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Minnis: Party did not deserve actions of rebels

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis said during a rally last night that the party’s council has rescinded Loretta Butler-Turner’s nomination in the Long Island constituency.

One of his final messages to the crowd of several hundred gathered at FNM headquarters, his announcement, for many in attendance, climaxed an event that was transformed from a typical candidate ratification into a loud, defiant show of strength amid unprecedented crisis for his party.

The late Ray Charles’ “Hit the Road Jack� blared from speakers following his announcement. “Yes, yes!� some shouted.

Others waved pom-poms. “You did not deserve what those seven MPs did to us,� Dr Minnis said, referring to last week’s decision by his colleagues to

ADRIAN GIBSON: WHY I WILL ACCEPT OFFER TO RUN IN LONG ISLAND

THE lifeless body of a 57-year-old woman was found hanging from a cord in her home yesterday in what police suspect was an act of suicide.

Family members who lived with the woman found her hanging inside her bathroom.

SEE PAGE TEN

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net  THE Christie administration has already paid $11m to CLICO (Bahamas) policyholders and intends to hand out an additional $38m in bonds, State Finance Minister Michael Halkitis told Parliament yesterday.

He said payouts were ongoing to around 300 people who did not receive money during the initial disbursement phase from March 1 to June 30 this year.

During this time, Bahamians who made claims received around 3,389 cheques, Mr Halkitis said.

The government, he said during an update in the House of Assembly, expects to make the final set of payouts in January.

SEE PAGE SIX

- SEE PAGES 8-9

oust him as leader of the Official Opposition. “You did not deserve it.�

In interviews with The Tribune, FNM supporters said the “rebel seven� acted as they did because they were motivated by greed.

Dr Minnis’ criticism of them, accordingly, received the greatest reception from the crowd. “Didn’t we all endure their public criticism?� he asked. “It seems like almost every week we were being publicly attacked by one of our own.

SEE PAGE THREE

served� support and confidence in his leadership, Mr Moultrie lambasted Long Island MP Loretta ButlerTurner working with the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) and branded Branville McCartney, the DNA’s leader, as being blinded by his “lust for power�.

SEE PAGE THREE

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

FINAL CLICO PAYMENTS EXPECTED IN JANUARY

SUCCESS OF NHI ‘DEPENDS ON SUPPORT OF DOCTORS’

MOULTRIE DEFENDS MINNIS AGAINST ‘SPITEFUL’ SEVEN HALSON Moultrie, the Free National Movement’s candidate for Nassau Village in the general election, has defended beleaguered party Leader Dr Hubert Minnis and blasted the machinations of the seven “rebel� MPs for their “insane� and “spiteful� actions.

In assuring Dr Minnis of his constituency’s “unre-

WOMAN, 57, FOUND DEAD IN SUSPECTED SUICIDE

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

DR HUBERT MINNIS, leader of the FNM, pictured speaking at last night’s rally and ratification event.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

FITZGERALD ‘DISAPPOINTED’ BY PUBLIC INPUT AS FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT TABLED

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net  EDUCATION Minister Jerome Fitzgerald yesterday tabled the long-awaited Freedom of Information Bill after numerous delays and just five months ahead of the next election as he expressed “disappointment� in the lack of public involvement in drafting this legislation.

Mr Fitzgerald deemed the tabling of the bill “historic� while pointing to the nearly three-year-long process it took to bring it to the House of Assembly. However, this is not the first time such legislation was brought to Parliament. The previous Ingraham administration passed a Freedom of Information Act shortly before the 2012 general election, however there was no date for enactment.

When the Christie administration assumed office, officials said the legislation needed to be overhauled.

The bill will grant the public the right of access to records held by public authorities, subject to exemptions, which balance to the right of access against the non-disclosure of government or commercial SEE PAGE SIX

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

THE launch of the second phase of National Health Insurance, public enrolment, hinges on the “success� of physician registration in January, according to NHI Secretariat Permanent Secretary Peter Deveaux-Isaacs.

However, NHI officials were reluctant to quantify that “success� by revealing the minimum number of primary care providers the scheme will need before it can move to the next phase.

The registration of primary care physicians in January is a critical milestone in the NHI timeline, which has missed several targets despite reassurances from health officials that the scheme is on track to begin roll out of primary healthcare in early 2017.

SEE PAGE SIX

PAGE 2, Thursday, December 15, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

RED DRESS

SOIREE

IN TOMORROW’S WEEKEND SECTION

PLUS Full jury lists in tomorrow’s Tribune

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, December 15, 2016, PAGE 3

Loretta candidacy rescinded

by FNM from page one “FNMs, didn’t we have a convention in November 2014? Didn’t we have a convention in July 2016? The convention elected its leader and I offered my hands out to all who opposed us.”

Dr Minnis said he extended an olive branch to those who opposed his leadership, a claim likely to be disputed by several “rebel” MPs who may feel that they were denied nominations because of their support of Mrs Butler-Turner.

“The FNM has a leader,” he said. “My name, my name is Hubert Alexander

LORETTA BUTLER-TURNER, leader of Opposition in the House of Assembly, speaking yesterday.

Minnis.”

“FNMs, we can’t afford

to be distracted. We have a country to rescue. The PLP hit the Bahamas like Hurricane Matthew did, hard and merciless and the damage is growing day after day.”

Dr Minnis asked: “Do you think we have time to be fooling around with those outgoing MPs when our people are dying on the streets, losing jobs, losing their homes, unable to pay their light bills, unable to send their children to schools, unable to receive proper medical care?”

Iram Lewis was also ratified last night as the FNM’s candidate for Central Grand Bahama.

Mr Lewis is the head of

A HUG from a supporter for Dr Hubert Minnis last night as the FNM held a rally and ratification event at their headquarters on Mackey Street.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/ Tribune Staff the Grand Bahama Amateur Athletic Association.

Among others, former Senator Dr Duane Sands spoke during the rally amid interest in where his loyalties lay, either with his former running-mate, Mrs Butler-Turner, or with Dr Minnis.

“I support the leader of the party,” he said during his speech.

PART of the crowd at the FNM rally at their headquarters on Mackey Street last night.

MOULTRIE DEFENDS MINNIS AGAINST ‘SPITEFUL’ SEVEN from page one

In a strongly-worded statement on Tuesday night, Mr Moultrie likened the manoeuvring of Mrs ButlerTurner and Mr McCartney to that of “Sampson and Delilah’s unholy alliance”.

“I unreservedly support Dr Minnis and his team and accordingly denounce the December 7, 2016 insane and spiteful action of the seven recalcitrant members of Parliament and their continued disingenuous behaviour of purporting to be acting on behalf of the FNM without the leader’s knowledge and/or consent and without the sanction of any of the organs of the FNM party,” Mr Moultrie said.

“Their most recent action of threatening to join or to work with the Democratic National Alliance is yet another insane transparent attempt to stave off the wrath of the party’s constitution.

The insidious nature of this delusion reminds me of the Sampson and Delilah’s unholy alliance.

“Like Sampson and Delilah, the unnamed group and DNA’s union appears to be a union doomed for failure and marked from the beginning for the downfall of the group and eventual demise of the DNA which is now forced to align with persons like Edison Key and Dr Andre Rollins whom they have called unstable. History is likely to look at this infatuation for power and consider both ‘leaders’ gul-

lible; stupid even.

“Similar to Sampson’s lust for Delilah, Bran’s lust for power has blinded him to Loretta’s (untruths) and her true cunning and calculating nature in offering the Senate appointment.”

On Monday, Mrs ButlerTurner announced that she had appointed the DNA leader to the Senate, giving him the post of leader of opposition business in the Upper Chamber. However, he has stressed that the DNA has not disbanded or formed a coalition with the FNM. Mrs Butler-Turner was appointed to the post of Official Opposition leader on Sunday, days after she and six FNM MPs wrote a letter of no confidence in Dr Minnis to Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling.

They asked Dame Marguerite to invoke Article 82 of the Constitution, and strip Dr Minnis of his post.

In his statement, Mr Moultrie said Mrs ButlerTurner “has made Bran second fiddle in the eyes of his own party supporters and has set the stage for a witchlike hostile takeover of the DNA.” “In addition, unknowingly, the DNA’s leader has been gagged by the rebellious, recalcitrant seven’s insidiously deceitful claim

of being FNM,” he continued. “The arrangement which they deem historic has effectively silenced the DNA with respect to their previous utterances and charges levied at the FNM. “We wish to remind the representative of the Queen in Parliament for opposition politics that whenever she speaks about the failure of the opposition to look around and note that she took seventy per cent of that failure with her.

And that if they are able to mount any kind of show as the Official Opposition it will only confirm the hypocrisy of their four and a half years of undermining

Dr Minnis, the duly elected leader of the Free National Movement, for selfish gain to the detriment of beloved Bahamaland.

“The blessing of the recalcitrant seven’s departure is that the curse of uncertainty and disbelief of unity has now shifted from the FNM to the DNA and to this ‘historic’ arrangement where the devil remains in the details and end game.”

Last week, Dr Minnis called on the seven MPs to resign or face disciplinary action. The MPs have refused to resign and now face hearings before a tribunal that can see them expelled, fined or suspended.

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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-

Published daily Monday to Friday

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Democrats warn Trump hotel could turn into big headache WASHINGTON (AP) — House Democrats warned on Wednesday that they’ll make Donald Trump’s splashy new Washington hotel a big headache if he doesn’t dump his ownership stake in it before taking office as the nation’s 45th president.

