from the party. So if there is some division between them and the party the party will prevail. I have done the honourable thing.”

Before this, Mr Bethel sent a resignation note to Mrs Butler-Turner.

“Pursuant to today’s events I hereby tender my

resignation from the Senate with immediate effect.

A formal confirmatory letter will be delivered to the President of the Senate (Sharon Wilson) and yourself tomorrow morning, as I am just out of a trial in the Supreme Court,” Mr Bethel wrote.

Dr Sands, in a formal letter, said his resignation would take place immediately, adding that it was a privilege to work on behalf the Bahamian people. He later told The Tribune that he served “at the pleasure” of Dr Minnis, adding that the Killarney MP “requested the resignations given today’s (Wednesday’s) events.”

Mr Thompson said he also notified both Dr Minnis and Mrs Butler-Turner of his immediate resignation.

Dr Minnis remains leader of the FNM.

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THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, December 8, 2016, PAGE 7

MPS TOLD TO RESIGN OR FACE DISCIPLINARY ACTION

from page one

a sea-faring vessel, he charged that the ship has already left the harbour and no “mutineers” will stop its course towards Government House.

None of the dissident MPs were present at last night’s meeting.

“In my view,” he said, “the actions of seven FNM members of the House of Assembly - by invoking their privilege under the Constitution of The Bahamas to choose their leader in the House of Assembly - is a direct affront to the democratic conventions and traditions of the Free National Movement.

“It is tradition that the leader of the party, if elected to the House of Assembly, has always been appointed leader of the Opposition. Their action is a slap in the face of the party, and a slap in the face of democracy,” said Dr Minnis, who was greeted by the crowd by chants of “Rock with Doc”.

The seven FNM MPs withdrew their support for Dr Minnis in Parliament yesterday, and have asked Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling to appoint Long Island MP

FNM CRISIS

Loretta Butler-Turner as leader of the Opposition - a move that Dr Minnis termed “a slap in the face” of both the party and democracy.

Flanked by the party’s ratified candidates, Dr Minnis told the packed hall at the party’s headquarters and the wider public that the party’s core remained strong.

He stressed that while Mrs Butler-Turner was poised to assume responsibility for Opposition members in the House, she was not and could not be made the leader of the party.

“Let me be very clear that she is not and cannot as such be made leader of the Free National Movement,” he said.

To this, Dr Minnis was met with chants of “never, never, never” from the boisterous crowd.

“It is only the national convention of the FNM or, in emergency circumstances, its Central Council, that can elect the Leader of the Free National Movement.”

He continued: “In view

of today’s events I, as the constitutionally elected leader of the Free National Movement, wish to inform the Bahamian people that I now invite the seven MPs who were elected under the banner of the FNM, and who signed the letter to the governor general, to do the honourable thing and resign from the Free National Movement.

“Failing which, I have today recommended to the national executive of the party, and the executive has unanimously voted in favour thereof, that the disciplinary provisions of Article 53 of the constitution of the Free National Movement be invoked, and that if found to be required, a disciplinary tribunal be appointed and take whatever action it deems appropriate under the constitution of the Free National Movement.”

Article 53 states that “wherever it shall come to the notice of the executive committee that a member of the party may have acted contrary to the interests of

HUBERT MINNIS, leader of the Free National Movement, speaking to the press yesterday following the vote to remove him as Leader of the Opposition.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff the party, its platform, pro- to me by TV, radio and by God that such an act has grammes, policies or prin- social media,” Dr Min- happened now. We in ciples the executive com- nis said, “the core FNM the Free National Movemittee may, at its discretion, remains strong. I want to ment will always put God cause an investigation to be remind them that what has first, and with God’s help made.” happened today is an act of I am certain the Free NaFollowing that investi- God. It is a blessing for the tional Movement will be gation, a charge is made Free National Movement, the next government of against the member, who in and it’s a blessing for the the Commonwealth of the turn will have an opportu- Bahamas that such an act Bahamas and be assured nity to exculpate himself. If occurred before the Free that Peter Turnquest will the member is unsuccessful National Movement be- be the next deputy prime in his defense, a tribunal came victorious, because if minister. I want the Bawill then be called to hear this act had occurred while hamas to view the memthe charge. If the charge is we were government, the bers who are standing with proven, there are three pos- government meaning the me, my ratified candidates sible punishments: a $100 Free National Movement of because these will be the fine; a suspension period of the Commonwealth of the same members who will be up to one year, or expulsion Bahamas would have been sitting in Cabinet, and who from the party. destabilised. will be running the day“I want to say to our sup“So as I stand here I say to-day operations of your porters who are listening to the nation that I thank country.”

READERS RESPOND TO SHOCK MOVES IN THE FNM PARTY AFTER a day of drama which saw Dr Hubert Minnis facing removal as leader of the Official Opposition in Parliament following a vote of no confidence, readers took to tribune242.com to give their reaction.

ThisIsOurs thought the choice of Loretta ButlerTurner as party leader was a bad one: “This will be interesting because none of these MPs have the support of the party. And they just shot themselves in the second foot choosing Loretta.

Could be a good thing, who will trust her again?”

To which JohnDoe responded with: “Open your eyes my friend. This is so much bigger than LBT. The FNM is in the midst of an all out civil war which is not being led by LBT nor any of these seven pawns. Minnis has done very little to positively distinguish himself, but the supposedly honourable men plotting his demise are nothing short of modern day cowards for the manner in which they are stabbing this man in the back. With friends like them who needs enemies?

When they had an oppor-

tunity to contest the leadership fair and square they declined choosing instead to unleash their attack covertly.”

Millennial242 said: “Regardless of which party you align with (I’m still undecided), we NEED a strong opposition. If these folks saying it isn’t happening . . . then I hope they stepping up to make it happen right.”

There was this from Jackbnimble: “Dang! It’s about time. Kinda late though.

Don’t know if the voters will accept this. A fractured party equals a win at the polls for the PLP and that ain’t good!”

Realfreethinker also thought the move had come “too late”: “This is way too late and will have no affect on the election, because none of them will be in the House after that. He still has the support of the party.

