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ARE OUR SCHOOLS SAFE? SEE INSIGHT - PAGE 11

CHRISTMAS CHEER SPECIAL DRINKS & GIFTS SECTION INSIDE

Long Island FNMs call Minnis a ‘liar’ Constituents back Butler-Turner in letter to party THE problems facing Dr Hubert Minnis, the embattled leader of the Free National Movement, continue to mount with the Long Island Constituency Association accusing him of dishonesty and untrustworthiness over the revoking of Loretta Butler-Turner’s candidacy for the next general election.

In an open letter to the party leader signed by the entire executive of the Constituency Association, Dr Minnis is accused of falsely representing the views of the association in allegedly telling the party’s General Council last week that it had voted to withdraw the nomination from Mrs Butler-Turner, the island’s MP. In the letter, dated December 15, the association claimed Dr Minnis had “done nothing but sow seeds of division, discord and distrust” since becoming party leader and that he

IS IT A BIRD, IS IT A PLANE? JUNKANOO READY TO SOAR

is “desperate to the point of telling larger and bolder untruths”.

Mrs Butler-Turner was appointed leader of the Official Opposition earlier this month after she and six other FNM MPs wrote to Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling expressing they had no confidence in Dr Minnis. Last week, Mrs Butler-Turner’s ratification for the Long Island constituency was revoked. She has twice challenged Dr Minnis for the party leadership without success.

In the letter seen by The Tribune - which is signed by the chairman, vice chairman, secretary, treasurer and five trustees - the local association confirmed its continuing support for their MP and accused Dr Minnis of refusing to listen to the constituencies over choice of election candidates.

SEE PAGE SIX

During a press conference last week, which followed her announcement that Democratic National Alliance (DNA) Leader Branville McCartney was her first pick as leader of opposition business in the Senate, the Long Island MP told reporters that the remaining three appointments could cause “some shock, some awe and some surprises.” However, she said they would be a reflection of a microcosm of society.

SEE PAGE SIX

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE Minister of Tourism has slammed a major cruise ship operator for trying “to blackmail the Government of The Bahamas” over negotiations for a longer term deal for its Freeport service.

Obie Wilchcombe hit out at Bahamas Paradise Cruise line, operator of the Grand Celebration vessel, for disclosing to the media that it might pull out of Freeport and The Bahamas if it could not strike a favourable agreement.

Suggesting that it was using the media to pressure the Government, Mr Wilchcombe said the Celebration’s operator was offering no guarantees in return.

FULL STORY SEE BUSINESS SECTION

YOUNGSTERS from Tarpum Bay Primary School in outfits inspired by Superman during Junior Junkanoo at Arawak Cay on Saturday. See page ten for more photographs.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

DNA WANTED 14 SEATS UNCONTESTED DURING COALITION TALKS WITH FNM

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

House & Spray We can computer colour match:

raised concerns over the position The Bahamas is set to take on a United Nations resolution today on the protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Pastors Cedric Moss, Alfred Stewart, and Lyall Bethel, in a letter to Foreign Affairs and Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell, said while they denounced cruelty against all persons, they were concerned that the words “violence” and “discrimination” were being distorted to mean any view that does not support the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender community.

SEE PAGE EIGHT

MINISTER ACCUSES CRUISE OPERATOR OF ‘BLACKMAIL’

‘SHOCKS AND SUPRISES’ TO COME IN SENATE APPOINTEES

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

OPPOSITION Leader Loretta Butler-Turner yesterday said her remaining Senate appointments will soon be announced as she dispelled speculation that three community activists were among those being considered for appointment to the Upper Chamber.

She has also revealed that she intends to assume the position of Public Accounts Committee chairperson.

PASTORS WARY UN RESOLUTION COULD SUPPORT LGBT COMMUNITY LOCAL pastors have

DURING negotiations for a union between their two parties earlier this year, Democratic National Alliance Leader Branville McCartney wanted the Free National Movement to leave as many as 14 seats uncontested to clear the way for DNA candidates in those

constituencies, sources familiar with the talks said.

But the negotiations broke down during the summer after FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis refused Mr McCartney’s request, The Tribune understands.

The two parties aroused national interest in May when they appeared open to forming a coalition to challenge the Progressive Liberal Party.

Mr McCartney and Dr Minnis negotiated terms for the union over several months, meeting face-toface multiple times with advisors and high-ranking officials in the party, The Tribune understands.

The pair had several meetings prior to the FNM’s convention in July and just after that.

Friday Oct 28th Saturday Dec 24th, 2016

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

SEE PAGE THREE

PROTEST MARCH WILL GO ON DESPITE CHANGE TO HOLIDAY DATE

By KHRISNA VIRGIL Deputy Chief Reporter kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

DESPITE the government’s decision to change the observance date of Majority Rule Day, We March Bahamas organiser Ranard Henfield said regardless of when the holiday is, thousands of Bahamians will assemble and “won’t be ignored.”

Initially, the Cabinet Office said Majority Rule Day – January 10 - would be observed on Monday, January 9.

SEE PAGE 15

PAGE 2, Monday, December 19, 2016

Beat Retreat in Rawson Square

THE TRIBUNE

THE ANNUAL Beat Retreat was held in Rawson Square yesterday, with crowds flocking to see the traditional event.

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

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THE TRIBUNE

Monday, December 19, 2016, PAGE 3

Smith disappointed with decision to add only one more constituency

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunmedia.net FORMER Progressive Liberal Party Cabinet minister George Smith expressed disappointment yesterday in the conclusions of the Constituencies Commission to recommend only one additional seat to Parliament before the next general election.

House Speaker Dr Kendal Major confirmed last week that 39 seats will be contested next year, with the additional seat being the return of the St Cecilia constituency in New Providence.

Portions of Fort Charlotte, Bains Town and Grants Town, Centerville

and Englerston will be redrawn to form that new constituency, he said.

This comes after The Tribune reported last Monday that the commission had recommended the addition of one seat in New Providence and was eyeing the return of St Cecilia.

Mr Smith, however, said the conclusions of the commission constitutes a failure to follow the Constitution.

He felt the MICAL constituency should have been broken into two, Bimini and the Berry Islands should have been made into a single seat and a constituency should have been formed in Central Abaco, separate from South Abaco.

“I was surprised to read

that the speaker says the commission is nearing its end and there are going to be 39 seats in the next House and only one additional one and that one will be in New Providence to re-establish the St Cecilia constituency,” he said yesterday. “The last four boundaries commissions, 1997, 2002, 2007 and 2012, I considered their work to result in a bad report that didn’t give serious consideration and respect to the Constitution. I had great hope that this particular Constituencies Commission review would have redressed the wrongs and injustices of past commissions. I thought this would be different because I had great hope for those mem-

bers who were appointed to the commission.

“I was called and asked where would a division be in a two seat Exuma. When asked, I had every right to assume there were discussions about re-establishing Exuma to a two seat island, after it lost a seat years ago,” he explained.

The Constitution says Constituencies Commissions should “be guided by the general consideration that the number of voters entitled to vote for the purposes of electing every member of the House of Assembly shall, so far as is reasonably practicable, be the same and the need to take account of special consideration such as the needs

MOTHER STILL SEARCHING FOR MISSING SON

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net THOMASENA Moss, whose mentally ill son went missing in the leadup to Hurricane Matthew, said the worry and confusion spurred by his disappearance two and half months ago has only intensified as the family prepares for Christmas without any leads on his whereabouts.

Mrs Moss, who is widowed, said the pain has now become unbearable as the lack of answers has left her family a “lost bunch in search of any and all possibilities”.

Kenneth Moss, 52, vanished from the South Beach community some time on or after September 29. According to his mother, the quiet and passive former police officer gave notice to family members that he was going for a walk around the neighbourhood as they prepared for the impending arrival of Hurricane Matthew.

“There was nothing different about him that day.

He looked like he would normally look and I never suspected that would have been the last time we saw him,” a clearly concerned

Mrs Moss told The Tribune.

Holding back tears she added: “Kenneth said he was headed up the street. It has been three months and I have waited every day for his return.”

Mr Moss suffered a series of mental breakdowns in the mid-1980s after taking cocaine, his mother said.

His problems led to his dismissal from the police force and left him a ward of his mother.

“As a family we did all we could to shield him and keep him safe. He would hang out around the neighbourhood doing odd jobs for the neighbours. When he wasn’t occupied with that, he would head over to the South Beach Police Station; officers there would allow him to help around the yard and garage because they knew him from the area.

“I worried throughout the storm when he didn’t come back. As soon as we could head out, my other son, a defence force officer, took a group of his friends out and they checked all over South Beach for Kenneth.”

Mrs Moss said they had scoured the area: “Marshall Road, done. Pinewood, done. All the way west, done, as far east as possi-

ble, done, called family and friends all over this country, nothing. We tried it all and still nothing. (We went to the) morgue, several trips, hospital, Sandilands, police stations - everywhere we could look, we checked twice,” she said.

“It’s as if Kenneth vanished into thin air,” she said, staring at one of her son’s photos. “Maybe the wind blew him into bushes.

Maybe something else happened. The worst thing is the guessing because all I can do is suspect the worst and that hurts me more than anything else.”

In early October, a missing person’s bulletin was distributed across the country and social media for Mr Moss. He is described as being six foot and of medium build.

“I can’t tell you what happened to him, but I am hoping and praying that he resurfaces. I am hoping for the best while preparing for the worst. I just want closure. I need to know what happened to my son. I need peace of mind,” she added.

Anyone with information of Mr Moss’ whereabouts is asked to call police at 911/919, the Central Detective Unit at 502-9991 or the nearest police station.

THOMASENA MOSS, whose mentally ill son who went missing in the lead-up to Hurricane Matthew.

DNA WANTED 14 SEATS UNCONTESTED DURING COALITION TALKS WITH FNM from page one

However, the talks fell through after the two failed to compromise on two key issues: the number of seats the FNM would leave uncontested, and the question of whether the DNA would disband and join the party.