If he does so without divesting himself from his global business empire, the Trump International Hotel a few blocks from the White House could be the least of the new president’s political and legal aches and pains. Democrats, who will control none of the branches of federal government next year, signalled they’ll be ready to criticise Trump on ethics and potential conflicts when he takes office Jan 20.

Top Democrats on the House Oversight and Transportation committees said the General Services Administration, which holds the lease on the Trump International Hotel, told members of Congress Dec 8 that “Mr Trump must divest himself not only of managerial control, but of all ownership interest,” or breach the $180m contract, according to a letter they released.

The agency said in a statement that it “would be premature” for the GSA to decide before Trump takes office whether he is in danger of a contract breach. The agency’s statement did not address the hypothetical that Democrats said they posed in the Dec 8 briefing: whether, if nothing changes, Trump would violate the lease on the government-owned Old Post Office building that houses the hotel.

There was no immediate sign of change either on the hotel or an array of other potential conflicts Trump faces. He has refused to follow the precedents set by other incoming presidents to firmly separate from his private businesses. Trump has said he’ll step away from his businesses and turn over management to his adult children and executives — leaving open the prospect that he’ll retain his ownership stake.

That hands Democrats a quiver of potential weapons to use against the incoming president.

Trump’s team has told reporters that he’ll discuss the issue of any potential conflicts at a news conference next month.

The Trump Organization has interests in about 500 companies around the world, though many appear to be companies set up for legal and tax purposes with little business operations.

On Wednesday, Democrats left no doubt they are readying for battle, and the Trump hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue seems to be an early target.

At issue are 43 words of the lease’s clause 37.19 on page 103, which has been interpreted by some experts on government contracting law — and Trump critics — to force the president-elect to unload his equity stake in the hotel near the White House. The document’s key part: No “elected official of the government of the United States” shall be “admitted to any share or part of this lease”.

The Democrats said they specifically asked a GSA official Dec. 8 whether Trump would breach the contract if he takes office and nothing changes — and they heard the agency official confirm that hypothetical. The lawmakers added that the president-elect’s daughter Ivanka is the chief contact for the agency — an “obvious” conflict, they wrote to GSA Administrator Denise Turner Roth.

The hotel has been a focus of criticism

by government ethics experts. In addition to any breach of the lease, they worry that foreign governments will try to curry favour with the president-elect by booking rooms for their officials and hosting events there.

The Trump Organization won the right to lease the Old Post Office building on Pennsylvania Avenue in 2012, beating out several groups. Trump and the GSA took more than a year to hammer out a 60-year lease for its use.

Ontario looks to target highbilling doctors with new budget TORONTO - Ontario’s lengthy dispute with its doctors escalated Wednesday as the province’s medical association dismissed as “unreasonable” a government proposal that would see fee cuts for high-billing specialists and more money for family physicians.

The proposed plan is the latest attempt by the Liberal government to work toward a physician services agreement with doctors, who voted overwhelmingly earlier this year to reject a tentative agreement.

Under the plan the government handed the Ontario Medical Association on Wednesday, the approximately 500 doctors who bill over $1m would see fee cuts, while those savings would go toward an increase for family physicians.

The government is also proposing to fully review all 7,000 fee codes, as technological advances have made some procedures and tests easier and less time consuming.

OMA president Dr. Virginia Walley said the latest government proposal is a rehash of the tentative agreement that physicians roundly rejected in the summer.

“In response to this absolutely unreasonable and absolutely unfair unilateral action by the government this morning, all options are on the table for physicians in the province.”

Walley said doctors are not ruling out any “options” at this point, including some sort of withdrawal of services.

Doctors have said they won’t return to negotiations unless the government puts binding arbitration in place. Health Minister Eric Hoskins said he’s willing to discuss it, but won’t accept it as a precondition for negotiations.

The OMA had asked for time to sort out internal issues after the tentative deal was rejected — many doctors expressed shock when that deal was reached, unaware talks had even been happening due to an OMA-prompted non-disclosure agreement. Four months have now passed with the government waiting for the OMA to signal it would resume negotiations, Hoskins said.

The relationship between doctors and the government has been acrimonious since the province last year imposed some fee cuts, prompting the doctors to waged a social media and advertising campaign against the government.

Hoskins said he is optimistic the doctors will accept the new proposal and that it could form the basis for a new physician services agreement, but when asked if he is willing to impose such conditions on the doctors, he said, “I owe it to Ontarians to move forward to make these important investments.”

By Allison Jones, The Canadian Press

Flawed survey EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE FNM - Wilson Perkins Allen Opinion Poll taken between November 29th and December 5th.

The bombshell was announced in the House of Assembly on Wednesday, December 7th... two days after the poll was taken.

Results thereof have zero affect on the position in the country as of Wednes-

day, December 7th, 2016.

400 sample - too small that is only 10 calls per constituency.

Were the calls all to fixed line telephone numbers?

80% of telephone traffic today in the Bahamas is over cellular.... another strike against the validity of the poll.

The poll admits the poll was completed by ‘livetelephone’ (not cellular

phone) utilising random dialing.

Surely with random dialing, there is zero guarantee you will speak to each of the 38 Constituencies ... this is totally flawed, Editor.

Mr Minnis just wasted another bunch of his money!

S HUTCHINSON Nassau, December 14, 2016.

House of Cards EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE cobbling together of aspects of the political divide to create a monstrosity to take out Dr Hubert A Minnis (FNM-Killarney) and to emasculate the now tattered Free National Movement is nothing short of a spectacle and display of rank ambition.

The so-called paper leaders of this creature which appears to have no father reminds me of the lead character in a horror movie called: Damien.

The construction of a house of cards is now underway.

The FNM, if Minnis is to save face must do one of three things; come to an accommodation with the political Cinderella (Loretta) and her six and a half dwarfs (that crew of hormone free appendages); be ejected from the ranks of the FNM (which is firmly under the control of Minnis) or to continue down the low road by gutting the FNM with the complicity of that organisation of boys in short pants and the girls in crinoline skirts.

There are no other options, in my view.

How will all of this play out? Minnis may as well kiss those defecting MPs goodbye and seek to move on with a rump party. The FNM is on the ropes but it is thought to command 45 per cent of the electorate as core supporters. It is opined that the PLP commands a similar percentage. It is that 10 per cent of the undecided that will factor in the 2017 general elections. Those elections are the PLP’s to lose. We will, however, not lose or concede any ground or constituency. We must cultivate the undecided.

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net The Mortician has taken out the Doctor and placed him on life support, if she is not already embalming or cremating him, without the benefit of last rites. The Bahamas needs someone to remain at the helm of state in the form of the Rt Hon Perry Gladstone Christie (PLP-Centreville). We need a firm hand at the tiller and reasonably sensible leaders to guide us through the threatening waters of 2017 and beyond.

The House of Cards which Loretta and crew have cobbled together will not last into the first quarter of the New Year. The dimpled perpetual leader of the delusional organisation, has long said to me, personally, Ortland: ‘You are looking at the next Prime Minister’.

This was way back in 2012.

I burst out laughing over his utterly naïve and self serving tirade. He, like Loretta, is consumed by a sense of entitlement, despite the fact that they really bring nothing new to the table.

Ingraham knows the dimpled one well and had no hesitation in accepting his resignation as Minister of State for Immigration. Loretta did very little with her cabinet portfolio except to strut around as if she had been anointed mistress of all that she surveyed. Minnis was right there too, creased up and eating his share of lamb chops and steamed conch.

The task of the PLP as we prepare to leap into 2017 is clear cut. We must move swiftly and with total sincerity to rekindle the “Bahamian Contract” with the

unwashed masses. Our core supporters make up the bulk of the constituencies here in our wonderful nation. The Exumas; Cat Island; Eleuthera and at least two of the Grand Bahama constituencies will fall into place with the Nassauvians to ensure that the PLP is returned to power with a minimum of 25 seats. The FNM will win at least eight of the rest while Loretta and crew would be lucky, in the extreme, if they got two of the reminder.

There are no other credible opposition candidates, with the exception of Stephen Greenslade. He is a personal friend and a man whom I greatly admire and respect. I was able to broker conversations between him and the DPM, with a view to his aligning himself with the PLP but that was not to be. He will now, alas, be led like the proverbial lamb, to the slaughter. The House of Cards will crumble under its own weight.

The PLP knows what it has to do but its message is badly communicated, save and except through people and organisations like me.

The greatest news that we have had in months was not given the prominence that it deserves.

The House of Cards is incapable of offering our people a serious alternative to the PLP. We welcome a flip-flopper like Loretta to lead the opposition and hidden forces in 2017, if she is able to successfully fend off the ravenous political ogre and boys in short pants and girls in crinoline skirts. To God then, in all things, be the glory.

ORTLAND H BODIE Jr Nassau, December 14, 2016.

The ‘Dissident Seven’ EDITOR, The Tribune.

I AM an FNM supporter and I have been since the late Sir Cecil Wallace Whitfield’s “Free at Last” speech at Convention in the early 1970s. I have followed with interest the actions of the “Dissident Seven” FNMs in wresting Leadership of the Opposition in the House of Assembly from Dr Hubert Minnis, Leader of the Free National Movement, and I make the following observations: Immediately following their action, Dr Minnis as Leader of the FNM, re-

quested the “Dissident Seven” to resign from the party.