A fatal blow for LBT. The rest were out already.”

Bandit was supportive of the day’s events: “It’s about time this happened. This guy may be a good person but he is not an effective leader.”

Honestman had this theory: “The Governor General is a PLP. Remember that. Also bear in mind that the PLP wants Minnis to remain as leader of the FNM ‘cause Perry and his motley crew know that they have a chance next May with him in charge of a fractured party. Therefore, the PLP will be working hard to find a way whereby the GC can reject this petition. THE PLP WILL NOT ALLOW MINNIS TO BE SACKED IF THEY CAN HELP IT!” Thephoenix562 said: “They kicked themselves out of the party. Good riddance to bad rubbish.”

Prompting Voltaire to say: “Hang on. Why should they be kicked out of the party? Why have they ‘kicked themselves’ out of the party? The MPs availed themselves of a right and duty that is enshrined in the Constitution. They

have done nothing wrong, they have broken no law, they have followed protocol in a situation where MPs lose faith in their leader. A leader who has not a chance in hell of winning an election under any circumstances. If Minnis had any sense, he would resign and get out of the way of the FNM winning the next election.”

MajorTom said: “I would hope that both parties conduct themselves with honour over the next few days, but with Pindling being a PLP appointee, the FNM in the midst of a coup, if I were

Christie, I would call a snap election.”

But Greentea couldn’t see that happening: “That is not going to happen. He would be throwing dice and after two failed referendums, the march (and in it represented a hundred different issues) and BPL’s inability to keep the lights on.

He/PLP would lose and he knows it.”

Economist thought the FNM needed a new leader to win the election: “Minnis was elected by a counsel that is old, void of ides and just follow the old dogma.

That is not what the general

public want. Minnis might be a good doctor but he is not a good politician.

Either the FNM has to change their leadership or they will lose the election AGAIN.” And there was this from Sheeprunner12: “LBT is loud, but she can pull a Trump right now . . . better than what Perry, Brave or Sears can offer the majority of Bahamians right now . . . desperate times call for desperate measures.”

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

PAGE 8, Thursday, December 8, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

Revolt in the ranks leaves FNM in political no man’s land I

N THE wake of yesterday’s coup d’état within the Free National Movement (FNM), the political landscape in the Bahamas has shifted. The FNM is in a state of flux, it is in a state of alarm.

Yesterday, history repeated itself as the FNM - a party that has been subjected to many divisions and factions over the years - now finds itself knocking on the door of history for an encore.

Yesterday, a petition by seven of the 10 FNM MPs was moved to replace the organisation’s leader Dr Hubert Minnis as leader of the Her Majesty’s Official Opposition in the House of Assembly.

Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins, Central and South Abaco MP Edison Key, North Eleuthera MP Theo Neilly, Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner, St Anne’s MP Hubert Chipman, Montagu MP Richard Lightbourn and Central Grand Bahama MP Neko Grant all submitted a letter of no confidence in Dr Minnis to House Speaker Dr Kendal Major and to the Governor General, Dame Marguerite Pindling, yesterday morning revealing they have voted to be led in Parliament by Mrs ButlerTurner. Whilst the constitutional manoeuvre has to be approved by the Governor General, the move has sent shock waves through our archipelago.

This was a Machiavellian plot that is likely to hamper the FNM’s push towards the next general election.

One wonders if this was a political plot that was devised with an end goal or merely a revenge plot to embarrass the leader and derail the party going into the next general election.

I’m inclined to believe the latter. Most of the seven

DR Hubert Minnis with Loretta Butler-Turner when they stood side-by-side at an FNM rally.

Notably, Dr Minnis re- sition parties are splintered. mains party leader. This The main Opposition party creates a conundrum with- is facing internal warfare. in the FNM as the party Whilst the seven MPs will have one leader in the pulled a constitutional leHouse of Assembly and ver that was lawful and another person leading the fully available to them, the party. There will be lots of short term impact on the pulling and hauling. What’s FNM will likely cause many

By ADRIAN GIBSON more, this manoeuvre was Bahamians to doubt if the employed a litparty is ready MPs - except Mrs Butler- they donned their political tle more than to become the ‘The Progressive Turner - have not been suicide vests and decided five months benext governratified as candidates for to blow the FNM to smith- fore the next Liberal Party ment. I truly 2017. They have no seat ereens, causing the party general elec- is no doubt understand why to lose; they simply have to reset and find itself in a tion. many of the in jubilation nothing to lose. Yesterday, state of emergency.

I have heard MPs are discalls to ex- today. They gruntled. I have pel the rebel sense a victory been told some MPs. That is at the polls. of their stories. a decision for I have heard the FNM. If The Opposition stories from Dr those MPs are parties are Minnis’ camp expelled, one splintered. The as well. wonders if that Something would settle the main Opposition has to break! infighting in the party is facing Either the sevFNM or lead to internal warfare.’ en MPs must the formation of resign from the the much talked FNM and form about “starfish” party. As it a new Opposition party stands, the so-called star- (or possibly merge with the fish party would become Democratic National Allithe new Official Opposition ance or another) or Dr Minand the FNM would be- nis would have to resign. I come the third force in the do not believe that Dr MinHouse of Assembly. nis and Mrs Butler-Turner The Progressive Liberal can harmoniously co-exist.

Party is no doubt in jubila- There is no trust. tion today. They sense a vicThe mantra of the FNM tory at the polls. The Oppo- used to be that it is a matter

A Young Man’s View

of trust. Today, FNMs are no longer trusting each other and everyone seems to be rightly overcome by a sense of paranoia, anxiously waiting to be backstabbed by long knives. This is not the FNM of old. The FNM must recapture the magic that made it great, that caused people to deem its governance “government in the sunshine”.

