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VOLUME:116 No.270, DECEMBER 19TH, 2018

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ALICIA WALLACE: IT’S NOT HOW WE DRESS, IT’S THE BULLIES

Crime down’s a fairytale - killers have no fear • Couple slain as they arrive home • Man found shot dead in GB residence with a mother dead at her door and a daddy shot behind a (car) wheel.”

Asking not to be A MAN and a woman named or photowere shot dead in the graphed, that resident, Joan’s Heights area who has called the comearly yesterday morn- munity home for nearly ing, marking the third two decades, said somedouble homicide in New thing urgently needed Providence this month. to be done to “help the The incicrazy energy” dent, which around the some neighcountry. bours specuHe spoke lated was to The Triba “targetune a short ted crime,” distance away occurred from where just after the couple midnight on was fatally Tuesday. shot.

“We The live in a cold violent world.

KillJAMES JOHNSON occurrence ers don’t have has left the community fear no more. The killshocked, with one resi- ers go after who they dent telling The Tribune: want with no fear of the “Never mind this fair- (police).

Understand ytale about crime being me, they got taken out down, a young family right at the door. (has been) ripped apart SEE PAGE THREE

By RICARDO WELLS Tribune Staff Reporter rwells@tribunemedia.net

VICTIM: Kevisha Kerika Richards, a 23-year-old mother of two.

$80K DOCTORS HAD POACHER SENTENCES ‘GENEROUS’ OFFER ‘CAUSE OF CONCERN’

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

AS HE pointed to the use of taxpayer dollars to fund tuition costs of young doctors, Health Minister Dr Duane Sands suggested the Bahamas Doctors Union’s strike vote had gone against the expectations of Bahamians who will inevitably suffer inconvenience from any form of industrial action BDU might stage.

In a move seen by officials as an attempt to force the Public Hospitals Authority to act quickly, Labour director John Pinder confirmed yesterday 99.9 percent of doctors voted in support of a strike, but he questioned if BDU was on the right track. The union is arguing PHA owes

them holiday and overtime pay, Mr Pinder said, adding discussions over the issue had been going well.

However, he said the issue is the union lacks the evidence to their claims. He said PHA advanced a proposal to the union despite the lack of proof, but it was rejected. The union, he said, should have then made a counter proposal, but he was unsure if this happened.

When he spoke to the issue outside Cabinet yesterday morning, Dr Sands said he believed the offer put forward by the PHA was “generous”.

“It’s difficult to call doctors a part of the working class and I think this discussion really gets at the SEE PAGE SIX

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

OFFICIALS from the Dominican Republic are concerned about lengthy prison sentences given to fishermen found guilty of poaching in Bahamian waters, Foreign Affairs Minister Darren Henfield revealed yesterday.

The concern was raised in a recent meeting between The Bahamas government and a delegation from the Dominican Republic when they also made commitments to assist in discouraging the practice of illegal fishing in Bahamian waters.

The officials further pledged, among other things, to install indicators in fishing vessels coming

MISSING MARVIN - WE DON’T HAVE HIM

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

POLICE Commissioner Anthony Ferguson said nobody named Marvin Pratt was recently arrested or is in police custody, despite claims he was taken into custody weeks ago and has not been seen since.

Mr Pratt’s family said he went missing 15 days ago. Their neighbour, Rose Francis, 55, insists she saw

MISSING: Marvin Pratt four police officers from the Drug Enforcement Unit arrest him on Holly

Hock Road and put him in a police vehicle.

Over the weekend, Assistant Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander promised a full-scale investigation to determine if Mr Pratt, 40, was indeed arrested.

Commissioner Ferguson said yesterday: “We have nobody who was arrested by that name.”

He said a missing person report was filed with police,

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

SEE PAGE FIVE

out of that country to better monitor their movements.

This comes after the Royal Bahamas Defence Force - for the second time in a week - arrested a group of Dominican fishermen for illegally operating in Bahamians seas. Two Dominican small, go-fast type boats were apprehended at 11am on Monday just off North East Point, Inagua by the RBDF while on routine patrol. On board were seven Dominican fishermen along with several air compressors and containers of gasoline.

A week ago, on December 11, another seven Dominican fishermen were arrested by the RBDF off Inagua. They have since been charged before the SEE PAGE SEVEN

TECHNOLOGY

TRUMP’S SPACE COMMAND TAKES OFF

SEE PAGE NINE

PAGE 2, Wednesday, December 19, 2018

2,200 set to enjoy extra special festive meal

THE TRIBUNE

AML Foods donates to 5,000 families. Top picture, left to right Janice Mackey, Red Cross, Philip Smith, excutive director, the Bahamas Feeding Network, Ranea Bastian, VP marketing and communications, and Major Clarence Ingran, Salvation Army.

Photos: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff

ON Christmas Day, more than 2,200 families will be able to gather together and partake in a hearty Christmas meal thanks to the generosity of AML Foods Limited and those who supported the third ‘Feed Five Thousand Families’ holiday giveback event.

Yesterday, company officials donated the packages to the Bahamas Feeding Network, the Salvation Army and the Bahamas Red Cross at Solomon’s Yamacraw. Distribution will also take place in Freeport today.

During the month-long campaign, AML raised $68,000, adding to the company’s initial donation of $20,000 to assist Bahamian families experiencing financial hardship.

This brings the total amount raised by the outreach programme to over $234,000 since starting in 2015. To date, over 5,850 Christmas meal packages have been distributed to those in need.

Renea Bastian, vice-president of marketing & communications at AML Foods Ltd, thanked the public for supporting the cause.

“Today, as we bring our Feed Five Thousand Families holiday giveback to a close, we want to thank all who continue to give and support this effort, particularly our customers and our corporate partners. We hope that the meals being distributed today

will make Christmas brighter for families facing tough times during the holiday season.

“Giving is the truest way to show the real reason for the season and through this campaign, persons now have another vehicle to support those in need. Despite falling below our original target of $100,000, we are proud of the $88,000 we were able to raise in such a tough economic time and we know that the funds will help groups like the Bahamas Feeding Network, the Bahamas Red Cross and the Salvation Army continue their mandate to assist the less fortunate.”

In November, AML launched the annual campaign at all of its retail grocery outlets in New Providence and Grand Bahama, appealing to both corporate Bahamas and the general public to purchase or donate towards Christmas dinner packages valued at $40. The company jumpstarted the giving with a $20,000 pledge and offered to match up to $5,000 for donations coming through a pizza chain’s online platform.

Starting today, the Bahamas Feeding Network, the Salvation Army and the Bahamas Red Cross will begin distributing meals to families on New Providence and Grand Bahama.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, December 19, 2018, PAGE 3

Killers have no fear as another couple slain from page one “That’s something you can’t explain around. When the (police) come, they’re going to make this a numbers thing, an area thing; but you have to know these young people with babies, gone,” he added.

The victims were identified by family and friends as James Johnson, a 29-yearold father of one, and Kevisha Kerika Richards, a 23-year-old mother of two.

According to police, the couple had just pulled up to an apartment on New Hope Drive when they were shot.

Police discovered the man inside the vehicle and the woman lying in front of a home. Paramedics pronounced the man dead at the scene. The woman was rushed to hospital but died of her injuries a short time later.

The Tribune understands that Johnson, who celebrated his birthday on Monday, and Richards were involved in a relationship.

The couple was described by family and friends as young, loving and family-oriented.

Richards lived at the New Hope Drive apartment complex with her two children.

She reportedly moved there in May to escape a past relationship. That relationship was described as contentious by several sources yesterday.

Another area resident

who knew the couple, who also asked not to be named or photographed, told The Tribune that the young mother was a woman “striving to do good,” adding that her death comes as complete “shock to the system.”

“I knew her from a child,” the resident said. “Her mother and I have been good friends for a while and that’s how she ended up here. She was a girl about her kids. Everything she did was with them in mind.

I can’t believe this. We just talked about the painter coming to paint this week, my house was going to be first and then her unit next.”

Speaking about Johnson, the resident said: “It was his birthday. He asked me earlier in the day if I would buy him a drink to celebrate and I promised him that it would come around Christmas after I get the repairs done to the house. I promised him that.”

Johnson was an employee at Battery and Tyre’s alignment facility for the past two years.

The Tribune visited the site yesterday and co-workers said he was dedicated to his craft and found joy in providing for his family.

When contacted for an update yesterday afternoon, Assistant Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander said investigators were following several leads.

When asked by The Tribune if the ordeal could have

been related to a domestic dispute, ACP Fernander said it was a line of inquiry officers were following.

Four others have been killed in double murders earlier this month. Two men, one of whom was being electronically monitored by police, were found shot to death in Jubilee Gardens on the morning of December 5 in a car with its motor still running. It is believed they were shot dead in the late hours of Tuesday December 4.

That same week, on Monday December 3, an engaged couple were shot dead during a morning ambush at Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre.

The incident, which shocked many who had gathered in the area, reportedly played out as the victims attempted to leave Sandilands following a therapy session.

Despite the violent incidents, police have said their strategies are working as murders are trending lower this year compared to 2017.

Up to press time, there were 89 murders compared to this time last year when 121 killings had been recorded, according to this newspaper’s records, representing a 26 percent decrease.

Anyone with information on these incidents is asked to call police at 919, the Central Detective Unit at 502-9991 or Crime Stoppers at 328-TIPS.

MAN FOUND SHOT DEAD AT HIS HOME

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

RESIDENTS of a quiet Freeport subdivision were shocked after a man was found shot to death at his home in the upper-middle-class area known as The Ridge yesterday morning.

The victim, who is a wellknown resident of Freeport in his late 40s, was discovered by a friend.

Supt Brian Rolle, of the Grand Bahama Central Detective Unit, said police received information sometime after 10am of a report of a lifeless male in his residence at Inagua Avenue.

Officers were sent to the scene where they discovered a man who appeared to be lifeless, lying on the ground suffering from what appeared to be gunshots to the upper body.

When The Tribune arrived, yellow crime scene tape had cordoned off entry.

A pathologist was directed to a reddish brown brick residence on the corner.

Supt Rolle told reporters that police are in the initial stages of the investigation.

“We are still trying to establish some things,” he said.

When asked if the deceased is a Bahamian, he said that the victim is a black male believed to be of Haitian nationality. “He is well-known in Grand Bahama,” said Supt Rolle.

“A friend discovered him; he is a male in his late 40s. Foul play is suspected, the gunshots were not self-inflicted.”

The man’s identity has not been released pending notification of a next of kin.

However, it is believed the deceased is known as “King David”.

THE MURDER scene yesterday.

The Ridge area is known to be a quiet subdivision.

A number of unmarked police vehicles were parked outside the victim’s home, and officers were standing guard outside. A neighbour, who identified herself as Mrs Lafleur, said the victim lived alone and was a quiet man who mostly kept to himself. “If I am outside, he will hold up his hand and wave, but I don’t really know him like that and I could not tell you his name,” she said.

When asked if she had heard gunshots, Mrs Lafleur said she had not but that at least two other neighbours had heard shots around 1am on Tuesday.

“A neighbour told me she was praying and heard two gunshots, and when she looked outside she only

saw a black car, but he (the deceased) has a black car,” she said. “This is a quiet neighbourhood. He was helpful, and one time he helped change my tyre, but nobody knows him,” she said.

When asked if she was shocked to learn about the incident, the neighbour said she was.

“Shocked? Yes,” she said. “I went out this morning, and no tape was there, nothing was there. When I come back, I see the tape and the police came and asked us questions like if we know happened and if we hear anything happen, and I said no, and I was shocked,” she said.

The killing brought the murder total for Grand Bahama to seven for the year.

VICTIM: JAMES JOHNSON, a 29-year-old father of one.

PAGE 4, Wednesday, December 19, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

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Drilling down on cleaning up, holding offenders accountable ON MONDAY government launched a four-point plan to clean up and manage the environment of two targeted areas Centreville and Bain Town. It is a bold plan involving environmental monitors, a reporting system, gathering of evidence, legal consequences, abandoned building demolition, repurposing of property and more.

This is a plan far different from others which have gone before and if it meets even half the promises made, it will be an historic improvement.