They exercised their right not to resign, and stated that they will remain FNM. However, notwithstanding the constitutionality of their action in the Lower House, by proceeding to appoint the leader of the DNA to the Senate in his capacity as such leader and as Leader of the Opposition’s business in the Upper House, the “Dissident Seven” have thereby purported to take the FNM into a de facto coalition with the DNA without the requisite sanction of the Council-

lor Convention of the FNM. Whatever the merits or demerits of their actions hitherto, the “Dissident Seven’s” subsequent and illegal Coalition with the DNA amounts in itself to a treason against the FNM. Not only are they now subject to disciplinary action, they merit immediate expulsion, and the party must act. As my late mother would have said, they have committed “self-suicide”.

CEDRIC L PARKER Nassau, December 14, 2016.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, December 15, 2016, PAGE 5

SOME of the Cuban migrants detained near the Cay Sal Bank in The Bahamas.

28 CUBAN MIGRANTS INTERCEPTED BY US COAST GUARD

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE United States Coast Guard intercepted three

separate groups of Cuban migrants near the Cay Sal Bank in The Bahamas, a Bahamian immigration official reported.

The migrants – 27 men

and one woman – were brought to Grand Bahama and turned over to Bahamian authorities at Freeport Harbour.

Immigration officer

Napthali Cooper reported that the migrants were trying to reach Florida and had left Cuba a week ago.

They were taken into custody by Department of

Immigration officers and transported to immigration headquarters, where they were examined by the Disease Surveillance team at the Public Hospitals Au-

thority.

The migrants were flown to Nassau on Wednesday and will be detained at the Detention Centre to await repatriation to Cuba.

Boundaries Commission to work over Christmas to finish report

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

HOUSE Speaker Dr Kendal Major, who is chairman of the Constituencies Commission, yesterday admitted that the commission has not completed its work and would, if needed, labour over the Christmas recess to finish its report.

He said it is the group’s intention to table and debate its report at the first sitting of Parliament in January 2017.

Dr Major said it was also his hope that newly appointed committee member St Anne’s MP Hubert Chipman would use the holiday break to bring himself up to speed on the work done so far. The House of Assembly has adjourned to Monday, January 9, 2017.

Mr Chipman replaced East Grand Bahama MP

Peter Turnquest on the committee after Long Island MP Loretta ButlerTurner was voted as the new leader of the Official Opposition in Parliament after she and six Free National Movement MPs submitted a letter of no confidence in Killarney MP Dr Hubert Minnis to lead them in the House.

Earlier this week, The Tribune reported that the commission intends to create a new constituency in New Providence.

It is understood that portions of Englerston, Centreville, Bain and Grants Town and Fort Charlotte will be redrawn to reconstitute St Cecelia.

This constituency was eliminated before the last general election and divided among Bain Town, Englerston and Centreville.

Nearly two weeks ago, Mr Turnquest told The

Tribune the Constituencies Commission missed its selfimposed deadline to submit recommendations for boundary changes. At the time, he speculated that the report would not come until next year.

The MP speculated that the deadline had been missed because the governing side was still mulling over additional constituencies in a bid to bolster support in tough areas.

He maintained that there was not enough information to make a scientific decision on any boundary changes due to low voter registration.

The commission used data from the 2010 census that had been extrapolated in a 2016 report prepared by the Department of Statistics, to guide recommendations.

The report, prepared by the Census Section, project-

ed a population increase of 6.9 per cent on New Providence.

The Constituencies Commission is comprised of Dr Major; Senior Justice Stephen Isaacs, vice-chair; government members, Deputy Prime Minister Philip Davis and Jerome Fitzgerald; Mr Chipman; and House clerks Maurice

Tynes and David Forbes.

Former Progressive Liberal Party Cabinet minister George Smith had called for the creation of additional seats in the Family Islands, specifically splitting the Exuma and Ragged Island constituency into two seats.

Mr Smith, who represented Exuma during the Pindling era, had also

asked Prime Minister Perry Christie to select him as the PLP’s candidate for a second Exuma seat.

PAGE 6, Thursday, December 15, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

Success of NHI ‘depends on support of doctors’ from page one

NHI Project Manager Dr Delon Brennen said: “We know that there has to be a critical mass of providers available for us to be able to deliver services, what we look at now is to really try as much as possible to include all primary care providers into that number.

“I can’t say that there is a specific number, there is going to be a minimum for us to be able to approach the amount of beneficiaries who sign up so we know that we do need to have a minimum, but we’re not looking to just have that minimum number.

“I think we want to make sure that we have all of our primary care providers who desire to be a part of National Health Insurance to be a part of it. So we wouldn’t say there’s a cut off of 250 providers, 300 providers.”

While primary healthcare provider registration begins in January, consultations will start with nonphysician providers on proposed fee-for-service rates, with a view to begin registration in February.

Talks with medical providers concerning compensation and the primary healthcare benefits package last week yielded positive

results, he said, as 70 per cent of attendants at the four meetings held in New Providence, Grand Bahama and Abaco, that participated in an exit survey, indicated their willingness to sign up as NHI providers.

There are three reimbursement options: feefor-service, where services will be reimbursed using a simplified fee schedule; capitation model, which provides reimbursement for each individual who signs up for care with a physician; and maternity care or infant care bundles, where reimbursement will be given for a package of pre-determined essential services for pregnant women and infants up to two years old. The third option is also available to physicians who are on the other models. The capitation payment model is the preferred option as the scheme seeks to incentivise the move to a valuebased payment model, a leading practice. The capitation rate for each patient will differ based on age, gender and location, and these rates will include a 25 per cent premium over the fee-for-service model.

Dr Brennen told The Tribune that approximately 40 physicians attended those meetings.

His account differed

from feedback given by physicians to Tribune Business, which reported that doctors have slammed what will constitute a 70 per cent “across-the-board” fee reduction that will be imposed upon them by the proposed NHI scheme, and warned they will not sign up for “something that will fail.”

Numerous physicians, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Tribune Business that the capitation fee structure unveiled by the NHI Secretariat last week would leave many struggling to cover their overhead expenses.

The doctors accused the government, its NHI Secretariat and consultants, the KPMG accounting firm, of trying to design a scheme to fit the $100 million budget.

Speaking generally to opposition from the medical community, Dr Brennen yesterday said: “In our exit surveys, 70 per cent of them had responded to say that not only are they accepting of the fee structure, but they are willing to sign up and be a part of the National Health Insurance Bahamas as we launch and go forward.

“Unfortunately what I think happens when people hear about it on a second hand or third hand basis, it

doesn’t come with the type of information that’s required for real understanding.

“I think we have the ability when we actually meet with people to give them a truer understanding of what it is so when the people actually sit with us or in meetings where they can ask individual questions it provides them a much better or a greater understanding of the information related to NHI.” Dr Brennen said that the NHI Secretariat has held discussions with approximately 100 primary care physicians so far, and encouraged providers to come in or request an information session.

Another source told Tribune Business, given the Bahamas’ population, and the fact that NHI wants physicians to take 2,000 patients each, that around 190 private sector doctors would need to participate - a number that simply did not exist.

Dr Brennen said that there were more than 1,100 physicians in the Bahamas, but noted that not all of them were primary care providers.

When pressed again for an estimation on the minimum number of providers needed, Dr Brennen said: “I don’t think there is a

defined number minimum, because what you will have is, as you have patients or beneficiaries who continue to enrol in the process, obviously you will need more and more providers at that point.

He said: “So it really does depend on how many beneficiaries you have enrolled as to how many providers you would need to have to accommodate that number, so there is no defined number beforehand it really depends on how many patients or beneficiaries you have enrolled in the programme.”

Dr Brennen forecast that greater collaboration from physicians will engender a more positive outlook of what the scheme is and what it will become as the country’s healthcare needs and situation evolves.

Smart card At a press conference yesterday, the NHI Secretariat launched its “NHI Ready” campaign that will target the remaining 100,000 Bahamians who do not have a NIB smart card, and as such, will be unable to enrol for NHI. More than 240,000 have obtained an NIB smart card, Mr Deveaux-Isaacs said as he reiterated the scheme’s mandate to close the gap for more than

200,000 Bahamians who do not have access to healthcare.

The Secretariat has maintained that once the registration process for physicians is “well underway”, phase two or public enrolment to the scheme will begin. Primary care services, phase three, was said to follow “closely thereafter”; however, no deadlines or dated schedule were given for the implementation track in 2017.

Under the original target schedule for NHI that was released in August, the preferred proposed bidder to manage NHI’s public insurer was supposed to be selected on October 28 while negotiations with the bidder was supposed to be completed by November 25.

Mr Deveaux-Isaacs confirmed yesterday that the selection committee will make its recommendation to Cabinet before the end of the year.

He also gave an end-ofyear target for completing regulations for NHI, a process that was expected to be completed earlier this summer.

Noting that NHI legislation called for the appointment of a minister and board, Mr Deveaux-Isaacs said those appointments will be released in the next few days.

FITZGERALD ‘DISAPPOINTED’ BY PUBLIC INPUT AS FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT TABLED from page one

information where non disclosure is in the public interest. It aims to create transparency and accountability at the government level.

He did not say when debate is expected to begin on the legislation.

“Mr Speaker, I must express my disappointment and the disappointment of the committee with the lack of public involvement,” the minister said.

“Mr Speaker, one would have thought that given the importance of this bill and the noise that we continue to hear in the market regarding the Freedom of Information Bill that these meetings would have been oversubscribed and we would have had far more persons attending town hall meetings or even sending in

recommendations and comments.