Yesterday, Mrs ButlerTurner’s camp checkmated Dr Minnis. This is undoubtedly not the end of an ongoing rivalry that - notwithstanding the dancing, the re-nomination of Mrs Butler-Turner and the promise of her support - is likely to persist for years to come Dr Minnis, too, is not without fault. Both of the leaders of the “new” FNM have contributed to the disunity we now see. The disrespect has come from both camps. That said, Mrs Butler-Turner never respected Minnis’ leadership and one must first learn to follow before they can lead. I have always had difficulty with what appears to be a spirit of entitlement that engulfs Mrs Butler-Turner.

The FNM last had a leader in the House and one outside the House in

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THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, December 8, 2016, PAGE 9

DR HUBERT MINNIS, leader of the Free National Movement, speaking to the press yesterday following the vote to remove him as Leader of the Opposition.

2005. Then leader Tommy Rollins - who she once Turnquest lost slapped - now his seat. This is ‘Yesterday, embracing her perhaps the first leadership and time that both the seven being one of leaders will sit MPs donned the signatories in the lower to the letter. their political chamber, both Like many serving as elect- suicide vests Bahamians I ed members and decided to was surprised. of Parliament.

Amazingly, I cannot wait blow the FNM these MPs to see how this to smithereens, managed to new arrange- causing the keep a secret ment works. and delivered As it stands, party to reset a blow that no Mrs Butler and find itself one expected.

Turner com- in a state of Finally, even if mands the reit was by nifty spect and al- emergency.’ political chorelegiance of the ography, Mrs majority of her colleagues. Butler-Turner and comHer grouping is a coali- pany outfoxed Dr Minnis. tion of former political During their last contest, enemies, with Dr Andre Mrs Butler-Turner with-

drew at the last minute, with Minnis on the cusp of delivering a five-to-one thumping at the party’s internal run-off.

Mrs Butler-Turner has now become the first female Leader of the Opposition.

Notwithstanding how that came about, in all fairness, such an achievement must be acknowledged.

Interestingly, Dr Minnis directed all of his senatorial appointees to resign their posts. Last night, there was a wave of resignations in the party. It will be interesting to see who Mrs ButlerTurner appoints and what happens next in the FNM saga.

Comments and responses to ajbahama@hotmail.com

FREE National Movement supporters pictured as they chant “Roc with Doc” during Dr Hubert Minnis’ press conference with the media last night.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

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PRIME Minister Perry Christie speaking to Loretta Butler-Turner yesterday. Photo: Peter Ramsay/BIS

PAGE 10, Thursday, December 8, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

HURRICANE damage at the apartments on East Mall Drive and Adventurer’s Way after Hurricane Matthew.

Windsor of the Mall apartments condemned by Freeport officials PUBLIC AnnoUnCement The Free National Movement wishes to advise its members, supporters and the general public that, the raffle scheduled to be drawn on Saturday, December 10th, 2016, has been postponed. The drawing will now be held on Saturday, January 28th, 2017. All tickets purchased will be honored on the new raffle date. The selling of tickets will continue until such time.

The party apologies for any inconvenience caused.

Thank You

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net ABOUT 20 families are going to be displaced after the Christmas and New Year at the Windsor of the Mall Apartments, which were condemned by Freeport authorities as a result of extensive hurricane damage and neglect by the owners.

Some residents have already received notice since last Tuesday with a court order to vacate their units and move out of the building by January 25.

The two buildings, situated on East Mall Drive and Adventurer’s Way, were damaged during Hurricane Matthew on October 6. The north building has been repaired and the utilities were

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The building is in a poor state and residents claim that the owner has neglected to repair, and clean up and haul debris from the premises.

While there is running water, power has not been restored to the south building because of extensive roof and electrical damage.

The residents said the owners met with them after the storm and promised to repair the building, and waived only one month’s rent. But, they said no improvements have been done to the building.

The tenants are concerned over having to move at such short notice. Many of them are facing financial hardship and are not employed as a result of the hotel closures.

The Tribune visited the complex and spoke with some tenants. The buildings and premises lacked proper maintenance and general cleaning.

A huge amount of damaged building materials and furniture was piled up just outside the building.

There were also significant safety issues as well.

The stairway had missing railings. And railings on the second and third floors were also missing.

Karen Reckley said: “Everybody waited and waited and no one (the building owner) has come around here to tell us anything. They never came around to say, well this is happening.

“A gentleman from the court came around last week and brought a letter saying that we have to move and that we have until January 25 because the building is condemned.”

The Grand Bahama Port Authority’s Building and Development Department

has the authority to declare buildings condemned.

The Tribune has learned that some of the units are privately owned by individuals who were given the option to purchase their units by the owner.

Ms Reckley said the private owner of her unit was not aware that the building was condemned.

She was very concerned about the situation and the condition of the premises.

“They took all the damaged materials from the apartments and threw them down on the ground and never moved them as though people don’t live here. The railings were blown away during the storm and are missing,” she said.

Ms Reckley stated that the railings on the north building were repaired.

“They are not checking for us (in the south building),” he said. “I have grandchildren and two small ones from ages 12 and down.”

She commended persons in the community who have assisted them. A generator is now providing power to the building for residents.

Ms Reckley said that they were without power and water for sometime.

“Thank God for (former Free National Movement Senator) Michael Pintard, the Rotary Club and Kiwanis Club that brought water here in the yard so we can bathe and flush our toilets,” she said.

“We are now back on city water only because the power company has restored power to the north building, not at our building,” Ms Reckley said.

When asked about the notice to move, she said they will have to look for somewhere else to live.

“I guess we will have to move, and we have to find the money somehow. They say we have to go by January 25,” she said.

Ms Reckley felt that tenants could be been told by the owners what was happening instead of having to learn about it this way.

“Christmas is coming and it is unfortunate that we have to leave, but also bad they just left all this rubbish here in the yard,” she said.

Another tenant who identified herself as Wendy said she has been living at Windsor on the Mall for two years. She said it is sad that the place has been condemned. She said the roof leaks when it rains.

“The surrounding is dirty and they could at least keep it clean and have it removed before Christmas,” she said.

The woman said things are rough financially and it will be difficult to find affordable rental units.

“Financially, the money is not there for many of us and January 25 is not enough time. The hotel is not open right now and that is the problem right now. In the papers apartments are going for $800 and $900 per month.”