The plan is a joint programme between the Ministry of Environment and Housing, the Department of Health Services and the Over-the-Hill Initiative resident in the Office of the Prime Minister.

Unlike past clean-up efforts, which relied on government at great expense to pursue those who negligently tossed out old furniture, appliances and mattresses by the side of the road or left abandoned vehicles in vacant lots, the new initiative will hold offenders accountable.

It’s a more affordable and realistic solution which if successful will stop the government having to shell out $100,000 a day for massive community clean-ups.

Interestingly enough, it is an offshoot and extension of the highly visible #Be A Hero campaign introduced by the Ministry of Environment & Housing a few months ago. That initiative aims to instil pride in surroundings and appreciation for the physical and natural environment by addressing students in primary grades and junior high based on Environment Minister Romauld ‘Romi’ Ferreira’s conviction that if you are going to change the mindset you have to start with the very young and plant the seed. The Minister has said he may not live to see the shade from the branches of the tree for which the seed was planted, but knowing it will make a difference in the future was good enough.

Now, the new plan might just make that tree grow a bit faster. If the message to the young students is care because it is your land and taking care of it is the right thing, the only thing to do, the message to the adult population is take care of it because if you don’t, it will cost you. You could end up being fined, losing property, perhaps even going to jail or prison.

We applaud this dual approach – by reason and by threat. In a country of breathtaking beauty marred by a culture of filth and disrespect for property, reason when you can and threaten when you have to. The approach is tough because it has to be.

While the outline of the programme appears sound, it will only be as strong

as the work of the people on the ground.

Environmental monitors, 21 from Bain & Grant’s Town and 21 from Centreville, are undergoing a two-month training course. Sitting in class can be tedious and a few may drop out though most seem appreciative of the basic wages as they prepare for the 52-week contract. As Bain Town MP Travis Robinson said at the launch press conference at Wesley Methodist Church, he doesn’t want to see anyone once the real work begins start “slackening off”.

The success of the programme will be dependent on the 42 eyes and ears on the streets, the people who, with their bright fluorescent jackets and their training certifications, will patrol the roads, lanes, alleys, abandoned buildings and report to their supervisors, the senior environmental officers, the infractions they see.

Without the daily scrutiny 9 to 5, five days a week, and a weekly wrap-up and without the senior DHS officers acting upon the reports, the programme will devolve into just another historic pipe dream.

But among the things we like about this programme is it is multi-pronged.

If one thread fails, the fabric will not unravel. The plan includes an environmental court that will enforce the law and assess fines and penalties.

Along with abandoned vehicles and improperly discarded trash, environmental monitors will be responsible for reporting activity in derelict buildings – presence of guns, drugs and other signs of criminality activity. When an owner disregards notice within a reasonable time period, the building will be razed and the land repurposed. It may become a community garden, park or green space. And environmental monitors have already been trained in CPR and the basics of first responders, including knowing who to call in what sort of emergency. They will be the on-theground helpers working with NEMA in times of natural or other disaster.

As if there were a need for another coat of icing on the cake for these two targeted areas, residents and businesses will enjoy twice weekly public garbage collection.

MPs Reece Chipman, Centreville, and Travis Robinson, Bain & Grant’s Town, two constituencies where nearly every block is pimpled with some kind of blight, have been given a great gift and we hope that with their energy and the inspiration of the environment minister and the dynamic Over-the-Hill Initiative team of Ferguson and Nesbitt, environmental accountability will lead to a cleaner, greener and healthier centre city with less crime and greater pride.

We must beware people who want to change their name EDITOR, The Tribune

I AM a Bahamian citizen by birth, origin, heritage, lineage down through time were Bahamian.

My grandparents birthed my mother and she bore children– there were ten of us – each gender properly represented…and we all were given names…so that differentiation/can take place…so that we/they would be able to systematise the differences.

In furtherance of these principles, the various births had to be recorded by the laws of the land… coupled by the names given each child (And we need not ask why)…but each child carried his, or her own piece of identification, be-it- a-passport…a birth certificate, whatever…and

for me even after 59 years on planet earth…I am still stuck with the name my parents gave me….what am I saying?

As foreigners to my country and those that have not given our government any indications that they intend to become a citizen of The Bahamas in their application citizenship, being made to the minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship/for registration/ nationalisation as a citizen of The Bahamas…by renouncing their place of birth…and embracing the principles of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas… including its laws and heritages…this has not been the case…but what we see is more and more requests being made in the

newspapers to have their names changed?

Why and as we suspect that these Bahamian names are derived from headstones of deceased persons…a dangerous practice because after assuming the identity of the deceased persons… there is a fear among intellectuals of the land… that they can steal property belonging to persons whose names they take on, especially since they often use the names of deceased persons.

I am totally against the Deed Poll and think it is time for the government to initiate a change of the deed poll.

FRANK GILBERT Nassau November 20, 2018

Time to tame this dragon EDITOR, The Tribune THIS tale was inspired by the resolute and ongoing work of the members of the Lighthouse Point Protection Coalition and my reading of Columbia University and NASA climate scientist Kate Marvel’s fairy tale in Scientific American, Slaying the climate dragon. Marvel’s tale serves as a launching point for a tale about another metaphorical dragon, and I am indebted to her for both inspiration and her reminder that, while not all original fairy tales have sanitised happy endings, the impact of the villian on the victim can be mitigated by virtuous champions — thus allowing fairy tales to end on a hopeful note, inspiring the done-to, the affected, to continue to do battle against the dragon.

Before going any further, a reminder: It is not only visitors to our shores who partake of the elixir that is the Disney Dragon.

They are not the only ones who freely enter its lair to enjoy its worldly pleasures, whether at the Magic Kingdom itself or afloat on the Disney Fantasy, Dream, Magic or Wonder.

Annually, thousands of Bahamians spend untold dollars in the dragon’s lairs, both afloat and land-based.

Further, though relatively few compared to other behemoths such as Atlantis and Baha Mar, hundreds of our people are part of its cadre of hired foot soldiers who help ensure that its local venues — its offshoots of the chimerical magic kingdom; its glimmering jewels set in breathtaking aquamarine, sun-drenched splendor — provide fleeting escapes from reality for those seduced by the dragon’s offering of earthly paradise, of Eden.

As outlined in an October 2018 statement by Disney Cruise Line’s president, Jeff Vahle, the dragon’s plans are beguiling. He begins with a disarming folksy connection — talking with a growing crowd of Eleutherans under a poinciana tree in Bannerman Town “against the backdrop of the most beautiful island day” — and speaks of the

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net warmth of the islanders, protecting area’s natural beauty, creating “quality jobs and opportunity” both direct and indirect, celebrating culture and strengthening community, economic and environmental sustainability, providing accessibility to Bahamians, and turning over 170 acres of the property to the government for conservation.

The stuff of magic, especially when delivered by a silver tongued storyteller under a tree.

The dragon and the government — our St George?

— are now engaged in “transparent and accountable” heads of agreement negotiations during which the scope of the project and both the company’s and the Bahamas’ obligations will be ironed out. I am certain that those who, for years, have been intimately involved with creating an alternate Lighthouse Point scenario will continue to be vigilant in their work to ensure the best possible outcome for the project.

However, guarding The Bahamas’ heritage and environment and protecting the interests of its people should not solely be the responsibility of organisations such as the Bahamas National Trust and One Eleuthera Foundation and a relatively small handful of concerned citizens.The Bahamian public at large must assume a more active role in determining how projects such as Lighthouse Point evolve, in determining the future of the nation.

Dragons breathe fire.

Politicians are vulnerable to signature projects by economically powerful transnational corporations, to promised and very real perks, and to speaking glibly with silver, even forked, tongues to their citizens. Yes, the dragon is being allowed to expand its lair to Lighthouse Point, but this is our country and our future and, as citizens, we have rights and responsibilities. Our fundamental constitutional rights include

“freedom of conscience, of expression and of assembly and association.” We have been given the authority to speak. Perhaps more important, it is our moral obligation to make our voices heard. It is our responsibility to hold our government and ourselves accountable, especially in terms of development goals which may or may not take into consideration the overall welfare of current and future generations of Bahamians.

Kate Marvel’s climate fairy tale had three possible endings, and at least three scenarios could play out in the Lighthouse Point tale. Scenario one: Disney could live up to its promises and truly engender sustainable opportunities for hundreds of Bahamians and an environmentally sound playground for its guests. Scenario two: The global economy could enter another serious recession, like that experienced a decade ago, compelling the dragon to retreat to its lair, shelving the project indefinitely bringing us back to square one, a “protected” Lighthouse Point for an indeterminate time. Scenario three: a traditional Disney project providing “paradise” for visitors and a handful of low-paying dead-end jobs and relatively few benefits to the Bahamian people.

What will/should be the Lighthouse Point story’s ending? Who will write it? Will we, the Bahamian people? Or will we be passive observers and listeners?

In closing, it is fitting perhaps to conclude with a reminder from the protagonist in fairy tale of sorts that ended happily for him on the night of Tuesday, November 4, 2008: “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” (Barack Obama, February 5, 2008, Chicago).

CHRIS MINNS George Town Exuma December 14, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, December 19, 2018, PAGE 5

Most shanty town residents in Abaco own their homes

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

AN “overwhelming majority” of shanty town residents in Abaco said they own the unregulated dwelling they occupy, according to the preliminary analysis report by the Shantytown Action Task Force.

The report noted 76.8 percent or 597 of household respondents reported occupancy via ownership of the dwelling which contrasts with occupancy by rental arrangements, 19.9 percent, or 155 households.

The remaining households, 22, representing 2.8 percent, either responded “other” or gave no response.

“The understanding of ‘ownership’ to the respondent was not deeply explored,” the report said.

“Meaning, the assessment did not determine whether the respondent believed he/she owned the land and/or the structure being occupied.”

The SATF’s Abaco census started on June 13, and its report was compiled

THE SHANTY towns in Abaco.

by Dr Cherita Moxey, of the Ministry of Health.

“As stated earlier,” the report continued, “777 household respondents were interviewed.

The assessment obtained

Photos: Terrel W Carey/Tribune Staff information about other occupants living in the household.

Collectively, 1,260 males and 1,004 female occupants lived in households with the household respondents.”

MISSING MARVIN - WE DON’T HAVE HIM from page one

adding: “That’s the line we are investigating.”

The report was filed by Mr Pratt’s mother, Barbara Saunders, he said.

Human rights group Rights Bahamas has been collecting witness statements and intends to file a writ of habeas corpus today that could force police before the courts to answer for Mr Pratt’s alleged detention, a representative said.

The group promised to launch judicial review proceedings if police could not reveal Mr Pratt’s whereabouts.

“I am so glad for them,

thank God,” Ms Saunders told this newspaper. “I needed help. God know my son better be alive.”

When told about the commissioner’s statement, she said: “I don’t believe that. He mightn’t know what happened. That’s just the information they give him.”

Ms Saunders said she met ACP Fernander yesterday.

She suggested she won’t cooperate with him and the police’s investigation because she wants to protect the alleged witnesses.

This is the longest she has gone without knowing her son’s whereabouts, she said, claiming he was in police custody for about seven days in February. She

claimed officers repeatedly told her he was not there before a senior police officer intervened and allowed her to see him.

She said Mr Pratt has served time in prison on drug related matters.

On Sunday, Ms Francis, the neighbour, told The Tribune she saw police put Mr Pratt into a vehicle.

She claimed: “I was cleaning a man’s bathroom and when I was going home that morning I saw the police coming and I saw Marvin, so I said ‘Marvin run, run, run, the man, the man,’ and they ran behind him, put him in a jeep, and the officer told me if I open my (expletive) mouth he gon’ kill me.”

Funeral Service For WELLINGTON ALEXANDER SMITH, 62 a resident of Washington Street & formerly of Millers, Long Island, will be held at The New St. Paul’s Baptist Church, Bias Street & Baillou Hill Road, on Thursday, December 20, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. Officiating will be Rev. Dr. Robert L. Colebrook, assisted by Rev. Kenneth Bain. Cremation follows.