“Sadly, that was not the case. Scores of Bahamians may have missed an opportunity to be actively involved in the framing of this bill that will undoubtedly be of historic proportion.

“Mr Speaker notwithstanding the low engagement of the public there were substantial recommendations and all of those recommendations were considered.”

The bill does not apply to the judicial functions of a court or the holder of judicial office, the Royal Bahamas Police Force or Defence Force, the Department of Customs and Immigration or the Financial Intelligence Unit relating to their strategies or operational intelligence gathering activities.

It also makes provisions for a person who wishes to obtain information to make an application to the public authority that holds the record. This authority is required to respond to an application no later than 30 days after the date of receipt of the application.

Documents that if made public would result in the destruction, damage or interference with the conservation of historical, archaeological or anthropological resources or any species of plant or animal life that is endangered or threatened are also exempt among other categories of records.

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

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

JEROME FITZGERALD, Minister of Education, Science and Technology, pictured speaking in the House of Assembly yesterday.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

FINAL CLICO PAYMENTS EXPECTED IN JANUARY from page one

“Mr Speaker as you know, the government made a commitment to resolve this matter and the first payout of the policies during the period of March 1, 2016 to June 30, 2016, approximately 3,389 cheques totalling just over $11m were issued,” Mr Halkitis said during the second reading and committal of an amendment to

the Insurance Act to facilitate the National Health Insurance plan.

“These payouts were for policy holders of record as of February 29, 2016 who had surrendered policies claims and annuities.

“Policy payout, Mr Speaker you would recall for each policy holder, was a maximum of $10,000 per policy holder and many, Mr Speaker, were less than $5,000.”

He continued: “There were some individuals, for several reasons, who were not included in that first payout. As far as I know approximately 300 of them.

“For example, they may have been left out because they did not provide the necessary information at the time to enable them to be paid out. That payout is ongoing as we speak.

“The final payout, we expect to take place in January

2017 subject to the approval of the Insurance Commission and we expect that final payout to be in the region of approximately $38m. We had anticipated it early, but as it were with many things a slight delay was caused by Hurricane Matthew. This amount will be dispersed by government bond to policy holders and not cash.”

Mr Halkitis said liquidator Leno Corporate Services and other professionals

are completing a business plan and funding structure for a new insurance company named Coral Insurance.

It will not take on new policies, but only handle active CLICO policies.

“Mr Speaker, we at the Ministry of Finance are currently evaluating proposals received from entities that have expressed interest in managing the insurance portfolio of Coral. Once selected, the manager and new board of directors have been selected along with the business plan that is being presented to the Insurance Commission for approval.

We expect that to be complete by January so the payouts can be made. Of course it’s a very detailed process.”

Standing on a point of clarification following Mr Halkitis’ communication, Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner questioned whether the policyholders would receive bonds or cash. She argued that the Christie administration promised money and not bonds as reimbursement.

She also questioned whether Coral Insurance was a special purpose vehicle (SPV).

However, Mr Halkitis maintained that the government had always promised bonds to those who were owed more than $20,000, adding that plans were underway for the bonds to be converted to “liquid cash”.

He went on to insist that Coral was in no way an SPV.

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THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, December 15, 2016, PAGE 7

DELAY IN INTENTIONAL LIBEL TRIAL

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

THE start of the trial of a lawyer accused of defaming two of the most senior ranked officers of the Royal Bahamas Police Force was delayed yesterday due to apparent confusion concerning whether the Office of the Attorney General has carriage of the matter.

Maria Daxon, a former police constable and vocal defender for the rights of police officers, appeared before Magistrate Andrew Forbes for the expected start of her summary trial concerning two counts of intentional libel concerning alleged statements written about Commissioner of Po-

lice Ellison Greenslade and Assistant Commissioner of Police Leon Bethell.

It is alleged that she, between August 26 and August 30, wrote defamatory statements about Commissioner Greenslade and ACP Bethell, which were likely “to injure and expose” the officers to “general hatred, contempt or ridicule.

In her initial arraignment in September, Daxon elected to have the matter heard in Magistrate’s Court and pleaded not guilty to the allegations.

She was initially denied bail but a day later her lawyers, Glendon Rolle and Wilver Deleveaux, successfully applied for bail in the Supreme Court.

When the matter was called yesterday, no representatives

from the Office of the Attorney General were present.

Police prosecutor Ercell Dorsett said he understood that the file was in the possession of the Crown as he only had the docket concerning the charges. The police prosecutor said he understood that to mean that they would prosecute the matter.

However, Magistrate Forbes said he had no instructions or understanding of the same given that the accused had elected summary trial.

An adjournment was proposed for March 14, 2017.

Mr Deleveaux, held brief for lead lawyer Fred Smith, QC, said he would have to confirm with Mr Smith if that was a convenient date for trial.

MARIA Daxon outside court during a previous appearance.

45-year sentence for killing of girlfriend upheld by court

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net THE Court of Appeal has affirmed the conviction and 45-year sentence of a man who nearly beheaded his girlfriend, an action that he had attributed to being in a “trance”.

Gibson Rafael and his lawyer Roberto Reckley appeared before Justices Dame Anita Allen, Jon Isaacs and Roy Jones in January of this year concerning Rafael’s challenge to a jury’s guilty verdict for the July 27, 2012, murder of Kidley St Brave.

Mr Reckley had argued that the judge allowed the deceased’s brother, Kirby St Brave, to give prejudicial evidence when he described his sister’s and the appellant’s relationship as abusive.

The lawyer also submitted that the judge did not direct the jury on non-insane automatism, as he said he was in a trance.

However, in the 2-1 majority decision handed down on Tuesday, Dame Anita and Justice Isaacs dismissed both arguments.

“The inadmissible evidence complained of by counsel was articulated as evidence of ‘opinion, hearsay, irrelevant and prejudicial.’ The only item of evidence impugned under this head was that Kirby St Brave, when he said that the relationship between the appellant and the deceased was ‘abusive,’” Dame Anita said.

“In this regard, while it is a matter of opinion which the brother could not ordinarily give, that evidence adduced in the context of having taken his sister to the police station to make a complaint against the appellant which evidence was admissible. In any event, the nature of the appellant’s relationship with the deceased was the basis for his self-defence claim. In the circumstances, the view expressed by Kirby St Brave that the relationship was abusive was not hearsay in as much as it was evidence relating to the appellant’s state of mind and motive.

Nor was it, in my view, irrelevant and prejudicial to the appellant.”

On the latter argument, Dame Anita and Justice Isaacs said: “The defence of automatism must be raised in a way which makes it fit to be considered by the jury.”

“The crucial question in cases where automatism is raised is whether on the evidence as a whole, there is any evidence which would put in issue the defence of automatism which, if accepted as being true or possibly true, would have resulted in the defendant’s acquittal. In this case, neither the cross-examination of the prosecution witnesses nor the evidence of the appellant appeared to be directed at laying any foundation for the defence of automatism,” the pair of judges found.

They also stressed that there was “no medical evidence called to support the appellant’s contention that he was automatous at the time of the killing.”

Justice Jones, in his dissent, said the statement of Kirby St Brave regarding abuse and complaints by the deceased to the police “is irrelevant to the state of mind and/or motive of the appellant which is in fact an issue”.

“I disagree with the view that the appellant raised the issue of an abusive relationship as the basis for his self defence claim. From the evidence at trial, the appellant’s claim that he acted in self-defence only related to the day of the incident where, on his account, the deceased was in fact the aggressor. Consequently, any reference either by the appellant or by Christine Janvier about incidents of abuse by the appellant prior to the incident are not relevant to the appellant’s claim of self defence at trial and therefore cannot be subject to section 39(2)(b) of the Evidence Act.” On the second argument, Justice Jones said that although the appellant’s claim of “non-insane automatism was thin, his

claim in relation to selfdefence was supported by a serious injury to the neck which he says was caused by an attack coming from the deceased.”

“In the absence of impugned evidence, it cannot be said that the appellant’s defence must fail and that a properly directed jury would inevitably have convicted the appellant,” Justice Jones stressed.

During the trial, Rafael testified that he and St Brave had recently got back together after a breakup.

He said on the day in question, he picked her up from her Quarry Mission Road home and they had sex at his residence.

Raphael claimed that while in the bathroom, St Brave checked his phone and saw a text message from the mother of his son, which prompted her to attack him. He said when he slapped her back, she got a screwdriver and stabbed him before she went for a tile cutter.

He claimed a “trance”

occurred after he took the tile cutter from her and did not remember what happened after that.

He did not report the incident to police until hours

after her death.

A jury unanimously convicted Rafael of murder and he was subsequently sentenced to 45 years at the Department of Correction-

al Services, both of which were upheld in Tuesday’s ruling.

Linda Evans and Erica Duncombe appeared for the Crown in the appeal.

PAGE 8, Thursday, December 15, 2016

THE CROWD at the Free National Movement rally and ratification event last night at their headquarters on Mackey Street.

THE TRIBUNE

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

Why I’m proud to stand and serve Long Islanders and the FNM A Young Man’s View

By ADRIAN GIBSON

W

OW! It is amazing what a week makes in lo-

cal politics.

Last night, Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner had her nomination rescinded by the Free National Movement (FNM). The revocation of her nomination came in the wake of a coup d’état last week where she - along with Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins, Central and South Abaco MP Edison Key, North Eleuthera MP Theo Neilly, St Anne’s MP Hubert Chipman, Montagu MP Richard Lightbourn and Central Grand Bahama MP Neko Grant -deposed party leader Dr Hubert Minnis as Leader of the Opposition in the House of Assembly.