Mr McCartney wanted the FNM to leave “30 per cent” of constituencies uncontested to increase the chances of DNA candidates winning in those areas, well-placed sources told The Tribune.

One of those seats was Bamboo Town, Mr McCartney’s former seat, now represented by Renward Wells.

Mr Wells ran on the PLP’s ticket in 2012 before quitting the party to join the FNM in 2015.

Dr Minnis, however, was only willing to leave three or four seats uncontested by the FNM, The Tribune was told.

The FNM was also adamant that the DNA completely disband and join the party, a request Mr McCartney refused.

“A number of things were discussed as possible arrangements between our two parties,” FNM Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest said when contacted by The Tribune yesterday.

“Those discussions fell down on the inflexibility of Mr McCartney. We were not about to capitulate to the likes of the DNA. “Their requests were obviously unacceptable to the FNM. We are a national party intent on recapturing the government of the Bahamas. We are confident in our ability to win an elec-

tion and we are not distracted by the imaginations of the DNA or Mr McCartney,” Mr Turnquest said.

In May, FNM Chairman Sidney Collie denied that high-level discussions over a potential coalition had taken place between the DNA and the FNM. “There are no negotiations, absolutely no negotiations by the leader and none by the chairman,” he said at the time.

Mr McCartney could not be reached for comment up to press time yesterday.

However, in the past he has blamed the failure for a partnership between the two parities on Dr Minnis, saying he lacks political acumen.

In September, he said a union between them would help the FNM but hurt the DNA. “They have lost a significant amount of support in this country and although you may have a number of persons wanting to see some type of union, going and dealing with the FNM is like changing decks on the Titanic,” he said at the time. “That would not benefit the DNA. It will benefit the FNM.” And last week he underscored that past talks between himself and the FNM leader “came to naught” because the established party was insistent that the DNA be dissolved and refused to credit the organisation as a viable political force. Mr McCartney noted that the discussion was remarkably easier with Mrs Butler-Turner, who focused instead on national goals and was “very much on the same page” as he on national issues.

“Discussions (with Dr

Minnis) going on from that seemed to have come to a standstill, a road block, knowing full well that we want what is good for this country but having those discussions were, seemed to have been, difficult to say the least.

“The discussions with (Mrs Butler-Turner), we are on one accord with regards to where the country ought to go. It was very easy discussion for the most part,” Mr McCartney said on Tuesday.

The DNA is now engaging in an “alliance” with “rebel seven” leader Loretta Butler-Turner, who was sworn in as leader of the Official Opposition last week Sunday.

This came days after she and six other FNM MPs wrote a letter to Governor General Dame Marguerite

Pindling expressing no confidence in Dr Minnis.

Mrs Butler-Turner announced last week that she has appointed Mr McCartney as leader of Opposition Business in the Senate.

Last week, it was also revealed that the two had been in discussions long before the MPs ousted Dr Minnis from his post. She told The Nassau Guardian that she had entered discussions with the third party leader in 2014, when she first contested the FNM’s leadership post and lost to Dr Minnis.

of sparsely populated areas, the practicability of elected members maintaining contact with electors in such areas, size, physical features, natural boundaries and geographical isolation.”

To this, Mr Smith said: “These boundaries commissions have appeared to ignore a tenet of the Constitution and have simply reduced numbers and then played around with some lines. They ought to have a review that’s more substantial than changing lines.

“I thought they would come up with a report that is progressive and fair based on what is required of the people in various areas.

“Instead, they have turned their attention to

the reconstruction of previous seats but confined that to New Providence, which is unfair to the Family Islands.

I believe the commission failed with carrying out the mandate of the constitution and in so doing, the public will come to conclude the same in time.”

Mr Smith, a former MP for Exuma, had asked Prime Minister Perry Christie earlier this year to consider the addition of more constituencies in the Family Islands.

He also asked for the Exuma and Ragged Island constituency to be split in two seats, to reflect population changes, and had requested to be the PLP’s 2017 election candidate in the newly created area.

PAGE 4, Monday, December 19, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

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Time for Dr Minnis to step down TODAY’S politicians don’t seem to understand that Bahamians are no longer impressed by their promises, yet they continue to throw out the attractivesounding bait still believing that there are enough voters out there of borderline intelligence to bite.

Seemingly the “Black Friday” march, which brought together more than 1,000 Bahamians from all walks of life, has not yet penetrated their political skulls. The message they should have understood by now is that Bahamians are not only fed up, but have suddenly discovered, in the words of their leader, lawyer Ranard Henfield, that a united people are “more powerful than the people in power.”

“Tears flowed as thousands came together in the most racially, socially and politically diverse display of solidarity and national pride seen since Independence,” said Mr Henfield as he announced plans for a second and even larger march on January 10, Majority Rule Day. The major promise that swept the PLP into power in May 2012 was Deputy Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis’ promise of 10,000 jobs within the PLP’s first year in office. He claimed that the PLP had already had encouraging success in attracting investors.

Not only did the PLP fail to deliver on its promise but this month 2,000 Baha Mar employees were made redundant, not to mention the others who had given up good employment attracted to a dream of a better future at Baha Mar billed as the largest and most luxurious resort in the Caribbean. Many of these Bahamians with no future prospects, are either still looking for employment, or have had to take whatever they can get to keep their families together. For example, we know of at least one accountant who is now working as night security until he can scratch his way back into his profession. Yes, there has been much disappointment, broken dreams and disillusionment in the past four years and many Bahamians are bitter. They are tired of the promises.

In July 2012, FNM Leader Hubert Minnis took Mr Davis and his government to task for its unfulfilled promises.

While admitting that he would be pleased to see the PLP government’s employment goal fulfilled, what went wrong, he claimed, was that the Christie government had chosen to make jobs a major promise based on hopes of foreign investments that were only in the primary stages of discussion.

“The difference between the FNM and the PLP,” said Dr Minnis in 2012, “is that we are results oriented. When we’ve made announcements, it’s because we know things will come to fruition. The announcement they made about jobs is only based on the initial discussions they had regarding foreign investments.”

Yet, six nights ago, Dr Minnis, no longer FNM Leader in the House, was back on the podium with his own promises.

He has promised that if the FNM — presumably with him as leader — is returned as the government he would produce 1,000 entrepreneurs a year. A tall order, but short on fulfilment with the leaderless confusion in which the FNM now finds itself.

We would advise Dr Minnis — as he prides himself in heading a “results-oriented” party — to first sit down with the party’s House leader and FNM House members, especially the dissidents, and get themselves united as one. If not, it is not a united party, and without unity it is going nowhere — so, like the PLP, he can make no promises on which he has any

assurance of delivery.

Our readers are quite correct in taking us to task in a statement that we made in our editorial of Wednesday, December 14 – “Time for Opposition to get its Act Together” – we stated: “In the 2012 election, although the FNM won the popular vote, the PLP won the election with the majority of seats.

The DNA cost the FNM its victory, because, although it got no seats in the Assembly, DNA votes turned the tide, making it possible for the PLP to pick up the DNA’s lost seats.”

The only incorrect statement was that the FNM won the popular vote. What is correct is that the FNM and DNA’s votes together won the popular vote over the PLP. And so when the votes of the DNA, Constitution Party and Independents were added to the FNM’s numbers, the PLP were defeated by the opposition parties.

(PLP– 75,815; FNM -65,633; DNA13,226; Bahamas Constitution Party 96; Independent - 1,177). Now our readers can do their own additions and arrive at their own conclusions.

After the 2012 elections, it was obvious that the DNA, led by Branville McCartney, a disaffected FNM, had helped give the government to the PLP. Everyone recognised that going into the 2017 election the cooperation of the DNA was needed. And so intelligent negotiations were necessary, which meant that both sides not only had to be reasonable, but prepared to be flexible in the dice-throwing of give-and-take.

Mr McCartney’s assessment of those negotiations is interesting, and gives further indication of what qualities Dr Minnis lacks as a leader. (See story on page 1).

The talks between Dr Minnis and Mr McCartney started sometime in May. They even met several times before the FNM’s July convention, with meetings continuing after the convention. However, there was no give or take on two main issues, one of them being that Dr Minnis wanted Mr McCartney to disband his DNA and join the FNM. Last week Mr McCartney said that the talks with Dr Minnis came to naught. On the other hand, he said, the talks with Mrs Butler Turner were much easier. He said they focused instead on national goals and she was “very much on the same page” as he was on national issues.

“Discussions (with Dr Minnis) going on from that seemed to have come to a standstill, a road block, knowing full well that we want what is good for this country but having those discussions were, seemed to have been, difficult to say the least.

“The discussions with (Mrs ButlerTurner), we are on one accord with regards to where the country ought to go.

It was very easy discussion for the most part,” Mr McCartney said on Tuesday.

At least this major hurdle has been crossed for the good of the country. It’s now up to Dr Minnis. Is his desire to be prime minister more important than achieving what will benefit The Bahamas?

For the past four years, under his leadership, the party has been divided. Now that we are learning more about what has been going on behind the scenes we understand why.

We hope that when the new year dawns, Dr Minnis, who has much to offer his party and the country, will put country first, and step down. Either that or give the election to the PLP, which more and more Bahamians, even former staunch PLPs, say they no longer want.

Political deception EDITOR, The Tribune.

2016 is, mercifully, drawing to a close and we who are privileged to leap into 2017 will be witnesses to history even as it continues to unfold. This year was a challenging one for many of us.

The economy, while improving, is still not ticking on four cylinders. Crime is trending down but still too high.

Many families have ‘lost’ homes due to any number of factors. The political directorate, across the board, is still grappling with issues which are no brainers but they lack the will power: capital punishment and Crown Land come readily to mind. It has long been my unshakeable position that we have not advanced, as individuals or a people, to our full potential. 2017 must be different.

It does not really matter now because within a matter of days, 2016 will be history.

What matters is that we have a badly splintered opposition led by claimants and delusional pretenders to nonexistent thrones who are practitioners of political deception. A few short weeks ago, the FNM was said to be united with the public embrace between Dr Minnis and his female Brutus.