She added that all of the tenants there are like family and are looking out for each other, despite the circumstances.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, December 8, 2016, PAGE 11

Moss announces merger of UDP and The People’s Movement

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

IN a move touted as being “for the best interest of the country”, officials from both the United Democratic Party and The People’s Movement yesterday announced in Parliament Square plans to merge factions ahead of the 2017 general election.

Unable to present the party’s new name, logo or platform on Wednesday, officials announced that the new party will be led on an interim basis by Marco City MP Gregory Moss, with Bahamas Public Services Union President and People’s Movement political chair, John Pinder serving as the interim deputy leader.

Speaking to reporters yesterday, Mr Moss said the groups had worked “arduously” behind the scenes for the past six months to get a deal done.

Stressing that the move was made by “people who have the best interest of the country in mind,” Mr Moss said The Bahamas has suffered as “personal agendas” have taken precedence over national agendas.

“We have seen for too long, personal agendas taking place in this country, which are hurting the country,” he said. “We have seen for too long politicians taking the position that they are what matters but the

GREG Moss along with his team including Bahamas Public Services Union President John Pinder outside the House of Assembly yesterday.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff the common good. county does not. thing must be wrong. When “We intend to contest eve- we have people who no “Now the country is seeing that persons that have ry seat in the elections. We longer have access to educathat common interest are intend to win the next gov- tion, because we have made able to put aside any dif- ernment of The Bahamas. that a privileged institution ferences and come together We intend to change this for the select few. for the common good. I am country, to give it back to “We intend to deal with delighted to confirm that the people and to establish it the question of employthe United Democratic Par- again upon the foundations ment. We intend to forthty and The People’s Move- of God that it was estab- rightly deal with the queslished upon to begin with. ment have merged. tion of work permits. We “We see what is hap- intend to make sure that “There are certain protocols that have to be ob- pening in this country and we put Bahamians first in served, which cannot be people understand that The Bahamas. We are not observed in the time frame something is fundamentally against any foreign person, for us to speak to them to- wrong. When the people we are for Bahamians.” day, but we are dealing with are suffering and the politiMr Moss said once electthose protocols and we will cians are prospering, some- ed, his party intends to rebe able to give far more thing has to be fundamen- peal all the recent economdetails on this during the tally wrong with that. ic deals related to Grand “When you have corrupt Bahama, as they didn’t course of next week.

“But what you will see people, people who are work in the best interest of now is a grouping of people known criminals being able the people. who has come together for to just escape justice, some“Fixing the Bahamas

without fixing Grand Bahama is impossible and that is so with so many other islands,” he said.

“Dealing with our land policy, our resource policy, but more importantly and I think the overarching point is dealing with the people’s access to information on what their government is doing - proper freedom of information.

“These things will be laid before the people in advance of election so the people can understand (that) we are not guessing at this, we know what we are doing, here is what we commit to doing, give us a chance to do it.”

Mr Pinder, on Wednesday spoke about the recent firings of 61 workers from the One&Only Ocean Club resort, who were fired based on poor performance, according to the hotel.

He said he thought it was in “poor taste” for Minister of Labour Shane Gibson to appear to “side with” the company on the matter, noting that as a former labour leader he should know the struggles of everyday Bahamians.

“Labour has always been a very important part of our country’s development and labour ushered in, or help to unshed in the first majority rule government.

We believe that labour has been taken advantage of in this country while labour leaders have been given an

opportunity to serve in Parliament. The workers of our country have not been given proper representation and have not been treated fairly.

“To hear the minister of labour kind of supporting what the employers is saying, for the reasoning behind (the firings). This is the reason I have been agitating for the last ten years to have the government to amend the Employment Act to better protect the workers of our country.”

In November 2015, Mr Moss announced that he, along with several concerned citizens, formed and launched the UDP in Grand Bahama and that he was elected to serve as leader.

Meanwhile, The People’s Movement led by Mr Pinder and former Senator John Bostwick, was conceived out of an intense opposition to the June 7 gender equality referendum.

In July, the group said it issued more than 500 membership applications as it at that time maintained that it was only a populist project that could morph into a political party.

The party said it plans to host its first convention in the coming months, noting, however, that the move was not guaranteed as it was operating with the view that the governing Progressive Liberal Party could call a snap election as early as March of 2017.

PRIME MINISTER DEFENDS DELAYS IN TABLING FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

ON THE defensive over the much-anticipated Freedom of Information Act, Prime Minister Perry Christie yesterday called criticism over his administration’s lengthy track to tabling the legislation unfair.

Mr Christie noted that “final discussions” on the draft bill had been completed on Tuesday as he pushed back against ridicule from Free National Movement members over the bill’s stalled pace.

The government has often pointed to the extensive consultation process as the major factor on the timeliness of tabling the legislation, however Minister of Education Jerome Fitzgerald yesterday revealed that public partici-

pation was largely “disappointing”.

“The committee and I were very disappointed by the lack of involvement and response from the public with regard to the FOIA bill,” Mr Fitzgerald told the House of Assembly, “disappointed, the meetings were not well attended at all”.

Mr Fitzgerald, the minister responsible for the legislation, also noted that online participation was also low, but went on to exalt the process.

“We live in a democracy where people want to have more input on governance and how the country operates,” he said, “on the one hand that is very positive, but you cannot rush it. If you want me to bring a bill I could bring one within a couple months. I can tell you that having gone through the consultative

process and all the bench markers it would not have been as strong a bill as it is now, nor would it have the level of support that it has from those involved in the process.

“As a minister and government we have intentionally ensured that we did not get involved in the process apart from ensuring at the end of the day it was something that was workable. So, yes, I wish it was sooner, we all do, but I can tell you one thing, there will not be an argument or criticism that we did not do it the right way.”

Mr Fitzgerald said: “We all wish it was sooner but it’s a process, but as opposed to the bill they (the FNM) put in place, it took us after considering that and the committee a year and a half just to make the recommendations for the

changes. Then it took another year and a half to two years to consult widely, that’s just the nature of it.

These are Bahamians who are doing it not us.”