Frankly, many FNMs did not approve of that move.

Many throughout the length and breadth of the Bahamas railed against what appeared to be Mrs ButlerTurner’s hostile takeover.

After last week’s stunning overthrow of Dr Minnis, Mrs Butler-Turner was sworn in on Sunday as the new Leader of the Opposition in the House and immediately set tongues wagging with her first appointment to the Senate.

Firstly, whilst I respect that Mrs Butler-Turner has made history by becoming the first female Leader of the Opposition, one would be foolish to believe that she did not see the handwriting on the wall in her constituency, choosing instead to chase history in the face of

THE FREE National Movement held a rally and ratification yesterday at their headquarters on Mackey Street. Photos Shawn Hanna much disenchantment from Long Islanders.

Over the last four-and-ahalf years, there has been considerable controversy in the FNM, much of it due to an ongoing, never-ending spat between Mrs ButlerTurner and Dr Minnis. I have always held the view

TRAVIS ROBINSON, FNM Candidate for Bain and Grants Town, dancing with a supporter last night.

that Mrs Butler-Turner with Long Island and theirs sought to lead but did not has been with me. I am know how to follow. I felt pleased that Long Islanders that she never gave the doc- have put my name forward tor a chance, undermin- as constituency cancdiing him at every point and date and overwhelmingly deepening the schism in the thrown their support beparty. hind me. There is no place In the lead-up to the most like home and I am ready recent convention, Mrs But- to serve them; I am ready to ler-Turner’s ensure that comments our island ‘One would be were caustic attains it poand I won- foolish to believe tential. dered if the that Mrs ButlerI am biFNM would Turner did not see ased. I have recover. Notalways said the handwriting withstandthat Long ing that, on the wall in Island is the Mrs Butler- her constituency, best island Turner - in in The Bathe interest choosing instead hamas. It is of peace and to chase history in the gem of harmony - the face of much our archireceived the pelago. Long disenchantment nomination Island peofor Long Is- from Long Islanders.’ ple are the land.

That most hard peace and working and harmony was short lived. industrious folks in The BaToday, I affirm that the hamas. We have produced people of Long Island, my top-class students, business hometown, have been call- persons, educators, lawyers, ing … and I intend to an- doctors … the list goes on swer their call. and on.

Oh what a difference a Notwithstanding that, few months could make!

Long Island has seemingly My heart has always been been left behind in terms of

development.

We are in desperate need of a spanking new, international airport. We need running water to run throughout the island. Our economy is in the doldrums.

I know. As a businessman in Long Island, it is a struggle to keep my business afloat. It is time for Long Island to get its fair cut of The Bahamas’ economic pie.

Undoubtedly, I will delve deeper into the issues and solutions for Long Island in the very near future.

That said, as it stands, we have people in Long Island who are living in substandard housing. Hurricane Joaquin totally dismantled and/or damaged the homes of people like Edith Cartwright, Lorene Cartwright, Kathleen Cartwright, Steve Burrows, Drexel Turnquest and John Knowles, who have all lost their homes and they have received no assistance with repairs or reconstruction. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has forgotten these people and pulled out to address the concerns of other islands.

It is high time that Long

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THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, December 15, 2016, PAGE 9

FNM leader Dr Hubert Minnis speaking at last night’s rally and ratification event.

Island is no longer treated as the step-child of our archipelago. It is time that tax paying Long Islanders received the same respect and benefits like other taxpayers in The Bahamas.

What’s more, for more than a year, Long Islanders have been unable to have driver’s licences printed. They must either travel to Nassau for a printed licence or walk around with a piece of paper (receipt) in their wallets. This is disgraceful.

Long Islanders pay road taxes like everyone else ... DR Hubert Minnis with Iram Lewis, the FNM’s newly ratified canso why is there not a print- didate for Central Grand Bahama. ing machine at the office And so, a day in politics is been expressing their conin the south and one at the really like a century. cerns and desires. I have office in the north? This is It has always been my already indicated that I totally inexcusable! dream and desire to repre- would accept a nomination Yesterday, I was advised sent my home town. I grew to serve the people from that south up in Long whence I came. I have inLong Island- ‘It is high time that Island. My formed the FNM that, ers can hardgrandfather, if approved by its execuly register to Long Island is no Edward Gib- tive and general council, vote. I am longer treated as son, hails I would proudly carry the advised that the step-child of our from the party’s banner in Long Isthe water south.

My land. Our talks have been pump at the archipelago. It is grandmothproductive and fruitful. I time that tax paying er, Lenora believe that we can return administrator’s office Long Islanders Gibson, hails Long Island to the win colhas been out from the umn of the FNM. of operation received the same north. Half What’s more, this time for weeks. respect and benefits of my family around, I would encourage According to like other taxpayers lives in the all Long Islanders to unite. my sources, south. The Let’s continue to make this results in The Bahamas.’ other half Long Island great … let’s in the worklives in the take Long Island to higher ers having to north. heights and make our beaushut the ofI am truly tiful hometown the capital fice down at noon every day. honoured to have an op- of the southern Bahamas.

That is objectionable! portunity to serve requests Long Islanders residing These are small mat- of Long Islanders. There is in Long Island … I look ters that should be raised truly no place like home. forward to seeing you all and addressed. There is I have been in communi- tomorrow! no reason why these issues cation with the leadership should not be promptly ad- of the FNM. No doubt, Comments and responses dressed.

Long Islanders have also to ajbahama@hotmail.com

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LANISHA ROLLE, FNM candidate for Sea Breeze, at last night’s event.

PAGE 10, Thursday, December 15, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

No power rate increase for Grand Bahama customers

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

DESPITE some $27.5m in power restoration costs post Hurricane Matthew, Grand Bahama Port Authority Vice-Chairman Sarah St George announced that there will be no rate increase to consumers in Grand Bahama.

An application outlining a five-year plan to offset storm restoration costs through prudent cost management and fuel purchase was submitted by the Grand Bahama Power Company (GBPC) to the regulators, the GBPA Ltd. Ms St George said: “We have verified power restoration costs quantified at $27.5m comprising extensive labour and materials, which were required during the island-wide hurricane restoration exercise.

“As promised in our briefing of November 16, there will be no increase to customers’ rates for the next five years when compared with 2016. In addition, GBPC has also agreed to delay the previously approved Hurricane Self Insurance Fund until Hurricane Matthew costs are fully recouped. We wanted to announce this as soon as possible to reassure everyone of rate stability as we move towards the eve of 2017.”

Ms St George stated that during a meeting with SPEND LESS SLEEP WELL

GBPC executives Sarah MacDonald, director; Archie Collins, president and CEO; and Tony Lopez, CFO, she said that it was strongly expressed that hurricane restoration costs should not result in an increase in energy billing to customers.

Describing the hurricane as a “traumatic event” for Grand Bahama, she commended the power company for its handling of the power restoration on the island.

“The physical restoration was phenomenal in scope and pace, and it is a winwin situation for the island to go forward with no increase in rates over the next five years, and with an even better storm-proofed T&D system. As regulator, we understand the cost issues faced by the power company and the price issues faced by consumers without losing sight of the intrinsic value of a high quality electricity service. We are extremely pleased with this outcome, which is to everyone’s benefit and affords us a brighter future,” said Ms St George.

The GBPC recovery operation was completed in record time of six weeks, less than the estimated 60 weeks (15 months) without additional manpower.

Ms St George noted that the adverse economic impact resulting from a slow restoration - with its extended hardship and inevi-

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table loss of business, tourism, trade and jobs - would have implied costs many times higher for the Grand Bahama community as a whole and possibly proved irremediable, according to studies undertaken.

According to an assessment summary provided

by GBPC, there were 1,362 damaged transformers; 2,025 damaged poles; 1,150 damaged brackets; 6,000 damaged insulators; 3,090,000 feet of downed conductor wire; and 1,000 damaged arrestors.

Technical experts consisting of 200 additional linemen plus local linemen worked over 95,000 hours.

Other workers and 130 additional pieces of mobile equipment were brought in.

Ms St George said the hurricane stuck the island full force on October 6, destroying virtually the entire island’s electrical transmission and distribution (T&D) system.

“The restoration criteria were principally: to complete the unprecedented restoration safely; to execute the restoration in a manner which inspired confidence by the regulator, the government of The Bahamas, the residents of Grand Bahama, existing licensees, businesses and potential investors; and to restore electricity supply responsibly in a timeframe which would minimise the adverse economic impact of a protracted island-wide

SARAH St George power outage. Top priority went to energising the city water supply system to provide running water and emergency services.

In addition, high priority was given to restoring services for as many customers as possible in the shortest timeframe, continuity of industrial sector

operations and restoring tourism-related assets,” she explained.

“GBPA’s technical electricity regulation expert consultant from the US spent last week in meetings with GBPC’s financial team in Freeport,” she added, assuring that hurricane-related expenditure was exam-

ined in detail.

“We are fully satisfied that the relevant costs were properly and prudently incurred. Accordingly, these uninsurable costs have been approved by the GBPA and will be recovered over a five-year period commencing January 1, 2017,” she said.

WOMAN, 57, FOUND DEAD IN SUSPECTED SUICIDE from page one

Chief Superintendent Clayton Fernander said foul play is not believed to be a factor in the woman’s death.

Shortly after 3pm, police received a report of her death and went to her Sapodilla Boulevard, Pinewood Gardens home.