Rollins, that political prostitute of the highest order (next to Renward ‘LOI’ Wells) was singing the praises and hosannas of Minnis in July. This is now December and Rollins, clearly is still shell shocked from that back handed slap rendered by his now ‘leader’. This public jockeying for political power is so clear that it is no longer funny. Rollins, like an old rag doll, is being toted towards getting shafted, soon.

A man who was unable to win re-election for a safe seat back in 2012, despite his

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net bogus and nauseating claim to have “talents which were not being utilised”, has now been jettisoned into the Senate as Leader of Opposition Business. What a beautiful title, even if it really means nothing except a bone thrown to him by his latest leader. Is this the same individual who wants to become Prime Minister? My God, what a pathetic crew of misfits! They are all a gang of selfish prima donnas.

They all want to be Kings; Queens and, of course, Knaves. Thrones are being created in their collective imagination even as you read this article. Edison Key (I hope that he’s recovered medically and out of hospital) said the other day that Minnis offered him the Consulate in Miami in return for stepping aside in South Abaco. Key said that only a “knave” would have done that to him.

Mind you, at the rate Dr No is going now it is highly unlikely that he will ever become Prime Minister of our wonderful nation. Minnis and his crew have withdrawn the FNM’s nomination from Loretta for Long Island.

One lil jokey fellow, long a sycophant of Dr No, despite his protestations to the contrary, is poised to accept that nomination. It is clear that the Minnis led rump FNM is scraping the very bottom of the swamp to come up with credible candidates.

It does not really matter. The PLP will reclaim Long Island in 2017. That island has played around with the FNM for far too long and has gotten nothing except shaving cream.

Loretta was no different.

Jimmy Knowles, God bless his soul, tried but he was shackled by political realities. Long Island, however, has been neglected for too long by successive governments. The residents there are Bahamians just like the rest of us and they deserve better in 2017.

The game of Thrones has begun and the political deceivers are now crawling and creeping out of the wood works. The juveniles in the opposition forces are incapable of leadership on a national scale. In fact, they all seem to be cannibals’ man eaters and giant slayers of old. The job is, therefore, left to the great Progressive Liberal Party to get on with the business of the people.

The PM and his administration is to be commended and congratulated on finally securing a deep pocket and internationally recognised buyer for Baha Mar. Some complain about “the timing” but who gives a rat’s foot? It is always better late than never, especially for the thousands of unemployed Bahamians who have been waiting, with bated breath, for this development to open up.

We are about the business of the people while the rest of them are jonsing for thrones and dealing with political deception. In January, 2017 expect to see us roll out more progressive national public policy initiatives. They talk about “shock and awe” well they have not seen anything yet.

Have a safe and wonderful Christmas and, please, anticipate, a Happy New Year.

To God then, in all things, be the glory.

ORTLAND H. BODIE JR. Nassau, December 18, 2016.

If Minnis wants to expel MPs, he must expel their voters EDITOR, The Tribune.

Re: Dr. Minnis’ legitimacy.

Again today (Saturday) The Nassau Guardian presented in its editorial a most convincing case as to why Dr Minnis should now go quietly into the sunset.

The Tribune on several occasions has also made the very same case and many of its readers have written in with the same conviction.

Dr Minnis has now “val-

iantly” stated that he (the FNM party) will now expel the Members of Parliament who have declared “no confidence” in his leadership.

When he expels them, he should also stand ready to expel all of the people who elected them.

Even if we were to leave out East Grand Bahama and Killarney, and I do not believe that those Members continue to enjoy the same support anymore, it would still be a huge number of

FNM electors that Dr. Minnis is duty bound to expel with their MPs. Central & South Abaco 1,490 Central Grand Bahama 2,505 East Grand Bahama 2,239 Killarney 2,434 Long Island 979 Montagu 2,227 North Abaco 2,235 North Eleuthera 1,787 St Anne’s 2,348 Total 18,247

And this is only the Members who prevailed at the time. There are many thousands more who voted FNM, who very likely do not support Dr Minnis and have been crying out for months now for him to go.

To continue to hold on to the Party Leadership based on a CABAL of some 400 stalwart counsellors, amid very dubious circumstances at best, is a total mockery.

As Central and South Abaco recently asked “who can

put me out of the FNM?” It can only be the 1,490 FNM supporters who voted for him.

As everyone in this country opposed to the PLP keep saying, the important thing is to come together and oppose them. There is no benefit to any Bahamian to have Dr Minnis being the leader of the FNM and the PLP being returned to power by mid next year. It is doubtful even now that Dr Minnis would be re-elected

in Killarney. He knows full well that none of his constituents will support him financially, so please Dr Minnis. Take off the dark shades, and see the light of day.

As my late mother used to ask “why do you think that you are the only one in step and the other thousand soldiers are out of step”.

BRUCE G. RAINE Nassau, December 17, 2016.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, December 19, 2016, PAGE 5

ANDRE CHAPPELLE LOSES BATTLE WITH CANCER ANDRE Chappelle, who saved himself from a life on the streets and reformed to help others beat their demons, died at home from cancer at the weekend.

Mr Chappelle, who grew up behind the gates of exclusive Lyford Cay, lost both parents at a young age. He enjoyed a private school education but became hooked on drugs and alcohol and when he could no longer afford to support his habit legally, resorted to whatever it took to get what he needed, always stopping short of harming anyone.

From the time he decided to become clean, Mr Chappelle dedicated himself to helping others. He headed programmes at Teen Challenge, was recruited by the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Ministry of Education to assist with conflict res-

olution and anger management sessions. He also counselled individuals and led group sessions, including becoming the director of The Family: People Helping People, a clinic started by Dr David Allen on Blue Hill Road for those who could not afford his private practice services.

Mr Chappelle was the creator and promotor of a prisoners’ art show that won rave reviews, a project he said uncovered incredible talent behind bars that would give those serving time a purpose just as he had found his purpose. He was also the spokesperson for the anti-drug campaign run by the Ministry of National Security’s National Drug Secretariat.

Mr Chappelle died with his wife and soulmate, Kim, at his side.

ANDRE Chapelle with his wife, Kim.

Pintard helps lead efforts to bring hurricane relief

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net FORMER Senator Michael Pintard and a team of volunteers from Marco City have spearheaded a major hurricane relief initiative, visiting 900 households in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew to assess and document the needs of residents.

The initiative was organised in phases and soon grew into a partnership with service clubs, religious organisations, NGOs, and government organisations, private businesses, and residents. Food items, building supplies and generators were delivered to those severely affected by the storm.

“We took to the streets the day following the passing of Hurricane Matthew and visited more than 900 homes and documented needs,” Mr Pintard, the former Free National Move-

ment party chairman, said.

The team distributed boxes of food, tarpaulins/ plastic, portable stoves, baby products, more than 450 gallons of water, limited bottles of ice, cooking gas, and more.

In addition to delivering supplies, Mr Pintard and the team also took time to share crucial information about assistance available through private and government organisations and give advice on how to deal with insurers, a repair plan and provided important telephone numbers to residents.

They also provided gas for generators and loaned portable generators - courtesy of the Grand Bahama Port Authority and Cyril Minnis - to residents, as well as provided generators to construction workers who assisted residents with getting their lives back to normal.

The group also donated property cleaning tools, in-

cluding a chainsaw, wheel barrow, garbage bags, gloves, masks, rakes, etc.

Churches were supplied with tarpaulins and plastic to prevent further water damage.

Mr Pintard also collaborated with the Kiwanis Club, including Lieutenant Governor Benjamin White, Nerika Burrows, Karen Johnson and the Freeport Kiwanis Clubs, as they conducted their assessments and hurricane emergency supply distribution from Freeport to West End. He said gift certificates were distributed to residents to shop at Cost Right or Solomon’s. Mr Pintard said that phase three will involve the rebuilding of homes, businesses, and the community.

“We have entered into arrangement with contractors and landscaping crews to assist with reconstruction and landscaping. Priority will be given to senior citizens, persons with disabili-

ties and single mothers,” he said.

Mr Pintard said they have distributed building materials, including 200 sheets of plywood, sheetrock, felt, tin tabs, roof cement, nails, hard coat, and shingles.

Mr Pintard and the Marco City team also held a Thanksgiving luncheon for hundreds of residents and hosted a family fun day at the Windsor on the Mall Apartments.

“What started out as a Marco City constituency initiative mushroomed into a partnership with service organisations, faith-based organisations, NGOs and government organisations, private businesses and residents. We were also honoured to collaborate with Rotary in a deeper way having connected previously in providing water to several communities jointly,” he said.

Mr Pintard stressed that because thousands of families were adversely affected, many of whom now have no jobs to which to return, the need is still great and varied.

PAGE 6, Monday, December 19, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

Discipline of rebel seven to be completed early in New Year

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Movement Chairman Sidney Collie said that although FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis will be “deliberate” in his handling of disciplinary proceedings into the actions of the “rebel seven” parliamentarians, the matter will be resolved “shortly into the new year” and “long before” the general election campaign season heats up.

Mr Collie confirmed that

the FNM has never expelled a person from the party before. He said even during the one or two times the party has commenced formal disciplinary proceedings, the process was never completed as members typically leave the party rather than be disciplined.

This has created some nerves in the FNM party, for it now has to pursue disciplinary proceedings just months away from the general election.

“The leader is trying to be very deliberate in the way he does this,” Mr Col-

lie said yesterday. “The next step is for him. We know the nature of the people we dealing with. This will play out in the press and be dramatised. The party doesn’t need too much of that. We need to prepare for an election.”

The seven-day deadline for the seven parliamentarians to respond to a letter of charges from the Executive Committee passed last week Thursday, Mr Collie said.

However, one high-level source in the party said that in an abundance of cau-

‘SHOCKS AND SUPRISES’ TO COME IN LORETTA’S SENATE APPOINTEES from page one

The comments sparked a wave of speculation that Mrs Butler-Turner was mulling over activist Louby Georges, talk show host and former DNA candidate Rodney Moncur and activist Erin Green for the Senate.