Montagu MP Richard Lightbourn called the lengthy timeline, and the government’s justification, “appalling” during debate

on a compendium of bills related to the financial services sector.

Mr Lightbourn said: “I appreciate the prime minister’s intervention but what concerns me is that the member for Centreville could feel that it’s acceptable to wait four and one half years to in-

troduce the bill, and now suggest that the delay is because one is incubating it and allowing all sections of the public to comment on it. Four and a half years? No wonder nothing is done in this country, four and one half years and they’re still dealing with it.”

PAGE 12, Thursday, December 8, 2016

SUPREME COURT HEARS ROBBERY CASE UPDATE

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

A MAN awaiting trial on a number of armed robbery charges appeared in the Supreme Court yesterday for a case management hearing.

Selvin Seymour, 21, was due to appear before Senior Justice Stephen Isaacs for an update on his cases concerning a series of gunpoint robberies committed in February of this year.

Though the accused was taken late to the courtroom, his lawyer Geoffrey Farquharson indicated that he and prosecutor Rosalee Ferguson had agreed to schedule another status hearing for February 24, 2017 concerning other evidence in the Crown’s possession that had not been turned over to the defence.

Mr Farquharson said that the cases all stem from a purported video confession

given by his client whom he alleged was brutalised in police custody.

Seymour allegedly carried out eight armed robberies, two attempted armed robberies and injured one of his victims during a spree that prosecutors allege spanned from February 3 to 26.

Seymour is accused of taking three vehicles at gunpoint on February 3 and injuring one of those victims. He is also accused of attempting to rob a woman of a 2014 Chevy Cobalt and robbing another woman of cash and an iPhone 5s.

On February 26, Seymour allegedly robbed a man of a Samsung Galaxy phone valued at $750. He also allegedly robbed a woman of a 2007 Mercedes Benz, a Gucci handbag and $1,500 cash.

On February 25, Seymour is accused of attempting to rob a man of his vehicle.

He has denied the allegations.

PUBLIC NOTICE REDEMPTION of Treasure Bay Our Lucaya chips, pursuant to Gaming Regulation 67 (5) (a) (b) (c) of the Gaming Board of The Bahamas; effective December 2, 2016.

Treasure Bay Our Lucaya Casino (hereafter referred to as The Casino) operates at Royal Palm Way, Grand Bahama Island.

Please be advised that all denomination of chips may be redeemed at The Casino on or before December 22, 2016. The days provided to facilitate such are Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. each day.

PUBLIC NOTICE REDEMPTION of Treasure Bay Our Lucaya unexpired slots tickets, pursuant to Gaming Regulation 69 of the Gaming Board of The Bahamas; effective December 2, 2016.

Treasure Bay Our Lucaya Casino (hereafter referred to as The Casino) operates at Royal Palm Way, Grand Bahama Island.

Please be advised that all unexpired slots tickets may be redeemed at The Casino on or before December 22, 2016. The days provided to facilitate such are Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. each day.

THE TRIBUNE

Mitchell denies any hacking of activist emails

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

FOREIGN Affairs and Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell yesterday “categorically” denied that he or any minister of the government “hacked into any emails” or attempted to have environmentalists from Save the Bays (STB) arrested.

Mr Mitchell was responding to an article posted to popular international environmental website EcoWatch by activist lawyer Robert F Kennedy Jr that alleged, in part, 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.”

In the House of Assembly, Mr Mitchell called the article “inflammatory” and recommended that it be handed over to the House Committee of Privilege for further investigation.

“The headline is ‘Corruption abounds as Bahamian Parliament threatens to jail lawyer and judge in environmental scandal’ and then goes on to say that the police had raided an environmentalist activist’s home and that Cabinet minsters have hacked emails and then once the court made some ruling in a

MINISTER of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Fred Mitchell. case, that the Cabinet min- the matter was referred to sters tried to jail the envi- the Committee of Privironmental group’s lawyer,” lege. This is now additional Mr Mitchell said. evidence on this matter be“On behalf of every col- cause in fact Mr Kennedy league here, I can say that is connected to Mr Bacon. no minister of this govern- And the question which ment hacked into any email this committee has to deterand no minister of this gov- mine is, what is the source ernment tried to jail any of all of this? Where is this environmentalist and that is coming from and why it all inflammatory and must be leads back to a particular denounced in the strongest direction? terms. My view is that the “... Who is paying for this, matter arose with the al- where is the money trail legations which were made and what is the objective?” in this place about Save the Mr Kennedy Jr is chairBays and the allegation was man of the Waterkeeper that this organisation was Alliance, a global umbrella being funded by a person in organisation for environthe name of Louis Bacon to mental groups advocating destabilise the government. for the defence of clean By resolution of this House 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.

Mr Nygard has admitted that he has donated to the governing Progressive Liberal Party’s previous election campaign.

2017 TRIAL DATE FOR DECADE-OLD MURDER

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

A TRIAL date in 2017 has been fixed for a man accused of sexually assaulting and killing a woman a decade ago.

Stephen Burrows Jr, the accused, appeared before Senior Justice Stephen Isaacs yesterday for fixture hearing concerning the August 2006 murder and rape of Veronica Smith.

Last week, Karissma Romer, associate of Murrio Ducille, appeared on the veteran lawyer’s behalf and indicated that Mr Ducille’s calendar for 2017 and 2018

was booked with November 19, 2018 and January 22, 2019 being the only available dates for the hearing of the matter.

Senior Justice Isaacs, however, said this was not acceptable given the length of delay in the case.

The judge instructed the lawyer to go back to Mr Ducille to make an earlier accommodation of the matter and set a fixture hearing for December 7.

When the matter was called yesterday, Ms Romer said that her senior proposed April 24, 2017 for the matter to commence.

The judge said this was acceptable and fixed a sta-

tus hearing for April 3, 2017 ahead of the trial date.

Last November, Senior Justice Isaacs directed Burrows Jr to undergo a mental evaluation to determine whether he is capable of assisting in the preparation of his defence when the question of his fitness to stand trial had arisen.