Police said an autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of her death.

If confirmed as suicide, it will be one of several such incidents to have taken place this year.

In September, a man in his mid- 6 0 s was found hanging by a rope tied to a tree off Shirley Street.

His body was found by his brother.

In August, another man, Delroy Anthony David Cartwright, was found dead in a similar manner by his niece.

He was found in the back of his Murphyville Road home, off Rosetta Street.

Mr Cartwright was believed to be in his early 70s.

In June, a 48-year-old father of three was also found hanging from the ceiling of a wooden shed attached to his Hillside Estates home.

The man’s wife said he was hanging from the rafters with an extension cord tied around his neck.

In all of these incidents, police have not suspected foul play.

DELAY IN CASE OF MAN ACCUSED OF FAKING LEGAL QUALIFICATIONS

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

PROCEEDINGS in the Magistrate’s Court against a man accused of misrepresenting his educational

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achievements for his bid to be called to the Bahamas Bar have been adjourned to April 2017 pending the outcome of an appeal.

Shavon Bethel had filed a constitutional motion in November 2015 before Justice Ian Winder in which his lawyer, Roberto Reckley, argued that any charges against Bethel were an abuse of process as they were already adjudicated during a judicial review before then Senior Justice Jon Isaacs in November 2013.

Bethel allegedly claimed to have been awarded an LLB law degree by the University of London.

The Bar Association would later obtain a letter from the University of London that asserted that a master’s of law and bachelor’s of law degree presented from that institution were forgeries, information that did not come to the attention of the Bahamas Bar until a month after the judge had made his order in 2013.

Justice Winder, accepted prosecutor Darnell Dorsette’s submissions in that constitutional motion that Justice Isaacs did not make a determination on those allegations during the judicial review proceedings.

Justice Winder also refused leave to appeal the matter to the Court of Appeal.

The matter is now live before the appellate court where a hearing is set for January 12, 2017 where a recusal application is also expected to be made asking appellate judge Jon Isaacs to remove himself from the hearing of the matter.

In Magistrate’s Court yesterday, Magistrate Andrew Forbes was advised by Mr Reckley that the matter is continuing in the higher courts and the matter was further adjourned to April 5, 2017.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, December 15, 2016, PAGE 11

STUDENTS HAVE DESIGNS ON BAHAMIAN PAVILLION FOR DUBAI’S EXPO 2020

By AZALETA ISHMAEL-NEWRY TALENTED Bahamian students are participating in a design challenge for the Bahamian Pavilion to be showcased at Expo 2020 in Dubai, an event in which 180 countries will participate and which is expected to draw 25 million visitors over six months.

Four groups of architectural students and one group of culinary students from the University of The Bahamas (UB) earlier this month revealed their plans to an impressed audience of dignitaries, UB senior management and three judges.

The process included vision boards, conceptual ideas and 3D architecture models that were designed and constructed by the students, led

by Professors Michael Edwards, of the Faculty of Art, and Valera Pintard-Flax, of the Faculty of Architecture.

The culinary students, guided by Professor Donna Williams, unveiled their plans for Bahamian cuisine that will be promoted in the Pavilion.

Spearheaded by The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the UB, the results of the first part of the challenge were unveiled on December 7.

“Learning happens across disciplines. Dubai Expo 2020 provides opportunities for students working across those disciplines,” said Linda Davis, Provost of the UB. “It brought artists together with architects into a space where they had to feel their way around and negotiate. In this space, learning took place ... and on behalf of the President and the faculty, we are pretty excited.”

Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell said he was impressed with the talent and commitment he saw in the students and reminded them that they are part of the future of their country. “Five years ago, the Bahamas Government started diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates. What fascinated me about that region was the story of ‘The Arabian Nights’ that conjured up fascinating images. When you see the city of Dubai, you get the impression that it’s what happened. Their leaders systematically tackled the planning of the city that started 45 years ago and it is now world-class and well laid out,” he said.

“Dubai saw Atlantis and

Vision boards, conceptual ideas and 3D models impress judges

TERRANCE ARNOLD, a student in the Faculty of Architecture at the University of The Bahamas, explain details of his group’s 3D model for the Expo 2020 Dubai design challenge.

All photos by Azaleta Ishmael- Newry

DYLAN Miles and Toni Dorsett combined their inspiration of water and sailing with influences from the geometric and colourful Junkanoo forms.

GROUP four’s vision boards and 3D model were on display, focusing on the flamingo taking flight, using a metaphor for the Bahama islands being taken to the world.

THE GROUP including Kenaz Bethel and Matel McDonald and their design had forms radiating from a central core - light.

they duplicated it. We are thinking and hoping that this opportunity (Expo 2020 Dubai), gives you extraordinary opportunity and possibility. My view is that wherever you go in this world, you will take your heart, mind and soul. Your obligation is to always reach back to lift up the next generation. Reach back where your opportunity takes you.”

Tony Joudi, Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates and the State of Qatar and Commissioner General for the Bahamas Pavilion for Expo 2020 Dubai, said the efforts of the students had been appreciated in Dubai.

He said the Managing Director of Dubai Expo 2020, Reem Ibrahim Al Hashimi, “expressed her gratitude, appreciation and support for the students of the University of The Bahamas who have gone far and beyond their call of duty to show the world their level of commit-

Manager, is assisting in the co-ordination of the UB Expo 2020 Dubai initiative.

“The building is an envelope and the experience is created inside and outside of the building,” said Mr Diggiss. “Some of the things that came to life were the natural elements of the sun, water, Junkanoo and Bahamian birds. Elements that exist throughout the Bahamas were used to influence those ideas, including the use of natural resources.”

A few of the students incorporated Bahamian material like pine and straw into their plans, and one group likened Dubai’s climate to the Bahamas as both countries sit on the Tropic of Cancer.

During their first semester, the architect and art students worked on the conceptual and planning ideas. The Expo 2020 Dubai Bahamas Pavilion will incorporate retail, entertainment and food

ment and dedication to the project”.

The UB students had gathered their ideas from classes and a lecture series that included architect Patrick Rahming, who shared ways to create a city from a Bahamian perspective, and how the built environment should influence those ideas.

Pam Burnside, Rosemary C Hanna and Patricia Glinton- Meicholas, of Creative Nassau, stressed the importance of actively developing a creative tourism model that would showcase Bahamian culture and engage visitors to travel to the Bahamas to experience the country’s philosophy, art and heritage, rather than only focusing on sand, sea and sun.

Michael Diggiss, architect and Project Manager at MDA Designs, was asked by Ambassador Joudi to lead in the co-ordination of the Bahamian Pavilion. T J Thompson, architect and Project

areas. Designs focused on Bahamian icons like the flamingo and Abaco parrot, the country’s physical beauty of sand and water and sailing, while Junkanoo was a common theme.

At the presentation, positive feedback from the judges, UB president, Dr Rodney Smith and others was well received and there were suggestions to further incorporate elements from all the islands that make up the Bahamas.

The first four of architect groups included Terrence Arnold, Walter Evans and Whitney Sturrup. Their design featured a unique roof that imitated the wings of a parrot.

Group two included Dylan Miles and Toni Dorsett, who combined their inspiration of water and sailing with influences from the geometric and colourful Junkanoo forms.

Group three’s members were Kenaz Bethel and Ma-

tel McDonald and their design had forms radiating from a central core - light.

Their Pavilion included areas for music and an auditorium.

Group four consisted of Alexis Lightbourne, Kacey Duncombe, Sheena Heastie and Royce Archer, who focused on the flamingo taking flight, using a metaphor for the Bahama islands being taken to the world.

The judges were Royann Dean, a branding consultant and artist; Alecia Oxley, architect and historian at the Antiquities, Monuments and Museums Corporation, and Professor Henry Hepburn, UB lecturer and architect.

The second part of the design challenge will be unveiled in the Spring and will include the details and programme planning.

Ambassador Joudi, who is an engineer, said that he was very impressed with the first part of the challenge.

PAGE 12, Thursday, December 15, 2016

SALVATION ARMY SERVES UP A FESTIVE TREAT

SCENES from the Salvation Army Annual Community Luncheon held at the organisation’s headquarters on Mackey Street yesterday.

The event, sponsored by RBC, treated those in attendance to lunch and entertainment.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune staff

SHARELL CARROLL, RBC Corporate Communications Manager, greets guests at the luncheon.

Wrap your home in the colours of your dreams this Christmas

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THE TRIBUNE

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, December 15, 2016, PAGE 13

‘Don’t panic’ said captain, moments before El Faro sank Transcripts reveal last hours of doomed cargo ship caught in Hurricane Joaquin which went down with all 33 hands in the Bahamas JACKSONVILLE (AP) - Crew members aboard the doomed cargo ship El Faro expressed increasingly dire concern - occasionally tinged with gallows humour - as Hurricane Joaquin gained strength, culminating in one crewman lamenting “I’m a goner” as they scrambled to abandon the listing ship in Bahamian waters last year, transcripts show.

The 500 pages of transcripts, which were released on Tuesday, provide a new glimpse at the final hours for the crew of 33, all of whom died when El Faro sank in October, 2015, off Crooked Island at the height of the category four storm. Some of those on board questioned the captain’s decision to sail closer to Hurricane Joaquin, which took an erratic path as it swirled in the Atlantic.

Audio recovered last summer from the ship’s resting place 15,000 feet deep recorded conversations on the ship’s bridge, along with weather and positioning data.