It has also been speculated that former Senator Monique Gomez is also among those being considered.

However, when contacted yesterday, Mrs Butler-Turner told The Tribune none of these persons had been chosen.

“To be honest with you, to best of my knowledge and based on where we are at, I haven’t agreed on any of those to be senators at this stage,” she said. “There has been a lot of speculation (and) those are names that people are putting out there. But that is not the case.”

Last week, Mrs ButlerTurner’s appointment of Mr McCartney to the Senate raised further speculation over the strategy of the “rebel seven” who two weeks ago wrote to Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling and House Speaker Dr Kendal Major expressing no confidence in FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis.

At the time of the an-

nouncement, Mrs ButlerTurner maintained that she and her colleagues will not be joining the third party, but stopped short of revealing how the resulting collaboration will influence the election campaigns of either party.

She said last week: “The significance is that we were able to even get this collaboration, that is the most significant thing. The second significant thing is that we respect the differences we bring to the table, but more importantly we understand the commonality that we share and all of our people, our supporters share, and that is people have been begging and asking us to please either come together formally or to work together to pool your resources to rid yourself of the PLP government.”

“We have a work in progress,” Mrs Butler-Turner told reporters when asked for more details, “we have told you we have a plan, and we are moving now in building out that plan. The only thing that stops us now from rolling out the rest of our senators is the fact that we understand from the prime minister that there has to be clarification as to whether we will be able to use three senators or whether we will be able to appoint four senators.”

“So in that regard that

is what we’re concentrated on, I ask you to stay tuned because essentially what is going to happen is going to be so dynamic and you’re going to be able to see that we’re able to do something totally different from what you look at in terms of just party politics in the Bahamas.”

Mrs Butler-Turner added: “Party politics has not served us well at this juncture, we have become very tribalistic and what we’re showing is that we’re able to move away those tribal barriers to work together for the common good and that is to prevail.”

She has revealed that she was awaiting legal clarification from Parliament on a request made by the remaining three FNM MPs to appoint a senator. Sources close to the matter have confirmed that Dr Minnis intends to issue a formal request to House Speaker Dr Kendal Major.

“We had to put everything on hold after the prime minister indicated that he’s gotten information that the three FNM MPs might be asking for a senator, that is the hold up right now, and if you look at it they have a tenth (in the House) and so they may want to be able to do that.

It’s a real split in there,” she said in response to the Senate appointments.

tion, the party may view this coming Wednesday as the actual deadline since at least one MP received his hand-delivered letter just last week Wednesday.

Once it is determined that the deadline has passed, Mr Collie said Dr Minnis will decide when to convene the Executive Committee of the FNM to appoint a tribunal consisting of members from the party’s Central Council.

Even after the tribunal reaches a verdict, the council will not be obliged to follow its recommendation, he said.

But he ruled out the pos-

sibility that the party will overlook the disciplinary proceedings against the seven parliamentarians altogether.

“We can’t overlook it,” he said. “The mood of the council is such that it might be drawn out but there must be a conclusion. It might not be clean but there must be a conclusion.”

But Mr Collie ruled out the possibility that the party will overlook disciplining the seven parliamentarians altogether.

Nearly two weeks ago, the seven MPs wrote a let-

ter of no confidence to Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling requesting that Dr Minnis be removed as leader of the Official Opposition, citing Article 82 of the Constitution.

The group also said they had voted in favour of Long Island MP Loretta ButlerTurner leading them in Parliament.

The move sent shockwaves through the country, leaving many to wonder if the embattled party would be able to regroup and mount a strong election challenge.

LONG ISLAND FNMS CALL MINNIS A ‘LIAR’ from page one

The Long Island association said it had run out of patience with the party leader.

“The people of Long Island are hardworking independent people,” the letter said. “Long Island has for many years supported the FNM, which we have done that by choice!

“Long Island does not bow to the wishes or orders of any political leader. We are Long Island strong and we can think and speak for ourselves.

“Our patience as a people is as long as our island, and our patience with Dr Minnis has run out. Since he became leader of the FNM Dr Minnis has done nothing but sow seeds of division, discord and distrust.

His guiding principle is to divide and conquer, but it is clear that he is desperate to the point of telling larger and bolder untruths.

“It is reported that Dr Minnis told the Central Council of the FNM that he received a communication from the Constituency Association of Long Island and in that communication the members voted in favour of withdrawing the nomination from the Hon Loretta Butler-Turner.

“Firstly, that statement

by Dr Minnis is a huge untruth; the Constituency Association of Long Island continues to support Mrs Butler-Turner.

“Secondly, we urge Dr Minnis to stop being vindictive to the Long Island Constituency Association and residents. He needs to man up and fight his fight at that level before behaving immature.

“Why is Dr Minnis so compelled to listen to random people versus the constituency association of Long Island, but he refuses to listen to the associations in Ft Charlotte, St Anne’s,

A PORTION of the letter from the Long Island association.

Montagu, North Eleuthera, tween certain constituents Exuma, South Beach, Mar- and the MP has been buildathon, Yamacraw, North ing since 2012. However, Abaco and Pinewood ... she said the “stunt” the MP just to name a few. It is now had pulled in deposing Dr clear what Dr Minnis’ par- Minnis in Parliament was liamentary team has been all they could take. saying about him is true; Mrs Butler-Turner, Cenhe’s not honest and cannot tral Grand Bahama MP be trusted.

Neko Grant, St Anne’s MP “That is not the type of Hubert Chipman, Montagu leader Long Island wants or MP Richard Lightbourn, needs, we need and want a North Eleuthera MP Theo leader like Loretta Butler- Neilly, Central and South Turner who is a real leader Abaco MP Edison Key and who cares about Long Is- Ft Charlotte MP Dr Anland and is prepared to work dre Rollins each signed the for and fight for us. Dr Min- letter of no confidence in nis has never done that.”

Dr Minnis. The party has Last Monday, Dr Min- launched disciplinary pronis confirmed that the party ceedings against the seven started its search for a new rebel MPs. candidate in Long Island Mr Collie said the party and FNM Chairman Sid- was about to begin the forney Collie added that the mal process of finding a party had received a peti- new nominee for the Long tion from voters there who Island constituency and say they do not want Mrs that the party is still acceptButler-Turner to represent ing applications. Tribune them in 2017. columnist Adrian Gibson Meanwhile, Dillis Smith, has been floated as a posformer FNM Long Island sible replacement for Mrs Constituency Association Butler-Turner; last week chairperson, said the peti- he wrote: “I affirm that the tion was formal notice that people of Long Island, my “Long Island don’t want home town, have been calllazy Loretta”. According to ing … and I intend to anMs Smith, contention be- swer their call.”

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, December 19, 2016, PAGE 7

Dredging ‘only took place with Nygard’s permission’

By LAMECH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter ljohnson@tribunemedia.net DREDGING activity would not have occurred on or around Nygard Cay without permission of the property owner, Canadian fashion mogul Peter Nygard, a Supreme Court judge heard on Friday.

Committal proceedings for Mr Nygard began before Justice Rhonda Bain concerning his alleged breach of an order during an ongoing judicial review to determine whether the fashion designer had illegally increased the size of his property.

Mr Nygard was present in the Ansbacher House courtroom when his lawyer, Elliot Lockhart, QC, made an application for the Lyford Cay resident to be excused from the scheduled proceedings until January 23, 2017, when a decision is expected in the matter.

The request was granted and Mr Nygard was allowed to leave as Mr Lockhart cross-examined the head of a security consultancy firm that conducted surveillance of Nygard Cay in December, 2014.

A recent site visit to the property was also conducted on October 3 by the judge, officers of the court and a delegation from Save The Bays.

Mr Lockhart asked the security consultant if he had seen a dock at Nygard Cay to receive yachts and, when told yes, asked him to describe it.

“It was an area near/on the water that appeared to be from the sea side going north and that is where one can tie the boat,” the private investigator said.

The witness said he could not recall the exact date

surveillance was conducted but said it was for more than a week.

“Did you inform yourself, in the course of your investigation, as to how long that area had been there?”

Nygard’s lawyer asked. “I did not” the private investigator said.

“That’s your first mistake. I suggest that to you,” Mr Lockhart said. The witness agreed with the suggestion.

“Are you able to tell us the depth of the water before the dock was constructed?” the lawyer asked. The witness said no.

“Do you know anything about this area concerning the seabed in so far as the construction of the dock?”

Mr Nygard’s lawyer probed.

The private investigator

PETER NYGARD said no.

The witness said he could not speak to permission being granted for work to be done, nor could he say if there were any terms or conditions affixed prior to and at the time he was conducting the surveillance.

“So you can give us no particular information about Nygard Cay of an historical nature?” the lawyer asked. “No I can’t,” the witness said.

“Mr Nygard was in here earlier and you saw him leave. Did you see Mr Nygard dredging at anytime?” the lawyer probed.

The witness said no.

He was asked if he knew the individuals who were doing the dredging. He said he did not.

Mr Lockhart asked the

witness if he undertook any investigations subsequent to his surveillance conducted in December, 2014. The private investigator said no.

“You stand by what you said in your affidavit?” the lawyer asked. The witness said yes.

Mr Lockhart asked for the consultant to be allowed to read all 12 paragraphs of his affidavit into the record. The application was granted.

“When you speak of dredging taking place, did you discover who was responsible?” Mr Lockhart asked. The witness said no.

“If there was, in fact, any dredging going on?” the lawyer suggested.

“There was dredging going on,” the security consultant said.

“Using this courtroom, what’s the size of this barge you observed?” the lawyer asked. “I’d say it was four of the tables the attorneys are sitting at put together,” the witness said.

“Do you know who moved the accumulated dredged sand?”

Mr Lockhart asked.”No, I do not know them,” the witness said.

“Did you inquire who drove that pay-loader?” Mr Lockhart asked. The witness said he did not.