The court had previously heard from psychiatrist Dr John Dillard that on July 3, 2015, Burrows Jr was treated at the Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre (SRC) in July 2014 for a psychotic episode brought on by marijuana abuse. When he testified, the doctor said that Burrows Jr was suf-

fering from “persecutory illusions” claiming that his mother and lawyer were conspiring against him.

According to Dr Dillard, Burrows Jr’s condition improved after seven weeks of treatment. He said upon Burrows’ discharge in September 2014 he was considered fit to stand trial. However, the doctor said that he could not speak to the accused’s current state of mind since then.

A subsequent hearing was held on his competency to stand trial and a jury determined that Burrows Jr was mentally fit for trial.

COURT TO APPOINT LAWYER IN RAPE CASE

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

A MAN scheduled to stand trial in less than three months in the rape of a 17-year-old American girl in San Salvador will receive a court-appointed lawyer to represent him against the allegations.

Henry Gay, 44, appeared before Senior Justice Stephen Isaacs yesterday for a status hearing in his case that is scheduled to start on February 27, 2017.

However, the judge observed that Gay’s privately retained lawyer, Michael Kemp, died last month, leaving the accused without representation.

Senior Justice Isaacs asked Gay if he wished the court to appoint a lawyer at the public’s expense. The accused said yes.

Senior Justice Isaacs said he would adjourn the matter to January 20, 2017, for a status hearing by which time a lawyer should have been appointed.

“Mr Kemp had been the lawyer on this case for a long time and if new counsel comes on, we’ll discover at the pre-trial review hearing if they need more time to prepare,” the judge added.

Gay, of Cockburn Town, San Salvador, is alleged to have had sexual contact with the teen without her consent on Easter Monday, April 21, 2014.

Gay made his first Supreme Court appearance on July 4, 2015, when he pleaded not guilty to the rape charge.

He was eventually released on bail after spending more than half a year in custody while on remand.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, December 8, 2016, PAGE 13

National school for arts part of development plan

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net THE government is proposing to create a “national school” for the creative and performing arts to improve the country’s cultural offering, something the Christie administration hopes will be a “key tool” for the execution of the National Development Plan.

Ian Poitier, the government’s head of cultural development, said a “worldclass” national school for the creative and performing arts, along with an afterschool creative arts programme, would be key to eliminating the “wasting” of human capital in the country and consequently facilitating the “long-term infrastructural reform” to which the NDP speaks.

Charging that the country is “rich beyond imagination” in unrealised human capital, Mr Poitier said the creation of both the national school and after-school programme would not only bring about a “steep rise” in the skill levels of various Bahamians, but also “provide a significant amount of employment to those in the creative (arts) sector.”

Mr Poitier also highlighted a number of other key initiatives to develop the cultural infrastructure of The Bahamas and consequently usher in the kind of national reform the NDP speaks to, such as the development and promotion of Bahamian cultural products, the creation of “worldclass creative content,” and the creation of a “Creative Capital Fund”.

Mr Poitier’s statements

came during a press conference at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas yesterday morning to provide an overview of the cultural development component of the NDP. His key points are outlined in a 58page booklet titled “Culture: The Key To National Development Of The Bahamas.”

According to Mr Poitier, the proposed national school will offer full-time and part-time professional conservatory courses that cover all the performing arts, in addition to associated courses in creativity and production, such as writing, directing, producing, etc.

Mr Poitier said the core benefits of the proposed school would principally apply to Bahamians who are “dedicated and highly talented” and who wish to

“develop and hone their skills to world-class level,” but suggested it would not be limited in scope and should “seek to attract people from throughout the region and around the world”.

Additionally, upon leaving the proposed school, Mr Poitier submitted that graduates “should be able to find work anywhere on the planet”.

Mr Poitier also highlighted the need for emphasis on and further investment in the country’s creative arts offering, which he said could result in an additional $1bn injection into the economy annually if executed correctly.

“About five million people come here every year,” he said. “If each of them spent an additional $200 from what they spent now, that’s $1bn. So what’s

$200? That’s a cracked conch meal, that’s a couple of cocktails, maybe going to see a show, maybe buy something, buying a T-shirt or straw work or whatever, go on a tour.

“We are very haphazard in the way we try and get people to spend that money, we just rely on them accidentally discovering it and kind of happening upon it,” he said. “And we don’t have a focused, determined, business effort to extract that money from each person who comes here. If we do that, that’s a billion dollars.”

He added: “So it’s kind of just a whole bunch of ways in which culture can help, and I think what so many countries are now focusing on this base, and we’re rich beyond imagination and we don’t realise it, because there’s no concerted effort

PHILIP WEECH, BEST Commission director, speaks to 160 Youth Environmental Corps participants about career options in the Ministry of the Environment.

to do it. We’ve got to think it, we’ve got to plan it, structure it up, and then we’ve got to invest in it.”

Over the weekend, a comprehensive, 491-page draft of the NDP was released, which the Christie administration believes will be a groundbreaking document that will occupy a central role in the development of the nation, providing future governments, civil society and businesses with a blueprint for the future.

Crucially, the plan will be accompanied with accountability mechanisms, with the University of The Bahamas expected to release ritual reports highlighting whether milestones have been met.

Prime Minister Perry Christie will open a conclave for the NDP tomorrow at SuperClubs Breezes.

Photo: Gena Gibbs/BIS

YOUTH ENVIRONMENT CORPS INVITED TO TALK ABOUT JOBS THE Ministry of Environment and Housing invited 160 participants of the new Youth Environmental Corps, between the ages of 18 to 39, to learn about their apprenticeship programme for green and blue jobs, available in the ministry.

The programme for job empowerment would place young people interested in working outside at national park sites, the Bahamas National Trust, Department of Environmental Health, and other endeavours concerned with protecting the SPEND LESS SLEEP WELL

environment.

Although it started on October 3, the seminar introducing the different departments within the Ministry of the Environment began December 5 at the Department of Physical Planning.

An award ceremony will take place on Friday.

BEST Commission Director Philip Weech encouraged interested youth to become more familiar with the Family Islands to be effective in working with the Ministry of the Environment.