Left to cherish his memories are his wife: Dian Smith; son: Wellington Jr.; daughter: Nicola Smith-Nicholas; 6 sisters: Lulamae Smith, Cheryl Ferguson, Jane Inell Smith, Patricia Smith-Simmons, Paula Smith-Saunders and Jana Smith of Ft. Pierce, Florida; 2 brothers: Cyril Smith and Wesley Smith; 5 grandchildren: Cohen, Donnell, Nicoya Donald Jr. and Shawnte Smith; a host of other relatives & friends including: Lucille Flowers & family, Daisy Knowles & family, Rosemond Wells & family, Bertram & Carol Kemp & family, the Washington Street family & many others too numerous to mention.

Citizens, and those with permanent residency, represented 16 (126) and 17 (130) percent of respondents respectively.

Forty-one percent of respondents held work permits.

The average age of respondents was 47 years, and with an age span of 18 to 87 years - 59.7 percent of respondents were under 50 years of age.

The report indicated there were 632 minors

attending school - double the figure previously indicated.

Ninety percent of respondents have lived in a shanty town for at least a year, and 23.2 percent were living in rented homes. Some 45 percent of participating households reportedly had just one income earner, with 61.7 percent of households earning less than $400 per week.

A 2013 report conducted by the Department

of Environmental Health identified 1,024 households in Abaco shantytowns; however, households were defined as any and all units with an entrance, even if under a single roof structure.

To be included in the survey, HOH participants had to reside in one of the communities identified by the 2013 DEHS report, or by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and be at least 18 years of age.

Men outnumbered women nearly two to one, according to the report, which noted the disparity might reflect both sub-culture idiosyncrasies, as well as certain economic and employment realities.

Fifteen households opted not to disclose legal status.

The greatest share of undocumented migrants were found in South Abaco communities.

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Friends may pay their last respects at Demeritte’s Funeral Home, Market Street, from 2-6:00 p.m. on Wednesday & on Thursday at the church from 9:00 a.m. until service time.

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1/25/17 11:54 AM

PAGE 6, Wednesday, December 19, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

We have made the doctors a generous offer, says Sands from page one heart of what defines a professional,” Dr Sands said, responding to questions.

“Bear in mind, if you look at junior doctors the average salary is about $48,000 a year and total compensation package is about $80,000 a year plus 15 percent gratuity at the end of three years. So it’s hardly true to consider those individuals as typical working class.”

He continued: “On Sunday in church the pastor or priest spoke about the vocations and what it means to put on a white collar and traditionally the white collars would have been physicians, priests, lawyers in exchange for standing and respect of the community.

“There was an expected degree of sacrifice, particularly when you add the fact that the Bahamian people have paid for the education of the overwhelming majority of these young physicians.

“The fact that Bahamian patients are now being asked to possibly endure the inconvenience of a strike it means that we now need to go back and look fundamentally at what it means to be a professional.”

Asked pointedly if he was saying the doctors were ungrateful, Dr Sands said no, but he said Bahamians held certain expectations.

“No, I don’t think there is a need to use pejoratives. The question is what is the expectation of the public and what is the expectation of those persons who benefit from the taxpayers. So while certain workers would expect that every hour that they show up should be compensated and that they should clock in, there are certain classes of professionals that feel that they shouldn’t have to clock in that they could take a casual day (and) that they would be expected to do what they have to do and leave and not be treated as a typical worker. But then on the flip side is you negotiate ‘well I worked this particular day and

I work that particular day and I expect to be paid for it.’

“I think one of the reasons why this was never dealt with is because there was a perception that this did not apply. Now that said, the Public Hospitals Authority has made an offer to the Bahamas Doctors Union to compensate for all of the public holidays worked over the last five or six years and the offer I believe is a rather generous offer, but I think what we are watching is a transition of professionalism and whether it makes us better or worse only time will tell.”

He would not say outright whether he agreed with the doctors’ requests.

“You know I thought long and hard about how I should respond to this and clearly the last thing you want to do is stick a hornet’s nest, but I think as we speak about the withdrawal of health care services by any group of professionals the public is looking on and the public is asking what does this mean and I think it’s a valid question.”

This comes about two weeks after senior doctors ended their industrial action after signing an agreement-in-principle that boosts their terms of employment.

Consultant Physicians Staff Association Treasurer Dr John Dillett at the time credited Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ intervention as critical in resolving the dispute that ended with an agreement reached.

In the past year, the doctors have fought for an increase to their base salary, health insurance benefits and a pension plan. An emergency operations protocol was in effect at PHA facilities for more than a week while senior doctors took industrial action, causing residents seeking elective procedures to be turned away.

Financial Secretary Marlon Johnson told The Tribune that the agreement satisfies the key concern of the healthcare professionals, which is the “lack of progression from their last salary increase to now”.

THE PUBLIC is asking what does this mean and I think it’s a valid question, says Dr Duane Sands.

‘SHIFT SYSTEM WOULD FREE UP MINIMUM OF 100 NURSES’

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Deputy Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

HEALTH Minister Dr Duane Sands defended the Public Hospitals Authority’s now deferred shift system yesterday saying the move would free up a minimum of 100 nurses to be used in public health where there are shortages.

The proposed new shift system, which was to be implemented this month, was postponed indefinitely due to intense push-back from the Bahamas Nurses Union, including a threat of strike action.

But yesterday when he was asked about there not being sufficient staff in the Princess Margaret Hospital’s Dialysis Unit, Dr Sands made a case for the new shifts.

“All of these issues are tied,” the minister said yesterday outside of Cabinet. “So when you look at nursing staffing and a

proposal to modify shift systems that would free up almost 100 (to) 150 nurses.

“Failing that you now have to look at importing nurses from the Philippines, from Africa, from the Caribbean, etc. We are training nurses as quickly as they can be trained, but there is no quick fix particularly when you have ongoing recruitment to the United States to Canada and elsewhere with offers that cannot be matched by the public service.”

He was asked about claims that the Dialysis Unit closed early Monday with patients unable to receive treatment.

“I am not aware of that. Certainly as you know the Dialysis Unit has had ongoing challenges as have many of the services in our hospitals. We have tried to give Bahamians an understanding of where we are and how we got here but we have also tried to demonstrate how we are going to

improve it and I am very pleased with the positive changes that have taken place in maternity, in imaging, in ward space, in the repairs of the roof, in the near completion of the kitchen in the Rand Memorial Hospital.

“As we solve the problems with healthcare, it is going to mean that we change the model radically. What may have existed and what may have worked in 1950 doesn’t work anymore. “. . .What used to work doesn’t work. It’s broken and for the benefit of the people of the Bahamas we are setting about fixing it and the problems which have occurred over 20, 30, 40 years, I’ve been here 25 years. I’ve watched it happen so believe me, as long as I have strength in my body, as long as the prime minister has strength in his we are committed to fixing it,” Dr Sands said yesterday.

Swine flu victims up to six - Page 12

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, December 19, 2018, PAGE 7

CONFUSION OVER IMMIGRATION DRESS CODE

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

PRESS Secretary Anthony Newbold was ambiguous yesterday and could not say definitively whether Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and his administration support the Department of Immigration’s restrictive dress code policy.

Women have been turned away from the department for wearing shorts or sleeveless dresses or shirts.

The controversy recalls a situation that happened months before the 2017 general election when the Parliamentary Registration Department denied registration to women because of their attire, attracting a stern rebuke from the minister then responsible for elections, Dr Bernard Nottage, who is now deceased.

Asked yesterday for Dr Minnis’ view, Mr Newbold suggested the Immigration Department should facilitate all users.

“The Department of Immigration and the people responsible for registering people to vote have an obligation to make sure that happens, people register to vote, anybody with an immigration matter, has to have that matter dealt with,” he said. “And so however that has to happen, the Department of Immigration will have to do that.”

Asked if this indicates the

WHAT Hubert Minnis and his Cabinet wore when they went to the IMAX. policy will be reversed, he was indirect.

“People will have to be facilitated however that is done but the Department of Immigration, as the other departments,

has an obligation to take care of their customers,” he said. “Customers also have an obligation to follow reasonable rules and the Department of Immigration understanding their mandate will

Long poacher sentences a concern for Dominican government

determine the best way for them to be able to do that.”

Asked for the administration’s official position on wearing sleeveless shirts in government buildings, Mr Newbold said

individual government departments are expected to make their own policies.

“The position is when you’re going to do business in a government department, as any other business, that particular business determines how it wants people to come into its business,” he said. “That happens anywhere.

Exactly what that is, that’s on a specific department. If you walk into IMAX they may let you dress a certain way. If you going into church, they may require you dress a certain way. That will be determined by whichever department anyone has to deal with.”

However, asked whether Immigration Minister Brent Symonette is responsible for the policy at the Department of Immigration, Mr Newbold suggested such matters are subject to the principle of Cabinet’s collective responsibility.

“He’s the minister responsible, but this is Cabinet government,” he said. “He’s ultimately responsible for his ministry but he’s also responsible to his Cabinet colleagues as well. Whatever isn’t resolved at that level, and there’s no reason to believe Minister Symonette can’t handle the situation, whatever can’t be handled at that level, I’m sure he will take that up with his colleagues and come with a position that everybody can live with.”

Alicia Wallace’s View - Page 8

Semi Military Funeral Service For PETTY OFFICER KEVIN CHARLES MOSS SR. (RETIRED), 61 affectionately called “Boo” of Breadfruit Street, Pinewood Gardens, will be held on Friday, December 21st, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Bible Truth Ministries, off Cowpen Road. Officiating will be Pastor Daniel Nottage, assisted

by Rev. Prince O. Bodie, Force Chaplain, Royal Bahamas Defence Force. Interment will follow in Lakeview Memorial Gardens, John F. Kennedy Drive & Gladstone Road.

SOME of the fishermen detained by the RBDF on Monday. from page one courts on several counts resulting in sentences up to nine months and $413,000 in fines.

“I think discussions with the Dominican government have been going tremendously well,” Mr Henfield said yesterday outside the Churchill Building.

“About two to three weeks ago a team from the Dominican Republic came, led by a minister, Minister Espinoza, which is responsible for external relations to a certain extent and she brought with her members from the fisheries association from the Dominican Republic and made some commitment that the Dominican government would do more to help alleviate this problem of incursions into our waters to fish illegally.

“Some of these indications seem to suggest they will put indicators on Dominican vessels that leave. That these vessels will have to report to the Dominican government

before they leave and that they would continue to communicate to their people that fishing in the Bahamas is illegal and you could end up in prison for a very long time.

“In that meeting there was also present members from the Royal Bahamas Defence Force – the Commander, Tellis Bethel, and several of his senior officers as well as people from agriculture and fisheries and other government agencies concerned with this matter.

The next step for us now is for us to have our technical people sit in a room and hammer out memorandums of understanding as to how we will proceed forward when we address this issue.

For them it is a concern that their fishermen are in Fox Hill for such an extended period of time.”

Mr Henfield said officials warned the delegation about Dominicans becoming more aggressive at sea when confronted by Bahamian authorities.

“We indicated to them that Dominican fishermen are becoming more and more aggressive toward

Bahamian law enforcement and even Bahamian fishermen in the past.

“We also commended our Royal Bahamas Defence Force for the level of discretion they used in not using far more superior fire power on a Dominican fishing vessel fleeing into Cuban territory. I’m confident that our Defence Force working with Dominican law enforcement, with the fisheries association in the Dominican Republic doing what they promised to do with us (and) working with the Dominican government as well as the Cuban government we’re going to make real inroads in this matter of illegal poaching in Bahamian waters.”

Mr Henfield also told reporters there was no official agreement between the Dominican Republic and the former Christie administration, so there was a need to ensure one was signed and sealed now.

However, he said, he was confident the Dominican government was willing to cooperate with the Bahamian government.