“Do you know who was responsible for their presence there?” the lawyer asked. The investigator, again, said no.

“Are you familiar with Nygard Holdings Ltd?” the lawyer asked. “No, I am not,” the witness said.

Mr Lockhart asked for the security consultant/ private investigator to be shown the “executive summary” attached to his affidavit.

“Beyond what’s contained in this affidavit, is there any further evidence obtained by you?”

Mr Lockhart asked. “My evidence is in my affidavit,” the witness said.

“Who is the owner of Point House? Did you determine that in your investigation?” the lawyer asked.

The private investigator said yes.

“Where is Point House in relation to Nygard Cay?” Mr Lockhart asked.

“In the absence of my surveillance notes, it’s east of Nygard Cay,” the witness said.

“Did you appreciate there’s a canal leading from east of Nygard Cay into the seabed area?” the lawyer asked. The security consultant said yes.

“How did you connect these individuals and confirm they are Nygard’s

men?” the lawyer further probed.

“I concluded they were on his property providing a service. They were operating on a property and obviously they would have had to have permission to be on that property,” the witness said.

“Did you ask him what he was doing on/or around Nygard property?” the lawyer asked. “No, I did not,” the witness said.

The proceedings continue on Monday.

Save The Bays’ battle with Mr Nygard over the construction/development activities at his Lyford Cay home stem from allegations that the activities have led to substantial growth of the property.

The group claims that the Lyford Cay resident has almost doubled the size of his property, from 3.25 acres to 6.1 acres, since he acquired it in 1984, by allegedly reclaiming Crown land from the sea. The advocacy group has alleged that Mr Nygard achieved this without the necessary permits and approvals, claims that have been denied by the fashion designer.

In 2015, Justice Bain was asked to recuse herself from committal proceedings involving Mr Nygard through a notice of motion filed in the Supreme Court by his former lawyer on the grounds of bias. However, in January, Justice Bain said Mr Nygard had not proved there was evidence of bias or apparent bias towards him and found the accusations to be “scandalous”.

The Court of Appeal, in June, affirmed Justice Bain’s rejection of the application in an appeal of the decision by the Lyford Cay resident.

PAGE 8, Monday, December 19, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

URBAN RENEWAL LIGHTS UP CHRISTMAS

ONE of the children at the event in Centreville.

CENTREVILLE is get- old Sanchase Smith led the ting ready for Christmas appreciation of ASP Richwith the local Urban Re- ardons’s efforts, describing newal team headed by As- him as the “the best boss in sistant Superintendent of the world”.

Police Ricardo RichardResidents recognise son hosting its annual tree Centreville Urban Renewlighting ceremony under al remains a force to be the theme “A Merry Trans- reckoned with and thanked formation in Centreville”, Mr Knowles, Stacey Lee complete with a ‘snow fall’. and Tyronque Brown who The crowd was entertained they say are committed to by seniors and youth and restoring the mindset of the MC on the night, WPC our youth within the inner 3334 Mackey. Nine-year- city.

YOUNGSTERS at the Urvan Renewal tree lighting ceremony in Centreville.

Bishop Boyd says fight pain with love THE Rt Rev Laish Boyd, Bishop of the Diocese of the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands, has called on Bahamians to combat pain with love and

genuinely seek what is best for the good of others this Christmas.

In his annual message to commemorate the Yuletide season, Bishop Boyd said

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while the world is cruel, heartless and hateful, as our brother’s keeper we should practice putting the wellbeing of others before our own - both to those that we know and to strangers who we meet.

“Love happens when the other person’s happiness is more important than our own,” he wrote.

“This is what real love is whether it is romantic, between parent and child, between siblings, relatives, friends or neighbours. Each of us is experiencing or has experienced one or more

of these. Selfishness hurts the other person. Love only wants what is best for the other.

“Some of us may not want to hear about or to think about love, especially if we have been hurt by others, betrayed or disappointed by some person in one of the above categories.

“However, love, ie genuine concern, when people give to us or care for us unselfishly, is still the most powerful force in the whole world.”

He said if pain and

disappointment are not enough, every year Christmas seems to become more busy, more bustling, more material and commercialised and even more socially demanding.

These elements, Bishop Boyd said, are not all bad in themselves because each has its place and value when kept within its proper bounds.

However, trying to keep up with it makes it harder and harder to stay focused on the real meaning of the season, he said. They actually give competition to

God and to spiritual focus and to peace and to peace of mind.

“Notwithstanding, the call to love continues to go out to all of us because nothing else is going to satisfy. God gave His Son, Jesus, to the world because “God so loved the world” (John 3:16). Love is still the only way to heal the pain and to fill the emptiness in our souls and in our world,” Bishop Boyd said.

See Bishop Boyd’s full message, page 14

PASTORS WARY UN RESOLUTION COULD SUPPORT LGBT COMMUNITY from page one

Professor Vitit Muntarbhorn was appointed the independent expert for the

resolution and the UN is expected to vote on it today. Calls made to him to inquire on how the country intended to vote were not returned up to press time.

The pastors wrote: “Professor Muntarbhorn has already indicated that he will advocate for decriminalisation of buggery in countries with such laws; depathologi-

sation to make LGBT conduct to be seen as normal, including banning therapy for persons struggling with same-sex attraction who want help; status recognition, which will allow, for example, men pretending to be women to change their drivers licence and other documents to support their sex as being opposite to their biological sex; genderdiverse cultural inclusion, which he described in his own words as to ‘identify and disseminate all-inclusive interpretations of religion and other beliefs with space for gender diversity’; and empathisation, which is to indoctrinate children with the LGBT ideology from childhood up through the school curriculum and otherwise.”

Their email was sent to Mr Mitchell on Friday.

“Clearly, the LGBT ideology that professor Muntarbhorn seeks to promote is unwelcome by the overwhelming majority of Bahamians. In addition, our laws protect everyone against acts of violence, and our Constitution provides everyone with the same protections against specific types of discrimination.

Therefore, we are asking and urging you to cause our country’s representative at the United Nations to vote against Resolution 32/2 on Monday.”

They also said: “The first vote on this resolution was taken on November 21, 2016 and recorded 84 countries for the expert, 77 against, and 17 abstentions.

The Bahamas voted yes in favour of the IE on November 21; therefore, we are writing to ask and urge you to direct our country’s representative to vote against the appointment of IE in Monday’s vote.

“While we denounce violence against all persons, we are concerned that the words ‘violence’ and ‘discrimination’ are being distorted to mean any view that does not support the LGBT ideology.”

Further, by his own admission, Professor Muntarbhorn has made it clear that he will use his appointment to advocate for and promote the LGBT ideology, which is contrary to the surface reasons for his appointment, the pastors noted.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, December 19, 2016, PAGE 9

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SHARLENE CARTWRIGHT ROBINSON, who has been elected premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

BAHAMIAN-BORN WOMAN BECOMES FIRST FEMALE PREMIER OF TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS BAHAMIAN-born Sharlene Cartwright Robinson has become the first female premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands after leading the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), the main opposition party, to victory in the general elections.

The PDM won 10 seats including four at-large seats, while the ruling Progressive National Party (PNP) won five. The outgoing premier, Rufus Ewing, conceded defeat on Friday after losing his seat and said he would be resigning as PNP leader.

“It was never my intention to make a career out of politics. I was here for a season to do my best for this country,” Mr Ewing, a medical doctor, told The Miami Herald. “Gave it my best against all odds and left my mark and now handing over the baton to others.”

Mr Ewing came into power in 2012, three years after

Britain suspended the government and took day-today control of the territory amid a widespread government corruption scandal. A number of former government ministers remain on trial, including former Premier Michael Misick and his former minister McAllister “Piper” Hanchell.

Both men, who have professed their innocence, ran in the elections and lost.

Misick finished 11th among the 21 at-large candidates.

Days before the vote, Hanchell tweeted an Instagram posting of Misick and former Haitian President Michel Martelly hugging.

Misick wrote, “#thanks for your #endorsement #mrpresident #haiti.”

Martelly, who has returned to his former career as a singer, was in Providenciales to perform as Sweet Micky.

Among the current government ministers who

managed to retain their seat was Misick’s older brother, former chief minister and current finance minister Charles Washington Misick.

Mrs Cartwright-Robinson, an attorney, was born in the Bahamas in 1971 to Turks and Caicos Islands parents who were working there and was issued with a Bahamian passport.

Her family returned to the Turks and Caicos Islands when she was six.

Mrs Cartwright Robinson led a team called “The Dream Team” to the election and had accused the Ewing-led government of having led the Turks and Caicos Islands into an abyss for which the citizens are suffering.

The 7,800 voters had three choices: the ruling PNP, the PDM and the People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) led by Oswald Skippings.

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PAGE 10, Monday, December 19, 2016

Junior Junkanoo DANCERS from Preston Albury during Junior Junkanoo at Arawak Cay.

A YOUNGSTER from the Community School at Junior Junkanoo.

THE TRIBUNE

Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

ONE on One Pre-School won the the Pre-School Division of Junior Junkanoo Parade celebrations at Arawak Cay on Saturday. Tarpum Bay Primary School, from Eleuthera, won the Primary School Division. Preston Albury High School of Rock Sound, Eleuthera, won in the High School Division.

PRESTON Albury musicians in action during Junior Junkanoo.

A BRASS musician from Anatol Rodgers in action.

PRIME Minister Perry Chrisite at Junior Junkanoo.

A SWARM of Spider-Drummers from Tarpum Bay Primary School.

A GOVERNMENT High School float on the route.

TARPUM Bay Primary School children taking part in Junior Junkanoo.

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the stories behind the news

insight@tribunemedia.net

MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2016

Keeping children safe in our classrooms is a lesson we must learn I

was the general manager of Wemco Security when young criminals began seriously challenging the safety of our public schools a few years ago.

The Ministry of Education asked local security firms for recommendations to enhance school security.