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PAGE 14, Thursday, December 8, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

FLOYD MAYWEATHER, centre, at the blackjack tournament in Bimini.

BOXING GREAT HOSTS BLACKJACK IN BIMINI FLOYD Mayweather may have gone undefeated in the ring during his stellar career as a professional boxer, but he more than met his match while hosting a blackjack tournament recently held at Resorts World Bimini.

According to a press release from the resort, the former boxer turned promoter – who according to Forbes earned $700m during his professional boxing career – tried to add another $300,000 to that number. He came

up a bit short, ending the tournament in the final round but not capturing the top prize which was eventually won by a Resorts World Bimini (RWB) guest.

It was still a “win” for Mr Mayweather, as the resort rolled out the red carpet for its celebrity host who expressed his gratitude via a social media post.

“I would like to thank Resorts World Bimini for giving me and my team the royal treatment,” he wrote on Facebook. “Sending a

private jet, catering us with plush accommodations and the overall hospitality was exceptional. The experience of playing in the blackjack tournament was a great time and I look forward to visiting again real soon.”

In addition to hosting the tournament, Mr Mayweather clearly enjoyed his time on the island, taking time to see the local sights, enjoy the cuisine, and explore real estate options.

Mr Mayweather launched his professional boxing career in 1996 and went un-

defeated as a professional with a perfect record of 49-0, capturing five division world championships, 15 world titles and the lineal championship in four different weight classes (twice at welterweight). He is widely considered to be one of the greatest boxers of all time. Although he retired from boxing in September 2015, his star power remains strong. After the tournament, VIP players and their guests were eager to get a photo with the 39-year-old boxing star.

BOXING legend Floyd Mayweather.

AWARDS CEREMONY TO HONOUR BAHAMIAN NATION BUILDERS TWENTY TWO outstanding people who have contributed to the development of nation building in The Bahamas will be honoured at the Atlantis ballroom tomorrow evening at a gala celebration when they will receive the 2016 R E Cooper Sr National Meritorious Service Award.

The award, which was established in 1985 by The Mission Baptist Church, recognises and celebrates the national contributions of “Elevators of Human-

ity” - individuals who are national mentors, defending the downtrodden with passion and zeal with an open and compassionate spirit.

The award organisers said that although many of these individuals do all within their limited means and influence to encourage others to reach their personal and professional zeniths, their contributions and philanthropic exploits are seemingly devoid of gratitude, and often they

are eclipsed by others who are less principled but more popular and more partisan, relegating them to archaic categories of unsung heroes and heroines.

It is a posthumous honour and tribute to the late founding pastor of The Mission Baptist Church, Dr R E Cooper Sr, who was a Bahamian hero, scholar, theologian and social reformer, one who loved his faith and country, serving faithfully and meritoriously for 40 years until his

passing in 1980. Despite his numerous accomplishments his primary concern was to ensure the elevation of the ordinary man, whose talents were unexplored and who was often overlooked in his professional and vocational fields.

“Dr Cooper believed in education and he wanted to see our independent country, The Bahamas, educated,” a statement from the award organisers said. “He was instrumental in thousands of Bahamians being educated. Not just through his efforts in establishing

the Prince William High School, but also in getting hundreds of Bahamians scholarships to go to colleges and universities in the United States. He was truly a trailblazer and pioneer.”

The 22 honourees - who all have similarities with the late Dr Cooper in that they are trailblazers and pioneers with love of their fellow man - come from all walks of life, including education, medicine, business, politics, entertainment, philanthropy, broadcasting, sports and policing. They

are George Myers, Herbert Brown, Dr Xernona Clayton, Senator Gregory Burrows, Father George Clements, Alphonso Elliott, Dr Albert Ferguson, Percival “Vola” Francis, Eric “King” Gibson, Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade, Stephanie Hanna, Andrew Ingraham, Godfrey Kelly, Clinton McCartney, Steve McKinney, Dr Sidney McPhee, Fred Munnings Jr, Raphael Munnings, Elaine Williams-Pinder, Cynthia “Mother” Pratt, Basil L Sands and James Schaeffer IV.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, December 8, 2016, PAGE 15

URBAN Renewal held its Urban Community Uplifting Service in the Pinewood constituency on Pinewood Park, where they also distributed tons of food packages to the people in the community. The Urban Renewal Band is pictured performing.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

SERVICE AIMS TO UPLIFT COMMUNITY

ALGERNON ALLEN, Urban Renewal co-chair, at the event.

THE PINEWOOD Gardens Senior Club pictured performing at the Urban Renewal event.

CYNTHIA “Mother” Pratt, Urban Renewal co-chair pictured, greeting Pinewood residents.

BOAT PARADE DELAYED DUE TO WEATHER THE Sir Durward Knowles Festival of Lights Christmas Boat Parade scheduled for this Saturday has been postponed due to forecasted high winds and rain at the

weekend.

The event will be moved to Saturday, December 17, starting at 6.30pm from Arawak Bay, with fireworks at 7pm.

The organisers said tick-

ets purchased for the Yellow Bird Party Cruise will be honoured next week.

For information call 4273757 or visit Festival of Lights Bahamas Facebook page.

PAGE 16, Thursday, December 8, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

Lending a helping hand to a friend in need WHEN customers line up at McDonald’s this month, they will be offered more than the usual fare.

They will have the opportunity to help the family of a hero who has spent years helping others.

Some will know the man they are helping, Andre Chappelle. Many in the country will know of him for the story of his life is a remarkable turnaround of rising from down and out to heights of hope and faith, from saving himself from a life on the streets to helping others discover their inner beauty and strength.

It is also the story of how one woman’s refusal to turn her back on someone others advised her to ignore changed the lives of hundreds.

Mr Chappelle first met McDonald’s franchise owner Earla Bethel at the Oakes Field store where the parking lot that he called home was.

“When the rain came, it drenched him. When the sun shone, it dried him,” said Mrs Bethel. “He was living on the streets, but from the first time that my daughter met him and told me how he held the car door open for her and told her then boyfriend that a gentleman always opens the door for a lady, I knew there was something different about this human being. Disenfranchised, yes.