Cherished memories will forever linger in the hearts of his loving and devoted Wife of thirty-three years: Fermina Lopez-Moss; Son: Kevin Moss Jr.; Daughters: Delisa Moss-Ferguson and Shavonne Miller; Daughter-In-Law: Addinia Moss; Grandsons: Kyle Moss and Japheth Ferguson Jr.; Granddaughters: Karis Moss and Jaylah Ferguson; Brothers: Sam, Delvin Jr. ‘Cheese’, Elvis ‘Ghosty’, & Joseph ‘Kang’ Moss and Rev. Kingsley Pinder; Sisters: Beulah ‘Pleasant’ & Ramona Moss; Brothers-in-law: Eric (Vernita) Lopez, Simeon Lopez, Anthony (Deborah) Lopez and Lanny (Kim) Lopez; Sisters-in-law: Princess Moss, Buerna Moss, Mary Moss, Ernestine Pinder, Fennamae Lopez-Stubbs, Janice Lopez, Angie (Rev. Alfred) Lopez-Josey, Bridgette Lopez, Jennifer (Leon) Lopez-Vaughn and Erica (Danny) Lopez-Hunt; Aunts: Eloise ‘Salathiel’ Swain and Gertrude Ferguson; Grand-Aunt: Gertymae Beneby; Grand-Uncle: Rev. Rudolph (Evangeline) Beneby; Nephews: Christopher (Sarah) Moss, Brian (Tami) Moss, Wellington Albury, Jamaal (Kim) Moss, Avery Nesbitt Sr., Delano Moss, Julian Moss, Shannon Moss, Emil ‘DJ Rev’ (Belinda) Sweeting, Kingsley Pinder Jr., Eric Lopez Jr., Simeon Lopez, Sinton Lopez, Storm Lopez, Shane Lopez, Shamain Lopez, Anthony (Tatiyanna) Lopez Jr., Anthon Lopez, Gary (Kara) Adderley Jr., Jamaal Adderley, Cordero Austin, Akeem Miller, Leon Vaughn III, Coyotito Hunt and Mateo Hunt; Nieces: Lorraine (Demeris) Armbrister, Shaniqua Nesbitt, Danielle Moss, Atila (Leason) Burrows, Crystal (Kareem) Bain, Dyamond Moss, Demi Moss, Daejha Moss, J’Naill Moss, Courtney Moss, Lavenia Dorsette, Kristin Pinder and Twyla (O’Neill) Ellis, Shantelle Lopez, Paige (Alexis) Lopez-Burrows, Sade Lopez, Sheion Lopez, Shavonne Lopez, Sharene Lopez, Shameka Lopez, Michaella Colebrooke, Anissa Lopez, China Austin, Destiny Josey, Lakeisha (Chavez) Lopez-Sawyer, Lenny Lopez and Zorea Hunt; Grand-Nephews: Jaden, Christian, Brian Jr., Demeris Jr., Jamaal Jr., Jaden, Jalen & Avery Jr.; Grand-Nieces: Christianique, Antonia, Demia, Trinity, Aleaha, Aleka, O’Neia, Olivia, O’Lyssia, Brunique & Ashanti; Other Relatives and friends: Terah Swain & Family, Labon Ferguson & Family, Dr. Alice Dickens & Family (New Jersey), Nicole Simon & Family (New Jersey), Leon ‘Joey’ Moss & Family (New Jersey), Denise Moss & Family (New Jersey), Freddy Rolle & Family, Denise Dawkins & Family, Patti Moss & Larry Waugh (Pennsylvania), Samuel Nesbitt & Family, Zelma Moss & Family, Ret. FCPO Christopher & Janet Mackey & Family, CPO Preston & Gardinia Collins, CPO Matthew Rolle, Ret. Lt. CDR Michael Clarke, Antoinette Curtis & Family, Descendants of the late Bertram Ferguson, Joseph Ferguson & Family, Dino Lundy & Family, Catherine Percentie & Family, Frederick Rahming & Family, Martha Brown & Family, Godfrey Darling, Claudette Raymonvil & Family, Jennifer Darling, Yvonne Moss, Sade Wells & Family, D’angelo & Shekanah Ferguson, the Lopez Family, Descendants of the late Allen Ferguson, Descendants of the late Marie Ferguson, Descendants of the late Herman Moss, Descendants of the late Eugene Moss, Descendants of the late Rasina Ferguson, Descendants of the late Tobias & Martha Cox-Moss, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Band Family, Arawak Port Development Company, Rev. Dr. William & Betty Thompson and the Faith United Missionary Baptist Church, Overseer Randolph Deleveaux & Family, Rev. Daniel & Lady Roslyn Nottage and Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, Apostle Valentino & Pastor Cleopatra Williams and the Life Changers Ministry International family, ICU at Doctors Hospital, ICU at Holy Cross Hospital (Fort Lauderdale), 1974 Class of C.C. Sweeting, Prince of Peace Grand Lodge, St. John’s A.F.A.M., Mason Addition Family, Scholarship Division of the Ministry of Education.

Viewing will be held in the Serenity Suite at Restview Memorial Mortuary and Crematorium Ltd., Robinson and Soldier Roads on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and at the church on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until service time.

PAGE 8, Wednesday, December 19, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

THE DEPARTMENT of Immigration and, right, the dress code rules.

I

T IS not uncommon to experience and hear about difficulty accessing government services. Phones ring and we are put on hold for long periods of time, the one person who has the information we need is not there, the application form we printed from the website is outdated, they are only able to accept cash at the moment. We all know we need to take a day off from work to do anything involving a government agency, from licencing a vehicle to getting a vaccination.

Now, it seems, we have to deal with dress codes that are not only discriminatory, but are enforced differently depending on who is at the door or front desk.

This is not an entirely new issue.

Earlier this year, the Ministry of Education posted a dress code for visitors to schools, including parents who need to pick up their children or see teachers, to follow.

It had a long list of clothing items, from tanks tops to “tightly fitted clothing”, considered unacceptable. This came only months after voter suppression at the Parliamentary Registration Department which refused to register women to vote in the general election due to exposed arms or cleavage. Recent reports have come from women who were turned away from the Department of Immigration because they were wearing shorts, sleeveless dresses, or sleeveless shirts.

Minister of Immigration Brent Symonette was quite arrogant in his response to the concerns raised about the dress code at his department. He suggested any form of dress he does not consider “respectable” is “sloppy”.

He was nonchalant about the concern that the dress code is slutshaming (which means women are criticised for going against societal expectations, particularly when behaviours are linked to sexuality and sexual expression). He referenced the power of the Department of Immigration which seemed to suggest that if a person needs a permit only the department can issue, they have no choice but to fall in line, whether they like it or not.

This is typical of people in positions in power. They are not interested in hearing about how we, especially members of marginalised communities, are impacted by their policies. They are quick to remind us they believe they hold the power in the relationship and are not hesitant to wield it. His response indicates his complete disinterest in having a conversation or considering the validity of the issue raised, much less making necessary adjustments.

These dress codes, a form of gender-based discrimination, come up every few months.

Women are disproportionately affected by policies that increasingly call for specific body parts, frequently exposed on men, to be covered. They do not ask men to cover their arms and legs, or to spare us the sight of their underwear. The focus is on women and limiting our liberty.

Living in a subtropical climate, dress codes that require coverage of arms and legs are not only ludicrous, but oppressive and

How we dress isn’t the problem, bullying attitudes to belittle women is one of many persisting effects of colonialism. We have been convinced that professionalism is conservatism. They taught us that three-piece suits, covered knees, pantyhose and straight hair are ways to communicate qualifications. Modesty came to be associated with status and this is how we arrived at this place.

Clothing worn by those outside of the office has become synonymous with a particular status.

People — particularly women — of that status are seen as less deserving of the public goods and services that should be accessible to all.

Independence did not free us of these interpretations of dress and we have, in many ways, been left behind. Having visited the United Kingdom numerous times and attended events of varying formality, I know that such stringent demands are no longer made the way they still are in The Bahamas. In fact, British summer is a relief and people look forward

cause us harm. It has been made our responsibility to protect ourselves from men and to protect men from themselves and, more specifically, the consequences of their actions.

This is evidence of the insidious nature of misogyny and rape culture. Not only are women blamed for men’s violence against us, but we are saddled with rules and restrictions that are meant to proto wearing sleeveless dresses and tect men from acting on desires shorts, even if there is still a bit of for power. It means if women are to be in the workplace, we need a chill in the air.

We like to talk about decency. to be made unrecognisable as There is nothing indecent about women. No one should be able to tell we have breasts. It means dressing for the weather. What if women occupy public space, is indecent is the constant sexu- we need to secure ourselves by alisation of women’s bodies and covering our bodies as much as bids to make us invisible. We possible, regardless of the disare supposed to be silent and go comfort it causes. It means our unnoticed. If any attention comes resistance, however passive or to us, it is assumed we did some- unintentional, must be met with thing to attract it. Our appearance public embarrassment when we and demeanour is supposed to are refused access to services and ensure no one around us is dis- more regulation comes to warn tracted or tempted and that they and control others. do not take any action that wouldA6MAIN Women and exposed shoulders, PAGE 6, Monday, December 17, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

Tribune reporter fails the Brent test too as immigration department insists people are ‘properly dressed’ from page one Another woman, wearing a knee-length sleeveless dress, was also turned away at the door.

“When I reach inside, they stopped me. They said I can’t come in there without a jacket on me,” the 24-year-old said.

The woman, who wished to remain anonymous, said she was given no specific reason as to why her attire was inappropriate, but was directed to a sign.

The notice, erected on an exterior wall, reads: “No swearing; no loitering; no short, shorts; no sleeveless tee’s; no hats; no shades; no weapons.”

The officer noted the sign had gone up in the “last month or so” but said the rules had been “verbally communicated” for at least the past five years.

As this conversation occurred, a man walked past in shorts. When The Tribune pointed this out, the officer noted the sign reads “short shorts”.

The 24-year-old woman eventually had to borrow a jacket from a stranger in order to enter the premises.

Another woman, who wished to be identified as Ms Thompson, supported the rule.

“Once you come into a business place, I think you should have a mind-set to dress (appropriately) and not to have on no short sleeve, nothing what’s too short, nothing that’s open and revealing,” the 27-yearold said. “Because this is a business place and you should at least be covered.

“The sign should not have been there because people should have kept that in they head to know that ‘hey you’re going to a business place’.”

When asked her response to those who would say the phrase “properly dressed” is difficult to define, she said: “I don’t think it’s that hard to define. But if you

HOW The Tribune reported the story last week.

TRIBUNE reporter Morgan Adderley, left, who was told she would not have passed the immigration office dress code, looks at the notice explaining the rules. Inset, left, the rules. Below left, this lady would not have been allowed in if she had not had a jacket with her.

Below, the entrance to the immigration offices.

Pictures: Shawn Hanna/ Tribune Staff

know you wearing a sleeveless shirt, I think you should just have on a lil’ shawl or a lil’ sweater, lil’ jacket, however.”

Ms Thompson herself

was wearing a shirt with holes in the design, but she noted that she had brought a sweater.

Mr Symonette defended the rule to The Tribune.

“We’re having people properly dressed to come into immigration, not sloppily dressed. Is that a problem?” he asked.

“If you see what people wear and carry on when they come into (the Department of) Immigration — we’re trying to improve the ambience here. There’s a large sign outside that (speaks) about properly

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Death Notice Inge Fliniaux, 81

of Denmark, Paris, France and Nassau, Bahamas passed peacefully away on Monday, 3rd December, 2018 at The Madson Clinic in Paris, France.

Inge was pre-deceased by her parents, Svend Aage and Ruth Anderson and her sister Liz Christiansen.

Left behind to cherish her memories are her “Bahamian husband”, Samuel Knowles; Nephews, Ole Christiansen (wife Randy); Grand niece, Cecilie Christiansen and Torben Christiansen (wife Reggae).

Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.

PUBLIC NOTICE Mr. Demetrius Bastian is no longer employed by Sunshine Finance Ltd.

dressed, no swearing, no bunch of other stuff,” he continued.

Mr Symonette elaborated that “properly dressed” refers to “respectable clothing”.

When asked about concerns that such rules perpetuate “slut-shaming”, Mr Symonette replied: “Then fine. Then fine. And they’re applying to the government of The Bahamas for a permit from the government of The Bahamas?

Please. That’s reflective as well.”

Mr Symonette also noted the rules apply to both men and women.

“That goes for everybody,” he said. “Proper dress at immigration, or don’t come in.”

legs or cleavage are not the problem. We need to turn our attention to the archaic policies which are both poorly communicated — as evidenced by the ridiculous sign (which does not mention sleeveless dresses) at the Department of Immigration — and in desperate need of aggressive updates. We need to address the consistently misplaced responsibility that requires women to make ourselves invisible.