In preparing Wemco’s proposal I drew on my 30-year career as a police officer, 25 of which were spent in the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), as well as my years of experience as a private security specialist.

The Ministry also recruited a capable ex-police officer, Garth Johnson, to be director of security for the public school system.

Johnson had worked along with me at CID, and was one of the best detectives in the department. Even after he was transferred to the uniformed branch he was very often called back to lead special investigations.

Leadership is important.

But for the schools’ security unit to be effective it has to be supported by the Ministry in terms of resources and recruitment. And the head of security must be closely consulted at all times on policy matters and regulations.

During my security review of the government schools on New Providence I paid close attention to the local environment, and questioned teachers and security guards. Today, I discuss some of the relevant recommendations in my Wemco report.

Environment and infrastructure First and foremost, there should be proper fencing of school campuses, with the bottom of the fences embedded in concrete or secured with steel cables, so as to make it difficult or near impossible to crawl under.

Trees should be trimmed and brush cleared for improved monitoring of the campus perimeter.

Most schools need better security lighting. And the entry of vehicles onto the school grounds should be controlled. Pedestrian gates would enable security officers to conduct random visitor checks, and metal detectors would help prevent the smuggling of weapons onto the campus.

Security alarms in offices where valuable property or confidential documents are stored would be useful. And security personnel should be continually monitored in terms of their performance.

There have been some improvements over the years, but many gaps remain. For example, most schools now have security cameras, but security officers often do not monitor them. Alarms have yet to

A comprehensive review of schools security is required not just for now but for the future of our students, former assistant police commissioner Paul Thompson says be installed, fencing at most schools is in disrepair and overgrown campuses offer hiding places for intruders.

Access control Access to schools must be strictly controlled by security personnel. All students should wear a uniform and teachers should carry photo IDs. Any suspicions as to the identity of individuals on campus should be communicated to the principal.

Visitors should be recorded by security cameras and gates affixed with “no trespassing” signs should be closed when classes start.

Security personnel should be informed about individuals or groups who may be allowed access to campuses after school hours.

My understanding is that access control is much improved today, with better equipment and training for security staff.

curity and other supervisory staff should pay regular visits to every school and ensure that proper regulations are being followed.

Conditions of service

Campuses should be patrolled frequently by security staff, and the school grounds should be under constant surveillance. Officers must be vigilant, and report any suspicious activity to the police and principal immediately. They should also be equipped with hand radios.

When patrolling takes place regularly, it has proven to be an effective security measure.

In order to attract the right people and motivate them to perform effectively as security officers, terms of employment are important and should include medical benefits. The recruitment criteria for security officers should include physical fitness and a sense of responsibility.

Years ago, when I was a training officer at the Police College, we held exercises for private security personnel at the airport and other government installations.

In many cases their physical performance was poor and it was doubtful they would have had the ability to deal with a dangerous situation.

Bearing this in mind, security staff at our public schools should be screened, trained, tested and graded.

Those found wanting should be retired or transferred.

Since compensation for school security guards is low, many officers are below acceptable standards.

About two-thirds are women, whose performance is mostly satisfactory but who may not be able to deal with dangerous situations such as armed violence.

Better wages would attract better applicants and motivate existing personnel.

Developing intelligence

Criminal matters

It goes without saying that security personnel should keep in close touch with both students and teachers. They need to be aware of the students who cause problems and the parents who threaten teachers. Security officers, staff and students should work as a team to enhance security and prevent serious incidents at the schools.

It is appropriate for principals and teachers to deal

Prevention patrols

Regulations Security personnel should be familiar with school policies and rules, including dress codes and emergency plans. Although the Ministry’s Director of Security is in overall charge of school security, principals have a key role to play in supervising the security operations on their campuses. The Director of Se-

“Security staff at our public schools should be screened, trained, tested and graded.

Those found wanting should be retired or transferred.”

Security officers, police and students should work together to enhance safety at schools. with minor incidents on campus, but any criminal matter - whether minor or major - should be reported

to the police for investigation and possible prosecution. No deals should be made merely to protect a

Paul Thompson is the quintessential policeman. His career spanned the modern development of The Bahamas - from colonial times to the challenges of nationhood.

Born in a small farming village in Trinidad, he was recruited by the Royal Bahamas Police Force in 1951. He spent most of his time on the force in the Criminal Investigation Department, retiring in 1981 as an Assistant Commissioner.

He then began a second career as head of security for the Paradise Island Resort & Casino, returning to the police force as a civilian training officer in 1998, and in 2002 was appointed general manager of Wemco Security.

Five years later, he set up his own security company - Paul Thompson & Associates. Now in his 80s, he remains active in security work.

school’s image. Examples would include possession of weapons or drugs, and See pg 12

PAGE 12 MONDAY, december 19, 2016

Email: insight@tribunemedia.net

GAIN AN EDGE A NATIONAL DIALOGUE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

GAIN AN EDGE

Creating the next generation of problem solvers A A NATIONAL DIALOGUE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

huge part of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) involves academics that focus on being innovative and solving problems.

Simply put: TVET is not solely hands on.

The very nature of TVET integrates Math and Science concepts into the instruction. In fact, Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) are integral in preparing students for TVET, which transfers into 21st century skills. Such skills bolster the country’s human capital, which in turn has the ability to turn economies around.

Some students choose TVET because they expect plenty of hands-on experience. However, before gaining experience in a laboratory or workshop, they must possess basic Math and English skills - transferable skills, no matter the career path.

There is hope, though, for prospective students who have not passed Math and English at the national level.

The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) provides a placement exam that assesses their level in the subjects. Depending on the results, they are placed in the tech prep programme (similar to college prep), and once completed, they move into their programme of study.

Technical and Vocational Education also involves transferable skills through academic study, as the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute explains

Recently, BTVI’s Math department initiated a visionary approach to getting students more engaged in the subject. For about eight weeks, students of Archilene O’Brien’s class enrolled in ALEKS, a powerful artificial-intelligence based assessment tool that zeroes in on the strengths and weaknesses of a student’s mathematical knowledge.

It reports the findings to the student and then helps improve the student’s knowledge of Math via technology.

Royston Jones, a Carpentry major, attests to the importance of the basic principles of Math; it makes the learning process at BTVI easier for him.

“Carpentry has a lot to do with measurement. You have to process things when measuring. You’re taking away and adding while working. You don’t want errors in carpentry. Even in plumbing and electrical, you have to measure precisely.

You need basic Math and

Keeping children safe in our classrooms is a lesson we must learn From pg11 assaults or threats against teachers or students.

The number of security personnel ought to relate to the size of each campus, as well as the reputation of the students and the area in

which the school is located.

A senior officer should lead a security team at each school. As supervisor he would be responsible for liaising with the principal and the Ministry’s Director of Security.

Science and English brings it all together,” he said.

BTVI’s Dean of Construction and Mechanical Trades, Alexander Darville, said that with the demand from industry, it is incumbent upon the institution to ensure it continues to churn out students who have the fundamentals of Math and English. Even science is imbedded in trades like cosmetology and heating ventilation and air conditioning.

Mr Darville added that the global economy demands employees be able to apply technical reading and writing skills in a dynamic workplace.

“If cement mix needs part water and sand to get a desired effect, you must know measurement. Also, you must be able to read scanned tools and interpret computer language. If not, you are crippled. The days of analogue readings have changed to digital readings,” said Mr Darville.

These skills noted by Mr

District constables Like police officers, security personnel have certain legal powers. They should be acquainted with their power of arrest so they can act accordingly in appropriate instances. Security officers can arrest people for causing injury or damage to the property they are hired to protect. They also have citizen powers of arrest when a felony is committed

Fashion Design student, Shanique Rolle, drafts a 12-gored skirt during a skirt making class.

Carpentry instructor, Graham Thornley, explains a concept to a student.

Darville are required in our knowledge-based economy, where adaptability is vital.

This dual approach to TVET attracts the high flyers, as well as those who are more hands on. Certainly, a TVET education translates into employability for both.

Essentially, TVET creates problem solvers - students who are able to trouble shoot and analyse prob-

lems. This is imperative, as the work environment is constantly evolving with the introduction of new equipment. Hence, in the ideal TVET classroom, it is not about teaching students how to operate a specific piece of equipment; it is about teaching concepts and skills that reinforce technology and the application of that knowledge.

in their presence or they have reasonable grounds to believe that a felony is about to be committed.

It would be helpful if school security personnel were sworn in as district constables. This would enhance their powers, as they would be acting directly on behalf of the Royal Bahamas Police Force. This would also reduce the need for regular police officers to be stationed at schools. The cost of using regular police

in schools is much greater than the cost of using a well-trained security force.

But whether police officers or private security guards are employed, the goal is to ensure a safe environment for students and teachers in our schools.

It is notable that school security is hardly an issue in the Family Islands. This may be attributed to better parental control and a more disciplined environment at school. On New

• “Gain An Edge” is a weekly collaboration of the Lyford Cay Foundations, Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute and University of The Bahamas aimed at promoting a national dialogue on higher education. To share your thoughts, email gainanedge@ tribunemedia.net. Gain an Edge returns on January 9.

Providence, school communities face serious security issues, and students should be constantly reminded of the risks to their future that could result from engaging in violent or criminal behaviour.

• On january 9: why illegal immigration is not treated seriously enough Comments and responses to insight@tribunemedia.net

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2016 PAGE 13

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

Outraged for black womanhood

World View

By SIR RONALD SANDERS

A

FTER a lifeMichelle Obama epitotime in Car- mises the finest qualities of ibbean and womanhood. She overcame international all the prejudices and bigpolitics, I thought the time otry endemic in the society had long since passed when into which she was born to I could be outraged by any attend premier US instievent. tutions, graduating from But I was outraged last Princeton University (gradweek and I continue to uating cum laude in 1985) seethe over the fact that and Harvard Law School Pamela Ramsey Taylor, the in 1988. She worked for a director of a Clay County, leading law firm in Chicago.