“Nobody in their right mind would be drivin’ into it,” one crewmember said of the hurricane, the afternoon before the ship sank.

“We are. Yaaay,” second mate Danielle Randolph responded with a sarcastic laugh.

Instead of re-routing or returning to Jacksonville, Florida, Captain Michael Davidson decided to watch the storm closely through the night. He thought the storm would be worse on the journey back to Jacksonville from Puerto Rico and emailed officials at the

company that owned the ship, Tote Maritime Inc, to ask if he could take what he thought would be a safer route on that return trip.

Capt Davidson said he had not heard back. “It’s 160 more miles. That’s more fuel. You know?” he replied.

Eventually, a Tote official did respond “authorised”. US Coast Guard investigators have raised questions about whether Capt Davidson was under time pressure and chose the more dangerous, direct route. The captain’s wife, Theresa, has said he was safety-conscious, getting into trouble with a different company when he refused to take out a ship that had steering problems.

In a statement to The Associated Press, Tote denied having any say in Capt Davidson’s voyage planning, saying it was up to him.

“Our crews are trained to deal with unfolding weather situations and are prepared to respond to emerging situations while at sea,” the company said.

Capt Davidson left the bridge around 8pm. to get some rest, telling his crew to monitor the weather. As the night progressed, some crew questioned why he didn’t take a safer, longer route to San Juan - the same route it had taken during Tropical Storm Erika a month earlier.

“Guess I’m just turnin’ into a Chicken Little, but I have a feeling like something bad is gonna happen,” third mate Jeremie Riehm said while on watch at about 10.40pm. As the clock ticked past midnight,

A STILL from a video by the National Transportation Safety Board shows the stern of the sunken ship El Faro.

(National Transportation Safety Board via AP) the crew steering the ship He appeared on the bridge started discussing their sur- at 4.09am, according to the vival suits and whether their transcripts. He immediately emergency beacons were set out to calm nerves. working.

“Well, this is every day in The El Faro had dipped Alaska,” he told chief mate south a bit to try and skirt Steven Shultz and another the storm, but “every time able seaman. About half we come further south the an hour later, Shultz said storm keeps trying to follow the engineer called because us,” Randolph said, telling the ship was tilting and oil a colleague with a laugh levels were problematic. A that “all the other ships crew member said El Faro high-tailed it away”. had never listed like that, Then, a news alert came but Capt Davidson replied over the radio: Joaquin had things would get better. grown into a major category They didn’t. At 5.43am, three storm. one of the ship’s cargo holds “Oh my God,” she said. began flooding. Capt DaThree minutes later, at vidson sent Shultz to pump 1.15am, the ship rolled hard it out. He also tried turning from a big wave. the ship to the wind to help At 2.47am, the ship con- stabilise things. tinued to be battered by Half an hour later, the large waves. The second ship lost propulsion. Capt mate called Capt Davidson Davidson called Tote to rein his state room and it took port the situation as water him a few rings to pick up. continued pouring into the

THE VOYAGE data recorder from the freighter El Faro.

(NTSB via AP, File) hold.

At 7.24am, Davidson says: “We’re definitely not in good shape right now.”

Five minutes later, the high frequency ringing of the abandon ship alarm is heard. The captain, Randolph and another crew member discuss grabbing their life vests. But within moments, the captain says: “Bow is down.”

Capt Davidson tells eve-

ryone to get off the ship, but a seaman is paralysed by fear and says to him: “Help me. Help me.”

“Don’t panic,” Capt Davidson says. “Work your way up here.”

“I’m a goner,” the seaman says.

“No you’re not,” Capt Davidson replies.

Moments later, at 7.39am, only yelling is heard before the recording stops.

PAGE 14, Thursday, December 15, 2016

SIR ORVILLE TURNQUEST, former Governor General of The Bahamas, at the launch of his book, pictured below, at Government House.

THE TRIBUNE

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

TV spotlight for Sir Orville’s book on the Windsor years A TELEVISION special about Sir Orville Turnquest and his recently published book ‘What Manner of Man is This, The Duke of Windsor’s Years in The Bahamas’ will air this Sunday on ZNS. The half-hour show featuring Sir Orville’s findings about the former King of England who was posted to The Bahamas as royal governor from 1940-1945 and the author’s official presentations of the book will air at 8.30 pm on channel 211 on cable television and will also stream live online.

“The fascination with the Duke of Windsor continues to this day,” said Sir Orville,

who served as governor general from 1995-2001. “He was a man who grew up as royalty, became King of England for a period of ten months and abdicated the throne to wed the woman he loved, a woman who had been married twice before.”

When the former king who captured the world’s attention gave up the throne, he was posted to The Bahamas, an assignment others might have relished, but he considered banishment.

Sir Orville, an historian, author and respected Queen’s Counsel senior legal authority, spent 15 years researching and writing. With a foreword by Sir

Sidney Poitier and praise by others, including another former Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes, the book was launched on December 5.

In the first week of sales, the book set records as the fastest-selling book by a Bahamian author in history, according to a press release from the author’s public relations team.

“Only Harry Potter sold faster,” said Logos Book Store owner Ricardo Munroe, who watched as people lined up for up to an hour on December 9 for a book signing.

The book is published

by Grant’s Town Press and is available in most major book stores and gift shops.

See The Tribune’s Weekend section on Friday for Sir Christopher Ondaatje’s take on Sir Orville’s book

MARCH DATE FOR DOG DAYS HALF MARATHON GRAND Bahama’s third annual Dog Days Half Marathon is set for March 25, 2017, and organisers are excited to announce their first official partner, PharmaChem Co Ltd. Last year, Dog Days welcomed over 400 runners both local and international and this year race directors, Siobhan Antoni-Bates and Nikki Waugh, hope to increase numbers, sponsorships, competition and give it an overall Bahamian flair.

“Our event grew tremendously last year,” said Ms Waugh. “Siobhan and I were overwhelmed by our initial success but to see this growth was incredible.

Right now our island needs events like these more than ever and we are thrilled that corporate Grand Bahama is making it happen for us and our benefactor, the Grand Bahama Humane Society.”

In accomplishing their 2017 goals, PharmaChem

has chosen to support the event both financially and through assistance in the Corporate Challenge and support staff for the race day activities.

“We are honoured to have partnered with Dog Days, and have been impressed with all the hard work put in by Nikki and Siobhan it is inspiring,” said Randy Thompson, CEO of PharmaChem. “We want to do what we can to support them, this event now helps

promote our beautiful island internationally while also promoting local businesses, health and fitness, and even a little friendly competition. We look forward to seeing an even bigger turnout and seeing if we can beat our competition in the Corporate Challenge – I am already at the gym daily.”

PharmaChem’s assistance will also allow the duo to take this race to the next level; enabling them to double their winner’s prizes this year.

“We will now offer a $1,000 cash prize for the first place male and female half marathoners, $500 for second and $250 for third,” said Mr Bates. “We want to draw some of the serious runners not only from Florida but from our family islands so that we can showcase Grand Bahama’s own half marathon.”

In addition to the prizes the team will add real Bahamian flair by having a Junkanoo rush-out at the finish lines to congratulate all runners.

Money raised will be given to the Grand Bahama Humane Society, and Dog Days has now become the organisation’s largest annual fundraiser. A portion of the proceeds will also go towards Hurricane Matthew relief efforts.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, December 15, 2016, PAGE 15

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS TO SHINE ON SATURDAY THE Sir Durward Knowles Festival of Lights Christmas Boat Parade will sail into Nassau Harbour on Saturday night, the seventh year the flotilla has cast off for a voyage through historic Nassau Harbour.

Starting in Arawak Bay at 6.30pm, the lighted flotilla will make its way under the Nassau bridges to Montagu and then circle back to its start location, stopping both ways at Pier 14, where the crowd can get a close-up of the boats as they turn in the channel.

Last year’s parade had over 20 boats, from the small sailboat Sea Girl to the huge commercial craft MV Garth Dean. Grand Marshall Peter Andrews, the sailor and philanthropist, says the event has come at the right time. “We need this right now,” he said. “We have bounced back from a major hurricane, we have endured some hard times and now as we head into Christmas we want everyone to join in and make this a great show for our not only us and our kids to see, but also as a memorable event for our tourists.”

Winners for best decorated vessel in each category will win a cash purse and other prizes, including travel vouchers, hotel, dinners and more. Winners are determined by a panel of five judges, who get a first hand view of each vessel from Alan Burrows’ boat which weaves them amongst the boats in the parade. Entries are judged on the criteria of music, visible relevance to theme and originality. This year’s theme is “a pirate Christmas i nthe Bahamas” and organisers are hoping to get a glimpse of the good ol’ days of Nassau Harbour and the infamous Blackbeard and Anne Bonny!

The event had been scheduled for last weekend but was posptoned due to high winds.

“We’re very excited about this year’s event and look forward to entertaining the crowds that come out to see the boats each year,” said Janet Johnson, Festival Chairman “Tickets for this year’s Yellow Bird Party Boat are on sale now at $35 adults, $25 children, including a boxed Christmas dinner to enjoy.

There will also be a DJ, dancing and a cash bar - an exciting and colourful way to start the Christmas season” For more information visit the Festival of Lights Bahamas Facebook page, or call 427-3757.

DORIS JOHNSON STUDENTS ARE A CLASS ACT

DEANDREA Clarke, Doris Johnson’s Student of the Month for Grade 10. From left: Indira Collie, BTC PR manager, Deandrea Clarke and James Clarke, principal.