Government services should be accessible to everyone, regardless of gender or socioeconomic status. We should be concerned about the experiences of people going to the Ministry of Social Services. Is there a dress code for people who need social assistance? Which government offices have these policies, and which do not? Where is the line drawn?

For many, this may seem like a minor issue, but be reminded of December 2016. Voter registration was at an all-time low with less than six months to a general election and women were turned away. The Parliamentary Commissioner doubled down on his position and had to be directed, more than once, to stop voter suppression. People in positions of power believe they can bully us into submission by denying us services to which we are already entitled. We need not wait until it is too late to stand, or wear a skirt suit to do it.

THE TRIBUNE

WASHINGTON Associated Press PRESIDENT Donald Trump launched the Pentagon’s new Space Command yesterday, an effort to better organise and advance the military’s vast operations in space that could cost as much as $800m over the next five years.

Trump signed a one-page memorandum yesterday authorising the Defense Department to create the new command. Speaking at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Vice President Mike Pence said, “a new era of American national security in space begins today”.

The goal is to set up a command to oversee and organise space operations, accelerate technical advances and find more effective ways to defend US assets in space, including the vast constellations of satellites that American forces rely on for navigation, communications and surveillance. The move comes amid growing concerns that China and Russia are working on ways to disrupt, disable or even destroy US satellites.

The new order is separate from the president’s much touted goal of creating a “Space Force” as an independent armed service branch, but is considered a first step in that direction.

The memo provides little detail on what will be a long and complicated process as the Defense Department begins to pull together various space units from across the military services into a more coordinated, independent organisation.

Wednesday, December 19, 2018, PAGE 9

Trump signs exec order to create US Space Command

LEFT, A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, carrying the Spaceflight SSO-A: SmallSat Express, launches from Space Launch Complex-4E at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. President Donald Trump, top right, signed a one-page memorandum yesterday authorising the Defense Department to create a new Space Command.

Photo: Senior Airman Clayton Wear/AP According to one US official, the command would pull about 600 staff from existing military space offices, and then add at least another 1,000 over the coming years. The roughly $800m would mainly cover the additional staff. The costs for the existing staff would just transfer to the new command, but that total was not immediately available.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations not yet announced.

Army Lt Col Joe

Buccino, spokesman for Deputy Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan, said that establishing Space Command is “a critical step in accelerating our space capabilities and posture to defend our vital national interests and deter our adversaries. This combatant command will lead space operations and develop space warfighting doctrine, tactics, and techniques”.

He added that the Pentagon will continue to develop a legislative proposal to meet the president’s vision for a space force.

The first steps next year will be to nominate top leaders for Space Command, including a four-star general and a deputy. The command would likely at least begin to take form in Colorado, where the current Joint Functional Component Command for Space is already located.

But there has been no final decision on a location for the new command.

Funding for the command will be included in the budget for fiscal year 2020, which will be unveiled in February.

Trump’s order accelerates what has been a decadeslong effort to reorganise and improve the military’s technological advances in space, which at times has gotten less attention as the Air Force has focused on warplanes and other combat priorities.

The military’s role in space has been under scrutiny because the United States is increasingly reliant on orbiting satellites that are difficult to protect.

Satellites provide communications, navigation, intelligence and other services vital to the military and the national economy.

Over the past year, the issue gained urgency amid growing competition and threats from adversary nations.

US intelligence agencies reported earlier this year that Russia and China were pursuing “nondestructive and destructive” anti-satellite weapons for use during a future war. And there are growing worries about cyberattacks that could target satellite technology, potentially leaving troops in combat without electronic communications or navigation abilities.

A US Space Command existed from 1985 to 2002, but was disbanded in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks so that US Northern Command could be established, focusing on defence of the homeland.

Although Space Command went away, its functions remained and were absorbed by US Strategic Command. The Air Force retained its lead role in space through Air Force Space Command.

GROCERY DELIVERY, WITH NO HUMAN DRIVERS, IS UNDERWAY

By CATHY BUSSEWITZ Associated Press THE US’ largest grocery chain is trying to leap into the driverless delivery market, announcing yesterday that it is now ready to bring milk, eggs and apples to some customers’ homes in a vehicle with nobody at the wheel.

Although limited to delivering within about a mile (1.6 kilometres) of one Arizona supermarket, it represents the latest step for industries trying to lower delivery costs of everyday items as well as those trying to launch selfdriving cars on public roads.

But yesterday’s launch also highlighted some of the many challenges that are still ahead for autonomous vehicles: One of the compact cars didn’t drive as planned at a media demonstration and had to be pushed up a ramp and onto a truck by several men.

The delivery vehicle’s battery had died, but the company still planned to make driverless grocery deliveries later yesterday, said Dave Ferguson, president and co-founder of Nuro, the company that developed the autonomous vehicle.

Kroger and Nuro, which is based in Mountain View, California, announced

yesterday they would begin delivering groceries in Scottsdale, Arizona, using an autonomous vehicle called the R1, which has no steering wheel and no seats for humans.

Nuro has been delivering groceries with larger, manned self-driving vehicles since August. It will be adding two of its completely unmanned R1 vehicles to that fleet, Ferguson said.

When summoned, the R1 will travel within a one-mile radius of the Fry’s Food grocery store just east of the Phoenix Zoo at speeds up to 25 miles per hour (40 kph) on residential roads, but stay clear of main roads or highways, according to Pam Giannonatti, corporate affairs manager at Cincinnati-based Kroger Co’s Fry’s division.

Customers, after placing an order on their smartphone or laptop, will get a text message when the groceries are on their way. Another message will alert them when the grocery delivery is curbside. Once the vehicle arrives, the customer will receive a punch code to open the doors of the vehicle, Giannonatti said.

Customers will pay a flat fee of $5.95 and can request same-day or next-day delivery.

THE KROGER Co shows an autonomous vehicle called the R1.

Nuro and grocery chain Kroger are teaming up to bring unmanned delivery service to customers. The companies said yesterday that Nuro’s unmanned vehicle, the R1, will be added to a fleet of autonomous Prius vehicles that have run self-driving grocery delivery service in Scottsdale, Ariz, with vehicle operators since August.

Photo: Andrew Brown/AP The unmanned delivery vehicles will be followed by a “shadow car”, which will be driven by a human with the ability to stop or control it. The “chase car” is being used in the early stages of the programme out of an abundance of caution and will be eventually phased out, Ferguson said.

“This is not yet at the point where in any way it’s economically better than just sending someone out in a car to deliver your groceries,” said Bryant Walker Smith, a professor at the University of South Carolina, who teaches about emerging

technologies. “It will probably cost much more, and the range is minimal, and there are lots of ways it would not be a true, commercial-scale, viable deployment, but it’s an important step on that path.”

Attempts to deploy fully autonomous vehicles on public streets have been limited by technological hurdles, as well as human apprehension.

Uber pulled its self-driving cars out of Arizona this year following the death in March of woman who was run over by one of the ride-hailing service’s robotic vehicles

while she crossed a darkened street in a Phoenix suburb. It was the first death involving a fully autonomous vehicle.

That vehicle had a backup driver at the wheel.

Waymo, a self-driving car spinoff from a Google project, has been offering free rides in robotic vehicles with no human backup driver as part of a test programme in the Phoenix area for the past year. Earlier this month, Waymo launched a ride-hailing service available to about 200 people that will have a human behind the wheel to take control in case something goes awry.

Giannonatti said safety is paramount in this next step of autonomous vehicle technology.

Because the R1 delivery vehicle is unmanned, it was designed to prioritise safety of other drivers or pedestrians without trading off the safety or comfort of a driver or passengers, Ferguson said.

The delivery vehicle’s size — half the width of a Toyota Corolla — also helps prevent collisions with pedestrians because there’s more buffer room, Ferguson said.

Kroger has been working hard to boost online sales in order to keep up with Walmart and Amazon, which bought grocer Whole Foods last year.

• AN ISRAELI nonprofit on Monday said it has pushed back the launch of what it hopes will be the first private spacecraft to land on the moon until February.

Officials from SpaceIL and its project partner, the state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries, announced that the landing craft, dubbed “Beresheet”, or Genesis, will ship in February to Florida. Propelled by a SpaceX Falcon rocket launch, the robotic lander will then commence its months-long voyage to the moon. It had been slated to launch this month.

SpaceIL said it had no control over the launch’s delay, and that SpaceX, the private space exploration company founded by entrepreneur Elon Musk, notified them that its rocket will now lift off in February 2019 without providing an explanation.

Israel Aerospace Industries manager Opher Doron stressed that the small craft, roughly the size of a washing machine, faces a “difficult, arduous journey” because it will have to make several orbits before touching down on the moon.

Upon landing, the craft is to relay photographs and collect data about the moon’s ever-changing magnetism for research by Israel’s Weizmann Institute and NASA. On Monday, SpaceIL representatives presented a time capsule that will accompany the spacecraft to the moon.

The capsule, in the shape of a DVD, holds pictures of the Israeli public, interpretive drawings by Israeli children and other pieces of national memorabilia, including stories of Holocaust survivors.

“We hope that far in the future, when travel to the moon is as common as trans-Atlantic travel, that children will be able to understand the lives of their Israeli ancestors through this archive on the moon,” said SpaceIL co-founder Yonatan Winetraub.

A crowd of Israeli reporters, clad in sanitised white coats, burst into applause as Winetraub fastened the capsule to the underbelly of the craft.

• CALIFORNIA regulators have cancelled a plan to charge a fee for text messaging on mobile phones.

The California Public Utilities Commission reversed course after a Federal Communications Commission ruling last week classified text messaging as an information service and not a telecommunications service. The federal Telecommunications Act limits state authority over information services.

Regulators announced Friday that CPUC commissioner Carla Peterman withdrew the text proposal “in light of the FCC’s action” on Dec 12. State officials said the tax was intended to help support programmes that make phone service accessible to the poor.

PAGE 10, Wednesday, December 19, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

Surfing into history: Islay becomes a record breaker

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

ISLAY Symonette didn’t set off to make the Guinness World Records.

She and her partner, Stewart Edge, just had a daring plan to kite-surf around Great Britain.

But last Friday their personal feat became an internationally recognised world record after they completed the longest kite-surfing journey in history.

The journey was more than 2,800 miles and took place from May 2 to August 12.

“We’d be miles out and we wouldn’t see land,” Ms Symonette told The Tribune on Sunday. “We were always moving.

We set off in Cleethorpes and we only ever moved forward but it depended on the wind how much we spent on the sea. If there was wind, we go and sometimes we’d try and wouldn’t get anywhere because there wouldn’t be any wind.”

One day, the pair travelled 107 miles on sea for eight and a half hours, ending the day tired and hungry. To succeed, they spent a year and a half preparing for the journey.

“Before we set off we didn’t know how to foil, “ she said. “We used two different types of boards, one was a foil board which levitated above the waters. It has a 90cm shaft on the bottom so it’s like riding a magic carpet, there’s three dimensions, there’s obviously forward, left and right, but it’s also up and down. Before the trip we never knew how to ride those boards.

I’ve been kite surfing for 14 years. Foil boards were super important because

ISLAY Symonette and her partner Stewart Edge are now in the Guinness Book of Records. they allowed us to go much faster. When travelling we wore a lot more stuff, like radio and safety equipment, more than what we would normally wear if we were just sailing off the beach.”

Kitesurfing did not take a toll on their muscle groups, Ms Symonette said, noting she runs to work every day so she is in good physical shape.

The pair kite surfed for 51 of the 103 days of their journey for a total of 250 hours.

“The weather in England this summer, it was the best summer they’ve had on record,” Ms Symonette said. “It was a beautiful sunshine so everyone was very happy, except for us because that meant there was no wind.”

They found much to do on land when the weather wouldn’t permit them to take to the sea, she added. “We got to explore.

Wherever we were, we’d stop, we’d explore, we’d go to a local museum, we’d meet people.”

In addition to the fun and thrill of kitesurfing, Ms Symonette and her partner were raising awareness about kite-surfing and helping a marine conservation society that is trying to reduce single use plastics.