West Virginia, non-profit And, if her academic and who was removed from professional accomplishher post after she called ments are not more than Michelle Obama an “ape sufficient to earn her rein heels” in a November spect and admiration, she is Facebook post, will be re- physically an extremely atinstated in her job on De- tractive woman who carries cember 23. What signal herself with immense grace does this re-instatement and charm. send to Americans, black Perhaps it is that attracand white? Indeed, what tiveness - acknowledged statement does it make to worldwide by Kings and the rest of the world?

Queens and celebrated This is not only blatant fashion houses as much as racism getting a pass; it is ordinary folk - that caused a most disturbing endorse- Taylor to describe this fine ment of it. Worse yet, it is representative of all women a savage attack on black (not just black women) as womanhood - something to an “ape in heels”. For those which every right-minded in whom racial superiority person anywhere in the is ingrained, the very noworld should respond with tion that a black woman robust indignation. I would could be regarded as bright, not have been comfortable beautiful and regal chalwith myself if, through this lenges their atavistic and commentary, I did not re- visceral sense of superiorcord my anger that Taylor’s ity and, with it, their power. crass and vulgar remark has The “ape in heels” remark been rewarded. That re- was as much an expression ward opens wide the door of a desire to repress black to similar - if not worse - people as contestants for a assaults on the dignity of place equal to white peoblack women. ple, as it was a spewing of Arguably, back women vexation that this particular have been denigrated and woman is a shining examdegraded more ple to others than any other who might be ‘This is not race of women emboldened to in history and only blatant follow in her the world. In racism getting footsteps. the Americas, Much has including the a pass; it is a been writmost disturbing ten about the Caribbean, they have been endorsement Presidency of owned, abused, Barack Obaviolated and of it. Worse yet, ma. Not so discounted by it is a savage much has been white men and attack on black written of Miwhite women chelle.

But, alike. For cen- womanhood.’ the dignity, deturies, in slavcency and reery, they did not own their spect for the Obama White own bodies nor could they House was not his doing claim their own children. alone. The Obama famTheir maltreatment did ily is among the very best not end with slavery. In the of American Presidential post-emancipation period, families (all of whom hiththey were denied educa- erto have been white) and tion, training and the vote that is due as much to Mieven as these rights were chelle Obama as to Barack reluctantly granted to black Obama. Their performance men. In modern times, they is summed-up in the phrase struggle for equal pay with that will be associated with men; and for access to jobs her eternally: “When they for which they are as quali- go low, we go high”. What fied as any man, black and she clearly meant by that is white. that, despite the racial slurs

MICHELLE Obama carries herself with immense grace and charm and has contributed to the dignity, decency and respect for the Obama White House, says Sir Ronald Sanders.

Photo: AP and the unprecedented public abuse thrown at her husband - the twice-elected President - they operated in the White House consistent with their roles as the representatives of all the people of the United States.

The racist elements in the United States (and in other parts of the world) were never content with a black President or a black First Lady, both of whom captured the imagination and respect of people the world over. That acceptance and acclaim does not play well with their characterisation of the black race as inferior, or their own sense of ownership of the levers of power.

When Taylor said that she would be pleased to see “a PAMELA Ramsey Taylor’s infamous ‘ape in heels’ Facebook post and subsequent explanation white woman” again in the In all this, the words of showed to the world that the White House, she was asserting relief that whites the late Maya Angelou, depiction of black people Sir Ronald Sanders is could be seen again to be articulating the resolve of particularly black women fully in charge. The flip- black women in particu- - is distorted. The Obamas Antigua and Barbuda’s side of that contention is lar to overcome, dances in the White House ripped Ambassador to the United that depiction to shreds. In States and the Organisation that blacks would be re- through my mind: “You may write me down no small way, that is due to of American States. He is turned to their place - and a most attractive woman a Senior Fellow at the Inthat place does not include in history With your bitter, twisted who walked as gracefully in stitute of Commonwealth the highest office in the her heels, as she sparkled in Studies, University of Lonland, or occupancy of the lies, You may tread me in the her running shoes, and even don and Massey College in “White” House. barefooted. the University of Toronto.

Michelle Obama never very dirt Every woman should be The views expressed are his But still, like dust, I’ll responded to Taylor’s repleased that Michelle Oba- own. Responses and previmarks. She did not dig- rise.”

The Obamas triumphed ma represented and em- ous commentaries: www. nify it. She did the right sirronaldsanders.com thing. But the government in the White House and powered them. of West Virginia did the wrong thing by re-instating Taylor to her job. She now has a licence to continue to be vicious and others will feel they have a free pass to denigrate black people.

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PAGE 14 MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2016

THIS WEEK IN THE TRIBUNE Tuesday Woman and Health weekly advice on taking care of your mind and body and women making waves in The Bahamas Plus comment from Nicole Burrows and sporting mischief and mayhem with Inigo “Naughty” Zenicazelaya

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

‘Love is still the only true liberator and healer’

Wednesday Tribune Tech - a weekly look at what’s new in the world of technology Plus Larry Smith’s forthright Tough Call column Thursday Obituaries and Religion, a weekly review Young Man’s View trenchant opinion from Adrian Gibson on the hot topics in the country Sports - The Tribune’s ‘experts’ pick their Week 16 NFL winners as the race for the playoffs heats up Friday Weekend - a Christmas special 28-page section devoted to the best in arts, music, fashion, food, books, entertainment, gardening, animal matters, fitness, history and interviews Sports - The Finish Line, a look at the local sports scene, by Brent Stubbs Plus A Comic’s View - ‘T’was the night before Christmas’, Naughty’s popular annual festive take on events in The Bahamas Saturday The Tribune’s Top 5: a special video review of the week’s top stories by Khrisna Virgil on www. tribune242.com Every day in The Tribune, news, business, sports, weather and Classifieds Trader - the best guide to cars for sale, real estate, help wanted and more.

Plus breaking news and updates on your mobilefriendly tribune242.com SPEND LESS SLEEP WELL

Christmas Message 2016 from The Rt Rev’d Laish Boyd, Bishop of the Diocese of The Bahamas and The Turks and Caicos Islands

T

HE story is told about a poor man who lived with his wife.

Her hair was very long. One day the wife asked her husband to buy her a comb for her long hair so that it could be well-groomed as it continued to grow.

The man felt sorry and said that he did not have the money even to fix the strap of his watch which had just broken. The wife felt badly for having asked in the first place, and did not insist on her request.

On his way to work that day the man passed by a watch shop. He sold his damaged watch at a low price and went to buy a comb for his wife. He came back home that evening with the comb in his hand ready to give it to his wife.

He was surprised to see her with very short hair. She had cut and sold her hair and bought a brand new watch for her husband. They both burst into tears, but not because each thought they had wasted their time by the action taken. Tears came because they each realised that they loved each other so much that each was prepared to sacrifice for the

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THE ANNUAL Love Lights A Tree ceremony held by the Cancer Society of The Bahamas this year. Love is the centrepiece of Bishop Laish Boyd’s Christmas message to Bahamians too, as he calls upon people to combat pain with love, seeking what is best for others. happiness of the other. The love that they had for each other was truly reciprocal.

Love happens when the other person’s happiness is more important than our own. This is what real love is whether it is romantic, between parent and child, between siblings, relatives, friends or neighbours. Each of us is experiencing or has experienced one or more of these. Selfishness hurts the other person. Love only wants what is best for the other. Remember what St Paul wrote to the Corinthians: love is patient, kind, does not envy, does not boast, does not dishonor others, is not self-seeking ... does not keep a record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth. It always protects,

always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) Some of us may not want to hear about or to think about love, especially if we have been hurt by others, betrayed or disappointed by some person in one of the above categories. However, love, i.e., genuine concern, when people give to us or care for us unselfishly, is still the most powerful force in the whole world.

Now, consider this: if pain and disappointment are not enough, every year Christmas seems to become more busy, more bustling, more material and commercialised, even more socially demanding. These elements are not all bad in themselves because each has its place and value when kept

within its proper bounds.

However, trying to keep up with it makes it harder and harder to stay focused on the real meaning of the season. They actually give competition to God and to spiritual focus and to peace and to peace of mind.

Notwithstanding, the call to love continues to go out to all of us because nothing else is going to satisfy.

God gave His Son, Jesus, to the world because “God so loved the world” (John 3:16). Love is still the only way to heal the pain and to fill the emptiness in our souls and in our world. Bill and Gloria Gaither wrote in their timeless song: “God sent His Son. They called him Jesus.

He came to love, heal and forgive.”

This Christmas, let us combat the pain with love, unselfishly and genuinely seeking what is best for others. There is no point complaining because we see and experience the world as uncaring, cruel, heartless and hateful. Instead, let us practice our skills at putting the wellbeing of others before our own – both those persons whom we know and the stranger whom we meet.

Let us give to some person from whom or cause from which we will get no gift or favour in return; give where we will get no advantage, recognition or kick-back. It may be hard; it might even be risky, but the things in life that are not worthwhile often involve difficulty and risk. Remember, however, that love is still the only true liberator and healer.

Christopher Wordsworth was a teacher, lecturer and bishop in the Church of England. He was also the nephew of famous English poet, William Wordsworth.

In 1862 he published a wellloved hymn, which says: “Love is kind and suffers long Love is meek and thinks no wrong Love than death itself more strong, Therefore give us love.”

This Christmas let us put the emphasis on what Christmas is really about: the love of God coming into the World. Never mind what others are or are not doing. Let each of us do our part.

On behalf of the Anglican Diocese of the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands, I wish you all a blessed Christmas and a happy New Year.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, December 19, 2016, PAGE 15

PROTEST MARCH WILL GO ON DESPITE CHANGE TO HOLIDAY DATE from page one

However, last week it was announced in Parliament that the holiday would be observed on the actual date of the historic event.

Shortly after We March Bahamas organisers staged a massive protest in November, the group announced a similar event set for Majority Rule Day, on January 9.

The change in the public holiday calendar has been perceived by many as an attempt by the government to strike a blow to the success of this second event by We March Bahamas.