But there was something so compelling … I could not put my hand on it at the time. What immediately came to mind was “But for the Grace of God go I”.

ANDRE CHAPPELLE Mrs Bethel insisted that restaurant staff feed Mr Chappelle. The employees were not thrilled at the idea of encouraging him to stick around. He was dirty and smelly. He might discourage customers, they said, in spite of the fact that he always opened the door for clients with a smile.

However, their protestations were overruled. Feed him whenever he shows up, she said. And in time, Mr Chappelle took on a sense of proprietorship, naming himself CEO, monitoring and reporting if a manager left a light on overnight or a door needed to be repaired.

In exchange for information provided, he asked for money but she steadfastly refused, continuing to feed him instead, and after his mother passed away, providing him with changes of clothing.

“McDonald’s only closes one day a year - Christmas,” said Mrs Bethel. “I do not know how he found out where I live, but the week before Christmas Day 2009,

he showed up at my front door.” The housekeeper was horrified at the wreck of a human who stood there claiming he was a friend of Mrs Bethel’s. Before she could shut the door in his face, Mrs Bethel heard the voices, came to the door, reassuring the housekeeper that this was a friend.

“He brought me a Christmas gift, a large beautiful bromeliad he had found ‘In Da Bush’. It still blooms every holiday season,” said Mrs Bethel.

According to Mr Chappelle, it was that very Christmas Day that he experienced an epiphany in his McDonald’s parking lot. Realising that Christmas was all about family, he recognised how lonely he was and understood that if he did not save himself soon, it would be too late.

He had spent 20 years on the streets, but his life as a self-sufficient Jack-of-AllTrades who called himself a poet, landscape artist, mechanic and comedian, was about to end. Within

days and with the help of Dianne Stewart, Gandhi Pinder and Mrs Bethel, he was on his way to Florida to be reunited with his sister, Coleen, and his niece.

The man who had lost both parents at a young age and lost track of his only immediate family, a sister living in the US, now had a purpose in life. He returned to his home country to help others who were going through what he had endured. He knew how they felt because he had been there. He knew how they spoke because he had uttered the same words, made the same excuses, blamed the same ‘others’. He could have stayed in the States, but felt compelled to return to the Bahamas to help others. As he put it, “There are millions of people of who had a past like me in the US. I felt I could have a greater impact in changing lives if I returned home.”

On January 19, 2010, six months after he had left for the US, Mr Chappelle was back in Nassau, moving by faith, with no place to stay.

He asked Mrs Bethel if he could stay with her until Teen Challenge made the necessary arrangements to provide housing for him.

She welcomed him without hesitation, with the full support of her husband.

Mr Chappelle spent a year at Teen Challenge assisting Eric Fox as a mentor and counsellor for “At Risk Boys” at the Marshall Road Center. Mrs Bethel supported “Men of Faith” in bringing 40 boys from Governor’s Harbour High

School in Eleuthera so they could hear the counsellor’s accounts of recovery firsthand. Happily, these stories got most of those ‘at risk’ boys back on track.

Mr Chappelle was a resource unlike any the local community had ever had.

He had grown up behind the gates of exclusive Lyford Cay, had enjoyed a fine private school education, had been hooked on drugs and alcohol and when he could no longer afford to support his habit legally, resorted to whatever it took to get what he needed, but always stopped short of harming anyone. Someone once dubbed him the ‘Caucasian itinerant’.

But from the time he decided to become clean, he dedicated himself to helping others beat their demons just as he had beaten his. He headed programmes at Teen Challenge, was recruited by the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Ministry of Education to assist with conflict resolution and anger management sessions. Mr Chappelle also counselled individuals (including employees at McDonald’s) and led group sessions, including becoming the director of The Family: People Helping People, a clinic started

by Dr David Allen on Blue Hill Road for those who could not afford his private practice services.

Mr Chappelle was the creator and promotor of a prisoners’ art show that won rave reviews, a project he said uncovered incredible talent behind bars that

GOVERNOR General Dame Marguerite tours the Child and Adolescent Robert Smith Complex at Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre yesterday.

would give those serving time a purpose just as he had found his purpose. He is also the spokesperson for the anti-drug campaign run by the Ministry of National Security’s National Drug Secretariat.

Mr Chappelle and his soulmate and life partner, Kim, were married by Rev Bryn MacPhail, pastor of St Andrew’s Presbyterian Kirk.

But now, Mr Chappelle’s time to fulfil his purpose is being cut short. He has been diagnosed with terminal colon cancer and while he is fighting for his life, his medical bills are mounting and his wife is struggling to keep the care going.

Once again, McDonald’s is stepping up. Throughout December, hostesses will wander through the restaurants literally offering customers a “hand”, a paper representation of the help they are providing to meet the growing medical expenses. Customers can donate any amount and McDonald’s will match whatever is raised by December 31. No purchase is required.

“To know Andre is to know that there is a God,” said Mrs Bethel. “He has restored the faith of so many.

It is a tragedy that he is the one suffering now, but his life has had meaning and purpose and in the end that is all any of us wants. I just hope that thousands will visit McDonald’s to show their gratitude by “Giving a Hand” to this phenomenally, extraordinary man who has positively impacted the lives of thousands in our country.”

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

GOVERNOR GENERAL IN ANNUAL VISIT TO SANDILANDS

GOVERNOR General Dame Marguerite Pindling speaking during her annual visit to the Sandilands Rehabiliation Centre.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, December 8, 2016, PAGE 17

DANIEL Ash on the ‘bugs’.

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A SPECTACULAR Wahoo snapped by Salty Sportsman.

THE Wahoo season is in full swing across The Bahamas, with great catches in Bimini, Grand Bahama and Abaco this week and the fish providing a great spectacle.

Keep checking the Bahamas Sport Fishing Network (BSFN) expert page for fishing reports throughout The Bahamas: this will be helpful in tracking the “hot spots” and providing advice on

gear and fishing methods being used.

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

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

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