“I took part in the Nassau Yacht Club sailing school when I was younger and I know they have a big programme there right now and for me getting people into my first love which was sailing was really what sparked my journey through life because that led me to travel and I was like wait a second, sailing is not the only way to get on water, you can also get more people into kite sailing,” Ms Symonette said. “The second charity was the marine conservation society which tries to reduce single use plastics. Often we’d do beach cleanups. We were on the south coast of Ireland and Kilmore Quay and we got one of those big industrial bins, we filled one of those in two hours. We did lots of beach clean-ups.”

Ms Symonette said her next ambitious adventure will be closer to home.

“I always wanted to sail around the Bahamas,” she said. “I’ve seen a lot of the islands but my dream is to see every island which for me is very ambitious. I’d love to kite-surf around the Bahamas.”

Ms Symonette is the daughter of Financial Services and Immigration Minister Brent Symonette and his wife, Mrs Robin Symonette.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, December 19, 2018, PAGE 11

EAST BAY STREET ROADWORKS TO DRAG ON INTO NEW YEAR

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE completed re-pavement of East Bay Street will happen in the new year, according to Deputy Director of Public Works Damian Francis.

The project, which began December 10, was expected to be completed last Friday, but Mr Francis said mechanical issues prevented this.

Yesterday he said he expected

that road paving on the right lane between Mackey Street to Fowler Street would be completed by the end of today. The works are being performed by Bahamamix.

“Once completed, there will be no further paving work undertaken further east until next year,” Mr Francis said.

The road works have frustrated road users and businesses, causing immense traffic on the typically busy street. So far, one of the lanes has been fully paved.

Last week Ian Rademaker, president of Harbourside Marine, predicted it would be a nightmare if the works persisted through to the weekend.

Attorney Wayne Munroe, whose law firm is on the street, expressed frustration as well.

“As envisaged traffic is backed up all directions,” he said last week. “Took the 45 minutes of the hour break I had for lunch from court to come back to office in a line on East Bay Street. But hey, we are just complainers.”

THE roadworks on East Bay Street.

Alleged killer in custody after breaking his bail conditions

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net EIGHT-year-old Eugene Woodside Jr’s alleged killer has had his $50,000 pre-trial bail revoked for not honouring any of his reporting conditions since August.

Justice Cheryl Grant-Thompson ordered Lloyd Minnis to be “immediately remanded” into custody for his “flagrant disregard” of the bail conditions she gave him ahead of his 2020 trial.

According to the Crown, Minnis did not report to the Nassau Street Police Station as ordered for 12 out of the 23 working days in August.

And since then, Minnis did not check in as ordered on any of the 20 working days in September; the 23 working days in October; the 22 working days in November, nor the first three working days of this month.

It was also revealed by the Crown that Minnis somehow cut off and discarded his ankle bracelet because he claimed the device was burning his leg.

That discovery was made on December 6, after officers arrested the Coral Harbor resident in reference to alleged firearm possession. And it was at that time the officers observed that he wasn’t wearing the ankle bracelet.

Minnis was not charged in relation to the alleged firearm possession. However, the decision to tamper with and consequently damage his ankle bracelet yielded a $5,000 fine from Magistrate Samuel McKinney last week as well as an order for him to pay $1,652 in compensation for damaging the bracelet.

Minnis was also fined $1,500 for violating his bail conditions,

LLOYD Minnis outside court at a previous hearing. or risk spending six months in prison. According to his attorney Ian Cargill, Minnis has paid off all of those fines.

However, Minnis’ damaging of his ankle bracelet, as well as him violating his bail conditions, led to the Crown making an application to have his bail revoked.

During yesterday’s hearing, the Crown submitted that Minnis’ actions showed a “blatant disregard” for the court’s order and that he was consequently no longer a “fit and proper” candidate for bail.

The Crown further submitted that Minnis should be made “an example of” to further deter

Photo: Terrel W Carey/Tribune Staff

others from violating their bail conditions.

It was also revealed in court that one of Minnis’ suretors put up her house in order to secure his bail. The suretor said in the beginning, after she first signed Minnis’ bail, she would constantly make contact with him to ensure that he was honouring his bail conditions.

At the time, she said Minnis always indicated that he was adhering to his bail requirements.

“Everything was good at first because I always used to check on him, because after all, I put my house up and that’s all I have,” she said. “And then if he go missing, and when time for court, the

court take my house and I don’t have $50,000 to pay the fine, then I gone be homeless and all of that.”

Nonetheless, the suretor asked for Justice Grant-Thompson to give Minnis a second chance.

However, Justice GrantThompson said it was not up to Minnis for him to cut the ankle bracelet off his leg, stating that if the device was proving to be a medical difficulty, he could have petitioned the court or alert his attorney.

She also noted him missing his check in dates as pursuant to his bail conditions.

“For all of those reasons, I find

a flagrant disregard of all of the terms and conditions of the bail which I have set for you,” she said.

“And so therefore I am granting the application of the Crown and revoking the bail that was granted to you, and I’m ordering that you be immediately remanded into custody.”

In October 2017, Minnis, of Coral Harbour, was arraigned before the chief magistrate for murder in connection with the deaths of Eugene and Dennis Moss on September 25 of last year.

According to initial reports from police, officers received a report that a man and a child had been shot in the Rosebud Street area off Farrington Road.

Eugene, a third-grade student at Albury Sayles Primary, was in his home doing homework when he was shot by a stray bullet that entered the structure, according to initial reports from police.

Moss, meanwhile, was pursued in the street by a gunman.

Both victims were taken to hospital where they later died.

On March 28 of this year, Justice Grant-Thompson granted Minnis $50,000 bail, with the stipulation that he surrender himself into custody at the Central Police Station by 6pm on September 7, 2020 for trial.

Justice Grant-Thompson ordered that until then, Minnis was to report to the Nassau Street Police Station every working day – meaning every week day – before 6pm.

He was also placed on a curfew and was ordered to be at his residence between the hours of 10pm to 6am daily.

He was further ordered not to interfere with the prosecution’s witnesses in the matter or commit any offences while on bail.

MAN WHO STABBED TECHNICIAN TO DEATH HAS SENTENCE CUT

By NICO SCAVELLA Tribune Staff Reporter nscavella@tribunemedia.net

A MAN who stabbed a Cable Bahamas technician to death as he tried to protect his 10-year-old daughter during a home invasion on Grand Bahama 17 years ago has had almost 20 years shaved off his 60-year sentence.

Appellate President Sir Hartman Longley, along with fellow Justices Stella Crane-Scott and Milton Evans, said Leslie Webster will now serve 41 years from the date of conviction in 2005 for murdering Garfield Wright in May of 2001.

The appellate court initially substituted a 45-year sentence for Webster, asserting the original sentence was “unduly harsh” and that the new one represents the “appropriate sentence” that “ought to have been imposed for the offence”.

However, in keeping with the appellate court’s recent decision in the case of Anthony Evans, whose life sentence for killing former Cabinet minister Charles “Chuck” Virgil was reduced to 40 years, the appellate judges said Webster’s 45-year sentence should be further reduced by four years.

That further reduction, the appellate judges stated, is “compensation” to Webster for the “unnecessary institutional and systematic delays” that adversely impacted the “timely hearing and disposition of his appeal” that has been in the court’s remit since 2012.

As a result, Webster, who is in his late 50s, has already

served 13 years of his new sentence, with 28 more to go behind bars.

According to the Court of Appeal ruling, on the night of May 7, 2001, Webster broke into Wright’s home situated in Fiddler’s Green in Freeport looking for something to steal.

While inside the home, Webster held Wright’s daughter at knifepoint and a struggle ensued between Webster and the deceased.

Wright, a 40-year-old line technician, was stabbed 16 times and killed as he tried to protect his daughter from the intruder.

Webster was later linked to the crime scene through DNA taken from fingernail clippings and a confession statement after he was arrested by police.

He was unanimously convicted by a jury in March 2005 and was subsequently sentenced to death, but following an appeal in 2003, he was ordered to be retried.

Webster’s second trial took place in 2005 before then-Supreme Court Justice Jon Isaacs, now an appellate judge. On March 18, 2005, Webster was again convicted of murder and sentenced to death.

He appealed once again to the Court of Appeal, which dismissed his appeal and affirmed his conviction and mandatory death sentence.

Webster then applied to the London-based Privy Council as a financially assisted person for permission to appeal the Court of Appeal’s decision. On November 17, 2009, the Privy Council refused Webster’s appeal against conviction, but granted his

petition for leave to appeal against sentence.

The Privy Council subsequently allowed his appeal against the mandatory death sentence and remitted the matter to the Supreme Court for an appropriate sentence to be imposed.

The re-sentencing took place before Justice Isaacs on February 10, 2012, after which Webster was sentenced to 60 years in prison for murder, with the sentence to run from the date of his conviction in 2005.

Webster subsequently appealed that decision by Justice Isaacs.

He appeared before a single appellate judge, former appellate Justice Christopher Blackman, on April 20, 2012. An order was made for the production of the resentencing transcript and for him to be assigned an attorney at the Crown’s expense. The matter was ordered to be resisted whenever those matters were put in place.

However, the matter apparently “dropped off the proverbial radar” and only resurfaced after Webster wrote a series of letters to the court on May 4, 2014; June 22, 2015; and August 2015.

Webster then appeared before a full panel for status hearings on a number of occasions during 2016 and 2017 before the appeal was adjourned without a date on September 6, 2017.

However, subsequent to Webster’s letters to the court on March 5 and June 9 of this year, his matter was brought up once again before a full panel, which

heard submissions on the appeal on three days earlier this month.

As a result of those submissions, the appellate judges ruled that Webster’s appeal against his 60-year sentence “must be allowed” on the basis that “it was wrong in principle” and was “unduly severe”.

Conversely, the court

substituted a 45-year sentence, which it deemed appropriate for the offence.

However, that sentence was further reduced by four years, as compensation for the “systematic” issues that led to the delay of his appeal.

“Since the filing of his appeal, the appellant,

through no fault of his, has had to endure the burden of a 60-year sentence not knowing if and when his appeal would be heard,” the appellate judges wrote. “We consider the delay completely unacceptable and he should be compensated for it with a further reduction of the sentence.”

PAGE 12, Wednesday, December 19, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

BAHAMASAIR DISMISSES FALSE ONLINE RUMOURS OVER MECHANICAL FAILURE

Funeral Services For ASHLEE SARAH LOUISE HILTON, 30

THE national flag carrier Bahamasair dispelled false claims circulated in a voice note which spread on popular messaging platform WhatsApp yesterday, alleging a plane experienced mechanical failure.

“We note with great concern that a voice note was circulated via social media with totally false information, which may have caused panic,” the airline noted in a press release. “Bahamasair wishes to advise the travelling public that at no time did any of our aircraft experience any type of mechanical failure that would have created an emergency situation.

“As a company, Bahamasair is committed to a culture of safety and pride ourselves on our record.”

of Bernard Road, Fox Hill, will be held on Thursday, 20th December, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Anglican Church, Highbury Park. Officiating will be Canon Peter Scott, assisted by other ministers of the Clergy. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Gardens, Soldier Road.