“The Bahamian people want to see changes and now more than ever, we are brave and impassioned,” Mr Henfield said in a press statement.

“We will march whenever the holiday is and won’t be ignored. This time, there will be thousands more of us and we will march with the people’s platform on hand and will present the way forward for a united and prosperous country, in which we won’t be treated this way by another administration - ever again.

“There’s a song titled, ‘Something Inside So Strong’, by Labi Siffre. It speaks to what we face.

No matter what this administration does, we as the Bahamian people must remember that we are now united and committed to uprooting the status quo and bringing about a better Bahamas for all Bahamians and those who live here,” he added.

In an a Facebook post last week, Mr Henfield said the Christie administration could change the date if officials wanted to, while insisting that the people in power have a lot to learn about the power of the people.

On November 25, during We March Bahamas’ ‘Black Friday’ march, just over a thousand protesters

marched from Arawak Cay to Rawson Square. More generous estimates place the figure around 1,500 persons.

The protest attracted significant support from activists and civic organisations, as well as the support of the country’s two umbrella unions.

It came after organisers issued a list of 23 non-partisan demands to Prime Minister Perry Christie and several of his Cabinet ministers on November 9, and again on November 22. Mr Christie responded to organisers by letter on November 24, in which he invited leaders to meet with him at his office.

However this offer was rejected.

Earlier this month, in an attempt to increase pressure on the government, organisers also threatened to initiate a national strike if the prime minister did not give a national address or take steps to meet protest demands.

However, Mr Henfield later walked back on that threat.

In a letter to Mr Christie, lead organiser Ranard Henfield reiterated that there was no reason to meet privately with the nation’s leader because all issues listed were well within his permit to immediately effect change “with the stroke of a pen” given his portfolio as prime minister, minister of finance, and minister with responsibility for Crown land.

He said that if Mr Christie met some of the demands in good faith, via a public address by December 8, he was prepared to convene a meeting with the more than 40 affiliated organisations and the media to discuss controversial issues.

The letter read: “The monumental Black Friday event of November 25, 2016, has forever redefined the memory of ‘Black Friday’ in The Bahamas.

No longer will its history

only be associated with the half price sales around Thanksgiving or slavery.

It will now forever be remembered as the day when Bahamians of all creeds, colours, social statuses, political affiliations and religious views came together as one people united in love and raised up chants of our national anthem, our national motto and our national pledge as we demanded better governance and representation.

“Tears flowed as thousands came together in the most racially, socially and politically diverse display of solidarity and national pride seen since Independence. Never again will Bahamians be so easy to divide and conquer as we now appreciate that once united, we are more powerful than the people in power.”

However, National Congress of Trade Unions Bahamas (NCTUB) newly elected President Bernard Evans later told The Tribune the union would not participate in any “national strike” initiated by organisers of We March Bahamas.

Mr Evans, who is also the president of the Bahamas Communications and Public Officers Union (BCPOU), added that he was willing to sit with Mr Henfield and his team to discuss past and future protests.

Mr Henfield later backtracked from his initial national strike comments and insisted that he does not possess the power to “shut the country down” and that there was no national strike planned.

In a series of posts on Facebook, Mr Henfield said the talk of a national strike was contained in a “private email” to the media and was “taken out of context”.

However, the email Mr Henfield referred to was sent to the media by wemarchbahamas@gmail.com with a subject line that read “national strike looms”.

THE PROTEST march on Black Friday.

Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff

www.ub.edu.bs

NOTICE Holiday Operation Schedule The public is advised that the University of The Bahamas (UB) will close effective 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 21, 2016 for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. This includes Harry C. Moore Library and Information Centre, the Centre for Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning and the Wellness Centre at the Oakes Field Campus; the Grosvenor Close Campus and the Northern Bahamas Campus.

However, Chapter One Bookstore will operate as per the following schedule:

CHAPTER ONE BOOKSTORE Day

Date

Time

Monday-Friday Saturday Sunday & Monday Tuesday-Friday Saturday Sunday & Monday Tuesday-Saturday

December 19-23, 2016 December 24, 2016 December 25 & 26, 2016 December 27-30, 2016 December 31, 2016 January 1 & 2, 2017 January 3-7, 2017

Open 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Open 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Closed Open 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Open 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Closed Open 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Normal operations at University of The Bahamas will resume Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at 9:00 a.m.

PAGE 16, Monday, December 19, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

How to use ATMs safely

IT IS Christmas time and people are completing their last-minute shopping.

In The Bahamas, more and more we are becoming accustomed to using ATMs (automated teller machines) rather than the bank’s teller line, mainly because they are readily available, easy to use and can be a real-time saver as we pursue busy, active lives of work and play.

Not only are they available near banks and lending institutions, but we can find an ATM in some grocery stores, and of course,

Police advice

By CORPORAL MAKELLE PINDER

gambling houses are a favourite location. However, ATM machines can put you at risk of becoming a victim of robbery or some other crimes.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force National Crime

Prevention Office offers tips which can help to prevent this from happening to you or your family and friends. Certainly, during the holiday season, there may be some increase in ATM crimes but it is a year-

round problem.

The most important key to using your ATM card safely is to be observant and look around for any suspicious persons or activity near the ATM machine. If you see anything that looks suspicious, go to another machine or return later.

Have your card in your hand It is a good idea to have your ATM card in your hand and ready to use as you approach the machine. By doing this, you do not have to take extra time at the machine to take the card out of your wallet or purse.

Shield your transaction Use your body or hand or an object to shield the ATM keyboard when you enter your PIN (personal identification number). Do not give someone else the opportunity to see the number that you are entering.

Don’t leave your receipt Be sure to take your receipt or transaction records with you when you leave.

Put away your cash Put your cash away immediately in your pocket, wallet or purse. Do not display or count it at the machine. You can always count it later.

Keep your car secured Lock your car if you have to get out, to use the ATM machine. If you use a driveup ATM machine, lock all doors and be sure the passenger-side windows are rolled up.

Using an ATM at night • If possible, take another person with you.

• Park in a well-lighted area as close to the machine as possible.

• Do not use the machine if the lights on it are not working.

• If the view of the ATM

PRESIDENT elect Donald Trump’s pick for US secretary of state has been revealed to be the director of a US-Russian oil firm based in this country, according to international reports.

The UK Guardian reported that Rex Tillerson, the man Mr Trump has nominated for the important diplomatic post, has been tied to ExxonMobil’s Russian subsidiary, Exxon Neftegas, since 1998, according to a leaked document.

The article also refers to the Bahamas as a “tax haven.”

Mr Tillerson is chief executive of ExxonMobil.

“The leaked 2001 document comes from the corporate registry in the Bahamas,” the Guardian reported. “It was one of 1.3m files given to the German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung by an anonymous source. The

IN this Friday, March 27, 2015, file photo, ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson delivers remarks on the release of a report by the National Petroleum Council on oil drilling in the Arctic, in Washington. registry is public but de- critical of Mr Trump’s nomtails of individual directors inee argue that Mr Tillerare typically incomplete or son has close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin. missing entirely.

Last week, US Presi“Though there is nothing untoward about this direc- dent Barack Obama said torship, it has not been re- America will retaliate ported before and is likely against Russia in the face to raise fresh questions over of evidence from US intelTillerson’s relationship with ligence agencies that RusRussia ahead of a poten- sia engaged in hacking in tially stormy confirmation an attempt to influence the hearing by the US Senate November election.

Russia has called for conForeign Relations Commitcrete evidence to substantitee,” the report said.

Those who have been ate this claim.

machine is blocked by overgrown shrubbery or trees, or other objects, use another machine. Notify the bank about the visibility problem.

If applied, the safety tips provided can minimise your chances of becoming a victim. Nevertheless, should you fall prey to any criminal act while using the ATM, please do not resist, but take note of the description of the culprit, eg his appearance, clothing, height, physical details and the direction or mode of escape.

Call the Police as soon as it is safe to do so.

If you come across any suspicious person(s) or have any information pertaining to any crime, please contact call the police emergency at ‘919’ or Crime Stoppers at 328-tips (New Providence), 1-300-8476 (Family Islands).

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• To ensure organisational development initiatives are appropriately integrated and aligned with strategic and business goals.

• To oversee coaching and mentoring to support staff development and the achievement of Individual Development Plans.

• To oversee the creation and maintenance of a standardized learning curriculum for the Bank.

• To develop and execute the Bank’s framework for talent management and succession planning.

• To lead on the development of staff skills and knowledge database in order to maximise the diverse talents within the organisation.

• To be responsible for the Bank’s job evaluation system, advising on job design, job descriptions and the correct grading of jobs.

Announces

CHRISTMAS 2016 AND NEW YEAR’S 2017 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2016 Normal Banking Hours

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE: • Master’s Degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Business Administration or a related discipline.

• Training certification.

• Minimum 7 years as a Manager with expertise in financial services or related field.

• Minimum 5 years of Corporate training experience.

• Strong coaching/mentoring skills.

• Advanced training skills.

• Effective planning and project management skills with the ability to set and work toward deadlines.

• The ability to engage, conduct diagnosis, analyze findings, generate options and build commitment to solutions.

• Change management skills.

• Event design and facilitation skills.

• Ability to analyze quantitative and qualitative data.

REMUNERATION PACKAGE: Commonwealth Bank is a Great place to work! We offer an exciting work environment with the opportunity for growth and development. We also offer a competitive compensation package, reflecting the successful applicant’s experience and qualifications, including a performance based incentive plan, health, vision, dental and life insurances and a pension plan.

Qualified individuals should complete an online application by December 30, 2016 at: www.careers.combankltd.com/careers “ Commonwealth Bank sincerely thanks all applicants for their interest in becoming a part of our team, however, only those applications being considered will be contacted.”

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2016 MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2016 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2016 CLOSED Normal Banking Hours will resume on WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2016 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2016 Normal Banking Hours SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2016 MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 2017 CLOSED Normal Banking Hours will resume on TUESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2017