BTC and Doris Johnson Senior High School teamed up to recognise the achievements of three outstanding students - Kevin Brown, Shanae Rolle and Deandrea Clarke.

“We have to demonstrate to our young people, that there are benefits for hard work and determination.

“We shared in this moment with Doris Johnson Senior High, as they recognised stellar students from grades 10-12. It is important that we continue to make meaningful investments in the future of the country,” said Indira Collie, BTC public relations manager.

Principal James Clarke said: “We are indeed grateful for BTC’s support.

“Their involvement today served as an added boost of encouragement for the students.

We launched our ‘Mystic Marlin’s Student of the Month’ programme just last month and we are recognising the efforts of the awardees. We are definitely proud of our students and we welcome BTC’s support in helping us achieve our goals.”

The three students received a mobile phone, mobile airtime and a cheque for their accomplishments.

SHANAE Rolle receives Mystic Marlin Student of the Month for Grade 11.

From left: Indira Collie, BTC PR manager, Shanae Rolle and James Clarke, principal.

Customer Notice

Dear Valued Customers Re: Hurricanted-Related Claims

KEVIN BROWN selected as Student of the Month for Grade 12. From left: Indira Collie, BTC PR manager, Kevin Brown, James Clarke, principal.

“From the moment I got to the door, the staff at Cancer Treatment Centers of America made me feel so comfortable.”

Sheena Bullard Abaco, Bahamas Lung and Breast Cancer Patient

Security and General Insurance Company Limited (S&G) wishes to advise its policyholders that all claims related to Hurricane Matthew must be notified in writing to S&G no later than December 31, 2016.

We know this has been a difficult time for many of you and as you repair your property we want to do everything that we can to evaluate your claim as expeditiously as possible. In order for us to consider your claim we need you to compete the first step, which is completing a Claim Notification form. Therefore, please visit either S&G’s office at the address below, or your Broker’s office, by the required deadline of December 31, 2016.

We wish you all a safe and happy holiday season.

Security & General Insurance Company Limited

SECURITY & GENERAL INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED Atlantic House, 2nd Terrace & Collins Avenue, Nassau tel. 326 7100 www.cgigroup.com A member of Colonial Group International Insurance, Health, Pensions, Life

Introducing world-class integrative care for Bahamas’ cancer patients At Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA), our patients are at the center of our hearts, minds, and actions every day. From the moment you speak with us, you will know that our goal is to free you from the stress of sorting out insurance coverage, making travel arrangements, collecting medical records, and other burdensome details so you can focus on what’s truly important – your health. We combine advanced treatments and technologies with evidence-based supportive therapies for an integrative approach to cancer care to help reduce side effects and support quality of life during and after treatment. We even offer local support through our Nassau-based Cancer Navigators to assist you when you are on-island. We are committed to the patients and families we serve, as well as the communities we call home.

If you or someone you love has cancer, please call toll-free 1-844-486-0258 to speak with an International Oncology Information Specialist, available 24 hours per day, or visit cancercenter.com for more information.

All calls made from a landline phone are toll-free.

No case is typical. You should not expect to experience these results.

*Cancer Treatment Center America is a registered trademark of Rising Tide Foundation in the United States.

PAGE 16, Thursday, December 15, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

www.ub.edu.bs

VACANCIES Suitably qualified candidates are invited to submit applications for the following positions at University of The Bahamas:

MIDDLE MANAGEMENT Executive Assistant to the Provost responsible for providing comprehensive executive-level support services to ensure the overall efficiency of the Provost’s Office in a high-level and fast-paced environment. The Executive Assistant to the Provost will manage the Provost’s administrative needs to facilitate the effective allocation of time and provide information needed to advance the priorities of the office. Among the duties and responsibilities are: planning and coordinating meetings, retreats and other engagements; preparing internal and external correspondence; assisting in the processing of purchase orders, vendor contracts and other routine financial transactions in accordance with university policies; developing, implementing and managing departmental office systems and procedures and supporting the administrative needs of the relevant internal committee meetings, including taking accurate Minutes of each meeting as required.

TEAM Murderized celebrate victory at Wahoo Smackdown VIII in Bimini last month.

Applicants must have a master’s degree or equivalent from an accredited college/university and a minimum of three years of administrative experience, preferably in higher education or an executive setting. For more information visit: https://www.ub.edu.bs/about-us/career-opportunities/.

STAFF Graphic Designer in the Office of University Relations responsible for producing promotional and informational visual design solutions to communicate University of The Bahamas messages, goals and brand, with high visual impact using print and digital media for internal and external constituents.

The successful candidate will be required to conceptualize, design and produce marketing and branding collaterals to maximize the University’s presence online, in periodic newsletters, publications (including annual and private giving reports and magazines), exhibitions, displays, advertising and via social media as well as in other relevant media; collaborate with and interpret stakeholder needs in the development of graphic designs and prepare design briefs and production timelines. The graphic designer will work as part of an editorial team of copywriters, photographers, other designers, web developers, marketing and public relations specialists.

Required qualifications include a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations or a closely related area or an equivalent; a minimum of six (6) years’ post qualification work experience; and a minimum of five years’ experience working as part of a team performing graphic design duties. For more information visit: https://www.ub.edu.bs/about-us/career-opportunities/ .

TEAM Murderized, out of Grand Bahama, took top honours and a $15,000 first prize at Wahoo Smackdown VIII, hosted by the Bimini Big Game Club Resort and Marina last monmth.

More than 150 anglers competed for over $25,000 in cash and prizes and landed over a ton-and-a-half (3,253.5 pounds) of fish in the competition.

“Bimini’s legendary fishing action held true once again,” said tournament director Captain Robbie Smith. “Fish were everywhere, the action was competitive, and the fishing gods were with us.”

A fleet of 35 boats fished, with 25 making it onto the leaderboard. Over the two days, 133 fish were caught,

the largest weighing over 84 pounds.

Team Murderized caught 11 fish weighing a total of 292.5 pounds, beating Team Monster Catch, from Miami, who caught the largest fish of the tournament, an 84.7-pound monster. They weighed eight fish for a total catch weight of 285.6 pounds.

Team Box N Bull, from Fort Lauderdale, finished third, with a total catch of 13 fish weighing 262.8 pounds.

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

MELANIE Holliday landed a sweet 50lb ‘zebra’ near Bimini. 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.

Data Entry Clerk II in the Office of Recruitment and Admissions responsible for creating and updating student information applicant records; conducting data checks that verify the accuracy and completeness of data entered; sending out timely responses to applicants and creating and maintaining effective filing systems for the Data Processing Unit. Other duties and responsibilities include creating and maintaining the filing system for admissions applicants; assisting with the recycling of inactive files; maintaining individual files for applicants and providing periodical reports as required by the supervisor.

Required qualifications include an Associate Degree in a relevant area OR an Office Assistant’s Certificate or approved equivalent AND five years of relevant work experience. For more information visit: https://www.ub.edu. bs/about-us/career-opportunities/ .

Secretary I in the Office of Institutional Research & Risk Assessment who will work closely with the Director to provide general clerical and typing services including drafting, editing and typing all routine correspondence and written communications to and from the Director; assist in creating routine and ad hoc queries of data tables to support Institutional Research & Risk Assessment and assist with the supervision and coordination of support staff, including workstudy students. Among the other duties and responsibilities are monitoring and ordering supplies and equipment for the Office; collecting and compiling data on student demographics, enrolment, retention and graduation; processing data to create reports/spreadsheets for the Institutional Research & Risk Assessment website and coordinating and maintaining the department’s filing system.

Qualifications must include an Office Assistant’s Certificate, or approved equivalent for CSS-1 AND five years of relevant work experience; Or an Associate Degree in a relevant area. Secretary I should have shorthand skills at 50 w.p.m. and word processing skills. For more information visit: https:// www.ub.edu.bs/about-us/career-opportunities/ .

Administrative Assistant I in the Office of the Chief Information Officer responsible for ensuring the smooth functioning of the front office and providing general professional and confidential support services to the Chief Information Officer. Among the duties and responsibilities are performing records management; responding to various inquiries and making the appropriate referrals both within and outside of the department; composing drafts and producing all routine correspondence and written communications for the CIO and coordinating, processing and dispatching forms for the Office of Information Technology. Other duties include monitoring and ordering office supplies and equipment; tracking expenses; coordinating the process of purchase requisitions through to final payment and conducting research and/or follow-up with activities related to special requests/inquiries as directed by the CIO. Qualifications must include a Bachelor’s Degree or the equivalent with no work experience OR an Associate Degree in a relevant area with ten years of work experience. For more information visit: https://www.ub.edu.bs/aboutus/career-opportunities/.

Persons interested in any of these positions should submit by Monday 19th December, 2016 via email to hrapply@ub.edu.bs an up-todate résumé and a cover letter of interest highlighting work experience and accomplishments relevant to the position along with the following documents: • Copies of pertinent certificates and qualifications; • Copy of the relevant pages of a valid passport (showing passport number, photo identification and expiration date); • Copy of a current N.I.B Card; • Current Medical Certificate; • Current Police Certificate; • One recent Passport photo; • Three written professional references Hard copy submissions will not be accepted.

CAPTAIN Ryan Neilly lands a ‘zebra’ near Spanish Wells.

BSFN junior expert Bronson Russell with a Christmas season Wahoo in Abaco.

THE TRIBUNE

‘The Bahamas’ own street philosopher’

Thursday, December 15, 2016, PAGE 17