Left to cherish her memories are Her three year-old son: Alijah Deveaux; Parents: Stephen Hilton and Katharine Hilton (deceased); Brother: Stephen ‘TJ’ Hilton; Nephew and Niece: Kacey and Jah’zaria; Grandparents: LaGloria Demeritte, Langton and Eva Hilton; Uncles: Philip, Deryck, and Justice Gregory (Sharlene) Hilton; Charles, Bradley “Pro”, Kendal “Funky” and Ian Demeritte (Old Prick), Gralyn, Godfrey and Mark Demeritte, Anthony “Papa”, Maxwell, Angelo, Kendrick, and Marquis “Bebe” Smith (Lesly), Garth Woodside, Leroy Brown; Aunts: Elizabeth Burrows (Gregory), Angela Cleare, Karen Woodside, Keva Mackey, Deborah and Cecile Demeritte, Marie Ann Culmer, Rev. Emily Demeritte, Cora Johnson, Sharon Robinson (Lundy), Veronica Moore (Oswald), Gwennith Smith, Michelle Butler (Edmund), Elise Hall, Chegere Smith; God Parents: Janice Davis and Janice Taylor; Grand uncles/aunts: Joseph and Gwen Hepburn, Rhinehart and Zelda Pearson, Viola Rahming, Joyce Morris, Marina Hepburn; John and Theda Godet, Naomi and Victor (deceased) Claridge, Maggie and George Moss, Pastor Ed and Mary Godet, Rosamae and David Bain, Sonia Chipman Godet, Ruby Graham, George Godet, Rose Richardson, Ralph Godet, Billy and Sharon Godet, Hannah and Garfield Gray, Fay Callender, Glen Wells, Arthur Symonette; Hilton Cousins and their families: Tara (Jesse) LaNunziata, Greg and Adam Burrows, Ge’Anne and Randi Hilton, Christian Hilton, Lawrence Rolle and Laelle Rolle, Janice (Derreck), Shari, and DJ Johnson and Morgan Miller; Linda (Wayne), Harrison (Brittany) and Marcus Thompson; Sandra (Kendly) and CJ Darling; (Kendly) and CJ Darling; Anthony Knowles; Neil Symonette; Kim Noble; Mishka (Arthur), Christian and Adrian Jamison; Justin and Jared Cartwright; Jennifer Carey and family, Ordette Simms and family, Ginger Knowles and family, Alison Grant and Family, Gail Munroe; Carol (Atef) Raad; Terrence Thompson; Laura Brown and family, Lee (JoAnn) Callender, Tim (Asher) Newbold, The family of the Late Eunice Saunders, Cecil Hilton and family; Jack Hilton, Philip and Joan Hilton, Sharon Thompson, Laverne (Demond) Thompson, Theodore “Kinky” Allen of Tarpum Bay, Eleuthera, and their families; Demeritte cousins and their families: Charles, Charisse, Charlton and Carlos Demeritte; Dion Demeritte and Bradia Demeritte-Longley (Lambert); DeVaughan (Teffany), Garth ‘GC” (Catherine), Khari (Ashleigh) and Khara Woodside and Michael Prosper; Jamaal, Sharlencio and Iannah Demeritte; Rukenya (Garth) Nash, Kemuel, Kemia and Kendrea Demeritte; Shanique “Nicky” McIntosh, Ariel, Royel, Roytahlia, Royjanae, Roykia, LaRoy, K’roy and Jordan Brown; Christopher (Mary), Loran, Leo (Sharon), Lambert, Leslie, Lynden (Debra) and Lamont Rahming (Germaine), Linda Fitzgerald, Lavern Hanna (Kevin), Lisa Young (Charles), Sharon Stubbs-Rahming, Sheldon, Sean and Shanika Pearson, Phyllis Sullivan, Deborah Miller, Gail, Samuel “Aussie”(Domecia), David (Bernadette) and Kevin Hepburn, Keno (Denadre) Archer, Pastor DeeJay and Scott Hepburn, Inga (Hilton) Bowleg, NiKeisha Hepburn-Yanke (Kevin), Gareth “Gary” Butler, Presley and Crispin Seymour, Valdez Bowe, Nathalie Miller, Tyrone and Enrico Fitzgerald, Enesca Fitzgerald Smith (Michael), Ann Smith and Sharon Turnquest (Lloyd); Godet cousins and their families: Edward and Helen Ellis, Daphne (Kevin) Simmons and family, Alexandra Hasan, Joan (Terry) Mullen, Lillian Quant-Forbes and C. Allen Johnson, Theodore (Portia) Quant, Barry Quant and their families; Donna (Darcy) Darville and family; Theophilus, Erune, Paulette, Ian (Erma) and Melvin Claridge and their families, Dien Edwards and family; Woodrow, Camille, Dr. Adrian and Anna Moss and their families; Rosa (Evan) Burrows, Esther and Derel Wells, Naomi (Clinton) Crawford, Paula (Kirk) Deleveaux and Edward (Tamika) Godet and their families; Bergit (Ronald) McKenzie, Scottie, Orey and Shakia Godet and their families; Candace (Julian) Bostwick and family, David and Jonathan Bain; Delza Graham, Deirdre (maurice) Chiacchiari, Duncan Graham, Allison (Doyle) Peet and their families; Alverro (Yvette) Godet, Bernard Godet, Georgette Strachan and their families and Presley Godet; Kendal Ricardson and family; Steve (Deshield) and Stephanie Roque, Rashad and Cindy Godet and Rochelle and Treco Grant and their families and Galen Godet; Kartesha Thompson, Diego (Gaynell), William (Indera), Chemarco, Paulette and Felicia Godet and their families; Keno Munroe; Dr. Geneen (Owen) Durant, Dr. Johann Gray; Sylvia (Hubert) Peterson, Dorothy (William) Page, Stephanie (Linville) Johnson and Vernal Brown and their families, Shirley (Roy) Rodgers and family, Dorothy Godet, Deena (David) Moxey, Denise (Paul) Breure and family, Daniel Spence, Marjorie Duncanson-Basden and family, Winston, Othniel and Elujar (Dee-Dee), Georgie (Marsha), Carl, David (Wendy) Duncanson and their families; Other relatives and close friends: Luther Ferguson, George, Diane, and Deandra Deveaux and family, Lashan Cartwright and family, Philabertha Carter, Sharon (‘Charmine’) Johnson, Chad Bartlett, Latoya Musgrove, Kayla Hilton, Dr. Jacqueline Robinson, Nickola Dawkins and family, Krystal Tynes, Tammi Rahming, Anwar McCartney, Dr. Gabrielle Dawkins, Terez Albury, Jenica Frederick, Akema Clarke, April Weech, Melanise Newbold, Brittini Hanna McKenzie, Kendria Beneby, Tamara Whiltshier, Alicia Musgrove, Donnalee Hilton and Portia Ingraham, Mark Miller,Veronica (Oswald) Moore, Gwennith Smith, Michelle (Edmund) Butler, Elise Hall, Chegere Smith, Cora Johnson, Kendrick, and Marquis “Bebe” Smith (Lesly), Anthony “Papa”, Maxwell, Angelo Smith, Sharon (Lundy) Robinson, Bianca Demeritte, Jenny Demeritte, Diane Turnquest, Barbara Hepburn-Reckley, Ruby Ward, Racquel Forbes, Vivian Strachan, Gwen (Edris) Reid, Kendal Butler, Sharon Williams, Elaine Poitier, Dr. Laurette Issacs, Sandra Mortimer-Russell, Families of the Late Milo, Bertram, David and Bloneva Strachan and the descendants of Rum Cay, The Holy Cross Family, the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA): Anne Smith, Dr. Herbert Brown, Princess Margaret Hospital and The Grand Bahama Health Services; St. Paul’s Methodist School, QC Class of 2006; Esso On The Run South Beach gas station family, David Cartwright, and many other family and friends too numerous to mention.

Friends may pay their last respects at Bethel Brothers Morticians #44 Nassau Street on Wednesday from 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until service time.

KATHARINE ELAINE HILTON, 54 of Christie Avenue, will be held on Thursday, 20th December, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Anglican Church, Highbury Park. Officiating will be Canon Peter Scott, assisted by other ministers of the Clergy. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Gardens, Soldier Road.

Left to mourn are her Son: Trafford “TJ” Hilton; Mother: LaGloria Demeritte; Special Friend: Luther Ferguson; Grandchildren: Alijah, Kacey, and Jah’zaria; Sisters: Karen Woodside, Keva Mackey, Deborah and Cecile Demeritte, Marie Ann Culmer, Cora Johnson, Sharon Robinson (Lundy), Veronica Moore (Oswald), Gwennith Smith, Michelle Butler (Edmund), Elise Hall, Chegera Smith; Brothers: Charles, Bradley “Pro”, Kendal “Funky” and Ian Demeritte “Old Prick”, Graylin, Godfrey and Mark Demeritte, Anthony “Papa”, Maxwell, Angelo, Kendrick, and Marquis “Bebe” Smith (Lesley); Nephews and Nieces: Stefan, Charles, Charisse, Charlton, Carlos Demeritte, Dion Demeritte, Bradia Demeritte-Longley (Lambert), DeVaughan (Teffany), Garth ‘GC” (Catherine), Khari Ashleigh), Khara Woodside, Jamaal (Princess), Sharlencio and Iannah Demeritte, Rukenya (Garth) Nash, Kemuel, Kemia and Kendrea Demeritte; Shanique“Nicky”McIntosh, Ariel, Royel, Roytahlia, Royjanae, Roykia, LaRoy, K’roy; Grand nieces and nephews: Stefan Jr., Stefanique, Ethan, Jedidiah, Caiou, Ca’Riah, Se’Rhy, Charles Jr. Jamaal, Ian, Yahshua, Jamarion, Jamaranique, Amari, Ayden, Cayden, and Anton Demeritte; Michael Prosper, Demico Gardener, Khefri Nash, Hailey Thompson, Hunter Pratt, Jordan Brown, and Madison McIntosh and Angel Butler, Danielle and Kyran Robinson, Andrenique Glinton, Kameron Butler, Brandon & Brent Hall, Erin Smith, Shalanda Rolle, Crystal Saunders & Ian Sweeting; Uncles/aunts: Joseph and Gwen Hepburn, Rhinehart and Zelda Pearson, Viola Rahming, Joyce Morris and Marina Hepburn; Sister-In-Law: Rev. Emily Demeritte; Brothers-In-Law: Garth Woodside and Leroy Brown; Demeritte cousins and their families: Christopher (Mary), Loran, Leo (Sharon), Lambert, Leslie, Lynden (Debra) and Lamont Rahming (Germaine), Linda Fitzgerald, Lavern Hanna (Kevin), Lisa Young (Charles), Sharon Stubbs-Rahming, Sheldon, Sean and Shanika Pearson, Phyllis Sullivan, Deborah Miller, Gail, Samuel “Aussie”(Domecia), David (Bernadette) and Kevin Hepburn, Keno (Denadre) Archer, Pastor DeeJay and Scott Hepburn, Inga Bowleg (Hilton), NiKeisha Hepburn-Yanke (Kevin), Gareth “Gary” Butler, Presley and Crispin Seymour, Valdez Bowe, Nathalie Miller, Tyrone and Enrico Fitzgerald, Enesca Fitzgerald Smith (Michael), Ann Smith (Nigel), Sharon Turnquest (Lloyd) and Elizabeth Grayson; Hilton Families: Stephen Hilton, Langton and Eva Hilton, Elizabeth (Gregory) Burrows, Philip, Deryck, and Justice Gregory (Sharlene) Hilton, and their families; the Godets (John, Naomi Claridge, Maggie Moss, Pastor Ed, Rosamae Bain, Sonia Chipman, Ruby Graham, George, Rose Richardson, Ralph, Billy, Hanna Garfield, and their families); the Wells’ (Glen, Angela and Tara Cleare); the Knowles’ (Janice Johnson, Linda Thompson, Sandra Darling, Anthony Knowles, Justin and Jared Cartwright and their families), the Symonettes (Arthur, Kim Noble, Neil, Mishka Jamison and family); the Gibsons (Fay Callender, Gail Newbold, Carol Raad, Terrence Thompson and their families); Jack Hilton, Philip and Joan Hilton, Sharon Thompson, Laverne and Demond Thompson, Cecil Hilton and their families; Other relatives and close friends: Bianca Demeritte, Jenny Demeritte, Diane Turnquest, Barbara Hepburn-Reckley, Ruby Ward, Racquel Forbes, Kayla Hilton, Vivian Strachan, Gwen (Edris) Reid, Kendal Butler, Dr. Herbert Brown, Dr. Laurette Issacs, Dr. Francis Williams, Sandra Mortimer-Russell, Families of the Late Milo, Bertram, David and Bloneva Strachan and the descendants of Rum Cay, Paul and Bessie Miller, Theodore and O’lydia Williams, Berthalee Curry, Philip and Linda Ferguson, Olive and Edith Ferguson, Ean and Sacha Johnson, Tanya Ferguson, Hussein Duncombe and Julian Delancy Ferguson, The Holy Cross Church Family, Philabertha Carter; Jeff, Debra and Pretitia Stubbs: Catherine Weech and Colleagues of The Public Hospitals Authority (PHA), Sharon Williams and The Grand Bahama Health Services family, Cedina Curry, Elaine Poitier, Nurse Grant, Angel+Elite Nursing Services and Prince William High Class of 1981 and many other family and friends too numerous to mention.

Friends may pay their last respects at Bethel Brothers Morticians #44 Nassau Street on Wednesday from 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until service time.

MINISTER of Health Dr Duane Sands.

NUMBER OF SWINE FLU CASES NOW SIX, CONFIRMS SANDS

By FARRAH JOHNSON THE number of confirmed cases of swine flu in the country has risen to six, according to Health Minister Dr Duane Sands.

Before heading into a Cabinet meeting yesterday, the minister said there have been six confirmed laboratory documented cases of H1N1 influenza as well as two deaths from the virus.

“There were two men both of whom had documented H1N1 and I think it is important to know that not every case of influenza has laboratory confirmation so by definition there are more cases than just six,” he said.

Still, when asked whether Bahamians should be alarmed due to the rise in number of cases, the minister asserted that fear was not necessary.

Instead, he insisted that taking preventive measures is the most effective way

to avoid contracting the disease.

“I think what people should do is to understand that flu is real, that it happens every year, that it happens all around the world,” he said.

Dr Sands said people should practice “safe respiratory hygiene” and wash their hands frequently because the virus is commonly contracted through direct contact.

He added people should ignore the “old wives tales” and go themselves immunised.

“We still have thousands and thousands of thousands of doses of flu vaccines that have not been taken up,” he said.

The flu vaccine is available free of charge at public health facilities across the country, and those most at risk, such as healthcare workers, teachers, pregnant women, young children and the elderly should ensure that they are vaccinated.

SIX MEN IN CUSTODY OVER DRUGS

SIX men were taken into police custody by officers of the Mobile Division in Grand Bahama, after they were found in possession of dangerous drugs.

Shortly before 6pm on Monday, officers acting on information, went to a home on John Rutt Lane, where they arrested the men after they were found in possession of 10 pounds of suspected marijuana with a street value of $10,000, police said.

The investigation continues.

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PAGE 14, Wednesday, December 19, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

SETTLEMENT REQUIRES ‘ANTI-HATE TRAINING’ FOR INTERNET TROLL MARYLAND Associated Press AN INTERNET troll who harassed a black college student with racist messages on social media has agreed to a court settlement requiring him to get “anti-hate training,” apologise in writing and on video and publicly renounce white supremacy.

Yesterday’s settlement agreement would resolve Taylor Dumpson’s claims against one of the defendants she sued in April over an online harassment campaign orchestrated by a neo-Nazi website publisher.

Her lawsuit says The Daily Stormer publisher Andrew Anglin directed his site’s readers to cyberbully her after she

became the first black woman to serve as American University’s student government president.

Dumpson sued Anglin and two people who harassed her online.

Her settlement agreement is with Oregon resident Evan James McCarty, who posted on Twitter under the pseudonym “Byron de la Vandal,” an apparent reference to Byron De La Beckwith, who assassinated civil rights leader Medgar Evers in 1963.

Dumpson’s attorneys previously asked the federal court in Washington, DC, to enter default judgments against Anglin and another defendant, Brian Andrew Ade, for their failure to respond to the suit. Anglin and Ade aren’t involved in the settlement.

Dumpson’s ordeal began a day

after her May 2017 inauguration as student government president, when someone hung bananas with hateful messages from nooses on the university’s campus. Authorities investigated but didn’t identify any suspects.

Anglin posted an article about the incident, including links to Dumpson’s Facebook page and the American University Student Government’s Twitter page. In response to an announcement about Dumpson’s whereabouts, McCarty tweeted a picture of bananas captioned, “READY THE TROOPS,” and wrote, “OOGA BOOGA,” in another tweet directed at her, her suit says.

Dumpson, now a 22-yearold law school student, said she wants her lawsuit to “hold people

TAYLOR DUMPSON, the first black woman to serve as student government president at American University and the target of racist trolls.

accountable for their bigoted actions.” She believes the partial settlement “could raise awareness of issues of racial justice, while also providing for educational benefits.”

“I guess I was open to the idea that even the perpetrator of a racially motivated act of bias could still be more or less reformed,” she told The Associated Press.

Deb and James McCarty, Evan’s parents, said their family has “sincere empathy” for Dumpson and is “profoundly sorry for the harm caused her.”

They said their son “is a different person than he was when he hid behind an alias and was persuaded into hateful activity on the internet.”

Judge can’t hide his disgust at Flynn lying WASHINGTON Associated Press A FEDERAL judge abruptly postponed the sentencing of President Donald Trump’s first national security adviser, Michael Flynn, yesterday, saying he could not hide his disgust for Flynn’s crime of lying to the FBI and accusing him of selling out his country.

Lawyers for Flynn, a retired Army lieutenant general who pleaded guilty last year to lying to the agency about his Russia contacts, requested the delay during a stunning hearing in which U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan gave Flynn a blistering rebuke.

“Arguably you sold your country out,” Sullivan told Flynn, who was flanked by his attorneys.

The judge added: “I can’t hide my disgust, my disdain.”

Sullivan’s harsh words raised the prospect that he could send Flynn to prison — an unexpected development since prosecutors have recommended against prison time, citing his cooperation in special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia probe.

The delay allows Flynn to continue cooperating with the Russia probe and get credit for it in his punishment.

The hearing came amid escalating legal peril for Trump, who was implicated by federal prosecutors in New York this month in hush-money payments to cover up extramarital affairs. Nearly a halfdozen former aides and advisers — including Flynn — have pleaded guilty or agreed to cooperate with prosecutors.

Flynn became known during the Trump presidential campaign for leading chants of “Lock her up” during rallies, referring to Trump’s rival Hillary Clinton.

Trump signaled his continued close interest in the case by tweeting “good luck” to Flynn hours before the sentencing hearing. He added: “Will be interesting to see what he has to say, despite tremendous pressure being put on him, about Russian Collusion in our great and, obviously, highly successful political campaign. There was no Collusion!”

At the White House afterward, press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders was asked if the administration had changed its stance on Flynn or the FBI in light of his admissions and guilty plea.

PRESIDENT Donald Trump’s former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn and his wife Lori Andrade arrive at federal court in Washington yesterday. Left, President Trump.

“Maybe he did do those things, but it doesn’t have anything to do with the president,” she said. “It’s perfectly acceptable for the president to make a positive comment about somebody while we wait to see what the court’s determination is.”

Sanders repeated her allegation that the FBI “ambushed” Flynn in an interview in which he denied contacts with Russian officials, and she said of Trump’s earlier criticism, “We don’t have any reason to want to walk that back.”

The new delay in sentencing upset what had been a carefully

crafted agreement, with Mueller’s office saying Flynn had already provided “the vast majority” of information he could.

Flynn, who served as national security adviser for only a few weeks, was to be the first White House official sentenced in Mueller’s investigation. Prosecutors had praised his cooperation and recommended against prison, and Tuesday’s sentencing was expected to be relatively straightforward.

Flynn had expected to walk out the courthouse a free man.

But the hearing turned on a dime. Sullivan lambasted Flynn for

lying to the FBI in the West Wing of the White House and said he wouldn’t allow Flynn to minimize the seriousness of his crime.

After a prosecutor raised the prospect of Flynn’s continued cooperation with other investigations in the future, Sullivan warned Flynn that he might not get the full credit for his assistance to the government if he were sentenced as scheduled.

Prosecutors noted that Flynn had provided the “vast majority of his cooperation” already. But Sullivan gave a visibly shaken Flynn a chance to discuss a delay of the hearing with his lawyers, and the court went into a brief recess.

When they returned, Flynn lawyer Robert Kelner defended Flynn’s cooperation but requested a postponement to allow for him to keep cooperating. Kelner said he expected Flynn would have to testify in a related trial in Virginia involving Flynn’s former business associates, and the defense wanted to “eke out the last modicum of cooperation” so he could get credit in any sentence.

TRUMP CHARITY SHUTS DOWN AMID LAWSUIT NEW YORK Associated Press

PRESIDENT Donald Trump’s charitable foundation reached a deal yesterday to go out of business, even as Trump continues to fight allegations he misused its assets to resolve business disputes and boost his run for the White House.

New York’s attorney general and lawyers for the Trump Foundation agreed on a court-supervised process for shutting down the charity and distributing about $1.7 million in remaining funds to other nonprofit groups. The agreement resolved one part of the legal drama surrounding Trump, whose campaign, transition, inauguration and real estate empire are all under investigation.

Attorney General Barbara Underwood’s lawsuit alleging Trump and his family illegally operated the foundation as an extension of his businesses and his presidential campaign will continue. The lawsuit, filed last spring, seeks $2.8 million in restitution and a 10-year ban on Trump and his three eldest children — Donald Jr., Eric and Ivanka — from running any charities in New York.

In a statement, Underwood cited “a shocking pattern of illegality involving the Trump Foundation — including unlawful coordination with the Trump presidential campaign, repeated and willful selfdealing, and much more.”

The foundation operated as “little more than a checkbook to serve Mr. Trump’s business and political interests,” she said.

Lawyers for the foundation have said any infractions were minor.

Trump pledged to dissolve the three-decade-old foundation and donate its funds to charity after his 2016 election, but that was only after it found itself under investigation in New York state. The attorney general’s office said it would have been “unacceptable” to let the foundation fold without close supervision from a judge.

CUBA ELIMINATES GAY MARRIAGE HUAWEI CALLS ON US & OTHERS WORDS FROM NEW CONSTITUTION TO SHOW PROOF OF SECURITY RISK HAVANA Associated Press

CUBA’S government said yesterday that language promoting the legalisation of gay marriage will be removed from the draft of a new constitution after widespread popular rejection of the idea.

Gay rights advocates had proposed eliminating the description of marriage as a union of a man and woman, changing it to the union of “two people ... with absolutely equal rights and obligations.”

That change drew protests from evangelical churches and ordinary citizens in months of public meetings on the new constitution.

Cuba’s National Assembly announced on Twitter that a powerful commission responsible for revising the constitution has proposed eliminating the language

CUBA rows back on gay marriage from the new charter “as a way of respecting all opinions.”

The constitution would instead be silent on the issue, leaving open the possibility of a future legalization without specifically promoting it.

The constitutional commission is headed by Communist Party head and former president Raul Castro.

His daughter, Mariela Castro, is a lawmaker known as Cuba’s highestprofile advocate for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual rights. Her advocacy has helped rehabilitate Cuba’s international image on LGBTQ rights after the Castro-led communist government sent gay men to work camps in the 1960s.

Widespread persecution continued through the 1970s.

While Havana and some other Cuban cities have flourishing gay communities, anti-homosexual attitudes remain deeply rooted among much of the population. Cubans who ordinarily shy from open criticism of the government spoke out in large numbers against the proposed constitutional Article 68 promoting gay marriage during public consultations on the draft constitution throughout the year.

DONGGUAN, China Associated Press

THE chairman of Huawei challenged the United States and other governments to provide evidence for claims the Chinese tech giant is a security risk as the company launched a public relations effort to defuse fears that threaten its role in next-generation communications.

Talking to reporters who were invited to Huawei Technologies Ltd’s headquarters, Ken Hu complained accusations against the biggest global maker of network gear stem from “ideology and geopolitics.” He warned excluding Huawei from fifth-generation networks in Australia and other markets would hurt consumers by raising prices and slowing innovation.

Australia and New Zealand have barred

HUAWEI Technologies Ltd’s headquarters Huawei in 5G networks on security grounds. They joined the United States and Taiwan, which have broader curbs on Huawei.

Japan’s cybersecurity agency says suppliers including Huawei that are deemed high-risk will be excluded from government purchases.

The latest curbs have had little impact on Huawei,

which is the biggest global maker of network gear and a leader in 5G development. But the normally press-shy company’s decision to hold Tuesday’s event appeared to reflect concern that if restrictions spread, they might hurt Huawei’s access to a 5G market industry analysts say could be worth $20 billion a year by 2022.